Theodore Roosevelt

"Cars aren't just machines. They're freedom, memory, and a little bit of grease under your fingernails."

I'm Theodore Roosevelt—though my friends just call me "Ted" (and no, I'm not related to the president, though I do share his love for adventure). I grew up in Detroit in the 1970s, back when the city was still the heart of the American auto industry. My first love was a rusted-out 1967 Mustang my father and I rebuilt in our garage when I was fifteen. That project taught me that cars have souls. After spending twenty years as a mechanic and another ten writing for magazines, I started this blog to help everyday drivers and weekend wrenchers feel confident under the hood. Whether you're restoring a classic or just trying to keep your daily driver alive for one more winter, I'm here to help you get there.

Black Rhino Sentinel 17×8.5: Tough & Trail-Ready Wheels

October 6, 2026 by Theodore Roosevelt

Black Rhino Sentinel 17x8.5: Tough & Trail-Ready Wheels

We spent a lot of time researching wheels for lifted platforms before landing on this one, and the Black Rhino Hard Alloys SENTINEL 17X8.5 5X5.0 4.0418mm…

How to Replace Tail Light Cover on a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

October 6, 2026 by Theodore Roosevelt

A cracked or broken tail light cover on a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be dealt with before moisture, dirt, or further damage reaches the lamp. The important first step is figuring out what is actually broken. What many drivers call a tail light cover may be the outer bezel, the red lens/housing, or the … Read more

RockTrix RT109 17-Inch Wheels for Jeep Wrangler: The

October 5, 2026 by Theodore Roosevelt

You have been scrolling through wheel listings for hours, trying to find something that looks aggressive without looking cheap, and something that actually…

Best Loaded Rubicon Mats for Jeep Owners in Napa, CA: 4 Amazon Picks That Fit

October 5, 2026 by Theodore Roosevelt

If you landed here after searching for Loaded Rubicon Mats Jeep Napa CA, the hard part is not finding a floor mat. It is finding one that actually matches your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Rubicon mats are not one-size-fits-all. A gas-powered Wrangler JL, Wrangler 4xe, two-door model, four-door model, and a Jeep with a cargo-area subwoofer … Read more

How Do You Put a Jeep Gladiator Into Four-Wheel Drive?

October 5, 2026 by Theodore Roosevelt

Putting a Jeep Gladiator into four-wheel drive is simple once you understand the transfer-case positions. For most Gladiators with part-time 4WD, move the transfer-case lever from 2H to 4H when you need extra traction on snow, mud, gravel, sand, or another loose or slippery surface. You can normally make the shift while stopped or while … Read more