The Car Compass

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 Yet somehow — in 2025 — many OEM infotainment systems still feel clunky, confusing, and outdated.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...

  One of the best parts about learning to work on your own car today is how much free information is out there. Gone are the days when you had to buy expensive manuals or rely on a mechanic’s word — now you can learn almost everything about car repair online , often from professional technicians, experienced enthusiasts, or factory documentation. Whether you’re fixing a check engine light, learning how to bleed brakes, or building your first track car, these are the best free online resources for DIY car repair that every gearhead (beginner or veteran) should know about. 1. YouTube — The Ultimate Visual Garage YouTube has become the biggest DIY mechanic’s classroom in the world. No matter what car you drive or what problem you’re facing, there’s probably a video for it. Best Channels to Start With: ChrisFix – Perfect for beginners. His tutorials are clear, visual, and detailed. EricTheCarGuy – Great for diagnostics and tool advice. Scotty Kilmer – Entertaining and fil...

  If you’ve ever fallen in love with a Miata, you already know the saying — “Miata is always the answer.” For me, it started as a bone-stock NA MX-5 — a fun little weekend car that turned into a full-blown track weapon. In this builder profile, I’ll walk you through how my MX-5 transformed from a daily driver into a Time Attack-ready machine , step by step. The Starting Point I found my 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata on Facebook Marketplace — a clean base with 140,000 miles, a 5-speed manual, and zero rust. It wasn’t fast, but it handled like nothing else I’d driven. The goal? Build something I could daily, take to weekend autocrosses, and eventually, compete in local Time Attack events . Stage 1: Maintenance and Reliability Before any mods, reliability came first. I went through the car top to bottom, replacing everything that could fail on track: Fresh timing belt and water pump New clutch and flywheel Upgraded radiator and silicone hoses Rebuilt brakes with stainl...

  Electric vehicles (EVs) are already reshaping the automotive world — silent drives, torque-on-demand, and zero tailpipe emissions. But what will the landscape look like just a year from now, in 2026? Based on technological trends, government initiatives, and real-world data from EV owners, here are 7 predictions I believe will define EV ownership in 2026. 1. Faster and More Ubiquitous Charging Networks By 2026, EV drivers will expect charging to be as easy as refueling a gas car. Ultra-fast 350 kW+ stations will proliferate in highway rest areas, allowing 200+ miles of charge in under 20 minutes. Interoperability between networks will improve, so you’ll rarely need 3 apps to find a charger. 2. Lower Electricity Costs for Charging EV charging costs will drop thanks to: Dynamic rates that push charging toward off-peak hours (e.g. late nights). More renewable energy integration — solar and wind influx will lower electricity rates nationally. Public charging incent...

  If you’ve taken your car to a dealership recently, you probably noticed something painful — not the problem with your car, but the repair bill . What used to cost $300 five years ago can now easily cross $700 at a dealer service department. So, what’s going on? Why are dealership labor rates skyrocketing , and more importantly, what can you do about it? Let’s break it down — from what’s driving the increase to a few smart ways to save money without sacrificing quality. The Real Reason Dealership Labor Is So Expensive It’s easy to assume dealerships are just trying to overcharge, but there’s more to the story. Here’s what’s behind those rising rates: 1. High Overhead Costs Dealerships have huge facilities, expensive tools, and large staffs. Every fancy showroom and free coffee bar is built into what you pay per hour. That means when a dealer charges $180–$250 per labor hour , part of that goes toward rent, insurance, and marketing — not just your car’s repair. 2. Facto...

  When that dreaded check engine light flicks on, most of us feel the same thing: confusion, frustration, and maybe a little panic. To help decode what’s really going on behind that glowing dashboard symbol, I sat down with Mike Ramirez , a certified Master Technician with over 20 years of experience working on everything from classic Toyotas to modern EVs. Mike’s known in our local scene for being “the car whisperer” — if a light’s on, he can find the cause. Here’s what he had to say about diagnosing check-engine lights the right way. Arsh’s Garage: So Mike, what’s the first thing you tell people when their check engine light comes on? Mike: “The first thing I tell everyone is don’t panic. That light doesn’t automatically mean your engine is dying. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or a dirty sensor. The key is to get the code — that’s your car’s way of talking to you.” He went on to explain that every modern vehicle (since 1996) has an OBD-II port that st...

  When I first started working on cars, I had no idea what tools I actually needed. I remember staring down aisles of wrenches, sockets, and gadgets at the parts store, wondering what was essential and what was just marketing. If you’re new to DIY car repair, don’t worry — I’ve been there. After years of fixing everything from old Hondas to new Supras in my own garage, I’ve narrowed it down to the 10 must-have tools every beginner mechanic should own . Whether you’re changing your oil or tackling your first brake job, these tools will make life in the garage easier, safer, and way more fun. 1. Socket Wrench Set If there’s one tool you’ll use on almost every car project, it’s a socket wrench set . Go for a 3/8-inch drive set with both metric and SAE sizes , plus a few extensions for those hard-to-reach bolts. Pro tip: choose a set with a fine-tooth ratchet — it’ll make working in tight spaces much smoother. 2. Combination Wrench Set When a socket won’t fit, a good set of...

  If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a modern sports car that feels like a mix between pure driving excitement and everyday practicality, the 2025 Toyota Supra GR might be your perfect match. I’ve been driving mine for over a year now — through city traffic, back roads, and highway cruises — and it’s time for an honest, long-term review from someone who actually lives with it every day. This isn’t a press test drive or a dealership demo. This is a real driver’s perspective — the good, the bad, and the absolutely thrilling. First Impressions From the moment you see the Supra in person, it grabs your attention. The low-slung design , wide stance, and those iconic double-bubble rooflines pay homage to the legendary MK4 Supra from the ’90s. But it’s also unmistakably modern — sharp headlights, muscular fenders, and that aggressive rear diffuser that makes you want to just drive . When I first sat inside, it was clear Toyota wanted this to feel driver-focused . The cockpit wraps aro...