What is Engine Braking and How to Do It Right
Who knew that slowing down could actually help save your car parts? Many folks think that brakes are the only way to stop, but the engine plays a big part too. If you drive in the mountains or hit heavy…
Category Car Guide
How to Permanently Disable Auto Engine Shut Off
Since I bought my first car with start-stop technology, I have hated it. The engine cuts out at stoplights, the cabin loses its cool, and the delay when you hit the gas is annoying. It puts extra stress on the…
Annoyed by Auto Stop? Here’s How to Turn It Off
You might feel that familiar frustration when your engine cuts out at a red light. It happens right when you want to pull away, but the car hesitates for a split second. Many drivers hate this feature, as it feels…
How to Check Your Engine Timing in Minutes
As we get older, we learn that cars are just giant puzzles that occasionally bite back. My first engine project ended with a car that would not start, and that is when I learned the value of patience. Timing issues…
No Timing Marks? Here’s How to Time Your Engine Anyway
When you pop the hood to fix a rough idle, finding no marks on the pulleys feels like a nightmare. You might assume your engine is a lost cause or that you need a master mechanic to step in. I…
How to Adjust Engine Timing Step by Step
Each car tells you when it feels unhappy. You might hear pinging sounds, notice poor gas mileage, or feel like the engine lacks power when you step on the gas. Many people think this means their engine is toast. It…
How to Fix a Rough Idle by Adjusting Idle Speed
Whether you drive an old truck or a newer sedan, you know that shaky feeling when you stop at a red light. It rattles the dash, your steering wheel vibrates, and you worry the engine might quit. A rough idle…
How to Rotate an Engine by Hand Like a Mechanic
Some folks think turning an engine by hand is only for master mechanics in fancy shops, but that is not true at all. I learned this trick when I messed up a timing belt job years ago, and it saved…
How to Crank an Engine Without Actually Starting It
The first time you try to turn over an engine without a spark, you might feel a bit nervous. It is a handy trick, especially when you need to build oil pressure or check for odd noises. You do not…
Flooded Engine? Here’s the Trick to Get It Started
While most folks think a car that refuses to start is broken, the truth is often much simpler. Sometimes you just have too much fuel in the cylinders. It happens when you turn the key but the engine fails to…