Car Parts

Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engines

Two types reign supreme in the realm of internal combustion engines: two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines. While both serve the common purpose of converting fuel into mechanical energy, they operate on distinct principles. Each engine type has its own set of advantages and limitations. Understanding the disparities between these engine types is crucial for automotive enthusiasts, professionals, and the average Texas driver alike. Let's delve into the key differences that set two-stroke engines apart from their four-stroke counterparts. The Basics of Two-Stroke Engines As the name suggests, two-stroke engines complete the engine combustion cycle in just two piston movements—upward and downward strokes. These engines are renowned for their simplicity, comprising fewer parts than four-stroke engines, resulting in lighter weight and easier maintenance. Even with those advantages, the two-stroke engine is no longer used for modern vehicles, with the last one released in the 1960s by Saab. You will find them in other common items, including chainsaws, snowblowers, motorcycles, and some marine engines. Highlights of the Two-Stroke Engine Simplicity and [...]

By |2024-03-22T14:26:30-06:00March 22nd, 2024|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Car Parts 101 – CV Joints

When it comes to your vehicle's performance and safety, few components are as critical as the CV joints. These essential parts play a pivotal role in the functionality of your vehicle's drivetrain, ensuring smooth and seamless power transfer from the transmission to the wheels. With such an important role, we are sure you know what we are about to say... It's essential to understand the signs of wear and tear! Let's dive into what CV Joints are, how to spot signs that they need replacing, and some good maintenance tips to keep your car in great shape. Understanding CV Joints Constant Velocity (CV) joints are designed to accommodate the continual motion and varying angles of the wheels as the vehicle navigates turns and uneven terrain. Most modern cars come equipped with two types of CV joints – inner and outer – and are found in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. They are also found in some rear-wheel-drive cars, but not all models (make sure to check your car's manual or [...]

By |2024-01-04T16:20:22-06:00January 4th, 2024|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Choosing the Right Motor Oil for Your Texas Vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance, and one key aspect of proper maintenance is choosing the right motor oil. With Texas's weather and driving conditions, selecting the appropriate motor oil becomes even more critical. This guide will help you navigate the options and break down the different motor oil types. Understand the Basics Before delving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basic characteristics of motor oil. Motor oils are graded based on viscosity, which refers to the oil's thickness or resistance to flow. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establishes viscosity standards, and you'll commonly see oil grades like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The first number (5W or 10W) represents the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures. The second number (30 or 40) indicates viscosity at operating temperatures. Consider Your Vehicle's Specifications for Motor Oil Every vehicle comes with manufacturer recommendations for motor oil. These specifications can usually be found in your owner's manual. Pay attention to the recommended viscosity grade and any [...]

By |2023-12-14T12:26:14-06:00December 14th, 2023|Auto Care, Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Valves and Camshafts: Controlling Airflow for Optimal Performance

In the world of automobiles, the engine is the heart and soul of a vehicle. It's where the magic happens: fuel is ignited, and power is generated to propel your car forward. But have you ever wondered how an engine breathes efficiently, producing optimal power and maintaining fuel efficiency? The answer lies in the intricate dance between car engine valves and camshafts. These two components play a pivotal role in controlling the airflow within an engine, and they significantly impact your vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Understanding Car Engine Valves Car engine valves are like the gates to the engine's combustion chamber. They open and close to allow air and fuel to enter and exhaust gases to exit. The precise timing of these movements is critical to engine performance. Many engines have two valves: intake and exhaust valves, but newer engines have multiple valves per cylinder (some 3 and some 4 valves). Intake Valves These valves open to allow a mixture of air and fuel to enter the combustion [...]

By |2023-10-18T08:46:03-06:00October 18th, 2023|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Under the Hood: Understanding the Key Engine Components for Gasoline Engines

Car engines are marvels of engineering, transforming the chemical energy in fuel into mechanical power that propels us down the road. To appreciate the magic of a gasoline running car, it's essential to understand the intricate interplay of various car engine components. So, let’s delve under the hood and explore all the inner workings of the car engine and how they work together to power your vehicle. The Heart of the Machine: The Engine Block At the core of every car engine lies the engine block. This sturdy piece of metal serves as the foundation upon which all other car engine components are mounted and houses the cylinders, where the real action happens. The engine block is typically made of cast iron or aluminum for its durability and heat dissipation properties. Within the engine block, you'll find the cylinders, which are essential for combustion. The number of cylinders varies depending on the engine type. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines are common in most vehicles, while high-performance and larger vehicles often [...]

By |2023-09-13T11:29:12-06:00September 13th, 2023|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

The Heart of Power: Understanding the Role of Pistons and Connecting Rods

Beneath the hood of every automobile lies a complex and intricate machinery known as the internal combustion engine. At the heart of this marvel are two fundamental components: pistons and connecting rods. These unassuming yet crucial elements play a pivotal role in the conversion of fuel into motion, powering our vehicles and driving modern transportation. Let’s delve into the mechanics and significance of pistons and connecting rods, shedding light on their integral role in engine operation and overall performance. Understanding Pistons and Connecting Rods – What’s Their Purpose? The Pistons: The Catalysts of Energy Conversion Pistons, cylindrical components that move within the engine cylinders, are central to the process of transforming chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy that propels the vehicle. This conversion is achieved through a precisely choreographed sequence of movements that occur within the engine's cylinders. During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward, creating a vacuum within the cylinder. This vacuum draws in a carefully balanced mixture of air and fuel. As the piston [...]

By |2023-08-16T12:08:44-06:00August 16th, 2023|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump

Your vehicle needs gas to run. And for that gas to get to your engine, you need a fuel pump. The vehicle fuel pump plays a critical role in the overall performance and efficiency of vehicles. However, like any mechanical part, fuel pumps can wear out over time and eventually fail. Recognizing the warning signs of a failing fuel pump can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. It’s all about catching it in time. Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump Engine Sputtering or Surging If the fuel pump is not supplying the required amount of fuel to the engine, it can result in inconsistent fuel delivery. That inconsistency can lead to engine sputtering and surging during acceleration. The engine could also hesitate, lose power, or surge forward unexpectedly. If you experience any unusual behavior while accelerating, it's time to have your fuel pump/fuel system inspected. Difficulty Starting the Engine A failing fuel pump can make it difficult to start your vehicle, especially after it has been sitting [...]

By |2024-09-09T14:07:54-06:00June 23rd, 2023|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
Read More

What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a combination of urea and deionized air. This fluid is essential for keeping a diesel engine running smoothly and provides a reduction of harmful contaminants, such as nitrogen oxide, that are released into the environment. When this fluid is allowed to run low, diesel vehicles suffer from reduced performance and may even cease to turn on until the tank is refilled. The Importance of Diesel Exhaust Fluid Diesel exhaust fluid helps to reduce the amount of pollution that is produced by medium and heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust systems. The SCR system injects the DEF into the exhaust, transforming harmful pollutants into clean air through a chemical reaction. DEF is not a fuel additive and it's stored in a separate tank. While it may seem like an inconvenience to spend money on an extra fluid, drivers of diesel trucks, buses, and heavy machinery need DEF to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Do All Diesel Vehicles Require Exhaust Fluid? Vehicle manufacturers began implementing selective catalytic [...]

By |2023-03-14T12:22:21-06:00March 14th, 2023|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

Car Parts 101: Mass Airflow Sensor

Mass airflow sensors are an integral component of your vehicle's functionality. If something malfunctions with the sensor, you'll notice immediate signs that something has gone awry. The engine at best, will run poorly or it may not run at all. How Does a Mass Airflow Sensor Work? Mass airflow sensors can also be referred to as air meters. They play a fundamental role within your automobile's system by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. The input provided by the sensor then allows the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to regulate the opening and closing of the fuel injectors, adjust ignition timing and when the ignition coil/s fire. The aforementioned parts, in harmony with the PCM, allows the air to fuel ratio stay in proper balance. The MAF sensor has two sensing wires. Via an electrical current, one wire is heated and cooled down by the amount of air that flows over the heated wire.  As the temperature difference fluctuates between the two wires, this provides input to the PCM to either provide more [...]

By |2023-02-24T09:40:57-06:00February 22nd, 2023|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Signs of a Bad Car Heater Core

Don't be alarmed if you're uncertain where your car heater core is located or what its function is. This vehicle component isn't often talked about until something goes wrong, at which point, a costly repair may be needed to fix it. The heater core is located behind/under the dashboard, so most drivers never see it. Driving with a busted car heater core can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. During the winter, a clogged heater core will lead to a cold passenger cabin. A bad heater core can also lead to an overheated engine (if the core is leaking; thereby causing the coolant level to not be sufficient) and potentially extensive repair work. Seeing a trend? You really want your car heater core to be working efficiently and correctly. What Does a Car Heater Core Do? The heater core in a vehicle operates as a small radiator. It circulates the hot coolant through the cabin of the vehicle, which enables the heater to function during the winter months. When a [...]

By |2022-12-14T08:40:15-06:00December 14th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
Read More
Go to Top