On many 4×4 trucks, automatic locking hubs are used to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. Fuel economy may improve as much as one mile per gallon, depending on the vehicle, by disconnecting the front wheels. A one mpg difference may not sound like much, but every little bit helps. The main advantage of being able to disengage the front wheels on the go is that the driver doesn’t have to stop, get out of his...

What is an Engine Oil Cooler? An engine oil cooler is a small device that looks much like a radiator, works much like a radiator, and is mounted near the radiator. Air passing over the oil cooler will lower the temperature of the engine oil, and allow the engine oil to remain much more effective. This will prevent the engine oil from becoming too thin for normal operation.   How does an Engine Oil Cooler work? This component is part...

There are different kinds of mufflers, but its primary purpose is to reduce the noise that comes from your vehicle’s exhaust system. It literally muffles the noise pressure the engine makes by dampening the vibrations and preventing them from getting to the passenger cabin. They do this by redirecting airflow and allowing poisonous gases to escape through the exhaust which is made from materials that minimize noise. They play a major role in your vehicle’s system, so there are certain...