One of the most common reasons your car or truck will shake when you hit a bump is the wheels. In particular, if you experience shaking at highway speeds, it is likely your tires are out of balance. If you notice flat spots on your tires, you will need to have them replaced. If your …
Trucks
The main purpose of a sway bar is to control body roll. It brings understeer and pitch to neutral steering. Because front and rear suspensions differ in stiffness, a vehicle will experience different amounts of roll than it does when it is in neutral steering. A front sway bar is used to reduce roll by …
What Does Z71 Mean on a Truck, and why does it matter? Basically, this decoded code stands for “Chassis Package: Offroad.” In some circles, this code means “off-road” and has become popular. Several manufacturers use the Z71 as a descriptor of their trucks, and Chevrolet has been posting a distinctive decal on its trucks since …
You may have heard of the terms “2500” and “3500,” but what do these numbers mean? These numbers refer to standard sizes for trucks, not to the weight of the vehicle. The Chevrolet Silverado, for example, has a payload capacity of over 2,000 pounds regardless of the trim level, engine, or other features. Chevy Silverados …
It is illegal to straight pipe a truck if you don’t follow the laws of your state. There are several reasons why straight-piped trucks are not legal. For example, in New York, a straight-piped truck can be fined up to $1,000. In Colorado, it can cost you up to $500. To avoid getting fined, it …
There are a few things you should know before flying an American flag on your truck. For one thing, the flag should not touch the ground when you’re moving. It could potentially fall on the vehicle’s bumper, which can be dangerous or illegal. If you must display a flag, you should always use a flagpole …
To determine whether a truck runs on diesel fuel, check the fuel cap. It should have a label that says Diesel Fuel Only or Unleaded Gasoline Only. If the label is not legible, look inside the vehicle and look for the release lever. You can also refer to the owner’s manual to find out which …
If you see an illegally parked car, you may want to call a tow truck. But there are rules to remember, depending on the state. In Illinois, you may be able to get your car back, while in states like Iowa, South Dakota, and Mississippi, you might not have that same option. Here are some …
Buying a truck comes with a lot of pros and cons. The size of a truck is an obvious advantage, but bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Cars are much smaller, with a low ground clearance, so they’re easier to maneuver in traffic. Another big plus of a truck is its bed, which can hold lots …
You’ve heard of “jumping the starter” and figured out that you can do it with your screwdriver, but did you know that it’s not really a safe practice? You should avoid jumping the starter if possible, because the process is extremely dangerous and can cause damage to your car. In fact, some places actually don’t …