How Stuff Works

Torque-to-yield bolts

January 4, 2012: Many engines, transmissions and suspensions now use torque-to-yield bolts to connect major assemblies. Jim Kerr explains why. Read Article

Pushrods or overhead cams?

November 2, 2011: Technical editor Jim Kerr describes the differences between pushrod engines overhead cam engines, and explains the advantages of each. Read Article

Direct versus port fuel injection

October 19, 2011: Many new cars advertise that they have direct fuel injection, but what exactly is it? Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, explains. Read Article

Summer heat

August 3, 2011: A few simple preventative steps can help you avoid radiator overheating this summer, says Jim Kerr. Read Article

Driving for fuel economy

July 27, 2011: Jim Kerr lists driving techniques that can save you up to 20 per cent in fuel costs. Read Article

July 20, 2011: By Jim Kerr Small can be good, especially when it comes to the engines that power our vehicles. With the price of fuel continuing to rise, automobile manufacturers are looking to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and installing a small-displacement engine is one way of improving fuel economy: it simply takes less air and fuel to fill the smaller cylinders. There are other advantages to sma... Read Article

Buick’s new HiPer strut

April 13, 2011: Buick has combined the benefits of the McPherson strut and the double wishbone suspension in its new HiPer strut, says Jim Kerr. Read Article

Off-road technology

March 9, 2011: By Jim Kerr Anti-lock braking, traction control and stability control are features built into new vehicles to help drivers with vehicle control while driving on the road. With the power of electronics available for new vehicles, there are many more technologies now available to assist drivers. While many of them will help on the road, there are some specifically designed for drive... Read Article

Limited slip vs. torque vectoring

February 16, 2011: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr Putting the power of a high performance engine to the ground has always been a challenge. At the drag strip, the fastest cars will use a "spool" which is a machined part that connects the axles on both driven tires together. Power is split equally between the two tires. This method of getting the power to the ... Read Article

Modern braking systems

February 2, 2011: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr Automobile braking systems have become quite complex, yet few of us give any thought to them not working. When you step on pedal, you just expect to stop! Fortunately, brake systems are also very reliable, and almost every vehicle does stop every time. They also stop us in ways that are safer than ever before. Her... Read Article

Bumps, bangs and knocks

January 26, 2011: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr Winter roads and colder temperatures are taking their toll on our vehicles. One of the areas where I see lots of problems is with shock absorbers: if they are working properly, your vehicle rides better and handles safely. When they wear out or fail, even small bumps in the road can feel like the Grand Canyon and ... Read Article

Vehicle headlights

January 12, 2011: Over the years, vehicle headlight technology has advanced from incandescent lights to halogen to High Intensity Discharge headlights, and recently to LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology. But you don’t have to buy a new car to improve your ... Read Article

Slippery roads

November 24, 2010: Join Autos's Facebook group Follow Autos on Twitter By Jim Kerr Wet, snowy and icy roads are not far away; in fact, in some parts of the country they are already here. Traction is limited and even with winter tires, drivers need to adjust their driving style by reducing speeds, increasing following distances and avoiding hazardous conditions when possible. The auto manufacture... Read Article