i always knew the site existed, just never though of using it for car stuff. I just finished this cooling system article and feel smarter already:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system.htm

also, this link looks like the general automotive section:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood-channel.htm
EDIT: look at the big list at the bottom of this page

it obviously won't solve all my problems but it'll help me understand what you guys are talking about a little bit better

EDIT 2: after glancing over several of the articles, it looks like the cooling system one was really the only one that did much for me. either way, its worth a read if you want to learn a little

 

Howstuffworks is a great website. I recently read over the "How Car Engines Work" article and the camshaft article. I never knew how the camshaft worked and that article cleared EVERYTHING up. I recommend that one to anyone who is also confused on the subject:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/camshaft.htm

How Car Engines Work:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm

 

Their explanations of differentials and transmissions are also excellent. In fact, their whole website is a great learning tool.