CATCHING SOME AIR

Ignited by the spark, gasoline combines with air inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to produce an explosion, which produces movement that drives the wheels.  The more powerful the explosion, the higher the engine output.  With this in mind, some manufacturers use either turbochargers or superchargers (mechanical compressors) to force additional air into the engine under positive pressure.  The difference between the two rests with the fact that a turbocharger is powered by spent exhaust gases, while a supercharger is driven by an accessory belt.  Each  helps optimize the combustion process and wring the most power out of an engine.  As a result, a super-charged or turbo-charged six-cylinder engine can produce the power of an eight-cylinder engine. The additional air that turbochargers and superchargers force into engines under positive

Pressure is referred to as “boost.”  Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping this type of vehicle running properly.  At All About Automotive our ASE Certified technicians have the expertise to maintain and repair such vehicles. Schedule an appointment for a free inspection of the performance of your vehicle.

View other car care tip articles written by Steve and Karen Johnston, owners of All About Automotive.

Here is a sampling of what you'll find:

• Is your car ready for a road trip?
• The hot weather is already hitting in waves
• Purify Your Vehicle’s Interior
• Do you sometimes get the surge?
• Is the spark missing?
• Is the ABS light on?
• Unhealthy Oil
• What's leaking?