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

14 Causes of a Car Losing Power When Accelerating

car loses power while driving

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

13 Causes of Poor Gas Mileage (Increase Your MPG)

high fuel consumption

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

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