12 Essential Fuel System Components (and Their Functions)

When you turn your key or press the start button, your car’s fuel system springs into action, delivering fuel to your engine at exactly the right time, pressure, and volume. This major system consists of more than just a fuel tank and pump. It’s a complex network of interconnected components. Keep reading to learn about … Read more

8 Symptoms of Low Engine Compression (and What It Means)

Engine compression is the heartbeat of your vehicle… when it’s low, everything suffers. Low compression can transform a reliable vehicle into a frustrating problem on wheels seemingly overnight. For many car owners, recognizing the signs of low engine compression early on can mean the difference between a simple fix and a major repair bill. Related: … Read more

Why Does My Car Jerk When Accelerating? (or Braking, Idling, etc.)

Have you ever felt that unsettling sensation when your car suddenly jerks or stutters while driving? This common issue is both frustrating and concerning and the large number of possible causes doesn’t help things. But by understanding when the jerking occurs (whether during acceleration, cruising, braking, idling, or other scenarios), you can help narrow down … Read more

7 Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain Tensioner (And Replacement Cost)

timing chain tensioner

If your engine is making strange rattling noises and your car isn’t running as smoothly as usual, you might have a failing timing chain tensioner. This small yet critical component keeps your engine’s timing chain tight and functioning properly. Because a faulty timing belt tensioner can lead to severe engine damage, recognizing the symptoms early … Read more

Blown Head Gasket vs Cracked Block (Symptoms and What to Do)

blown head gasket or cracked block

You’ve noticed the signs of major engine trouble… white smoke from your exhaust, losing coolant, or that dreaded milkshake-colored oil. Your mechanic mentioned it could be a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block. Here’s the bad news: without dismantling the engine, there’s no reliable way to know which one you’re dealing with. Despite … Read more

Cars with an LS3 Engine (And Why They’re So Popular)

LS3 2013 Camaro SS

If a vehicle exists, it has probably been LS swapped. And the vehicle doesn’t even need wheels; not even planes are safe from the mighty LS engine! What is an LS Engine? An LS engine is a pushrod V8 engine produced by General Motors. The engine is made of aluminum, which makes it light. The pushrod design means it only has a single … Read more

Car Overheats When AC Is On? (Check These 4 Things)

car air conditioning on

Your car should never overheat under normal operating conditions. If you’re dealing with intermittent overheating issues, your vehicle may have one of the problems on this list. Reasons Air Conditioning Causes a Car to Overheat When a car overheats, it usually indicates a mechanical problem with the cooling system. Sometimes, a car can also overheat … Read more