Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Kelley Blue Book, 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.

General

Why You Should Wash Wildfire Ash Off Your Car

Chris Hardesty - August 07, 2026

Wildfire ash can quietly damage you car’s paint, trip, and glass. Learn when to wash, how to clean it safely, and whether automatic car washes are OK after wildfire ash exposure.

Windshield wipers leaving streaks on window.

Advice

How to Change Wiper Blades

Chris Hardesty - July 31, 2026

Learn how to change your car’s wiper blades with this step-by-step guide. Get tips on choosing the right blades, proper installation, and when to replace them for clear visibility and safer driving in any weather.

Advice

Electric Car Rebates and Incentives: What to Know by State

Chris Hardesty - July 21, 2026

Explore current EV rebates, tax credits, charger incentives, and electricity discounts with this state-by-state guide to electric vehicle savings.

Advice

Run-Flat Tires: Pros and Cons

Chris Hardesty - July 13, 2026

Run-flat tires let you keep driving after some punctures, but they cost more and may ride firmer. Compare the pro, cons, and repair options.

General

Child Car Safety Seats: Things to Consider When Choosing a New Car

Chris Hardesty - July 10, 2026

What to check before buying a family car, including car seat fit, LATCH access, front-to-back space, booster use, and daily child-seat needs.

Advice

How to Prevent Hail Damage and Protect Your Car

Chris Hardesty - July 08, 2026

Learn how to prevent car hail damage, what size hail can damage a vehicle, and what to do about repairs and insurance claims after a storm.

Advice

Test-Driving a Car: A Checklist

Chris Hardesty - June 26, 2026

Use this test-drive checklist to evaluate a car’s comfort, features, cargo space, technology, performance, and warning signs before you buy.

Advice

1926: The Used Car Market Got a Pricing Foundation

Chris Hardesty - June 23, 2026

A dealer’s buy list became a pricing manual in 1926 that helped standardize used-car values. Tracing Kelley Blue Book’s rise as the trusted reference back to its 1918 Los angels roots.

Advice

A Hot Car Can Turn Deadly in Minutes

Chris Hardesty - June 11, 2026

Hot car deaths can happen in minutes. Learn the risks, warning signs, prevention tips, and what to do if you see a child alone in a vehicle.

Advice

Preparing Your Car for a Hurricane: An Emergency Checklist

Chris Hardesty - June 02, 2026

Prepare your car for hurricane season with maintenance tips, storage advice, EV precautions, and an emergency kit checklist for safer evacuations.