Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jim Gorzelany is a veteran automotive journalist. You’ll usually know when it’s time to take your car, truck or sport-utility ...

OBD Auto Doctor app reads car diagnostic codes for $15 total cost versus $150+ dealer visits, turning check engine light panic into manageable information.

Whether it’s traveling to work, getting your kids to school or heading to an important appointment, your car is a necessity — not a luxury. So it’s scary to see your check engine light come on or hear ...

The costs of buying a new or used car have climbed in recent years, and so has the average repair bill. If a vehicle purchase or major repair isn’t in the cards (or budget), maintaining the health of ...

Today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs are equipped with onboard diagnostic systems that can detect when a problem occurs and will flash an alert to the driver that a glitch exists. A vehicle’s brakes, ...

Ignoring a check engine light might feel harmless if the car still runs smoothly, but the warning signals more than a minor inconvenience. Driving with that light on can lead to higher repair costs, ...

When the check engine light comes on in a vehicle, it’s indicating that there is some issue with the car that should be checked out. It could be something minor, such as the gas cap not being screwed ...

You’re going to pay more per year for car maintenance if you live in a western state, and the cheapest states for repairs related to a “Check Engine” light are Michigan and Indiana. That’s according ...

It may cost you more in the long run. You’re driving along and suddenly your check engine light goes on. But nothing seems to have changed with the way your car is running. It’s OK to let it go for a ...

As a general rule of thumb, modern vehicles are far safer and more reliable than vehicles of the past, thanks in large parts to high levels of innovation and optimization. However, this isn’t to say ...

Auto repair loans are personal loans that cover expenses related to car repairs. Car repair loans can provide fast financing and typically come with lower APRs than credit cards. Borrowers may get ...