When it comes time to replace parts on your car, or to do routine maintenance, the manufacturer of your car knows best. It is always a good idea to check your owner’s manual to see when certain parts should be replaced, or when the manufacturer recommends that fluids (such as that in the transmission) should [...]
Most people have absolutely no idea what a supercharger is. If they hear that it is on a car, most would think “wow, that must be good.” Lets start with the basics- a supercharger works in much the same way as a turbocharger (see my tip “Turbochargers”), as it draws more air into the engine [...]
Make sure when changing spark plugs to invest in a tube of dielectric grease. The lubricant will make removing the plug wires much easier the next time you replace your plugs.
What level of octane does my car really need? This is a common question, as many people know very little about the octane ratings they see at the gas station. The octane ratings you see (usually 87-93) are representative of the gas’s resistance to “knock,” or detonation. This is a process when more combustion then [...]
Modern fuel injection systems are far more efficient then their carbureted ancestors. However, fuel injection systems do require cleaning every now and then, and there are some points to remember when doing so. A fuel injector is like a small nozzle, and after a period of time it can get clogged with deposits, decreasing engine [...]
Most people do not often think about changing their fuel filters these days as a part of routine maintenance. This is because your car’s fuel filter lasts much longer then it did 30 or 40 years ago due to many reasons, such as the use of unleaded gas (to learn more, see my tip “The [...]
Your car’s engine is basically an air pump. The more efficiently it can suck air in and expel spent gases out, the better it will perform. The first step to keep this cycle going properly is to change your air filter. As the name suggests, it filters out harmful particles before they enter your engine. [...]
One of the most common reasons for a car to refuse to start is a dead battery. The battery is obviously an essential element to a car’s operation, as it allows it to be started. Because of this, you should check you battery with every oil change, or when ever you happen to have to [...]
Should you be concerned if you see blue smoke in your exhaust? YES! This means that your engine is burning an excess of oil, which could mean that you have worn valve guides, piston rings, etc. If you start to burn an excess of oil, this will cause problems for other parts of your engine, [...]