Deciphering the Da-VIN-ci Code
Making heads or tails of the all-too-important 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.
Engine Series: A Decade of the Duratec 30
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Undercover: Taking Control of the Ride
Ride control is important with today’s high-tech anti-lock brake and stability control systems, as well as electronic suspensions and self-leveling suspensions.
Hyundai Elantra, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Win 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year
This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the “Car of the Year” in Europe.
Engine Series: A Decade of the Duratec — Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Staying Active with Vehicle Electronics Technology
Tomorrow’s Smart Cars Will Bring Challenges for Technicians
UnderCover: Knowing Nivomats: Dissecting A Load Sensing Shock
The Nivomat system does more than just level the vehicle under load. As the load increases, the pressure inside the shock increases as oil is displaced from the reservoir to the inside of the unit, compressing the gas volume. This creates a progressive increase in spring rate and damping with little or no change to ride frequency.
Crossword Puzzle: October 2009
Across 1. Electrical system safety valve 3. Screwdriver with cruciform point 9. Downforce-enhancing race-car appendage 10. Camshaft protrusions 11. Wire-wheel component 12. Shagadelic Jaguar driver Powers 14. Variable-____ power steering 16. Creature seen on car-wax label 19. US stock-car-racing association 21. Pink-slip possessor 24. Palindromic brake component 25. Radio adjunct in some windshields 26. Carries
The Real World: ORDER UP!
There’s valuable information hidden within the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Decoding it may mean the difference between the right — and wrong — parts.
Performance Primer: Antiques Roadshow
Journeying Into the Restoration Market