Under the Hood

For more than 150 years, automotive engineers have been continually working on ways to refine and improve the internal combustion engine. These are 10 of the biggest and most significant engine improvements of all time.

By Patrick E. George

The windshield on your car has developed a long crack and you must learn how to remove it. Learn about how to how to remove a windshield from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Any good car mechanic knows how to change a car's ball joints, but not all know how to use a ball joint press. Here you will learn about how to use a ball joint press.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You need to rotate radial tires, but you're not sure how to do it. Learn about how to rotate radial tires in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The roads are covered in snow, and you need to put chains on your tires. But how in the world do you do that? Thankfully it's not that hard, and we'll tell you how.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

You need to test your car alternator for power, but you're not sure how to do it. Learn about how to test your car alternator for power in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You need to reset the check engine light, but you're not sure how to do it. Learn about how to reset the check engine light in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Most of us have experienced the frustration of needing our car's battery charged, but not everyone knows how to charge a car battery properly and safely. Read this article to learn how to use a car battery charger.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You need to test a torque converter, but you're not sure how to do it. Learn about how to test a torque converter in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your windshield is cracked and you now need to replace your windshield. This article will tell you how to replace a windshield.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your car is constantly over-heating and you're convinced you need to remove the car's water pump, and repair or replace it. In this article you will learn how to remove your car's water pump.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your car won't start and you have a feeling the car's starter needs replacing. This article will teach you how to replace a car starter.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you want or need to replace the hood of your car, but want to save money, consider making one out of fiberglass. Read this article to learn how to make a fiberglass hood.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Today, hot bulb engines are a mainstay for serious antique engine collectors and represent a historic landmark in the evolution of gas engines. Efficient, simple and robust -- hot bulb engines had it all.

By Eric Baxter

A car is an extension of the person driving it. And if you want to make your car as unique as you are, there are an almost infinite number and variety of add-ons. But which accessories could be hazardous?

By Garth Sundem

One of the first things a car-theft expert will advise you to do is to clear out any trace of gadgets and accessories that might be resold easily. But can suction cup marks on your windshield attract thieves, too?

By Jacob Clifton

Many bad things can happen to you while in a car. It's the job of manufacturers, governments and your common sense to ensure that they don't. So what makes some car accessories extra unsafe?

By Garth Sundem

Just like any other expensive asset, a car brings with it a secondary cost -- the risk of theft. Thankfully, today's modern security systems run the gamut; read on to learn about 10 of them.

By Wesley Fenlon

There's a world of performance car audio out there. But you don't have to spend thousands if you know how the top 10 pieces of audio equipment can help you get the most out of your car's setup.

By Wesley Fenlon

Think engines are the only things car enthusiasts push to the limits? Think again. There are car audio competitions that pit stereos and speakers against one another to determine whose setup produces the best sound of all. Does your sound system have what it takes?

By Wesley Fenlon

So you've decided to get a security system for car and have no idea where to start. Perhaps you're even thinking of a tracking a recovery system. But are they worth the cost?

By Wesley Fenlon

Going low with a vehicle is a tradition that crosses over into many cultures, and many drivers outside of lowriding lanes take the drop as well. But with so many methods to actually lower a car, which is the correct way?

By Terri Briseno

If you're hoping to put some distance between your car and the road, or if you're trying to get a little closer to it, either way is doable. There are several common ways to raise or lower your vehicle profile -- see which one is right for you.

By Terri Briseno

Your car's intake and exhaust valves are critical for optimal engine performance. But how do you know when one or more of them is about to go bad? And how long are engine valves expected to last, anyway?

By Akweli Parker

Since even the cheapest set of tires can add up quickly if you have to replace all four at one time, wouldn't it be nice to know how to make your tires last as long as possible? Here are a few helpful tips.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler