Feathering the Accelerator (Throttle Control 101)

feathering accelerator pedal

The accelerator or gas pedal isn’t an on-off switch. You will get the most out of your vehicle’s handling if you step on the gas pedal gradually in certain situations. This gradual application is called feathering the accelerator, an important form of throttle control. Proper application of this technique could even save your life. How … Read more

When to Use Fog Lights (And Do You Need Them?)

when to use fog lights

Fog lights are a second set of lights on the front and rear of the vehicle that are designed to be used in low visibility situations. Fog density varies depending on the weather conditions. Very dense fog may reduce visibility to only a few feet in front of the vehicle, making it unsafe to drive … Read more

13 Tips for Better Gas Mileage (Save Money on Fuel)

Fuel prices are skyrocketing to record highs this year. Although we have little control over the gas prices, we can control how much fuel we burn with some quick and easy maintenance tips. Why Is My Car Using So Much Gas? Some vehicles are inherently thirsty. This is often true of larger displacement engines and vehicles with AWD. … Read more

5 Tips on How to Park a Manual Car (Especially on Hills)

Parking a manual transmission car, especially on a steep hill, can be intimidating. All that potentially stands between your vehicle and a downhill runaway is your shifter and handbrake. However, with some key tips on technique and preparation under your belt, you can park smoothly and safely. Identifying the incline and decline spots ahead of … Read more

How to Double Clutch When Shifting (and When It’s Needed)

stiff clutch pedal

Double-clutching is a specific method of shifting the gears of the car. This type of shifting is used for vehicles with unsynchronized manual transmissions and it requires a certain technique. In the past, this technique was used for old cars, mostly heavy-duty trucks or even some racing cars. Nowadays, double clutching is no longer required, … Read more

What is Overdrive? When To Use It (and When Not To)

overdrive button

Many automatic transmission vehicles have an “overdrive” gear which is the highest gear available. When you shift to select the overdrive gear, it will reduce the revolutions-per-minute of the engine as it is running. In typically scenarios, you will do this whenever you want to get the highest possible fuel efficiency while driving at a … Read more