July 2025 Auto Guru Car Maintenance Archive – Tips, Costs & DIY Guides

July was a busy month at Auto Guru. We rolled out dozens of practical articles that help you keep your ride safe, save money, and squeeze a little more performance out of everyday parts. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of the most useful pieces, grouped by common DIY tasks and performance insights.

Top DIY Fixes & Parts Guides

If you’re looking to replace something yourself, we’ve got you covered. Our guide on radiator replacement cost in 2025 breaks down parts versus labor so you can budget without surprises. Want to know how long the job takes? The “How Long Does It Take to Replace a Car Radiator?” article walks you through each step, from draining the coolant to reinstalling the thermostat.

Brake work is another hot topic. We explained how to spot bad brake rotors, listed the warning noises and vibrations, and gave a clear checklist to decide if you need new rotors or just fresh pads. The “Do I Need New Rotors or Just Brake Pads?” post adds cost estimates and tips for a smooth, noise‑free stop.

Spark plug problems can leave a car dead in its tracks. Our “Bad Spark Plugs: Can They Really Stop Your Car from Starting?” piece shows the symptoms—misfires, rough idle, hard starts—and how to test and replace the plugs yourself. For a deeper dive, the “Common Reasons Why Spark Plugs Fail in Modern Engines” article explains heat range, fouling, and wear patterns.

When it comes to wipers, we covered everything from size swaps to price hunting. The “17 Inch vs 16 Inch Wiper Blade” article tells you whether a larger blade will fit and how it affects performance. Meanwhile, the “Windshield Wipers Price Comparison: AutoZone vs Walmart (2025 Guide)” helps you snag the best deal without sacrificing quality.

Suspension issues don’t have to be a mystery. Our “How to Tell If Your Suspension Is Bent” guide lists visual cues and handling changes, while the “Suspension Troubleshooting Guide” walks you through diagnosing worn bushings, broken struts, and uneven tire wear.

Performance & Safety Insights

Performance enthusiasts will love the deep dive into exhaust upgrades. In “Best Exhausts for More Horsepower,” we compare flow‑focused systems, debunk myths, and recommend the right fit for different engine types.

Thinking about a muffler delete? The “Will Muffler Delete Hurt Engine?” article explains the real impact on back‑pressure, emissions, and engine health, so you can decide if the louder sound is worth the risk.

We also tackled legal and safety questions. The “Broken Windscreen Wipers: Should You Drive Without Working Wipers?” piece outlines New Zealand’s regulations and the real danger of driving in rain with compromised visibility.

Cooling system wizards will find the “Radiator vs. Head Gasket” guide invaluable. It walks you through distinguishing overheating signs, locating coolant leaks, and avoiding costly misdiagnoses.

Finally, clutch health is key for manual drivers. Our “Clutch Testing Guide” offers simple road‑test steps, what a slipping clutch feels like, and when to replace it before you’re stranded.

All these articles share one goal: give you clear, actionable advice without jargon. Bookmark this archive, skim the headlines you need, and dive into the full posts for step‑by‑step instructions. Your car will thank you, and your wallet will feel the relief.