Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, advising consumers on the financial aspects of buying and selling cars, educating shoppers on safety features in today’s automobiles, and sharing maintenance and ownership tips. 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 was a judge for multiple Emmy Awards News & Documentary competitions. With two children under 10 years old, he’s very familiar with the challenges of keeping minivans clean.

General

Preparing Your Car for a Hurricane: An Emergency Checklist

Chris Hardesty - July 15, 2025

Get expert tips to prepare you car for the 2025 hurricane season. Learn essential maintenance, emergency kits, and storm protection steps.

Advice

Key Fob Replacement: What You Need to Know

Chris Hardesty - July 14, 2025

Replace your car key fob with ease–learn about types, features, costs, programming, battery changes, and what to do if your fob dies. Get expert tips to save money and avoid dealership hassles.

Advice

What to Do if Your Car Is Flooded: 8 Steps You Must Take

Chris Hardesty - July 11, 2025

Car sitting in floodwater? Learn the 8 critical steps — from safety to insurance claims — to minimize damage and avoid costly mistakes in 2025.

Advice

Should I Get a Rebuilt or Remanufactured Engine?

Chris Hardesty - July 11, 2025

Learn key differences between rebuilt and remanufactured engines, their pros and cons, costs, and which option is best for your situation.

Advice

How Do I Know If My Spark Plugs Need Replacing?

Chris Hardesty - July 10, 2025

Learn when to replace spark plugs, signs of wear, types of plugs, costs, and maintenance tips to keep you engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Advice

Car Emissions Testing and Inspections: Vehicle Inspections by State

Chris Hardesty - July 08, 2025

Learn what car inspections you need where you live. We’ll tell you about what states require safety, VIN, and emissions inspections.

Advice

Average Miles Driven Per Year: Why It Is Important

Chris Hardesty - July 07, 2025

See latest data on average miles driven per year and how it impacts insurance rates. Learn state-by-state differences, demographic trends, and how your driving habits can save you money on insurance.

Advice

Vehicle History Report: Everything You Need to Know

Chris Hardesty - June 25, 2025

Learn how a vehicle history report helps you check for accidents, ownership, mileage, and hidden issues to make an informed used car purchase.

Advice

Types of Gasoline Explained: Learn the Differences

Chris Hardesty - June 24, 2025

Get expert advice on choosing the right gasoline for your car. Learn about octane ratings, fuel types, price differences, and when, if ever, you should use premium.

Advice

Gifting a Car: Learn What to Do

Chris Hardesty - June 18, 2025

Easily transfer ownership of a gifted or inherited car with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to verify ownership, draft a bill of sale, transfer the title, and understand gift tax and inheritance laws for a smooth, legal process.