Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

Why Do Diesel Engines Need A Crankcase Breather?

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Wed, 06 May 2026 09:25:00 +0000

Crankcase ventilation or breather systems are necessary components for all modern vehicles. However, they're especially important for diesels, and this is why.

The Main Differences Between Motorcycle And Car Engines

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Tue, 05 May 2026 23:25:00 +0000

They're both internal combustion engines designed to move a vehicle, but what are the differences between the engines in cars and motorcycles?

How The Rokon Two-Wheel Drive Motorcycle Works

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Tue, 05 May 2026 20:05:00 +0000

Rokon markets its two-wheel-drive, all-terrain bikes as the ultimate off-road motorcycles, but how does the rugged all-wheel-drive tech actually work?

Which Car Was The First To Have A 6-Speed Transmission?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Mon, 04 May 2026 22:25:00 +0000

The six-speed manual got its start in racing before being brought to public streets, and the first car that had it is probably not as old as you think.

The Major Difference Between Semi Truck And Car Tires

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:05:00 +0000

Are huge semi trucks simply running oversized versions of normal passenger-car tires, or do the differences between the two run deeper than that?

Understanding The Differences Between Generic And Manufacturer OBD-II Codes

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Car onboard diagnostic systems are very useful, but different brands have diverse error codes. Here's the difference between generic and manufacturer codes.

Do All Official U.S. Road Signs Use The Same Font And Design?

staff@jalopnik.com (Erik Sherman) — Mon, 04 May 2026 02:25:00 +0000

America's highway signs are not uniform. A decades-long battle between two fonts has led to differences in signs across states and even along the same routes.

RFID, Pay-By-Plate, And Mail Tolls Are Easier Than Cash, But Can Create Big Headaches

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Mon, 04 May 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Automated tolling systems such as RFID and mail tolls seem like a convenience, but they can come with hidden risks and costs drivers should be aware of.

Why It's Probably A Good Idea To Leave The World's Largest Proven Oil Reserve Alone

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Sun, 03 May 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Venezuela is home to the world's largest known crude oil reserve. While some want to extract this oil for monetary benefit, here's why it should be left alone.

Can An Active Fuel Management (AFM) Disabler Cause Engine Damage?

staff@jalopnik.com (Kiran Menon) — Sun, 03 May 2026 19:05:00 +0000

If your car has Active Fuel Management, you've probably already considered disabling it. But are AFM disablers even safe and do they actually save your engine?

The Snitch Data Modern Cars Could Collect In An Accident

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Sun, 03 May 2026 03:25:00 +0000

You're probably aware that your car is spying on you, but modern cars collect even more data than you think, thanks to something called Event Data Recorders.

Diagnosing Whether Your Car Needs New Spark Plug Wires Vs. Ignition Coils

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Sun, 03 May 2026 02:25:00 +0000

Ignition issues can be a real pain to diagnose and could leave you stranded on the side of the road, but identifying the culprit is easier than you think.

How To Register A Kit Car With The Least Amount Of Hassle

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:05:00 +0000

Building a kit car may be difficult, but registering it is even harder, especially in states like California and Virginia. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Title Washing And How To Spot It

staff@jalopnik.com (Dave Goldberg) — Sat, 02 May 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Title washing is one of the biggest scams that used car buyers can encounter, but there are several easy-to-spot red flags to help you avoid it.

Why Reusing Your Oil Filter Can Be A Roll Of The Dice

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sat, 02 May 2026 22:25:00 +0000

While you can recycle some car parts, like old body panels or tires with decent tread, you should never reuse an oil filter, and here's why.

Driving With A Bent Rim Is A Bad Idea: Here's How To Decide When To Repair Vs Replace

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Bent rims can cause plenty of trouble on the road, and driving on one isn't a smart move. But will you need to replace it entirely or just get it fixed?

These Engines Still Use Freedom Units For Displacement

staff@jalopnik.com (Aakash Badree) — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:05:00 +0000

While liters have become the standard measurement for engines globally, mills like the 392 Hemi still proudly highlight their displacements in cubic inches.

Driving Without A Catalytic Converter Is Possible, But Is It Worth The Risk?

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Sat, 02 May 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Catalytic converters are a vital part of your car, but just how vital are they? Can you spend a few miles without having one present at all?

What Engine Parts Are Most Susceptible To Carbon Buildup?

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Carbon buildup can create some big issues while you're driving. A few engine parts are more susceptible to it than others, so check them regularly.

Why The Strongest Bolt Grade Isn't Always The Best For A Safe Car Repair

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

The stronger the bolt, the safer the car, right? Not necessarily, as some bolts are deliberately engineered as weak points that break under specific loads.