Howstuffworks "Under the Hood Channel"

Featured Under the Hood Article

Take diesel-engine technology, throw in a two-stroke cycle, and you've got the basis for the huge engines found in trains and big ships. Learn about the diesel two-stroke engine! More »

> How do you convert engine torque to horsepower?
> Is there a way to compare a human being to an engine in terms of efficiency

BRAKING

Knowing your car’s brakes are functioning properly is crucial. Learn the differences between disc and drum brakes, how anti-lock brakes work and more.

> Why do brake lines have…
> When I put my car in…
> How Disc Brakes Work
> How Brakes Work
> Could anti-lock brakes…

ENGINES

The Car Engine Information Channel explores engine performance, maintenance and new fuel technologies. Learn how car engines work.

> How does nitrous oxide…
> How Quasiturbine Engines…
> Car Engine Pictures
> How does a Miller-cycle…
> What if I pumped pure…

EXHAUST & EMISSIONS

This section can help you keep your exhaust system working properly. Learn how mufflers, catalytic converters and oxygen sensors work.

> What is a catalytic…
> How Catalytic Converters…
> How do I know if my…
> Why is there a bulge in…
> How Mufflers Work

OPTIONS

Your car may come with many standard features, but upgrade and accessory options are endless, starting with the windshield wiper blades.

> How Car Alarms Work
> How Remote Entry Works
> How Power Door Locks…
> How does a car's…
> How Adaptive Headlights…

STEERING & SUSPENSION

The Car Steering and Suspension Channel explains the systems that help keep your car driving smoothly and precisely. Learn about auto suspension and steering.

> How Car Suspensions Work
> How Car Steering Works
> How do stabilizer bars…
> How Four-Wheel Drive…

OTHER SYSTEMS

Learn about the various electrical and other systems that lurk under your hood, including cooling systems, ignitions, wires, fuses and connectors.

> How does the thermostat…
> What does the battery…
> How Automobile Ignition…
> What is the difference…
> How Car Cooling Systems…

TRANSMISSIONS & DRIVETRAIN

Upkeep of your transmission may save you money in the long run. Learn manual and automatic transmission basics, then move on to clutches, differentials and torque converters.

> How Manual Transmissions…
> How Differentials Work
> How Gear Ratios Work
> How Automatic…
> How Dual-clutch…

TRENDS

How do self-parking cars and car computers work? What is drifting? Read the answers to these and other questions in the Trends & Innovations Channel.

> What does the computer…
> How Car Computers Work
> How do they create the…
> How the GMC PAD Works
> How Self-parking Cars…

WHEELS

How do 30 pounds of air in your tires hold up two tons of car? What’s the technology behind the tire and how do wheels work? Learn it all in the Car Wheels and Tires Channel.

> Why don't they use…
> How Tire Pressure Gauges…
> How do 30 pounds of air…
> How the Tweel Airless…
> How Tires Work