Auto Trends Magazine

Is your car shaking or vibrating while you’re sitting at a red light or parked in the driveway? If so, you’re definitely not alone as this is one of the more common complaints car owners bring to their mechanic. The good news is that most of the reasons behind an idling shake aren’t emergencies, though you don’t want to just ignore it indefinitely.

You’re driving along when suddenly a warning light shaped like a gear or displaying “transmission” appears on your dashboard. If you have an automatic transmission, this light means the system has detected a problem. The issue could be as simple as low fluid or a bad sensor, but it can also point to something more serious. Let’s look at what causes a transmission light to come on and what you can do about it. Table of Contents Toggle What Does the Transmission Light Mean?

You climb into your car and immediately smell gasoline. Maybe it’s just a faint odor, or maybe it’s strong enough to actually make you hesitate before starting the engine. A gas smell in or around your vehicle should never be ignored. While it may be as simple as a loose gas cap, it could also be a fuel leak somewhere. Here’s what might be causing that gasoline smell and what you should do about it.

Your vehicle’s control arms play an important role in connecting the wheels to the frame while allowing suspension movement. When these components begin to fail, they can affect both handling and safety. Worn or damaged control arms typically make themselves known through distinct symptoms. Recognizing these warning signs early can prevent more serious damage and dangerous driving conditions. Table of Contents Toggle What Is a Control Arm on a Car?

Car models of every stripe have grown scarce as manufacturers lean heavily on crossovers. Even Volkswagen, once defined by the iconic Bug, has trimmed its lineup, though not completely. On the performance side, two versions of the Golf still carry the banner in the U.S. Leading the way is the Golf R, an all-wheel-drive subcompact that proves spirited driving never loses its appeal.

Toyota continues to showcase its off-road chops, through nearly a half dozen models, including the 4Runner. The company may be a leader in hybrids, but it also does not take second place to its rivals when it comes to trail-romping fun. Not Jeep. Not Ford. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner blends the best of hybrid and off-road cred, by delivering a model that is at once as efficient as it is capable.

Mazda may not have the size or clout of Toyota or GM, but this Japanese automaker continues to produce a line of vehicles that match well with its competitors. In recent years, Mazda has rolled out a pair of midsize utility vehicles, both of which come with a rear-wheel-drive bias and six-cylinder engines. The company’s premium push is paying off too, as models such as our reviewed CX-70 are worthy alternatives to Acura and Audi.

Since its introduction in late 2021, the Ford Maverick compact pickup truck has successfully carved out a unique niche in the American automotive market. Appealing to a broad range of consumers, it quickly became the country’s most affordable pickup and has enjoyed consistent sales growth each year since launch.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Automotive OBD2 scanners and car code readers are the easiest and least expensive ways to find out why your engine light is on and get it to turn off. I’ve used dozens of scan tools over the years. There are good ones, and there are bad ones.

The family car these days is a roomy crossover SUV—something that’s clearly become ingrained in the American mindset. And it makes sense, given how much buyers value passenger comfort, generous cargo space, and solid towing capability, all areas where midsize and larger models excel. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport fits right into this picture. It’s essentially a two-row take on the regular VW Atlas.