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Jalopnik Explains
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Jalopnik Explains

  • Driver Alexander Rossi points holds part of the cooling tube system on a helmet
    1

    Helmet Tubes Are Just The Goofy Part Of IndyCar Cooling Systems You Can See

    IndyCar drivers must reckon with in-car temperatures that often soar well over 100 degrees. Elaborate cooling systems seek to tamp down those temps.

    By Shane Schmid 15 hours ago Read More
  • An example of a boat engine alternator
    12

    Here's How Marine Alternators Are Different From The One In Your Car

    An engine is an engine and an alternator is an alternator, right? But not when they're operating in completely different environments like a boat and a car.

    By Shane Schmid 2 days ago Read More
  • Damaged cars in a parking lot.
    26

    What Is A Salvage Title Car And Why Is Buying One Essentially Gambling?

    Salvage title cars seem like a bargain, but are they really? A vehicle with salvage status comes with a questionable history — and serious risks to consider.

    By Dave Goldberg 2 days ago Read More
  • A vehicle's disc brake with a blue caliper
    6

    These Were The Only Two American Cars That Offered Four-Wheel Disc Brakes In The 1960s

    Disc brakes were invented in 1902, but didn’t become common until decades later. And only two American cars offered them on all four wheels in the 1960s.

    By Charles Krome 2 days ago Read More
  • A whipple Supercharger on LS engine in a car
    18

    The Difference Between LS And Vortec Engines (And Why Fans Love Them)

    Although Vortec engines fall under the "LS" branding, they aren't actually the exact same as more traditional LS engines made by General Motors.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 2 days ago Read More
  • Detailed view of a cylinder head showcasing its components, in automotive mechanics in a workshop.
    3

    Why Aluminum Heads Are More Likely To Warp Than Cast Iron

    Aluminum cylinder heads sometimes get a bad reputation for warping issues. Here's the truth behind these rumors and why aluminum can be more prone to warping.

    By Eugene Buono 3 days ago Read More
  • A silver Suzuki Samurai at a car show
    22

    Why Suzuki Took Consumer Reports To Court Over Its Testing

    The Suzuki Samurai was a hot-selling SUV in 1988, but a Consumer Reports article led to its sales plummeting. So Suzuki challenged the magazine in court.

    By Chloe Clougher 3 days ago Read More
  • A close-up of a white car being filled with fuel at a gas station.
    11

    What Causes Gas Prices To Be So Different Around The Country?

    If you've ever been on a multi-state road trip, you probably noticed some discrepancy between fuel prices from state to state. Here's why that happens.

    By Marko Mikulic 3 days ago Read More
  • An automatic transmission shifter set to drive
    11

    Why Are Automatic Transmissions Called Slushboxes?

    Even if you're a fan of automatic transmissions, you've likely heard them be referred to as "slushboxes" before. Here's why that nickname stuck.

    By Charles Krome 3 days ago Read More
  • Damaged brake rotor with grooves
    21

    When To Resurface Brake Rotors – And When You Should Just Replace Them

    Are you hearing that dreaded squeal or feeling a vibration when braking? Here's how to know whether your rotors need replacing or can just be resurfaced.

    By B. L. Johnson 3 days ago Read More
  • A worried man looking at the engine of a dark car with the hood raised
    3

    The First Things To Check When Your Engine Is Hemorrhaging Horsepower

    If your car feels down on power, a trip to the garage might be in order, but checking these things before you go could save you a pile of cash.

    By Alvin Reyes 3 days ago Read More
  • Black Rolls-Royce with a UK personalized license plate
    19

    Why Are European License Plates So Long And Skinny Compared To American Ones?

    Ever wondered why European license plates -- particularly in the U.K. and E.U. -- are long and skinny, when U.S. plates are much more square? Wonder no more.

    By Chloe Clougher 4 days ago Read More
  • A black F1 monochrome car driving on a track before the 2026 season
    3

    Why F1 Teams Can't Just Race Bare Carbon Cars

    Formula 1 cars tend to be colorful, packed with team names and sponsors. They'd be lighter if they stripped it all away, but there's a reason why they don't.

    By Ryan Erik King 4 days ago Read More
  • An electric car connected to a recharger showing an 82% state of charge
    26

    Does The 80% Rule Still Apply To EVs Today?

    Owners of electric vehicles have been following a certain rule: Only charge their vehicles to 80%, not 100%. But how important is it to follow that rule today?

    By Alvin Reyes 4 days ago Read More
  • A Ford Super Duty work truck in a parking lot
    9

    6.7L Cummins Vs. 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engines: What Are The Differences?

    Both Cummins and Ford offer 6.7-liter diesel engines. They share a few similarities, but those don't go much further than their displacements.

    By Benjamin Gracias 5 days ago Read More
  • A blue 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition
    12

    Here's How Much A 2021 Toyota Tacoma Has Depreciated In 5 Years

    Kelley Blue Book says the Toyota Tacoma is the new car that holds its value the best after five years. But Tacomas still depreciate. Here's how much.

    By Monday Goma 5 days ago Read More
  • A Corvette LS7 engine inside of a vehicle
    9

    What Do The Letters LS Actually Mean In Chevy Engines?

    You've likely heard of plenty of Chevrolet engines known as "LS" in one form or another. But is there actually any deeper meaning to those letters?

    By Chloe Clougher 5 days ago Read More
  • 3D render of an internal combustion engine
    6

    What's The Difference Between Even Firing And Odd Firing Engines?

    It might sound surprising, but the order in which your engine's cylinders fire can have a profound effect on the motor's character. Here's how.

    By Kiran Menon 5 days ago Read More
  • An RV camper in the wilderness
    13

    RVers Are Ditching Generators For Portable Power Stations, But Are They Worth It?

    If you're into your off-grid getaways, you might be considering a portable power station to replace your trusty gas generator, but should you spring for one?

    By Benjamin Gracias 5 days ago Read More
  • Shell Helix 0W-40 and 0W-30 engine oils
    37

    No, European Cars Can't Use American Car Oil: Here's Why

    Oils are not all the same, and owners of European cars have to make sure they're using oil that meets European standards -- which differ from those in the U.S.

    By Kiran Menon 5 days ago Read More
  • A slick winter highway with traffic
    1

    Here's How Snow Mode Changes Driving Dynamics To Keep You Out Of Ditches

    Using snow mode helps your car handle colder weather and slippery terrain. The way it does this is actually a bit more complex than you might think.

    By Shane Schmid 5 days ago Read More
  • A 2024 Chevrolet Trax LT in Cayenne Orange Metallic parked on a gravel road in front of trees.
    16

    Why You Shouldn't Tow With Your Chevy Trax So Put The Hitch Down And Walk Away

    It's not impossible to tow things with a Chevrolet Trax, but it's not a good idea. It's better to use a different, similarly-sized SUV from another brand.

    By Charles Krome 6 days ago Read More
  • A race-prepped engine with blue silicone hoses for the radiator and air intake
    7

    Is Upgrading To Silicone Hoses Worth It? Here's What The Experts Say

    Most cars come with rubber hoses, but drivers have the option of upgrading to silicone hoses. But are they worth the extra cost in the long run?

    By Alvin Reyes 6 days ago Read More
  • A person using a vehicle's media touchscreen
    7

    In-Car Subscriptions Give Buyers The Ick And Automakers Don't Get Why

    Automakers have continued to push subscriptions for major features in their cars. But drivers are sick and tired of needing to deal with them.

    By Shane Schmid 6 days ago Read More
  • Engine pistons from both sides, with flat head surface full of sludge deposits
    5

    Here's What Piston Skirts Are Actually Designed To Do

    Gearheads might be aware of piston skirts, but their exact function isn't always clear to those outside engineering. Here's the lowdown.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 6 days ago Read More
  • A motorcycle cylinder head bolt
    10

    How To Know When To Replace And When To Reuse Cylinder Head Bolts

    It's tempting to reuse cylinder head bolts, especially if they pass the eye test. But there are some kinds of bolts you should never, ever reuse.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 6 days ago Read More
  • Chevy Cavalier
    7

    These Are All The Vehicles GM Built On Its J-Body Platform

    In the early 1980s, General Motors decided to build a new world car. This resulted in the J-body platform, which was used across multiple brands for decades.

    By B. L. Johnson 6 days ago Read More
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