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
If you’ve ever had issues with your car’s exhaust system, then you know how crucial it is to get these problems diagnosed and fixed ASAP. Specifically, a leak in the exhaust manifold is dangerous and can cause more vehicle damage, so how do you tell if you even have a leak in the first place? … Read more
Have you ever considered the effects of a defective crankshaft pulley on your vehicle? Well, it goes without saying that they’re disastrous. When a crankshaft pulley fails (or the timing belt due to a badly maintained crankshaft pulley), the timing of the engine will completely thrown off. This in-turn will cause vibrations, irregular engine idles, … Read more
We all know that when you drive your car — the alternator charges the battery. But will the same happen if the car is idling? This is a question often asked by those who don’t drive a lot and have their battery go flat frequently, and want to know if leaving the car idling will … Read more
When your car’s oil light comes on, it’s time to panic! It means your engine is about to seize up and die if you don’t do something about it immediately. However, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem before it gets expensive. The oil light may come on … Read more