Car How-To Research Articles

 How to choose the right vehicle for your lifestyleChoosing your next vehicle just got easy. Follow our ultimate guide to match your car to your daily life, adventures, and family needs. 

 How to Find Your Car Owner's Manual OnlineNeed your car owner's manual? Learn how to find your owner's manual online quickly and safely for any make or model in this simple step-by-step guide. 

Finding a Reliable Car 

Looking to buy a reliable car? You're not alone. Surveys regarding both new and used cars reveal that the number one thing consumers are looking for is reliability followed closely by safety. Here are our top tips for finding a reliable car.

Preparing your Car for Snow and Ice

It is that time of year when temperatures plummet and we are faced with driving in ice, snow, and slush. Here are tips to equip your vehicle to safely handle winter weather.

Will Limp Mode get you Home

You're driving along and the "Limp Mode" icon appears on your digital display. What does it mean and what should you do? Can you really limp the car home? Let's find out.

Pick the Right Hybrid SUV

Hybrid cars are super popular today, and for good reason; they are often crossovers that offer great solutions for families on the go and their hybrid powertrains make them thrifty at the pump. But how do you pick the right one? Let's find out!

Skills to be a Better Driver

Performance driving takes finesse and practice. Here are some tips to becoming a better and more precise driver whether you're enjoying a track day or just a weekend drive on a tight road.

How to Dehumidify your Car

Moisture inside your car can cause all kinds of problems including dangerous mold. Depending on where you live, humidity can be a real issue. Here's how to dry out your vehicle for the long haul. 

How To Prep your Car for Winter

Though it is close to 100 degrees outside as we write this article, we're going to talk about how to get your car ready for those freezing cold months ahead and how to properly store a car for winter weather.

Can Brake Fluid go Bad?

The enemy of all brake fluid is moisture in the system. Find out why you should have your brake fluid replaced every two years.

Guide to Motor Oil Additives

Ever wonder what you are putting in your car engine to keep it going? Find out all about motor oil and the additives that prevent engine wear right here.

When to Change your Engine Coolant

What is your engine coolant system, how does it work, and how often does it need to be serviced? Let's find out!

How To Charge an EV

With the world moving quickly toward replacing gas-powered cars with electric-powered vehicles, we thought we'd offer a "primer" on charging EVs to help get you used to the idea of passing up the pump and plugging in to a new future of transportation.

Warning Lights You should Know

What do all those strange little icons mean when they appear on your car's dashboard? Some could save your life. Here's what they are and what they mean.

What you Need in your Car Toolkit

Today's cars are more dependable than ever before. But in the event of a breakdown, it's a good idea to keep a toolkit in the vehicle. Here's Lithia Motors' Guide to what you need in a well-equipped car toolkit. 

How to use an OBD Reader

Chances are, if you're reading this article, you have an interest in not only maintaining your car but would like to know how to diagnose the code language provided by an OBD Reader. 

How to Get Your Car Ready for Summer

Let's take a look at how to get your car ready for summer and the road trips that come with it. 

Changing Your Car's Filters

Here's what to know about the filters in your car, what they do, and how you can check your car filters yourself.

How To do a Car Maintenance Inspection

Find out what service technicians are looking for when they do a complete auto maintenance inspection.

How to Repair Windshield Cracks

Cracks in your windshield are one of the most common repair issues in vehicle ownership. Here's everything you need to know about windshield cracks and how to repair them.

Recycle Used Motor Oil

Do you change your own motor oil? If so, how you dispose of that used oil is important. Here's everything you need to know.

How to Drive in Snow

The goal of this article is to get you where you're going through the ice and snow so you can be safe and cozy, enjoying a nice hot coco.

How To Tow a Trailer

How do you select the right vehicle for towing? How do you load a trailer safely? Find out this and more right here.

How To Rotate Your Tires

Proper tire rotation will add to the life and tread of your tires and will keep you safe on the road. Here's what you need to know.

How to Fix your Car's Oxygen Sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor is the most common reason your Check Engine Light comes on. Learn how to fix it yourself.

How To Clear Foggy Headlights

The sun's UV rays can fog up the plastic lenses that protect your headlight bulbs and limit the effectiveness of your headlights, especially at night. Discover quick and easy ways to clear up foggy headlights in this article.

Inspect and Replace Auto Fuses

Fuses can be confusing for some people. Know how to determine if a fuse is blown and how to swap one out for a new one.

How to Winterize Your Car

It's important to follow these seven guidelines to prepare your vehicle before those winter winds start to begin!

How To Install Tire Chains

If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter, you are probably familiar with winter tires. Lithia is here to help get your vehicle prepared for the winter months.

Top 5 Car Repairs You Can Do 

Simple maintenance and service that can be accomplished with a minimum of time and cost using simple household tools. Let Lithia give you tips on car repairs!

How to Pass a Smog Check

If you own a car, you've had the experience of going to get a smog check ALA emissions test. Lithia gives you tips on how to successfully improve yours odds of passing.

Decoding your Cars VIN Number

VIN numbers can be extremely important, Lithia is here to help break down what a VIN number is, and why it's important to know how it effects your vehicle.

How To Change a Flat Tire

No one likes flat tires, but do you know how to change one out yourself? We've put together a simple step-by-step guide that will get you back on the road if you are unable to reach roadside assistance.

How to be a Used Car Detective

Finding the right used car can be worrisome, but researching a used car shouldn't be difficult. We help you through the process of finding the right car that fits your needs.

How to Make a Road Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can be extremely important, but what does it consist of? We help you create the kit with the most important things that are needed in an emergency on the road.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Tires

Need new tires for your ride? Sometimes choosing tires for your vehicle can be confusing. Explore 5 tips for picking out the correct tires based on handling, performance and weather to keep you safe on the road.