While automatic transmissions make driving a lot easier, many car enthusiasts prefer manual transmissions because they feel that operating a clutch while shifting gears gives them more control over the vehicle. Additionally, in an era where automatic transmissions dominate the … Continued
Power steering systems make a significant contribution to improving the low-speed driving experience not only on high-end luxury vehicles, but also on mid-range and most base models. Moreover, hydraulic power steering systems are also fairly robust and while failures of … Continued
If you drive a car with a manual transmission, perhaps you’ve wondered exactly how it works. Most people are familiar with the major components of the powertrain, including the transmission, the engine, the differential, but far fewer people understand how … Continued
Although modern automotive ignition systems have reached a high level of sophistication, they are not that much different than they were fifty years ago at their core, given the fact that ignition coils have not changed in meaningful ways since … Continued
In simple terms, an EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve) allows small, but metered quantities of exhaust gas to be recirculated into the engine’s combustion chambers in order to limit the formation of harmful combustion products, the most notable of … Continued
In order for the internal combustion engine in your vehicle to run, it needs to be supplied with a constant influx of fuel. This requires fuel to be transported from the fuel tank to either the fuel injectors or carburetors, … Continued
These days, pretty much every fuel injected vehicle has an electric valve that controls the engine’s idle quality and idle speed. Specifically, the idle control valve (ICV), which is also sometimes called the idle air control actuator, prevents the engine … Continued
Motor mounts can be thought of as shock absorbers for your engine, and as such, motor mounts are critical components for the reduction of noise and vibration in passenger vehicles. Motor mounts can be designed with different priorities in mind. … Continued
An oil pump on a modern engine needs to be in perfect working condition if an engine is to be lubricated properly. Unfortunately, oil pumps also sometimes wear out, and engine failure caused by inadequate lubrication usually follows soon after. … Continued
Throttle position sensors are unique among engine sensors, in the sense that these are the only sensors that directly “translate” driver inputs into changes in the vehicle’s speed. As such, throttle position sensors play a critical role in how well … Continued