Marc Baily » How Stuff Works

Auto Tech: Oils that save fuel

Chris — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:02:43 +0000

Lighter viscosity engine oil, such as 0W-20 synthetic engine oil, is being specified by many vehicle manufacturers as a way of reducing fuel consumption, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. How? "Reduced internal engine friction...improves fuel economy," he says.

Auto Tech: Atkinson Cycle engines and Hybrids

Chris — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:02:20 +0000

Atkinson Cycle engines offer better fuel economy than Otto Cycle engines, but reduced low-speed torque. However, when combined with hybrids’ electric motors which have excellent torque, they work well, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.

Auto Tech: Noisy mufflers

Chris — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:02:27 +0000

"Do mufflers have to be noisy to perform? No. Can aftermarket systems be quiet? Yes, if selected properly," says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr who explains how mufflers work.

Auto Tech: Ford’s 2011 SuperDuty Power Stroke Diesel

Chris — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:02:02 +0000

The only thing that Ford’s new 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine shares with the previous SuperDuty diesel is the name: everything else is new, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.

Auto Tech: Variable valve timing

Chris — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:02:03 +0000

Variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves improves fuel economy and engine performance and lowers emissions, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. "It is one of those technologies I would look for if I were buying a new vehicle."

Auto Tech: Servicing wheel bearings

Chris — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:02:33 +0000

Most vehicles today use sealed wheel bearings, but some, including trailers, need wheel bearings serviced regularly. "Bearings don't fail often, but when they do they can cause a lot of other damage," says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.

Auto Tech: Oxygen sensors

Chris — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:02:38 +0000

There are two different types of oxygen sensors in a vehicle’s exhaust system and both are necessary to keep the engine running properly. If your engine starts to misfire, it could be a faulty oxygen sensor, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.

Auto Tech: All-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive

Chris — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:01:20 +0000

Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, explains the differences between four-wheel drive systems and all-wheel drive systems and how and why they operate on different road surfaces and weather conditions.

Auto Tech: Check-engine lights

Chris — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:02:12 +0000

The Check-engine light comes on when a problem fails the on-board diagnostic tests twice and causes vehicle emissions to be excessive, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. You should take your car to the repair shop for diagnosis, he advises.

Auto Tech: Check-engine lights

Chris — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:02:12 +0000