How ‘New’ Tires Are Designed
There is more to designing tires then just shaping and cooking rubber. Tire designs contain many raw materials integrated into a complex structure of steel belts, textile plies and tread patterns. Lots of time, technology and consideration go into a tire before it rolls out onto the road.
Eliminating Poor Throttle Response
The pump gasoline sold at gas stations around the country has changed quite a bit over the last several decades. Recent changes in gasoline formulation may or may not be a good idea in theory, but since this modern gasoline contains less energy than it did in the past it may actually cause a loss in power, fuel efficiency and driveability unless the engine is properly tuned for these new blends of gasoline.
Brake Service On A 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is based on the GMT 360. The brake system on the Trailblazer is not groundbreaking by any means, but there are some intricacies technicians should be aware of on this common platform. The front brakes utilize dual piston calipers with phenolic pistons. The most important thing to remember when replacing the pads on this vehicle is to replace the hardware.
Extended Oil Change Intervals Taking Their Toll On Today’s Engines
Neglected oil change intervals can ruin the best engine oils. As engine oil accumulates miles, it becomes contaminated with carbon, water and various acids, all of which are a by-product of internal combustion and which will form a film of black, gooey sludge on the interior parts of the engine.
Building Oil Change Profits One Job At A Time
Gary Goms defends the oil and filter change, but suggests introducing the term, “recommended maintenance interval,” and explains how shops can capitalize on profitable lubrication, drivetrain, filter, lighting, battery and tooling services in the process.
Using Fuel System Testers To Diagnose Driveability Concerns
Shop owner and automotive trainer Karl Schneider helps you fix driveability concerns, focusing on loss-of-power issues on vehicles with an electric return fuel system.
Air Ride: Compressor Diagnostics
On most modern vehicles, the compressor and air ride control unit are very intelligent components. Most communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM) on a high-speed serial data bus. These systems have malfunction indicator lights on the dash and require the use of a scan tool to diagnose the system.
What DOT Really Means: Brake Hose Inspection And Replacement
Brake hoses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world.
Historic Vehicles Drive Anti-Ethanol Message To Congress
Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) recently participated in the “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill. The event aimed to raise awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer mis-fueling. Hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in partnership with the SAN, the event drew car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders from across the nation.
Component Connection: The Mod Squad – Boosting Engine Power With Turbochargers And Superchargers
The power that a naturally aspirated engine can make is limited by its displacement and how efficiently you can make it breathe with cylinder head, camshaft and induction system modifications. The engine can only inhale so much air because the atmospheric force that’s pushing air into the engine is only 14.7 lbs. per square inch at sea level. To make matters worse, atmospheric pressure decreases with elevation. Air density also decreases with temperature because hot air is thinner than cold air.