The Car Compass

  Imagine waking up one morning to breaking news: “All gas-powered cars will be banned from sale starting January 1, 2030.” This might sound crazy, but several countries already have similar deadlines. So let’s explore what this scenario would actually look like for car owners, enthusiasts, and everyday drivers — especially for people who love working on their own rides. 1. Gas Cars Would Skyrocket in Value People wouldn’t suddenly give up their Mustangs, Miatas, Supras, or daily commuters. With no new gas cars being sold, the used market would explode in price. Clean examples of enthusiast cars would become collectibles almost overnight. 2. DIY Mechanics Would Become Even More Valuable Electric vehicles require different skills. Fewer moving parts means fewer traditional repairs — but also fewer opportunities for DIY wrenching. Mechanics who know both EV and gas systems would be in high demand. 3. Charging Infrastructure Would Be Overloaded If millions of people suddenly n...

 When it comes to choosing a car, one debate never goes away: manual vs. automatic transmissions . Every driver seems to have a strong opinion about which one is better — but the truth is, both sides have valid arguments. Today, we’re putting the two head-to-head so you can decide which camp you belong in. Argument 1: Manual Makes You a Better Driver Many enthusiasts believe that learning to drive stick teaches you more about how cars work. You feel the clutch engage, you control when the gear shifts, and you become more aware of RPMs, torque, and engine behavior. This builds real driving skill — the kind that makes you more confident and connected to the road. Manual supporters argue that: You learn mechanical awareness You pay closer attention to driving You have more control in snow or slippery conditions It’s more fun, engaging, and rewarding For them, driving is an experience — not just transportation. Argument 2: Automatic Is the Smarter Choice On the oth...

 I still remember the first time I popped the hood of my car and actually tried to fix something myself. Not just checking oil or topping off washer fluid — I mean a real fix. And I’ll be honest… I was terrified. When you’re new to cars, everything under the hood looks like a maze designed to expose how little you know. But what I didn’t realize back then was this: Fixing my first car didn’t just teach me about cars — it changed the way I saw myself. The First Problem That Started It All My car had been running rough for weeks, and the check-engine light was basically staring into my soul. I didn’t want to get scammed at a shop, but I also had zero confidence I could fix it myself. Still, something in me said: “Just try.” I bought a cheap OBD2 scanner, watched a few YouTube videos, and found out it was a misfire caused by a bad ignition coil . Everyone made it sound easy, so I said, “Why not?” Hands Shaking… Tools Slipping… But I Did It I won’t lie — my hands were lite...

  Let’s be honest — most stock car infotainment systems still kinda suck . They lag, they’re confusing, and half the time they feel like they were designed by someone who never actually drives . So for most of us, the real battle isn’t between car brands — it’s between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . And if you’re a new driver trying to decide which one gives the better experience in 2025, I’ve got you. I’ve used both across multiple cars — my Supra, my buddies’ cars, even rentals — and here’s the real breakdown, no tech jargon, just facts. If You’re an iPhone User: CarPlay Is a Vibe CarPlay is clean, simple, and just works . Apple keeps it distraction-free, which is perfect for new drivers who don’t want to fiddle with settings while driving. What CarPlay does best: Easiest to use — feels like your phone screen was built for a dashboard Messages + calls are buttery smooth with Siri Maps is solid, and Apple Maps actually got GOOD (shocking, I know) Works flawlessly with mo...

If you’ve ever felt that mini heart attack when the check-engine light pops up, trust me — you’re not alone. But what’s even more annoying? When you think you fixed it… and boom — it returns a few days later. I used to deal with this too, especially when I bought my first car. I’d clear the code, drive around, and feel like a genius — until the light came right back to roast me. 😅 So let’s break down why this keeps happening , and more importantly, how to stop it for good . The #1 Reason: We Fix the Symptom , Not the Problem Most new drivers grab an OBD2 scanner, see a code, Google it, replace one part, and call it a day. But here’s the truth: A check-engine light is usually a chain reaction — not a single issue. Example: You get a P0420 code (catalytic converter). People instantly replace the cat — $$ gone — but the root cause was a misfire or bad O2 sensor that damaged it in the first place. Mistake Most Beginners Make We clear the code to “see if it comes back.”...

  We live in an era where cars are smarter than ever. They can park themselves, assist in lane keeping, and even alert you before you drift off the road. Yet somehow — in 2025 — many OEM infotainment systems still feel clunky, confusing, and outdated. For something drivers use every day, automakers keep getting it almost right but not quite there. So why is it that infotainment, the digital heart of modern vehicles, still misses the mark? Let’s dig in. 1. Too Many Features, Too Little Focus Modern infotainment systems try to do it all — navigation, music, apps, climate control, driver settings, voice commands, and more. The result? Feature overload. Instead of a simple interface, drivers get endless menus and submenus. You shouldn’t have to tap through five screens just to turn on the heated seats or change your music source. The best systems — like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — get this right: they simplify . OEMs, on the other hand, often try to reinvent the wheel (literally...