"1 stroke" 84lb engine making 120 hp? Call me weird. I like weird things like this. A company has developed a 500cc one-stroke engine that has impressive power to weight- and promptly installed it in a Miata. Breaking the Mold: The 500cc One-Stroke Engine Contrary to the trend of electric powertrains and hybrid systems where that's basically all you hear about lately, a company has rekindled the spirit of traditional combustion engines with its 500cc one-stroke engine. This engine's design departs from the conventional multi-stroke engines found in most vehicles. Instead, it operates on a one-stroke principle, where each cylinder fires only once per cycle. Unveiling the Power Potential: The Read More...
Today, we're diving into an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance – the brakes. Specifically, we'll explore why it's crucial to replace not just the brake pads but also the rotors. Before we talk about rotors, let's quickly review how the brake system works. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid rushes through the brake lines, applying pressure on the brake pads. These pads then clamp down on the rotors, which are large metal discs attached to the wheels. The friction between the pads and the rotors creates the stopping power that slows down or halts your car. Brake pads are crucial components of your vehicle's braking system. As they Read More...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ABR Houston Voted The Houston Chronicle's "Best of the Best" Automotive Shop for 2023 Houston, TX - July 20th, 2023 - ABR Houston, A premier European auto repair shop in The Woodlands, is proud to announce its well-deserved title as "Houston's Best of the Best for 2023" in the automotive services category. This prestigious recognition comes as a result of ABR Houston's unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch automotive solutions and exceptional customer experiences. The accolade was awarded by the discerning readers and patrons of the Houston Chronicle, which annually conducts an extensive survey to identify and celebrate the most outstanding businesses across various industries in the Houston Read More...
Texas postpones EV chargers Texas has decided again to postpone a vote on the use of federal funds for building electric vehicle chargers; and I believe this is lack of education on the commission's part. Previously, Texas had announced its intention to mandate the use of both Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) for state-funded EV chargers (see ya later, #CHAdeMO) However, this decision faced resistance from manufacturers and operators of EV chargers, who argued that additional time is required to thoroughly test the compatibility and functionality of both CSS and NACS when used in conjunction. Why? Because even CCS is now going to be Read More...
Driving laws have a significant impact on our daily lives as motorists. They are put in place to maintain order, promote road safety, and protect both drivers and pedestrians. In this article, we delve into the ongoing debate surrounding driving laws and their effectiveness in enhancing road safety. By shedding light on different perspectives, we aim to provide valuable information that fosters awareness and responsible driving practices. Striking a Balance Between Safety and Individual Freedom: The discussion surrounding driving laws often revolves around finding the right balance between safety and personal freedom. While the intent of driving laws is to safeguard lives and prevent accidents, an excessive number of regulations Read More...
Lordstown Motors Corp., an electric truck startup based in Ohio, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is up for sale after failing to resolve a dispute with Taiwan's Foxconn over a promised investment. The company accuses Foxconn of fraudulent conduct and broken promises related to a $170 million investment agreement. Lordstown claims that Foxconn misled them about collaboration on vehicle development plans and is refusing to purchase additional shares as agreed. Foxconn, on the other hand, states that Lordstown breached the investment agreement. The clash between the two companies could have implications for Foxconn's EV ambitions and partnerships with other automakers. Lordstown's bankruptcy filing sets the stage for Read More...
The Abuse of Paper License Plates Coming To An End Living in Houston, Texas, I'm sure you're well aware of the pandemic we face with paper temporary license plates on vehicles. These plates, used when someone purchases a vehicle, have been a source of abuse and criminal activities for quite some time. The local news/rags have been constantly writing articles on how they are used and abused. However, the recent signing of HB718 into law, effective in 2025, brings hope for a positive change. Let's explore why this development is so significant. The Problem with Paper Plates: A quick search on the issue reveals numerous articles discussing the problems associated Read More...
The Consequences of Worn-out Shocks and Struts: When Your Suspension System Needs Attention When it comes to your vehicle's suspension system, the shocks and struts play a crucial role in providing a smooth and comfortable ride. However, over time, wear and tear can take a toll on these components, compromising their performance and putting your safety at risk. In this article, we will explore what happens when shocks or struts are worn out, highlighting the signs that indicate the need to replace them and the potential consequences of neglecting this important maintenance task. Shocks and struts, often referred to as shock absorbers, are essential parts of your vehicle's suspension system. Read More...
In a recent move that has sparked discussions and debates, Texas has eliminated the vehicle station inspection requirement. This change in policy has significant implications for vehicle owners across the state. So, what were the reasons behind this decision, its potential impact on road safety, and what Texas residents should be aware of moving forward? For years, Texas has implemented a vehicle station inspection program aimed at ensuring that vehicles on the road meet safety and emissions standards. These inspections required vehicle owners to have their cars inspected annually. The inspections covered various aspects such as lights, brakes, tires, emissions, and other safety components. So - here's the contradiction that Read More...
A common complaint that we see is client telling us that the vehicle is pulling one way or another. This is generally thought to be an alignment issue, but we have to look at all the different aspects of what could cause it. Your vehicle pulling to one side can be annoying, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous. So here's a few things that can cause a vehicle to pull one way or another. Causes of Vehicle Pulling: 1. Tire Pressure: Uneven tire pressure is one of the leading causes of vehicle pulling. When one of the tires has low pressure, it creates a difference in rolling Read More...