Fully electric vehicles (EVs) do not contain the same type of onboard diagnostics (OBD) system that gas-powered vehicles in the US use. EVs do contain a computerized diagnostics system that communicates with the manufacturer or stores information that a mechanic or service technician at the dealership can access to determine a vehicle’s fault and repair …
When I was planning to get my first EV, I did some extensive research into how these vehicles function. I wanted something fun and cheap to operate. This led me to several websites that sell inexpensive EVs from manufacturers like Fiat, Nissan, Toyota, and others. However, I noticed one thing about the majority of electric …
Most cars have one spark plug per cylinder, but some have two spark plugs for each cylinder. Why is that? I wondered. Standard Spark Plug Amounts Most vehicles have four, six or eight spark plugs according to how many cylinders they have. Their main function is usually to start your vehicle, maintain power to drive, …
Having been steeped in the language of internal combustion engines for so long, most of us, including myself, struggle to understand electric vehicles. There are so many new things to learn. It would be correct to say that a tune-up of our knowledge base is required for electric vehicles. One of the things you may …
Electric vehicles do have heaters, and they do charge fast. I think that’s the best part of an EV, and it makes me wish I had one. It’s a bummer to start a vehicle and let it sit idle for 15-20 minutes waiting for it to warm up. Are EV heaters good? “Our Tesla Model …
I have quite a bit to learn yet when it comes to electric vehicles. I didn’t know if EVs did have brake pads until now, and the answer is yes, they do have them. The fact that they run on battery power instead of petro gas doesn’t change that. Related: Do EVs Have Axles | Do EVs …
Because electric vehicles are so different from gas-powered ones, it’s quite easy to assume that they don’t have a lot of components found in cars with an internal combustion engine. You may even start wondering whether an electric car has an axle. Well, electric vehicles may be different from regular cars in a lot of …
I’m fascinated by any electric vehicle topic. I never thought to ask before if an EV has a radiator or not. The short answer is, that some of them do and some of them don’t. What cooling system does an EV have? Radiators regulate car temperatures. Four types of systems will cool your EV. These include …
Electric vehicles have become more powerful and more affordable in rapid leaps since the twilight of the last millennium. With their capabilities now meeting and surpassing their conventional counterparts, more consumers are considering EVs when shopping for cars. Those unfamiliar with EVs may have basic questions, such as wondering whether or not EVs have engines. …
The short answer is yes, EVs have transmissions, but not like that in a gas-powered car. Since the motors in electric cars rest on the axles to turn the wheels, you don’t need gears to climb through speeds. The motors do that. In the end, you really only need a “forward,” “backward,” and “park” indicator. …
Electric vehicles (EVs) do feature a differential, but it works a little differently than the differential on a gas-powered vehicle. What a Differential Does The term differential refers to a component of a motorized vehicle’s drivetrain. It delivers and distributes power from the engine to the wheels. Modern transmission design uses three types of differential. Your vehicle …
The spark plug, the tiny device that ignites a spark to start a combustible engine, first appeared in 1839 as a device to help demolition experts and explosives experts trigger explosions at the proper time. That means when all those around the worksite had moved a safe distance from the explosives. A Small But Powerful Device …
I’ve forgotten my freshman high school physical science class (mercifully,) including the formula for figuring up horsepower. I still remember, though, that horsepower is the effort it takes to move something, while torque is the effort it takes to move something from a dead stop. In today’s world, horsepower equals speed. The answer to the …
As we all know, there are many differences between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Since electric vehicles don’t have an engine with lots of moving mechanical parts, it’s quite easy to assume that they don’t generate a lot of heat and, therefore, don’t need coolant. Well, at least I thought so at …
Drivers of electric vehicles can rejoice: they no longer have to pay the London congestion fee. You can get a whole refund if you drive a zero-emission car and fill out the paperwork for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. Meanwhile, vehicles with reduced emissions (less than 75g/km of CO2) and greater than 20 miles of range …
EVs come equipped with a standard, lead-acid, 12-volt battery. Electric cars need the boost of a 12-volt battery to run the car’s computer and accessories. When I researched EVs, it was a surprise to me that they needed a 12-volt battery to run. Even if the EV features dual motors and a high-voltage lithium battery, …
Sparkplugs can last a while before they need to be replaced. However, a few symptoms can help you know it’s time for a replacement sooner. Pay attention to your car’s performance and check your spark plugs if you notice any of the following: – Decreased fuel efficiency – Reduced power or acceleration – Rough idling …
As far as I know, spark plugs are only universal or interchangeable if they’re an exact match of what’s in your car. This doesn’t mean they have to be the same brand, but they will need to fit in the spot where you removed them. What happens if you use the wrong spark plugs? If the …
A spark plug is a device that helps create or ignite a spark to start a fire. It is usually made of metal and has an electrically charged tip. When the current from the charging device flows through the end, it causes a spark that can then be used to start a fire. How does …
Electric cars rely on batteries to run. But there is not just one type. Let’s look at the different types of batteries that are available in the market. The evolution of electric cars is linked to that of their batteries. Without them, the very concept of these vehicles would be impossible. The innovation and constant …
There are three different sizes that relate to spark plugs. However, this is determined by the kind of spark plugs and other factors. Therefore, we have to look at these first. Spark plugs are mainly divided by their thermal degree. However, in the market, we find a wide variety of spark plugs, which although they seem …
Diesel engines do not have spark plugs, because they do not need the explosion of air and fuel inside the cylinder. In conventionally fueled four-stroke gasoline engines, the carburetor sucks in a mixture of air and fuel, which is drawn into the cylinder. This compresses it and, at the right moment, a spark jumps from …
Have you ever wondered if your EV has the need for spark plugs? In many ways, the mechanical maintenance of an electric vehicle is much simpler than a gas-powered vehicle. Electric vehicles have their own onset of mechanical complications, but spark plugs are actually not one of them. At first thought, you see the words “spark” …
Spark plugs gone bad can affect our gas mileage in a major way. Damaged spark plugs can reduce gas mileage by up to nearly 30 percent, according to the National Institute of Automotive Services. This drives home the fact that we need to pay close attention to our spark plugs by getting our vehicles serviced …
No! Since spark plugs Aid in combustion, which electric vehicles do not use, there’s no need for spark plugs in electric vehicles. They are battery-operated and need no help other than an area to plug in and charge. The spark plugs in our vehicles might not get much attention, yet they are crucial to the …
Spark plugs are an essential part of any vehicle. Without them, your vehicle technically cannot start. When you turn the ignition, it triggers the engine to fire up, but the spark plug is needed to help your engine produce the power needed to turn on. It ignites the air/fuel mixture that creates a small but …
You bet. It’s done electrically, and drivers should be grateful for it. If you’ve ever driven an older car, and I’m talking late ‘60s to the early ‘70s, then you know what having your arms sore enough to fall off feels like. My mom’s ‘68 Dodge Monaco felt like I was driving a Sherman tank …
Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles are in many ways easier and cheaper to maintain than internal combustion engine cars. Being equipped with the most advanced technology, it would be expected that the maintenance needs of electric cars are greater and more expensive, but the reality is that they require less time in the workshop, …
There is no doubt that the electric car has numerous advantages, including minimal noise, an immediate response when accelerating or practically non-existent mechanical maintenance due to its engine. Obviously, there are also drawbacks, led by the limited autonomy, the complexity of recharging or the higher cost in relation to combustion vehicles. But in this article, …
The rapid development of the automotive industry can only lead to profound changes in all areas related to it. New cars, for example, require new tires for maximum performance. In this respect, the arrival of the electric car has given new impetus to tire innovation, requiring products with unprecedented characteristics, capable of meeting different needs …
Electric cars are impressive with their mechanical simplicity and practicality. They have fewer components than thermal cars and yet offer unparalleled ease. Indeed, if you have ever found yourself driving an electric car, you have certainly already noticed the absence of a gearbox and all the other details. The other thing that should particularly catch …
No, car wheels are not interchangeable. Each wheel is designed specifically for the make and model of vehicle it is intended to be used on. Some aftermarket companies may produce wheels that fit a variety of different cars. However, mixing and matching wheels from other vehicles is not recommended. Doing so can result in poor …
Diamond, cable, and alternative are the different types of tire chains available to car owners in snow and some off-road conditions. Tire chains have varying advantages and prices; ride comfort, grip, durability, installation ease, as well as approved driving speed. Ladder chains, diagonal chains, and other forms of chain patterns are all possible. When neatly …
While there are many styles of windshield wipers, there are only three types. Those are winter, hinged and hingeless blades. They come in many shapes and prices and are not one-size-fits-all. Consulting with an auto pro or your vehicle manual when you need to change your wiper will save you lots of headaches or store …
The wheels on the wheelbarrow, the kids’ bikes, the shopping cart at the grocery store, the moving van, the school bus, and your car are only a few of the types of conveyances using wheels. There are lots more, but we don’t have room here to talk about them. Have you ever wondered of what …
Drumroll, please! A car battery is always DC. There are some exceptions, but they are very few and far between. Research indicates that Tesla uses AC induction motors in their Model S, an electric vehicle (EV). The alternator which connects to the car battery uses AC. But before we roar off into the sunset, let’s …
You can choose from a few different types of window shades and covers for your vehicle. They help to keep the sun out of your eyes while you’re driving, and can also provide some privacy. When you’re not driving, they can help to keep your car cool. Car covers are another way to keep your …
Windshield wipers are a fundamental part of any vehicle, so they require attention to work properly. Many wipers can be broken, bent, split, worn or at first glance. They look good but they do a very poor job of cleaning, allowing poor visibility, which can be quite uncomfortable when driving. Considering that 90% of all driving …
When you purchase a vehicle, you might intend to use it for your commute or driving the kids to sports practices, but eventually, you need to use it for hauling items or animals. Typically, this creates a potentially messy situation that could stain your vehicle’s interior. A bath towel might offer a large enough coverage …
No, windshield wipers are not universal. When you consider that vehicles are all different sizes, it is easy to see why. Windshield wipers are also called wiper blades, and they come in a wide range of sizes and styles. When you are shopping for windshield wipers, size is going to be the most important thing …
Yes, windshield wipers, also called wiper blades, come in different sizes. They can range in size of wiper blades from 9 inches to 32 inches, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. There are not too many windshield wipers that come in sizes smaller than 9 inches, and those are typically for sports …
Windshield wiper fluid is one of the most commonly used and replaced fluids in a vehicle. While cheap and relatively easy to find, a lot of people have wondered what exactly is in windshield wiper fluid and if they can make it on their own. What is Windshield Wiper Fluid? Windshield wiper fluid is a …
Electric vehicles nowadays do have air conditioning. On a mechanical level, the electric vehicle has certain drawbacks that make the air conditioning system different from that of a normal vehicle. This post discusses the operation of some electric vehicle air conditioning systems. What is the effect of the internal combustion engine? Without an internal combustion …
No catalytic converters are needed for electric vehicles. Internal combustion engines (the kind seen in typical gasoline-powered autos) make poisonous emissions; a catalytic converter neutralizes them by converting them to harmless water and gases. In all likelihood, every vehicle with an internal combustion engine constructed after 1975 has a catalytic converter. There is no need for …
The battery is the element that provides energy to vehicles. It is necessary both to start the engine and to power the electronic systems and the control unit. It is important to know how many amps the car battery has, because if it fails and has to be replaced, the driver will need it to …
Whether you want to replace your wheels or upgrade them to a larger size, you’ll need to measure the wheels first. Larger wheels offer improved traction and grip, better cornering and braking, plus many people think that larger alloy wheels improve vehicle appearance. You need to measure your wheels though to make sure that what you want …
Electric cars have been around for a while now. Still, one of the biggest concerns of anyone looking to buy one is charging. That was my concern, too, when I was planning to acquire one. Researching the internet didn’t really help, as all I came across were stories about the trials and tribulations of charging …
Car batteries are one of the most important elements of any vehicle, whether it is a private car, van, or truck. Without them, the vehicle cannot drive. So, it is good to know a little more about the process of making vehicle batteries. How are vehicle batteries made? The first step is to make the …
The range of low beams is shorter and the intensity is lower than that of high beams. High-intensity beams can illuminate a larger area and travel further. There’s a time and place for using either one and using the high beam out of turn could affect other drivers and even lead to a ticket and …
The price of the average tonneau cover is nothing to sniff at, especially if you’re opting for the high-quality stuff. That said, it makes sense that tonneau covers have a relatively high upfront expense considering they protect your truck’s bed (and the cargo and tools it carries) while helping you potentially save on gas. Generally, …