All-terrain tires are important when a vehicle is traversing uneven, challenging ground off the beaten path. But what about your footwear? A durable, traction-grabbing set of tires is instrumental in…
It’s been a busy spring and summer for us at Crankshaft Culture. We already attended Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, AZ. While we’d been long-time attendees as vendors and media,…
No matter where you go in the world, the classic Volkswagen Bus—the Type 2—is an icon. Now, Kindred Motorworks of Vallejo, CA, near San Francisco, is taking this legend and…
One of the biggest overland shows out there is Overland Expo West. It’s been going on since 2009, and I’ve been to the majority of them. But 2026 was a…
Our 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide came with a nearly new set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires in 235/75/15. This was a definite plus when buying the little JDM SUV. However,…
We’ve tested many Subarus in our lifetime. Not only do we review vehicles, like the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT or a modified 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, but we’re Subaru…
We live in the Pacific Northwest, where the rains start consistently in November, and we jokingly say the “faucet” shuts off July 4. It’s a thing. So, we need durable…
Remember “sport trucks”? Popular in the 1980s and 1990s, they were on-road-oriented pickups that were meant to be sporty and fun to drive. Pretty much every manufacturer offered a version.…
I’m not sure there’s a better place to have a “Weird and Wacky” car show than Portland, Oregon. The “Keep Portland Weird” vibe was alive and well at the 2026…
Some people think any rain jacket is a good rain jacket. But are they equal after a year or a few of consistent use? My husband, Andy Lilienthal, and I…
Modern vehicles have become increasingly packed with safety and driver-assistance features. Newer models often include large infotainment screens, parking sensors, blind-spot alerts, 360-degree camera systems, and advanced warning technology. But for many owners, especially those driving older cars, trucks, and SUVs, the experience behind the wheel can still be very…
Image Source Modern cars are loaded with technology. Touchscreens, driver assists, over-the-air updates, subscription features — the list keeps growing. A new Volvo EX90 has a 14.5-inch central display. Some Teslas run entire climate systems through software menus. But something odd is happening. Drivers are pushing back. Forums, club meetups,…
Most drivers assume that any traffic ticket will automatically send their car insurance rates climbing. The reality is more nuanced, and understanding the distinction between a moving violation and a non-moving violation can save a lot of unnecessary worry. Moving violations, which occur when a vehicle is in motion, are…
