11 Causes of a Car Losing Power While Driving Up Hills

canyon hills

Driving uphill reveals weaknesses that are hidden on level ground. Gravity works against you, forcing the engine to work harder. Accelerating now tests every component and if one part isn’t functioning like it should, your vehicle may suddenly struggle, hesitate, or even stall when going uphill. If you car seems like it’s losing power while … Read more

8 Symptoms of a Bad Serpentine Belt (And Replacement Cost)

bad serpentine belt symptoms

That squealing under the hood when you start your car in the morning is no harmless noise. It’s an audible clue that your serpentine belt needs attention. This vital belt powers vital accessories like the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump by linking them to the crankshaft’s rotation. When this drive belt starts glazing, … Read more

6 Causes of Engine Ticking (When Accelerating or Idling)

strange noise

Do you have a noisy, rattly engine? Perhaps you hear a rhythmic ticking noise coming from under the hood. No matter the type of unusual sound, one’s thoughts automatically begin to turn toward impending engine failure and the headache such an issue might cause. Sometimes ticking is normal and expected. Sometimes a tick needs to … Read more

11 Parts of a Brake System (and Their Functions)

brake system components

The brake system in your vehicle allows the driver to slow down or stop in a consistent and reliable manner. The brakes on your car work by converting the kinetic energy of movement into thermal energy (heat). Each time you step on the brake pedal, the speed of the spinning wheels underneath your vehicle is … Read more

4 Symptoms of a Bad Diesel Glow Plug (and Replacement Cost)

bad glow plug symptoms

Whether you’re a first-time diesel owner or have spent most of your life driving diesel trucks, you should have a basic understanding of the important role that glow plugs play in your engine. A diesel engine cannot start and operate properly without the heat generated from this plug, especially when the outside temperatures start to … Read more

6 Symptoms of a Valve Cover Gasket Leak (And Replacement Cost)

what is a valve cover gasket

As vehicles age, individual components within an engine wear down a little bit every time it’s being driven. When fluid is routed through hoses and lines, various types of gaskets are responsible for keeping things leak free. Unfortunately, these gaskets deteriorate and can eventually fail. One of the more common reasons for an engine oil … Read more

6 Symptoms of a Bent Connecting Rod in Your Engine

bent rod symptoms

A failed connecting rod is one of the most catastrophic forms of engine failure. This failure is commonly referred to as a “thrown rod” or “throwing a rod”. When a connecting rod fails, there is a very good chance the piston or connecting rod could smash right through the engine block at very high speed, … Read more

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire? (and How Fast Can You Go?)

how long can you drive on a spare tire

With enough years behind the wheel, one is almost guaranteed to eventually experience a flat tire. The occurrence of a flat is almost always accompanied by aggravation, as travels are delayed, and additional effort is expended to install the affected vehicle’s spare tire. However, a flat tire often leaves motorists with another quandary of sorts. … Read more