National Motorists Association Blog

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist What if you don’t do your own oil and filter changes? Is there anything you ought to know about beyond how much will it cost — and how soon can they get it done? In a word, yes. You’re shopping a service, just like any other — and being informed […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Warm weather is here — almost — at last. Is your car ready? 1) Clean the crevices. Door sills/jambs, trunk undersides; the inner fenders and undercarriage are places where winter gunk tends to accumulate. It’s not just unsightly, either. The gunk can prevent proper drainage/drying-out, which will accelerate body rot. […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Can you read a sidewall? What do all those numbers (and letters) really mean? Here’s a short primer on tires — and tire-related terminology — that should help you get to know your four friends a bit more intimately: Contact Patch As your tires rotate, only a portion of the […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Red means stop and green means go — but what are the colors under the hood of your car trying to tell you to do? Engine Oil Fresh oil looks like honey, light to dark amber and translucent. This is how the oil should appear on the dipstick immediately after […]

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist What’s worse? Under or over-inflating tires? A couple extra psi of air pressure in your tires will result in a harsher ride as well as faster tread wear. Tires inflated significantly above the maximum recommended pressure may also pop just like a balloon, especially if the vehicle is overloaded (a […]