Many truck owners have been told that adding a tonneau cover to their truck can save on gas. But is it true or just a rumor? The Mythbusters show took a crack at this question, but it’s still a topic of debate. To really figure out if a tonneau cover can help reduce fuel consumption, it helps to understand what they do and how they impact a truck’s aerodynamics. Can a Tonneau Cover Improve Gas Mileage? A tonneau cover covers your truck bed, smoothing out the airflow over it. In theory, this helps to reduce drag, which can improve gas…
Author: Daniel Oman
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system, you might have wondered, “Is it okay to add new coolant to old?” You aren’t the only one who’s asked. This is a common question and an important one, because the coolant in your engine does more than keep the engine temperature down—it protects against corrosion and helps maintain the overall health of your car. But what happens when old and new coolant mix? What Happens When You Mix Old Coolant with New? Adding new coolant to old isn’t something to take lightly. Coolant breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness…
When you’re choosing between a soft tonneau cover and a hard tonneau cover, it can feel like a tough decision. Both types have their own pros and cons, and each one fits different needs for truck owners. It all depends on what you need from a cover. Do you want better security? Are you looking to save some cash? Or maybe weather resistance matters the most? What’s a Soft Tonneau Cover? A soft tonneau cover is usually made from vinyl or canvas materials. They’re generally lighter and flexible, making them easier to roll up or fold when you need to…
Experiencing issues with your vehicle’s coolant circulation can be perplexing and potentially harmful to your engine. Let’s explore several common reasons behind this problem and provide guidance on how to address them. 1. Faulty Water Pump The water pump is essential for propelling coolant through the engine and radiator. If it malfunctions due to wear or damage, coolant flow can be significantly impeded. Indications of a failing water pump include overheating, coolant leaks, and unusual noises from the engine compartment 2. Malfunctioning Thermostat The thermostat regulates coolant flow based on engine temperature. If it becomes stuck open or closed, it…
So, can a tonneau cover actually handle snow? Truck owners in cold climates deal with a lot of snow and ice, and understanding how much weight their cover can support is crucial for avoiding damage. In this article, we’ll explore different types of tonneau covers and how they perform under snow, while highlighting essential maintenance tips to keep them functioning through the winter. Soft vs. Hard Tonneau Covers: Which Holds Up Better in Snow? Hard Tonneau Covers For winter use, hard tonneau covers are generally the better choice. These covers are built from durable materials like fiberglass, aluminum, or hard…
Ever popped your car’s hood and found the radiator dry as a bone, but the coolant reservoir full? It’s frustrating, confusing, and could spell trouble. A cooling system isn’t just about pouring antifreeze in and calling it a day. Sometimes, there’s more to the situation than meets the eye. Understanding the Coolant System You pour coolant into the reservoir, expecting it to do its job. The radiator, reservoir, and coolant hoses work together to keep your engine from overheating. But, there could be times when you notice coolant in the overflow tank but none in the radiator. That’s when you…
You pop open your car’s hood to check things, and bam! You notice your coolant level is low. Not just a little bit, but more than you’d expect. But wait, no puddle under the car, no obvious leaks. So where’s it all going? It’s not unusual, and you’re definitely not alone in this. Coolant Can Evaporate Slowly Without You Noticing The first thing that could be happening, and it’s not as weird as it sounds, is that your coolant might be slowly evaporating. While coolant systems are supposed to be sealed and efficient, a tiny bit of evaporation is still…
Coolant plays a major role in keeping your engine at the right temperature, but if your vehicle is burning through it faster than it should, something’s wrong. It’s common to notice a coolant leak or find yourself refilling the reservoir more often. Common Reasons Your Car Consumes Too Much Coolant Cars aren’t supposed to burn through coolant. If your car is losing coolant, it’s usually due to an external or internal problem. Here are some possible reasons: 1. Leaking Radiator or Radiator Hoses One of the most obvious causes is a leak in the radiator or its hoses. Over time,…
If you’ve got a pickup or any vehicle with an open cargo bed, you’ve probably come across a tonneau cover. But why is it even called a “tonneau”? Strange word, isn’t it? To fully understand this, you’d need to look back into the history of cars, carriages, and even some French roots. The History of the Word “Tonneau” Where It All Began The term “tonneau” comes from the French language, meaning “barrel” or “cask”. Back in the early 1900s, automobiles were still a new thing, and they had exposed rear passenger areas, often shaped like barrels. These open-back vehicles usually…
Seeing an empty coolant reservoir can raise questions about whether you can simply pour in more coolant or if there’s more to the process. You might be tempted to just grab a bottle and fill it up, but there are a few things you need to consider before doing so. This guide walks through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can do it safely and avoid bigger problems down the road. What Does the Coolant Reservoir Do? The coolant reservoir is a key part of your vehicle’s cooling system. It holds excess coolant that circulates around…