It can be difficult to diagnose the reason for an engine misfire, but context gives major clues. Misfires are often intermittent and will sometimes only manifest with a specific type of fuel, environment, or engine load (how deep you’re into the gas pedal). Usually the vehicle can continue running with a misfire in one cylinder, … Read more
The components of an engine have gaskets that are placed between them before they’re assembled. These gaskets act as a seal between the components so they can do their jobs properly. You’ll find gaskets are usually made out of metal, rubber, paper, or all three combined together. Out of all the gaskets in the engine, … Read more
Your car is made up of several moving parts, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and AC compressor. For your vehicle to function correctly, these parts all need to work in unison. The serpentine or accessory drive belt connects to your power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning, and sometimes, the water pump. … Read more
A vehicle’s engine produces a lot of vibration when running. Without a specific component, the vibration would transmit to the entire car and make it very uncomfortable to the passengers inside the car. This very important component is called the motor mount (or engine mount). Below, we’ll go over how an engine mount works, what … Read more
The internal combustion engine contains an important part called the timing belt on most vehicles (some have a timing chain). This is responsible for ensuring that the camshaft and crankshaft are rotating at the same time. That way, the valves of the engine will open and close when they are supposed to. The functioning of … Read more
A car engine is lubricated by its oil. As time goes on, much of that oil will burn away or possibly leak out. This means you’ll have to put additional oil into the engine and repair any leaky areas. Changing the oil is one of the most basic forms of car maintenance that people perform. … Read more
A car engine consists of drive belts or serpentine belt which runs various accessories that are connected to it, such as the power steering pump, AC compressor, water pump and the alternator. However, it is important that the belts don’t interfere with other components and belts nearby. To guide the drive belts, an idler pulley … Read more
Ever visit a gas station, calculate the fuel economy for your vehicle and notice it’s a bit lower than what the EPA said it should be? Wondering why your car is burning gas so fast? As cars age, there are many factors that may lead to high fuel consumption. Read on to learn what they … Read more
Anyone who owns a vehicle has likely experienced the frustrating problem of a car that cranks but doesn’t start, even after repeatedly turning the key in the ignition. However, don’t let desperation keep you from logically figuring out why your vehicle cranks but won’t start normally. Related: What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down … Read more
When there is engine hesitation when you accelerate, this means that it cannot generate enough power to move the vehicle. This can happen when you’re idling, when there are cold temperatures outside, or when you’re carrying a heavy load. If the car is moving while this happens, it can be quite dangerous because the hesitation … Read more