AuthorJefferson Bryant

A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the shop than anywhere else. His career began in the car audio industry as a shop manager, eventually working his way into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer. In 2003, he began writing tech articles for magazines, and has been working as an automotive journalist ever since. His work has been featured in Car Craft, Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Truckin’, Mopar Muscle, and many more. Jefferson has also written 4 books and produced countless videos. Jefferson operates Red Dirt Rodz, his personal garage studio, where all of his magazine articles and tech videos are produced.

Posted 3 months ago Know How

How Piston Rings Work

An engine is a simple mechanical device, an air pump really, that uses pistons and valves to pull air in and push air out. The pistons in an engine block … Continue Reading How Piston Rings Work

Posted June 12, 2021 Know How

Know How Notes – Learn The Different Types Of Ball Joint Tools

There is a saying that goes “Use the right tool for the right job”, and nowhere does that apply more than to the world of automotive mechanics. Using the wrong … Continue Reading Know How Notes – Learn The Different Types Of Ball Joint Tools

Posted May 14, 2021 Know How

How To Use a Hammer and Dolly

Working out a dent or wave in a body panel is not easy. It requires a deft hand, a sharp eye, and the ability to feel the imperfections in the … Continue Reading How To Use a Hammer and Dolly

The outside casing is just as important, this keeps road debris from damaging the inner structure where the magic happens.

Posted April 29, 20211 Comment Know How

How a Catalytic Converter works

Internal combustion is nasty business. The muffler on your car filters the sound, but it does very little to reduce the toxic components of the exhaust. That task falls on the much-maligned catalytic converter…

how to replace a 2009 Dodge Challenger rack & pinion

Posted April 26, 2021 Maintenance

Power Steering Rack Problems and Replacement Tips

While most of us take it for granted, the power steering system is a critical component of your vehicle. Eventually, the parts that comprise the steering system will wear out. External components, such as the tie rod ends and links wear out much faster than the internal components, so you will experience servicing those parts regularly…

Posted April 19, 2021 Know How

Rust Repair 101 – How To Fix A Rust Hole

Rust repair and body work comes along with just about every old car project. For the novice builder, these tasks can mean a costly trip to the body shop or lots … Continue Reading Rust Repair 101 – How To Fix A Rust Hole

Posted March 10, 2021 Know How

Know How Notes: What is a Carburetor?

If your car was built before the late 1980s, chances are the engine uses a carburetor to feed the air and fuel into the engine. Carburetors (or carbs) are complex … Continue Reading Know How Notes: What is a Carburetor?

Posted January 31, 2021 Know How

NAPA Know-How Notes – 11 Trailer Towing Tips

There are many reasons to hook a trailer to your car or truck. Whether it is for work, recreation or out of necessity, safe trailering is important. Here are 11 trailer towing … Continue Reading NAPA Know-How Notes – 11 Trailer Towing Tips

Posted January 30, 20213 Comments Know How

11 Tricks For Removing Rounded-Off Bolts

We have all had it happen. You are turning a wrench and then BAM, the head of the bolt rounds off, the wrench slips, and you bust your knuckles on the edge of something sharp. It never fails; there is always a sharp edge next to a rounded bolt waiting for your tender knuckles. Here are some tips and tricks to removing rounded-off bolts…

Posted January 2, 2021 Maintenance

Know-How Notes: Why You Need To Check Your Gas Cap

A modern gas cap serves several functions. Today’s fuel systems require a complete seal on the tank, without it, there can be issues down the road.