A car hood latch should work as designed, keeping the hood shut until you need to open it, for example, when checking fluid levels or inspecting the battery. However, if the latch gets stuck or fails to close, then you have a problem on your hand, one that could cause the hood to lift up while driving, consequently obstructing your view. Car Hood: Front or Back Most cars have the engine in the front and the trunk in the back, but not all do. The classic Volkswagen Beetle, Por

Every mile you drive, your plastic headlight lenses are under chemical and radiation attack. Your headlight lenses don’t stand a chance against ultraviolet rays from the sun and volatile compounds in vehicle exhaust, which is why they start to yellow and “fog” over — not the same as condensation inside the headlight. In the past, replacement was the only option, and an expensive one at that, but headlight restoration can bring your lenses back to near-factory condition. Using

Turbo engines have become very popular with automakers over the past five years, and not just those traditionally associated with high-performance cars. In the past, you may have added a turbocharger to an engine in an effort to create horsepower. But nowadays, most modern applications employ turbos as a way to make a small motor perform like a much larger one, without impacting fuel economy. How do turbos make that possible? Turbo Basics Turbos are actually very simple devic

The power brake system in your car or truck is something you take for granted each and every day. The fact that you can step on the brake pedal and apply gradual, even pressure until your car slows to a halt — or stomp on it hard so that you stop as quickly as possible — is the result of decades of innovation and engineering. Along the way, different types of braking systems have been developed, tested and sold to customers around the world. Let’s take a quick look at how and

Used car DIY improvements can be your ticket to snagging a bargain when shopping for a ride. Finding a car that needs a little work is a nightmare to some, but if you have decent mechanical skills — or a willingness to learn — you can sometimes polish that diamond in the rough and end up coming out ahead financially. Check out these four DIY repairs you can make to a secondhand car that will help you score a great deal. 1. Dull, Scratched Paint Have you ever found a great-run

Deep in the bowels of your car, lives a much-maligned component. It lives its entire life to pump fuel from the gas tank to your engine, and most of us never give it any thought. That is, until it dies. Then you struggle to figure out what the problem is. When the fuel pump quits, you have no option but to replace it. Not all fuel pumps are created equal, however. There are three main types of OEM fuel pumps; diaphragm, rotary vane, and gerotor. Each has pros and cons to the

Your suspension helps keep you firmly planted on the road through the twists and turns and blistering straightaways of life. Your tires stay in contact with the road, even when cornering at high speed. When the road is bumpy, the suspension smooths out imperfections, resulting in a seamless ride. If this is not the case, you may have suspension problems you should be investigating. Lend an Ear While driving down the road, be sure to listen to your vehicle. If your car has a s

The presence of a supercharged engine is almost always an indicator that the vehicle makes serious horsepower. Superchargers are found in various applications, but sports cars, race cars and aftermarket kits are the most common places you’ll find these power-adders.How do superchargers work? Let’s take a quick look at the basics. Air Pump It might seem unusual at first, but all gasoline engines are essentially air pumps. The more oxygen you can get into a motor, the more gaso

Night driving doesn’t have to be dangerous — but it sure can be. Reduced visibility and enhanced fatigue can be a lethal combination when you slip behind the wheel in the dark. That being said, there are some simple steps you can take to save yourself from the worst case scenario and arrive at your destination safe and sound. Check out these three important tips for staying safe while driving at night: 1. Know Your Limits Some of the worst night driving accidents happen to pe

Wouldn’t it be great if our cars told us when something is wrong? In a way, they already do. Modern cars have instrument panels with dozens of symbols and warning indicators. These notify you of basic issues, like the windshield washer fluid is low, as well as possibly dangerous problems. Cars make a lot of noise, but there are a few telltale noises that signal your brakes are the culprit, and certain types of brake noise spell trouble. Here’s what the different noises mean.