You’re driving home from work one day when the check engine light pops on. It comes on without warning and offers no explanation. What do you do?

We spend a lot on Petrol. Just filling up once a week sets you back some serious cash when you add it all up.

Picture this: you wake up and realise you're out of milk for your crucial morning coffee. Bugger. You grab your keys, pop into your car, drive down to the shops, jump out of your car without locking it and dash in to get your glorious carton of milk. Believe it or not, you've just broken the law.

Some people keep nothing in their cars. Others look like a dumping ground that they're squatting in.

It's important to keep the right things in there so you're prepared for a breakdown or emergency. Here's 20 things to replace the old McDonald's wrappers with.

If you really can't let go of the office, even for a drive up the road, BMW has partnered with Microsoft to release the most expensive Skype accessory on the market. Selected BMW 5-Series cars with the Bavarian car maker's iDrive system can now use Skype for Business, as well as Office 365, while in transit.

We all know how to carry an infant car seat, right? You loop your arm through the handle, rest it on the inside crook of your elbow, and let it hang. Then later you pop an Panadol for the wrist, neck and back pain induced by dragging around at least 9kg at an awkward angle.

If you have kids that like to play with LEGO toys, here's an easy way for them to bring their favourite toys on the road. All you need is an empty DVD case.

Trailer backing isn’t as easy as some make it out to be. In fact, it can be very difficult. When backing a trailer many people make the mistake of either turning too sharply or not turning the right way which can lead to the trailer jack knifing on itself. If you’ve been in this predicament before, then here’s a quick guide on how to back a trailer properly without running the risk of jack-knifing it.

From speedy sports cars to formidable four-wheel drives (4WDs), there are many reasons why vehicle owners are compelled to make modifications to their rides. But it's not a free for all; unlike the US where vehicle modification laws are more lax, Australia is fairly strict and navigating all the rules and regulations in this area can be challenging. Which is why Lifehacker Australia will attempt to demystify the laws surrounding vehicle modifications over the next few weeks. Today, we will look at the legalities around raising or lowering your automobile.

Carry a smartphone, tablet, and more with you on the road? Quickly charge your USB-powered devices at the same time with the High Speed 4-Port USB Universal Car Charger. This convenient device makes travelling a cinch and is available to Lifehacker Australia readers for only $27 AUD , a savings of 59% off RRP.

Video: Adam Savage, of Mythbusters fame and now at Tested, needed a car seat for his dogs that could go right in the back of his brand new car -- one that would protect the leather interior, but still be thick and sturdy enough not to move around when they get boisterous. He made this, and it works like a charm.

One of the biggest purchases you'll make in your life is a car. Obviously you'd want to keep the paint job in tip top condition so you can admire it and to retain its resale value. While some wear and tear on your car is inevitable, you may be doing things that inadvertently ruin the paint job without even realising. We look at eight common paint problems that are easily preventable.

Expand the amount of space you have to store drinks, snacks and other small items in your car by sticking a few suction cup shower caddies to the windows. It's cheap, easy and great whether your passengers are kids or adults on a road trip.

If you keep your purse on the passenger seat, you know it can go flying if you brake hard or stop suddenly, your things ending up an annoying mess all over the floor and under the seats. Luckily, all you need to keep your bag upright is a scarf.

It's one of the worst feelings in the world. You get into your car. You put the key in the ignition, turn. And nothing. Dead.

What do you do? If you're alone you might have to chase down some stranger and beg for a jump start. That's if you even have jump leads. This handy new piece of gear allows you to jump start on your lonesome.

Android: Car dashboard apps are easy to come by, but hard to do well. AutoMate manages to pull it off, with an easy-to-use dashboard of handy features that help make driving easier.

If you use a dashcam or screen mounted GPS in your car, keeping the cables controlled can be a real pain. Here's a simple fix.

The V8 Supercars competition is entirely built around the concept of speed. However, without proper communication tools in place, the whole event can get congested, resulting in one hell of a pileup. Peter Trimble, V8 Supercars' director of finance, learned this to his chagrin while working with the company's hopelessly outmoded on-premises software -- a lingering legacy of the company's humble start-up roots.

Pressing the button on your key fob to unlock your car is so last millennium. This nifty modification will have your car unlocking itself as you walk up to it.