Expert Advice for Car Damage
All Articles on Car Damage
Does Car Insurance Cover Door Dings?
Your car insurance will most likely cover dents or dings on your door if you have both collision and comprehensive coverage in your policy.
Kaitlin May
Can You Drive With a Broken Serpentine Belt?
It is possible to drive with a broken serpentine belt but doing so will endanger multiple systems in your car like the water pump, alternator, and power steering.
Andrew Hobson
Can You Drive With a Broken Tie Rod?
You cannot drive with a broken tie rod—and if you have a worn-out tie rod, you should drive straight to an auto shop to get the faulty part replaced.
Bonnie Stinson
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Muffler?
Driving with a broken muffler is technically possible, but doing so can be both dangerous and illegal.
Amber Reed
Can You Drive With a Broken Driveshaft?
You shouldn’t drive with a broken driveshaft as it causes you to lose control over your vehicle. Repairs typically cost anywhere from $400 to $2000.
Jason Tushinski
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Flex Pipe?
You can drive with a broken flex pipe, but you could experience performance issues and damage the exhaust manifold if you don’t have it repaired or replaced.
Jaya Anandjit
Can You Drive With a Broken Side Mirror?
Depending on what state you live in, driving with a broken side mirror could get you into trouble—both on the road and with the law.
Jasmine Kanter
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Axle?
It can be dangerous to drive with a broken axle, but there’s a chance your vehicle may not move at all if you have one. Click here to learn more.
Mariza Morin
Can You Drive With a Broken CV Axle?
Driving with a broken CV axle can not only cause damage to your car, but it can also be extremely dangerous.
Amber Reed
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Transfer Case?
You shouldn’t drive long with a broken transfer case. Have it repaired or replaced immediately to avoid damaging your transmission, axles, or driveshafts.
Jaya Anandjit
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Axle?
You may be able to drive for a short time on a worn-out axle, but broken axles can damage your transmission and lead to serious accidents.
Bonnie Stinson
Can You Drive with a Broken Windshield?
Though your risk depends on the size and location of the damage, it’s never advisable to drive with a broken windshield. Here’s what to know.
Abbey Orzech
How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Oxygen Sensor?
You can drive for a short time with a broken oxygen sensor, but long-term use will endanger your catalytic converter and engine.
R.E. Fulton
What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident Without Insurance but Not At Fault in Idaho
Driving without insurance is a legal offense in Idaho—and if you’re in an accident while uninsured, you could lose your license or even go to jail.
Jennifer Justice
What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident Without Insurance but Not At Fault in Alabama
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in Alabama—and if you’re in an accident while uninsured, you could lose your license.
Jennifer Justice
What Are Calipers on a Car?
Brake calipers convert hydraulic pressure into friction, slowing the movement of your tires. Here’s what you need to know about calipers.
Bonnie Stinson
Crumple Zones in Cars: What Are They?
Crumple zones in cars might seem counterintuitive, but a crushed hood likely means an unscathed driver. Here’s how they work.
Alex Reale
Remember the Texas Freeze? One Woman's Car Was Trapped in Ice
The 2021 freeze in Texas caused untold devastation, but at least one funny moment came out of it. Here’s what happened to one woman’s car.
Alex Reale
Paint Sealant vs. Car Wax
Generally speaking, car wax gives your paint a better finish and glow, whereas paint sealant is much more durable and produces a high gloss mirror-finish.
Andrew Biro
Illinois Windshield Replacement Law
Illinois windshield replacement laws don’t require auto insurance companies to waive your deductibles.
Tiffany Leung
Signs of a Bad Car Battery vs. Alternator
A bad battery may cause your car to start slowly, while a faulty alternator can cause your car to stall while driving. Learn more with this helpful Jerry guide.
John Davis
Everything You Need To Know About How To Flare A Brake Line
To flare a brake line, you’ll need a flaring tool kit and a good deal of automotive expertise. Here’s how to do it.
Patrick Price
Like It Or Not, There Are A Lot of Idiots in Cars (On YouTube)
Searching “idiots in cars” on the internet turns up an enormous amount of content. Here’s what you can expect.
Alex Reale
How to Fix a Speedometer
Flipping a house can take anywhere from several months to more than a year depending on various factors. Learn more here.
Melanie Krieps Mergen
How to Fix Your Car Roof Lining Without Removing It
Sagging car roof linings can be fixed with glue, double-sided tape, sequin pins, clear-headed twist pins, or by using a steam cleaner and paint roller.
Andrew Biro
Car Makes a Rattling Noise When Accelerating
Many issues can cause rattling noises when accelerating, including worn-out suspension components, loose heat shields, and low transmission fluid.
John Davis
How to Fix a Catalytic Converter Without Replacing It
You can fix a catalytic converter without replacing it as long as the damage isn’t severe. Here’s what to know.
John Davis
Check Out This Alaskan Town's Crazy, Car-Filled Independence Day Tradition
The best way to celebrate July 4th is to launch cars off a cliff! At least that’s what one Alaskan town thinks. Read on to learn more.
Katie Dyer
The 5 Best Auto Shops in Phoenix
Whether you need quick collision repair or specialty restoration, here’s a list of the best auto shops in Phoenix.
Bonnie Stinson
The 5 Best Auto Shops in Fontana
Whether you’re looking for a simple oil change or a state-of-the-art collision repair, these are the best auto shops in Fontana.
Bonnie Stinson
All Questions on Car Damage
How do you fix car body damage?
I got in a little accident and now my car’s all banged up. I’d prefer to fix it myself if possible, so I’m wondering how to fix dents and small scratches. What’s the best way to fix car body damages like dents?
Joshua Levy
How do you get soda out of a car seat?
What’s the best way to get soda out of a car seat? I have cloth seats and I spilled some soda, so I’m worried it’ll stain.
Liz Jenson
How do you remove saltwater stains from your car seats?
We were bringing home a pet fish for my son yesterday and spilled some of the water from the tank on our car seats. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue, but the water was saltwater. How do I remove the stain it left behind?
Will Baldwin
How can I fix a broken car seat?
I was helping a friend move and his dog chewed through and destroyed my seat. How can I fix a broken car seat?
Chloe Jenkins
How do I remove old coffee stains from car upholstery?
I absolutely love coffee and always have a cup on my way to work. However, this means I've spilled coffee in my car more times than I'd like to admit. It's starting to become noticeable, so I'd like to do some damage control. How would I remove old coffee stains from my car seats?
Emily Maracle
Does driving fast wear out the engine?
I love the thrill of driving fast. But when I was driving with my dad the other day, he said I’m going to burn my engine out in no time. Is he right? Will driving too fast wear out my car’s engine?
Eric Schad
What's the best home remedy to get stains out of car seats?
I want to get rid of some stains on my car's seats, but I don't want to pay for expensive cleaners. Are there any home remedies that will work?
Eric Schad
How to clean car windows without leaving streaks?
Is there any good way to clean your car windows without leaving streaks? I keep wiping the windows and I keep getting streaks. It's driving me crazy! How can I get rid of the streaks?
Joshua Levy
How does a car flood?
What does it mean when someone says a car is flooded? How does this happen?
Matthew Macgugan
Does gap insurance cover engine failure?
My car’s engine just completely failed on me, and I’m scrambling to cover the replacement and repair costs. I have gap insurance from when I first bought my car two years ago—does gap insurance cover engine failure?
Shannon Fitzgerald
How long is it to make a claim on car insurance?
How long can I wait to make a claim on my car insurance? Someone hit my car while I was in a store and messed up my bumper. I know I need to file a claim, but I've been so busy!
Joshua Levy
How do I fix a burn hole in my car roof?
I purchased a used vehicle and the previous owner was an avid smoker. There are cigarette holes in the roof liner. How do I fix a burn hole in my car roof?
Talullah Blanco
How do you replace a Honda Civic radiator?
Is there a way for me to replace my Honda Civic’s radiator at home? Taking my car to a mechanic would probably be really expensive, but I need a new radiator in my car if I want to keep using it.
Liz Jenson
How do I protect my car from dogs?
My dogs made a mess in my old car. I just got a brand new Toyota Highlander and want to know how I can protect it from them?
Matthew Macgugan
How do I remove lipstick from car fabric?
How do you get lipstick out of upholstery? I put my makeup on in the car on my way to work. One day, I accidentally dropped my lipstick and it made a mark on the seat fabric. How do I remove the lipstick stain?
Eric Schad
Can you tell me how to clean inside car windows without streaks?
My windows get this film on them that's hard to wipe off without leaving behind streaks. How do I clean inside car windows without streaks?
Matthew Macgugan
How do you remove emulsion paint from a car's bodywork?
I was cleaning out my garage and accidentally spilled some emulsion paint on my car. Is there any way to remove this paint from my car’s bodywork?
Eric Schad
How long does it take to fix a car after an accident?
I was recently in a hit and run that damaged my car. The damages didn’t seem extensive, but when I took my car to the repair shop they said it could take three weeks to fix my car. One month later, my car still isn’t ready to be picked up. How long should it take to fix a car?
Talullah Blanco
How do you fix road rash on a front bumper?
While parallel parking in front of work the other day, I brushed my bumper against the high curb. What’s the best way to remove road rash from my front bumper?
Jack Walsh
How do I fix a bent car door corner?
Someone opened my Corolla door too hard and it hit the curb. Just the bottom tip is bent and the door still closes fine. Can I fix it on my own?
Sophie Newman
How much does it cost to fix the gas gauge on a car?
I was driving down the street when I noticed I was out of gas. At the gas station, it only let me put in a few gallons, which made me think the gauge was broken. How much does it normally cost to repair a car gas gauge?
Eric Schad
How do I clean pumpkin spice latte off of my car's interior?
It's that time of year again, but it seems like I'm clumsy all year round! I spilled my PSL all over my center console and passenger seat. How do I clean pumpkin spice latte out of the inside of my car?
Matthew Macgugan
How do you remove 3M tape from your car body?
I used some 3M mounting tape on my car to help my daughter hang up a picture for a few weeks. It was 100% worth it, but now I have no clue how to get it off. What should I do to remove 3M tape from my car’s body?
Joshua Levy
Why does the RPM needle on my car bounce?
While accelerating in my car, I’ve noticed the RPM needle do a sort of bounce. I'm not sure what that means. Why does the RPM needle on my car bounce?
Chloe Jenkins
What are some benefits of regularly servicing your car?
I've heard that regularly servicing your car provides numerous benefits. What are some of these benefits?
Eric Schad
How do you know if your car engine has seized?
I’m not great with car maintenance and I often forget to do routine things like changing the oil. I tried to start my car recently and nothing happens when I turn the key. My friend told me that my engine may have seized. How can I tell if that’s the case?
Eric Schad
How do you fix a cracked bumper lip?
I was pulling out of a steep driveway the other day and my bumper hit the ground pretty hard. Is there a way to fix a cracked bumper lip?
Jack Walsh
How do you know if a car has frame damage?
I was recently in an accident with my Jeep. It seems off when I drive it now. I'm worried it has frame damage. What are the signs?
Sophie Newman
How do you clean mold off a car interior?
My car has started to smell. I did some investigating and realized that some groceries spilled on my backseat. Since I don't look in my backseat often, there's mold growing there now! How do I get rid of it?
Lauren Smith
How do I fix a puncture in a car tire?
Earlier today, I pulled into my garage and could hear a hissing noise from my tire—I ran over a screw, and I'm kicking myself. I need this car to get to school, as well as to get my kid to daycare, and I really can't afford a hole in my tire. How do I fix this puncture?
Eric Schad
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