We recently bought a 2015 Subaru Outback with 125,000 miles. The car is in great shape, but one issue stood out: the liftgate would open, sag, beep, and then rely on the electric motor to keep it in place. The culprit? Worn-out liftgate struts. Why Liftgate Struts Matter Struts are common in two main places:…
Before you spend a dime, start with the things you can fix for free. Some of the best progress on any vehicle comes from time, patience, and a good look around. Part of the fun in wrenching is solving a problem, fixing something, or improving an item. I also find joy in those “free” fixes…
Recently, a friend was cleaning out a shed and I spotted a red Troy-Bilt rototiller that looked like it hadn’t been used in years. Mike said it had been at least 30 years, and he was just going to scrap it. I stepped in and had him help me load it into my truck. This…
A 15-year-old RV trailer and a moment of desperation during Covid taught me an expensive, unforgettable lesson about maintenance. Buying Trouble During Covid During the depths of Covid, my wife and I bought a 15-year-old travel trailer. It started a trend of frequent camping for us, including to neighboring states. Looking back, buying a teenage…
For a few months now, I’ve gotten the occasional check engine light on my 2001 Outback. Every time, it was a code for a misfire in cylinder 1. I’d reset it and be on my way, until it would reappear a couple weeks later. It was time to investigate. Causes of Subaru Misfires There are…
I recently bought a 2013 Ford F250 at an auction. My half-ton Silverado wasn’t cutting it anymore—towing a travel trailer regularly meant I needed something bigger and sturdier. Fresh from auction — a 2013 Ford F250. Like with every used vehicle purchase, there are always things to fix, replace, and upgrade. Honestly, that’s part of…
First Impressions and Initial Assessment In the first week after picking up my 1990 Honda Acty kei truck, I dove straight into maintenance. The truck was surprisingly well cared for — Japanese maintenance stickers indicated future service intervals — but a few critical tasks needed attention right away. With some extra free time, I ended…
The Broken Bolt Problem I’ve snapped more screws and bolts than I can count. Back on my 1995 Ford F-150, the passenger-side exhaust manifold was held on by several bolts — and one stubborn remnant that had turned into a stud. I tried everything to remove it with my then-meager tool collection. Nothing worked. The…
When I first tried LED bulbs, I hated them. Flickering, early failures, weird color — they just weren’t worth the hassle. But with two low-output alternators in my fleet (a 1969 MGB GT and a Honda Acty kei truck), I had no choice but to try again. This time, the results completely changed my mind….
