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Jalopnik Explains
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Jalopnik Explains

  • Vehicles driving through a blizzard
    0

    Here's Where Automakers Freeze Their Lugnuts Off For Cold Weather Testing

    Modern cars need to be tested for their resistance to cold weather. Since not everywhere in the world can account for this, automakers go to specific areas.

    By Chad Kirchner 10 hours ago Read More
  • Several tractors lined up next to one another
    2

    What Is Off Road Diesel And Why Is It Illegal To Use On Road?

    Drivers, particularly in rural areas, might have heard they can save money with off-road diesel, but what is it, and why can't you use it on the road?

    By Shane Schmid 12 hours ago Read More
  • A traffic signal with camera sensors mounted nearby
    5

    How Traffic Light Sensors Detect Your Car

    Traffic lights might seem like they let cars stop or go randomly, but that's not always the case. Many of them use special sensors that detect vehicles.

    By Shane Schmid 16 hours ago Read More
  • A spilled talcum powder container
    1

    It's Not Just Dust – Why There's White Powder Covering Your New Car Parts

    You might have noticed brand-new car parts covered in some sort of white powder. Luckily, there's no reason for you to be too concerned over it.

    By Charles Krome 21 hours ago Read More
  • BMW's auto stop-start function, next to the main ignition button in the center console.
    106

    How Automakers Tackle Auto Start-Stop Without Adding Wear And Tear

    Most modern cars have auto start-stop systems to reduce fuel consumption, but while some might worry about wear and tear, car makers have it covered.

    By Kiran Menon 1 day ago Read More
  • Side profile of a 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring in red.
    6

    Why Bugatti's Veyron And Honda's Odyssey Used The Same Michelin Tire System

    At one time, both the Bugatti Veyron and the Honda Odyssey Touring used the same tire tech. Here's why a supercar and a minivan shared similar parts.

    By Nico DeMattia 2 days ago Read More
  • A cut-away turbocharger showing its turbine fans
    13

    What Causes Turbo Flutter And Can It Damage Your Engine?

    Some drivers might enjoy the sound of turbo flutter, but it's not something you should want to keep around. There are few good things that can come from it.

    By Charles Krome 2 days ago Read More
  • A piston with three piston rings and new rings in the background
    2

    Here's What Driving With Bad Piston Rings Can Do To Your Engine

    Piston rings are the seals in your cylinders, giving you better compression and power, but what happens if they wear or break? And how can you spot the signs?

    By Alvin Reyes 2 days ago Read More
  • An old differential next to a new one, with both open showing their gears
    6

    Here's What Your Car's Final Drive Ratio Actually Means

    Now you'll be able to at least know a bit about final drive ratios next time it comes up in conversation with your car friends.

    By Logan K. Carter 3 days ago Read More
  • An old purge valve from a car on display
    8

    Purge Valve: What It Is, How It Works, And Why Proper Maintenance Matters

    The emissions system of your car does a lot to help make its exhaust more bearable to deal with. But it wouldn't be nearly as effective without the purge valve.

    By Alvin Reyes 4 days ago Read More
  • A car owner wiping the interior of a vehicle using a blue microfiber towel
    6

    The Signs Your Microfiber Towel Is Too Gross To Keep Using

    Microfiber towels are amazing for car detailing and general cleaning, but they don't last forever. Here's how to tell when it's time to replace yours.

    By Alvin Reyes 4 days ago Read More
  • A small Zundapp single-cylinder engine mounted up to a rusty old motorcycle chassis.
    22

    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.

    By Peter Nelson 4 days ago Read More
  • A mechanic is curiously examining car radiator inside of a garage.
    4

    3 Weird Ways Radiators Were Destroyed (And What's More Likely To Give You A Headache)

    Car radiators are generally robust, but they can fail, and, sometimes, they fail in some strange ways. Here are some of the weirdest ways radiators can die.

    By Chloe Clougher 5 days ago Read More
  • An example of helical and straight cut gear designs sitting on a golden-yellow background
    8

    If Straight Cut Gears Are So Great, Why Don't Street Cars Use Them?

    Straight cut gears can provide some exciting benefits, but despite those benefits, regular passenger cars don't use them. Here's why.

    By Shane Schmid 5 days ago Read More
  • A semi truck transporting several cars down a road
    10

    3 Things To Consider When You're Shipping A Car In The US

    Trying to ship a vehicle across the United States comes with some various challenges. There are a few things you should keep in mind before attempting it.

    By Shane Schmid 5 days ago Read More
  • A handheld OBD-II code scanner, running a vehicle diagnostic.
    18

    How OBD-II Changed Car Repair For Better Or Worse

    Once upon a time, you could diagnose the culprit of your Mazda MX-5 Miata's check engine light with a paperclip. We now use OBD-II technology for that.

    By Eugene Buono 5 days ago Read More
  • A woman attaching a jumper cable to a car
    7

    What Exactly Are You Doing When You Jump Start An EV?

    Jump starting your vehicle requires some very specific steps. But those steps don't really change much between internal combustion and electric vehicles.

    By Kiran Menon 5 days ago Read More
  • A detailer polishing foggy headlights in a shop.
    23

    What Causes Foggy Headlights (And How Can You Fix Them)?

    Most modern headlights will turn foggy eventually, a danger both to you and other drivers. But there are lots of ways to make them as good as new.

    By Nico DeMattia 6 days ago Read More
  • A red 2021 VW ID.4 AWD Pro S with the Gradient Package on the highway
    9

    Here's How Much A 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Has Depreciated In 5 Years

    The Volkswagen ID.4 was a decent electric SUV when it was launched, but does the depreciation mean used buyers can get themselves a bargain five years on?

    By Alvin Reyes 6 days ago Read More
  • Close up of Honda i-VTEC engine, which utilizes both VVT and VVL
    5

    The Difference Between Variable Valve Timing (VVT) And Variable Valve Lift (VVL), Plus How They Work

    Variable valve timing and variable valve lift may sound similar, but they're entirely different. Here are the differences between them and how they work.

    By B. L. Johnson 7 days ago Read More
  • An engine head showing four valves per cylinder
    6

    Why A Soft, Explosive Metal Has Any Business In Exhaust Valves

    Cars' engines have to resist tremendous pressure and heat up to 3,000 degrees. So what in the world is a soft, explosive metal doing in their exhaust valves?

    By Charles Krome 7 days ago Read More
  • Fine gunpowder up close.
    4

    Trying To Run Engines On Gunpowder Sounds Like A Good Way To Get Rid Of Excess Fingers

    Can an internal combustion engine really run on gunpowder? The short answer is yes ... but there are lots of reasons why it's not a good idea.

    By Nico DeMattia 7 days ago Read More
  • A car owner checking the tire pressure using a handheld gauge while the vehicle is parked in snow
    1

    Why You Should Always Check Your Tires After A Cold Snap

    Checking your tires' air pressure is a vital maintenance task, but it's especially important when the temperature drops. Here's why that is.

    By Alvin Reyes 7 days ago Read More
  • An old vintage car with a for sale sign on the side
    7

    What To Expect When You're Selling A Junk Car

    Selling a junker can be simple or complicated, depending on how far you're willing to go to research and make sure you're getting the best price.

    By Alvin Reyes 7 days ago Read More
  • An set of aftermarket exhaust headers next to a stock exhaust manifold on a wooden work bench with a red car in the background
    1

    Headers Vs. Exhaust Manifolds: How Do They Affect Performance?

    When it comes to car mods, exhaust headers are a common place to start. But what exactly makes them different from stock manifolds? Here's what to know.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 7 days ago Read More
  • Person shows an open jar of yellow car wax
    4

    Ceramic Coating Vs. Waxing: The Pros, Cons, And Differences Explained

    Ceramic coating can last up to five years and protects your car better than wax, but it's more expensive and requires maintenance. So should you wax or coat?

    By B. L. Johnson 7 days ago Read More
  • Car air conditioning and air vents in dashboard
    1

    How Your Car's A/C Does More Than Just Cool The Air

    Air conditioning is a feature of the summer months, but the system does more than just cool the air in your car. Here's how it works all year round.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 7 days ago Read More
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