The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison caps off May’s list of truck debuts, ushering in a variety of segment-leading off-road capability, just as the industry’s go-to adventure brand Jeep announces it is developing autonomous off-road tech. Whaaat?? The Engine Block has all the details, along with a rundown of the most interesting corporate hookups to […]
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What To Look For When Choosing A New Tow Vehicle
Thinking of choosing a new tow vehicle? Explore the important factors to making an informed decision, and ensure hassle-free adventures on the road ahead. Selecting a camper is more than just selecting the RV of your dreams. It also means considering what type of tow vehicle you’ll need to get your new purchase from point […]
Read MoreBraking Bad: The Dangers of Driving With Worn Shocks & Struts
When was the last time you checked in on your vehicle’s shocks and struts? While they likely aren’t top of mind for most drivers, driving on old, worn-out shocks and struts can directly affect not only the performance of your car on the road, but also its ability to brake safely and quickly. So, if […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Overland Expo Recap, New Rides Spotted, AM Radio Debate & May Sales
It’s been a busy week in all corners of the auto industry. Overlanders descended on Arizona for the biggest-ever Overland Expo, while a variety of new rides were spotted testing from GM, including a luxury SUV, a rugged truck, and several track-ready sportscars. The Engine Block has details on what’s what in the vehicle pipeline, along […]
Read MoreCompetition Corner: June 2023 Auto Events
June is here, and you’re out of the loop. There are so many automotive events that you need to put on the calendar. We’re talking everything from legendary car shows to iconic French races you’ve been telling yourself you’d check out since childhood. So, tell the kids the waterpark they’ve been begging you to take […]
Read MoreRetractable Tonneau Covers: Are They Worth the Investment?
A tonneau cover makes a great addition to any pickup truck, offering protection from the elements, added security, and plenty of styling and functionality. Retractable tonneau covers, in particular, are an attractive option, since they operate like a small garage door for your truck bed. Easy to open and close, they’re very secure and allow […]
Read MoreRetractable Tonneau Covers: Are They Worth the Investment?
A tonneau cover makes a great addition to any pickup truck, offering protection from the elements, added security, and plenty of styling and functionality. Retractable tonneau covers, in particular, are an attractive option, since they operate like a small garage door for your truck bed. Easy to open and close, they’re very secure and allow […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Toyota Tacoma Finally Debuts, Polaris Goes Overlanding, & Airbag Supplier Says ‘No’ to NHTSA
After months of teaser photos and at least one (orchestrated?) sneak peek, Toyota finally revealed its all-new Tacoma pickup truck last week. Bold and brawny-looking, with more off-road capability and a host of options for customers, the new truck throws down the gauntlet to competitors in the midsize segment. Keep reading The Engine Block for […]
Read MoreBring Back the Shine: How To Clean & Polish Exhaust Tips
Like most things in life, small details make a big impact when it comes to engine performance. And in the case of your vehicle’s exhaust tips, thorough cleaning and maintenance can have a significant impact on ICE operation. Let’s take a closer look at these often-underappreciated components to find out why they’re so important, and […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Truck Yeah! Ford Debuts Ranger & Ranger Raptor, Toyota Accidentally Reveals Tacoma, & RAM Goes Lunar
It’s a big month for truck lovers, and the hits just keep on coming. Both the Ford Ranger and its high-performance sibling the Ranger Raptor debuted this past week, landing with an impressive splash. Then, on the same day, RAM dropped a special new Lunar Edition for TRX and Rebel models. All the while, an […]
Read More3 Signs It’s Time to Install a Cab Rack
It’s true, the thought of researching, buying, installing and ensuring proper use and fit of any aftermarket component to your truck can seem daunting. But sometimes it’s just time. If you’ve experienced any of the following scenarios, then it might just be time to purchase a cab rack. For a refresher, cab racks (sometimes called […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: F1 Hits Miami, Toyota (Still) Teasing Tacoma and Racetracks Ban Hybrids & EVs
Formula 1 racing landed stateside this past weekend, drawing record crowds to the Miami International Autodrome – including an impressive number of high-profile celebrities. While the elite drivers found the track lacking for the second year in a row, citing dangerous surface conditions, they still delivered heart-pounding action with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen delivering the […]
Read More3 Red Flags To Watch For When Buying A Used Vehicle
Approach your used car search with confidence and keep an eye out for these red flags when shopping. When shopping for a used vehicle, most people know the major red flags to look for. Visible dings and dents, mismatched paint (or parts), a seller who can’t provide a single maintenance record… But there are other, […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Vehicle Sales Update, Bye-Bye Bolt, New California Bans, and World’s Most Expensive Vanity Plate Is Pretty Underwhelming
New month means new vehicle data, and crunching April’s numbers reveals a mixed bag of news. Inventory is rebounding (slowly), but prices remain stubbornly high – on both the new and used markets. The Engine Block sifts through the analysts’ reports so you don’t have to, and reveals the key takeaways if you’re looking to […]
Read MoreCompetition Corner: May 2023 Auto Events
And just like that, May is here and we’re back in it full-swing. You’ve already put hundreds of miles on your car since rolling it out of hibernation, and there’s plenty more to go with countless automotive activities to partake in until the snowy seasons make a comeback. Relax, we have a long, long time […]
Read MoreCrash Course: Small Truck Safety Rundown
Nine “small” pickup trucks and where they rank on safety. From plenty of space for goods and gear to cushy cabs filled with high-tech features to potent powertrains under the hood, the small pickup segment offers a select number of options that have been truck fans’ faves for years now: the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Next-Gen Tacoma, Aggressive New Emissions Standards, and More Self-Driving Cars
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma continues to take shape, with yet more teaser images dropped last week. The Engine Block looks closely at the details and compiles everything we know so far about the fourth-gen hauler. Meanwhile, the EPA just proposed the strictest ever tailpipe emissions, giving electric vehicles less of a helpful push and more […]
Read MoreTop 5 Canyons for Off-Road Adventure
When it comes to off-roading opportunities in America, the list is vast and overwhelming. The U.S. has tons of territory to explore in your off-road vehicle — everything from fun and leisurely sightseeing to technical and challenging “is-that-even-a-road?” terrain. In this installment, we’re going to focus on some of the best canyons in the country. […]
Read MoreAutomotive Aftermarket Industry Trends 2023
There are dozens of reasons which could explain a decline in the automotive aftermarket industry in the last three years. Apparently, none of those reasons, or even all of them combined outweigh enthusiasts’ passion for cars. The world has fallen down more than once since a global pandemic routed most industries in 2020, but the […]
Read MoreMeet the 2023 RAM Lineup
Learn what’s new on RAM’s menu for the 2023 model year. While the big three domestic truck players have all shifted focus toward the electric market of late, ICE pickups still dominate consumer preferences in America. And RAM, whose EV pickup doesn’t arrive until very late next year, is content with delivering higher and higher […]
Read More2023 New York Auto Show: Automakers Take Manhattan With New Debuts & EV Push
You know spring has officially sprung when the auto show circuit makes its stop in NYC. The 2023 New York Auto Show returned to the Javits Center this past week, with plenty of new debuts and fresh-faced updates in tow. Unsurprisingly, EVs took center stage as automakers prove they’re serious about electrified powertrains – especially […]
Read MoreMaking An Old Truck Feel New Again
Ah, the Pavlovian feeling of getting into your brand-new truck. Many would argue there are few sensations more satisfying. Most people buy a new truck with the expectation that it will serve them dutifully for years to come — especially with today’s high-priced market offerings. That said, even the swankiest of new pickup trucks is […]
Read MoreTop Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Fuel System Running Smoothly
Learn how to keep your fuel system in fighting form. There are a number of critical systems that keep your vehicle in top operating condition. Unless you’re driving an EV, one of these is the fuel system. If any issues occur within this matrix of components, significant problems can appear — including decreased fuel mileage, […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Jeep Reveals New Concepts, EU Changes ICE Ban, Dealers Mark Up Dodge Demons & Are Cars Becoming Too Connected?
Jeep unveiled its official concept lineup for EJS in Moab, revealing seven new rigs – four of which use electrified power to crawl over rocks. Meanwhile, fellow Stellantis brand Dodge is dealing with consumer reports that dealerships are adding $50,000-$100,000 markups to the new Demon 170. Across the pond, the EU spent last week revising […]
Read MoreCompetition Corner: April 2023 Auto Events
Some parts of the country might have a few cold spells ahead of them, but April is finally here – which means the 2023 season can finally get up to speed. If you’re itching for a reason to get out and enjoy some automotive action, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a […]
Read MoreHaulin’ in Style: Top 4 Lifestyle Trucks for Everyday Use
Choose your fighter! Here are four driver lifestyle profiles and the trucks well-designed to suit them. Modern pickup trucks have perhaps never been more capable – or versatile. They haul heavy work equipment and raw materials to the job site, then tow the family camper to the weekend rental. They blast through off-road obstacles on […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Automakers Juggle Expensive EVs & Costly Class Actions While Enthusiasts Say Goodbye to More Beloved Nameplates
LOTS of news spilling out of Detroit this week. Ford expects to lose a whopping $3 billion on EVs this year, while GM stares down a class-action lawsuit for knowingly installing bum transmissions. The Chevy Camaro will cease production at the end of 2024, following Dodge’s Charger and Challenger models into their internal combustion-shaped coffins. […]
Read MoreTicket to Paradise: Top Off-Road Destinations in Hawaii
When you think of Hawaii, many things probably come to mind: picturesque beaches, laid-back surf culture, volcanoes, honeymoons. But as you probably guessed from the title, we’d like to sway your thinking just a tad since Hawaii has a damn fine batch of off-road adventures for you to consider. Of course, there may be one […]
Read MoreAuto Industry News: Concept Jeeps, Rally Rides, Cheap EVs & Fake IDs
With the Easter Jeep Safari quickly approaching, Jeep started its yearly tradition of releasing teaser sketches of its 4×4 concept rides. Five fuzzy images hit the internet last week, and at least two of them point heavily at electrified off-roaders. Meanwhile, the dust settles after the 100 Acre Rally and a familiar champ is crowned […]
Read More2023 Collector Car Market Trends
As budgets tighten around the country, you might be looking differently at the collector car sitting in your garage. What was once a true passion project may now resemble something more like a passionate investment. Whether or not you’d ever think of selling, it’s useful to have a grasp on how the market’s behaving – […]
Read MoreGet Hitched: Top Tow-Rated Trucks
If you’re in the market for a pickup truck that can handle heavy loads, it helps to start your search with an already-capable tow-ready model. Whether you’re looking for a nimble mid-sizer or a heavy-duty workhorse, here are the best trucks for towing in 2023, across all weight classes. Best Mid-Size Trucks for Towing When […]
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