Engine oil is circulated through your engine via an oil pump. Your oil pressure is higher when your oil is thicker or there is an obstruction in an oil passage. There are also times when high oil pressure is normal and no cause for concern. Here’s how you can know the difference. Related: Low Oil … Read more
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
It’s a good idea to check your oil about every time you fill up the fuel tank. But what do you do with that information? What does dirty oil on the dipstick look like, and when is it time for an oil change? You can’t always tell how old your oil is just by looking … Read more
That squealing under the hood when you start your car in the morning is no harmless noise. It’s an audible clue that your serpentine belt needs attention. This vital belt powers vital accessories like the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump by linking them to the crankshaft’s rotation. When this drive belt starts glazing, … Read more
Do you have a noisy, rattly engine? Perhaps you hear a rhythmic ticking noise coming from under the hood. No matter the type of unusual sound, one’s thoughts automatically begin to turn toward impending engine failure and the headache such an issue might cause. Sometimes ticking is normal and expected. Sometimes a tick needs to … Read more
Picture this: you’re sitting at a stop light on a hot day, getting ready to merge onto the highway. As you pull out and step on the gas, you hear an awful noise that sounds like shaking a bunch of marbles in a can. The car hesitates, stumbles, then proceeds to accelerate slower than normal. … Read more
Whether you’re a first-time diesel owner or have spent most of your life driving diesel trucks, you should have a basic understanding of the important role that glow plugs play in your engine. A diesel engine cannot start and operate properly without the heat generated from this plug, especially when the outside temperatures start to … Read more
As vehicles age, individual components within an engine wear down a little bit every time it’s being driven. When fluid is routed through hoses and lines, various types of gaskets are responsible for keeping things leak free. Unfortunately, these gaskets deteriorate and can eventually fail. One of the more common reasons for an engine oil … Read more
A failed connecting rod is one of the most catastrophic forms of engine failure. This failure is commonly referred to as a “thrown rod” or “throwing a rod”. When a connecting rod fails, there is a very good chance the piston or connecting rod could smash right through the engine block at very high speed, … Read more
Many vehicles using timing belts to keep the valves and crankshaft aligned. This alignment allows the engine to make the most of each combustion event. If you have experience wrenching in the garage, a timing belt replacement can be a great next step to advance your home mechanic skills. If you are new to engine … Read more