TheFixCar.com

Editorial Policy

How we work

Editorial Policy

Every article on TheFixCar goes through a defined process before it's published — and a defined process when something needs correcting. Here's exactly how that works.

On this page
  1. Editorial standards
  2. Review process
  3. Author roles
  4. Corrections policy

Editorial standards

TheFixCar publishes practical, accurate automotive content for drivers who want to understand their vehicle. Our editorial guidelines:

  • Accuracy first. Every factual claim is traceable to a primary or authoritative source — manufacturer specs, government databases (NHTSA, EPA, BLS, DOE), or published technical standards. Speculation is labelled as such.
  • No sponsored editorial. Advertiser relationships do not influence recommendations or editorial content. Affiliate links are disclosed where present.
  • Plain language. We write for the driver who wants to understand their car. Technical terms are explained on first use.
  • Current information. Specifications, recall data, and pricing references are reviewed at publication. Significant changes trigger an update, not a new article.
  • Honest about risk. Safety information is presented clearly and proportionately. We give readers an accurate picture, not a dramatised one.

Review process

Articles follow a three-stage workflow before publishing:

  1. Draft & research. The assigned author researches the topic using primary sources and writes the initial draft. Key claims are tagged with supporting sources, linked in the Sources section at the bottom of each article.
  2. Technical review. A second contributor with relevant credentials reads the draft for accuracy. Engine, transmission, and diagnostic articles are reviewed by a certified technician. Handling, tyres, and chassis articles go through our suspension specialist. The reviewer approves or returns the draft with corrections.
  3. Editorial pass. The final draft is checked for clarity and structure. Source links are verified live before publishing.

Articles on safety-critical topics — brakes, tyre condition, electrical faults — receive additional scrutiny and are held to the most conservative interpretation of available evidence.

Author roles

Each contributor works within a defined area of expertise. Technical content is not published without review from a qualified specialist in that domain.

Marcus Holt ASE-Certified Technician

Fifteen years in automotive diagnostics, including four years doing warranty diagnostics at a Chevrolet dealership in Scottsdale before opening an independent shop in Tempe in 2019. Trained at UTI Phoenix and ASE-certified across multiple categories. Specialises in electrical faults, ECM diagnostics, and intermittent failures on trucks and SUVs. Primary technical reviewer for all engine and drivetrain content.

Derek Winslow ASE Master Technician

Owner of a five-bay shop in Denver focused on European imports. Spent a decade as lead technician on Volkswagens and BMWs before buying the business from his mentor in 2018. ASE Master Technician with L1 Advanced Engine Performance certification. European drivetrain diagnostics follows different logic than domestic work, and his content reflects that depth. Primary reviewer for all European import and diagnostic content.

Ray Donovan Fleet Maintenance Expert

Twelve years managing the maintenance of sixty-two commercial delivery vehicles for a logistics operation outside Chicago. Fleet maintenance at that scale demands precision: failure data drives service intervals, and early identification of degradation patterns is what keeps vehicles operational. Left fleet operations in 2021. Covers scheduled maintenance, preventive service, and the economics of keeping high-mileage vehicles reliable.

Jamie Kowalski Service Advisor

Eight years as a service advisor at high-volume dealerships, developing expertise in translating technical findings into decisions customers can act on. Started as a lube technician before moving to the service counter, bringing direct knowledge of both sides of the repair process. Coverage focuses on what to fix now versus later, how to evaluate repair estimates, and navigating warranties and service contracts from the owner's perspective.

Tyler Brandt Chassis & Handling Specialist

Track-day driver and chassis tuning specialist with experience building and sorting multiple track cars. Deep focus on suspension geometry, corner weights, spring and damper selection, and tyre behaviour at and near the limit. Has sorted setups for other drivers across a range of platforms. Covers handling characteristics, tyre selection, suspension setup, and chassis dynamics. Technical claims outside his domain are reviewed by Marcus Holt before publication.

Corrections policy

We make mistakes. When we do, we correct them transparently and promptly.

  • Minor corrections (typos, broken links, unit errors) are fixed within 48 hours of being flagged.
  • Factual corrections are fixed and noted at the top of the article with the date and what changed.
  • Significant errors affecting the safety or usefulness of the advice may result in the article being unpublished while under review.

To flag an error, use the contact form. Include the article URL and, if possible, a link to the source that contradicts what we wrote. We read every message.