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Jalopnik Explains
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Jalopnik Explains

  • MacPherson strut suspension with steering linkage
    12

    Why Did Automakers Start To Use MacPherson Struts?

    MacPherson struts are a common element on many different cars today. Let's take a look at why automakers opt to use them so often.

    By Kiran Menon 16 days ago Read More
  • A person pulling car wrap off of a car.
    2

    Can Wrapping Your Car Damage The Paint?

    Wrapping your car can make it look cool, turn it into a moving billboard, or hide its ugly paint job. But will a wrap damage what's underneath it?

    By Chino Ortiz 16 days ago Read More
  • A person cleaning the air vents with a soft detailing brush
    8

    If You're Not Cleaning Your Car's Gross Air Vents Like This, We'd Rather Walk

    You may not realize it, but your car's air vents can be home to some really nasty stuff. Fortunately, you can clean them relatively easily using these methods.

    By Alvin Reyes 17 days ago Read More
  • A driver negotiates a treacherous downhill section of road.
    18

    If You're Still Coasting Downhill In Neutral, You Need To Stop

    Coasting downhill in neutral may seem like a great idea. But the things you might think you know about fuel savings aren't true. And there's safety to consider.

    By Ron King 17 days ago Read More
  • A broken overhead garage door coming off its tracks.
    16

    Stop Greasing Your Garage Door Track: Here's Why

    If you hear what sounds like an agonized scream as your garage door opens, you may be tempted to grease its track. That's the opposite of what you should do.

    By Ron King 17 days ago Read More
  • Porsche Panamera PDK shift lever surrounded by brown leather
    9

    The History Of The Dual-Clutch Transmission

    The history of the DTC stretches back to early 20th century, when inventors explored ways to make gear changes smoother long before modern electronics existed.

    By Paul Stadden 17 days ago Read More
  • A 1948 Chevrolet pickup truck on display at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
    8

    Full Frame Vs. Unibody: Which Truck Is Right For Your Needs?

    There's lots to consider when choosing between a unibody and full frame truck. Each has its own strengths, and there's also both the cost to buy and to operate.

    By Ron King 17 days ago Read More
  • Several iridium spark plugs lined up next to one another.
    6

    What's The Difference Between Ruthenium And Iridium Spark Plugs?

    Spark plugs are made from many different materials. Ruthenium spark plugs are able to offer some different benefits from iridium and other plug types.

    By Alvin Reyes 17 days ago Read More
  • Car on lift for spring and shock absorber repair
    0

    Driving With Worn Shocks Or Struts Is A Bad Idea: Here's What Can Happen

    Worn-out shocks and struts are issues that you should never ignore. Here's what can happen to your car if you fail to address the problem.

    By B. L. Johnson 17 days ago Read More
  • A dirty alloy wheel on the front end of a white car.
    18

    How To Stop Brake Dust From Clinging To Your Rims

    Brake dust is not only ugly, but it can also cause damage to your car's wheels. Here are the best ways to keep brake dust at bay and protect your rims.

    By Dave Goldberg 18 days ago Read More
  • A silver BMW 5 Series 550i
    29

    If You're Looking For An Affordable Sleeper, These Cars Should Be On Your List

    If you're in the market for a luxurious and affordable sleeper car to tear up the streets, you'll definitely want to check out these speedy models.

    By Benjamin Gracias 18 days ago Read More
  • An automatic transmission shift knob with a direct-shift gearbox.
    13

    Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG): What It Is And How It Works

    For those trying to get the efficiency of a manual transmission with the smoothness of an automatic, a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) might be the best choice.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 18 days ago Read More
  • A close-up of a fuel-filling nozzle labeled 'Diesel' at a gas station
    28

    Why Diesel Fuel Is More Expensive Than Gas In The US But Not In Europe

    Diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline in the U.S., but for a few reasons, European countries usually have gasoline fuel at higher prices than diesel.

    By Rohaan Sakrani 18 days ago Read More
  • A semi truck tractor with tandem axles plying on a highway.
    3

    Single Vs. Tandem Axle Semi-Trucks: The Differences Explained

    Some semi trucks use single axles, while others use double or tandem axles. Here are the differences between the two setups and why they matter.

    By Abhik Das 19 days ago Read More
  • Close up of modified turbocharged engine.
    14

    11 Car Mods That Actually Make Your Car Faster

    Car modifications come in various different shapes and sizes and offer diverse benefits. However, if you're after extra power, these are the mods you want.

    By Max Larsen 19 days ago Read More
  • A close-up shot of numerous tires
    1

    Street Tires Vs. Racing Tires: What's The Difference?

    The tires you find on the street and the tires used in racing are actually very different. Here are some of the traits and qualities that separate them.

    By Jackson Lambros 19 days ago Read More
  • Vintage gas pumps.
    4

    When (And Why) Did Cars Switch From Leaded To Unleaded Fuel?

    The first gallon of leaded gasoline was sold in 1923, and it wasn't officially banned until decades later. Why did the toxic fuel endure despite known risks?

    By Chloe Clougher 19 days ago Read More
  • Mechanic replacing car battery
    3

    Should You Disconnect Your Car's Battery Before Going On Vacation?

    Not sure what to do with your car's battery before a long trip? Here's how long a battery can sit, what drains it, and whether unplugging is worth it.

    By Nishant Jayaram 19 days ago Read More
  • An aluminum engine block and iron engine block on scales in a garage
    10

    Why Did Most Cars Go From Iron To Aluminum Engine Blocks?

    Since the 1960s, automakers have been moving from iron engine blocks to aluminum ones. What is driving this change, and how is it influencing engine design?

    By Shane Schmid 19 days ago Read More
  • A Costco tire center with a customer talking to a clerk. A row of tires lines the rear. There's a red Tire Center sign on top.
    7

    How A Costco Membership Might Save You Money Over Tire Rack

    Costco seems to have low prices, but there's that membership fee to think about. Taking that into account, how do Costco's tire prices compare to Tire Rack's?

    By Chad Kirchner 19 days ago Read More
  • Two spark plugs isolated on white background.
    4

    Yes, Fake Spark Plugs Are A Thing: Here's How To Avoid Getting Scammed

    Counterfeit spark plugs are everywhere online, and they can ruin your engine fast. Here’s how to check yours, avoid sketchy sellers, and protect your car.

    By B. L. Johnson 19 days ago Read More
  • Heated seat buttons in a modern car interior
    1

    Is It Safe To Use Seat Covers On Heated Seats?

    Heated seats are incredibly useful, but getting them wet can be a major problem. Some might wonder if seat covers are a safe way to protect them.

    By Alvin Reyes 19 days ago Read More
  • Blue Camry XLE
    11

    Yes, Toyota's Trim Names Do Stand For Something (And Some Of Them Are Pretty Ridiculous)

    Believe it or not, Toyota’s trim names actually have real meanings behind them. Some are perfectly logical, while others don’t make all that much sense.

    By B. L. Johnson 19 days ago Read More
  • A close-up view of a foggy car headlight
    12

    Can Baking Soda Actually Clean Foggy Headlights?

    Baking soda is useful to have for cooking and cleaning. Anyone trying to keep up with car maintenance might even be tempted to use it to clean foggy headlights.

    By Chino Ortiz 19 days ago Read More
  • A wall of colorful paint samples at a car dealership.
    3

    10 Things You Didn't Know Can Ruin Your Car's Paint Job

    Car paint is delicate. Even if you're keeping a careful eye on it, you might not notice 10 things in particular that can ruin your paint job.

    By Josh West 19 days ago Read More
  • A white Porsche 911 being driven inside a tunnel.
    23

    These Brands Have The Highest Maintenance Costs After 5 Years According To Consumer Reports

    Nearly two-thirds of Americans hold onto their cars for only about five years, so we checked CR to see how maintenance costs compare across brands.

    By Dave Goldberg 20 days ago Read More
  • Red Bull hanging a pit board across the pit wall.
    0

    Why F1 Teams Still Use Old-School Pit Boards, And What They Actually Show

    Formula 1 is full of cutting-edge tech, so how come pit boards are still around today? As it turns out, there are still moments when simplicity wins out.

    By Nishant Jayaram 20 days ago Read More
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