Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is an author specializing in general car tips and electric vehicles. He spent more than 25 years in newspapers, including leading editorial research efforts at The News & Observer in North Carolina, The Mercury News in California, and Newsday in New York. After that, he was an online news editor at The Wall Street Journal before moving to the Atlanta area. He didn’t have a vehicle while living in New York City, but suburban life has given Chris the need for a multipurpose Chrysler Pacifica to haul children and plywood.

Homeowner charging an electric car.

Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?

Chris Hardesty-October 7, 2024February 5, 2025

Knowing whether to charge your EV each night is a need or not is crucial information before buying an electric car. Find out more.

Downpayment on a car

How Much Money Should You Put Down on a Car?

Chris Hardesty-September 9, 2024December 3, 2024

Determining the right down payment for a new or used car loan or a new car lease depends on more than just the buyer’s finances.

towing-repossessed-vehicle

Car Repossession: How Many Payments Can You Miss?

Chris Hardesty-July 26, 2024February 8, 2025

If you may miss a car payment, you’ll need this information to find out how car repossession works.

A person cleaning a car engine.

Should You Consider a Car With an Engine Replacement?

Chris Hardesty-July 19, 2024November 18, 2024

So you’ve found a used car that had an engine replacement: Should you consider it? We have some suggestions.

Mechanic pouring motor oil

Should You Get Your Oil Changes at a Dealership?

Chris Hardesty-June 27, 2024February 27, 2025

An oil change is a simple procedure — so do you have to go to a dealership for it? Here’s our take.

Love bugs on front of a Ford Fusion

How to Clean Lovebugs from Your Car

Chris Hardesty-May 23, 2024February 5, 2025

Find out all about how to deal with lovebugs on your car. Debris from lovebugs can damage the paint or reduce visibility.

Blue Volvo Recharge at a charging station

Do I Have to Pay to Charge My Electric Car?

Chris Hardesty-April 19, 2024February 8, 2025

Did you ever wonder if you pay to charge your electric car? Learn about costs per kilowatt-hour and prices in your area.

Car Title

How to Transfer a Car Title

Chris Hardesty-April 3, 2024February 25, 2025

If selling a car, you’ll need to know about transferring the car title, whether online or to its new owner.

Gas pumps

What Kind of Gas Does My Car Take?

Chris Hardesty-March 27, 2024February 25, 2025

Regular, premium or midgrade? Our guide will help you decide what kind of fuel to put in your car.

Rubber ducks on dashboard of blue Jeep.

What’s Up With Jeep Ducks?

Chris Hardesty-March 22, 2024February 25, 2025

We provide the background of why there are so many ducks in Jeep windows.