Internal combustion engines are powered by tiny little explosions. These explosions produce a lot of heat, which can damage the engine if left unmanaged. Fortunately, the cooling system in each vehicle prevents this from happening by using a water pump to allow coolant (also known as antifreeze) to circulate throughout the components of the engine. … Read more
Lug nuts are an interesting beast and may very well be the most important pieces of hardware on your vehicle. Their job is to secure each wheel of a vehicle to its axle to allow your car to drive and keep you safe. Understanding how different lug nut sizes and types can vary from vehicle … Read more
Working on cars or trucks can be a lot of fun. Not only does it save money, it fills you with a sense of pride knowing that you maintain your own machine, and it only runs because you make it so! That said, with great power comes great responsibility – we are working under machines … Read more
With the exception of electric vehicles, all cars will need many routine oil changes throughout their lifetime. For many people, the most convenient way to accomplish this is to take the car to a shop and have it changed for them. Unfortunately, putting the car in someone else’s hands doesn’t free the user of all … 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
One of the most valuable resources you can have in a home or commercial garage is a good repair manual. Automotive DIFYers make good use of these manuals to save money and get that sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile, commercial mechanics find the manuals essential due to the wide range of makes and models which pass … Read more
If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission system, you need to operate a clutch pedal in addition to the brake and gas pedals. The clutch assembly (consisting of the pressure plate, clutch plate, flywheel, and throw-out bearing), connects the wheels to the engine of the vehicle. The clutch pedal gives you the ability … Read more
There are fewer vehicles on the road each year with a manual transmission. While more drivers prefer automatics and car manufacturers are offering less models with stick shifts, manual transmissions are still preferred by many due to two main reasons: driver involvement and cheaper maintenance/repairs. The clutch pedal is where it all starts. It offers … Read more
If you’re at the gas station and you accidentally fill your diesel engine vehicle with regular gasoline, then it can cause a lot of problems for your vehicle. You see, a diesel engine does not depend on a spark plug like a gasoline engine does. The gasoline engine depends on the spark plug for the … Read more
Trying to convince the wife to let you buy a Miata? Does the phrase “built not bought” sound like a pipe dream? Allow me to help. Buying a project car was one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made. A few years ago, a friend of mine happened to be selling his 1994 Mazda … Read more