Replacing brake pads is one of the most common repairs that DIY mechanics perform. For one, the procedure is relatively straightforward. Additionally, although the process is relatively straightforward, the savings in labor and parts are often substantial relative to a … Continued
Many hobbyists work on their own cars because it can represent significant cost savings over taking your vehicle to a dealership, or even a more affordable independent mechanic. Considering cost is a significant driver for many mechanics, it is often … Continued
Every once in a while we get asked whether oil leaks must be repaired immediately or whether it is ok to wait for a while before fixing them. Sometimes this question is driven by the high cost of the repair … Continued
One of the questions that we often get asked is whether or not it’s ok to reuse engine oil after it has been drained from the engine. Many repairs, such as repairing a cracked oil pan or replacing a leaky … Continued
Pretty much all modern gasoline and diesel powered vehicles today have transmissions (although some electric vehicles do not), which allow the car to use multiple gears. A transmission capable of shifting through multiple gears affords modern vehicles several advantages. First … Continued
Much of the efficiency of modern suspension systems, and by extension, the handling characteristics of modern vehicles depends on how well the steering rack performs. Steering racks are also safety critical components, and although they are not usually prone to … Continued
The coolant hoses that carry coolant to and from the engine are critically important parts of any engine’s cooling system, but as with many other critically important systems and components, coolant hoses are also the subject of fierce debates. One … Continued
Although distributors on modern vehicles have largely been supplanted by electronic ignition systems that are managed and controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU), many older, custom, and race engines still depend on a distributor to deliver ignition sparks to … Continued
Glow plugs are essential components on any diesel engine, and it would be fair to say that without fully functional glow plugs, it would be impossible to start a diesel engine in cold weather. In this article, we cover basic … Continued
Camshaft position sensors generate much of the baseline data that many other engine management functions depend on, and as such, the failure of one or more camshaft position sensors often means that a vehicle won’t run at all. Within this … Continued