Car Sense with Cal Free guide ↓
FREE GUIDE

Don't overpay. Don't get stranded.

35 car tips that keep you safe and save you money, plus 15 car myths busted. Checklists, a shop-visit sheet and a glossary. 58 pages. No jargon.

You'll also get new car tips by email, plus first access to the full Car Sense library. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy

You're in! Your guide is ready below. Check your inbox too: confirm your email so Cal can send you new tips.

Download the PDF
Cal, in his garage, holding up the Car Sense Starter Guide

What's inside

Six parts you can read in any order. Every tip tells you what to do, what not to do, and when to stop and get help, with the official source behind it.

Can I still drive?

  • Red vs. yellow warning lights
  • Check engine: steady or flashing
  • Oil light, overheating, soft brakes
  • No-start, jump-start, blowouts, flats

Tires

  • The right pressure (it's not on the tire)
  • The penny test
  • Reading your sidewall
  • Tire pressure light

Maintenance that matters

  • Oil: how to check, when to change
  • Signs of a weak battery
  • Regular or premium?
  • Do you need to warm up?

At the shop

  • Get your code read for free
  • What a written estimate needs
  • Is this quote fair?
  • How to dispute a bill

Warranty, money & buying

  • Free recall repairs
  • Hidden warranty extensions
  • "Your warranty is expiring" calls
  • Dealer add-ons, used-car history

15 myths vs. facts

  • Nitrogen in your tires?
  • Dark oil, synthetic oil
  • Phones at the pump
  • Which tires go on the back
My car's numbersFill in your pressures, oil and parts once. Plus a monthly checklist.
Winter & summerA quick seasonal checklist so the weather never catches you off guard.
Before you go to the shopA symptom log and the questions to ask, based on FTC advice.

Take a peek

One tip per page, big steps and clear drawings. Read it on your phone or print it for the glove box.

Guide cover
The cover
Oil pressure light tip page
Can I still drive? Oil light
Repair quote tip page
At the shop: is this quote fair?
Myths vs facts page
Myths vs. facts

Checked, not guessed

Every tip is checked against official sources and owner's manuals, and each page lists where it comes from.

NHTSAFTCfueleconomy.govEPAFederal safety standardsOwner's manuals
Car sense rule #1: your owner's manual beats any tip on the internet, including mine. This guide shows you where to look and what to ask.

Get your free guide

35 tips, 15 myths busted, 3 checklists and a shop-visit sheet. Free.

Get the free guide