Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Autotrader, advising consumers on the financial aspects of buying and selling cars, and sharing maintenance and ownership tips. His goal is to simplify complex topics to help readers make confident decisions. Chris spent nearly three decades in newspapers, including leading research departments at The Mercury News in California and Newsday in New York. After that, he was the How-to Guides Editor at The Wall Street Journal until moving to metro Atlanta. Chris has judged multiple Emmy Awards in News & Documentary categories. With two children under 10 years old, he's very familiar with the challenges of keeping minivans clean.

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.

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.