Under the Hood

Modern cars and trucks can keep track of their own health. The problem often comes when they try to communicate their information to the driver. How does your car talk to you?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

A sun visor's primary role in any car is pretty straightforward, right? But as far as automotive designers and aftermarket electronics manufacturers are concerned, anything can be improved.

By Cherise Threewitt

She talks, she jokes, she knows where all the best restaurants are, and she's even handy with a map. Now Siri may be coming to your car.

By Chris Opfer

Most auto manufacturers want to make it clear that they're not trying to take driving away from the driver. But research shows that we could use a little help in the braking department.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Do you know how sleeve valve engines work? Check out this amazing graphic that explains how sleeve valve engines work!

From a user's standpoint, MirrorLink is pretty slick. It's the magic that makes your smartphone's computer and the car's computer talk to each other.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Did you know that Goodyear has been making run-flat tires for NASCAR since 1966? Decades later, tire engineers are still perfecting the design for everyday drivers on public roads.

By Cherise Threewitt

Thieves and thugs will always find a way to take something they didn't work for. But just how vulnerable are modern automobiles to a high-tech attack?

By Akweli Parker

Modern car engines can create massive amounts of horsepower -- and everyone wants more power, right? But how much is too much? And how much is just enough?

By Jamie Page Deaton

In an age of diminishing fuel resources and increasing gasoline costs, auto manufacturers are doing everything they can to make cars more energy efficient.

By Christopher Lampton

Whether you're debating the need for oil independence or discussing the environmental impacts of oil drilling, there's no doubt about it: Oil is a hot topic of conversation. However, do you know the proper way to recycle it?

By Gerlinda Grimes

You see it every time smoke billows from your car's exhaust pipe. There's no denying that vehicles are major contributors to air pollution. But how much are they responsible for?

By Linda C. Brinson & Francisco Guzman

You could burn your old tires and pollute the air with dangerous toxins. Or, you could do the right thing and recycle them. Where and how is that done?

By Patrick J. Kiger

There are lots of reasons a car or truck can shake and rattle while it's on a roll; but engine vibration is one reason that deserves a little extra special scrutiny.

By Akweli Parker

Look under the hood of most cars and you'll probably find one or more pulley-driven belts. But if one of those engine belts break, your car can suddenly become undriveable.

By Christopher Lampton

Engines were made to run; but if you've ever tried to start an old car that's been sitting unused for a long time, you know that it isn't always as easy as just turning the key.

By Christopher Neiger & Talon Homer

With a simple soda can and a handful of basic tools and accessories, it's possible to make one of the first commercially viable engines ever made. Find out what makes a Coke can Stirling engine chug away.

By Eric Baxter

Have you ever considered finding out a way to make your car more fuel-efficient? Or do you just want to give the old heap some more kick? There are a few modifications you can make to improve engine performance.

By Brian Boone

If you own a car with a distributor, you might be able to improve your engine's performance with dynamic timing. How can you make sure everything's running at peak efficiency?

By Eric Baxter

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.

By Eric Baxter

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.

By Christopher Neiger

Timing lights come in a few different shapes and sizes, and range in features from bare-bones functionality to lots of bells and whistles. Do you know how a timing light works?

By Akweli Parker

Just seeing the phrase "positive crankcase ventilation" probably makes your head hurt, because it sounds, well, complicated. But it really isn't all that complex.

By Christopher Lampton

Whether you're stuck behind a slow-moving pig truck or just trying to jump off the line at a red light, quick engine response is important. Here are 5 ways to get more out of your engine.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Your car's engine control module (ECM) continually monitors a vast network of sensors to ensure operating conditions are within normal range. Do you know what the ECM actually controls?

By Cherise Threewitt