Brian McHugh - SlashGear

Location

Iron Mountain, Michigan

School

Michigan State University

Expertise

Electric Vehicles, Sports Cars, Off-Road Vehicles

In 2019, Brian helped begin the features team at U.S. News & World Report Best Cars.
He was one of the first journalists to test the Rivian R1S.
Brian has been a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

Experience

Brian has worked in the automotive journalism industry for nearly a decade. He began his career as an intern with Car & Driver magazine in 2015 before beginning an eight-year career with U.S. News & World Report, where he still contributes as a freelance journalist. During those eight years Brian helped create a new team with a focus on breaking news and electric vehicles. Brian has test driven numerous vehicles throughout his career, including powerful hybrids and EVs like the Acura Integra. He has also tested off-road vehicles like his own Jeep Wrangler, a specially-tuned Rebelle Rally Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Ford F-150 Raptor. Brian joined Static Media as a freelance writer in 2025 to continue his career as an automotive journalist.

Education

Brian has a bachelor's degree in media and information from Michigan State University.

SlashGear Editorial Policies

SlashGear's content hails from a group of experienced technology and automotive editors and a wide-ranging team of writers, engineers, enthusiasts, and experts across consumer tech and transportation. Our goal is to provide up-to-the-minute breaking news coverage as well as original and engaging opinion and editorial content that serves as the ultimate resource for those who want to stay up to date on the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.

Our editors, advisors, and fact-checkers conduct regular reviews to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of our articles. Complete information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Brian McHugh

Trucks By Brian McHugh

What Kind Of MPG Does The Ford F-350 Get? Here's What Drivers Have To Say

The Ford F-350 is a popular high-capacity workhorse that is built to last, but how fuel-efficient is the F-350?
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Why Car Exhaust Pipes Drip Water (And Is It Normal?)

The occasional dripping of water from an exhaust pipe might seem commonplace among cars, but if it's not just water, the engine is likely in trouble.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Think Twice Before Trying Out This Popular Car Battery Aspirin Trick

You may have heard about a trick you can do to revive a dead battery in your car. It's not the best idea; here's why, and what you should do instead.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

US Routes Vs. Interstate: What's The Difference?

The United States has two different kinds of long-distance roads, and one system predates the other by decades. Here are the key differences between them.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Why Do People Put Knobs On Steering Wheels?

Steering wheel knobs have a number of good uses, so you may be curious what they're for. Here are some of the reasons you may want to add one to your car.
Read More
Ryobi By Brian McHugh

Here's How To Install Ryobi's String Trimmer Line

This project requires the use of a sturdy pair of scissors, and measuring tape, but the rest of the installation is a breeze.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

What Causes The White Powdery Residue On New Car Parts?

When looking over a new car, you might notice a white, powdery substance on some rubber pieces. What is this and is it harmful to your vehicle?
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

What Does The 'L' Stand For On The Kenworth W900L?

Kenworth's W900L has been a fixture of the semi-truck world, but have you ever wondered what the "L" stands for? It's simple but not necessarily obvious.
Read More
Naval By Brian McHugh

Do Offshore Oil Rigs Float? Here's How They Stay In Place

Offshore oil rigs are some of the largest structures found on the water, but are they just floating out there? How do they stay in place? Here's what we know.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Green Brake Fluid? Here's What That Means

Noticed green brake fluid in your vehicle? Learn what the color means, whether it’s normal, and when it’s time to take action.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Cummins Vs. Duramax: Which Diesel Engine Has A Higher Life Expectancy?

The Cummins and Duramax engines have had been under the hood of many models. The question is, how long do they last? Here's what you can expect.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

What Does RV Stand For, And How Are They Different From Campers?

You're probably familiar with the term "Recreational vehicle" or "RV" but are those the same as campers? What's the difference between them, if any?
Read More
Trucks By Brian McHugh

Is It Safe To Tow With A Lifted Truck? Here's What You Need To Know

Towing with a lifted truck is, of course, possible. However, the type of lift a truck has means certain modifications will need to be made for safety.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Which Lexus Vehicles Have Third-Row Seating?

If you're looking to combine luxury with high capacity transport, Lexus is a reliable brand with several options for third-row seating in its biggest SUVs.
Read More
Trucks By Brian McHugh

Can You Put A Cummins Engine In A Ford Pickup?

Many drivers have opted for diesel swaps in their trucks to help power the workday, and Ford trucks in particular would benefit from a Cummins swap.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

5 Of The Fastest Minivans You Can Buy, Ranked By 0-60 Speed

Minivans aren't often included in the conversation for spirited driving, but even the most practical haulers are capable of impressive on-road performance.
Read More
Cars By Brian McHugh

Can You Charge Your Car Battery By Leaving Your Engine Running?

Leaving your engine running or idling after you jumpstart will keep the engine alive, but there's no guarantee it will restart if you shut the car down again.
Read More

Back