How It Works

  • Mazda HCCI engine

    Mazda took the industry by storm when earlier this month it announced plans to introduce gasoline-powered Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines in 2019. HCCI engines are typically referred to as the holy grail of internal-combustion engine technology since they're extremely efficient and promise low emissions. Who better to explain how the technology works than Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained? Thankfully, he's tackled the topic of the gasoline HCCI engine and explained how Mazda plans to solve some of the potential drawbacks that come with the technology. HCCI engines...

  • Flat-4 engine and inline-4 engine comparison
    What's the difference between flat-4 and inline-4 engines?

    The 4-cylinder engine has become a standard across the automotive industry thanks to its compact size and efficiency. But, one variant of 4-cylinder engine doesn't rule. There are two popular variations of the 4-cylinder engine: inline-4 and flat-4. Each comes with benefits and downfalls, which is...

  • 3D printed inline-4 engine
    Learn how an inline-4 engine works

    The inline-4 engine has become a standard powertrain across most automakers' vehicle lineups, due mostly to its small size and efficiency. But, have you ever wondered how inline-4 engine actually operates? Thanks to 3D printing technology, and Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske's commentary, we...

  • How the Dodge Challenger Demon uses a/c for more power
    How the Dodge Demon uses its air conditioning to make more horsepower

    While it may seem like blasphemy that an air conditioning unit can be used to actually increase horsepower, it's true. Dodge has implemented such a process to help the 2018 Challenger Demon create its immense 840 horsepower, but how exactly does it work? Thankfully, we can always count on Jason...

  • How to change brake pads and rotors
    Replacing brake pads and rotors--it’s not as hard as you think

    No matter if you buy a new car, a pre-owned car, or lease a vehicle, maintenance is unavoidable. And at some point, the brakes will need to be replaced. Although many will let a mechanic take care of the work, it's not a terribly difficult process. Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained is here to...

  • 5 things you know if you want to turbocharge your car
    5 ways to prepare your car for turbocharging

    Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained is once again joined by his friend Charles from Humble Mechanic in this latest informative video which looks at forced induction. Specifically, the topic at hand is about what it takes to add a turbocharger to a non-turbocharged vehicle. Obviously, you'll...

  • Why electric cars produce peak torque from standstill

    Most electric cars aren't normally associated with performance, but they are able to achieve something gasoline-powered cars can't: peak torque at zero rpm. It's thrown around often, and many will comment on how quick an electric car feels around town thanks to maximum torque delivered instantly. If in doubt, just take a ride in a Tesla Model S and ask the driver to drop the hammer. But how does an electric car achieve this? Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained is back to make sense of the gadgetry going on. Foremost, it's important to realize there isn't an engine under the hood of an...

  • Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive technology
    Here's how Subaru's 4 all-wheel-drive systems work

    Subaru has carved a niche in the vast automotive industry by doing one thing: equip every single car it sells with an all-wheel-drive system. That's minus the BRZ, of course, which features rear-wheel drive. How does Subaru's system actually work? Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained is here to...

  • Engineering Explained looks at Subaru boxer engine
    Learn how Subaru's Boxer engine works via this 3-D printed working model

    The term is thrown around often, but what actually constitutes Subaru's "boxer" engine? With the insightful mind of Jason Fenske and a 3-D printed model of a 4-cylinder boxer engine, we're all in for some learning. In this video, Jason, host of Engineering Explained, walks viewers through the...

  • Engineering Explained examines performance brake rotors
    Do performance brake rotors have better cooling?

    The upgrades continue for the Engineering Explained Honda S2000. The YouTube channel's host, Jason Fenske, is using his yellow sports car for more than just whipping around his local backroads, as it's also serving as a bit of a teaching tool. As he upgrades the car, we're all going to learn...

  • What's Inside a Tesla battery?
    What's inside Tesla's battery pack?

    EV West has shown us the proper way to break down a Tesla Battery pack. They remove multiple modules in order to reuse them under the skin of cool projects. What if you just want to rip open a module to see what's inside? Well, you don't need to do it as cleanly as EV West. Instead you can just...

  • Electric motor, shown in 'How Does an Electric Car Work?' video by Learn Engineering
    How does an electric car work?

    Maybe not so shockingly (pun intended), many drivers don't know how an electric car actually works. For many, the knowledge spans as far as plugging it in, letting charge, and driving it off. It's not really as simple as that, even though an electric motor is comprised of far fewer moving parts...

  • A scaled-down working six-speed manual transmission built with Lego

    Lego bricks allow folks to craft plastic, blocky versions of whatever exists in their heads. For some, this means following a given set of instructions to build a complete pre-packaged kit. For others, however, a bunch of Legos is a pathway to wondrous creativity. We've seen a concept hover bike, a detailed Jeep Wrangler, and more. Now, though, we have a working 6-speed manual gearbox for your consideration. Using parts from an unnamed Lego Technic kit, a crafty 17-year-old builder from Sweden has created a basic 6-speed manual gearbox complete with input and output shafts. When an electric...

  • This is how a sinkhole forms
    Here's how those sinkholes that sometimes swallow cars actually form

    A sinkhole is a devastating, geological assassin. It arrives seemingly out of nowhere and can cause serious destruction to roadways, homes and cars. But how does such a dangerous situation manifest right below our feet and tires? It's mostly related to water. This video provides a great visual...

  • Why does Volkswagen have a water-cooled exhaust?
    Why does Volkswagen have a water-cooled exhaust?

    The Volkswagen Group loves its EA888 engine, found in popular models such as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. This is the turbocharged inline-4 available as a 1.8-liter or a 2.0-liter and with power outputs ranging from about 170 to a bit over 300 horsepower. It also has a unique exhaust manifold...

  • This is how your fuel pump works
    This is how your fuel pump works

    Are you curious about the bits and pieces that make your car do its thing? Sure you are, and today is a good day for you. That's because we've got a video here that will take you on a deep dive of your fuel pump. We're talking abyss levels of deep here. The fuel pump gets removed for your viewing...

  • Explaining the differences between 17, 18, and 19-inch tires
    Finding the difference between 17-, 18- and 19-inch tires

    There's a balance to be found when you're on the hunt for a set of wheels and tires for your vehicle. Do you prioritize comfort over performance? Are you looking to increase the handling capability and feel of your car? Perhaps you want to wind up somewhere in the middle of the two ends of the...

  • How 4WD works
    How 4WD works: 4Hi vs 4Lo vs 2Hi

    A modern vehicle can do a number of things for its driver. It can regulate traction, keep your braking pressure from locking your stoppers up, and make sure your engine doesn't exceed a given rev limit. Heck, a modern car can keep you in your lane and stop you from hitting the car in front of you...

  • VW VR6 Engineering Explained

    The Volkswagen VR6 has been an incredible addition to the vast timeline of automotive engines. It saves space like an inline 4-cylinder, yet allows for increased power and torque production like the V-6 that it always has been. It made its debut before the days of mass-market turbocharging, and, at the time, the VR6 was the hottest of engines from VW. However, as time marches on, engines are becoming smaller and increasingly feature more forced induction from turbochargers. It's led to the death of many V-6 engines and the VR6 is likely on its way out, too. In this video, Jason Fenske of...

  • Do wider tires equal more grip?
    Do wider tires actually have more grip?

    Tires are an absolutely essential part of any car, truck, or SUV. Compounds can create unique handling experiences suited for any type of vehicle, and they can even make a car much more fun to drive. It's also a common saying that wider tires provide more grip. In the interest of science, Jason...

  • Nissan Titan Engineering Explained
    How can the Nissan Titan brake quicker than a Mini?

    A Nissan Titan weighs 5,811 pounds. A Mini Countryman weighs 3,629. The former requires a shorter distance to reach a complete stop from 60. Sounds crazy, but it's true, and Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained is here to, well, explain how the full-size pickup truck can out-brake a Mini...

  • Engineering Explained Lamborghini active aero
    How the active aerodynamic system works on the Lamborghini Huracán Performante

    The Lamborghini Huracán Performante is the king of the Nürburgring. It currently holds the track's quickest lap time of 6:52.01, and it ousted the Porsche 918 Spyder in the process from the top spot. How did it get there? We're glad you asked. So is Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained...

  • Are winter tires good in summer Engineering Explained
    What happens when you run winter tires in the summer?

    By this point, as we enter the middle of May, most drivers who use soft-compound winter tires have likely switched them out for a set of all-season rubber, or even some higher-performance summer-only tires. However, what happens if you keep those winter tires on your car and run them in warm...

  • How to fix a speedometer engineering explained
    How to fix a misreading speedometer

    It's a problem many may not know they're experiencing until flashing lights in the rearview mirror tell them otherwise. How do you know if your vehicle is reading an accurate speed? And if it isn't accurate, how do you go about fixing the problem? Have no fear, because Jason Fenske from Engineering...

Follow Us on Instagram @motorauthority

News First Drives Auto Shows Photos Videos Spy Shots