General Car Maintenance

Internal combustion engines always rank highly on top lists of the most influential inventions of all time. Their basic design has remained largely unchanged though the years, though the level of...

Coil boot plugs are becoming the standard in newer vehicles, replacing the old coil and spark plug wire system. With a coil boot, or coil-on boot plug, each spark plug has its own ignition coil,...

The distributor rotor is a small but important plastic device located inside of the distributor. As the motor spins, the rotor spins with it, sending a spark signal to each spark plug wire, which...

An engine's spark plugs are an essential part of the ignition system. The plugs deliver the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. Fouled or old plugs can often run rough,...

If your Ford Windstar van is experiencing poor fuel mileage, there could be many reasons or combinations of reasons. Proper maintenance is the first preventive measure to ensure that the vehicle...

To troubleshoot a Chevy 350 engine expediently, you must figure out if the problem is the ignition, electrical, fuel or mechanical. If the engine is not making noise (i.e. banging or knocking), it...

The majority of modern cars are powered by four-stroke, internal combustion gasoline engines. This type of engine has been refined as automotive technology has continued to advance over the past...

If you notice oily black deposits on the spark plugs of your small-block Chevy (SBC), if your "Service Engine Soon" light comes on for no apparent reason, you might think it's major. If your car...

Depending on the year and model of your Ford, the engine might be internally or externally balanced. Sometimes, especially with externally balanced engines, the harmonic balancer can get out of...

Many people who drive Ford Mustangs care about the car's performance, so keeping it in good condition is vital to them. Regular maintenance on the Mustang mainly involves inspecting and/or...

Gasoline engines use small, sudden gasoline explosions to drive pistons that the crankshaft turns into rotary motion. Gasoline engines mix fuel and air before entering the cylinder, then ignite...

The electrical system in your vehicle works on 12 volts, so every component must be based on 12 volts, as well. There is a wire connected to the ignition coil (known as a "hot wire") that carries...

If your vehicle has an electronic issue, there are several ways of troubleshooting the problem. By inspecting the vehicle yourself, you may be able to save costly mechanic fees by diagnosing and...

A motor is the engine and all its supporting systems, which are the heart and lungs of your car. Most cars are powered by a four-stroke internal combustion engine which sits under your vehicle's...

If you suspect a misfire in your vehicle's engine, it is usually nothing to worry about. Several things could be the problem, but none of them are major undertakings to correct, especially if you...

The Honda CRF70 is a small mini bike that provides young and small statured racers real Honda performance in a size appropriate for them. Whether you race your CRF70 or just ride it on trails, the...

If spark plug wires are incorrectly insulated, the connection will jump and cause a misfire. Insulate spark plug wires with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

If a spark plug is the wrong size, it may come in contact with the piston and not function properly. Discover how spark plug sizes can affect a car's pistons with auto repair tips in this free...

Before putting in a new spark plug, make sure it's the same size. Install new spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

When putting a spark plug on an extension, double check to make sure that it's on straight. Discover how to place spark plugs in extensions with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

Care should be used when tightening spark plugs so that the threading is properly aligned. Tighten spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

If a spark plug wire is put on incorrectly, the connection won't be complete and the car won't fire. Replace spark plug wires with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

When starting a car after spark plug replacement, never tinker with the spark plug wires or spark plugs while the car is running. Start cars after changing spark plugs with auto repair tips in...

When spark plug wires are removed, there are four open holes to the engine that need to be cleaned. Clean a car engine with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

A ratchet and socket are needed to change spark plugs in a car. Discover what tools are needed for spark plug changes with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

If a spark plug of the wrong size is installed, the car will misfire. Check spark plug sizes with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

Before removing spark plug wires, make sure the car is off to avoid shock. Remove spark plugs wires with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

Before changing spark plugs, it's important to make sure that the new spark plug is the right size. Prepare to change spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

When loosening spark plugs, don't yank on the wrench or risk shattering the porcelain. Loosen spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

When taking out a spark plug, a socket should be used because the spark plug will be grabbed by the socket when it's coming up. Remove spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car...

If a car has a turbo or super charger, that car should use a spark plug that creates less heat. Learn about spark plug heat ranges with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

If a spark plug has a bad electrode, some symptoms could include deposits that make the car harder to start. Assess spark plug electrode symptoms with auto repair tips in this free video on car...

If a car has an oil leak, the spark plug will be covered in oil. Discover common problems with spark plugs and oil leaks with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

A spark plug that has gotten too hot will be blistered white. Discover how excessive heat exposure can ruin spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

Changing spark plugs should be a part of regular auto maintenance. Replace spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

Spark plugs should be changed for the sake of retaining power and fuel efficiency in cars. Change spark plugs with auto repair tips in this free video on car maintenance.

In a car's ignition system, the coil goes from the distributor to the spark plug wires and on to the spark plug. Discover how car ignition systems work with auto repair tips in this free video on...

A gasoline engine works on the principle of combustion, the burning of a mixture of air and fuel inside the cylinders of the engine. Pistons compress the fuel and air inside your engine....

Not everyone realizes that if the air pressure in a vehicle's tires is low, the engine actually has to work harder to keep it moving forward, which will result in bad mileage. The manufacturer...

A car engine starts and functions by the use of a tiny spark. This spark ignites the gas that causes a tiny explosion which pushes a piston that turns a crank shaft. There is a lot more that...

If the engine is turning over but not starting, we can immediately eliminate the starter, the ignition switch, and all the wiring in between. We can also eliminate the battery as the cause,...

Classic Mustangs are now several decades old. Many owners have had their car since it was new, deciding to store the car rather than sell it. Eventually, the time will come to start the long...

I'm going to tell you how to properly gap a spark plug.

When changing spark plugs, twist the spark plug boot to loosen it up, and use a spark plug socket with a ratchet extension to remove the spark plugs. Avoid forcing spark plugs when changing them...

When testing spark plugs, make sure that all of the fuel pressure is out of it so that fuel doesn't get dumped in the rail. Use a spark plug checker to check for a spark with help from a certified...

In order to replace spark plug wires, take off the clips with a small screwdriver, and pry the wires out one at a time. Use electrical tape to protect spark plug wires with help from a certified...

The cost of fuel is rising all the time. The costs of living also go up as we try to avoid slipping into a full blow recession. With such serious topics to consider, it's no wonder that many...

Spark plug wires are used to transfer electricity from the coil to the distributor and from the distributor to the spark plugs. This electricity creates a spark at the plug, which is used to...

Spark plugs are an essential component of any internal combustible engine, with the exception of diesel engines, which are also called compression ignition engines. They are used in vehicles and...

Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your car in good working order and catch problems before they become serious. A regularly scheduled tune-up focuses on the processes and...