All gas-operated motor vehicles operate by igniting gasoline within a combustion engine. The heat, pressure, and energy produced during ignition are then transferred through a series of pistons and a crankshaft that turn the wheels of your car. But, if gas is leaking from the system, your vehicle will likely not operate properly and you … Read more
Accidentally putting diesel in a gas powered vehicle is an easier mistake to make than you might think. While diesel pumps are clearly labeled, they’re usually right next to the gas pumps. If a driver isn’t paying attention it’s not difficult to grab the wrong pump. So, what happens if you make this mistake, and … Read more
An EGR delete is a modification that removes the exhaust gas recirculation system from a vehicle. This can be done for a number of reasons, such as increasing performance or preventing engine damage. To complete the process, you’ll need an aftermarket performance kit that physically removes the EGR valve, preventing exhaust from reentering the engine. … Read more
Hydrostatic locking—more commonly referred to as hydrolocking—happens when an engine fills with liquid, causing it to seize up. This usually happens if a driver plows their vehicle into a deep puddle, forcing water into the cylinders and preventing the engine from turning over. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to … Read more
Oil plays a vital role in engine performance by helping to reduce wear and tear, preventing parts from overheating, and keeping the engine clean. Over time, though, oil can break down, causing it to become less effective. When this happens, your engine may run hot, emit black or bluish smoke, and issue a check engine … Read more
The day will inevitably come when you have to change your vehicle’s spark plugs and choose between two of the largest parts manufacturers in the world—Denso or NGK. Both companies make similar spark plugs but the slight variations between the two products leave many car owners wondering which product is superior. At the end of … Read more
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor regulates the amount of air flowing into your vehicle’s engine which, in turn, regulates the amount of fuel being injected. If the MAF sensor fails, it can lead to either an overflow or a restricted flow of air, causing the engine to run lean and hot or rich and cold. … Read more
Although some check engine lights are self-explanatory, Ford’s service AdvanceTrac warning is unique to the brand and relates to a range of possible problems. If your vehicle suddenly issues this light, it indicates that one aspect of the complex AdvanceTrac system has failed. To figure out the exact issue, you’ll have to take your vehicle … Read more
Limp mode is a failsafe mechanism that is built into electronic engine control units (ECUs). When the ECU detects a problem with the transmission or engine, it puts the vehicle into limp mode to lower power output and prevent further damage until the driver can take their vehicle in for necessary repairs. Some of the … Read more
Engine derate is an automatic safety precaution that temporarily reduces power output to protect and prolong the integrity of a diesel engine. If the ECU detects major faults in a vehicle’s emissions system, it can downregulate the amount of fuel injected into the engine, dropping the vehicle’s speed, and forcing the driver to exit the … Read more
