‘Technical’ Archives
Automatic, 3 Pedals, or Semi-Manual?
What makes a proper performance car? One of the key elements to the driving experience is a car’s transmission. The 3-pedal manual allows the driver full control of how the vehicle puts the motor’s power down to the ground. It also allows the driver to smoothly operate the car in and out of turns, by matching engine and wheel speeds. For [...]
Manual Transmissions 101 (Part 3)
From someone who has been driving sticks for quite a bit of time, I have a few words of warning for you. If you master these next steps, it's highly unlikely you'll ever buy a performance car again with an automatic. Having earned the right to be in the elite company of manual transmission pro's, you will not want to step down. Some think it is [...]
Manual Transmissions 101 (Part 2)
Well look at you! If you are back for more, that's because you've learned the basics of how to get around in a stick, and you want to do better. Like any challenge in life, mastering the art brings a lot of personal satisfaction, and by time you learn the skills here, you'll be impressed with yourself. I'm going to cover a few basics about [...]
Manual Transmissions 101 (Part 1)
Of all the automotive features to go by the wayside, the slow phasing out of the manual transmission is the hardest for the enthusiast to swallow. By automating cars more and more, the pleasure of driving is being chipped away, and skills that set above average drivers apart from plebeian motorists are no longer needed. With features such as [...]
Enthusiast Forums 101
Having spent countless hours over many years posting on car forums, I've come across some universal truths to get you from the new kid on the block phase, to a seasoned vet quickly. While the process may seem a little daunting at first, there are many benefits to becoming part of the community. Whether you are a proud new owner looking to show off [...]
Vehicle Systems 101
A typical car is made up of over 30,000 parts. Vehicles released in the last couple years have no less than 12 computers, over 250 sensors, and their electronics are at least five times more complicated than the Voyager Spacecraft. The various mechanical and electronic systems in a vehicle are vital for peak performance, efficiency, and passenger [...]
Maintenance 101
Maintenance can be a daunting task for a lot of people. Here at KarFarm, we are all about explaining technical stuff in easy to understand manner, so we'll break it down in simple terms. Usually depending on the make, you would do regular maintenance in the 3,000 or 5,000 mile increments. Very few manufacturers will have a 10,000 mile interval, [...]
Tuning 101
It's called tuning, modding, or modifying. You either tune or modify your vehicle for looks, for going faster or commonly, for both. The word 'tuning' has different meaning for different crowds, and almost always you get a image of a young urban kid with oversized shirt, baggy jeans, and a sideways turned cap driving a Honda Civic. Yes, there is [...]
