Jim Wicks

Jim Wicks is the founder of MotorVehicleHQ. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry and a degree in Automotive Technology, Jim is a certified car expert who has worked in various roles ranging from a mechanic, car dealership manager, to a racing car driver. He has owned more than 20 cars over the past 15 years. Ask him about any vehicle you see on the road and he can tell you the make, model and year. He loves the aesthetics of all things cars, and keeps his vehicles in pristine condition. In his free time, Jim enjoys getting his hands dirty under the hood of a classic car or taking long drives along the country roads. His favorite car? A 1967 Shelby GT500, a true classic that, according to Jim, "represents the pure essence of American muscle."

How Much Does a Transmission Rebuild Cost?

Have you noticed that your transmission isn’t performing as it should, sliding gears or shuddering despite changing the fluid? Perhaps a transmission overhaul is in order. However, how much does a transmission rebuild cost? We’ll find out in this article. One of the most important components of our automobiles is transmission. All those seamless shifts …

How Long Does It Take To Charge a Car Battery While Driving?

Have you ever driven in your car and had the battery suddenly die? You weren’t certain how long it would take to charge the battery to get it going again? Do you wonder: how long does it take to charge a car battery while driving? The average car battery only has 200 cycles in its …

Can Throttle Position Sensor Affect Transmission Shifting?

The throttle position sensor is connected to a potentiometer which measures the amount of current flowing through it. When you press down on your accelerator pedal, more current flows through the potentiometer and into the ECU. This causes an increase in fuel and spark timing, which results in faster engine speed and power output. The …

Can I Use Brake Fluid for Power Steering Fluid?

You just took your car for a spin, and now you’re back home. You notice some leaking from the power steering pump, which is probably why your car makes those funny sounds when you turn. So, you’ve got to get some power steering fluid ASAP — but is brake fluid an acceptable substitute? Before you …

20 Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator Symptoms: Causes and Solutions

A faulty fuel pressure regulator is one of the most common reasons for a vehicle’s engine performance. It can lead to different problems, including a significant increase in fuel consumption and even stalling or engine damage. The bad fuel pressure regulator symptoms are usually hard to detect and may be confused with other issues with …

The Best Hybrid Trucks: A Complete Guide

The automotive world is quickly changing, and so have hybrid trucks. We once considered these trucks weird and aggressive, but now, they have improved to offer incredible performance and efficiency. If you’re worried about spending too much on gasoline or want an impressive hybrid truck, there are different top options. Let’s take a closer look …

How to Use a Floor Jack Like a Pro (Step-by-Step Guide)

One of the most valuable and essential tools that every car owner or person working in the automotive industry should have is a floor jack. A floor jack is a manually operated hydraulic lift used for partially elevating one side of a car or truck from the ground when doing maintenance or repairs. It usually …

15 Reasons Your Car Shakes When Accelerating + Solutions

Car shakes when accelerating? Even the best drivers experience this. It can feel like your drivetrain may go off at any moment, and it is a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to a serious problem. From broken/defective struts and poor quality aftermarket parts to improper balancing and alignment, you will understand why your car …

Car Won’t Start But Has Power: Causes and Solutions

If your car won’t start but has power, a few things might be causing the problem. In many cases, it can be a dead battery or a bad alternator, but you should avoid overlooking other culprits that might be causing the problem. This guide will look at why your car won’t start or turn over …

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?

If your car needs a paint job, the first thing you might wonder is, how much does it cost to paint a car? Although this depends on various factors, the cost ranges from about $300 to over $2,000. A basic paint job can be purchased for an average of $500, while a complete job will …

Key Stuck in Ignition: Common Causes and How to Fix It

If you ever had to deal with your key stuck in the ignition, you know how frustrating it is. And although you might be panicking at that moment, especially since you can’t leave the key while you go to work or into your home, you shouldn’t use brute force to get the key out. If …