Cars have several peripheral devices (also called accessories) which allow their internal combustion engines to function properly. Some of the main accessories include a power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. However, these devices cannot function properly without the help of a serpentine belt. This one long continuous belt is the force that drives … Read more
When you attempt to start your car, you normally assume it is going to start without any problems. You’ll hear the engine turning and everything will seem fine. However, there may come a point in time when your car will actually start but then die almost immediately afterward. There is never a convenient time for … Read more
All modern vehicles on the road today have a 12-volt battery that is also rechargeable. This battery provides energy to virtually every electrical component of the vehicle, such as its ignition system, engine control unit, headlights, radio, interior lights, and so on. If the battery fails to recharge or dies altogether, then your vehicle will … Read more
Picture this: you’re driving along like you would any normal day. All of a sudden, your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. Your car still drives, but it barely has any power. What just happened, you ask? Your car has probably entered limp mode. What is Limp Mode? Limp mode (also called limp home … 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
The internal combustion process involves mixing gasoline and air inside the engine’s cylinders. This is what is known as engine compression. Each cylinder of the engine must have the right amount of compression if the combustion process is going to work out properly. If the compression ends up being too low in any of the … 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
When a car has a misfire, it means that internal combustion in the cylinder did not finish completely. The car will still be able to run and you’ll be able to drive it, but you’ll start to notice the engine jerking a lot. This could be followed by exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe, … Read more
The catalytic converter (not “Cadillac converter”) plays an essential role in reducing air pollution. It reduces the levels of nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide that your car emits. Without a cat converter, your vehicle would belch out large amounts of all three chemicals. Smog in busy cities is dense enough as it is without … Read more
The internal combustion engine is comprised of several rotating parts and components. Some of these components rub against each other and create friction. Anytime you have metal parts creating friction, there is going to be a lot of heat generated in the process. The engine depends on coolant and oil to keep its components cooled … Read more