Automotive Basics ~ Page 2 of 3 ~ Roadkill Customs

Understanding Ignition Systems

September 2, 2017 Roadkill Customs

The ignition system is a key component in making an engine run because it provides a way for the fuel mixture in the engine to burn. All gasoline engines require an ignition system. Most four stroke engines use mechanically timed electrical ignition systems. [More…]

Understanding Spark Plugs

September 1, 2017 Roadkill Customs

A spark plug is a device that delivers electric current from the ignition system in the combustion chamber to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture with a spark. Spark plugs a metal threaded shell, electrically isolated from a central electrode by a porcelain insulator. [More…]

Understanding Air Intakes

August 18, 2017 Roadkill Customs

There are various kinds of air intakes to choose from. Among the most popular styles of air intakes are short ram intakes, cold air intakes, and ram air intakes. If you are wondering how you could get the best air intake system, and what the differences between the various designs are, here’s what you need to know. [More…]

Understanding Fuel Injectors

August 11, 2017 Roadkill Customs

Fuel Injectors have totally replaced carburetors that were once used for fuel delivery. Fuel injectors are part of a computerized system that sprays the fuel into the combustion chambers at regular intervals – whereas carburetors will use a vacuum to pull the fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers. [More…]

Understanding Disc Brakes

August 3, 2017 Roadkill Customs

The disc and brake pad are the parts of the brake system that do the actual work of stopping the car. Disc brakes can come in several designs. To better understand how the disc brake works, we will go over the components of the brake and the technology behind how a disc brake actually functions. [More…]

Understanding Alternators – How To Test and Troubleshoot

July 5, 2017 Roadkill Customs

When most people think of the engine, they do not take into consideration the importance of alternators. The alternator is one of a few indispensable auto performance parts that the engine cannot run without. [More…]

Understanding Car Starters

June 4, 2017 Roadkill Customs

In the earlier days when automobiles were a new thing, a hand crank was used to start the engine, but by 1920, nearly every vehicle had self-starters. It had replaced the hand-cranking. [More…]

Understanding Fuel Filters

April 5, 2017 Roadkill Customs

Fuel filters are found along the fuel lines, either in the engine compartment or near the fuel tank. The fuel filter’s job is to trap large particles in the fuel and stop them from getting into the engine. [More…]

Understanding Exhaust Systems

March 26, 2017 Roadkill Customs

The exhaust system is a series of pipes that evacuate the spent gases from an engine. So basically, the exhaust system will just vent waste gases from the engine. There are multiple exhaust system types which you can learn more about here. [More…]

Understanding Suspension Lift Kits

March 18, 2017 Roadkill Customs

Suspension Lift Kits are a system of springs used to raise a vehicle by suspending the frame, body, engine and power train above the wheels. It is a modification, often done by Jeep, truck, SUV and offroad enthusiasts to raise the ride height of their vehicle. [More…]

Understanding Cold Engine Starts

February 18, 2017 Roadkill Customs

Starting a car with a cold engine is easier said than done. Cold weather will come; that’s for sure and inevitable. The trick is to not let cold engines stop you from driving your car without hassles. [More…]

Understanding Cooling Systems

January 14, 2017 Roadkill Customs

Most of the energy in the gasoline is converted into heat. It is the job of cooling systems to take care of that heat. Therefore the cooling system is quite an important part of the vehicle. [More…]

Understanding Oxygen Sensors

November 14, 2016 Roadkill Customs

It is necessary to have oxygen sensors as they are a vital component of a vehicle’s emission system. All new vehicles have them. The vehicle’s computer will communicate with sensors throughout the system to determine how much fuel to deliver to the engine and of course, how frequently. [More…]

Understanding Ignition Coils

October 14, 2016 Roadkill Customs

Ignition coils, also known as spark coils are an induction coil in an automobile’s ignition system. It transforms a storage battery’s 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to spark the spark plugs. [More…]

Understanding Tie Rods

September 30, 2016 Roadkill Customs

Tie rods are slender structural rods that are used as a tie and capable of carrying tensile loads only. A tie rod consists of an inner and an outer end. As the ratio of its length to the radius of its cross section is normally quite large, it would likely buckle under compression. [More…]

Automotive Basics