Dan Leadbetter

Staff Writer

Dan Leadbetter is a Staff Writer and Feature Writer for dealnews. As a long time automotive fanatic and car audio enthusiast, Dan's favorite question is, "You're not going to leave it stock, are you?" That being said, Dan is always looking for the next great thing that'll make your car that much greater. Dan is also one of the panel members for the prestigious dealnews podcast. Before coming to dealnews, Dan worked as a magazine editor and photojournalist for several monthly automotive titles for Primedia, McMullen & Yee Publishing, and Challenge Publications, as well as co-founding AutoSound & Security Magazine and Smart Electronics Magazine. An early adopter in multimedia during the mid-90's, Dan was also a writer on several interactive multimedia music CD titles, including "Herbie Hancock presents Living Jazz." Dan enjoys comedy (he was a runner-up in "Showtime's Funniest Person in America Competition," Northern California division in 1982), playing drums, watching horror films, fine cigars, and Absinthe.

Dan Leadbetter’s Most Recent Features

Dude, You Must Chill!: The Cost of Cooling Your Car When the A/C Goes AWOL

This summer's record-breaking heat has been making headlines for weeks. But what'll you do if the A/C in your car goes caput? Here are a few ways to stay cool in your car sans air conditioning.

Pimpin' Your PC: Cheap, Do-It-Yourself Computer Modifications

The personal computer has almost replaced the automobile with regard to being the first thing a kid customizes. We all know how to upgrade to a faster processor, more RAM, etc. But have you thought about DIY customization to your PC's looks?

Water on the Brain: A Guide to Cooling Your PC with Liquid

It may seem crazy, but when it comes to your desktop computer, water and electricity can actually work in your favor. The PC modding community has been water-cooling their personal computers for years, and it's caught on to the point that major manufacturers are selling self-contained water cooling kits. We dish out the details as to why, and how you can try the trend out for yourself.

A Guide to Selecting the Best Motor Oil for Your Car

Walk into the oil section of your local auto shop and chances are you'll face a mind-numbing selection of motor oils in a variety of grades from a plethora of manufacturers. It can be difficult to tell each apart, but we've set out to help you determine which motor oil is best for your beloved auto.

Don't Touch the Volume: How to Boost Car Stereo Sound Without New Speakers

The best way to improve your car's stereo system? It isn't exactly what you think. While new speakers and amplifiers are surefire ways to make your stereo louder, boosting its sound quality is as easy as peel-and-stick sound dampening material.

Back to the Future: 5 Convenient Auto Upgrades

Got a new set of wheels and want to add on some bells and whistles to make it a tech nerd's dream? We've got deals on convenience gadgets — like GPS tracking setups and remote start systems — that will help turn your ride into a car of the future, today!

Big Audio Dynamite: 6 Big-Sound, Low-Cost Stereo Components

Pump up the volume as you cruise along the highway of life, but make sure your car stereo is capable of all that rockin'! Auto audio enthusiast Dan Leadbetter serves up advice and six car audio upgrades that'll boost your stereo system's sound without busting your wallet.