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What does the battery light on the dashboard mean?
The battery light on my car dashboard comes on whenever I am driving. How serious is this? The car seems to be working fine...
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OTHER SYSTEMS
Learn about the various electrical and other systems that lurk under your hood, including cooling systems, ignitions, wires, fuses and connectors.
Be Your Own Mechanic
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Are you an ignition expert? Take the quiz!Automobile ignition systems rely on perfect timing. A simple spark, when delivered at precisely the right moment, can mean the difference between a smooth running and powerful engine that operates cleanly and an engine that runs rough, lacks power and produces unnecessary emissions. How much do you know about automobile ignition systems? See more »
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Can a car seat recognize its owner's rear end?
Researchers in Japan have developed a new method of auto theft deterrent that verifies the driver's identity. Are you comfortable with your car seat knowing this much about you? See more »
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Do HHO systems actually work?
Ever since inventors have tried to get cars moving, they've tinkered with the possibility of alternative fuel systems. What does an HHO system have to do with water, and does it actually work? See more »
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Do you need a secondary air injection system?
Your car's engine always leaves behind some portion of unburned fuel. Good thing the secondary air injection system is there to help clean up the leftovers. But is it really necessary? See more »
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How Air Suspension Systems Work
When you think of your car's suspension, you probably envision creaky metal coils, right? That's not the only type of shock absorber available to make your ride smooth -- take a look at air suspension systems. See more »
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How Alternators Work
The next time your car won't start and you're cursing the battery, you might want to blame the alternator, too. This coconut-sized car part works with the battery to generate power for your vehicle. See more »
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How an Air-cooled Engine Works
Most modern cars use a water-cooled engine with a radiator, hoses and a water pump to circulate coolant throughout the engine. Air-cooled engines want none of this. See more »
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How an Engine Lubrication System Works
Unlike the ever-present ads for drugs on television, there are many pleasant side effects of keeping your car's engine lubricated with oil. Find out what it takes to keep things moving. See more »
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How Automobile Ignition Systems Work
Other HowStuffWorks articles explain the mechanics of the engine and many of its subsystems, including the fuel system, cooling system, camshafts, turbochargers and gears. But the ignition system is where it all comes together, with a perfectly timed spark. See more »
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How Automotive Air Conditioning Works
If you're buying a new car, you know air conditioning is almost certainly a standard feature. But it wasn't long ago when AC was an expensive option. Find out how this now nearly universal feature works. See more »
