Why Pistons Have Three Rings To Rule Combustion
You've heard that pistons have rings, but have you ever wondered why there are three? Here's how piston rings work together to keep your engine running.
Read MorePeter Nelson
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Stories By Peter Nelson
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The Difference Between California-Produced Gas And The Other 49 States
California gas prices are higher than the prices in most of the rest of the United States, but taxes are only a small part of the gas-price equation.
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What's The Difference Between An Idler Pulley And A Tensioner Pulley?
If you're even remotely interested in wrenching, you've probably heard of idler and tensioner pulleys, but if you're unsure which is which, step right this way.
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Was The Ford Explorer Sport Trac Too Early For Its Own Good?
The Explorer Sport Trac was a strange combo of family-hauling SUV and gear-hauling pickup, but it might've been more successful if it were launched today.
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ZF 8 Speed Vs. Aisin 8 Speed Transmissions: How Do They Compare?
ZF and Aisin make two of the most popular and most successful eight-speed gearboxes on the market, but how do the two transmissions stack up side by side?
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The OG Four-Door Porsche Sports Sedan Wasn't Even Built By Porsche
More than 40 years before the Panamera went into production, a four-door Porsche had already been conceived. But it was the brainchild of a Texan, not a German.
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The Pros And Cons Of Switching To E85 Flex Fuel
Modern drivers have access to a variety of fuel blends, including E85. Here's what E85 actually is and some of the pros and cons of using it in your ride.
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Using Wipers Without Headlights In Bad Weather Is Illegal In These US States
Are you required to have your headlights whenever your wipers are turned on? The answer depends on what state you're driving in.
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Marine Vs. Automotive Spark Plugs: What's The Difference?
The spark plug in your car and a spark plug on a boat have the same job, but perform it in very different environments. Here's how marine spark plugs stay dry.
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How To Find (And Fix) An Engine Vacuum Leak Yourself
A vacuum leak can cause a variety of drivability issues in your vehicle. Here's how you can isolate the leak and the steps you should take to fix it.
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Why BMW Went To Single Turbos Instead Of Dual Turbos
A dual turbo setup can deliver a lot of power, but the performance increases can come at a cost. Here's why BMW has opted for a single turbo engine in the past.
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Why This '80s Transmission Used Three Shifters Instead Of One
The Hurst Lightning Rod system in the 1984 Hurst/Olds Special Edition came with three shift levers to control its automatic transmission. Let's find out why.
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What's The Purpose Of A Carburetor Vacuum Line?
Carburetors with vacuum lines are still found on classic vehicles and small-displacement engines — but what is the vacuum actually used for? Let's take a look.
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When Did US Automakers Switch To Metric Bolts?
Metric fasteners are standard on modern vehicles. However, that wasn't always the case. Here's when manufacturers first began to make the switch from SAE.
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