Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Front view of the 2017 Ford Taurus and a couple walking past it

What cars are actually made in the USA?

The auto making industry in the United States creates thousands of jobs, and is great for the economy. Brands like Ford, General Motors, Ram and Jeep have made a huge impact in our lives and consciousnesses. But with this age of massive globalization, did you know that the vehicles that you think are the most American-made may be less local than you expected? In this blog post, we are going to answer “Are American-brand cars actually made in America?”

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2017 Ford F-150 on road

Is a V-6 engine better than a four-cylinder engine?

When it comes to getting a car, there are a lot of factors to take into account: price, features, front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, and efficiency are just a few. But one of the most important questions is how the engine will perform. Two of the most common types of engines are V-6 models and four-cylinder models. V-6 models have historically been popular for the power they provide, but is a V-6 engine better than a four-cylinder engine? Both options bring different strengths and weaknesses to the road. Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of V-6 and four-cylinder engines.

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A close up of a person's shoes

Shoes or no shoes, that is the question! Is it legal to drive without them?

There are plenty of things to stay aware of while driving, ranging from what documents you should always keep in the car to how long you can go between tire rotations. However, there is one question you may have asked only once or twice: can I go barefoot while driving? There are advantages and disadvantages to driving without shoes on, but is it illegal to drive barefoot in Texas? Find out below. Read the rest of this entry >>

Side view of the 2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback

Pros and cons of hatchbacks vs sedans

When it comes to cars, there are a few basic body styles. A coupe is a two-door model, usually with a traditional trunk, while a sedan is a four-door option. A hatchback is a model that, instead of a trunk, comes with a high back end and an extra rear door that opens into a large cargo area. In this blog post we are going to answer the question “Should you get a sedan or a hatchback?” and explore some pros and cons of both of these body styles.

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A family in a vehicle

What do car segments really mean?

When you are looking for a used car, as an individual or a family, it’s valuable to know whether a compact car, a midsize car, or even something larger is the best option. Names for different vehicles can vary wildly, and one person’s full-size car is another’s large car. Keep reading to learn what is the difference between a compact vs midsize car, and other information about what car segments really mean to drivers and families. Read the rest of this entry >>

A close up of chocolate ice cream

Feeling the heat? Grab in ice cream treat in Austin

Summer is almost upon us, and all the blistering heat that that entails. While some families may want to head to a water park or an air conditioned mall to beat the heat, there is another time honored tradition: ice cream! Whether you want your delicious cold confection traditional, dairy-free, or produced with SCIENCE, this blog has a list of some of the best ice cream shops in Austin TX. Keep reading to find your match.

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A mechanic adding oil to a vehicle

What is the difference between gasoline and diesel engines?

Gasoline engines are some of the most common on the road in the United States, but diesel engines are beginning to be in the news more and more. Granted, a lot of the time that is because diesel engines from specific companies have been blasted for their lack of compliance with U.S. emissions regulations. By what is the difference between gasoline and diesel engines? Learn a few gas vs diesel advantages, and why emissions matter, below.

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Customer talking to a salesman

How do you figure out what are the best used vehicles?

Opinions on what is the best used car vary wildly. Is it long-term dependability of a brand that make a used car a good bet, or is it the general aesthetics (like what kind of grille it has) that really seal the deal? Every car shopper will have his or her own opinion, but sometimes the experts also weight in. In a recent inaugural “Best Used Cars Awards”, the CarGurus website named the top vehicles in seven categories. Keep reading to see which vehicles earned the top spots.

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Cars during snowfall

What’s the difference between rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive?

While there are clear advantages to all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (especially if you enjoy off-roading adventures or live with challenging weather conditions), but it’s harder to figure out what’s the difference between rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Is rear-wheel or front-wheel drive better? Why is front-wheel drive more common? Keep reading to find out! Read the rest of this entry >>