Flipboard 2025 Car Tips

If the shop forgets to add oil during an oil change, it's important to act fast.

You’ve probably heard the advice a hundred times: never buy new, because the moment you drive off the lot, the car loses value. That idea has some truth behind it, and it’s why a lot of money-savvy shoppers focus on used cars first. A vehicle is a depreciating asset, and new cars usually lose value faster in the early years than later on. But “used is always better” is a little too simple for a market that changes year to year.

If your owner’s manual says regular gasoline is okay, that is the rule to follow. Automakers test engines for specific fuel needs, and the manual is the main source for that info. But an experienced dealer service advisor might give a general recommendation that could be worth considering.

If you’ve ever bought a car, you’ve probably heard the pitch for an extended warranty right before signing the paperwork. It usually sounds like the smart, responsible thing to do, especially when repairs on modern cars can get expensive fast. But the honest answer is that extended warranties are not always worth it for every driver or every vehicle. Whether they make sense depends on reliability, coverage details, ownership plans, and the actual price of the contract.

You show up excited to pick up your car, and suddenly the dealership says the price is higher than what you agreed to. That is frustrating, confusing, and unfortunately not unheard of. Whether they can legally change the deal depends on what paperwork was signed and whether the sale was actually final. The answer is often less about what was said and more about what is in writing.

Hearing “your engine is about to fail” can make your stomach drop, but that phrase by itself is not proof. Engines usually show symptoms, test results, or visible damage before a shop can honestly make that call. A trustworthy mechanic should be able to explain what they found in plain language and show you evidence. If they can’t or won’t, it’s reasonable to slow down and ask questions.

A couple bought a car together, then broke up and now both want access to it. Here’s a smart, fair, and funny look at who should get the car when one person needs it to commute and the other doesn’t.

My neighbor washed my car with a pressure washer and stripped the paint. Here is what to do next, from documenting the damage and getting repair estimates to handling the awkward neighbor conversation.

Discover why extended warranties often refuse to cover known defects—and what you can do about it. This in-depth automotive guide breaks down warranty loopholes, TSBs vs. recalls, consumer rights, and effective strategies to get your repair approved. Learn how to fight back, document your case, and understand your true coverage so you’re never caught off guard at the service counter again.

Car insurance rates can vary wildly between states.

Broke up after buying a car together and now you are stuck making the payments alone? Here is what to do if the car is too expensive, your ex is not helping, and you still need reliable transportation.

You’ve got a driveway that clearly fits more than one car, but then out of nowhere, your HOA says you need to pay a fee just to park a second vehicle there. It feels confusing and honestly a bit ridiculous. If it’s your driveway, why should you have to pay extra to use it? The answer depends on what your HOA rules actually say, and whether they’re following them properly.