2019 Oregon Trail Rally: Racing and Rally Culture.
Oregon Trail Rally is the state’s biggest stage rally event. It brings out both the big dogs, such as the Subaru Motorsports USA team that includes David Higgins and Travis…
Mudfest: The 2019 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
ABOVE: Still one of my favorites, the runner up in the Subcompact and Compact Family class, the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Photo: Ryan Douthit, MediaSpigot LLC The Northwest Automotive Press…
Super Sleepers
I’ve long wanted to build some sort of super sleeper. You take one car that is not anywhere near a high-performance vehicle from the factory, add in some sort of…
Remember: We’re All Gearheads
I’ve long said that most people love to belong to something. Whether it’s a club, a devout loyalty to a brand, or whatever. Everyone likes to belong somehow when it…
ARB Classic Series II Fridge Freezer Unboxing
We just picked up a brand-new ARB Classic Series II portable Fridge Freezer. This new fridge comes in a new color, but it also has new features such as Bluetooth…
Lifting the Traxxas TRX-4 Bronco RC Crawler
Spring is here and we survived the overblown Snowpacalypse in the Pacific Northwest. The weather is getting nicer with gorgeous sunshine, tolerable drizzles, and breezy cloudy days, which means it’s…
Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: ARB Single Portable Air Compressor
Having accessible air is a necessity when off-roading. Deflating tires is a must in order to allow for a comfortable off-tarmac ride and additional traction, and quick inflation offers up…
I Hate Replacing Gear Oil. Here are Tips to Make it Less Terrible.
One of my least favorite maintenance practices is having to replace the gear oil in a vehicle’s axles. It’s often smelly, messy, and an overall pain in the butt. So…
Top Truck Challenge 2019, 1:10 RC Edition
RC cars are a rabbit hole of wallet-emptying enjoyment. The hobby mimics 1:1 vehicle culture on a smaller scale, even down to the events. The Washington Remote Control Rock Crawlers,…
FACT: Older Vehicles Need More Repairs.
Vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s are starting to become popular projects, especially those older JDM or Euro cars and trucks that are now available for import to the U.S.…
Guest Posts
Rear Visibility Upgrades That Make Older Cars, Trucks, and SUVs Easier to Drive
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…
The Return of Analog Driving: Why Enthusiasts Are Seeking Simpler Cars Again
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,…
How Traffic Violations Can Affect Your Driving Record and Insurance Rates
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…