There are few gestures in the automotive world as theatrical, provocative, and purely cinematic as the upward sweep of a scissor door. As a motoring journalist who has spent over twenty-five years dissecting the mechanical […]
Cars with scissor doors Read More
The Oil Sump At the absolute foundation of the internal combustion engine’s lubrication ecosystem lies the Oil Pan, technically referred to as the Oil Sump. While novices often view the oil pan merely as a bucket bolted
This is the engine component that stores oil for lubrication Read More
1. The Three-Way Catalyst System To accurately value a catalytic converter, one must look beyond the external steel shell and understand the metallurgy of the ceramic monolith within. The “Three-Way Catalyst” utilizes a ceramic honeycomb
Here is how much platinum a catalytic converter contains Read More
1. Identify the Baseline Important Check: Refer to your Owner’s Manual immediately. Putting Red ATF into a transmission requiring Blue CVT fluid will destroy the transmission in less than 50 miles. 2. The Fluid Color Diagnostic
All Colors of Transmission Fluid Read More
You are asking about the “invisible killer” of tires: Oxidation. Below is the definitive guide on why rubber expires, how to verify it, and when you must stop driving on it. 1. THE SCIENCE OF AGING: Thermo-Oxidative
How Old is Too Old for Tires Read More
The Engineering Logic: Your car has a hardened steel pin that slides into a slot on the steering column to prevent the wheel from turning when the car is off. If you parked with the wheels
This is why the steering wheel is locked up while the car is parked Read More
Based on general automotive statistics, if your brake lights flash rapidly 3-5 times before going solid when you press the pedal, this is 90% likely an aftermarket “Pulse” safety module installed by a previous owner or dealer.
Why are the brake lights flashing? Read More
1. Quick Tip Do not use tap water. To guarantee the performance life of your water pump, radiator, and head gasket, you must use Distilled Water or high-quality De-ionized (DI) Water. The pennies saved on tap water will result
Tap Water, Distilled or De-ionized Water to Mix with Collant? Read More
SYMPTOM CLARIFICATION “Stop Driving” Criteria Shut the engine off immediately and tow the vehicle if: THE “EASY” CHECKS (External & Electrical) Goal: Rule out the cheap stuff before tearing into the engine. THE “HARD” CHECKS
Oil pressure gauge goes up and down while driving or idling Read More
If you are reading this, you are likely terrified. You’ve heard the rumors of the “Death Rattle,” or perhaps a mechanic has just handed you an estimate that looks more like a down payment on
BMW Timing Chain Replacement Cost Read More
