Adaptive cruise control takes regular cruise control to the next level by automatically slowing down or speeding up your car to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. While convenient, what happens when it stops working correctly? Here are some of the most common adaptive cruise control problems you may encounter, what causes them, and … Read more
When shopping for a new truck or SUV, you’ve likely come across the terms “4×4” and “4×2” in regards to vehicle specs. These designations refer to drivetrain configurations, significantly affecting performance, fuel efficiency, and driving experience. But what exactly does each type mean? Let’s go over the key distinctions between these drivetrains, their pros and … Read more
Ever notice how your car’s audio system seems to struggle to keep up with road noise as you hit the highway? This is where SVC audio comes into play. SVC is an acronym with a couple different meanings in the audio world. It can either stand for Speed Volume Compensation or Single Voice Coil. If … 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
When it comes to automotive suspension systems, double wishbone and MacPherson suspension are two of the most common suspension architectures. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help consumers and car enthusiasts make informed decisions when they purchase a vehicle, depending on their use case. Double Wishbone … Read more
Looking for an all-terrain vehicle? Perhaps you want something that will be stable in rainy, snowy, or icy road conditions. Not all AWD and 4WD systems are created equally. If you’re looking to maximize your vehicle’s capability per dollar, you should know the difference between some of the common drivetrain options on the market that … Read more
Racing teams spend billions of dollars to develop technologies that can give drivers a competitive edge on the track. It’s no wonder that car manufacturers want to capitalize on these investments by adopting new technologies, using them to change the look of familiar everyday car components. Race Car Innovations in Everyday Cars 1) Semi-Automatic Transmission … Read more
A four-wheel steering system (or all wheel steering) allows the driver to turn the rear wheels left or right along with the front wheels. Do not confuse a four-wheel steering system with a four-wheel drive vehicle because they’re two different things. Four-wheel drive simply means that all four wheels are getting power from the engine. … Read more
The dual clutch transmission (DCT) is referred to by several names including double-clutch transmission and twin-clutch transmission. A regular manual transmission vehicle would use one clutch and a clutch pedal. The dual clutch transmission uses two separate clutches with no clutch pedal. Since there is no clutch pedal, the clutches are controlled through hydraulics and … Read more
Common rail diesel engines are the modern version of diesel engines. Most of the diesel-powered vehicles you see today will have common rail technology in it. If you’re unfamiliar with common rail, it is a term that defines the fuel injection system used for these engines. Common rail uses a high-pressure rail to deliver fuel … Read more