Compression Testing Vs Leak-Down Testing: What's The Difference?
Making sure your engine has proper compression is vital for its health. You can rely on one of two methods to test this, but they aren't quite equal.
Read MorePeter Nelson
Jalopnik Editorial Policies
The unique content on Jalopnik is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with broad journalistic, academic, and practical expertise.
In pursuit of our mission to provide accurate and ethical coverage, the Jalopnik editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Peter Nelson
-
-
Why Your Engine Has A Ground Strap (And Yes, It's Important)
Ground straps might seem a bit superfluous, but they do a crucial job for your car's electrics. Neglect this simple but critical part at your peril.
Read More -
Tiny Engines Require Tiny Turbos, And This Turbo Might Be The Tiniest
Have you ever wondered how forced induction would work on a tiny 150cc engine? For one, it would need a properly sized turbocharger carefully matched to it.
Read More -
Here's Why Manual And Automatic Transmission Fluid Aren't Interchangeable
Manual and automatic transmission fluids should do roughly the same job, but there are differences between the two. Here's why they aren't interchangeable.
Read More -
Why Oldsmobile's Turbocharged V8 Pushed GM's Fabrication Capabilities Past Its Limits
One of the world's first turbocharged production cars, the 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire was as problematic as it was innovative and only lasted for two model years.
Read More -
What's The Difference Between Roller And Flat Tappet Cams?
If you're into wrenching, you might have heard of roller and flat tappet cams, but what's the difference between the two, and why choose one over the other?
Read More -
What's The Difference Between European 95 Octane And American 91 Octane Gas?
You might have seen Europeans complain that U.S. gasoline has a lower octane number, but what's the difference between European 95 and U.S. 91?
Read More -
Do Turbos Use Air-To-Water Or Water-To-Air Intercoolers?
You'll hear both "air-to-water" and "water-to-air" being used by experts to describe intercoolers, but one of them makes a lot more sense than the other.
Read More -
Here's What That Ticking Lifter Might Be Telling You
Ticking noises from a car's engine are rarely welcome, but if your lifters are clicking away in the background, it's worth fixing it sooner, rather than later.
Read More -
How Saab's APC Opened The Floodgates For Stupendous Turbo Power
Saab's APC cleverly solved the knock that plagued turbo engines in the '80s overnight, allowing for higher compression and more reliable turbo power.
Read More -
This Could Be The Worst Honda Engine Ever Built
One turbocharged Honda engine is associated with quality mileage and responsiveness, but some drivers have also noted issues with its long-term reliability.
Read More -
Why Mercedes' U.S. Diesel Sales In The 80s Went From 4-Out-Of-5 To Footnote
Back in the 1980s, the overwhelming majority of Mercedes-Benzes on U.S. roads were diesels, but now sales have fallen through the floor. So what happened?
Read More -
What Are The Main Differences Between GM's LS2 And LS3 Engines?
The GM LS2 and LS3 are both small-block V8s that featured in the base C6 Corvette, but several crucial internal differences give one of them a performance edge.
Read More -
The Difference Between H-Beam And I-Beam Connecting Rods
Have you ever wondered why engine builders argue over connecting rod shapes? Here's a closer look at the trade-offs between H-beam and I-beam designs.
Read More -
The Corvette ZR-2 'Big Doggie' Almost Brought Big Block V8 Power To The 1980s Sports Car Fight
GM engineers once stuffed a massive 454 big-block into a C4 Corvette ZR-2 prototype. Dubbed the 'Big Doggie,' the car sadly never reached the assembly line.
Read More -
Which Car Was The First To Have A 6-Speed Transmission?
The six-speed manual got its start in racing before being brought to public streets, and the first car that had it is probably not as old as you think.
Read More -
Consumer Reports' Customer Ratings Say This Car Brand Is Unexpectedly Comfortable
One automaker topped Consumer Reports' rankings for comfort and satisfaction, despite finishing last in the reliability category. How is that possible?
Read More -
Are There Times Where Aftermarket Tires Outshine OEM Tires?
Normally, following the manufacturer's recommendations is the best course of action, but when it comes to tires, can you do things differently?
Read More -
Is There Any Standardization For Stage 1, 2, Or 3 Engine Tuning?
You've probably heard about the three "stages" of tuning, but what do they mean? And is there any standard definition for each of the three?
Read More -
How To Tell When Your Harmonic Balancer's Gone Bad
There are a few tell-tale signs to look for if you think your harmonic balancer needs to be replaced, and you'll want to make sure it's in good working order.
Read More -
How (And When) To Use A Spark Plug Thread Chaser
A spark plug thread chaser isn't always the answer, but it can make a big difference when you're installing fresh new plugs. There's a process for using it.
Read More -
What's The Difference Between Fuel Stabilizer And Fuel Treatment?
Fuel additives are a staple of the auto parts store, but what is the difference between the fuel stabilizers and the fuel treatments on the shelves?
Read More -
Watch This Cabin Air Filter Replacement Process And Feel Rage Well Up Inside You
Replacing a cabin air filter should be an easy task, but as one mechanic has shown us, it isn't always the way. Watch the video and try to control your anger.
Read More -
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 More -
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.
Read More -
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.
Read More -
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.
Read More
