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.

Blurred and shaky car lights and traffic.

Advice

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

Chris Hardesty - May 29, 2025

Is you car shaking when braking, accelerating, or idling? Learn the common causes, potential repair costs, and when to see a mechanic to keep your ride smooth and safe.

Advice

How to Exit an Electric Car if the Battery Dies

Chris Hardesty - May 28, 2025

Worried about getting stuck in your car if the battery dies? Learn how to manually open electronic car doors and locate emergency release levers for safe exits in any vehicle.

Advice

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

Chris Hardesty - May 27, 2025

Get our expert tips on oil changes, including how often to change your oil, the benefits of synthetic vs. conventional oil. Learn how regular oil changes improve engine life and keep your car running smoothly.

Advice

Traction Control System: How it Works and When to Use It

Chris Hardesty - May 23, 2025

Keep safe in slippery conditions with your car’s traction control system. Learn how TCS works, when to use or turn it off, what dashboard warning lights mean, and how it differs from stability control.

A car mounted with temporary donut spare tire.

Advice

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Chris Hardesty - May 21, 2025

Learn how far and how fast you can safely drive on a compact spare tire, the differences between dount and full-size spares, and essential tips for handling flat ties and run-flats.

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 - May 19, 2025

Follow our simple steps to learn how to jump-start your car and be prepared for the inconvenient time when a car battery dies.

Person signing paperwork for buying a car.

Advice

What Are Destination Charges?

Chris Hardesty - May 02, 2025

Learn what a destination charge is when buying a new car, why it’s a mandatory, non-negotiable fee, and how it’s calculated and displayed separately from the MSRP on every vehicle’s window sticker.

Advice

VIN Decoder: The Essentials Explained

Chris Hardesty - April 29, 2025

Learn what a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is, where to find it on your car, and how to decode the 17-character code. Use a VIN check for car history and recalls.

Advice

Car Leasing Guide: How to Lease a Vehicle in 2025

Chris Hardesty - April 22, 2025

Explore car leasing with our guide covering pros and cons versus buying, negotiating costs like money factor, mileage caps, key terms, and responsibilities.

Advice

Are Electric Cars Low-Maintenance?

Chris Hardesty - April 08, 2025

Discover why EVs require less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles. Learn about lower costs, fewer moving parts, and simplified service schedules for EVs, including brake pad longevity and no need for oil changes.