Service Advisor: Taking Control of Ride Control
Suspensions are pretty rugged and can take a lot of punishment without any ill effects — at least for a while. But tens of thousands of miles of constant pounding eventually wear out the ride control components and other suspension parts
Performance Primer: Pursuing the Performance Mod Market
One of the advantages of doing import performance modifications and upgrades is that you don’t have to wait for cars to break to get business.
The Real World: Testing Your Coolant Knowledge
All types of antifreeze contain corrosion-inhibiting chemicals to protect bare metal surfaces from electrolytic attack. Though automakers disagree on which chemical additives work best in their vehicles, essentially any kind of antifreeze will work in any vehicle. But, how well will it protect the cooling system? And, for how long? And will it void the OEM warranty? These are important questions that need to be answered before choosing an antifreeze for a particular vehicle application.
Undercover: Getting a Charge out of Monotube Gas Shocks
From the outside, most shock absorbers and struts look pretty much alike: a round steel tube that telescopes up and down with bushings or fittings on both ends. But inside there can be significant design differences that affect not only the ride control characteristics and performance of the damper, but also its cost.
Can the Aftermarket Spur Job Creation?
Amid the issue of job security, the automotive industry has a variety of opportunities for those interested in a hands-on, service-oriented career.
The Real World: Prepping the Future
Vehicle manufacturers are searching for the ultimate Alternative-Fuel Vehicle
Performance Primer: The DRIVING FORCES Behind Valvetrain Technology
The latest developments in lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, valve springs, retainers and valves are pushing the performance envelope to new highs. See why parts are getting lighter, stronger and capable of producing more horsepower than ever before.
Engine Series: Stroker Engines — Making Bigger Even ‘Badder’
The only way to get large displacement numbers our of an engine is to “stroke it.”
Lubricants: The Great Oil Debate
Are oil changes every 3,000 miles really necessary? It depends on how a vehicle is driven.
Lubricants: Racing Oils Can Offer Extra Power & Protection For Your Performance Engine
High performance engines have a very small margin for error when it comes to tolerances and extreme loads, therefore the demand for lubrication is also much greater than in your typical production engine. So why would you entrust any off-the-shelf oil to protect those vital parts?