Nick Psaros

Automotive Expert

Nick Psaros is an Automotive Expert working to encourage people to become car enthusiasts and share useful automotive content with people around the world. He has spent the past six years building an online following and community dedicated to automotive excellence. He has a follower base of over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and over 1 million views.

Professional Achievements

  • Worked for a national oil change chain (JiffyLube) for 5 years, developing skills in maintaining all types of vehicles
  • Worked as a technician at a car dealership for several years working on Cadillacs, Subarus, and Saabs
  • Has officiated the ThunderHill 25 hour endurance race multiple times
  • Over 25 years of experience track driving

Certifications & Organizations

  • Volunteered as a track official with National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for 25 years
  • Spec E30 competitor; built a race car and used it for 3 years of Spec E30 events

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Q&A Comments (13)

What else should I consider when choosing rims?
Choosing rims for a car involves considering various factors, and it all begins with determining your specific goals. For instance, if you own a truck, you must decide whether you want a lowered or lifted appearance or if off-roading capabilities are essential. Each choice has implications for the suspension system. Similarly, when it comes to cars, some individuals may prefer the classic appeal of large, shiny chrome wheels. However, it's crucial to understand that installing oversized wheels can alter the vehicle's aesthetics and driving dynamics. The reduction in tire sidewall height, for example, may give the illusion of a higher suspension and affect the car's handling in unintended ways. To make an informed decision, it is advisable to first define your objectives. If you aim for a specific aesthetic, you may need to modify the suspension accordingly. Additionally, consider the impact of added weight, as larger wheels typically contribute to changes in vehicle dynamics. Steering responsiveness may also be affected, with less tire wear often resulting in more direct steering. To visualize the potential outcome, explore online tools that offer an automated tire visualizer featuring various rims. Another useful approach is conducting Google searches with specific wheel brands, like HRC, coupled with your car model and the desired wheel style. This method often yields images from others who have already made similar modifications, providing a visual reference to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and goals.
What's the difference between horsepower and torque?
Horsepower is a measure of the engine's ability to do work overtime, often associated with a vehicle's top speed and overall performance. Conversely, Torque represents the rotational force produced by the engine, providing the feeling of acceleration. While horsepower influences a vehicle's top speed, torque plays a crucial role in its acceleration and towing capabilities. In essence, torque is the force that propels the vehicle forward, and horsepower determines how quickly it can maintain that force over time. Contrary to common perception, modern turbo engines generate significantly more torque than naturally aspirated ones. This heightened torque delivery improves performance within the RPM ranges commonly encountered in your daily driving.
How do I choose a rim without affecting the car's performance?
Selecting rims for a car requires thoughtful consideration of various factors, with the initial step involving a clear definition of your specific objectives. For example, truck owners must decide whether they desire a lowered or lifted appearance and whether off-roading capabilities are a priority, each of which has implications for the suspension system. Likewise, for car owners, the preference for large, shiny chrome wheels with a classic appeal is common. However, it's crucial to grasp that the installation of oversized wheels can impact both the vehicle's aesthetics and driving dynamics. The reduction in tire sidewall height, for instance, may create the perception of a higher suspension, influencing the car's handling in unanticipated ways. To ensure that the choice of rims does not adversely affect car performance, it's essential to carefully evaluate how specific rim characteristics align with your intended goals. Consider factors such as the overall weight of the rims, the impact on suspension geometry, and the potential alterations to the car's handling dynamics. By balancing aesthetic preferences with an understanding of the technical implications, you can make an informed decision that enhances the visual appeal of your vehicle without compromising its performance.
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Co-authored Articles (13)

Effective Methods to Make Your Car Roar

How to increase the volume of your ride legally Want everyone to hear you from a mile away? If so, you’ve reached the right place! Whether you want to amplify your car’s natural noise or make it sound like a premium ...

Opening a Tesla Door: Getting in and Out of all 4 Models

A complete guide to opening and closing Tesla doors for all models Teslas are unique cars with unexpected innovations, and going on that first ride is one for the books. It's normal to feel a bit intimidated, since Tesla...

How to

Test a Fuel Pump Relay with a Multimeter

If you notice a problem with your fuel pump, such as no noise coming from it or your engine not starting, there could be a problem with the fuel pump relay, which controls the electric current running through the pump. L...

How to

Read a Feeler Gauge

Feeler gauges are thin metal pieces that are used to measure narrow gaps in either hundredths of a millimeter or thousandths of an inch. When you use a feeler gauge, all you need to do is slide one of them into the gap y...

How to Switch Your Jeep From 2-Wheel Drive to 4-Wheel Drive

Shift into 4-wheel drive high and low with these simple instructions One of the best parts about owning a Jeep is its 4-wheel drive that can take you offroad and onto bumpy, thrilling trails. But if you’re not sure how...

How to

Test a Vehicle Speed Sensor with a Multimeter

A vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, is a sensor that is used to determine how fast your vehicle is traveling. If your vehicle’s speedometer stops working or isn’t telling you the correct speed that you’re traveling, yo...

How to

Calculate Horsepower

Horsepower is a unit of measurement that calculates power. It was originally coined by a Scottish engineer to compare the power of steam engines with the power of horses. This article will show you how to calculate the h...

How to

Measure a Wheel Base

The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear tires on road and rail vehicles.. 05 January 2024. It’s important to know your vehicle’s wheelbase in order to have the right types of parts ins...

How to

Check RPM

RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute. RPMs serve as a way to measure how hard your engine is working. While most vehicles come equipped with a tachometer, some may not. You may need to install an aftermarket tachomet...

How to

Select Rims for Your Car

A fresh set of rims can give your ride a sleek, upgraded look. Before you get rid of those generic wheels and slap on some custom rollers, however, take the time to figure out what size will work best for your vehicle. O...

How to

Start a BMW (With Comfort Access)

For years it has been taken for granted that starting a car requires turning the key. Some automakers, such as BMW, are challenging that notion. BMW has developed a system known as comfort access that allows you to lock,...

How to

Write a Car Review

Why let automotive journalists have all the fun? Writing a car review that proves useful for other potential car-buyers is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to sharpen your observational and analy...

How to Tell if a Tire Is a Snow Tire

As temperatures cool down and road conditions get worse, snow tires help keep you safe on the road. These tires, also called winter tires, give you traction when it’s snowy or icy. Whether you’re looking to buy snow ...