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.

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.

X-ray view of an electric car's working parts

Electric Car Maintenance: 7 Things to Know

Chris Hardesty-March 6, 2024April 25, 2025

Get to know what you can expect when maintaining your electric car.

electric car at charging station

Electric Car Charging Types: 4 Things You Must Know

Chris Hardesty-March 5, 2024April 25, 2025

Get tips on what you need to know about charger types before buying a new or used electric car.

2010 Honda Accord Coupe in red.

Buying a Used Car Under $10,000: Should You Do It?

Chris Hardesty-February 29, 2024February 8, 2025

Find out what you need to know and look out for when buying a used car under $10,000.

Car window sticker with MSRP, the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

What Does MSRP Mean?

Chris Hardesty-February 8, 2024February 8, 2025

We explain exactly what an MSRP is, along with a few other pricing-related terms you should know before going to a dealership.

Car dealer calculate interest rate and costs of car loan with calculator, explaining details to customer on term and agreement in dealership office.

Car Loan and Lease Terms for Vehicle Buying

Chris Hardesty-January 30, 2024November 21, 2024

Find out what terms you need to know and the lengths of loans for car buying.

A person pumping gas into car.

What Happens if You Overfill Your Gas Tank?

Chris Hardesty-December 27, 2023February 8, 2025

Adding more fuel after the pump “clicks” to indicate a full tank is a habit that can cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

A person using computer for car shopping.

Facebook Marketplace Cars: What You Need to Know

Chris Hardesty-December 19, 2023July 16, 2025

Facebook Marketplace has a familiar interface for shopping, but it lacks the security of using Private Seller Exchange to buy a car.

Vehicle with dark rear license plate.

License Plate Cover: Is It Legal?

Chris Hardesty-December 13, 2023February 5, 2025

Smokey gray tint has a cool stealth look but covering a license plate likely violates traffic laws.