Auto Essentials Archives

Hidden tire wear can pose a safety risk

September 27, 2026 8:13 AM Matthew Pearce

For safety reasons, it’s important to make sure your car is working properly. From the engine to the tires, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become safety hazards.

Desert heat wave puts extra pressure on tires for valley residents

March 19, 2026 10:14 AM Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As temperatures in the Coachella Valley climb into the triple digits, the extreme heat is doing more than making people uncomfortable, it’s putting added stress on vehicles, especially tires. Heat can significantly impact tire safety, increasing internal pressure as air expands, about one PSI for every 10-degree rise in temperature.

Prepare your car ahead of Fourth of July travel surge

June 23, 2025 5:18 AM Allie Anthony

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – If you’re planning to hit the road for a vacation, make sure your car is ready to go. With the Fourth of July approaching, AAA estimates 4.3 million Southern Californians will travel by car during the holiday weekend. With temperatures climbing, summer road trips can take a toll on your

California’s plan to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035 could soon hit dead end

May 20, 2025 10:56 AM CNN Newsource

By Steve Large Click here for updates on this story SACRAMENTO, California (KOVR) — California’s plan to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035 could be hitting a dead end by next week. The U.S. Senate is set to take a controversial vote next week on whether or not to lift that ban. It comes as

Breaking down Leno’s Law: California bill advances to ease smog rules for classic cars

April 11, 2025 4:20 PM Garrett Hottle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) A bill backed by comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno is picking up speed in the California Legislature. Senate Bill 712 or Leno’s Law passed the Senate Transportation Committee this week with bipartisan support. Supporters say the measure is a common-sense update aimed at preserving California’s classic car culture, but its critics

10 signs your car might be a lemon

April 10, 2025 12:34 AM Stacker

The Barry Law Firm explains that if you have tried repeatedly without success to have a repair made that the manufacturer’s warranty covers, your car may be a lemon, as California’s Lemon Law defines it and you may have a Lemon Law case.

Customers rushing to buy cars ahead of Trump’s auto tariffs

April 2, 2025 7:07 PM Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A surge in sales. In response to President Donald Trump imposing 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles and auto parts, some customers, like Randy Wyszynski, said they’re buying now to avoid potential price hikes. “My wife said you better get it because prices are going to go up and tariffs are

Car insurance rates in California

April 1, 2025 12:34 AM Stacker

Way compiled statistics on car insurance in California.