There’s an old saying that oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. Just as the human body needs blood to keep the heart pumping and the organs functioning, a car’s engine depends on oil to lubricate its components and keep them running smoothly. If the engine were to ever get low on oil, it could … Read more
The theory is that if you put enough sugar into a gas tank (please don’t do this!), it will thicken the liquid to the point where it cannot be used. The altered state of the fuel then prevents the vehicle from operating. But will adding sugar to someone’s gas tank actually disable their vehicle or … Read more
There is nothing worse than having your car engine suddenly stop while you’re driving. If this ever happens, you’ll want to immediately pull off to the side of the road before the wheels stop completely. It’s important not to confuse this situation with one where you experience a loss of electrical power in your vehicle … Read more
A cylinder head is the “top end” of the engine. It mates to the engine block to seal off the combustion chamber, which is where the engine burns fuel to make power. Cylinder heads also house the valves that direct airflow. Intake valves draw in fresh air, combustion occurs, then exhaust valves allow the burnt … Read more
A smooth-running engine is the foundation of a well-maintained vehicle. When your car starts to shake and shudder at a stoplight or maintains high RPM while stationary, it’s more than just an annoyance, it’s a warning sign. These symptoms can indicate a variety of issues, from minor maintenance needs to serious mechanical problems. Let’s look … Read more
Most car owners don’t understand the difference between the serpentine belt and the timing belt. Sometimes these two names are used interchangeably by people. However, the serpentine belt and timing belt serve two completely different purposes. But they both are important parts of the internal combustion engine. In fact, the engine must be running for … Read more
While both fluids are important, gas and oil should never mix in your engine. Each fluid has its own specific role: gas provides fuel for combustion, while oil lubricates engine parts. However, certain problems can cause gas to accidentally mix with oil. When this happens, you may notice your oil has a distinct gasoline odor. … Read more
The fuel system is responsible for supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine. The fuel mixes together with air and then the spark plugs ignite the mixture to create the combustion power which moves the vehicle. After you fill up your gas tank with fuel, there is a system in place which transfers that fuel … Read more
The internal combustion engine has explosions inside of it regularly. Think about when you’re stepping on the gas pedal to accelerate quickly. How is the engine creating all that power for your vehicle to move faster? There are an estimated 4,000 explosions taking place inside your engine every minute if you have a 4-cylinder engine … Read more
The internal combustion engine is comprised of many small moving parts. Some of these parts rub together and create friction. With all this activity going on, an excessive amount of heat is generated inside the engine. Because of this, the engine needs a lubricant to ensure these components are cooled down and running smoothly. Engine … Read more