Guides & Maintenance

The Guides & Maintenance category is dedicated to practical how-to articles, buying guides and maintenance tips. Here you will find explanations of key car technologies, EV battery care, tire and brake advice, seasonal checks and step-by-step guides to help drivers keep their vehicles safe and efficient.

Guides & Maintenance, News

Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Snowy Roads

As the winter chill sets in, British drivers face some of their toughest driving conditions. Freezing temperatures and icy roads are a stark reminder that it's best to avoid travel if possible, but when you must hit the road, these tips can help keep you safe.Key TakeawaysAvoid unnecessary journeys in bad weather conditionsSelect appropriate lights for visibility and safetyMaintain a smooth driving style to prevent skiddingDriving on snow and ice requires more than just four-wheel drive. It demands caution, planning, and an understanding of how your vehicle behaves in challenging conditions.The first step is deciding whether you need to go out at all. If it's not essential, staying home eliminates the risk entirely. But if travel is unavoidable, make sure your car is ready with winter tire...
Extend Your Car Battery’s Lifespan with These Simple Tips
Guides & Maintenance, News

Extend Your Car Battery’s Lifespan with These Simple Tips

Is your car battery starting to act up? Don't let it leave you stranded. By following these five easy tips, you can extend the life of your car’s battery and keep those warning lights at bay.Key TakeawaysTurn off accessories when not in use to prevent parasitic drainAvoid long stationary periods to maintain a healthy charge cycleCheck your battery regularly and replace it after five years of serviceBatteries don't last forever, but they can stick around longer if you treat them right. Start by turning off those pesky accessories when the car's not running. Leaving a light on overnight? That’s like leaving the fridge door open—it'll suck up all your battery power.And what about long-term parking? If you're going to be away for more than two weeks, think of it this way: just as regular exerc...
Why Re-Torque Wheels After Tire Rotations Is Crucial
Guides & Maintenance, News

Why Re-Torque Wheels After Tire Rotations Is Crucial

Proper wheel tightening isn't just a recommendation; it's essential for safety. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike should retighten lug nuts after tire rotations to prevent dangerous loosening.Key TakeawaysTorque wheels again within 100 miles of rotation or removal.Check torque specifications in the owner's manual or online resources.Avoid wheel loss and roadside breakdowns by following these steps.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that improperly torqued lug nuts cause over 3% of tire-related accidents annually. This statistic underscores why professionals advise retightening wheels after maintenance services like rotations or repairs, ensuring safety standards are met.According to automotive experts, the risk of wheel detachment due to loose bolts increases by u...
Honda Revives Prelude for Enthusiasts in 2026
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Honda Revives Prelude for Enthusiasts in 2026

Honda is set to embrace its roots as an enthusiast brand with the reintroduction of models like the Honda Prelude, signaling a shift towards more niche offerings starting from next year.Key TakeawaysHonda revives the Prelude for 2026 to appeal to car enthusiastsThe new Sixth-gen Prelude is offered as a hybrid coupe with a familiar drivetrain but modern stylingThis move hints at future offerings from Honda, emphasizing fun over mass-market sales figuresHonda's decision to bring back the Prelude in 2026 marks its return to the roots of being an enthusiast brand. The new Sixth-gen model will be a two-door hybrid coupe, continuing the legacy that began with the original Prelude in 1978.The upcoming Prelude features Honda’s current hybrid drivetrain but aims to attract buyers who value driving ...
Jalopnik Readers’ Top Cars of 2025: A Year in Highlights
Guides & Maintenance, News, Supercars

Jalopnik Readers’ Top Cars of 2025: A Year in Highlights

As the year winds down, Jalopnik readers shared their favorite cars spotted throughout 2025. From classic rides to modern marvels, our community's picks offer a glimpse into automotive diversity and passion.Key TakeawaysThe McLaren F1 remains an icon despite its age.Retro classics like the Toyota 2000GT continue to captivate enthusiasts.Cutting-edge models, such as the Ferrari Monza SP, showcase future trends.One standout entry was a pristine McLaren F1 chassis 001 spotted at a local charity car show. Despite harsh weather conditions, this rare beast proved its mettle on public roads—an impressive sight for any automotive enthusiast.The Toyota 2000GT, introduced in the '60s as Japan's answer to European sports cars, made appearances twice in 2025 along scenic US1. Its sleek design and adva...
Decoding the Tire Sidewall: What Those Numbers Mean
Guides & Maintenance, News

Decoding the Tire Sidewall: What Those Numbers Mean

Have you ever stared at your tire's sidewall, feeling lost among a sea of numbers and letters? It’s like trying to decipher an ancient language. But fear not! These markings are actually a cheat sheet for ensuring your vehicle is running smoothly.Key TakeawaysThe first letter indicates the tire type, such as P for passenger cars or LT for light trucks.The numbers 275 and 40 represent the width in millimeters and aspect ratio of your tires, respectively.A wheel diameter like 18 inches is crucial for fitting new wheels correctly on your car.Let's start with the basics. The letter at the beginning—P, T, or LT—is a clue to what kind of vehicle you're dealing with. P stands for passenger cars and is probably what most people see every day. If it’s an LT, that means we’re talking about something...
Jalopnik’s Top Picks for the Best Cars of 2025
Guides & Maintenance, News, Pickup Trucks

Jalopnik’s Top Picks for the Best Cars of 2025

As another year comes to a close, Jalopnik staff members share their favorite rides from 2025. From electric marvels to classic restorations, these vehicles left an indelible mark on our editors.Key TakeawaysThe EV-swapped Porsche 964 RSR is a standout choice for its blend of heritage and modern power.SUVs like the Aston Martin DBX S and Bentley Bentayga Speed offer luxury with performance, making them favorites among staff members.Hybrid models such as the Toyota Camry and Genesis GV80 showcase impressive advancements in efficiency without sacrificing comfort or style.The EV-swapped Porsche 964 RSR from Everrati is a prime example of how electric motors can breathe new life into classic sports cars. With its iconic flat-six engine replaced by an equally powerful yet quieter and more effic...
Toyota’s Electric Car Pledge: How’s It Tracking?
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Toyota’s Electric Car Pledge: How’s It Tracking?

Four years after Toyota promised to launch a whopping 30 new electric vehicles by 2030, it's time for an update. Back then, the brand surprised everyone with its ambitious plan and a peek at future models rarely seen from such a secretive company.Key TakeawaysToyota has already unveiled six electric vehicles so far this year.The automaker is still on track to meet its goal despite changing leadership and global challenges.Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, will also get a significant number of EVs in the pipeline.When Akio Toyoda first announced the ambitious plan back in 2021, it felt like a breath of fresh air for an automaker known more for its hybrids than pure electric vehicles. Toyota's pledge to have 30 new battery-electric models by 2030 was bold and set high expectations.Fast forward f...
Lexus Unveils RZ600e F Sport Performance: More Power, Same Speed
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Lexus Unveils RZ600e F Sport Performance: More Power, Same Speed

Lexus has revealed its latest electric SUV variant, the 2026 Lexus RZ600e F Sport Performance. The car boasts a power boost compared to previous models but maintains identical performance metrics.Key TakeawaysThe new model features dual electric motors with peak combined output of 313kW, up from the RZ550e's 298kW.Battery capacity remains at 77 kWh but delivers a longer range of 525km WLTC compared to the previous estimate of 450km for the RZ550e.Despite increased power, acceleration time from 0-100 km/h stays unchanged at 4.4 seconds.The Lexus RZ600e F Sport Performance introduces dual electric motors with a combined peak output of 313kW, an increase over the previous model's 298kW power rating. However, this bump in performance doesn't translate to faster acceleration times.One reason fo...
2025’s Top Cars: A Milestone in Automotive Evolution
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

2025’s Top Cars: A Milestone in Automotive Evolution

After a whirlwind year of testing over thirty-five vehicles, spanning from compact city cars to luxury sedans and electric SUVs, it’s clear that the automotive landscape is changing faster than ever. With twelve dedicated drivers clocking an impressive 166k miles across diverse terrains, we've seen firsthand how technology has transformed driving experiences.Key TakeawaysThe Tesla Model S Plaid emerged as the clear leader in performance and luxury electric vehicles.Battery life improvements have made long-distance travel easier with EVs now capable of up to 400 miles on a single charge.Safety features like lane departure warning systems are becoming standard across all segments, significantly reducing accidents.The Tesla Model S Plaid stands out as the pinnacle of what electric vehicles ca...