Most powdercoating establishments, including rim repair ‘professionals’ powdercoat and then bake rims between 300F and 400F for around 15-20 minutes. What if I told you that baking aluminum alloy wheels at 300-400f will weaken them permanently? Aluminum is annealed when new, which for the laymen means they heat up the metal and let is...
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The P0172 check engine code is an interesting code because it identifies that the engine is running rich, but doesn’t otherwise specify the root cause. First thing to check and clean when such a code occurs is the mass air flow sensor. Generally it is the first sensor to become fowled, and the contamination...
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For automotive uses, we are generally concerned with Class A, B and C fires.   Dry Powder: Without a doubt, the cheapest fire extinguisher type is dry powder. These fire extinguishers use mono-ammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate (Purple K). Apart from making a mess, the problem with them is that they are...
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Crash Testing: Body Structures: Front and Rear suspension systems: Standard equipment and order-able options:   Aerodynamics and weight:   Emissions, Alternator and Headlights:   Dimensions and overall vehicle detail:     Engine Materials: Heating, Ventilation and AC:   MISC:
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“Genuine” oil is a money making cash cow for most car brands. The reason is simple; they are able to buy the oil in bulk, slap their name on it and therefore charge more then something you could buy from any number of places that sell oil. It should be no surprise that the...
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If you don’t know or understand how parking lights work; you’re not alone. Your use or need for parking lights greatly depends on where you’re from, North Americans are the least likely to have experience with parking lights because of our well lit roads and ample dedicated parking space. In Europe and many other...
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When you hear or read someone say not to put anti-seize or another lubricant on your threads just remember; torque is just the means to getting appropriate tension. The problem is, tension goes both ways, and dry torque specs assume clean new threads. As this video illustrates, a less than new bolt yields only...
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As technology has advanced, you would assume that oils and their ability to lubricate have improved; and they have, but that development is a double edge sword. The agenda behind oil development is as much about lubrication as it is a battle against environmental impact, catalytic converter health, and fuel efficiency. If you look...
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Every rim and tire is slightly different and all have their unique high, low, light and heavy spots. On a rim, naturally the spot that is the ‘heaviest’ is where the valve stem resides as the stem adds weight to one side of the rim. On a tire, its not as obvious because a...
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