Our general FAQ section provides clear answers to the most common automotive questions that apply to all vehicles, regardless of make or model. From understanding routine maintenance schedules and oil change intervals to learning about warning lights, smog checks, brakes, tires, and general car care tips, this category is designed to help every driver. Whether you’re new to car ownership or just want reliable advice, our general FAQs give you the knowledge to keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and road-ready.
What is a clutch-based limited-slip differential? A clutch-based limited-slip differential (LSD) is a mechanical differential that uses friction clutch packs to limit the speed difference between two drive wheels, helping maintain traction when one wheel begins to slip. In practical terms, it sends more torque to the wheel with grip than an open differential can, …
What Is a Differential and How Does It Work? A differential is a gear mechanism in a vehicle’s drivetrain that splits engine torque between two wheels while letting them rotate at different speeds; it works by using a set of bevel gears in a carrier driven by the ring (crown) gear so each wheel can …
Is the Alef flying car real? Yes. Alef Aeronautics’ “Model A” is a real, full‑scale prototype of a road‑drivable, electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle that has received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate and has been shown driving on public roads and performing limited flight tests; however, it is not yet a certified, street‑legal consumer …
Turbocharging Explained: How Engines Use Exhaust Energy to Make More Power Turbocharging is the process of using a turbine driven by an engine’s exhaust gases to compress incoming air, allowing more oxygen into the cylinders and producing more power from the same engine size. In modern vehicles, it’s widely used to improve performance and fuel …
Four Key Functions of the Camshaft in an Internal Combustion Engine The camshaft (or camshafts) performs four core functions: it opens and closes the intake valves at precise times; opens and closes the exhaust valves at precise times; mechanically drives or actuates certain auxiliary components (such as a fuel pump, vacuum pump, and—on older engines—the …
What are the computers inside cars? The computers inside cars are specialized electronic control units (ECUs) and high-performance processors that manage everything from engine timing and braking to infotainment, connectivity, and driver-assistance. In modern vehicles—especially electric and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS)–equipped models—these computers range from small microcontroller-based modules to powerful domain and central controllers that …
What Is the Definition of a Hydroplane? A hydroplane is either a fast, planing-hull motorboat designed to skim across the water’s surface, or the act of a vehicle tire riding up on a thin film of water and losing grip (also called aquaplaning). The term is also used, less commonly today, for a seaplane and …
The benefits of a weight distribution hitch A weight distribution hitch improves towing stability, restores steering and braking control, reduces rear sag, and can add sway control—by redistributing tongue weight across the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer’s axles. It helps keep the rig level, enhances driver confidence, and may allow use of the …
How Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) Operate ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking by rapidly modulating brake pressure at each wheel, keeping tire slip in an optimal range so you can steer while slowing down. In practice, sensors watch wheel speeds, a control unit detects impending lock-up, and a hydraulic (or electrohydraulic) modulator repeatedly reduces, …
How to Get Trapped Air Out of a Power Steering System You can remove trapped air from a hydraulic power steering system by safely lifting the front wheels, topping up the correct fluid, cycling the steering wheel lock-to-lock with the engine off, then repeating with the engine running while monitoring and refilling the reservoir; a …
Do mechanics make $100,000 a year? Yes—some do—but it’s not the norm. In the United States, typical automotive mechanics earn far less than $100,000, while seasoned specialists such as aircraft mechanics, top-performing dealership master technicians in high-cost markets, heavy-equipment/diesel techs, and supervisors can reach or exceed six figures, often with overtime, incentives, or union contracts. …
Are F1 engines dry sump? Yes. All modern Formula 1 power units use dry‑sump lubrication systems, a choice driven by extreme cornering forces, packaging efficiency, and reliability demands. In practice, dry‑sump designs have been standard in F1 for decades and remain the norm in the current 1.6‑liter V6 turbo-hybrid era. What “dry sump” means in …
How a car’s door lock works: the mechanics and electronics behind modern vehicle security A car door lock secures the door by using a latch that grabs a fixed metal striker on the body; locking disables the outside handle’s control of that latch, and in modern cars a small electric actuator moves the lock while …
What’s the “stuff” loose inside my muffler? It’s most often broken internal baffles or debris from a failing catalytic converter, though it can also be packing material, rust flakes, or even water. If you’re hearing a rattle, clunk, or slosh from the exhaust, the “loose stuff” signals wear or damage that can escalate to noise, …
What “being clutch” means—and why the term matters Being clutch means performing exceptionally well under pressure, especially at critical moments when the outcome is on the line. It’s most common in sports and esports, but the idea applies anywhere someone must deliver when stakes and stress are high. This article explains the term’s meaning, where …
Which side of the road does Europe drive on? Most of Europe drives on the right-hand side of the road; the main exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus, which drive on the left. Crown Dependencies such as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands also drive on the left, while Gibraltar …
Can you still drive a car with a blown airbag? Yes, most cars will still start and move after an airbag deploys, but you should not drive them. A deployed (or “blown”) airbag signals a crash-level event and leaves the supplemental restraint system (SRS) compromised, making the vehicle unsafe and, in many jurisdictions, not road-legal …
Why Is Gawr Gura Leaving? What’s Known, What’s Rumor, and How to Verify There is no official announcement that Gawr Gura is leaving Hololive Production. Current speculation appears to stem from her intermittent activity and community chatter, but neither Cover Corp nor Gawr Gura’s official channels have issued a confirmed “graduation” or departure notice. If …
What Is a Belly Tank Generator? A belly tank generator is a generator set with its fuel tank integrated into the base frame directly beneath the engine and alternator, providing extended runtime in a compact, self-contained package. Often called a sub-base or skid-base tank, it is most commonly paired with diesel generators for standby, prime, …
Who is a well-known race car driver? Lewis Hamilton is a well-known race car driver. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion holds the all-time records for most Grand Prix wins (104, through the end of 2024) and pole positions, and as of 2025 he races for Ferrari after a record-setting run with Mercedes. He is …
What Does “Double Overhead” Mean? In surfing, “double overhead” describes waves with a face roughly twice the height of the surfer riding them—so a surfer around 6 feet tall would be looking at about a 12-foot wave face, though actual measurements vary by region and scale. The term is a relative, lineup-based shorthand rather than …
How much does it cost to replace a suspension system? In the U.S. in 2025, replacing a car’s suspension typically costs $1,000–$5,000 for a conventional coil/strut setup, $3,000–$8,000 for adaptive or magnetic ride systems, and $4,000–$12,000 (or more) for air suspension, parts and labor included. Per-corner jobs often run $300–$1,200 each, and a four-wheel alignment …
Components of an Alternator: The Parts That Make Reliable Power The essential components of an alternator are the rotor (field), stator (armature windings), rectifier/diode bridge, voltage regulator, slip rings and brushes (or a brushless exciter), bearings and shaft, housing/end frames, a pulley with an overrunning clutch (on most modern vehicles), cooling fans or jacket, and …
How to Tell if Your Rack and Pinion Is Failing Look for loose or wandering steering, clunks or notchy feedback in the wheel, power-steering fluid at the rack boots, and uneven steering effort left vs. right. These signs, especially in combination, strongly suggest a failing rack and pinion and warrant prompt inspection, as steering faults …
Can a car run without an alternator? Yes—but only for a short time. A car can continue running on the 12-volt battery if the alternator fails, typically for minutes to an hour depending on the battery’s health and electrical load. Modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection, control modules, electric power steering, and many accessories usually …
Are Diesel and Kerosene the Same Thing? No. Diesel and kerosene are both petroleum “middle-distillate” fuels, but they are not the same: they come from different cuts in the refining process, have distinct physical properties and safety profiles, and are formulated for different engines and appliances. In practice, they’re used differently—diesel in compression-ignition engines, kerosene …
Highway vs Freeway in Australia: What’s the Difference? A freeway in Australia is a fully controlled-access, grade-separated road built for high-speed through traffic with no property access or intersections, whereas a highway is a major route that may include at-grade intersections, driveways, traffic lights, and town main streets. In practice, a highway can range from …
Can You Drive a Car With the Battery Light On? Yes—if the engine is running normally and the serpentine belt is intact, you can usually drive a short distance to a safe place or repair shop. Expect limited runtime: as little as 10–30 minutes at night with lights and accessories on, and up to roughly …
How Much a New Car Door Lock Costs in 2025 For most vehicles, replacing a power door lock actuator costs about $180–$600 installed (parts typically $50–$300, plus labor). Replacing a mechanical key cylinder usually runs $150–$350 installed (parts $30–$150). On luxury models or vehicles with integrated smart handles and sensors, the total can reach $600–$1,200+ …
What Octane Fuel Do You Need for a 9.5:1 Compression Ratio? For most naturally aspirated gasoline engines with a 9.5:1 compression ratio, regular 87 AKI (U.S./Canada) is appropriate; step up to 89 AKI (midgrade) if the engine lacks knock control, runs hot or heavily loaded, or you hear pinging. In markets labeled by RON, that …