Owner Tips

Owner Tips: All Articles

Editorial lots of cars

Anatomy of a Recall: How and Why are Vehicles Recalled?

The vehicle recall process is more complicated than it seems.

Read more
Anatomy of a Recall: How and Why are Vehicles Recalled?
Editorial 00 db volkswagen tdi letter

Dieselgate from the Driver’s Seat, Part 1

Will Daniel’s beloved Golf TDI face the crusher?

Read more
Dieselgate from the Driver’s Seat, Part 1
Editorial 00 gw 2015 volkswagen golf tdi highline

Goof of the Month: You Put Gas in My Diesel!

This month’s contributor made a little mistake, then a much bigger one, which cost thousands.

Read more
Goof of the Month: You Put Gas in My Diesel!
Editorial 03 jeff major rust on module protected corolla

Electronic Rust Protection Isn’t Magic: A Body Man's Verdict

This month’s contributor wants to save you money by shedding light on a commonly overrated product.

Read more
Electronic Rust Protection Isn’t Magic: A Body Man's Verdict
Editorial 03 jp goof april 2016

Goof of the Month: Well, Tire's Your Problem

This month’s frightening story illustrates the importance of a circle check of your ride before setting off.

Read more
Goof of the Month: Well, Tire's Your Problem
Editorial 01 sh spring maintenance bill gardiner

Rites of Spring Maintenance

The traditional tune-up may be a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your car this spring.

Read more
Rites of Spring Maintenance
Editorial 00 tumbling loonie

Claiming Automotive Expense: Reminders for Tax Season

It’s important to do your tax homework when deciding between buying or leasing a new or used vehicle.

Read more
Claiming Automotive Expense: Reminders for Tax Season
Editorial 02 jb 2014 bmw s1000r

How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Spring

A checklist for your first ride of the season.

Read more
How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Spring
Editorial 00 hs electrical fire

Goof of the Month: What’s That Smell?

Usually, it’s a sound that gets drivers taking their rides into the shop – but it’s important to be aware of unwelcome smells, too.

Read more
Goof of the Month: What’s That Smell?
Editorial 01 lw detail therapy

Detail Therapy: Giving Your Car Essential Spring TLC

Six products face the ultimate challenge.

Read more
Detail Therapy: Giving Your Car Essential Spring TLC
Editorial 00 jp gotm spark plugs

Goof of the Month: Spark it Up!

Spark plugs need loving, too! Poorly maintained spark plugs can deteriorate, fall apart, and damage engine internals if left unchecked.

Read more
Goof of the Month: Spark it Up!
Editorial 01 jp worn timing belt

Goof of the Month: Timing Belt Denial

If your ride is overdue for its timing-belt change, you’ve got a ticking time bomb under your hood.

Read more
Goof of the Month: Timing Belt Denial
Editorial 00 amazon4x4wpcom toyota land cruiser control arm

Goof of the Month: A Wheel Bad Repair

Another month, another $100 dollar repair bill turned into a $1,200 repair bill.

Read more
Goof of the Month: A Wheel Bad Repair
Editorial 00 important winter checks

Pre-Winter Checks You’ll Probably Forget

Five simple checks you’ll probably miss.

Read more
Pre-Winter Checks You’ll Probably Forget
Editorial 00 jp loose nuts

Goof of the Month: Loose Nuts

Winter is coming – meaning it’s time to be on the lookout for loose nuts

Read more
Goof of the Month: Loose Nuts
Editorial 00 jy 2016 mazda cx 3 air vent

Goof of the Month: Dead Air

Another month, another big repair bill averted by easy maintenance.

Read more
Goof of the Month: Dead Air
Editorial 07a suc 36 oil change

Where Should I Get My Car Serviced?

A look at three popular options on where to take your ride for fixin'.

Read more
Where Should I Get My Car Serviced?
Editorial 00 jy 2013 hyundai santa fe xl

How To Drive in Winter’s First Snowstorm

We get some pro tips from our winter driving guy about how to be safe and confident, and how not to be a total dumb-ass when driving in...

Read more
How To Drive in Winter’s First Snowstorm
Editorial 00 mb fuel price in the us

Getting hosed at the pump

What you need to know before your next trip to the gas station.

Read more
Getting hosed at the pump
Editorial 00 2015 ford f 150 fx4 ecoboost

Goof of the Month: Pop the Hood

This month’s culprit learned that a little maintenance can prevent a lot of electronics problems.

Read more
Goof of the Month: Pop the Hood
Editorial 05 brian early gotm tow truck

Goof of the Month: A Tow for a Tow Truck

This month’s culprit made a dangerous judgment call that could have caused an accident.

Read more
Goof of the Month: A Tow for a Tow Truck
Editorial 00 jp engine oil check

Goof of the Month: What's That Noise?

Originally published on Autos.ca on May 11, 2015 (Goof of the Month: Stories of the Mechanically Declined - What's that...

Read more
Goof of the Month: What's That Noise?
Editorial 00 honda 2009 honda pilot touring towing a trailer

Tackling Summer Setbacks at the Wheel

Sometimes, all the preparation in the world can’t prevent a setback at the wheel.

Read more
Tackling Summer Setbacks at the Wheel
Editorial 00a jp scrapping your pos

Auto Advice: Scrapping That Dirty Old POS

A few tips to consider when it comes time to scrap your dirty old POS.

Read more
Auto Advice: Scrapping That Dirty Old POS
Editorial 01 jp spring cleaning hacks1

Springtime Car Cleaning Hacks

A list of tips to get your ride big-time clean and shiny, with minimal time and money.

Read more
Springtime Car Cleaning Hacks
Editorial 00 wc stop sign in pothole

Pothole Apocalypse Survival Guide

Potholes aren’t just a sign of spring motoring: they’re dangerous and could cause a fatal accident.

Read more
Pothole Apocalypse Survival Guide
Editorial 06 jp driving with pets1

Driving with Dogs - Safety Tips That You Should Know About

I figured I’d talk to my local vet for some more information and tips and share my findings with my dog-loving readers.

Read more
Driving with Dogs - Safety Tips That You Should Know About
{"category":"owner-tips"}