WSJ.com: Me & My Car

Spirit of '67: Reincarnated BMWs

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:34:34 EST

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about reincarnated BMWs, crossover deals, gauging the life span of an Acura and more.

Preventing Rollovers in SUVs

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:31:24 EST

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about stability control, snow tires and more.

The Right Wagon for Rock Climbers

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:59:30 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about hybrids that can replace a minivan, snow tires vs. antilock brakes, and how to tell if your mechanic is gouging you.

Is the GLK 350 a 'Real' Mercedes?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:56 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about fuel-economy ratings, the best cars for short people and switching from run-flat to regular tires.

Looking for Legroom

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:26:28 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions on sporty sedans that have enough legroom for passengers, buying a European-style small diesel in the U.S., and more.

A 'Practical' Midlife-Crisis Car

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:24:39 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about hard-riding SUVs, transfer-case problems, and more.

Don't Buy a Hybrid Just to Save Money

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:00:38 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about battery life, cars that can handle snow, and seven-passenger crossovers.

Best Cars for Commuters

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:15:06 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about minivans, cars for people with large dogs, and four-cylinder engines.

When Do Hybrids Make Economic Sense?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:39:36 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about tire wear, synthetic motor oil and more.

Can a Lexus Be Replaced?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:55:45 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions on reasonably priced sedans, the best way to shift, how often to get an alignment and more.

In Search of a Fuel-Efficient Workhorse

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:45:20 EDT

Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about economical ways to pull a trailer, the benefits of rotating your tires and more.

In Search of the Best Biodiesel Sedan

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:37:16 EDT

Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions on sedans that can run on biodiesel fuel, the best used sports cars and more.

Is Running the Air Fuel-Efficient?

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:56:48 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers’ questions on the best ways to cool your car in the summer, whether a Malibu is better than a Jetta, and more.

It's OK to Say 'No' to Factory-Installed GPS

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:41:02 EDT

Will buying a car without a manufacturer installed navigation system hurt its resale value down the road? Probably not, says our columnist.

When to Trust Your Mechanic

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:24:14 EDT

Jonathan Welsh answers readers’ questions about when to trust your auto mechanic, if the Volkswagen Eos is a good hardtop convertible, and more.

A Sporty Car Other Than a BMW

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:55:46 EDT

Columnist Jonathan Welsh offers suggestions on sporty cars other than BMWs, which Dodge would be able to traverse through the snow, and more.

Preserving a Corvette's Air Dam

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:38:37 EDT

Many newer cars have low air dams under the front bumpers that can be damaged by curbs or steep driveways. What can drivers do to preserve these key parts?

Manual Transmissions Lose Their Edge

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:19:28 EST

Manual transmission were once the best choice for sporty or performance cars, but the latest high-tech automatics can change gears faster than humans.

Weight and Power Hurt Fuel Economy

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:04:54 EST

Why does an eight-year-old Honda minivan get better fuel mileage than a 2008 Odyssey? Jonathan Welsh on horsepower and weight.

Keeping a Car Battery Charged

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:56:57 EST

If a car isn't driven often, how long does it take for the battery to drain? Jonathan Welsh offers advice on keeping a battery charged.

Rotating Tires and Tire Lifespan

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:08:52 EST

Advice on rotating tires on an all-wheel drive vehicle. Also, how long do tires last? The answer varies, says Jonathan Welsh.

Gauging Speed Accurately With GPS

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:12:07 EST

There is often a disparity between a car's speedometer and the GPS or navigation device. Which is more accurate?

Diesel Cars in the U.S.

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:38:03 EST

Diesel cars are starting to gain traction in the U.S. While diesels get better fuel economy than gasoline cars, diesel fuel is more expensive. Jonathan Welsh on why.

Finding a Safe Car for a Teen Driver

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:37:12 EST

Insurance costs for new drivers can be high. To reduce the expense make sure your child is a good student and consider a driver-training course.

Does Fuel Get Left in the Pump Hose?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:28:20 EST

The first gallon might not all be the octane you chose because some fuel does remain in the gas-pump hose from the previous use, writes Jonathan Welsh.

Strategies for Changing Tires

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:40:58 EST

Do you really need a matched set when replacing tires? Jonathan Welsh answers reader's questions.

Dispelling Myths About Synthetic Oil

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:10:29 EST

There are benefits to using synthetic oil in a car or truck, but there are also myths about it.

Dealing With Tire Pressure Monitors

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:53:31 EST

While tire pressure monitors are a useful safety device, they bring additional costs to the traditional winter-tire swap.

Paying Too Much for Gasoline

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:22:49 EST

Why are there dramatic differences between what gas stations charge? Plus, answers to questions on big tires on family cars, whether to upgrade a Chevrolet Suburban and changing the oil on a new Mercedes.

Attractively-Priced, Fuel-Efficient Cars

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:51:47 EST

What's a safe, fuel-efficient, inexpensive car? Do you need to change power steering fluid? Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions.

Getting a Good Deal on a Car

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:25:00 EST

Readers offer more advice on how to get the best deal when purchasing a vehicle: Cash isn't always king. Plus, where to put your snow tires and maintaining a fleet of three cars.

Keeping a Car Longer

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:21:00 EDT

Tips and advice on the best ways to keep a car, truck or SUV running reliably and efficiently for a long time on the smallest possible budget.

Paying Cash for a New Car

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:07:00 EDT

Jonathan Welsh answers questions on whether paying cash gets you the best deal when buying a new car, using fuel-injector cleaners, finding an all-wheel drive minivan and keeping two cars.

Choosing the Right GPS Navigation System

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:33:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers questions on choosing between a built-in or portable GPS navigation system, finding a sedan for a very tall driver, the benefits of snow tires and the right vehicle for hunting.

Explaining the Gas Guzzler Tax

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:41:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers questions on the gas guzzler tax, when the next version of the Toyota Prius is coming and replacing an older Ford pickup and an Infiniti.

Selecting a High-Performance Sedan

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers questions on finding a high-performance sedan to replace an aging BMW M5, the future of Subaru engines, will Infiniti bring back its Q sedan and hanging on to a Ford Explorer.

The Right Vehicle to Haul Kayaks

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers questions about finding a fuel-efficient car that can haul kayaks and bicycles, replacing a big SUV, what is high mileage and when to turn off the engine when idling.

Using the Manual Shift Option

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:51:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers questions about using the manual shift option in a Pontiac Vibe's automatic transmission, a good bet for a four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle the deep snow in the mountains, a manual transmission pickup and choosing a cute, reliable and economical car.

Why Bring Diesels Now?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:59:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh answers reader question on why car makers are bringing diesels to the U.S. while prices are high, how long touchscreen navigation systems will last and what to do before towing a trailer.

Driving 50 MPH to Save Fuel

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:35:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on how fast – or slowly – to drive on the highway to save fuel, choosing an efficient commuting car and the need to replace all four tires if you get a flat.

Will Hybrid Prices Come Down?

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:31:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice on the price of Priuses, finding an energy-efficient all-wheel drive, and the latest Mercedes-Benz ML series.

Using the Right Tire Inflation Numbers

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice on what tire-inflation recommendations to follow, the expected fuel mileage of VW's diesel Touareg, whether to keep an aging minivan and why people aren't buying wagons.

Room for Six and Good Fuel Mileage

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:45:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers his top five picks of vehicles with room for six passengers and decent fuel economy. Plus, good bets on a small used car for train station duty and when to replace a timing belt.

Will Honda Create a Hybrid Fit?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:47:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on whether Honda plans to create a hybrid version of its popular Fit subcompact, buying an extended warranty, why motorcycles don't get better fuel mileage and finding the right car for bumpy roads.

Ethanol and EPA Fuel Ratings

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:31:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on what kind of fuel the EPA uses when testing cars to create its mileage ratings, will the U.S. return to a 55-mph speed limit, the benefits of low engine speeds and whether fuel "pills" work.

Fuel-Economy Ratings for Motorcycles

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:57:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on finding out the fuel economy information for motorcycles, fitting three child-safety seats in a vehicle, why there aren't more diesel cars in the U.S. and hybrid alternatives.

Setting the A/C to Recirculate

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:48:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on the most efficient setting for the air conditioning, safe ways to use less fuel, choosing regular tires over run-flats and the mileage difference between premium and regular gas.

Letting the Gas Tank Run Dry

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:06:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on whether its safe to let the gas tank run dry, finding a vehicle for island living or an SUV with fold-flat seats and towing power. Plus, more minivan alternatives.

How Long Can You Store Gasoline?

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:01:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on how long it is safe to store gasoline, finding a comfortable two-door coupe with seating for four people, choosing a small, fuel-efficient car and cars with bench seats.

Older Cars Get Better Mileage

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:46:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on why some older cars get better mileage than many of today's vehicles, when to replace tires, what's the ideal time to trade-in a vehicle and finding a sporty, four-seat convertible.

The High Cost of Diesel

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:27:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers who want the best gas mileage on the highway, need a fuel-efficient replacement for a Toyota Camry and are looking for a car to tote around two dogs.

Optimum Speed for Highway Driving

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:31:00 EDT

How Long Does a Timing Belt Last?

Mon, 19 May 2008 19:53:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on when to change the timing belt, why to keep a big SUV if saving money is important and why Toyota won't make a new Previa minivan.

Do Smaller Turbos Save Fuel?

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on why turbocharged engines aren't always fuel sippers, replacing a trusty and big SUV, choosing a midsize luxury sedan and a four seat convertible.

Running the Heater to Save an Engine

Tue, 06 May 2008 20:17:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on running the heater to reduce stress on an engine, finding the right vehicle to transport surfboards and more on using regular fuel in a car where premium fuel is recommended.

Suggestions for a Teen's First Car

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on a teen's first car, the definition of a "pre-owned" vehicle and the Audi Q7.

Choosing a Fun-to Drive Coupe

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:54:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers looking for an economical, fun-to-drive coupe, debating whether to buy high-performance all-season tires, deciding between a wagon and sedan, and an answer to a turning radius question.

Learning to Drive on a Stick Shift

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers looking for a sedan with a manual transmission to teach a teen how to drive, replacing a small station wagon and the benefits of all-wheel drive in a luxury sedan.

Seeking a Spacious, Fuel-Sipping SUV

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:21:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to two readers looking for spacious, fuel-efficient vehicles, and another reader looking for something small and frugal. Plus, how to pronounce "Porsche."

Getting Better-Than-Expected Mileage

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:33:00 EST

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on fuel mileage – both better and worse than expected. Honda's diesel plans and finding a sporty coupe.

Is Ethanol-Blended Fuel Safe?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

This week, Jonathan Welsh offers advice to readers on using Ethanol-blended fuel in a vehicle that requires premium, replacing a Porsche Cayenne, choosing between two SUVs and Mazda's Wankle engine.