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Jalopnik Explains
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Jalopnik Explains

  • X-Mode activation shown on a Subaru instrument console.
    0

    What Does X-Mode Actually Do On Subaru Cars?

    Subaru's X-Mode provides better performance under challenging road conditions, but how does it do it? And what are the limitations on using it?

    By Benjamin Gracias 7 months ago Read More
  • Parked semi-trucks
    0

    Do Diesel DPF Cleaners Work? Here's What Users Are Saying

    Diesel engines can be complicated, but opinions are divided on whether DPF cleaners work - or are even necessary in the first place.

    By Charles Krome 7 months ago Read More
  • close up of a clean engine oil cap
    0

    Why There Might Be White Sludge Under Your Oil Cap

    Take a look under your oil cap. Do you see an unexpected and gross off-white substance? If so, your car is trying to tell you something. Here's what it is.

    By Brittany Crow 7 months ago Read More
  • A car's lead acid battery placed outside the engine bay.
    0

    Can A Car Battery Be Charged Without Disconnecting It First?

    Charging your car's battery needn't be complicated, but it's worth checking the details first.

    By Abhik Das 7 months ago Read More
  • A Subaru N14's disk brakes glow red hot on the 2010 Ypres rally in Belgium. The tarmac round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is a tough rally for brakes due its long straights and tight 90 degree bends
    0

    What Is Brake Fade And How Does It Happen?

    Whether you've been pushing hard, or going down steep inclines, most drivers know the feeling of stepping on the brakes but not slowing as much as expected.

    By Logan K. Carter 7 months ago Read More
  • Formula 1 car being reversed with assistance from marshals.
    0

    Why Is It So Hard To Reverse An F1 Car?

    Yes, F1 cars have reverse gears, but you'll rarely see drivers use them.

    By Abhik Das 7 months ago Read More
  • The AVH button on the center console of a Subaru.
    0

    Subaru's AVH Feature Explained: What It Does And How To Disable It

    AVH is a feature on some Subarus, but what, exactly, does it do? Why do some drivers dislike it? And if you dislike it, how would you go about disabling it?

    By Abhik Das 7 months ago Read More
  • Drivers sit in traffic as a motorcyclist splits lanes on southbound Interstate 5 during the afternoon commute heading into downtown San Diego
    0

    The Difference Between Lane Splitting And Lane Filtering, Explained

    There's a big difference between lane splitting and lane filtering, and it shows up in some states' motorcycle laws. Here's what we're talking about.

    By Amber DaSilva 7 months ago Read More
  • A hand holding Marvel Mystery Oil
    0

    What Is Marvel Mystery Oil Made Of?

    Despite the name, Marvel Mystery Oil isn't such a mystery. Here are all the chemicals that are in it, what they do, and what it adds up to for your car.

    By Charles Krome 7 months ago Read More
  • Person placing a car battery in an engine compartment
    0

    What Can Happen If You Put The Wrong Battery In Your Car?

    Car parts are made in specific ways to suit specific kinds of cars. That includes batteries, so what can happen if you put the wrong battery in your car?

    By Richard Sachek 7 months ago Read More
  • Lucid Gravity
    0

    How Much Copper Is In The Average New Car? More Than You Probably Think

    It's not just EVs that use lots of copper, but internal combustion vehicles as well.

    By Collin Woodard 7 months ago Read More
  • A rider off the road wearing a motocross helmet
    0

    Why Dirt Bike Helmets Look Different From Motorcycle Helmets

    It's not your imagination. Dirt bike helmets look quite diferent from motorcycle helmets, and for lots of good reasons. Here's what sets them apart.

    By Benjamin Gracias 7 months ago Read More
  • Close up of dusty engine air filter cover
    0

    The Most Common Oil Contaminants And What They Do To Your Engine

    Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and it needs to remain clean to ensure proper lubrication. However, these contaminants can change that.

    By Jordan A. Rodriguez 7 months ago Read More
  • A person rolling back an analog odometer. It's out of the car and on a workbench with the casing off.
    0

    How To Tell If An Odometer Has Been Rolled Back

    Don't expect the seller to tell you if they've rolled back a car's odometer. But there are ways to tell if this has happened. Here they are.

    By Benjamin Gracias 8 months ago Read More
  • A black 2025 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Laramie towing a red front-end loader.
    0

    Why Dodge & Ram Still Use Iron Engine Blocks In Some Vehicles

    The cast-iron engine block may seem like a relic of the past, but that's not so. Dodge and Ram still use it in some of their vehicles. Here's why.

    By Charles Krome 8 months ago Read More
  • A driver's foot pressing a brake pedal.
    0

    What Is Engine Braking (And Are You Doing It Wrong)?

    Using your engine to brake isn't complicated, but that doesn't mean you're not doing it wrong. Here's how to do it and make sure it's the right way.

    By Charles Krome 8 months ago Read More
  • Mechanic adjusting a tire on a lifted car
    0

    Can You Align Your Car's Tires Yourself, Or Is Going To A Shop Better?

    Is it possible to align your car tires yourself, or do you always have to go to a professional mechanic? Here's what you'd need and the steps involved.

    By Jordan A. Rodriguez 8 months ago Read More
  • The gears in a rebuilt Muncie M22 transmission
    0

    Why Was The Muncie M22 Nicknamed The Rock Crusher, And What Were Its Weak Points?

    A manual transmission known as The Rock Crusher? What's up with that? And what were the Muncie M22's weak points ... and, lest we forget, its strengths?

    By Paul Stadden 8 months ago Read More
  • A pair of feet in women's flats perform a heel-toe technique on a car's pedals.
    0

    What Is Heel-Toe Shifting (And Should You Even Bother)?

    Shifting your manual-transmisison car is as much an art as it is a science. Heel-toe shifting is part of that art. Here's what it's all about.

    By Paul Stadden 8 months ago Read More
  • Dirty tires with large tread block pattern
    0

    Mud Terrain Vs. All-Terrain Tires: What's The Difference?

    If you want to do more off-roading, it's important to know the key differences between mud terrain and all-terrain tires. Here's what you need to know.

    By Jordan A. Rodriguez 8 months ago Read More
  • Automatic transmission with
    0

    What The 'L' On Your Gear Shifter Actually Does

    If you have a vehicle with an automatic transmission, then you probably have noticed the 'L' on the gear shift. Here's what it means and when to use it.

    By Jordan A. Rodriguez 8 months ago Read More
  • Close up of a tire with prominent sipes
    0

    Tire Siping Explained: What It's Meant To Do, And Why Not Everyone Recommends It

    Depending on the terrain you drive in, you might want to consider having your tires siped. However, it's not always recommended. Here's what you need to know.

    By Abhik Das 8 months ago Read More
  • A blue Toyota FJ Cruiser driving on a dirt road.
    0

    Here's Where The FJ Cruiser Gets Its Name From

    Toyota's FJ Cruiser was a short-lived retro vehicle that has had a surprising afterlife in the hearts of car lovers. But where did its name come from?

    By Richard Sachek 8 months ago Read More
  • Toyota Hybrid CVT shift selector
    0

    What Is An E-CVT And How Is It Different From A CVT?

    The Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT for short, has been around for some time. So, what is an e-CVT? Here are the differences between the two.

    By Abhik Das 8 months ago Read More
  • A diesel engine in a Dodge Ram 2500.
    0

    Spark Ignition Vs. Compression Ignition: How Do These Two Engines Differ?

    Some engines use a spark to ignite their fuel, and others rely on compression. What does all of that mean? And how do the two kinds of engines differ?

    By Benjamin Gracias 8 months ago Read More
  • Disconnected lead acid car battery
    0

    Changing Your Car's Battery: Which Terminal To Disconnect First (And Why)

    Changing your vehicle's car battery, yourself, is a simple task that will save you money. However, ensure you disconnect this battery terminal first.

    By Abhik Das 8 months ago Read More
  • Transmission oil being added by a mechanic
    0

    Should You Leave Your Car Running When Adding Transmission Fluid?

    If your vehicle needs a transmission change, you have two choices: go to a pro or do it yourself. If you choose the latter, here's what you need to know.

    By Abhik Das 8 months ago Read More
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