Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book 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 panelist for the 44th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards competition. He has two children under eight years old, so he’s very familiar with the challenges of keeping minivans clean.

Advice

9 Tips for Driving and Charging an EV in Hot Weather

Chris Hardesty - March 25, 2025

Learn how to maximize your EV’s performance in hot weather. Get essential tips on planning routes, charging efficiently, and maintaining your battery for optimal range and longevity.

Advice

Air Purifiers for Cars: Everything You Need to Know

Chris Hardesty - March 24, 2025

Discover how car air purifiers and built-in HEPA filters can improve your driving experience by removing allergens, pollutants, and respiratory irritants.

Advice

How Much Is the Typical Car Down Payment?

Chris Hardesty - March 21, 2025

Learn the ins and outs of car down payments: what’s average (20%), why it matters, and how it affects loan terms and monthly payments. Discover tips to balance your down payment with overall financial health.

Night vision display in a car's instrument cluster.

Advice

Night Vision in a Vehicle: Is It Worth It?

Chris Hardesty - March 20, 2025

Night vision is a safety feature in cars that aids the driver’s vision in low-light conditions beyond the reach of the headlights.

Advice

What is Wheel Alignment?

Chris Hardesty - March 18, 2025

Learn how wheel alignment prevents uneven tire wear, helps ensure safety, and avoids costly repairs. Symptoms, costs ($100-$200 avg), and maintenance tips to extend tire life and stay safe on the road.

Removing the red clamp from a battery's positive terminal after jump-starting a car.

Advice

How To Jump-Start a Car in 6 Steps

Chris Hardesty - March 17, 2025

Learn to jump-start a car quickly and safely with our step-by-step guide. Learn correct jumper cable connection order to jump a dead battery and get back on the road fast.

Advice

Here’s How Much the Average Car Repair Now Costs

Chris Hardesty - March 13, 2025

Auto repair costs average $838 across all makes and models. Learn maintenance tips to avoid costly fixes and compare repair estimates for EVs, luxury cars, and budget models.

Advice

Electric Cars for Younger Drivers: Starter EVs You Need to Consider

Chris Hardesty - March 12, 2025

Discover the best electric cars for teenagers with tips on affordability, safety features, charging options, and practical considerations for young drivers.

Advice

Car Dealer Incentives Defined

Chris Hardesty - March 11, 2025

Unlock new car savings with cash rebates, low APR, and lease deals. Use our expert tips on timing purchases, negotiation, and avoiding hidden costs.

Advice

How Do I Know If My Spark Plugs Need Replacing?

Chris Hardesty - March 07, 2025

Identify failing spark plugs with symptoms like rough idling, poor acceleration, or engine misfires. Learn how often to change (25k–100k+ miles based on type) and why consulting your owner’s manual is crucial.