Car Maintenance in May 2025: Exhaust Systems, Suspension, and Engine Tips
When it comes to keeping your car running smoothly, car maintenance, the routine checks and repairs that keep your vehicle safe and efficient. Also known as vehicle upkeep, it’s not about fancy gadgets—it’s about knowing what actually matters under the hood. In May 2025, our most-read posts dug into the real stuff: what works, what doesn’t, and what you can fix yourself without paying a shop $150 just to look at it.
One big theme? exhaust system, the pathway that moves engine gases out of your car, affecting performance, sound, and even fuel efficiency. Also known as exhaust setup, it’s more than just a loud pipe. People kept asking if exhaust tips add horsepower or if a 4-inch pipe is better than a 5-inch one. The answer? Mostly no—unless the rest of your system is tuned right. A shiny tip won’t fix a clogged catalytic converter. And if you’re thinking about swapping your whole exhaust, we broke down what materials last, what sounds too loud for your neighborhood, and what might even get you pulled over.
Then there’s suspension, the system that connects your wheels to the frame, absorbing bumps and keeping tires on the road. Also known as ride control, it’s often ignored until your car feels like a washing machine on gravel. We covered how to tell if it’s your shocks, springs, or bushings going bad—no lift needed. You can spot worn suspension just by driving slowly over a bump and watching how your car reacts. And if your car pulls to one side or bounces like a basketball, it’s not just the tires. Ignoring it isn’t saving money—it’s inviting a bigger repair.
Engine oil came up again and again. Can you top off old oil with new? Is SAE 30 okay instead of 10w30? The truth? Mixing oils isn’t always a disaster, but it’s not a fix. The wrong viscosity can hurt your engine over time, especially in cold weather. We showed you how to read the label so you’re not just picking the cheapest bottle on the shelf. And while we’re talking engines, spark plugs matter more than you think. Cracked plugs? They don’t just cause misfires—they can damage your cylinder head. Replacing them isn’t expensive, but waiting too long is.
Clutch jobs and flywheels? We cut through the shop’s upsell. You don’t always need a new flywheel when replacing the clutch—but you need to check it. A warped or cracked flywheel will ruin a brand-new clutch in weeks. And if you’ve ever tried shifting without the clutch, you’re either brave or reckless. We explained why it works in theory, and why it’s a one-way ticket to transmission trouble.
And yes, we even answered the question no one wants to admit they ask: Where’s the filter on my outside AC unit? Spoiler: it’s probably not there. Most outdoor units don’t have them. The real filter? Inside your house. Skip the guesswork—here’s where to look.
Everything in this collection is from real车主 experiences—not theory, not marketing fluff. If you’re tired of being told what you ‘should’ do and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place. Below are the most helpful guides from May 2025. No fluff. Just facts you can use before your next repair.
