RENEE VALDES

Renee Valdes is an experienced journalist and editor, specializing in the art of buying and selling cars in an ever-changing world. Valdes also edits and authors stories about the ins and outs of car insurance from a consumer’s perspective. When she is not editing or penning the latest automobile advice, Valdes is enjoying photography, car camping and kayaking with her family, or spending time digging in her garden.

F-150 Lightning Platinum in white

Towing with Electric Vehicles: Everything You Need to Know

RENEE VALDES-May 8, 2023February 4, 2025

If you’re towing behind an electric vehicle, you’ll want to know how to get the most capacity while making the most of your mileage.

Synthetic oil change for your car

Oil Change: How Often, How Much, How Long Service Takes?

RENEE VALDES-April 13, 2023February 8, 2025

How often you change your oil depends on your car. We’ll tell you what you need to know.

Rotating tires

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

RENEE VALDES-February 28, 2023February 8, 2025

Tire rotation is an essential part of regular car maintenance.

Manual mode in a 2022 Nissan Rogue

Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode Explained

RENEE VALDES-August 12, 2022February 5, 2025

Shopping for a car and wondering what an automatic transmission with manual mode is? We’ll get you all the details.

2022 Kia EV6 Electric Car

Regenerative Brakes: How to Improve Your Range

RENEE VALDES-July 15, 2022February 5, 2025

Find out about regenerative braking, how they benefit drivers, including improve gas mileage.

Audi's blind-spot monitoring system

What Is Blind-Spot Monitoring and How Does It Work?

RENEE VALDES-December 6, 2021February 8, 2025

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) systems are one of the most important safety advancements in history.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

What Is Rear-Wheel Drive in Cars?

RENEE VALDES-October 26, 2021February 8, 2025

Shopping for cars and wondering what “rear-wheel drive” or “RWD” means? Here is what you need to know.

2020 Kia Sorento

Buying a Car: Should I Avoid the First Model Year?

RENEE VALDES-July 9, 2021February 5, 2025

Is it really true that buying a new car in its first model year is a bad idea? We examine this claim to find out.