Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 175 articles
Joel is a dog lover, a foodie, and an automotive junkie. He’s usually tinkering away on one of his latest Craigslist finds or trying to find a new food spot on the weekends. His love for all things with an engine emerged at a young age, as he watched his father work on cars and has been obsessively chasing after them ever since. When not near a car or writing about one, he’s gaming, attending a baseball game, traveling, or watching a movie.
Simple garage organization tips for better car and motorcycle care
You don’t have to be wealthy to have a functional garage to work on projects and store bulky items. With these tips, you can have an organized garage.
The best tire chains for every vehicle (for when snow tires aren’t enough)
Need that extra bit of traction to get over unplowed snow-covered roads? Tire chains, like the ones on this list, can help you get through harsh winters.
Porsche, Land Cruiser, and more: 10 incredible cars that best define their automakers
These 10 game-changing cars from legacy brands like Jeep and Ford have set a high bar for automakers and modern vehicles.
The best beginner-friendly motorcycles for first-time buyers – consider a Honda, KTM, and others
Looking to dive into the world of motorcycles? These are our top picks for new riders that are just getting their bearings on being on two wheels.
Aprilia, MTT, Kawasaki, and more: This is what the fastest motorcycle in the world looks like now
With less wind resistance and a low-drag coefficient, motorcycles define speed. Here are the fastest bikes, from icons to turbine-powered monsters.
Get far, far off the beaten path with the best off-road vehicles on sale
Few things are as enjoyable as off-roading. If you're looking to escape the pavement, these are the best off-roaders worth shopping this year.
The 9 fastest cars in the world right now
With top speeds above 200 mph, these are the fastest cars in the world. Most of them have confirmed top-speed runs, making them the kings of speed.
2021 Land Rover Defender 90 First Edition Review
The new Land Rover Defender does things the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco can't, while maintaining the old model's attitude.
What’s the ideal amount of horsepower for a sports car?
From 707-horsepower Dodges to 205-horsepower Toyota 86 coupes, there's a wide array of horsepower available. But how much power is the perfect amount?
How to winterize a car: The ultimate checklist
Winterizing your car is a crucial thing to do if you live in one of the colder parts of the U.S. Here's a helpful guide on getting your car prepared for winter.
10 Modern-Day Cars Worthy of a Car Poster on Your Wall
These 10 cars are some of the prettiest and most radically designed vehicles on the road, which makes them perfect modern-day poster cars.
Chasing the Potomac River in a Toyota GR Supra
Snaking some 405 miles through three states, we fell in love with the new Toyota GR Supra as we chased the Potomac River.
The VW Atlas Cross Sport Is the Only Coupe SUV That Makes Sense in 2022
The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport is the first coupe-like SUV from a non-luxury brand. Unsurprisingly, we found it to make the most sense in the niche segment.
Gordon Murray T.50 Is a V12-Powered Sequel to the Legendary McLaren F1
With three seats, a manual gearbox, a scant weight of 2,174 pounds, and a 12,100 rpm redline, the T.50 is a modern take on the fabled McLaren F1.
2022 Kia K5 EX Review: A Surprisingly Excellent Sedan
So much better than the Kia Optima in so many ways, the all-new 2022 Kia K5 really showcases how far Kia has come.
2022 Genesis G80 Review: Ready To Be Recognized
Brand recognition may be an issue for Genesis, but the 2022 G80 is a bonafide luxury sedan that deserves acknowledgment.
9 of the Coolest Car Related Things at CES 2022
CES has become a hub for automakers to showcase advanced technology and new high-tech vehicles. Here are our top nine choices from CES 2022.
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, a Blast From the Past
By channeling the past, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance brings back the V8 in a comfortable, character-filled cruiser.
BMW’s In-Car Subscription Feature Is a No-Good, Terrible Idea
If BMW's new subscription program takes off, expect every feature in your next car to based on a subscription plan.
The 7 Best Car and SUV Tents in 2022
The days of having to pitch a tent in the middle of nowhere are gone. These seven tents attach to your car to help you enjoy being outdoors.
The 12 Best Car Air Fresheners to Buy for a Pleasant Drive
Whether you're driving a sports car or a trusty classic, every vehicle needs the best air fresheners to give it a fragrant, long-lasting makeover.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Still Good Fun
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI trades outright speed for everyday comfort and usable performance.
2023 Aston Martin DBX 707 Sets Its Sights on SUV Supremacy
With a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that makes 697 horsepower, Aston claims the DBX 707 is the fastest, most powerful SUV in the world.
2021 Lexus LS 500 Review: A Far Cry From the Original
The Lexus LS500 fits in with other large luxury sedans with a comfortable ride and an exquisite interior, but fails to wow like the original LS from the '90s.
2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: A 90-Year-Old Grandparent
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro can hang with the best off-roaders, but uncivilized road manners, outdated tech, and primordial underpinnings make it hard to love.
2022 Hyundai Veloster N Review: A Hot Hatch With Anger Issues
An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission brings an even more raucous side of the Hyundai Veloster N out. One that lets your inner child raise some hell.
The 710-HP 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Lets You Scare the Whole Family
Now, passengers in all three rows can experience the violent hilarity that is the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.
The Kia Niro EV Proves That Range Is No Longer the Issue
With 239 miles of real-world range thanks to a 64-kWh battery pack, the 2022 Kia Niro EV makes an excellent case for itself as a daily electric vehicle.
All You’ll Ever Need in 2022 Is a Volkswagen Golf GTI
Affordable, peppy, comfortable, and reliable, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI really begs the question of: why buy anything else?
The 2022 Kia Soul GT-Line Is a Lukewarm Hatchback Impersonating an SUV
Kia heavily updated the 2022 Soul, but the subcompact SUV continues to retain its lighthearted, fun-loving character.
The 9 Best Air Compressors in 2022
If you're looking to tackle some heavy-duty jobs on your car, an air compressor is a must. These are the best air compressors on the market.
2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Review: A Competent Family SUV
Too big, too powerful, and too old, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro may have the looks of being a capable off-roader, but feels lost on a tight trail.
SpeedKore’s Mid-Engine 1968 Dodge Charger is a Replica From ‘F9’
Have a dream of driving something that would make Dominic Toretto proud? This classic Charger is exactly like the one Vin Diesel drives in Fast and Furious 9.
2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road Review: A Formidable Jeep Wrangler Alternative
You don't need a Jeep Wrangler or a Toyota 4Runner if you want to go off-roading. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road is plenty capable, while being comfortable.
The 10 Best Car Wiper Blades to Buy in 2022
Don't wait until your windshield wipers start to streak. Replace your car's old, cracked windshield wiper blades this 2022 with one of these options.
Even an Automatic Transmission Can’t Ruin the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
A Mazda MX-5 Miata RF with an automatic transmission might not be the enthusiast choice, but it's still loads of fun.
10 Essential Motorcycle Gifts for Dads in 2022
Looking for a gift for the motorcycle rider in your life? These 10 gifts are sure to impress your dad on Father's Day.
2022 Kia Carnival Review: An Affordable Private Jet
The Carnival is a mobile amusement park with an interior that might be too nice for children. Get ready y’all, the minivan revolution is here.
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Goes Ballistic With 493-HP 911 GT3 Engine
Porsche finally shoved the 911 GT3’s engine into a Cayman, resulting in the bonkers 718 Cayman GT4 RS that's ready for the track.
Ferrari BR20 Is a One-off, V12-Powered Coupe Based on the GTC4Lusso
Ferrari’s Special Projects team took an unlikely candidate, the GTC4Lusso, and chopped the roof and jerked out the rear seats to create a gorgeous coupe.
Looking To Sell an Old Car? Here’s How To Get Top Dollar for It
While selling a car can be a challenging task, it doesn't have to be. The Manual provides you a checklist of things you should do when selling one.
Toyota Avalon TRD and Nissan Maxima SR Keep Large Sports Sedans Alive
You don't have to spend six figures on a sports sedan from Germany, because Toyota Avalon TRD and Nissan Maxima SR are more affordable options.
How to Winterize Your Car and Other Helpful Winter Tips
Winterizing your car is a crucial thing to do if you live in one of the colder parts of the U.S. Here's a helpful guide on getting your car prepared for winter.
Bugatti Solidifies Its Spot as Hypercar King With Track-Only Bolide
The radical, track-only Bugatti Bolide concept that came out in December 2020 will actually be put into production.
10 of the Coolest LEGO Car Sets for Enthusiasts
Looking for a model that you can build and put on display? Here are LEGO car kits we love.
The 10 Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Auto Enthusiast
Struggling to find your dad a Father's Day gift? Here are 10 ideas that are perfect for an auto enthusiast.
6 Cars You Could’ve Bought With the First C8 Corvette’s Budget
Here, are the six cars we would’ve bought instead of the first C8 Corvette, using the same budget. We have listed them from most to least expensive.
Lamborghini Says Farewell to the Aventador With the LP780-4 Ultimae
After 10 longs years of being Lamborghini’s halo car, the limited edition Ultimae marks the end of the line for the Aventador.
Rolls-Royce Returns To Coachbuilding the Nautical-Inspired Boat Tail
Only three examples of the nautical-themed drop-top will be built, with each one rumored to be carrying a hefty $28 million price tag.
2020 Ford F-250 Tremor Review: A Tonka Truck For Adults
The 2020 Ford F-250 Tremor brings immense off-roading capability and serious towing capacity. It's not cheap, but it'll make you feel like a kid again.