During the development of the automobile, several different methods to control engine speed were utilized. Hand throttles were initially popular, but this method faded over time. Eventually the engine speed and car speed control became the work of the driver’s right foot. Thus the accelerator pedal (or gas pedal) emerged. It was connected to the … Read more
Loosely interpreted, the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics tells us that everything is inexorably wearing out. And that is true for the brake pads on your car. Though possibly in good condition today, in a few weeks or months they will demand replacing. And if you are a moderately skilled DIY guy or gal, you can … Read more
Do you appreciate your car and make reasonable efforts to keep it clean? If so, little can be more annoying than to walk up and find fresh bird droppings on the paint. Bird wastes contain uric acid and can damage paint. But don’t despair. If you act quickly, you can get bird poop off your … Read more
Sunroof versus moonroof. How are they the same? How are they different? It’s not as straightforward as it may sound. Let’s first look at some background in this regard. Then we’ll consider the numerous sunroof (moonroof) types and how one of them might best fit your future automobile needs. Sunroof History The automobile was initially … Read more
For automobiles, the electric starter is a boon to easily getting on the road. It was invented by Clyde J. Coleman and first patented in 1903. Coleman soon sold his patent rights to Delco which was subsequently absorbed by General Motors. When Delco joined GM, the brilliant engineer, Charles Kettering, came along for the ride. … Read more
Vehicle exhaust emissions have been a contributor to air pollution since the automobile first appeared on the dirt roads of the early 1900s. But it was not until the mid 60’s that efforts were initiated to reduce those emissions. By the mid-90’s, refined improvements to automotive engines and related systems had made major strides in … Read more
Almost every vehicle with an internal combustion engine uses either a timing chain or timing belt. These are critical components which over the life of a vehicle CAN fail. This article will cover timing chains in particular. See “Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt” in case your vehicle uses that instead. What is a Timing … Read more
Decades ago, my dad taught me a great deal about automobile problem diagnosis and repair. One thing he repeated time and time again: “For an engine to run it must have three things. Fuel, spark and compression. And these three must each happen at the right time”. These three factors apply to conventional gasoline-fueled not … Read more
For most motorists, few things could be more terrifying than having the steering lock up while driving. With little or no warning you suddenly cannot control your car. It’s fortunate that automobile steering systems are designed to greatly minimize the occurrence of this heart-pounding event. In this article we will discuss two modes of steering … Read more
Owned and driven an automobile for a few years? If so, you have likely faced the torment of a bad battery. Your car’s battery is implicated in getting you off to a good drive to work, to the store or just for a ride in the country. When that battery fails or even begins to … Read more