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
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
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
Buying a new car is exciting. Nothing quite beats the new car smell and the easy maintenance afforded by a new engine. If you just bought a new car, chances are you want your new engine to last a good 20 years, or at least until you decide to upgrade. How you break in a … Read more
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
Not many things are as frustrating as suddenly losing engine power when trying to accelerate. Whether you’re attempting to merge onto the highway or needing to make a crucial pass, an abrupt loss of acceleration can be completely jarring, not to mention dangerous. While it may seem like your engine is giving out at the … Read more
If your car is suddenly getting terrible gas mileage and leaving you wondering “why is my car using so much gas all of a sudden?”. You’re not alone and today’s gas prices make it a bigger issue than it once may have been. There are a number of common causes behind plummeting fuel efficiency. Fortunately, … Read more
Engine oil is circulated through your engine via an oil pump. Your oil pressure is higher when your oil is thicker or there is an obstruction in an oil passage. There are also times when high oil pressure is normal and no cause for concern. Here’s how you can know the difference. Related: Low Oil … Read more
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
It’s a good idea to check your oil about every time you fill up the fuel tank. But what do you do with that information? What does dirty oil on the dipstick look like, and when is it time for an oil change? You can’t always tell how old your oil is just by looking … Read more