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How Turbochargers Work
When people talk about race cars or high-performance sports cars, the topic of turbochargers usually comes up. A turbo can significantly boost an engine's horsepower without increasing its weight.
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ENGINE PERFORMANCE
In the Engine Performance section, learn about horsepower, carburetors, the difference between turbochargers and superchargers and even how nitrous oxide boosts engine performance.
Be Your Own Mechanic
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5 Tips for Preventing Motor Oil DepositsLots of people like to keep their car clean. It's a good feeling to drive around town in a shiny car. But do you ever think about what your car looks like under the hood? Not just on the surface, but inside? See more »
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5 Tips for Starting an Old Engine
Engines were made to run; but if you've ever tried to start an old car that's been sitting unused for a long time, you know that it isn't always as easy as just turning the key. See more »
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5 Ways Modern Car Engines Differ from Older Car Engines
The same basic principles of early car engines still apply today -- combustion of air and fuel create rotational force to move a car. But how have modern car engines evolved to meet the needs of today's drivers? See more »
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5 Ways to Improve Engine Response
Whether you're stuck behind a slow-moving pig truck or just trying to jump off the line at a red light, quick engine response is important. Here are 5 ways to get more out of your engine. See more »
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Car Smarts: Camshafts
The air and fuel mixtures that power your car's engine are controlled by valves that open and shut. The essential camshaft rotates and instigates the valve movement. But how exactly does this crucial engine part work? See how well you can shift mental gears and take the camshaft quiz. See more »
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Car Smarts: Engine Performance
Can you tell the difference between a camshaft and a stick shift? You will once you take the engine performance quiz. See if you know what makes your car get up and go. See more »
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Car Smarts: Fuel Injections
It's no secret -- your car needs fuel. Everyone knows that you put fuel into the tank to keep the car running. But have you ever stopped to think about how the fuel gets from the fuel tank into your engine? Take our quiz to find out how much you know about fuel injection systems. See more »
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Compression Ratio and Octane Ratings: What You Need to Know
Unleaded, high octane, supreme: We'll show you which gas your car really needs and how easy it is to figure out. See more »
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How are engine friction and gas mileage related?
Internal combustion engines are notoriously inefficient to begin with; and friction is one of the factors that further reduce that already low efficiency. But does friction really affect gas mileage? See more »
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How Camshafts Work
The camshaft has a huge effect on engine performance. It helps let the air/fuel mixture into the engine and get the exhaust out. Learn all about the camshaft and how a new one can radically change an engine's behavior. See more »
