Tech Tips: Safety Issues for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles
The hybrid concept of combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and electric power supply is becoming more popular as vehicle manufacturers look to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in vehicles. Consumer interest in these vehicles has been favorable, which is why you can expect to see more of these types of vehicles
Spark Plug Technology
Spark plugs have been around almost as long as the internal combustion engine. In 1902, spark plugs were first used with a high voltage magneto to provide reliable ignition. For the next 70 years, spark plugs were a high maintenance item thanks to tetraethyl lead, which was used as an octane-boosting additive in gasoline. Unfortunately,
NASCAR Performance
NASCAR Announces Changes to Provisional Qualifying
Rev Up Volvo Performance
When any engine swap is done using a larger displacement engine, you have to look at the big picture. Everything around it must be addressed to handle the added horsepower. This includes the braking system, front and rear suspension, and the structure of the frame. When I did my first Volvo V8 engine swap, it
Flash Reprogramming
Would you believe flash reprogrammable PCMs have been in vehicles for more than a decade? The first such application was the 1990 Geo Storm. Why a humdrum car like the Storm would be the first to receive a flash reprogrammable computer system is unknown. You’d think GM would have chosen a more high profile vehicle
Sensing an Emissions Problem
Oxygen sensors are a product that have been around for more than 20 years, yet most motorists don’t even know they have one or more of these devices on their vehicle – let alone what it does. The only time customers even become aware of oxygen sensor existence is if they get a Check Engine
Volkswagen Underhood Maintenance & Service Tips
Volkswagens have always been maintenance friendly. From the very first models, ease of repair and durability have been built into the design. VW has managed to keep basic maintenance procedures relatively uncomplicated throughout the years. In this article, I’ll cover some of the more common underhood procedures on common VW models and include some tips