Most motorists come to know their vehicles quite well, both inside and out. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that most vehicle owners quickly recognize any drivability issue that presents itself. Of these driveability issues, few can be as aggravating, or difficult to pinpoint as that which could best be described as a … Read more
An internal combustion engine needs four things to run: air, fuel, spark, and compression. Compression is created by spinning the engine. If the engine is off, how would you get it moving again to create this compression? Enter the starter. A starter is a big electric motor that is designed to spin your engine when … Read more
Inside an internal combustion engine, metal components move very rapidly, with tight clearances under intense temperatures and pressures. Without a source of lubrication, these components would quickly wear each other out from metal on metal contact. Engine oil is specifically designed to prevent this catastrophic wear. Engine oil has a pretty tough job. It needs … Read more
Combustion engines operate on the principle of burning things to go faster. Ironically, you’re not supposed to smell anything burning while you’re driving down the road. If you do encounter a burning smell while in or around your vehicle, it’s important to identify the source and correct the problem. Some burning materials are very dangerous … Read more
Some Subarus have a reputation for eating head gaskets at a very low mileage. Where did this reputation come from? Though there was never an official Subaru head gasket recall, the problem is pervasive enough where it can be expected that certain original head gaskets will fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles (160-241k kilometers). This … Read more
Have you ever gone out to your car in the morning and noticed a strong gasoline smell in the cabin? Perhaps the smell only occurs after you start the car or open the hood? A strong fuel smell around your vehicle is never a good thing, but some causes are worse than others. If you … Read more
Gasoline-powered vehicles use a complex system to get moving. Problems with fuel or air delivery, exhaust emission, or anything in between can be the reason your car is sluggish or won’t accelerate. A combustion engine requires a specific ratio of air to fuel to be in each cylinder at the right time, followed by a … Read more
An internal combustion engine needs four things to run: air, fuel, spark, and compression. These elements must also be introduced into the combustion chamber at exactly the right time. If the compression ends up being too low in any of the cylinders, then your vehicle will not be able to drive normally. You will likely … Read more
The fuel pressure regulator is a component found within the internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The job of the fuel pressure regulator is just how it sounds. It regulates the fuel pressure of the engine system by changing the pressure whenever necessary. It features a mechanical diaphragm that is operated by a vacuum to … Read more
You’re headed to work or running some errands when suddenly, your car starts to shake and sputter. The dreaded “Check Engine” light rears its ugly head, and you can’t help but worry about what’s happening under the hood of your vehicle. Chances are, you’re experiencing an engine misfire, a common issue that affects many cars … Read more