Author Archive
Introduction To Run-Flat Tires Improved Mobility And Reliability
Porsche is credited with being the first automotive company to put run-flat tires (RFTs) on the road. That was in the mid-1980s on their 959. Since then, other automakers have introduced them on some of their models. Today, you can find run-flats on vehicles built by Toyota, Dodge, BMW, and many other car manufacturers. Yet few drivers know how they work. In fact, many are unaware they exist.
How Your Car’s Traction Control System Prevents Tire Slip
Long ago, when drivers felt their tires slipping on the road’s surface, they were forced to manually compensate for the slippage. That usually meant lightly pumping the brake pedal to allow the slipping tire to regain traction. Though it was effective, it was a high-maintenance way to retain control of the vehicle, especially on wet surfaces.
Basics Of Your Car’s Timing Belt
Timing chains were once standard on nearly all automobiles, but have since been replaced with timing belts. Their purpose is similar, however: to rotate the camshaft twice for every revolution of the crankshaft. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves, and times their activity to dovetail perfectly with the cylinders’ pistons. This must occur with precision; there is very little room for error. The valves must open and close at the right time to maintain sufficient compression for ignition.
A Closer Look At Your Car’s Radiator
The engine gets the spotlight. When you buy a new or used car, one of the first things you find out is the number of cylinders, level of horsepower, and gas mileage. However, this assembly depends heavily on your radiator, a component that receives very little fanfare.
Understanding The True Benefits Of Your Car’s Side Airbags
Few people think about getting into a car accident when they get on the road. Most of us assume we’ll reach our destinations without problems. Of course, a casual look at transportation safety statistics for any given year provides a sobering reminder our safety is often out of our hands. It is for this reason that cars, trucks, and SUVs come equipped with airbags. They provide a protective buffer for our bodies and heads in the event we’re involved in a collision.
New Automotive Features That Are Improving The Driving Experience
At its current stage, automotive design blends computers and electronic components with mechanical processes. For example, your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) receives data from sensors located throughout your car. It uses this data to influence the operation of your engine. Meanwhile, the pistons housed within your engine’s cylinders mechanically rise and fall, turning the crankshaft and propelling your vehicle. These two standards – electronics and mechanical processes – coexist.
How To Troubleshoot Your Car’s Stalling Engine
Engine stalls can occur for many reasons, including failing sensors, compression issues, and problems within the ignition system. Unfortunately, today’s vehicles are designed with such a high level of complexity that troubleshooting the issue is difficult. There are many parts that can potentially contribute to the stall.
Identifying The Cause Of An Engine Stall
Your car’s engine can stall due to many factors, which makes it difficult to determine the root cause of the problem. Troubleshooting the issue starts with isolating when it occurs. For example, the engine might die after starting your car in the morning; it may stall out when you’re waiting at a red traffic light; it can even die when you’re driving, though this is far less common than the other two scenarios.
What To Check When Your Engine Cranks And Refuses To Start
Your vehicle’s engine may refuse to operate as expected for several reasons. The culprit is always related to the three things your engine needs most: fuel for combustion, sufficient compression within the cylinders, and a spark. Without all three, the engine will not perform as it was designed. The problem is, each can be affected by other parts and systems, making it difficult to diagnose the root cause of a problem.
How To Clean Your Vehicle’s Fuel Injectors
Your car’s fuel injectors (FIs) spray gas into each cylinder’s combustion chamber through the intake valve. The amount of gas sprayed through each nozzle is carefully calibrated by your vehicle’s computer based on data it receives from several sensors. The right blend of fuel and air ensures your engine operates efficiently for any given set of driving circumstances.
