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Jalopnik Explains
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Jalopnik Explains

  • A digital demonstration of two gears rotating together at 90 degrees.
    3

    The 90-Degree Torque Problem: How Engineering Bent Power Around Corners

    Torque naturally prefers to move in a straight line. So how does the engine manages to overcome 90-degree bends to deliver that torque to the wheels?

    By Nico DeMattia 15 days ago Read More
  • Chevrolet Vegas being loaded for rail transport using Vert-A-Pac system
    24

    The Clever Engineering Of Shipping The Chevy Vega By Train

    GM hoped the Chevy Vega would reinvent the American car, but it was too expensive to ship — until engineers found a genius way to fit 30 cars per railcar.

    By Charles Krome 15 days ago Read More
  • The sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles at sunset, with downtown sitting proudly in the middle surrounded by traffic on surrounding highways.
    33

    The Difference Between California-Produced Gas And The Other 49 States

    California gas prices are higher than the prices in most of the rest of the United States, but taxes are only a small part of the gas-price equation.

    By Peter Nelson 16 days ago Read More
  • A broken parking meter in a downtown area
    5

    Here's What Can Happen If You Park At A Broken Parking Meter

    Ah, a broken meter! A rare chance to park in that crowded shopping area for free. Or is it? Just what can happen if you park in that tempting space?

    By Shane Schmid 16 days ago Read More
  • Woman on phone looking at overheated car engine
    2

    How To Prevent Engine Block Hot Spots

    If your engine is showing signs of overheating, it might have developed hot spots. Here's how to identify and prevent them so you extend your engine's lifespan.

    By B. L. Johnson 16 days ago Read More
  • Front-quarter shot of the Toyota 2000GT Convertible
    9

    Why Toyota Only Built Two Convertible 2000GTs

    The Toyota 2000GT was rare, even when it was new, but the convertibles were so scarce just two were ever made. We decided to find out exactly why.

    By Chloe Clougher 17 days ago Read More
  • A 1998 Chevy 1500 with its hood open, showing a 5.0L Vortec engine underneath
    10

    The Biggest Pros And Cons Of GM's Vortec Engines

    Vortec engines have lasted for over three decades. There are reasons as to why they lasted so long, but there are also reasons as to why they fell out of favor.

    By Shane Schmid 17 days ago Read More
  • A white car's front tire while it's being tested on a rolling dynamometer.
    4

    Here's How Dyno Tests Actually Work

    Dynamometer tests are used to measure a car's torque and rpm response. But how do they get that information? And how reliable is what they get?

    By Marko Mikulic 17 days ago Read More
  • A dirty and spent Firestone Racing tire after an IndyCar race
    5

    Here's What Happens To All Those IndyCar Tires After A Race

    IndyCar tires are supplied by Firestone, with the latest season using over 32,000. What exactly is the fate of all those tires once the race is over?

    By Alvin Reyes 17 days ago Read More
  • A person preparing to use a key fob near their vehicle
    3

    Yes, You Can Wrap Your Keys In Aluminum Foil To Prevent Car Theft, But There Are Better Ways

    Wrapping your key fob in foil does help protect your car, but it's annoying to unwrap and rewrap your fob every time you use it. Let's talk about other methods.

    By Shane Schmid 17 days ago Read More
  • A silver Jaguar XJ220 parked in the sunlight
    4

    Why Did Jaguar Switch From A V12 To A Twin-Turbo V6 In The XJ220?

    Jaguar's XJ220 promised incredible speed and power from a robust V12. Unfortunately, certain circumstances forced the brand to use a V6 instead.

    By Chloe Clougher 18 days ago Read More
  • A mechanic in orange gloves holding four used spark plugs
    9

    What's The Difference Between Platinum And Double Platinum Spark Plugs?

    Platinum spark plugs are already a step up from copper. Double platinum plugs might seem like a straightforward upgrade, but it's not as simple as it seems.

    By Alvin Reyes 18 days ago Read More
  • Engine bay of Volkswagen Golf with VW's VR5 V5 engine
    3

    How And Why Honda And Volkswagen Made Shockingly Successful (Yet Still Doomed) V5 Engines

    Volkswagen put V5s in production cars, while Honda used them to dominate MotoGP. But despite being so successful, the engines were doomed from the start.

    By Charles Krome 18 days ago Read More
  • A mechanic pouring fresh oil into a car's engine
    6

    High Mileage Vs. High Mileage Extended Performance Oil: Which Should You Use?

    There's a whirl of special motor oils you can buy if your car has over 75,000 miles on the odometer. Which kind you need depends on several factors.

    By Alvin Reyes 18 days ago Read More
  • A wrecked gray sedan, upside down
    23

    Your Insurance Deemed Your Car Totaled: Now What?

    Once your car is totaled, you enter a world where you're not in control of it. And you may find that what the insurance company pays you isn't enough.

    By B. L. Johnson 19 days ago Read More
  • A photo showing the cross-sectional view of an automotive tire
    4

    What's The Difference Between Bias Ply And Radial Tires?

    There are technological differences between radial and bias ply tires, but the more imporant ones come in performance, on the road, off-road, and on the track.

    By Kiran Menon 20 days ago Read More
  • A technician installing paint protection film to an orange car
    3

    What's The Difference Between Satin And Glossy Paint Protection Film?

    Paint protection film is a great way to keep your car protected from the elements. Glossy film is common, but satin film has some of its own appeal.

    By Alvin Reyes 20 days ago Read More
  • A jet drive boat being navigated across the water
    17

    What Are The Biggest Differences Between Jet Drive And Sterndrive Boat Engines?

    Jet drive and sterndrive engines differ in more than just how they're propelled. Each has strengths and weaknesses that make it better for specific scenarios.

    By Shane Schmid 21 days ago Read More
  • Close up of right-hand sequential turn signal on 2015-2023 Ford Mustang
    67

    Why You Should Still Use Your Blinker Even In Dedicated Turn Lanes

    We no longer have to rely on hand signals, thanks to blinkers. But many drivers still don't use them for some reason, or aren't sure when they’re supposed to.

    By Charles Krome 21 days ago Read More
  • A person's hand pouring transmission fluid into a car.
    2

    Why Shouldn't You Use Multi-Vehicle ATF In Your Automatic Transmission?

    Multi-vehicle automatic transmission fluid might seem like something that's easy to use with any vehicle. But it's better to use more specific fluid.

    By Nico DeMattia 22 days ago Read More
  • The exterior of a Costco Wholesale Club in South Windsor, Connecticut.
    30

    Costco Vs. Walmart Car Battery Warranties: What They Promise (And What Owners Say Is Reality)

    Costco's and Walmart's batteries are often priced around the same, so warranty coverage can make the difference in where you buy. Here's where details matter.

    By Aakash Badree 22 days ago Read More
  • Rear 3/4 of 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S parked on twisty road
    28

    Electric Turbos: Are They A Gimmick?

    It's up for debate whether electric turbochargers can actually be considered turbochargers, but are they a real game-changer or just a high-tech gimmick?

    By Charles Krome 23 days ago Read More
  • A lighter in a car dashboard
    9

    When Did Automakers Start Offering A Smokers Package Instead Of The Lighter And Ashtray?

    The cigarette lighter and ashtray once were in every new car. Then the culture shifted, and these became options automakers could use to make an extra buck.

    By Alvin Reyes 23 days ago Read More
  • A pickup truck driving down a dirt road.
    20

    Do Dirt Roads Even Have Speed Limits?

    Dirt roads can be difficult for some vehicles to drive on, so you might think there's no reason for them to have speed limits. But that's far from the truth.

    By Nico DeMattia 24 days ago Read More
  • A red van with its rear doors open showcasing an aftermarket stereo setup.
    13

    Places Where Playing Your Music Too Loudly In Your Car Can Get You Into A Surprising Amount Of Trouble

    You might be tempted to make use of as much of your car's stereo system as possible. But you'll face penalties if you get too loud with it in certain areas.

    By Marko Mikulic 24 days ago Read More
  • Used engine oil being poured into a funnel
    17

    Recycling Motor Oil Isn't Just The Law, It's Great If You Like Living On Earth, Too

    We've probably all heard that we should recycle motor oil, but why is it so important for the environment? And what happens if we fail to do it?

    By Chloe Clougher 24 days ago Read More
  • Closeup of a car tire with snow on the ground and in its treads
    53

    Most Drivers Don't Know The 7-7 Rule For Tires: Here's Why It Matters

    If you've been looking into winter tires, you might have heard of the 7-7 rule. But what is it, and why is it important for drivers in chilly climates?

    By Kiran Menon 24 days ago Read More
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