Under the Hood

Whether we go for a short spin or a long drive in our car, there is a lot happening under the hood. With tens of thousands of parts making up a car, it is fairly common for things to go bad with time.

This section of the website explores issues that are “under the hood”, that can impact the functioning of your vehicle.

Brakes

Let us look at some common and uncommon problems that vehicles see with their brakes.

Do Black Rotors Stay Black

Do Black Rotors Stay Black? Uncovering the Truth

Can Drilled and Slotted Rotors Be Turned: A Straightforward Answer

Are Rotor Screws Necessary

Are Rotor Screws Necessary for Optimal Performance?

Rotor Is Loose - What to Do?

Rotor is Loose: Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips

Brake Pad Fell Off - What to Do?

Brake Pad Fell Off: What to Do and How to Prevent Future Mishaps

Brake Pedal Slow to Return

Brake Pedal Slow to Return: Quick Fixes for a Smoother Drive

Reverse Brake Assist Not Available Error: A Quick Fix Guide

Brake Rotor Won't Come Off

Brake Rotor Won’t Come Off? Quick Solutions to Try Today!

My Brake Is Locked and Car Won’t Start

My Brake Is Locked and Car Won’t Start: 6 Reasons and 4 Solutions

Grooves In Brake Rotor

Grooves In Brake Rotor: What Should I Do?

Radio Shuts Off When Brake Is Applied – What to Do?

Do You Have To Bleed Brakes When Changing Calipers

Do You Have To Bleed Brakes When Changing Calipers?

What Size Allen Wrench For Chevy Brake Calipers

What Size Allen Wrench For Chevy Brake Calipers?

Where To Connect Parking Brake Wire? 3 Ways To Bypass a Parking Brake on Stereo

Where To Connect Parking Brake Wire? 3 Ways To Bypass a Parking Brake on Stereo

What Type Of Brake Fluid Does Harley Use

What Type Of Brake Fluid Does Harley Use?

What Grease To Use On Brakes

What Grease To Use On Brakes?

What Does The Sign No Engine Brake Mean?

What Size C Clamp for Brake Caliper

What Size C Clamp for Brake Caliper: Will A 4 Inch C Clamp Be Sufficient?

What Does Brake Retarder Prohibited Mean

What Does Brake Retarder Prohibited Mean?

Why Are Air brakes Used On Heavy Vehicles

Why Are Air brakes Used On Heavy Vehicles? 5 Reasons

Where To Apply Brake Grease On Pads

Where To Apply Brake Grease On Pads?

What Does A Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Do

What Does A Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve Do?

What Causes Drum Brakes To Lock Up

What Causes Drum Brakes To Lock Up?

Who Makes Honda OEM Brake Pads

Who Makes Honda OEM Brake Pads?

When Do You Need To Bleed Your Brakes

When Do You Need To Bleed Your Brakes? 3 Ways To Bleed Your Brakes Correctly

Brake Lights Turn Off When Braking

Brake Lights Turn Off When Braking: 5 Reasons Your Brake Lights Are Acting Up

What Does A Brake Vacuum Pump Do

What Does A Brake Vacuum Pump Do?

Which Brake Pad Goes On The Inside

Which Brake Pad Goes On The Inside?

What Does Brake Fluid Smell Like

What Does Brake Fluid Smell Like?

What Does Brake Pads Per Axle Mean

What Does Brake Pads Per Axle Mean?

What Does Lifetime Warranty On Brake Pads Mean

What Does Lifetime Warranty On Brake Pads Mean?

Why Does My Emergency Brake Light Stay On

Why Does My Emergency Brake Light Stay On? 5 Reasons This Might Be Happening

Do I Have To Bleed Brakes When Changing Pads

Do I Have To Bleed Brakes When Changing Pads?

No Brake Fluid To Rear Brakes When Bleeding

No Brake Fluid To Rear Brakes When Bleeding: 6 Reasons Why This Happens

What Does Brake Lamp Light Mean

What Does Brake Lamp Light Mean?

Emergency Brake Light Comes On When Accelerating

Emergency Brake Light Comes On When Accelerating

Which Brake Pad Goes On The Inside

Which Brake Pads Wear Out First?

Where Are PowerStop Brakes Made

Where Are PowerStop Brakes Made?

What Size Torx Bit For Chevy Brakes

What Size Torx Bit For Chevy Brakes?

When To Replace Drum Brake Shoes?

Electrical

Diagnosing and Repairing Your 1997 Honda CR-V

All Gauges on Dash Going Crazy: Quick Solutions for Panic-Free Driving

Driving with a Bad VTC Actuator: What to Do and How to Handle It

Is Duralast a Good Brand? Evaluating Reliability and Performance

My Speedometer is Off by 5 mph: Quick Fixes & Troubleshooting Tips

Third Brake Light Not Working: Quick Fixes and Troubleshooting Tips

P1326 Glow Relay Stuck on - What to Do?

P1326 Glow Relay Stuck On: Quick Fixes and Tips for Your Vehicle

Electrical Buzzing Sound In Car - What To Do?

Electrical Buzzing Sound in Car – What to Do? Quick Fixes for a Peaceful Ride

Spark Plug Melted - What to Do?

Spark Plug Melted – What To Do? A Friendly Guide for Quick Solutions

Car Runs Worse After Changing Spark Plugs - What to Do?

Car Runs Worse After Changing Spark Plugs: Quick Fixes and Tips

Saturn Ion Key Stuck in Ignition

Saturn Ion Key Stuck in Ignition: Quick Fix Solutions to Try Today

Silverado Key Won't Unlock Door

Silverado Key Won’t Unlock Door: Quick Solutions for Frustrated Drivers

Abs Light on and Speedometer Not Working

ABS Light On and Speedometer Not Working: Quick Fixes for Your Vehicle

Do Hazard Lights Drain Battery

Do Hazard Lights Drain Battery? Find Out the Surprising Truth!

Trunk Light on Dash Won’t Turn Off: Quick Fixes and Troubleshooting Tips

License Plate Light Not Working

License Plate Light Not Working? Quick Solutions to Fix it Today

Key Fob Doesn't Work in the Morning

Key Fob Doesn’t Work in the Morning? Quick Fixes and Tips to Try!

Replaced Alternator and Battery, Car Still Dies: Troubleshooting Tips

How Much Brake Fluid Do I Need to Flush: Your Quick and Easy Guide

Changed Alternator Now Car Won’t Start? Quick Troubleshooting Tips!

Are Spark Plugs Covered Under Warranty

Are Spark Plugs Covered Under Warranty? Find Out the Truth!

Hazard Lights Came on by Themselves

Hazard Lights Came on by Themselves: Unraveling the Mystery Behind It

Glow Relay Stuck on Kia

Glow Relay Stuck on Kia: Quick Fix Tips for Frustrated Owners

What to Do If the Ignition Coil Connector Clip Is Broken: Quick and Effective Solutions

Audi A6 No Communication With ECU

Audi A6 No Communication With ECU: 7 Reasons & Solutions

Car Horn Goes Off in the Middle of the Night

Car Horn Goes Off in the Middle of the Night: 3 Reasons Why

No Power to Dash or Ignition

No Power to Dash or Ignition: 9 Possible Reasons

Can a Bad Alternator Cause a Misfire

Can a Bad Alternator Cause a Misfire? 8 Signs That Your Alternator is Failing

Why Wont My Fog Lights Turn Off

Why Wont My Fog Lights Turn Off? 3 Reasons Why This Happens

F 150 Interior Lights Wont Turn On: 4 Reasons Why This Happens

No Power To Some Fuses In Fuse Box

No Power To Some Fuses In Fuse Box: 7 Reasons With Solutions

Sunroof Is Stuck Open

Sunroof Is Stuck Open: 5 Ways to Fix It

Car Won't Start Gauges Flutter

Car Won’t Start, Gauges Flutter: 4 Reasons Why This Happens

Alternator Not Charging Until Revved

Alternator Not Charging Until Revved: 7 Reasons and Solutions

Spark Plug Won't Go In All The Way

Spark Plug Won’t Go In All The Way: Easy Fix in 4 Steps

Car Speakers Won't Work In Cold

Car Speakers Won’t Work In Cold: 7 Reasons & Solutions

How To Unlock Camaro Without Alarm Going Off

How To Unlock Camaro Without Alarm Going Off? 9 Reasons With Solutions

My Car Keeps Burning Out Alternators

My Car Keeps Burning Out Alternators: Why Is It Happening? 11 Things To Check

Crown Vic Alternator Not Charging: Where Is The Issue

Crown Vic Alternator Not Charging: Where Is The Issue

Honda CRV All Warning Lights On: How To Solve

Honda CRV All Warning Lights On: How To Solve

Engine

Diagnosing and Repairing Your 1997 Honda CR-V

Flywheel Stuck on Crank – What to Do? Quick and Easy Solutions

Harmonic Balancer Wobble at Idle: Quick Fixes for a Smoother Ride

5.3 MAF Readings at Idle: Quick Fixes and Tips for Smooth Engine Performance

Ran Car Without Oil for 10 Seconds: What to Do Next?

Coolant Leak After Sitting Overnight: Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips

Can a Collapsed Lifter Fix Itself? The Surprising Answer Explored

Sludge in Coolant Reservoir: What to Do? Quick and Effective Fixes!

Dealership Over-Tightened Oil Plug: Quick Solutions for You

Cracked Oil Filter Housing: Quick Fixes and Tips

Best Cam for 5.3 With 706 Heads

Best Cam for 5.3 with 706 Heads: Top Picks for Enhanced Performance

862 Vs 706 Heads - Which One Is Better

862 vs 706 Heads: Friendly Comparison to Find the Best

Engine Surging at Highway Speed - What to Do?

Engine Surging at Highway Speed: Quick Fixes for a Smooth Drive

Piston Hitting Valve - What to Do?

Piston Hitting Valve: What to Do? A Friendly Guide for Car Enthusiasts

No Pressure When Removing Radiator Cap - What to Do?

No Pressure When Removing Radiator Cap – Simple Solutions to Try Today

Misfire on Startup Then Goes Away

Misfire on Startup Then Goes Away: Quick Solutions for a Smooth Ride

Can Bad Motor Mounts Cause Loss of Power

Can Bad Motor Mounts Cause Loss of Power? Discover the Connection Today

Are Long Tube Headers Legal

Are Long Tube Headers Legal? Your Friendly Guide

How Long Do Superchargers Last

How Long Do Superchargers Last: A Friendly Guide to Their Lifespan

Is Revving Your Engine Illegal

Is Revving Your Engine Illegal? Find Out the Surprising Answer

3.1 Liter V6 Engine Problems

3.1 Liter V6 Engine Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Knocking Sound After Turning Engine Off

Knocking Sound After Turning Engine Off: What’s Causing It and How to Fix

Power Steering Doesn't Work at Idle

Power Steering Doesn’t Work at Idle: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

How Many Engine Hours Is a Lot

How Many Engine Hours Is a Lot? Discover the Truth to Protect Your Investment

Car Wont Start Until it Cools Down

Car Won’t Start Until It Cools Down? Quick Troubleshooting Guide

How Much Blowby Is Normal

How Much Blowby Is Normal? Expert Insights for Engine Health

Do Powerstrokes Have Glow Plugs? Find Out and Maximize Engine Performance

Can You Change Oil Filter Without Changing Oil

Can You Change Oil Filter Without Changing Oil? Find Out Now!

Wd 40 as Starting Fluid

WD-40 as Starting Fluid: A Quick Solution for Engine Troubles

How Much Does it Cost to Bulletproof a 6.0

How Much Does it Cost to Bulletproof a 6.0 Engine? Find the Affordable Solution Here!

Long Crank Time When Engine Is Cold

Long Crank Time When Engine Is Cold: Quick Solutions to Kickstart Your Morning

Car Won't Run With Maf Plugged In

Car Won’t Run With MAF Plugged In? Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Car Overheating After Blue Devil? Quick Solutions for Your Engine

Burning Smell After Oil Change: Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Trick Flow Vs Afr Heads

Trick Flow vs AFR Heads: A Comprehensive Comparison for Performance Enthusiasts

Engine Misfire at Low Rpm

Engine Misfire at Low RPM: Quick Fixes for a Smooth Ride

Can You Mix 0w20 and 5w20? Understanding Blend Compatibility

Glitter In Engine Oil

Glitter In Engine Oil: 6 Reasons With Solutions

C5 Coolant Hot While Idling

C5 Coolant Hot While Idling: 7 Reasons With Solutions

Spilled Coolant On Engine

Spilled Coolant On Engine: 3 Things That Can Happen

Error Codes

Diagnosing and Repairing Your 1997 Honda CR-V

Front Left Malfunction Service Required: Error Message Solutions

Dodge 4.7 Misfire No Codes

Dodge 4.7 Misfire No Codes: 10 Codes And What They Mean

How To Clear A P1299 Code

How To Clear A P1299 Code And Cool Off Your Car!

Exhaust

Can You Put Water in Your DEF Tank? Common Misconceptions Explained

Black Liquid Coming Out of Exhaust Pipe

Black Liquid Coming Out of Exhaust Pipe: A Quick Guide to Diagnosis and Fixes

High Flow Cats Vs No Cats

High Flow Cats Vs No Cats: Performance Showdown for Car Enthusiasts

Gas Coming Out of Exhaust

Gas Coming Out of Exhaust: Quick Fixes & Prevention Tips

Can An Exhaust Leak Cause Rough Idle

Can An Exhaust Leak Cause Rough Idle? 3 Ways To Find An Exhaust Leak

Does Straight Piping Increase MPG

Does Straight Piping Increase MPG? Truth Revealed

Hole In Catalytic Converter

What Happens If There Is a Hole In Catalytic Converter?

How Long Can I Drive With A Bad O2 Sensor

How Long Can I Drive With A Bad O2 Sensor?

How Long Does A Catalytic Converter Last

Can a Clogged Catalytic Converter Cause a Misfire?

How To Tell If You Have An Exhaust Leak

Fuel

Gas Nozzle Stuck in Car: Quick Solutions to Your Dilemma

Gas Smell When Starting Car in Cold: Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips

Can Bad Gas Cause Epc Light

Why is 93 Octane Hard to Find? Unraveling the Mystery

Can Bad Gas Cause EPC Light

Can Bad Gas Cause EPC Light? Exploring the Connection

Gas Cap Won't Click - What to Do?

Gas Cap Won’t Click: Quick Solutions to Fix the Issue

Is Arco Gas Bad for Your Car

Is Arco Gas Bad for Your Car? Debunking Myths & Facts

7.3 Leaking Fuel in Valley

7.3 Leaking Fuel in Valley: Quick Solutions to Protect Your Environment

Kia Sorento Gas Cap Won't Open

Kia Sorento Gas Cap Won’t Open? Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips

Mercedes Gas Light How Many Miles Left? Get the Answer You Need!

Fuel Line Won’t Disconnect

3 Things To Do if Your Fuel Line Won’t Disconnect From Your Car

Lacquer Thinner In Gas Tank

Lacquer Thinner In Gas Tank: Is It Safe To Use?

Brake Fluid In Gas Tank: Will It Work

Brake Fluid In Gas Tank: Will It Work?

Why Is My Miles To Empty Dropping Fast

Why Is My Miles To Empty Dropping Fast? 5 Reasons

Speedometer And Gas Gauge Not Working

Speedometer And Gas Gauge Not Working

No Power To Fuel Pump Relay Chevy Truck

7 Reasons Why No Power To Fuel Pump Relay Chevy Truck

How to Remove Red Dye From Diesel

How to Remove Red Dye From Diesel?

Heating and Cooling

AC Compressor Not Cycling: Quick Fixes and Troubleshooting Tips

AC Recharge Hose Won’t Fit: Quick Solutions to Try

Does Evacuating AC Remove Oil? A Friendly Guide to Understanding the Process

Car Ac Blowing 50 Degrees - What to Do?

Car AC Blowing 50 Degrees: Easy Fixes for a Cooler Ride

Heat Only Works When Accelerating: Quick Fixes and Tips

AC Pro Gauge Not Moving

AC Pro Gauge Not Moving: 3 Possible Causes

AC Only Blowing Cold On Passenger Side

AC Only Blowing Cold On Passenger Side: 5 Reasons & Solutions

Car Dies When I Turn On Heater

Car Dies When I Turn On Heater AC: 6 Reasons Why This Might Be Happening

Ford Explorer Heater Blowing Cold Air

Ford Explorer Heater Blowing Cold Air: Why Does It Happen?

Does Running the AC Use Coolant

Does Running the AC Use Coolant?

Audi A4 Heater Not Blowing Hot

Audi A4 Heater Not Blowing Hot

Ford Fiesta Air Conditioning Not Working

Ford Fiesta Air Conditioning Not Working

Suspension

Car Shaking at 80 Mph

Car Shaking at 80 MPH: What to Do and Quick Fixes

Rear Wheel Looks Slanted: What to Do? Simple Fixes for a Common Problem

Strut Brands to Avoid

Strut Brands to Avoid: A Friendly Guide for Car Enthusiasts

Rear Wheel Bent Inwards After Accident

Rear Wheel Bent Inwards After Accident: Quick Fix Solutions and Tips

Best Lubricant for Squeaky Suspension

Best Lubricant for Squeaky Suspension: Quick Fixes for a Smooth Ride

How Long Do Bilstein Shocks Last

How Long Do Bilstein Shocks Last? Discover Their Lifespan and Durability

Can Warped Rotors Cause Vibration When Not Braking

Can Warped Rotors Cause Vibration When Not Braking? How To Fix Warped Rotors?

Tuner Lug Nuts On OEM Wheels

Tuner Lug Nuts On OEM Wheels: Will They Work?

What Causes Bent Push Rods? 7 Reasons

How Long Can I Drive With A Bad Carrier Bearing

How Long Can I Drive With A Bad Carrier Bearing?

Chassis Control System Error

What Is A Chassis Control System Error? Explained

4 Wheel Drive Locks Up When Turning

4 Wheel Drive Locks Up When Turning – 2 Ways To Solve This Problem

What Are Tuner Wheels In GTA 5

What Are Tuner Wheels In GTA 5?

Where Is Wheel Lock Key Located? 7 Places To Look Into

Where Is Wheel Lock Key Located? 7 Places To Look Into

What Is Pin Weight On A Fifth Wheel?

Where To Place Stick On Wheel Weights

Where To Place Stick On Wheel Weights?

What Size Wheel Spacers For Silverado

What Size Wheel Spacers For Silverado?

What Size 5th Wheel Hitch Do I Need

What Size 5th Wheel Hitch Do I Need?

Where To Get Wheel Bearings Pressed

Where To Get Wheel Bearings Pressed?

Where Are Timken Wheel Bearings Made?

Why Wont My 4 Wheel Drive Engage

Why Wont My 4 Wheel Drive Engage?

Why Does Wheel Bearing Noise Goes Away When Turning Left?

How Long Can I Drive With A Bad Wheel Bearing?

Rubbing Noise From Rear Wheel When Driving

Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel

Popping Noise When Backing Up And Turning Wheel – What Does it Mean?

What Does 7 J Mean On A Wheel

What Does 7 J Mean On A Wheel?

What Causes Wheel Studs to Break Off

What Causes Wheel Studs to Break Off

Clunking Noise When In A 4 Wheel Drive – What Does it Mean?

Why Do Dually Front Wheels Stick Out

Why Do Dually Front Wheels Stick Out? 5 Benefits Of This Configuration Of Front Wheels

Wheel Bearing Noise Stops When Turning Right

Wheel Bearing Noise Stops When Turning Right

What Happens If My Wheel Weights Fall Off

What Happens If My Wheel Weights Fall Off

Why Is My 4-Wheel Drive Light Flashing

Why Is My 4 Wheel Drive Light Flashing: 7 Reasons

4 Wheel Drive Jerks When Turning

4 Wheel Drive Jerks When Turning – What to Do?

What to Do if Rear Wheel Locks up When Turning?

What Does 4 Wheel Lock Mean

Transmission

Diagnosing and Repairing Your 1997 Honda CR-V

No Pressure in Clutch After Bleeding

No Pressure in Clutch After Bleeding: Quick Solutions to Try Out

Hole in Transmission Bell Housing: What to Do? Quick and Friendly Solutions

4L60E Will Not Shift Out of 1st Gear: Quick Fixes and Practical Tips

Car Slows Down When Foot Off Accelerator: Quick Fixes and Tips

4l80e No Reverse

4l80e No Reverse – What to Do? Simple Fixes for Your Transmission Woes

car shudders when taking foot off accelerator - what to do?

Car Shudders When Taking Foot Off Accelerator: Quick Fixes for a Smooth Ride

Can a Bad Fan Clutch Cause Transmission Problems

Can a Bad Fan Clutch Cause Transmission Problems? Car Owners Need to Know!

4l60e No Overdrive - What to Do?

4l60e No Overdrive – What to Do? Quick Fixes for Optimal Performance

Single Clunk When Accelerating - What to Do?

Single Clunk When Accelerating: Quick Fixes & Tips

Are 3.73 Gears Good for Racing

Are 3.73 Gears Good for Racing? Discover the Performance Impact

Power Steering Doesn't Work at Idle

Power Steering Doesn’t Work at Idle: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

Can Low Transmission Fluid Cause Overdrive Light to Flash? Find Out Why and How to Fix It

Blue Top Vs Red Head

Blue Top Vs Red Head: Which Steering Box is Better?

Can’t Get Driveshaft Back In? Quick Fix Guide for Frustrated Car Owners

What Happens If You Install a Clutch Backwards: Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Should a Fan Clutch Spin Freely When Hot? Discover the Answer Today!

Car Shakes on Cold Start: Causes and Solutions Explained

Car Won't Start After Transmission Swap

Car Won’t Start After Transmission Swap: Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Can You Float Gears in a Car

Can You Float Gears in a Car? 4-Step Guide To Float Shifting Your Car

Can An EVAP Leak Cause Transmission Problems

Can An EVAP Leak Cause Transmission Problems?

Pitman Arm Wont Come Off

Pitman Arm Wont Come Off: 3 Ways To Take It Out

Truck Stuck In 4WD

Truck Stuck In 4WD: What To Do?

Sawdust In The Transmission

Sawdust In The Transmission: Does It Work?

Can You Two Step An Automatic

Can You Two Step An Automatic? What’s The Benefit?

Camry Hybrid Steering Groan: Why Does It Happen & How To Fix

Camry Hybrid Steering Groan: Why Does It Happen & How To Fix

2016 GMC Yukon Stuck In Auto: What To Do

2016 GMC Yukon Stuck In Auto: What To Do?

How Long Does Clutch Slipping Last

How Long Does Clutch Slipping Last?

When Did Power Steering Become Standard

When Did Power Steering Become Standard?

What Does A Steering Box Do

What Does A Steering Box Do?

What Kind Of Power Steering Fluid For BMW

What Kind of Power Steering Fluid For BMW?

What Does Power Steering Fluid Smell Like? 5 Ways To Know If Your PS Fluid is Leaking

What Does Power Steering Fluid Smell Like? 5 Ways To Know If Your PS Fluid is Leaking

Why Does My Car Make A Clicking Sound When Turning Steering Wheel

Why Does My Car Make A Clicking Sound When Turning Steering Wheel?

What Can You Use For Power Steering Fluid? 4 Replacements That You Can Easily Find

What Can You Use For Power Steering Fluid? 4 Replacements That You Can Easily Find

What Happens If You Overfill Your Power Steering Fluid

What Happens If You Overfill Your Power Steering Fluid? 3 Things You Need To Take Care Of

What Is A Steering Wheel Made Out Of

What Is A Steering Wheel Made Out Of?

Steering Wheel Is Crooked When Driving Straight

4 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel Is Crooked When Driving Straight

Noisy Power Steering Pump When Cold

Why Do I Get A Noisy Power Steering Pump When Cold?

Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking Downhill

What Happens When Power Steering Pump Goes Out

What Happens When Power Steering Pump Goes Out?