Featured Article: How Fuel Gauges Work
Has your fuel gauge ever read "empty" when you know there are gallons left in your auto's tank? Learn all about how fuel gauges work and how to know when "Empty" means "No seriously get gas." See more »
other car systems library
Learn about the various electrical and other systems that lurk under your hood, including cooling systems, ignitions, wires, fuses and connectors.
Articles 1-10 of 10
Car Smarts: Ignition Systems
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?
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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.
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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.
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How Car Cooling Systems Work
A car engine produces so much heat that there is an entire system in your car designed to cool the engine down to its ideal temperature and keep it there. But cooling systems serve other purposes too.
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How Fuel Gauges Work
Has your fuel gauge ever read "empty" when you know there are gallons left in your auto's tank? Learn all about how fuel gauges work and how to know when "Empty" means "No seriously get gas."
See more »
How Spark Plugs Work
As engines and their electronics become more complex, spark plugs remain accessible and easy to understand. It doesn't take long to figure out the inner workings of a spark plug.
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How Wires, Fuses, and Connectors Work
Wires fuses and connectors are the kind of thing in your car that you never think about, but they are essential. They're not just there to keep your radio and lights working! Learn why they are so important.
See more »How does the thermostat in a car's cooling system work?
How does the thermostat in a car's cooling system work? I had to test my thermostat today and was amazed as I watched it!
See more »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...
See more »What is the difference between a normal lead-acid car battery and a deep cycle battery?
What is the difference between a normal lead-acid car battery and a "deep cycle" battery? I have a trolling motor on my boat and I don't see why I can't use my car's battery with it rather than spending another $80 on a deep cycle battery.
See more »Articles 1-10 of 10
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