A small hole in your car seat can be a real downer. It's not worth replacing the seat or paying hundreds of dollars to have an upholstery shop work their magic, but it still bothers you every time you look at that little tab of torn material. I'm sure you've seen many of the leather and vinyl repair kits advertised, but did you know that they actually work? We've tested a few of them and found them to be adequate for repairing most small tears. Results will surely vary, but check out our experience with leather repair and decide for yourself!

The world of auto repair is no stranger to the wive's tale. Every mechanic has a few, and some have a whole shop full of odd pieces of advice that may or may not work. Did you know that there was a time when drivers would carry pepper to repair a radiator leak? It's true. And it worked. It might still work, although you're looking at a yucky clean-up afterward. If you know of any automotive voodoo remedies, share them with us!

One of the most common complaints I hear as readers dive into this site is, "My car won't start." There's no more immediate reason to seek help and answers. The good news is we are on top of things around here, and can help you diagnose a no-start problem from start to finish. Check out this helpful no-start troubleshooting guide and you'll get things cranking -- and firing -- in no time.

Before you head out on a hot weather trip, be sure your car or truck is up to the task. After all, nothing turns a good day bad like jellyfish, or a side-of-the-road breakdown. If you're planning some driving trips this summer, take care of your summer maintenance before you hit the road. You'll thank yourself profusely.