Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

Why You Might Want To Detune Your Engine (And What Long-Term Effects This Could Have)

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:25:00 +0000

While it may seem counterproductive, detuning an engine has many real-world benefits, and car manufacturers regularly release detuned versions of their engines.

How Often Should You Replace Your Engine's Oxygen Sensors?

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:25:00 +0000

While O2 sensors have no fixed replacement schedule, your driving style and the health of other engine components can drastically affect its life span.

The Owner Of Marathon Gas Stations Is Making Diesel From Soybeans

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:25:00 +0000

One of America's largest gas station chains is pouring millions into turning soybeans into renewable biodiesel, and it makes sense once you see the numbers.

These Symptoms Might Mean Your Car Has A Cracked Engine Block

staff@jalopnik.com (Monday Goma) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:25:00 +0000

A cracked engine block is generally considered a bad thing for many reasons, but just how can you tell whether or not your block is broken?

Compression Testing Vs Leak-Down Testing: What's The Difference?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Making sure your engine has proper compression is vital for its health. You can rely on one of two methods to test this, but they aren't quite equal.

How To Deal With A Bird Nest In Your Car

staff@jalopnik.com (Brontë Wieland) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:25:00 +0000

What happens when you hear chirping coming from under your hood? Finding a bird nest in your car could potentially be a much bigger problem than you think.

Why Your Engine Has A Ground Strap (And Yes, It's Important)

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Ground straps might seem a bit superfluous, but they do a crucial job for your car's electrics. Neglect this simple but critical part at your peril.

Tiny Engines Require Tiny Turbos, And This Turbo Might Be The Tiniest

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how forced induction would work on a tiny 150cc engine? For one, it would need a properly sized turbocharger carefully matched to it.

These Are The Car Projects You Are Watching Or Subscribed To On YouTube

staff@jalopnik.com (Lalita Chemello) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Whether you're living vicariously, or looking for company for your own project car misery, this list has something for everyone.

Here's Why Manual And Automatic Transmission Fluid Aren't Interchangeable

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Manual and automatic transmission fluids should do roughly the same job, but there are differences between the two. Here's why they aren't interchangeable.

Why This Rare Engine Wasn't The Formidable Muscle Car V8 Pontiac Had Hoped

staff@jalopnik.com (Nico DeMattia) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:25:00 +0000

Copying a key design component from Ford, this was supposed to be Pontiac's best high-performance V8 of the '70s, but it turned into a disappointment.

How Drag Racers Are Running In The Sixes With Manual Transmissions

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:25:00 +0000

While much of it comes down to the driver's skill, one important component plays a crucial role in allowing manual transmission drag cars to match automatics.

If You're Working On Japanese Cars, You Should Get A Set Of JIS Screwdrivers

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:25:00 +0000

Have you ever been knuckles deep in your Subaru or Mazda, fiddling with some frustrating screw, only to feel it strip beneath your screwdriver?

Here's How To Convert A Power Wheels Car To Use A Drill Battery

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Even at the higher voltage level of a Dewalt drill battery, you're not working with enough power to injure yourself, so don't be scared of it and dig in.

Hoonigan Is Going Back To Basics With Project Cars Again

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:45:00 +0000

Here we go, it's kill all tires time!

Here's What Happens When You Blueprint An Engine

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:25:00 +0000

If you've heard of racing enthusiasts and drag racers discuss blueprinting, but have no idea what they're talking about, this explainer will be for you.

What Happens When Your Engine's Crankshaft And Camshaft Sensors Go Bad?

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:05:00 +0000

Although crankshaft and camshaft sensors are generally reliable, they can fail. But what should you expect to see if one of your sensors goes bad?

This 3D-Printed Exhaust Delivers More Engine Horsepower Than X-Pipes, But At A Cost

staff@jalopnik.com (Erik Sherman) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Independent testing confirms this 3D-printed Z-pipe can deliver more power than an X-pipe. Whether it is actually worth the investment is a different matter.

The Pros And Cons Of Plastic Adhesives Vs. Plastic Welding For Car Repairs

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Should you weld that cracked bumper or use adhesive to fix it instead? Both methods can get the job done, but there are pros and cons you should be aware of.

What's The Difference Between Roller And Flat Tappet Cams?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:05:00 +0000

If you're into wrenching, you might have heard of roller and flat tappet cams, but what's the difference between the two, and why choose one over the other?