For such a small part, the head gasket plays a significant role in how your engine performs. When a head gasket is working as it should, so will your engine; if it goes bad, a failed head gasket can lead to major repairs—especially if it’s not addressed right away. Knowing what a head gasket is […]
Category: Engine
BEV vs ICE: Your Top Questions, Answered
Just a short time ago, there was only one way to power a vehicle: an internal combustion engine, or ICE for short. In the last couple of decades, however, more acronyms have come into the mix, including BEV, PHEV, EV, and so on. This begs the question, what’s the difference between them? When it comes […]
Your Car’s First Oil Change: Separating Fact From Fiction
An oil change is one of those things that every driver is aware of, but some pay more attention to than others. Unless you have an EV, your vehicle needs to change its oil regularly to keep running well. But exactly how often an oil change needs to happen can be unclear if you’re uncertain. […]
Message in a Throttle: Diagnosing a Faulty Throttle Body
A vehicle’s air intake system is a crucial part of the internal combustion process. To operate efficiently, vehicles require a precise mix of air and fuel. How is this balance achieved? It all comes down to a vehicle’s fuel injectors and throttle body. The role of a fuel injector is right there in the name–it’s […]
What Makes Nissan’s VC-Turbo Engines So Special?
Every major automaker has something noteworthy about what they provide with their vehicles that they want to stand out—from design cues and interior technology to performance capabilities or off-road features. There is always something that sets a company’s series of models apart from the competition. In Nissan’s case, it’s their VC-Turbo engines. You may have […]
Unpacking the Basics of Crate Engines
If you’ve been around automotive magazines, blogs, and vlogs long enough, you’ve heard about crate engines. But if you’re like me and haven’t spent a lot of time in a garage, you might have questions about what that term means. In my case, the pronoun “Krait” has been subconsciously associated with a spaceship marque in […]
Popping the Hood on Hybrid Vehicles
From traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to a new generation of all-electric vehicles (EVs), parsing the differences between different types of alternative-fuel vehicles can be challenging for even the most experienced driver. Things aren’t made any easier by the fact that automakers have fallen into the habit of producing hybrids and PHEVs that […]
What Are Engine Hours, and Why Do They Matter When Shopping Used?
Everyone knows that when shopping for a used vehicle, age and mileage are the two key factors to consider. The older a vehicle is, and the more wear and tear it has on it, the more likely it is to need major repairs. However, if you are visiting a used truck dealer, there is a […]
Stalling, Whining, and Other Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
When it comes to some common vehicle components, the name isn’t always very descriptive (I’m looking at you: catalytic converter) but that’s certainly not the case when it comes to fuel pumps. As the name implies, fuel pumps are small pumps powered by electric motors that move gas from the fuel tank to the engine. […]
Myth or Fact: Is Running on Fumes Bad for Your Car’s Engine?
Picture this: it’s late, and you’ve just finished work. You’re a few miles from home after a long highway commute. As you turn onto your street, a warning alert dings – low fuel alert. You glance at the fuel gauge, and sure enough, you’re running on fumes. We’ve all encountered that moment when there are […]
A Simple Guide to Proper Toyota Hybrid Care
There’s nothing sexy or glamorous about taking care of your vehicle, but all of the fun that comes with having a car—and all of the practical stuff, too—is only possible when your vehicle runs properly, which is where routine maintenance comes into play. Hybrids are no exception to this rule; there are a lot of […]
The Ingenuity Behind VTEC: Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
Honda’s reputation is deeply tied to best-selling models like the Civic, a sedan revered for its practicality and versatility. These characteristics are at the heart of every Honda Civic for sale, but they do little to convey Honda’s ongoing efforts to deliver more horsepower and capability in its lineup. For Honda, practicality and performance aren’t […]
Mythbusting: Tackling Common Oil Change Misconceptions
Most people love tall tales; the more salacious, the better. It’s how tabloids make their fortunes, capturing our attention with the latest sightings of Elvis, aliens, and Bigfoot that perpetuate gossip, myths, and misconceptions. The automotive industry isn’t often in the tabloid crosshairs unless Elvis is spotted driving a Ford Bronco along the Pacific Coast […]
Engine Knocking? Let’s Explore Some Common Culprits
While police sirens might run a close second, few sounds can ruin a drive as quickly as an engine knock. One moment you’re headed down the road in peace, and the next your engine is making that tell-tale pinging noise that will have you headed straight for the nearest service station. Sounds can be subjective, […]
A Brief Breakdown Of The Engine
The do-it-yourself movement has left many feeling empowered to take on tasks they never would have before. With that comes the need to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics, like how to restore an old truck, or ways to Plastidip your car. Of course, some things may still have you asking, “Where is […]
Which Turbocharger Is Right for You?
Turbochargers for engines are quite complicated but also surprisingly simple, with a vast array of different options available from many manufacturers. You’ll find some turbocharged engines coming straight from the factory, either to boost overall performance or to get decent performance from a small engine, while others are available as aftermarket options that you can […]
Hot Honda Engines: A Look at Honda’s World-Famous Engine Families
What makes a person a Honda driver for life? Stop by an auto repair shop and ask five different people, and you might get five different answers, but we’re willing to bet they all have something to do with the automaker’s engine. Be it performance, power, reliability, or affordability. Honda is a brand that has […]
Engine Tug-of-War: Inline vs V-Type
The most important mechanical system in any automobile is the engine. Sure, there are plenty of systems that are essential, without which motion is impossible, but the engine is what turned the carriage into the horseless carriage. For most vehicles, the motor is still an internal combustion engine, with air intakes, exhaust manifolds, drive belts, […]
Tips to Get the Most of Your Honda’s Engine and Transmission
Car ownership entails more than people might initially think. It’s not as simple as just buying a car, crossing your fingers, and hoping for the best. Short-term and long-term car ownership means being mindful of maintenance and repairs in order to keep your car running like new and out of the repair shop as much […]