Your vehicle’s driveshaft plays a vital role in transferring mechanical energy throughout your vehicle. The long, tubular component is usually made from steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber and is located underneath the vehicle. It allows torque to travel from the transmission to the front or rear differentials and then into the wheels themselves. It’s just […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Oil Filter
When you go to get an oil change, it’s always good to also replace the oil filter. But what does the oil filter do? In the simplest terms, an oil filter removes contaminants from a vehicle’s motor oil, reducing the damage that can occur from the small, hard particles that find their way into the […]
The Spark Is Gone: How to Test Your Vehicle’s Spark Plugs
As the ignition source for the entire internal combustion process, spark plugs are an integral part of your vehicle’s engine. They’re also often one of the first components under the hood that will need to be replaced, with older designs lasting as little as 10,000 miles. Luckily replacing your spark plugs is one of the […]
Under Pressure? How to Conduct an Engine Compression Test
To the uninitiated, the modern internal combustion engine can seem intimidating. This inscrutable hunk of metal, with its mass of wires, valves, and pipes, might look complicated until you stumble upon one simple secret: it’s basically just a collection of small compression chambers. These chambers, known as cylinders, are where your fuel/air mixture meets an […]
How to Replace a Fuel Injector in Five Simple Steps
Fuel injectors are a vital part of any gas-powered vehicle. They’re responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber, which is then ignited by the spark plug to produce the power that gets your wheels moving. While some lucky drivers might go through their vehicle’s entire lifespan without ever needing to replace these vital […]
Feeling the Pressure: How to Conduct a Fuel Pressure Test
A fuel pressure test is an easy way to diagnose whether your vehicle’s engine is getting enough gas to operate at peak efficiency. A vehicle that’s not delivering adequate fuel pressure can act up in all sorts of strange ways. Signs of low fuel pressure include an unresponsive gas pedal, difficulty starting the engine, frequent […]
Battery Boot Camp: How to Keep Your EV Juiced For The Long Run
Among the many advantages of electric vehicles is the fact that they generally require less maintenance than their traditional internal-combustion engine (ICE) brethren. In fact, EVs have drivetrains that consist of as few as 20 parts to an ICE’s 2,000. This simplification holds a number of advantages, as having fewer parts generally means fewer things […]
Keep Going When It’s Snowing With Winter Tire Tools and Technique
Winter tires are an invaluable addition to any garage, offering superb traction and reliability in snow and ice. They might not be cheap, but it’s important to think of them as an investment. While the $500 to $600 price tag might scare off some thriftier drivers, searching for a set of “winter tires near me” […]
Re-Tirement: When, and Why, To Replace Your Chevy Tahoe Tires
15The Chevy Tahoe has remained one of the most popular large SUVs on the market for a number of reasons. Introduced in 1995, the Tahoe has stood the test of time thanks to its clever fusion of cargo and passenger room, power, and comfort, with its size usually standing out as its most exceptional feature. […]
Curb Appeal: Get Full Value With Our Pre-Sale Checklist
Selling your vehicle can be a daunting process, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind as you prepare to put yours on the market. Generally speaking, selling to a dealer is going to require less pre-sale maintenance. Dealers are less likely to be put off by cosmetic defects and have the […]
Innovation and Green Tech Meet In Regenerative Braking
RegLong the stuff of science fiction, electric vehicles have finally carved out their place in the automotive scene. While the growth is largely tied to a more eco-conscious consumer base, there are also a number of cutting-edge technological components that have allowed electric vehicles to edge their way into the mainstream. Lithium-ion batteries get all […]
Turbochargers vs Superchargers: A Big Difference or a Lot of Hot Air?
As increased government regulations and a general shift toward more environmentally responsible technology has many auto manufacturers looking to downsize overall engine size, an age-old technology is allowing them to deliver the same power and performance drivers have become accustomed to. Once reserved for high-performance vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and niche luxury brands, turbochargers – […]
Go With The Flow: A Guide to Motor Oil Viscosity Ratings
Oil changes are one of the most vital forms of maintenance for your vehicle, but not all motor oil is created equal. It all comes down to viscosity ratings. In basic terms, viscosity means how thick a liquid is due to its internal friction. Simply pour a bottle of water and a bottle of honey […]
Oil Change 101: The Whys And Hows
While we rarely see or even think about it, motor oil is one of the most vital substances in your vehicle. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine, helping to keep everything running smoothly and playing a vital role in slowing down the inevitable wear-and-tear. Unless you have an electric vehicle, oil […]