The internal combustion engine has four strokes: intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. Each step requires the precise timing of several components working together to create the perfect environment to keep the engine running. And each stage is integral to the process — if something is off, your car will have a way of letting you know. Compression problems aren’t super-common, but when they occur, you’re already looking at significant repairs. If you use a compression t

Wondering how to talk to a mechanic about the problems you’re having with your vehicle’s brakes? It can definitely be intimidating to show up at the garage and try to convey the exact issues you’re experiencing with your car or truck to someone whose automotive knowledge is superior to your own. It’s good to remember, however, that your mechanic wants to help you as much as you want their help, which means communication is key when figuring out what’s going on with your brake

What is battery corrosion, exactly? Have you ever looked under the hood of your car and noticed a strange discoloration around the terminals on your battery? Sometimes it takes on a whitish, flaky appearance, while in other cases it can look green or almost blue. This is the corrosion we’re talking about, and it can have a negative effect on the performance of your vehicle’s battery and charging system. Don’t worry, because it’s easy to deal with. Check out these tips for und

Sweat is beading up on your forehead, the mid-day sun blistering the skin on the back of your neck and a blast of 80-mile an hour wind about knocks you over from the semi-truck screaming down the highway. You had a blow out, and now you are stuck on the shoulder of a busy highway swapping tires. Each lug nut comes off, the new tire goes on and then you start cranking down on the lugs, making sure that they are on tight, after all, the only thing worse than a blow out is losi

Confused as to the difference between single grade or multigrade engine oil? Wondering which type you can safely put in your vehicle, or whether one might be better than the other when you’re staring down a rack of options? You’re not alone. Fortunately, the answer is simpler than you might think. Let’s take a look at the key differences between these two classes of lubricant, and see where each one performs best in real-world driving. Viscosity Is Key All engine oil — synthe

Brakes are often overlooked and taken for granted until you have a significant problem on your hands. When it comes to the most important safety mechanism on your vehicle, letting problems go until that system no longer functions properly is a recipe for disaster. Don’t ignore the warning signs of impending brake failure, keep your braking system functioning at its peak performance. The following is a list of the top ten warning signs that your braking system needs servicing.