Internal combustion engines run through the combustion of air/fuel mixture. Spark plugs are used to provide the necessary spark for ignition. This will then move the pistons and crankshaft. Typical gasoline engines use an air to fuel ratio of 14.7:1. …
5 Common Car Engine Noises – Information & Diagnosing
Your car is a combination of thousands of different parts and parts made of different materials. The engine compartment consists of many metal parts, while the engine itself is made of cast iron. The various gears inside the car are …
The Best Radar Detectors – Review & Guide 2020
Though speeding is prohibited, sometimes drivers find themselves going past the set limits. Traffic police officers are on the lookout for drivers that over-speed and getting caught can make you get a speeding ticket. Tickets raise a lot of money …
Worn or Bad Clutch Symptoms, Cause & Replacement Cost
Modern vehicles use a robust and advanced clutch system that is designed to last up to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle model and brand. However, rough driving conditions can quickly damage the clutch and reduce its service life. The …
Main Relay Symptoms, Function & Replacement Cost
The main relay of an automobile is undoubtedly one of the most important and essential components of a car. It controls the computers and the entire fuel system of your car. The moment you turn the key before you even …
The Best Electric Garage Heaters in 2020 – Review
One of the worst thing for any mechanic is trying to repair your car while it’s freezing cold and your fingers hurt. If you live in a cold country and have a cold garage, it could be a really good …
The Best Bike Racks for Cars: 2020 Reviews & Guide
If you are a cyclist that enjoys making trips to the mountains or beach then you know how challenging it can be transporting your bike without a bike rack. For one, the bike cannot fit inside your car’s trunk or …
How to Disconnect a Car Battery in a Safe Way
The car battery may be one of the most important components of the car as any problem with the battery might leave you stranded on the road. The car battery has two main functions; it helps to start the car …
How to Calculate the Lease Payments on your New Car
The first part of the lease payment terms that you need to look at is the capitalized net cost. From an accounting perspective, this is the difference between the sales price and any factory discounts and down payments. The sales …
How to Check if Your Head Gasket is Blown
Most cars require three different fluids to run – air-fuel mixture, engine oil, and coolant. None of these fluids should be exposed to each other. The head gasket is a device that ensures that this does not happen. The head …
Toyota GT86 VS Subaru BRZ – Differences & Information
If you haven’t noticed it before, the Toyota GT86, The Subaru BRZ & Scion FR-S look almost exactly the same. The truth is that these cars are actually the same car from the beginning with a few design changes. So …
How to Dispose of Old Gasoline in a Safe Way
Gasoline is highly flammable, and this requires environmentally sound disposal mechanisms. Our world often revolves around gasoline. It is needed to power generators, cars and various agricultural machines such as tractors. There are legal frameworks in place for the safe …
Symptoms of a Bad Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor & Replacement Cost
The mass air flow sensor is prone to failure due to age or other factors affecting its performance. Common pollutants like dirt and dust are the major reason behind a failing air flow sensor. However, seeing as it functions all …
The Best Ceramic Coating for Cars in 2020 – Review
Proper maintenance of your vehicle can make it look as good as you bought it even after a long time. While some people apply a coat of wax after some months, others prefer using ceramic coating since it provides long-lasting …
Engine Mount Symptoms, Function & Replacement Cost
The engine is the heart of a car, i.e. without it a car is completely useless. To keep the heart of the car in place, you need strong connections that won’t let the engine fall to the ground. These connections …
Car Shuts Off While Driving: Common Causes & Solutions
When you own a car, it is your responsibility to care for it. Many car owners seem to think a car runs on magic dust. You have to continually check for oil, gas, and water in your vehicle among other …
Will a Slightly Overfilled Transmission get Damaged?
Car owners will listen for any screeching noises their car makes, and pay attention to any changes in shifting gears, as both of these things could indicate problems in the transmission that could be caused by a deteriorated transmission fluid. …
How to Return your Leased Car without Issues
No matter how much you enjoyed driving your leased car, at some point you will have to return it. This happens at the end of the leasing contract. Alternatively, you can decide to buy the car or lease another model. …
Engine Overheating – Causes, Solutions & Diagnostics
Is your engine overheated and you don’t know how to repair it, or find the problem causing the overheating? Then this article is the right one for you. In this article we will discuss the most common causes of car …
The Best Headlight Restoration Kits: Top 5 Review & Buyers Guide
Are your headlights blurry and the light has become really bad when you are driving in the dark? Older cars are using glass for the headlight cover, while newer cars use plastic materials. The plastic material gets a lot of …
How to Check a Car Battery at Home – 8 Different Methods
The car battery plays an important role in the operation of the electrical components in the car. It is needed to start the car, run the air conditioning, listen to music, wash the windscreen and turn on the headlights at …
Idle Control Valve Symptoms, Function & Replacement Cost
Your car contains hundreds of different components to make it work properly. All engine components are interdependent and contribute to the smooth operation of the engine. Of the many parts and sensors in the engine, one component, called the idle …
The Best Car Waxes: 2020 Review & Guide
It is not enough to just clean your car. Giving it a good wax leaves it shinning and protects the car paint. Exposure to sunlight can leave your car paint looking dull. It makes it even harder to sell the …
Car Won’t Start – Troubleshooting in 8 Easy Steps
Trying to fix a car that won’t start can be one of the most difficult troubleshooting tasks when you don’t know where to start. I work as a diagnostic technician, and advanced troubleshooting is my daily job. I have developed …
Is It Safe to Drive With the Airbag Light on?
You are starting your car, and suddenly the airbag light appears on your instrument cluster. You are wondering if you can continue to drive your car, but what will happen if you get into an accident with the airbag light …
How Long Does Gasoline Last in a Sealed Container?
Storing gasoline can be a challenge. You do not want to spend time making trips to your nearest refill station, risking possible interruptions to your workflow in the process. However, storing your gasoline is risky. It could be contaminated and …
0% Car Loans: Information & Things to Consider
Buying a car is a big investment. First you have to find out how you want to finance the purchase. You can buy a car with cash or find car loans. In the latter case, you will need to make …
Symptoms of a Bad MAP Sensor & Replacement Cost
The manifold absolute pressure sensor, also known as the MAP sensor, is an integral part of the vehicle’s engine system. The MAP sensor is found in vehicles with fuel injection and the main function of the MAP sensor is to …
When should you replace your brake rotors?
Under normal conditions you have to cover thousands of miles before you have to change the brake discs. The brake discs are designed for durability, but at some point they wear out and you have to replace them. The rotors …
How to Ship a Car You Bought Online
The Internet has changed the world of e-commerce. Now you can contact an online dealer to buy a car from another country and have it delivered to you. Buying a car online offers you a variety of car models available …
What Size Jumper Cables Should I Carry?
It can be annoying to try to start the car in the morning only to find that the battery is dead. On closer inspection you will find that you have left the headlights on or the alternator is defective. Jumper …
Thermostat Symptoms, Function & Replacement
A thermostat controls the coolant flow entering and leaving the engine, and the coolant temperature sensor records the coolant temperature by displaying it on the dashboard. This is valuable information because, without your car’s engine, the engine could very well …
Why did my Clear Coat turn out Matte instead of Glossy?
You want your car to look as sharp as possible, and not just for vanity’s sake. In fact, the preservation of the car will determine how slowly or quickly it reduces its value (just in case you decide to resell). …
The Best Trailer Brake Controllers – 2020 Review
Summer is the best time to go on a picnic with your family. It is also the perfect opportunity to get yourself a trailer if you don’t already have one. The thing about trailers is that they come in different …
Neutral Safety Switch Symptoms, Function & Replacement
A neutral safety switch is, as the name suggests, a safety switch that is a common component in vehicles with automatic transmission. These safety switches serve a simple purpose: to limit the vehicle to starting only in “park” or “neutral” …
The Best Garage Floor Paint: 2020 Review & Guide
So you probably own a garage and want to spruce it up and make it look interesting. Probably you want to add some color to the walls and the floor, and you are looking for paint that will last as …
4L60E vs 4L80E Differences: Swap & Information
As you may know, the 4l60e & the 4l80e are really common transmissions in GM, Chevrolet cars and a lot of other American cars. But what actually is the difference between the 4L60e vs the 4L80e transmission? Can you swap …
Flashing Check Engine Light: Causes & Solutions
You are driving your car, and suddenly from nowhere, your check engine light is flashing on your dashboard. What to do now? Will my car get damaged if I keep driving it?, How much will it cost? There are a lot of …
The Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2020 – Review
What’s more disgusting more than a dirty interior in the car with a lot of dust and other old food left-overs on the floor mat? I know this problem, I work as a mechanic and it’s not always that funny …
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT): What is it?
More and more car manufacturers have begun to take into account the fuel needs of consumers. It is not unusual to find a large number of vehicle models with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), as these offer better gas mileage than …
The Best Engine Antifreeze & Coolants in 2020 – Review
People often ask, why is engine coolant and antifreeze important? Can’t just water keep the engine cool as well? The answer really relies on where you live. Many places around the globe don’t see lots of snowfall or weather dropping …
What is a Blow By – Can It Be Fixed Easily?
Internal combustion engines operate through ignition of air and fuel. When this explosion –under pressure – makes its way to the crankcase through the rings, a blow by occurs. The cylinder liners and rings wear out over time, and you …
How to Transfer Your Leased Car in a Easy and Safe Way
Many people find leasing a car a cheaper option because of the affordable monthly lease payments. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, you may need to swap out your leasing contract. It is expensive to terminate your leasing contract before the …
How Dangerous is it to Drive Around with Old Tires?
Tires provide the necessary grip while driving. With continued use, the threads wear out and this can reduce the traction between the car and the road. Driving with old and worn tires is extremely dangerous – especially when braking. Extremely …
What does the “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” message mean?
You are driving your car and suddenly the message “Tire Pressure Sensor Fault” appears on your instrument cluster. But, what does this mean and how expensive will it be to fix it? Will it disappear once I have inflated my …
ABS Ring Symptoms, Function & Location
As automotive technology has advanced, safety systems have also been improved and expanded to provide a better user experience. Today, the anti-lock braking system is a component of almost all modern vehicles. It is specifically designed to help you regulate …
14 Different Types of Car Models List
It can be challenging purchasing a new car if you are not familiar with the different types of cars. Just like clothes, cars also have classifications. Each car model serves a specific purpose. You will need to first identify your …
Common Myths and Facts about Engine Oil
When you have brought your car in for repair, you have probably heard some myths about engine oil from the mechanic. If you do not know what is true and false, it can ruin your engine. Car models differ, and …
Run-Flat Tires – Pros, Cons and Information
Flat tires can be bothersome. You are in a hurry to get to a business meeting and suddenly one of your tires has a puncture. To make matters worse, your spare tire is deflated. If you want to avoid this, …
Car Battery Reconditioning – How to do it?
It can be frustrating when your car battery does not hold a charge for long. This can cause problems when starting the car in the morning. Most car batteries consist of lead and acid. They use chemical reactions between the …
Spark Plugs Symptoms, Function & Replacement Cost
Have you noticed that your engine is not running as it should and the engine light is sometimes showing up? It may be caused by a bad or failing spark plug. The spark plug is a very important component of …
Possible Causes of a Cold Lower Radiator Hose
If you have a problem with your coolant temperature, and you realize that the lower radiator hose is cold instead of hot, you could be experiencing problems with the radiator system that needs to get fixed. Your car could be …
The Best Cold Air Intakes in 2020 – Review
When you buy a brand new car, the feel and look to it is simply amazing. The smell and touch of a brand new car are awesome. Your car takes you wherever you need to go in a short time. …
How to Get More Horsepower in Your Car
Speed has always inspired a man, and in his quest, he has explored all possibilities. Since the birth of the automobile industry, car manufacturers, tuners and car enthusiasts have been competing with each other to create the fastest car. How …
Transmission Control Unit Replacement Cost & Location
A transmission control unit or TCU is an essential electronic device that is present in almost all modern vehicles. The device essentially uses the data generated by the sensors. This data can be used by the engine control unit as …
The Best RC Cars in 2020 – Review & Buyers Guide
There is no harm in pursuing your hobbies when you are just a child and there is certainly no harm indulging in your favorite hobby when you have grown old. People judge and they never stop. You just shouldn’t be …
How Does a Car Dealer Make Money?
The number of car leases continues to increase. Many people do not know how dealers earn their money when they sell their cars so close to the original price. But there is money to be made with lease sales, with …
Normal Operating Temperature for an Automatic Transmission
When your warning light for your transmission is showing up on your dashboard, it’s time to stop and let it cool for a while. Automatic transmission failures are usually a result of overheating. The main culprit for this is low …
What Is a Boost Pressure Sensor & P0236?
If you have ever driven or owned a car with a turbocharged engine, then you probably know what the “Boost Pressure Sensor” is. It is the sensor that measures the boost pressure and sends the information to the engine control …
Average Car Length – List of Car Lengths
There are a lot of strange questions about cars that pop up into our heads. This question is probably one of them. What is the average car length? To get a better perspective of this, we have to check out some …
The Best Car Speakers in 2020 – Review & Buyers Guide
I guess you can relate when I’m telling you that driving a car with a stereo sounding like a stone-breaker is really annoying. You are on your way home from work on Friday evening and your favorite song comes on …
How to Hotwire a Car in an Emergency Situation
If you have watched movies about car theft, you have seen thieves break into a car and start it without a key through a set of wires. While we do not advocate car theft, the ability to hot-wire your car …
How to Fix Sagging Headliner Without Removing It?
Automobile parts have a lifespan after which they start to break down or fail. A headliner is one such component that can sag over time. But what can cause a headliner to sag? It might be that you own an …
How To Troubleshoot Car Problems at Home in 5 Steps
Does your mechanic constantly replace the wrong parts and you just pay whatever he says? That’s because they didn’t do a good job of troubleshooting and they make more money if they can replace more parts as long as you just …
Lost My Car Keys – The Cost & How to Get Replacement Keys Fast
If you own a car, you have probably lost your car keys at some point. It can be frustrating to lose your car keys when you are in a hurry to get to work or in an emergency. In fact, …
Most Common Car Problems & Issues
Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to take your car for regular maintenance if it is going to serve you for a lifetime. In most instances, you need to solve any car mechanical issue fast …
What Does the TCS Light Mean? (Traction Control System)
You are starting your car one morning and suddenly a yellow light named “TCS” appears on your dashboard. What does it mean? Will my car get damaged if I keep driving? How much will it cost to repair it? There …
Is It Safe to Drive With Low Engine Coolant?
The engine internal combustion unit produces a lot of heat – at times temperatures hit over 200 degrees. If you have leaking hosepipes, it could reduce the amount of coolant in the engine. If the problem is not remedied immediately, …
Should I fix up or replace/change/trade in my car?
The decision to trade or repair your car is determined by several factors. It would be nice to get a new set of wheels, but can you afford it? If your car has covered several miles, you may need a …
How to Reattach a Side View Mirror With Glue/Adhesive
Objects in the side view mirror are closer than they appear because they represent a reflection of a moving object that is no longer in the exact position that the reflection views. If reflected on a convex side view mirror, …
P0339 OBD2 Code Crankshaft Position Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – Intermittent
The most common problem when the P0339 code occurs is a problem with the crankshaft position sensor or incorrect wiring of it. But do not simply replace the parts! Read the article and I will explain how to diagnose it …
Water in Gas Tank Symptoms: Causes & How to Get It Out
Do you think you have water in your gas tank and you want to get it out? Then this article is for you. Water in the gas tank was probably a lot more common in older cars with rusty tanks …
Best Places to Buy a Used Car in the USA
The introduction of the internet has shortened the time it takes to find a used car. Today, all you have to do is log on to a popular website that sells cars and you will find a suitable model. You …
P0123 – Throttle Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input
What Does the P0123 Code Mean? The P0123 code indicates a problem with the throttle/pedal position sensor. When the engine control module (ECM) detects that the throttle position sensor’s output voltage rating is exceeding the manufacturer specification, it generates the …
Engine Sludge Removal & Cleaning – Symptoms & Information
You may have noticed that your engine starts to make strange noises coming out of the valve cover and you have lost power. These things can actually be caused by sludge inside your engine. When you remove the valve cover, …
The Best Car Phone Mounts in 2020 – Review & Buyers Guide
Smartphones make our life a lot easier. You can use them for making calls, videoconferencing, watching videos, and navigation. Installing applications like Google Maps helps you find locations when driving. However, it is hard and dangerous to drive while using …
OBD2 Codes – Full Engine Code List with Information
When you look at an error code for the first time, it may just look like a bunch of numbers or letters. But OBD2 codes actually have a logical structure that you can easily remember the next time you check …
Ethanol E85 Gas Pros and Cons & Information
Gasoline engines have been around since the last century, but did you know that ethanol is a very competitive fuel? Ethanol is made by fermenting and distilling corn or sugar cane. As more and more countries try to reduce carbon …
Oil in Coolant Reservoir – Causes, Testing & Solutions
If you are one of those people who has a bit of knowledge regarding cars and engines and how they work, you probably know that oil is one of the most important components for your car’s engine in particular. If …
How to charge a car battery the best way
Charging your car battery is good for your battery and it will, therefore, last longer. Many drivers only drive their cars for short distances, and this means that the car uses more energy from the battery than the alternator can …