Car Engine Information

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

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Does static timing your engine sound a little too intimidating? Well, if you can pop the hood and easily identify your engine's distributor and timing belt, you're probably up to the challenge.

By Cherise Threewitt

It may take a bit of time to understand how this ball gets rolling; but once you get it, you'll see how it just might take hybrid auto engineering to the next level.

By Cherise Threewitt

The sleeve-valve engine may have already been dismissed as a historical relic; however, at least one company is seeking to bring the sleeve-valve engine back into action -- with a few modern twists.

By Akweli Parker

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Internal combustion engines aren't going away anytime soon. And since a practical alternative can't be ready for use within the next few years, we need a better internal combustion engine in the meantime.

By Christopher Lampton

Four strokes, less fuel. How's that sound? With the addition of just a couple of linkages, an Atkinson cycle engine can complete all four strokes with a single rotation of the crankshaft.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

The Grail Engine takes a variety of modern, cutting-edge engine technologies and puts them all together in one package. Honda and Ford have already shown interest -- should the rest of us?

By Patrick E. George

Unleaded, high octane, supreme: We'll show you which gas your car really needs and how easy it is to figure out.

By Chris Warren

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Horsepower and torque are closely related -- but what sets them apart?

By Eric Baxter

Did you know that there is more than one way to control car emissions? One type is the 4-2-1exhaust system.

By Eric Baxter

Some of the latest gasoline engines to hit the market are super-efficient, thanks to their engineers playing with a little thing called compression ratio.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Whether it's a tiny city car with a direct-injected engine or a supercar with a "push to pass" hybrid booster button, these technologies promise that the future of driving will still be fun.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

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Synthetic vs. Conventional motor oil: Which is best for you needs and environment's? Learn more in this article.

By Eric J. Leech, Planet Green

Are there worrisome sounds coming from under the hood? Whether it's an annoying ping, a persistent knock, or a dramatic detonation, there are many ways to soothe a noisy engine.

By Cherise Threewitt

As engines have evolved over the years, so have the pistons within them. In fact, the shape of a piston has a dramatic effect on the combustion process.

By Patrick E. George

Car engines that run on gasoline aren't the only kind of internal combustion engines. Learn about the types of internal combustion engines in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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Rebuilding a carburetor is easier than it sounds and cheaper than paying a mechanic. Learn about how to rebuild a carburetor in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Diesel engines and gas engines work in different ways. What makes diesel fuel injection systems so different?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Turbochargers can increase an engine's horsepower and are relatively lightweight. Find out how turbochargers help engine performance in high altitudes, in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Lots 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?

By Cherise Threewitt

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With all the hype about hybrid, electric and alternative fuels, it's easy to think the age of the gasoline engine is over. But the fact remains that the vast majority of cars are still powered by gasoline.

By Jamie Page Deaton

One of the services an oil change technician might suggest is an engine flush to clean the gunk out of your engine. While this procedure has the potential to harm an engine, there are some benefits, too.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

When used correctly, oil provides a number of benefits for the way your engine functions. Wouldn't it be nice to know exactly how much oil your car's engine needs to be filled to its capacity?

By Christopher Lampton

In a typical auto supply store, you'll find bottles of aftermarket engine oil additives that claim to improve performance and make your engine run cleaner. But are these additives really worth buying?

By Christopher Lampton

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Did you know that the condition of your car's engine oil can actually provide clues to its health? It helps if you think of it like a blood test for humans.

By Akweli Parker

It's unfortunate that the same thing that makes an internal combustion engine work so well (combustion) can eventually hurt the engine. Over time, engine deposits build up and cause your engine to lose power and efficiency. Do you know your options?

By Christopher Neiger