About: Brad Paugh

How To Flush AC System

A/C Tips

The AC system includes the compressor, condenser, evaporator and accumulator/receiver-dryer. The key to the cooling function of an AC system is to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant either under high-pressure or low-pressure, as needed. As with any part of the automobile, the AC system can also get contaminated with impurities, making it function improperly.…

Hand checking transmission fluid dipstick in car engine

How To Check Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid is used to lubricate and cool down the transmission components, just as the engine oil removes heat from the engine parts. Besides lubricating and cooling, the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission gets compressed and provides the required pressure to shift, engage and disengage the gears. The transmission fluid is stored in…

Diagram of a single-point fuel system layout with numbered parts.

Fuel System Layouts

Introduction: Internal combustion engines require fuel in order to run and motor vehicles are thus equipped with a fuel system that keeps the engine supplied with the correct amount of fuel, for all operating circumstances. Components of Fuel System: The main components of the fuel system include fuel tank, pump, filter and injector/carburetor.…

Four different superchargers with pulleys, showcasing variety in supercharger cost.

How Much Does a Supercharger Cost?

While less common these days than turbocharging, supercharging an engine has a similar function; force more air into the engine, which in turn produces more power. While a turbocharger is powered by exhaust gases, superchargers are powered by a belt driven off the engine’s crankshaft. This makes superchargers easier to add-on to a naturally-aspirated vehicle,…

Automotive alternator, essential for car repair and charging systems

LEARN ABOUT ALTERNATOR REPAIR COST

Alternator Repair Cost Alternators are a critical component in vehicles. The alternator helps power the electrical system of your car while the engine is running. Without a fully functional alternator, everything from the car heater and airbags, to the breaking system and power steering could begin to fail. Early signs of a faulty alternator are…

Brake caliper and brake pads, components that can cause squealing brakes.

Everything About Squealing Brakes

Brake Noise - What Should I Do about Squealing Brakes? What can you do as a customer to reduce the chance of squealing brakes? First of all, noisy brakes should always be inspected to make sure there isn't a problem with the braking system. If the pads have worn down to the point where metal-to-metal…

Vehicle emissions control information label with EPA regulations and federal emissions.

How to tell if your car is federal or california emissions

How Can I Tell? Every car will be equipped with an emissions tag, which will tell you if the vehicle is federal or California emissions. Federal emissions stickers will just say, "This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations". California emissions vehicles will state, "This vehicicle conforms to U.S. EPA and State of California regulations".…

Two new brake pads, showing their friction material and backing plate.

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?

It’s time to dig into one of the most controversial, hard to answer questions regarding car parts, brake maintenance and overall auto component value. And the question is this: How long do brake pads last? It’s a question any serious (or even semi-serious) car enthusiast would like to know. But to truly answer the…

Fuel pump assembly with connectors and hardware, part of fuel pump repair cost discussion.

LEARN ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP REPAIR COST

How Much Does a Fuel Pump Cost? The fuel pump is a crucial part of your vehicle. It draws the fuel from the tank to the engine. A faulty fuel pump will reduce the performance of your engine, since it isn’t properly being supplied the fuel it needs. A defective fuel pump is usually easy…

Buyer's Guide: Struts and shocks for vehicles

Struts and Shocks Buyer’s Guide

How To Buy Struts and Shocks Sometimes buying struts or shocks for your car can be pretty confusing, we get it. Since our company mission is to make it easy to buy auto parts, we decided to make our customers a buyer's guide to make the purchasing process a little easier, especially if you're unfamiliar…