What's The Point Of An Oil Extractor Pump, And Should You Add One To Your Garage?
An oil extractor pump might seem like a big investment for a DIY mechanic, but it's a straightforward machine that works exactly as advertised.
Jordan A. Rodriguez
Jalopnik Editorial Policies
The unique content on Jalopnik is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with broad journalistic, academic, and practical expertise.
In pursuit of our mission to provide accurate and ethical coverage, the Jalopnik editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Jordan A. Rodriguez
-
Read More
-
If You See Bubbles On An Oil Dipstick, This Is What It Could Mean
If you've ever pulled out your dipstick only to find bubbles mixed in with your oil, you're not alone. Let's take a look at whether you should be concerned.
Read More -
How To Know Your Car Has A Bad Ignition Coil (And How Much Does A Replacement Cost?)
Spark plugs have a pretty predictable life cycle, but ignition coils can be harder to track. Here's how to tell if an ignition coil is on its way out.
Read More -
What Is Top Tier Gasoline And What Additives Are In It?
Top Ties gasoline was the result of several automakers coming together to provide a fuel standard that improved engine longevity. So what is it, exactly?
Read More -
The Differences Between Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, And Directional Tire Treads
Symmetrical, asymmetrical, and directional treads all offer distinct advantages in different driving conditions — let's look at what will work best for you.
Read More -
What Is Lugging Your Engine (And Why Is It So Bad)?
You may not know the term engine lugging, but if you've ever driven a manual there's a good chance you've experienced it. Here's what you should look out for.
Read More -
Buying A Car Out Of State: What You Need To Know First
Buying a car in a different state doesn't have to be too complicated, but there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
Read More -
Is That Fluid Leak Under Your Car A Problem? Here's How To Tell
Finding a leak coming from under your car can be unsettling, but how serious is it? You can't always trust the color, so we've put together a guide for you.
Read More -
The Most Common Oil Contaminants And What They Do To Your Engine
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and it needs to remain clean to ensure proper lubrication. However, these contaminants can change that.
Read More -
Can You Align Your Car's Tires Yourself, Or Is Going To A Shop Better?
Is it possible to align your car tires yourself, or do you always have to go to a professional mechanic? Here's what you'd need and the steps involved.
Read More -
How To Properly Flush A Gas Tank
If you think there are contaminants in your gas tank, then doing a flush may be necessary. If you want to do it yourself, here's what you need to know.
Read More -
How Long Does Ceramic Coating Really Last? Here's What Owners Say
Giving your car a good wash and wax, is great for protecting the paint from the elements. But is ceramic coating worth it? Here's how long owners say it lasts.
Read More -
Mud Terrain Vs. All-Terrain Tires: What's The Difference?
If you want to do more off-roading, it's important to know the key differences between mud terrain and all-terrain tires. Here's what you need to know.
Read More -
What The 'L' On Your Gear Shifter Actually Does
If you have a vehicle with an automatic transmission, then you probably have noticed the 'L' on the gear shift. Here's what it means and when to use it.
Read More -
Stripped Oil Drain Plug? Here's How To Remove It
Changing your vehicle's oil yourself is a great way to save money, but a stripped oil drain plug can be a tricky problem. Here's how to remove it.
Read More -
How Beneficial Are Rotary Shifters, Really?
Unique shifter designs such as rotary dial shifter have become increasingly visible over the last decade. How do they change the way you interact with your car?
Read More -
Here's How To Know If You Need A New Car Battery Or Just A Jump Start
Like the other parts on your vehicle, your battery won't last forever. Here's how to know if you need to a new battery or just a jump start.
Read More -
What Is Variable Valve Timing, And How Does It Work?
You have likely heard of variable valve timing by one of the names manufacturers have for the system, such as VVT-i or VTEC. So what is it and what does it do?
Read More -
How To Fix Curb Rash On Black Rims
Not only is it annoying to get curb rash on your black rims, but buying new ones is expensive. Instead, here's how you can fix it on your own.
Read More -
Where To Find Your Car's VIN Number (And Why You Might Need It)
A car VIN number is like a social security number for your vehicle. Here are the scenarios when you might need it and the places where you can find it.
Read More -
Can Driving Through Deep Puddles Really Damage Your Car
Whether it may seem fun or it's by complete accident, it may not be a good idea to drive through puddles. Here's what could happen if you do.
Read More -
Here's Why There's Oil On Your Spark Plugs
If you found oil on your spark plugs while doing a replacement, it's something that shouldn't be ignored. Here are the most likely culprits.
Read More -
Is It Safe To Use Cruise Control When Towing?
Cruise control can take a lot of stress off of driving, but is it safe to use while towing. Here's what you need to know before hooking up the trailer.
Read More -
What Is GVWR? A Quick Guide For RV And Truck Owners
Knowing what the GVWR is for your RV or truck is vital to keep you safe on the road. What does it mean, though? Here's everything you need to know.
Read More -
Do You Really Need To Break In A New Car? Here Are The Parts That Matter
Getting a new car can be an exciting moment, but do you need to break in certain parts first? Here's what you need to know before hitting the road.
Read More -
How To Tell If Your Brake Pads Are Glazed
Are your brake pads glazed like a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut? There are lots of warning signs. Here's how to tell if your brake pads are glazed.
Read More -
How To Restore Your Sticky Dashboard
If your car's dashboard has gotten sticky from sun exposure, fast-food meals, and kids' messes, what's the best way to restore it? Here's how to do it.
Read More
