The coolant in your vehicle is a mixture of water and a chemical. It’s purpose is to protect your engine, both in cold weather and in high-temperature conditions. Because your engine is “water-cooled,” in other words it is cooled using water, this means there is water inside your engine and cooling system components, like the […]
Q: Is there any advantage to using nitrogen instead of compressed air in tires? Will I notice improved fuel economy or a smoother ride? Will my tires last longer? A: Sort of. From the top: Air is 78 percent nitrogen, just under 21 percent oxygen, and the rest is water vapor, CO2 and small concentrations […]
Your car’s suspension maximizes friction between the vehicle itself and the road. The health and proper function of your vehicle suspension is critical to safe operation. Check out this guide to everything you need to know about vehicle suspension from the expert Baltimore mechanics at Hollenshade’s. BUSHINGS Hydraulic bushings have chambers and valves to help […]
Anyone who’s ever worked as a car mechanic has seen what happens when people forget to replace the brake pads and brake hardware at the intended time. Sometimes the pad is worn so badly that the metal plate has slipped off the caliper, causing it to overextend and lock the wheels. Sometimes the piston shatters in the […]
The alignment angles of a car or truck do not just change randomly for no reason. A relationship between both internal and external forces results in the altering of a vehicle’s suspension geometry. Each of the principal alignment angles, measured at all 4 corners of the vehicle, capture the state of health of its steering and suspension […]
In 2015, the automotive industry, EPA, and U.S. states agreed to reduce the use of copper and other materials in motor vehicle brake pads. This agreement calls for reducing copper in brake pads to less than 5% by weight in 2021, and 0.5% by 2025. Typically, a brake pad is made from a mixture of […]
Over time, tires are exposed to precipitation, brake dust, chemicals, sunlight, and temperature fluctuation from summer to winter. While tires have anti-aging chemicals within the rubber to help protect them, exposure to these elements can cause rubber to lose some of its elasticity, which then causes the surface to age and crack. Under normal circumstances, […]
Selecting tires for your car is an important choice. Tires need to be quality, durable, and appropriate for your specific vehicle in order to last a long time. There are a few things all drivers should consider before buying. Read on for more on choosing the right tires for your car. TIRE SIZE First, consult […]
Shocks are one of the most overlooked components on modern vehicles. All of us can take for granted how amazing vehicles of the last few decades ride and handle compared to generations past. Shocks and struts are largely responsible for the performance we now appreciate. Properly functioning shocks and struts are also a major contributor to […]
The battery is a critical part of starting and powering a vehicle. It provides the zap of electricity needed to put all the rest of the electrical components to work. However, like other kinds of batteries, they are not made to last forever, and will need to be replaced from time to time. The following […]