car engine
Posted inCars

How Car Engines Work and the Main Parts That Comprise It

The engine is one of the most important parts of a car. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. Over time, these engines will wear out and need repair or replacement because they can’t do what they’re supposed to do; move vehicles from one place to another. When this happens you might find that your car starts up but doesn’t stay running, purrs along at low speeds or isn’t able to pull as well as it used to. These problems are often caused by worn-out engine components and they can be fixed by replacing these parts.

Valve Springs
Posted inCars

A Guide to High Performance Racing Valve Springs

Valve springs are one of the hardest worked, but least understood parts on any engine. And while a lot of engine parts, even the cylinder heads, might get replaced during an engine’s lifetime, the valve springs from the old heads will most like just get transplanted onto the new ones.

Make no mistake, though: valve springs, like every other stock engine part, weaken over time. That means if you’re planning on making any kind of engine modification that’s going to increase RPMs, pushing stock valve springs beyond the point they were designed to function is guaranteed to result in parts failure.

The solution is easy: install new valve springs. There’s more to valve spring selection, however than just getting the biggest, stiffest springs you can find. You have to select the one that matches your application; and more importantly, they have to work in harmony with all the other parts on the top end of your engine.

car braking
Posted inCars

Car Brakes 101: Essential Know-How for Ensuring Reliable Stopping Power

Braking system failure is one of the most common factors in fatal car accidents, so when was the last time you had yours checked? If you’re driving on worn or damaged brakes, you’re putting yourself, your fellow passengers and other traffic participants at risk. 

Instead of waiting to be caught off guard by a squeaking noise or a light show of warning lights on your dashboard, you need to regularly inspect, service and maintain your brake assembly. Ensuring reliable stopping power at all times is one of the invaluable safe driving tips that can save your and other people’s lives.

Radiator Overflow Tank
Posted inCars

Everything You Need to Know About Radiator Overflow Tank

The current trend of engine downsizing while pumping out more power than before has a few knock-on effects. The higher that rated power the higher the generated heat. A large portion of this goes through the engine block, and another exits the car in the form of exhaust gas. These parts need to be made of materials that not only hold their own against high temperatures but also high pressures. In short, modern engines may be exemplary feats of advanced engineering, but they come under a lot of stress.  

4x4, Headlights, Truck
Posted inCars

A Guide to 4×4 LED Driving Lights

Besides the stock lights that your car comes with, drivers can significantly increase visibility by adding driving lights. These have become possible due to the technology poured by light manufacturers in recent years. Additional lights open up a host of possibilities. Being able to see (and be seen), regardless of road or weather conditions, is a boon not granted to many.  

Source: club4x4.com.au
Jumper cables
Posted inCars

A Comprehensive Guide on Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are one of the most essential tools to have in your trunk – they can help you or someone else who’s left hanging in the middle of nowhere get out of a tough situation. But even though jumper cables are pretty straightforward parts, there is a wide range of models and buying the right one will require some consideration and compromise between quality and price. Luckily, most jumper cables are affordable, but they can still handle bigger batteries, provide surge protection, offer quality insulation and have a decent length.

ford ranger tray canopy
Posted inCars

Ford Ranger Tray Canopies 101

If you own a 2012 or later T6/PX Ford Ranger, then you already know that they’re one of the most highly regarded dual-cab utes in their class. It’s no surprise then that these 100% Aussie-inspired utes also make great platforms for all types of tray and canopy setups for tradies, overlanders, or just regular commuters who’d like a secure cargo space.

You can’t help but be impressed with the selection of trays, canopies, and toolboxes there are to choose from. And when you add in other accessories like roof racks, spare wheel carriers, and jerry can holders, it’s easy to see why the sky’s the limit when it comes to outfitting them.

With so many canopy and toolbox combinations though, the sheer number of possible configurations can be overwhelming, and that’s before you’ve even factored in features like lighting, wiring, or central locking. Fortunately, there are turnkey canopy solutions available that take the guesswork out of canopy arrangements. You can order a fully integrated setup today, install it an afternoon, and it’s going to fit and perform just as flawlessly as if it came from the factory.

toyota hilux
Posted inCars

3 Must-Have Hilux Off-Roading Accessories

The Hilux has dominated the 4×2 and 4×4 ute categories for quite some time and is undeniably Australia’s best-selling car thus far in 2022. There’s the choice of frugal petrol and diesel engines and trims to suit all buyers. The workmate is a tradie’s best friend, while the Rogue and Rugged X models are perfect for off-roading fun. 

As for accessories, there’s a decent amount of optional kits offered as OEM. But most buyers will be better catered to by the huge selection of aftermarket goodies. 

Off-roading requires the Hilux to have basic front-end protection, decent lighting and recovery essentials to get you out of a tight spot. Any extra gear, like spare tyres or camping gear, should sit on a well-appointed roof rack. 

Though, you shouldn’t stop there. Better protection for those larger wheels and tyres is handled by Hilux flares in the design and colour of your liking. Pair this with serious suspension upgrades and better airflow, and choose your destination.

GMC Sierra 1500
Posted inCars

A Guide to Installing a Throttle Controller in Your GMC Sierra 1500: Improving Acceleration

Have a GMC Sierra 1500 and want better acceleration? The good news is that you don’t need to dig into your life savings to get the performance and speed your truck deserves. Simple and cheap mods can make the best use of the 4.3 V6 and 5.3 V8, and even get the 420 horses in the current 6.2 Ecotec V8 excited. All engines have a decent dose of power. Getting that power down when you need it is what can be done a whole lot better.

best electronic throttle controllers
Posted inCars

The Best Electronic Throttle Controllers in 2022

A quick google search will show you that there are literally hundreds of different electronic throttle control units available. Choosing the right one can be difficult, which is why I’m here – to highlight the 3 best throttle controllers, and show you what each of them excels at. But before I get to that, let’s have a brief talk about what these devices are, and how they can benefit your vehicle, regardless of whether you use it to commute to work, go off-roading or hit the track on the weekend.