At first glance, gasoline and diesel engines are incredibly similar. Both take fuel, make small explosions and move cars. While both motors have similar designs and do the same basic thing, there are a few key differences between the two. Keeping It Simple A diesel engine takes a very simple and direct approach to internal combustion. Its design involves compressing the air as much as 2-1/2 times more than a gasoline engine. Compression causes heat. So when the fuel is delive

You’re driving when you notice the temperature gauge start to creep up. You pull over, safely check the coolant overflow reservoir and find that it’s bone dry. You’re not carrying coolant, but you do have water. You might be asking yourself: “Can I put water in my car radiator?” Yes, you can. And in that situation, you should. Water in your car radiator beats nothing, hands-down. Water Versus Coolant A long time ago — a really long time ago — cars ran with water in their radi

When considering engine maintenance, it’s important to understand whether your vehicle has a timing chain vs. timing belt or timing gears. Managing the ballet of the engine’s pistons and valve timing is a matter of transferring and halving the rotary motion of the crankshaft, and transmitting it to one or more of the motor’s camshafts. To do this, engineers use timing chains, timing belts or timing gears. cam Timing Chain Vs. Timing Belt Basics For decades, overhead valve (OH

Stop-start technology (SST), also known as stop-start engine, auto stop-start, idle-stop or anything similar, is a feature many associate with hybrid vehicles. The key to hybrid vehicle efficiency is that it takes advantage of the opposing strengths and weaknesses of internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric motor-generators. At a stop, unless the hybrid battery needs charging, SST cuts the engine, leaving the battery pack to power lights, the radio and the air condition

Leaf blowers are used to clear landscape debris, and they can help keep your property looking its best. There are several kinds, and they each come with different benefits and drawbacks. Below, we’ll break down what each leaf blower type has to offer. Consider the Power Source One distinction that separates leaf blowers is how they’re powered. Some run on electricity, while others are fueled by gas. Electric Leaf Blowers Electric leaf blowers provide the benefit of a relative

The primary responsibility of the battery is supplying cranking power to the starter, which turns the engine. Once the engine gets going, the alternator takes over and supplies power both to run the vehicle and recharge the battery. Startup is very draining for a battery, however, and it takes at least 20 minutes to recharge it fully. Add these complications to a range of car battery issues in cold weather, and you could be looking at a very chilly stranding. Here’s how to ge

Learning how to tie down an ATV is one of the most important parts of all-terrain vehicle safety. After all, if you can’t reliably get your rig to the trail, you’re not going to have a lot of fun during the ATV season. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to properly secure your four- or six-wheeler to a trailer, provided you have the right gear and a few minutes to double-check your work. Use the Right Straps If you want to learn how to tie down an ATV properly, you’ll need to in

Winter is just around the corner so you better be ready. But do you know how to prep your snow blower, before the first snow falls? Now is the time to make sure your snow blower is ready for a full season of snow, ice, slush, sand and salt. Aside from the difference in parts, making sure your snow blower is ready for the season is fairly similar to taking care of your car. You already have the tools, and maybe even a little garage space, so there are only a few things left to

Cooler weather is an important signal to classic-car owners, reminding them to get their autos ready for winter. Unless you store your vehicle in a climate-controlled building, it will be subject to temperature variations that can take a toll on the radiator or the engine, possibly leading to repairs. Therefore, an annual radiator flush is one of the necessary winter storage preparation tasks that safeguard your classic car. Radiator Flush: Once Annually While some people rep

The holidays are coming and soon you’ll be shopping for your friends and family. Chances are one or more individuals is a car enthusiast, perhaps a weekend mechanic, and shops for what they need. Everyone else, including new drivers, will appreciate automotive gifts. Here’s our car novice gift guide for the car novice recipient. Stocking Stuffers Not every gift will sit under the Christmas tree. Stockings are a fun way to give miscellaneous gifts. Best of all, they don’t have