That O/D OFF Button in Your Car Has a Purpose—Here’s When You Actually Need to Press It
That mysterious O/D OFF button isn't a warning of transmission trouble—it can actually make driving easier in specific situations.
Shift Lock Explained: Why Your Automatic Shifter Won’t Move—and Why That’s Actually Good
If your automatic shifter suddenly refuses to move, there’s a good chance your car is protecting you from an accidental gear change.
Start/Stop Systems Are Everywhere — But Are They Really Saving You Gas or Wearing Out Your Engine?
Does start-stop technology really save fuel, and does it put extra wear on the engine? Here’s what drivers need to know.
The “Gas-Saving” Tricks That Could Destroy Your Car — And What Drivers Should Do Instead
Some fuel-saving tricks can backfire, costing drivers far more in repairs than they ever save at the gas pump.
How Oldsmobile Invented a Manual Gearbox for an Automatic
Long before paddle shifters and electronic driving modes, Oldsmobile found a clever mechanical way to let drivers shift an automatic transmission themselves.
Not a Manufacturing Error: Why Some Wheels Have Two Valve Stems
Two valve stems on one wheel may look unusual, but the setup serves a practical purpose in racing and specialized tire service.
You Hit ECT PWR and Your Toyota Suddenly Wakes Up: What That Mysterious Button Really Does
This little button can change the way a Toyota drives, but plenty of owners have no idea what actually happens when they press it.
We Know What the Button Behind Your Gas Pedal Does — And It's Even Found in Manual-Transmission Cars
Modern cars are packed with hidden features, and one small button behind the accelerator pedal can serve a surprisingly important purpose.
What the “D” on a Manual Transmission Means: Why This Rare Symbol Has Nothing to Do With Automatic Drive
The letter D is usually associated with automatic transmissions, where selecting Drive tells the car to move forward.
What the “E” on a Manual Transmission Means: It Can Surprise Even Experienced Drivers
The “E” gear was once a common feature in cars with manual transmissions.
What Does the “D/S” Mode Actually Mean in a Car? Few Drivers Know the Answer
In most vehicles, these two driving modes are shown separately, making the combined “D/S” marking easy to overlook.
“Owned the Car for 5 Years and Had No Idea”: What Is the “OFF” Button on the Center Pillar For?
A little-known button can prevent your car’s alarm from going off in several common situations.
What Does TRC OFF Mean on a Toyota? How It Affects Fuel Economy and Safety
Understanding how Toyota’s TRC system works, how it interacts with other safety systems, and when drivers should turn it off.
How Is 4WD Different From AWD, and Why Does It Matter?
Think driving an all-wheel-drive vehicle means a slick road is nothing to worry about? Think again.
Why Do Automatic Cars Have a Neutral Gear? An Important Detail About Automatic Transmissions
With a manual transmission, it was simple: if you wanted to move, you selected a gear. If you didn't, you shifted into neutral.