THE CAR NAIRA BLOG

Nissan Qashqai Nissan is developing an engine for road cars that could reach 50% thermal efficiency, meaning the potential for much more fuel-efficient cars. An engine's thermal efficiency is a measure of how much of the heat energy generated by combustion is actually converted into useful work. A good rating for a road car is about 40% whereas 50% is a rating normally associated with the best Formula One engines. Most cars particularly older models are have 20%-30% efficiency ratings. Nissan said Friday that an engine designed for road cars could achieve 50% thermal efficiency, but there's a catch: the engine would need to be running at a constant rpm, for example when used as a generator in an extended-range electric vehicle. In a conventional car, an engine experiences a wide variety of rpm and loads, which prevents it from running in its most optimal state due to the rich air-fuel mix required at certain rpm levels. This isn't the case for an engine acting as a generato...

A vacuum leak is a  leak anywhere between the engine and a mass air flow sensor. In most cars, a mass airflow sensor is installed at the air filter box. In the fuel injection system, the mass air flow sensor measures the air flow into the engine. The engine computer (Power Control Module) calculates how much fuel to inject based on the mass air flow sensor measurements. If there is a vacuum leak anywhere between the engine and the mass air flow sensor, it causes "unmetered" air to enter the system. This causes the actual air flow to be higher than the mass air flow sensor measures. As a result, the PCM miscalculates the amount of the injected fuel, and the engine runs "lean". The term "lean" means too much air and too little fuel. The effect of a vacuum leak is more noticeable at idle, when the air flow is lower. Air induction system schematic   Vacuum Leak Symptoms Symptoms of a vacuum leak include the Check Engine light, rough idle, stalling and a hissin...

The owner's manual comes with a car and provides basic info on car features and maintenance. . Scroll down for service manual links. A Toyota Tundra Owner Manual Many car manufacturers post owner's manuals online, so you can download it in a pdf format to your phone and find what you need quick. First, download the manual. In your phone. tap the search icon and enter the keyword. What can you find in an owner's manual: 1. How to safely boost (jump-start) the car if the battery is dead.  2. What do the warning lights mean on the dash? 3. How to secure a child seat as well as the information about proper use of safety features. 4. How to use safety features like Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, etc. 5. How to change wipers or bulbs. 6. How to reset Maintenance Reminder. 7. Maintenance schedule. 8. How to check the engine oil, top up windshield washer fluid. 9. How to open and start a car if the battery is dead in the key fob 10. Specifications: the amount and type...

The door lock actuator is an electric actuator that operates the door latch (door pin) mechanism in cars with power door locks. In Nigeria, it is referred to as a "door catcher." In many cars, the door lock actuator is built with the latch mechanism into one assembly. This is why the whole door lock assembly is often called a door lock actuator. A door lock actuator assembly Door Lock Actuator Problems There are several reasons why a door lock actuator may need to be replaced. Sometimes one of the door lock actuator stops working completely. In some cars, a door lock actuator becomes noisy and produces a squeaking or buzzing noise when power door locks are locked or unlocked. If the electric motor or the mechanism inside the door lock actuator wears out, the door lock may lock or unlock slowly or work sometimes, but not all the time. In some cars, a failed door lock actuator may lock but won't unlock or the other way around. In most cases, the problem with a door lock act...

The mechanism that moves the window up and down is called the window regulator. In some cars, the window motor comes with the window regulator as one unit while in others, the window motor can be replaced separately.  There are two basic types of window regulators: the cable type and the gear-drive type. It's easy which is more prone to fail. A cable-type window regulator (Ford) A gear-type window regulator (Toyota) There is one window regulator in each door. A window regulator doesn't need any maintenance or adjustment. If it fails, the failed part or the whole unit must be replaced. Window Regulator Common Problems A broken window regulator cable can cause the window to jam or fall down inside the door. See this example below, where the cable broke and the power window stopped working. A failed window regulator Worn out cable guides or a frayed window regulator cable can cause abnormal noises when the window is moving. For the same reason, the window may not go up or down all...

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns over or "cranks" the engine to start. It consists of a powerful DC (Direct Current) electric motor and the starter solenoid that is attached to the motor.  A starter motor In most cars, a starter motor is bolted to the engine or transmission. The starter motor is powered by the car's main 12-volt battery. To turn over the engine, the starter motor requires a very high electric current, which means the battery must have sufficient power. If the battery is discharged, the lights in a car might come on, but it won't be enough power (current) to turn over the starter motor. Symptoms of A Bad Starter Motor . When starting a car with a fully charged battery, there is a single click, or nothing happens at all. The starter motor doesn't run, even though there is a 12-Volt power at the starter control terminal. Another symptom is when the starter motor runs but fails to turn over the engine. Often, this might cause a loud s...

A thermostat is the key component of the engine cooling system. The cooling system keeps the engine from overheating. The system is filled with liquid coolant (water plus antifreeze) and is connected into a loop with a radiator.  A Toyota thermostat A conventional thermostat is a simple temperature-controlled two-way valve that opens at a specified temperature.  In most cars, a thermostat is installed on the engine and is connected to the upper or lower radiator hose.  The coolant flows through the engine where it absorbs the heat and into the top of the radiator. The air passing through the radiator cools down the coolant as it flows down the radiator. One or two electric fans attached to the back of the radiator turn on when needed to force more air through the radiator. In Nigeria, we often mess this up and  "connect am direct to ignition" .  A water pump pulls the coolant from the radiator and moves it back into the engine. A car cooling system The normal op...

If you open the hood/bonnet in a modern car with a gasoline or diesel engine, you will see at least one serpentine belt, exceptions been electric cars as they have no belts. The job of a serpentine belt is to drive accessories installed on your engine such as an alternator, water pump and air conditioner compressor. Serpentine belt A serpentine belt is different from a timing belt. A timing belt runs the engine camshaft(s) and is hidden under protective covers. A serpentine belt is located on the side of the engine and can be inspected from under the hood.  What Happens If A Serpentine Belt Breaks? A broken serpentine belt If a serpentine belt breaks, a car won't be drivable and will have to be towed. If the engine runs without a serpentine belt, it might overheat as the water pump will no longer work. A broken belt can also damage other parts.  Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt include loud slapping, squealing or knocking noises coming from under the hood. The battery-shap...