In our last article, we went over the basics. Now that you know how brakes work, let’s talk about the different types. The front brakes play a greater part in stopping the car than the rear ones, because braking throws the car weight forward on to the front wheels. Many cars therefore have disc brakes […]
There are a number of reasons why you might be considering using brake shoes instead of brake pads. But how do you know which one is right for you? Thankfully, the decision isn’t difficult once you have all the facts. You can actually have a combination of both pads and shoes within the same car […]
The Basics In most cars, the differential is where the power makes its last stop before spinning the wheels. The differential: Acts as the final gear reduction in the vehicle, slowing the rotational speed of the transmission one final time before it hits the wheels Transmits the power to the wheels while allowing them to […]
Cars need transmissions because of the physics of the gasoline engine. In this article, we won’t get into the complexities of how an engine works. Instead, we’ll start by showing you the basics of how the most common transmissions work: 1) Manual transmissions Manual transmissions require that the driver change gears by depressing a clutch […]
Most of us don’t even notice harmless noises as we drive, like wind whistling past the mirrors, or tires humming against the asphalt. But some noises aren’t so innocent. You should never ignore certain thumping, banging, clicking, and squealing sounds, especially if they intensify while accelerating, braking, or turning sharply. Delay can allow a problem […]
The Basics Shock absorbers are mechanical or hydraulic devices that keep your the car from bouncing as you drive over rough or bumpy roads. Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system that provide a mount the coil spring (which maintains the height of the vehicle). Shock absorbers usually give […]
Most car owners probably don’t even know what bushings are. They may sound silly to you, but these components are essential for vehicle suspension. Bushings provide a boundary between car components to insulation vibration. They reduce the energy being transmitted from one moving component to another which, in turn, significantly reduces vibration and keeps the […]
A U-joint, or universal joint, is the part of the drive-shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the differential. If it malfunctions or fails, your vehicle will not be able to drive. Knowing the warning signs of failure in advance and taking your vehicle in for immediate repair may save you from getting stranded […]
A pre-purchase inspection is a crucial step when buying a vehicle. While buying a used car is a great way to save money, it is important to know that the vehicle is safe and is not in need of major and costly repairs. A thorough check-up examines mechanical, safety, and appearance aspects, such as the […]
National car service chains, like Jiffy Lube or PepBoys, are often used for the occasional grease job and oil change. But using these businesses for maintenance and repairs is risky. Here’s why: 1) Their “technicians” do NOT have to be certified. Employees at these chains don’t have to have any prior experience, certifications, or even […]