Here we will discuss general car knowledge. If you’re curious about how your car works or why it does what it does, this is the category for you. We’re constantly growing our library so check back often for more information. Here’s a quick example: Have you ever wondered why your tires lose air? Quite simply put, it’s the same reason a balloon loses air, the air escapes. As impermeable as your tires may seem, air has a way of squeezing its way through the molecular makeup of the rubber used to make the tire, therefore losing air. Also, as the seasons change, the density of the air changes; cold air is more dense thus it has less air pressure. For more helpful info like this, click a blog and read up!
The History of OBD2 In 1966 the state government of California mandated the use of emissions control systems to combat the formation of smog in the Los Angeles basin. The United States government made this a federal policy in 1968. Then, in 1970 the United States Congress passed the Clean Air Act and founded the...
Do I REALLY need to use premium gas if my car says to? You drive up to the gas pump, swipe your card, pick up the handle, and look down to see different options for the type of gas to use. You think to yourself, “Self, what’s the difference between premium and regular gas? Is...
What is a Catalytic Converter? Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control systems that convert toxic gases and pollutants into less harmful pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction. Gasoline powered vehicles accomplish this through the use of three-way converters that combine oxygen (O) with carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2)…
What is the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System? The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System seals the fuel system of the vehicle in order to prevent fuel vapors from the fuel tank and fuel system from escaping into the atmosphere. This is important because fuel vapors contain a variety of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons form smog when they...
What is an Oxygen Sensor? The oxygen sensor (commonly referred to as an “O2 sensor”, as O2 is the chemical formula for oxygen) is mounted in the exhaust manifold of the vehicle to monitor how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust as the exhaust exits the engine. Where are Oxygen Sensors Located? The amount...
What is an EGR valve, and how does it work? “EGR” stands for exhaust gas recirculation. When engine combustion temperatures near 2500°F, the formation of smog-producing nitrogen oxides (NOx) increases. Exhaust, however, is mostly composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), which does not burn. The function of the EGR valve is to recirculate small amounts of...
