Marina del Rey Auto Repair

When shopping for a new car or replacing brake components, you might notice that many vehicles still come equipped with drum brakes—at least on the rear wheels. With disc brakes widely recognized for their superior stopping power and performance, the question arises: Why are drum brakes still in use? If disc brakes are better, why haven’t all automakers completely switched over? The answer lies in cost, durability, and specific use cases where drum brakes still hold their own. The Difference Between Drum Brakes and Disc Brakes To understand why drum brakes are still used, it’s important to first recognize how they differ from disc brakes. Drum brakes use brake shoes that press outward against the inside of a spinning drum, creating friction to slow the vehicle down. The entire mechanism is enclosed within the drum, protecting it from dust and debris. Disc brakes, on the other hand, work by pressing brake pads against a rotating disc (or rotor), whi ... read more

Ever wondered how your car’s engine transforms fuel into motion? It all comes down to the marvel of the four-stroke engine. This reliable powerhouse is the beating heart of most vehicles, silently working behind the scenes to get you from point A to point B. But how does it actually function? Let’s break it down step by step to understand the magic that happens under your hood. The Basics of a Four-Stroke Engine At its core, a four-stroke engine is an internal combustion engine. This means it relies on controlled explosions of fuel and air to create energy. The term "four-stroke" refers to the four distinct phases—or strokes—of the engine's operation: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Each stroke plays a critical role in keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently. This system is housed within the engine cylinders, where pistons move up and down to create the necessary mechanical energy. These pistons, along with ... read more