The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously.
It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking.
"The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs
Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by the gas engine.
Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space.
The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when the electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how the power is flowing at any instant.
The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is started
The Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards designation.
Being the leader in the development of low emission vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions.
As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock.
Find, compare and buy Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and other Car products at
Its online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick, Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Get Your Truck Ready for the Cold Season, Get the Right Parts for Your Dodge
Cold temperatures increase wear on several auto parts, especially the starting and engine system parts. If you are living in an upland, maintaining a vehicle must be hard during winter and fall, but this should not dishearten you because there are many ways to prevent inconveniences that may result from extreme weather conditions. One is to replace worn out parts in your vehicle with tough and durable replacement auto parts.
One of the leading auto parts dealers in the country today, Auto Parts Discount, proudly features best replacement parts for Dodge pickup truck and other Dodge vehicles. Here you can find the affordable deals on top quality Dodge parts that can help you avoid distressing and life-threatening winter breakdowns.
The easiest and most convenient thing for you to do is to make your windows, doors and windshield air- and watertight. Dodge parts offered here at Auto Parts Discount include Dodge weatherstrips for windshield, front glass, front and rear doors, vents, rear gate, tailgate, run glass channel and cabs. They are made from high quality rubber, plastic and chrome and are designed to endure abrasion and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture build up.
Extremely cold weather also takes its toll on your Dodge wheels and tires, belts, hoses and other auto parts of the electrical, ignition and cooling systems. The battery would require more power to start the engine—up to five times more than the usual starting power, so you also need a dependable alternator that would supply it enough power.
Check on the connections in the electrical system to ensure everything’s in proper working condition. Also, check on the distributor, the condenser and distributor cap in the ignition system as any damage or moisture build up can make starting more difficult. Before you drive your car to your destination, let it warm up first so that the fuel can circulate, especially around the engine.
Having enough lights in your car is also very important, especially when it’s too foggy or when it’s snowing heavily outside. Aside from your Dodge headlights, you must also have fog lights and off-road auxiliary lights to light up your way and keep your truck visible in the dark.
Risks of meeting road accidents are higher during the cold months, so you have to secure yourself and your vehicle. If you need to replace worn out parts, don’t think twice; however, make sure to get them at trusted auto parts dealer like Auto Parts Wholesale. Also, be extra careful while driving. Keep your speed down as much as possible to avoid misfortunes on the road.
One of the leading auto parts dealers in the country today, Auto Parts Discount, proudly features best replacement parts for Dodge pickup truck and other Dodge vehicles. Here you can find the affordable deals on top quality Dodge parts that can help you avoid distressing and life-threatening winter breakdowns.
The easiest and most convenient thing for you to do is to make your windows, doors and windshield air- and watertight. Dodge parts offered here at Auto Parts Discount include Dodge weatherstrips for windshield, front glass, front and rear doors, vents, rear gate, tailgate, run glass channel and cabs. They are made from high quality rubber, plastic and chrome and are designed to endure abrasion and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture build up.
Extremely cold weather also takes its toll on your Dodge wheels and tires, belts, hoses and other auto parts of the electrical, ignition and cooling systems. The battery would require more power to start the engine—up to five times more than the usual starting power, so you also need a dependable alternator that would supply it enough power.
Check on the connections in the electrical system to ensure everything’s in proper working condition. Also, check on the distributor, the condenser and distributor cap in the ignition system as any damage or moisture build up can make starting more difficult. Before you drive your car to your destination, let it warm up first so that the fuel can circulate, especially around the engine.
Having enough lights in your car is also very important, especially when it’s too foggy or when it’s snowing heavily outside. Aside from your Dodge headlights, you must also have fog lights and off-road auxiliary lights to light up your way and keep your truck visible in the dark.
Risks of meeting road accidents are higher during the cold months, so you have to secure yourself and your vehicle. If you need to replace worn out parts, don’t think twice; however, make sure to get them at trusted auto parts dealer like Auto Parts Wholesale. Also, be extra careful while driving. Keep your speed down as much as possible to avoid misfortunes on the road.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Defensive Driving Classes and Courses Online
With the advent of the Internet, it’s no longer necessary to take a defensive driving course at a local school or even in the car. A variety of defensive driving courses are offered online, allowing you to learn safe driving techniques from the comfort of your own home.
Private enterprise has taken over defensive driving courses to offer a variety of defensive driving online courses in accordance with state standards. Defensive driving school no longer has to be the boring lecture in a small cramped classroom by a listless traffic officer.
Defensive driving online is among the most popular means of obtaining the knowledge, as the companies who offer it focus on providing good customer service in order to quickly deliver the completion documents. The number of courses for a consumer to choose from is plentiful, with prices to reflect the buyers’ market. Participants tend to prefer the defensive driving online course, as it easily fits in to their own schedule and it can be done in the privacy of their own home.
Defensive driving is defined as being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur. Defensive driving is based on the premise that you are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others may engage in.
Defensive driving courses online teach advanced skills and awareness not initially taught in drivers’ education courses. The goal of defensive driving courses online is to train individuals to be a proactive driver in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers.
Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for car insurance discounts. Most often individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket. Individuals can often opt for taking a defensive driving course as it can keep unwanted points from showing up on a driving record. Individuals with tickets also experience higher insurance rates, so a nominal fee for completing a defensive driving course online is an easy choice to keep rates down.
Private enterprise has taken over defensive driving courses to offer a variety of defensive driving online courses in accordance with state standards. Defensive driving school no longer has to be the boring lecture in a small cramped classroom by a listless traffic officer.
Defensive driving online is among the most popular means of obtaining the knowledge, as the companies who offer it focus on providing good customer service in order to quickly deliver the completion documents. The number of courses for a consumer to choose from is plentiful, with prices to reflect the buyers’ market. Participants tend to prefer the defensive driving online course, as it easily fits in to their own schedule and it can be done in the privacy of their own home.
Defensive driving is defined as being able to operate a motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a situation where one could possibly occur. Defensive driving is based on the premise that you are actually a very good and safe driver that must be alert and able to react to the dangerous driving that others may engage in.
Defensive driving courses online teach advanced skills and awareness not initially taught in drivers’ education courses. The goal of defensive driving courses online is to train individuals to be a proactive driver in order to avoid dangerous road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers.
Anybody can take defensive driving courses to brush up on skills or to qualify for car insurance discounts. Most often individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow for a dismissal of the ticket. Individuals can often opt for taking a defensive driving course as it can keep unwanted points from showing up on a driving record. Individuals with tickets also experience higher insurance rates, so a nominal fee for completing a defensive driving course online is an easy choice to keep rates down.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bully Riders on Big Bikes
Big bikes have this striking appeal to people. Not only because they are big but also because they have what it takes to be B-I-G.
Aside from that, big bikes and riders connote a negative impression. Riders riding big bikes are presumed to be rough, rude and bullies. Nonetheless, a lot of expectators are dreaming of possessing one.
Driving big bikes need special attention. This is because newbie riders have to practice the proper parking, stopping and running the bike plus the fact that they must also gain knowledge about its maintenance and emergency repairs.
Even if you are accustomed to riding smaller bikes, you will likely find yourself adjusting more to big bikes. Therefore, before you plan on roaming with your big bike, know it first. It means that you have to sit on it, try to make a feel and know where the controls are. Learn the basics. It is better to learn them early on because it is hard to be caught off guarded and terrified. Be familiar with everything in your bike even those you presume of lesser importance like the mute button. Chances are they may be needed in the future.
Riding a big bike is also pretty exciting. In fact, the very thought of being fast and mobile while exploring the roads is an overwhelming thought. However, if you are not familiar with the one you are riding and you are not protected, accident is always anticipated. Therefore, every rider must be prepared. He must don motorcycle accessories like reverse gears and guards to be always protected.
Aside from that, big bikes and riders connote a negative impression. Riders riding big bikes are presumed to be rough, rude and bullies. Nonetheless, a lot of expectators are dreaming of possessing one.
Driving big bikes need special attention. This is because newbie riders have to practice the proper parking, stopping and running the bike plus the fact that they must also gain knowledge about its maintenance and emergency repairs.
Even if you are accustomed to riding smaller bikes, you will likely find yourself adjusting more to big bikes. Therefore, before you plan on roaming with your big bike, know it first. It means that you have to sit on it, try to make a feel and know where the controls are. Learn the basics. It is better to learn them early on because it is hard to be caught off guarded and terrified. Be familiar with everything in your bike even those you presume of lesser importance like the mute button. Chances are they may be needed in the future.
Riding a big bike is also pretty exciting. In fact, the very thought of being fast and mobile while exploring the roads is an overwhelming thought. However, if you are not familiar with the one you are riding and you are not protected, accident is always anticipated. Therefore, every rider must be prepared. He must don motorcycle accessories like reverse gears and guards to be always protected.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Best Advice and Tips to Be Used when Parking
You are a driver so you know that incidents may happen not just on the road, but also in parking lots. Most of the incidents caused by violent drivers are taking place in suburban parking lots. In order to avoid getting caught in a violent parking lot incident, you should keep in mind some tips:
- Use common courtesy in your actions to prevent behaviour that may disturb other drivers.
- Retain yourself from acting aggressively towards other drivers by controlling your stress level.
- Stay calm and keep your cool whenever you are involved in a parking incident. Always take into consideration the possible outcome of your behaviour.
- Try to let pedestrians cross the street in front of your car as often as possible. Remember that you are sitting comfortable in your car while they may be walking in snow, rain or hot sun. According to parking services regulations, pedestrians are always having the right of way. And always be careful at small children. They can jump in front of your car at any moment.
- Signal whenever you want to turn, even if you are driving slowly. Driving in a parking lot doesn’t mean you have to ignore driving regulations.
- Occupy only one parking space.
- Respect parking services requirements and don’t use a parking space for a disabled person if you are not disabled. Common sense should also stop you from acting in this manner.
- Most parking lots have drop-off zones and no-standing areas. Don’t park in these places as you will be causing activity blockage in that area.
- Don’t steal other drivers’ parking spaces. This action is the cause of the majority of aggressive incidents that occur in parking lots.
- Try not to use any obscene gestures as they will definitely offend other drivers. Try not to keep in mind that the other drivers might misinterpret your gestures, so don’t use any irritating moves.
- Don’t use your car phone while parking your car. A parking services statistics stated that fender-benders caused by drivers talking on the phone while parking their cars is the second most common cause for violent incidents.
- Use common courtesy in your actions to prevent behaviour that may disturb other drivers.
- Retain yourself from acting aggressively towards other drivers by controlling your stress level.
- Stay calm and keep your cool whenever you are involved in a parking incident. Always take into consideration the possible outcome of your behaviour.
- Try to let pedestrians cross the street in front of your car as often as possible. Remember that you are sitting comfortable in your car while they may be walking in snow, rain or hot sun. According to parking services regulations, pedestrians are always having the right of way. And always be careful at small children. They can jump in front of your car at any moment.
- Signal whenever you want to turn, even if you are driving slowly. Driving in a parking lot doesn’t mean you have to ignore driving regulations.
- Occupy only one parking space.
- Respect parking services requirements and don’t use a parking space for a disabled person if you are not disabled. Common sense should also stop you from acting in this manner.
- Most parking lots have drop-off zones and no-standing areas. Don’t park in these places as you will be causing activity blockage in that area.
- Don’t steal other drivers’ parking spaces. This action is the cause of the majority of aggressive incidents that occur in parking lots.
- Try not to use any obscene gestures as they will definitely offend other drivers. Try not to keep in mind that the other drivers might misinterpret your gestures, so don’t use any irritating moves.
- Don’t use your car phone while parking your car. A parking services statistics stated that fender-benders caused by drivers talking on the phone while parking their cars is the second most common cause for violent incidents.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
A subjective insight of the future automobile
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Buying a New Sports Car – Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock
Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it.
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Look at Car Transport Trailers
In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported in an enclosed car transport trailer.
Enclosed trailers protect your car from all road hazards and weather for the duration of the trip. Due to the premium equipment and service provided with enclosed car trailers, it is usually the most expensive option in auto shipping. The following features are often available at an additional cost: lift gates for safe horizontal loading, ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles, and winches for inoperable vehicles.
This car transport trailer option is excellent for costly or exotic cars. Some other popular enclosed trailer options for secure car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi-car or enclosed transport sometimes can't be used due to height and width issues. Be sure to check the specs of the trailer and the size of your car.
Some drivers prefer to transport their own vehicle. It is best to learn from a trained professional some of the nuances of moving cars. When you buy or rent a trailer ask for basic driving instructions and transport hints. There are some car transport trailer companies that will custom build your own trailer the way you want it. This option will depend on your budget and your specific needs.
When choosing the proper car transport trailer for your car, discuss the length and weight of your car with the car trailer company to ensure it is within legal load specifications. More over if you are renting or buying, look for companies with large inventories and factory stock so you can avoid waiting for the trailer that you want.
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.
Aftermarket Auto Lights to Match Ultimate Driving Machine’s High Standards
Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online.
BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza taillights made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function.
Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza taillights made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster.
Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more.
Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Driving Instructor v Test Examiner
Knowing how to drive is simple? Knowing the high way code is even more simple, what isn't so simple is not knowing what the other driver is going to do.
The roads would be much safer if we were mind readers but unfortunately no glass ball to check out what lies ahead. The more lessons the more in take of rules and regulations.
Instructors who EARN to drive
Over a period of time the driving instructor that was once a stranger is now your friendly passenger who wants you to excel in your need to get a pass...
Helping you to build up confidence in your self will be one of his main priorities.
Your friendly passenger has now become your companion, who throughout all your lessons has got to know you personally and corrected any bad habits you may have picked up while learning to drive
The magic moment has arrived to put in for your test. How do you know when the time is right? Simple, when the stalling or buck jumping of the car is all in the past, no more silly questions like where the clutch is. No more accidental kerb mounting.
If any one should know you are ready to take that god fearing test, it has to be the stranger your friend your companion. (You're Instructor)
He was the one who had the guts to get in beside you ignoring the dangers that lay ahead. He was with you throughout the teething stages, pampering you like a mother would with her child.
The driving instructor makes the final decision that you are ready to take to the highways. Education goes no further because your instructor has taught you all there is to know. If this stranger your friend your companion your instructor had any doubts he would not allow you to put yourself and that of other motorists in danger.
The Test
Why so many fail. The answer is nerves
They send in an official type looking geezer with a clipboard. Another stranger, only this one is never to become you're your friend your companion. He is out to pass judgment before the key is turned in the ignition
You may guarantee if some one is waiting for you to make a mistake then the inevitable happens.
This geezer's decision also undermines the driving instructor's better judgment. Driving instructors do the dirty work but when it comes to dishing out the filth, leave that to the examiners
Clean Car for Good Gas Mileag
In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips
into one there are many more ways you can increase gas
mileage by simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a
car to use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as
40 percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and
replace them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas
efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The
wind drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency
by 5 percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every
100 pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a
bed cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas
mileage by as much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud
under the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or
nail polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas
tank. In tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of
the fuel line went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone,
if spilled, will also eat the paint and finish on your
vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips
into one there are many more ways you can increase gas
mileage by simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a
car to use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as
40 percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and
replace them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas
efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The
wind drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency
by 5 percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every
100 pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a
bed cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas
mileage by as much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud
under the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or
nail polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas
tank. In tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of
the fuel line went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone,
if spilled, will also eat the paint and finish on your
vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Drive slower, save the planet!
Drive slower, save the planet!
The environment is a hot issue that we just can’t afford to ignore any longer. To some, being environmentally aware is a way of life, a necessary and fundamental aspect of existence. To others being ‘green’ is something to aspire to, a lifestyle that with a bit of guidance could be achievable.
Young people have been brought up in a culture of ecological revelations, such as the depletion of the ozone layer and melting polar ice caps. We all know that these things are still happening yet we’ve still got a long way to go before the impacts of modern society on our planet are decelerated. Our parents weren’t particularly clued up about the effect that peoples’ actions have on their environment and recycling was certainly never an option in many houses in the 80s and 90s. However, these days we do have the resources and the knowledge to make little changes that can improve the planet for the better. If we can slow down on the road then we might be able to slow down climate change.
High levels of Co2 emissions are one of the biggest influencers of climate change and environmental damage. Exhaust emissions contain a myriad of chemicals which clog up the atmosphere and cause long term damage to our surroundings. Aviation contributes to a large proportion of the damage. Each jet requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel to get to its destination. Short of getting to your holiday resort by rail, a bit tricky if you’re off to the Maldives, there is little that you or I can do about aviation emissions. However, drivers can make a massive difference to the environment by taking a few steps to reduce their emissions and help reduce harmful pollution.
You can reduce the amount of fuel you use by up to 25% by changing some of your habits. Driving is expensive, with the cost of car insurance, road tax and fuel to consider. It’s not difficult to alter your lifestyle; we owe it to our future offspring and more importantly right now, we owe it to our pockets! Whilst we may not live long enough to see the benefit to the environment we can feel the immediate benefit to our pockets.
By being slightly more conscientious drivers we can all make a huge difference. Follow these tips from www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk and you’ll soon help protect the planet and feel the immediate payback in your pocket.
• Keep a steady speed when driving; by reducing the use of your pedals you reduce the use of fuel.
• Anticipate conditions, and accelerate and decelerate efficiently. This is safer and uses less fuel. It is also proven that you won’t get to your destination faster by speeding. According to Earteasy.com the most fuel-efficient speed for your car is roughly 55 mph, or 90 km/h. Increasing your speed from 55 mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent!
• If you are in traffic or caught behind railway gates, then turn off your engine. Idling uses up a great deal of fuel especially when some train gates stay down for as long as ten minutes.
• Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. This will save you up to 4% fuel.
• Maintain your car and change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturers’ guidelines.
• If at all possible, car share to work, this will save you money and give you a clear conscience! Some companies arrange car share schemes as do some local councils. See www.nationalcarshare.co.uk and www.liftshare.co.uk for more information.
• Walk to work if you live nearby. Not only will this keep you fit but you’ll also save fuel and money.
• Buy a car with a small engine. This will not only cut emissions but also means really cheap car insurance, cheaper tax and manoeuvrability in busy towns. Driving a 4x4 means 50% less fuel efficiency, so unless you are a farmer and regularly go off road, there really is no need to drive a gas guzzling vehicle in urban areas. By the way spray on mud is a dead giveaway!
So, we can all cut our costs and save the planet at the same time by making a few changes to the way we drive, but what about the future of fuel? Surely driving more slowly can’t be the only solution?
The future of travel
There are some innovative new energy solutions, new engine designs and hybrid car concepts which are set to take off in the years to come.
Hybrid cars are vehicles that have an ordinary combustion engine combined with another energy source such as batteries or electricity. The alternative energy source takes over from the engine when it is inefficient, such as during long slow drives. These hybrids are extremely efficient and half as polluting as normal cars with petrol engines. The good news is you don’t even have to change your beloved car because it can be converted as long as it’s less than six years old. This can be costly but long term it could save you money. There are also several government schemes running that can help you to convert your car. Some manufacturers have already caught onto the benefits of hybrid vehicles. For examples of hybrids look at the Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape and the Honda Accord to name but a few.
Electric cars may be the way ahead for city dwellers. With no emissions and using a quarter of the energy consumption of a similar sized petrol car they may revolutionise driving in the longer term. Although the cars currently on the market only drive at a maximum of 40 mph, they are exempt from tax, some congestion charges and great news for young people… they are in the lowest car insurance group. After the initial outlay of around £8,000 the car is cheap to run and extremely eco-friendly.
The future of fuel
Sulphur free fuel: We can expect to be able to buy this by 2008, in fact this will become compulsory by that date.
Biodiesel: This is a blend of 95% low sulphur diesel and 5% rapeseed oil. This reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 5% and can be used in an engine that hasn’t been converted to this type of fuel.
Bioethanol: Although this could take years to become widely available it produces less air pollutants and is renewable. It is made through the distillation of wheat, sugar or biomass. It can be used blended in unmodified engines or straight in modified engines.
The future of our environment is in our hands. If you can’t afford to buy a hybrid car or convert your engine, you can certainly make a start on your eco friendly lifestyle by following the driving tips above. It’s not too late to decelerate the impact of our polluting behaviour by decelerating our driving. It really is worth it for the future of the planet and for the health of our bank balances.
The environment is a hot issue that we just can’t afford to ignore any longer. To some, being environmentally aware is a way of life, a necessary and fundamental aspect of existence. To others being ‘green’ is something to aspire to, a lifestyle that with a bit of guidance could be achievable.
Young people have been brought up in a culture of ecological revelations, such as the depletion of the ozone layer and melting polar ice caps. We all know that these things are still happening yet we’ve still got a long way to go before the impacts of modern society on our planet are decelerated. Our parents weren’t particularly clued up about the effect that peoples’ actions have on their environment and recycling was certainly never an option in many houses in the 80s and 90s. However, these days we do have the resources and the knowledge to make little changes that can improve the planet for the better. If we can slow down on the road then we might be able to slow down climate change.
High levels of Co2 emissions are one of the biggest influencers of climate change and environmental damage. Exhaust emissions contain a myriad of chemicals which clog up the atmosphere and cause long term damage to our surroundings. Aviation contributes to a large proportion of the damage. Each jet requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel to get to its destination. Short of getting to your holiday resort by rail, a bit tricky if you’re off to the Maldives, there is little that you or I can do about aviation emissions. However, drivers can make a massive difference to the environment by taking a few steps to reduce their emissions and help reduce harmful pollution.
You can reduce the amount of fuel you use by up to 25% by changing some of your habits. Driving is expensive, with the cost of car insurance, road tax and fuel to consider. It’s not difficult to alter your lifestyle; we owe it to our future offspring and more importantly right now, we owe it to our pockets! Whilst we may not live long enough to see the benefit to the environment we can feel the immediate benefit to our pockets.
By being slightly more conscientious drivers we can all make a huge difference. Follow these tips from www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk and you’ll soon help protect the planet and feel the immediate payback in your pocket.
• Keep a steady speed when driving; by reducing the use of your pedals you reduce the use of fuel.
• Anticipate conditions, and accelerate and decelerate efficiently. This is safer and uses less fuel. It is also proven that you won’t get to your destination faster by speeding. According to Earteasy.com the most fuel-efficient speed for your car is roughly 55 mph, or 90 km/h. Increasing your speed from 55 mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent!
• If you are in traffic or caught behind railway gates, then turn off your engine. Idling uses up a great deal of fuel especially when some train gates stay down for as long as ten minutes.
• Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. This will save you up to 4% fuel.
• Maintain your car and change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturers’ guidelines.
• If at all possible, car share to work, this will save you money and give you a clear conscience! Some companies arrange car share schemes as do some local councils. See www.nationalcarshare.co.uk and www.liftshare.co.uk for more information.
• Walk to work if you live nearby. Not only will this keep you fit but you’ll also save fuel and money.
• Buy a car with a small engine. This will not only cut emissions but also means really cheap car insurance, cheaper tax and manoeuvrability in busy towns. Driving a 4x4 means 50% less fuel efficiency, so unless you are a farmer and regularly go off road, there really is no need to drive a gas guzzling vehicle in urban areas. By the way spray on mud is a dead giveaway!
So, we can all cut our costs and save the planet at the same time by making a few changes to the way we drive, but what about the future of fuel? Surely driving more slowly can’t be the only solution?
The future of travel
There are some innovative new energy solutions, new engine designs and hybrid car concepts which are set to take off in the years to come.
Hybrid cars are vehicles that have an ordinary combustion engine combined with another energy source such as batteries or electricity. The alternative energy source takes over from the engine when it is inefficient, such as during long slow drives. These hybrids are extremely efficient and half as polluting as normal cars with petrol engines. The good news is you don’t even have to change your beloved car because it can be converted as long as it’s less than six years old. This can be costly but long term it could save you money. There are also several government schemes running that can help you to convert your car. Some manufacturers have already caught onto the benefits of hybrid vehicles. For examples of hybrids look at the Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape and the Honda Accord to name but a few.
Electric cars may be the way ahead for city dwellers. With no emissions and using a quarter of the energy consumption of a similar sized petrol car they may revolutionise driving in the longer term. Although the cars currently on the market only drive at a maximum of 40 mph, they are exempt from tax, some congestion charges and great news for young people… they are in the lowest car insurance group. After the initial outlay of around £8,000 the car is cheap to run and extremely eco-friendly.
The future of fuel
Sulphur free fuel: We can expect to be able to buy this by 2008, in fact this will become compulsory by that date.
Biodiesel: This is a blend of 95% low sulphur diesel and 5% rapeseed oil. This reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 5% and can be used in an engine that hasn’t been converted to this type of fuel.
Bioethanol: Although this could take years to become widely available it produces less air pollutants and is renewable. It is made through the distillation of wheat, sugar or biomass. It can be used blended in unmodified engines or straight in modified engines.
The future of our environment is in our hands. If you can’t afford to buy a hybrid car or convert your engine, you can certainly make a start on your eco friendly lifestyle by following the driving tips above. It’s not too late to decelerate the impact of our polluting behaviour by decelerating our driving. It really is worth it for the future of the planet and for the health of our bank balances.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Correct Diesel Tuning, all you need to know to get improved power and economy from your diesel.
Diesel tuning is more important than we think. Lets get down to the basics.
Diesel is distilled crude oil (Distillate). Unlike what most ‘Hollywood’ movies promote of a diesel truck hitting a wall and exploding like a small nuclear bomb, oil does not readily ignite, particularly a liquid form. If we atomise it though, it will burn readily. The diesel principle relies on air being compressed to approx. 500PSI. This in turn heats the air, turning it into the igniter (diesels don't have igniters such as spark plugs). Heard of a glow plug? Glow plug only glow on cold start-up to help warm up the air in the combustion chamber. A bit like when you are pumping up a push bike tyre, the pump gets warm.
Ok, so you now have very hot air and you inject diesel in through an atomising injector. As soon as the diesel leaves the injector and enters the extremely hot air the diesel ignites and combustion begins. Put a poor atomising injector in the picture and you have a different story. Because it is not atomising the diesel enough, the fuel volume burns erratically and slowly as the flame burns through the large droplets of oily fuel. If you were to light up a drum of oil, you would see a similar effect of slow burning and smoke. You can imagine that by now the timing of the combustion process is also upset. Add lower injector pressure than normal, due to age, and you have the timing of the fuel ignition point changing even more (injector opening too early). The injectors doing this alone can make a diesel smoky and sluggish. On a cold morning, the combustion is even further retarded due to cold cylinders and cool combustion and you also get hard starting.
This scenario changes completely with correctly set up injectors. Remember the drum of oil? Well, if you could fill the drum with a misty vapour of oil and light it up, you would not only get a large bang but it would be over within a flash. A good injector sprays fuel out as a mist and the fuel burns rapidly and relatively clean as the droplets are so small that they burn with a puff! A correctly set injector pressure also means the fuel is being injected at the correct time.
Now, the injectors are perfect but the injection pump could be slightly out of tune. Timing has to be set. If it is too early the vehicle can smoke and become quite ‘diesel noisy’ and if it is too late, the vehicle can feel sluggish. Imagine the spray of fuel as a fist about to hit the piston. If it is hit too far before top dead centre it would not only hurt your fist and the piston but it would make a louder than normal bang as the two things hit head on. If the piston had gone past top dead centre and was hit, the force of the hit would be going down with the piston so you would have too little
impact on it. So you can see why timing is critical for maximum hit effect! Other things need to be checked like the fuel volume delivered by the pump. Too much is power but with smoke, too little is low power with absolutely NO smoke and just right is in the middle of smoke and no smoke! There are a few more complex settings on the pump that are checked and adjusted but these are the main ones.
Well, there are 6 injectors supplying fuel to the engine (Imagining it being a 6 cylinder diesel). Looks like it has no problems getting fuel, but what about the important part that we forgot about, AIR? Well...it has to draw the air through a maze. Filter, pipes, inlet manifold and a tiny inlet valve. This has to happen in a split second and the piston going down has to do all the sucking. That’s the governing part of a diesel engines performance. Remember more fuel for more power is just more smoke! So we have to do something about the air to keep things clean. This is where a Turbo system comes into its’ own with Diesel engines. With a huge amount of air now available due to the turbo supplying air right to the inlet valve, the piston only has to suck air from there. Lets not forget that 1 cylinder has a suction stroke many times a second, so these fallacies of air being forced into the engine and blowing heads off with a turbo are only that! Now that we have more air, the fuel system can be set up according for more power. [WARNING- This is where the whole equation can come adrift with overheating etc. Things have to be set up by a professional and a professional that knows his JOB!]
One last note; the diesel system that is on all 4WD diesels was designed to run on a fuel with certain burning characteristics. We don't seem to be getting fuel in Australia meeting all these requirements. We have new vehicles smoking that obviously are not designed to smoke when running on real diesel. So when setting up a fuel injection system for tuning we have to take the burning characteristics of this poor diesel into consideration. Try to get your fuel from a reputable and 'known brand' garage and keep your receipts. If you have problems, you then have as much 'come-back' on the fuel garage as you have with a faulty product from a shop.
Safe 4WDriving,
The Diesel Experts
http://www.thedieselexperts.com
Footnote: The modern diesel has come a long way from its beginnings!! Well…so we are all lead to believe!! That’s where it all stops. In fact about the only thing that could compare is reinventing the round wheel!! That’s right. Nothing has really changed. A diesel still needs fuel and air. Even though we now have trendy things like ‘Common-rail High Pressure Injection and Electronics controlling everything, it is still the same old principle. The only major change appears to be the repair costs… as usual. Most ‘high tech’ injectors now cost over $2000 each and are ‘throw away’. Most Injector pumps are becoming ‘throw away’ at around $6500. Where will it end??
Diesel is distilled crude oil (Distillate). Unlike what most ‘Hollywood’ movies promote of a diesel truck hitting a wall and exploding like a small nuclear bomb, oil does not readily ignite, particularly a liquid form. If we atomise it though, it will burn readily. The diesel principle relies on air being compressed to approx. 500PSI. This in turn heats the air, turning it into the igniter (diesels don't have igniters such as spark plugs). Heard of a glow plug? Glow plug only glow on cold start-up to help warm up the air in the combustion chamber. A bit like when you are pumping up a push bike tyre, the pump gets warm.
Ok, so you now have very hot air and you inject diesel in through an atomising injector. As soon as the diesel leaves the injector and enters the extremely hot air the diesel ignites and combustion begins. Put a poor atomising injector in the picture and you have a different story. Because it is not atomising the diesel enough, the fuel volume burns erratically and slowly as the flame burns through the large droplets of oily fuel. If you were to light up a drum of oil, you would see a similar effect of slow burning and smoke. You can imagine that by now the timing of the combustion process is also upset. Add lower injector pressure than normal, due to age, and you have the timing of the fuel ignition point changing even more (injector opening too early). The injectors doing this alone can make a diesel smoky and sluggish. On a cold morning, the combustion is even further retarded due to cold cylinders and cool combustion and you also get hard starting.
This scenario changes completely with correctly set up injectors. Remember the drum of oil? Well, if you could fill the drum with a misty vapour of oil and light it up, you would not only get a large bang but it would be over within a flash. A good injector sprays fuel out as a mist and the fuel burns rapidly and relatively clean as the droplets are so small that they burn with a puff! A correctly set injector pressure also means the fuel is being injected at the correct time.
Now, the injectors are perfect but the injection pump could be slightly out of tune. Timing has to be set. If it is too early the vehicle can smoke and become quite ‘diesel noisy’ and if it is too late, the vehicle can feel sluggish. Imagine the spray of fuel as a fist about to hit the piston. If it is hit too far before top dead centre it would not only hurt your fist and the piston but it would make a louder than normal bang as the two things hit head on. If the piston had gone past top dead centre and was hit, the force of the hit would be going down with the piston so you would have too little
impact on it. So you can see why timing is critical for maximum hit effect! Other things need to be checked like the fuel volume delivered by the pump. Too much is power but with smoke, too little is low power with absolutely NO smoke and just right is in the middle of smoke and no smoke! There are a few more complex settings on the pump that are checked and adjusted but these are the main ones.
Well, there are 6 injectors supplying fuel to the engine (Imagining it being a 6 cylinder diesel). Looks like it has no problems getting fuel, but what about the important part that we forgot about, AIR? Well...it has to draw the air through a maze. Filter, pipes, inlet manifold and a tiny inlet valve. This has to happen in a split second and the piston going down has to do all the sucking. That’s the governing part of a diesel engines performance. Remember more fuel for more power is just more smoke! So we have to do something about the air to keep things clean. This is where a Turbo system comes into its’ own with Diesel engines. With a huge amount of air now available due to the turbo supplying air right to the inlet valve, the piston only has to suck air from there. Lets not forget that 1 cylinder has a suction stroke many times a second, so these fallacies of air being forced into the engine and blowing heads off with a turbo are only that! Now that we have more air, the fuel system can be set up according for more power. [WARNING- This is where the whole equation can come adrift with overheating etc. Things have to be set up by a professional and a professional that knows his JOB!]
One last note; the diesel system that is on all 4WD diesels was designed to run on a fuel with certain burning characteristics. We don't seem to be getting fuel in Australia meeting all these requirements. We have new vehicles smoking that obviously are not designed to smoke when running on real diesel. So when setting up a fuel injection system for tuning we have to take the burning characteristics of this poor diesel into consideration. Try to get your fuel from a reputable and 'known brand' garage and keep your receipts. If you have problems, you then have as much 'come-back' on the fuel garage as you have with a faulty product from a shop.
Safe 4WDriving,
The Diesel Experts
http://www.thedieselexperts.com
Footnote: The modern diesel has come a long way from its beginnings!! Well…so we are all lead to believe!! That’s where it all stops. In fact about the only thing that could compare is reinventing the round wheel!! That’s right. Nothing has really changed. A diesel still needs fuel and air. Even though we now have trendy things like ‘Common-rail High Pressure Injection and Electronics controlling everything, it is still the same old principle. The only major change appears to be the repair costs… as usual. Most ‘high tech’ injectors now cost over $2000 each and are ‘throw away’. Most Injector pumps are becoming ‘throw away’ at around $6500. Where will it end??
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Cordless Radar Detectors
One of the most popular cordless radar detectors under $200 is the BEL Express Model 946. A clip-on, 90-degree deflector and earphone come standard on this model, which can deflect both incoming radar and laser beams. Further, the Express has proved exceptional in many tests; it is often the only detector tested that can reliably detect Ka band radar. It is equally proficient in detecting lasers. A drawback to this unit is its audio quality, which is less distinct than many might prefer.
For anyone interested in paying more than $200 on a cordless radar detector, the Escort Solo S2 is a good option. It has a low-profile compact case and features all but one of its controls on the front. As for radar detection, this style detects X, K, Ka, and laser bands, and announces their strength via a highly perceptible audio alert and flashing bar graph.
More and more companies are adding cordless models to their radar detector line-up. As this feature increases in popularity, the increase in models should create a competitive market, resulting in higher-quality cordless devices that continue to offer excellent radar and laser detection.
Auto Insurance Primer
What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred. By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:
* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident
* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair
* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.
Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends. The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.
In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.
Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered.
* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident
* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair
* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.
Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends. The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.
In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.
Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Discover Ways To Get The Fuel Figures Right before it’s too late
Do you know Why your car meter reading is Might Not show the correct fuel mileage?
You may be trying hard to increase gas mileage of your car but when you don’t know how to get the best possible mileage reading of your car, then everything else is useless.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to get the best possible gas mileage reading to tell when something is amiss with your car. This article will give you some tips you can use to better keep track of your car fuel mileage consumption.
On one fine evening, a subscriber of mine wrote me the following,
"Dear Sunny,
I bought my first car, a Nissan Sunny 130Y, three months ago, It runs extremely well and I've had no major problems since. But I'm curious as to its actual fuel consumption. Can that be measured without sophisticated electronic devices so I could learn to start increase gas mileage of my car in more efficient way?
What are the methods a layman like me can use to measure fuel consumption?
Janice"
To be frank, fuel consumption varies widely. It all depends on the way you drive your vehicle, your car make, and the type of traffic condition it encounters. These circumstances affect the actual fuel efficiency of your car.
For instance, if you drive mainly in urban areas where you'll see lots of traffic jam, you are likely to lose up much more gas money compared to when you are cruising along the highway.
Enough said, your fuel economy will suffer when you are stuck in the jam. Jack rabbit starts and heavy braking of your vehicle may contribute to your increased fuel consumption as well. All these factors may not contribute to your ways to save fuel.
Here's my tip to measure your fuel consumption of your vehicle and to get the best possible gas mileage reading of your car.
First, you would start by filling up your vehicle tank to the brim and then adjusting the trip meter to zero. You could do that just by resetting the meter.
Next, drive the vehicle until at least two-thirds of the tank has been used before you fill up again. During this time, please take note of the amount of fuel you are filling up against the distance that you have travelled since the last time you topped up.
Fuel consumption, in kilometres per litre, is calculated by dividing the reading on your trip meter by the amount of fuel that you have filled up.
Based on my experience, it is best that you average out the results by repeating the same procedures and take measurements over a few weeks to obtain the average of the best consumption figure for your vehicle.
Some car manufacturers will state the fuel consumption figures of the cars in the manual. Please be aware that these figures were obtained under strict test conditions and surveillance and also on an almost perfect road surface.
So don't be alarmed when you notice the variance of the actual fuel mileage result you get against the manufacturers' figures.
To really find out your actual car fuel consumption and to diagnose any sudden drop of fuel efficiency, you should keep track of your fuel consumption regularly as it is the best and surest way to tell when something is going on with your car.
Once you've realized how easy it is to keep track of your car fuel consumption, you should be on your way to seriously consider some of the ways you could do to increase gas mileage even when you are pumping gas in the gas stations.
You may be trying hard to increase gas mileage of your car but when you don’t know how to get the best possible mileage reading of your car, then everything else is useless.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to get the best possible gas mileage reading to tell when something is amiss with your car. This article will give you some tips you can use to better keep track of your car fuel mileage consumption.
On one fine evening, a subscriber of mine wrote me the following,
"Dear Sunny,
I bought my first car, a Nissan Sunny 130Y, three months ago, It runs extremely well and I've had no major problems since. But I'm curious as to its actual fuel consumption. Can that be measured without sophisticated electronic devices so I could learn to start increase gas mileage of my car in more efficient way?
What are the methods a layman like me can use to measure fuel consumption?
Janice"
To be frank, fuel consumption varies widely. It all depends on the way you drive your vehicle, your car make, and the type of traffic condition it encounters. These circumstances affect the actual fuel efficiency of your car.
For instance, if you drive mainly in urban areas where you'll see lots of traffic jam, you are likely to lose up much more gas money compared to when you are cruising along the highway.
Enough said, your fuel economy will suffer when you are stuck in the jam. Jack rabbit starts and heavy braking of your vehicle may contribute to your increased fuel consumption as well. All these factors may not contribute to your ways to save fuel.
Here's my tip to measure your fuel consumption of your vehicle and to get the best possible gas mileage reading of your car.
First, you would start by filling up your vehicle tank to the brim and then adjusting the trip meter to zero. You could do that just by resetting the meter.
Next, drive the vehicle until at least two-thirds of the tank has been used before you fill up again. During this time, please take note of the amount of fuel you are filling up against the distance that you have travelled since the last time you topped up.
Fuel consumption, in kilometres per litre, is calculated by dividing the reading on your trip meter by the amount of fuel that you have filled up.
Based on my experience, it is best that you average out the results by repeating the same procedures and take measurements over a few weeks to obtain the average of the best consumption figure for your vehicle.
Some car manufacturers will state the fuel consumption figures of the cars in the manual. Please be aware that these figures were obtained under strict test conditions and surveillance and also on an almost perfect road surface.
So don't be alarmed when you notice the variance of the actual fuel mileage result you get against the manufacturers' figures.
To really find out your actual car fuel consumption and to diagnose any sudden drop of fuel efficiency, you should keep track of your fuel consumption regularly as it is the best and surest way to tell when something is going on with your car.
Once you've realized how easy it is to keep track of your car fuel consumption, you should be on your way to seriously consider some of the ways you could do to increase gas mileage even when you are pumping gas in the gas stations.
All you need to know about pick-up trucks
In Thailand, diesel-powered pickups will enjoy continued popularity for decades to come. Motorists, especially in the provinces, need vehicles that can tackle varying road conditions and carry lots of cargo and people. Thus we see pickups being modified for many purposes and hence classified into several vehicle categories.
I'm interested car in the Mitsubishi Strada. I want to know whether it is a good choice for driving to work as well as driving back to my hometown that is about 400 km from Bangkok once a month. On the way back I need to carry lots of OTOP products weighing about 500-700 kg.
You should have mentioned whether you are interested in the 2.5 or the 2.8-litre engine. Anyway, I recommend the 2.9-litre 4M40 engine because the fuel economy is about the same as the 2.5-litre, but it’s more durable. It also uses a chain-type timing belt, which lasts much longer than the belt type so you don’t have to worry about replacing the timing belt. The body and suspension is similar.
If you are not in a hurry to get the Strada, I strongly suggest you wait another one to two months for the new Mitsubishi Triton pickup which will be available with 2.5-litre direct injection, 2.5-litre common-rail and 3.2-litre 4M41 DOHC 16-valve common-rail engines. The design has been totally revamped.
So if you can, it’s much better to wait and see how the new truck is. You can get the information from test drives in your preferred newspaper and then make the decision.
I have a 1993 Mitsubishi Champ that has covered 130,000 km but its condition is very good. I would like to sell this car. How much would I get?
You won’t get more than Bt75,000 to Bt80,000 if you sell it to a used car or truck dealer, but the condition must be really good. If you are patient and sell to a direct buyer, then you can raise the price up to Bt120,000. If the potential buyer bargains for Bt100,000 you should sell it. If the body is good with no rust, it is a nice car because parts are cheap and the engine is very economical.
After buying the truck I want to install a roof over the bed. Which is better – the fibreglass Carryboy or steel Sammitr?
Fibreglass roofs are light and look better thanks to a moulding process. There are several brands in the market that are very popular. Steel roofs are stronger and can help reduce damage if the truck overturns. The shade of the paint also matches the body and stays good for a long time compared to fibreglass roofs.
The extra weight may result in increased fuel consumption, but it is so small you can't measure it. Another advantage of steel roofs is that you can mount a roof rack on top.
However, when parked under direct sunlight, the roof gets very hot and if you have an extra air-conditioner at the rear, it will be forced to work harder than with a fiberglass roof.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Buying a New Car? Why Not Modify Your Old One?
Changing the way your car looks can be just as exciting as buying a new vehicle. But apart from choosing which car to buy, or which auto parts to purchase or add to your car for that matter, you need to choose a reliable and trusted auto parts dealer that cannot only supply you with your exact needs but can help you save big. Don’t worry because there’s one store that can do these at the same time, Auto Parts Deal. Replacement parts for Ford parts, Chevrolet parts, GMC parts, Toyota parts, Volkswagen parts and a whole lot more are readily available. All these premium quality products can be purchased at very affordable deals.
Most auto mechanics and professionals would recommend buying replacement or aftermarket auto parts only from one source for this will ensure the parts’ compatibility and exactness. And not only that, it can help you save time, efforts and money especially on shipping. Installing those new parts can also be easier and quicker if you get them from only one supplier. Auto Parts Deal, however gives you more than these benefits. Added benefits such as security, affordability and convenience can all be enjoyed upon purchasing any of the products.
What are the parts you can use to modify your car? For Mazda cars, you can find here highly durable and quality Mazda spoilersMazda hood, and Mazda bumpers. These parts are made of high quality materials and are perfectly finished to give your vehicle a perfect impression. Combining both functionality and aesthetics, they are the best replacement you can find for your original auto parts.
The Mazda bumpersare specially designed to give you maximum protection in the event of a collision. They have spring loaded sock absorbers that allow the bumper to compress and extend back to its original shape during low impact collisions. While during high impact collisions, these shock absorbers decrease or prevent damage to the passengers and the vehicle by absorbing and redirecting the energy from the impact.
Different kinds of lights are also available here at Auto Parts Deal; these include the finest Toyota tail lights, Chevrolet headlights, and Jeep fog lights. Headlight covers are also available in this store. These auto parts are excellent ways of modifying your car. But aside from changing the way your car looks, they keep you safe as you drive. If you are planning to drive off-road with your Jeep for example, installing high quality Jeep fog lights is one of the best ways of preparing your auto. These lights enhance your visibility especially in severe weather conditions.
Create a truly inspiring image for your car by replacing your wheels. You can resize it, specially the rear wheels to make it look like a sports car; however, make sure to seek advise from an expert in doing so. Resizing your wheels can sacrifice your handling and ride quality if you go beyond what is suited for your vehicle. Meanwhile you can choose among the available durable and premium grade wheels like Ford wheels, Dodge wheels, Nissan wheels and GMC truck wheels online.
These are just a few of the millions of quality auto parts you can choose from. Your choices are immensely available. You actually have a lot of good options in jazzing up your everyday driving aside from buying a new vehicle. Just find time to explore them and you’ll realize there are still more ways to modify your car than you can imagine.
Best Online Source for Mazda Features Superior Quality Cooling System Parts
The hoses, gaskets, radiator cap are among those that are subject to abuse and overuse. Since the cooling system’s task of keeping the engine at the right temperature is so vital to the engine’s proper functioning and of course, to the car’s over-all performance, it is only right to give your car the best replacement Mazda cooling system parts. Now the good news is, everything you need from Mazda 323 parts to Mazda 626 parts, Mazda 808 parts, Mazda Protege parts, Mazda pickup parts to Mazda MX-3 parts, can now be easily and conveniently bought online.
http://www.mzpart.com is your most comprehensive online source of millions of Mazda parts and auto parts, including the best quality replacement parts for the cooling system like the Mazda auxiliary fan switch, Mazda radiator, Mazda radiator hose, Mazda thermostat, Mazda water pump, and Mazda radiator cap. These Mazda parts are designed to endure harsh temperatures under the hood and are made to match Mazda stock auto parts' high quality standards.
Here are some helpful insights about your car's cooling system. Let these help you as you buy replacement auto parts from Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts. It is better to know and understand first your car, especially this system before you choose the replacement Mazda parts you need.
What are the indications of a faulty cooling system? If you notice leaks, hoses are possibly broken. This is alarming since the coolant can escape and so the system can no longer cool the engine. This in effect, can damage the engine's performance. If the water pump cannot turn, something might be wrong with the fan belt. It could be broken or severely damaged. If this happens the coolant won't be able to circulate around the engine and hence, the engine overheats.
Leaking coolant can also indicate water pump failure. This is further manifested by a screeching sound and a pungent coolant odor. Meanwhile, if the head gasket is damaged, you will see white smoke coming out from the exhaust. This happens when the head gasket was not able to seal coolant passages, allowing it to enter the cylinder where it is turned into vapor as the engine burns the air and fuel mixture.
Overheating could also be caused by a faulty radiator cap. This part of the cooling system is very critical to the system's over-all performance, though it seems to be just an ordinary cap. It holds certain pressure needed for the coolant to boil and maintain a stable and sound cooling system. Getting a top quality Mazda radiator cap and all other cooling system auto parts from a trusted Mazda parts and auto parts dealer is a way to ensure your cooling system's proper functioning and as well as your safety and driving satisfaction.
Get OEM-quality replacement cooling system parts and other aftermarket Mazda parts only from this number one Mazda parts supplier. It offers the most comprehensive, the safest and the best quality Mazda Parts such as Mazda 323 Parts, Mazda Miata Parts, Mazda Millenia parts, Mazda RX-7 parts and many other replacement and aftermarket auto parts. Their products ranges from Mazda accessories to Mazda fuel system parts, Mazda suspension parts, Mazda electrical parts, Mazda transmission parts and a whole lot more.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Driving Safely in the Dark
The most important difference in night driving is visibility. At night, we become completely dependent on artificial sources of light to help us see and show us where we are going. Highway signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles are more difficult to see at night. Thus, lights, mirrors, and windows are doubly important at night. We should maintain clear, clean and scratch-free mirrors and windows. They should not be clouded by steam, frost, water droplets or tarnished by cracks or scratches.
Your entire car's lighting equipments must be in good condition to ensure safety when driving in the dark. Headlights, Tail Lights, Corner Lights , signal lamps, license plate lights and others all play a big role in your safety when driving at night. Your lights should be turned on during the night especially during periods of rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog. Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Have it checked by a professional to make sure that all the lights work. Keep your headlights and your windshields clean. Remember that your lights are your only communication with other drivers on the road. Make sure that your windshield is clean, clear and unobstructed so that you can see what's ahead of you. One of the most hazardous habits that that drivers do during the night is "overdriving" the headlights of their vehicles.
Headlights as well as other lights, mirrors, windows, windshields all play an important role in keeping you safe when driving at night. Thus, these auto parts must be maintained in good condition or replaced as soon as they get damaged or defective. Fortunately, you can easily get replacement GMC Parts including GMC Headlights, GMC Mirrors, GMC Window regulators and others. However, you should carefully choose the auto parts you are going to purchase. A good tip is to stick with a reliable and trusted auto parts store. If you want to shop for GMC auto parts the fast and easy way, then online auto parts stores are an excellent choice.
Inner Auto Parts is known as an excellent source of quality, relevant auto information. Now, Inner Auto Parts offers high quality and affordable replacement parts that are manufactured by the best auto parts makers in the industry. GMC Parts from Inner Auto Parts are guaranteed to be durable, high quality and comes at very affordable prices. GMC Parts such as GMC Fenders, GMC Fog Lights , GMC Radiators, GMC Spoilers and others are readily available. You can surely find the best GMC Headlights, taillights and other GMC lights here at Inner Auto Parts.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
2007 Lexus GS 450h: Full Hybrid Technology Revs Up With Superior Toyota Aftermarket Parts
'Once again, we've applied our formula of no compromise engineering - this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application,' said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. 'It's very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn't have it any other way.
It will be a rear wheel drive full hybrid making it able to travel at low speeds under electric propulsion alone. Lexus says the GS 450h will have gas mileage similar to the average 2-liter, 4-cylinder compact sedan.
The Lexus GS 450h is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. A SULEV-rated vehicle is 90% cleaner than the average new car.
The GS 450h will have a 3.5-liter V6 engine combined with a high-output electric motor--all driving the rear wheels--to pack horsepower at the level of a V8 engine. Lexus says it will have horsepower equivalent to a 4.5 liter V8. 0-60 acceleration is expected to be less than 6 seconds. For perspective, the 2006 GS 430 has a 4.3-liter V8 that has 300 horsepower.
It's built on the GS 430 platform and offers similar standard equipment and options, including a sunroof and perforated leather seats. It is visually identical to the GS 430, except for a large air dam on the front bumper to cool the electric motor, a power meter on the dashboard instead of an odometer, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.
Hybrid technology, driving dynamics, motoring comfort and generous space inside redefines the new Lexus GS450h. Featuring more powerful and fuel efficient engines, innovative assistance systems, a wide range of safety features, as well as a superior standard of equipment, the new Toyota Lexus of today need no less than superior BMW replacement parts when the need arises.
2005 BMW M5 Performance and Luxury at Its best at Partstrain
This new engine offers 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, pure racecar territory. The 90o V10 is designed for maximum stiffness and minimum vibration. The new V10 features double-VANOS variable valve timing. Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle butterfly. The new MS S65 engine management system uses the most powerful processors currently approved for use in automobiles.
The new BMW M5 features gear changes that are 20 percent faster with a seven-speed SMG gearbox. Six of these programs can be selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode). These programs adjust shifting speed and style because, in the S mode, the driver does all the shifting. In the Drive (D mode) the transmission shifts automatically, depending on which of the five programs is selected.
An impressive drive comfort, The Dynamic Stability Control system in the M5 has been designed to suit its performance. Of course, the DSC can be deactivated at the push of a button. The M5's DSC also offers the choice of two driving dynamics programs. One allows DSC to function the way it always has. At the touch of a button, the M Dynamic Mode is engaged which lets DSC facilitate more spirited driving.
The new M5 has more aerodynamic exterior mirrors, four tailpipes and exclusive wheels. Similar to the latest M3, the M5 features exclusive gills incorporated into the front fenders. The new BMW M5 is equipped with generously sized high performance brakes with perforated compound brake discs. The aluminum twin-piston brake calipers have been designed for minimum unsprung weight and maximum stiffness.
Parts and accessories for the BMW are available at Parts train. All you have to do is go to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW and choose which ones are compatible for your needs. The advantage of using BMW parts and accessories is that these are especially designed to work well with all BMW cars and therefore you have ensured performance and maximized workability out of these parts and accessories. Parts train also offers car parts, which are continuously being improved upon to ensure quality service and performance.
10 Tips For Saving Cash On Your Gas
Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station.
So here we have compiled 10 best tips to help you get the most out of your dollar!
Tip 1: Shop Around
This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything. Always shop around. You can get a cheaper price for your favorite brand, and probably a yet cheaper price for a different brand.
Tip 2: Use a Gasoline Credit Card
Gasoline credit cards are great! They can save you 5 10 ff your gasoline purchase.
Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool
Gasoline is denser in cooler temperatures, such as in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density, so you'll be getting more solid fuel than vapors, thus improving your overall gas mileage.
Tip 4: Avoid Gas Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
When underground tanks are refilled, particles at the bottom of the tank get stirred up, and when these particles get into your gasoline tank, they affect the fuel efficiency of your car.
Tip 5: Don’t Top Off
The gas pump needs time to draw out the full amount of gas, so When you purchase a bit of gas the station, you get short bursts of fuel that you'll probably pay extra for. You should refill your tank when you have less than half a talk left or when you find a price that is so low you cannot afford to miss it.
Tip 6: Don’t Use High Octane Gas
Most cars nowadays are built to run on regular unleaded gas. Purchasing higher octane gas is simply a waste of money. Octane measures how hard it is to ignite gas, not the quality of the gas, so getting higher octane gas will not improve fuel efficiency. You should only get these more expensive gases when your engine pings, knocks or rattles.
Tip 7: Pump Your Own Gas
It's cheaper to pump your own gas at the self-serve stations rather than using the full-serve pumps. Full-serve gasoline naturally costs more.
Tip 8: Lessen the Use of Air-Conditioning
This tip is simple enough. Air-conditioning uses electricity, and they can reduce fuel economy by up to 20àIt's advisable to use the air ventilation system instead.
Tip 9: Plan Your Trip
You can avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trip before hand, and of course that saves you money on gas consumption.
Tip 10: Purchase Vehicles That Get Good Mileage
This is probably one of the best tips anybody can give on saving money at the gas pump. It's always better to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. Check with your car dealer about cars that have better fuel economy.
4 Tips To Saving A Bundle At Your Next Car Auction
Many of us have been at the car dealership and have been drained by a salesperson during price negotiations for the purchase of a new car. Most people give in too easily or do not negotiate at all to avoid the dreadful act. This only means more money in the car dealers’ pocket, while you are out of several thousand dollars! Yes, they make that much in profit per car.
This article unveils the dealer’s selling tactics and how you can get around them. But before we dive into the new car buying tips, we need to understand what makes up the dealer’s profits.
In addition to the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), which is the dealer’s cost for the car plus an additional 20-25% profit, a dealer also gets financial incentives from the manufacturer when a new car is sold. This is called Holdback.
Depending on the car, dealers can make hundreds on each car through holdbacks. Dealers also get additional incentives and bonuses on selling a car before the end of the month and/or quarter.
A shrewd dealer can make several thousand on a new car even by selling it at invoice price. This is how new car buying can become tricky for the consumer.
Ready to learn how not to put a dent in your wallet on your next car purchase? Here are four tips to get you started. Each one is a dealer tactic to watch out for.
1. The Guilt Trip
As you may have noticed, every desk in a dealership has photos of the salesperson’s family, instead of photos of cars. Midway in the negotiation, the sales person will bring them up and make it look like his little commission check can hardly pay for his daughters college and little Bradley’s braces.
A seasoned salesperson will soon have you feeling guilty for driving the price down and hurting his commission. Watch out not to fall for this tactic, since you already know about holdbacks and incentive programs from manufacturers.
2. Wearing You Down
Come prepared to spend half a day at the dealership or pay whatever the dealer asks for. Car Dealers are trained to delay and tire you out to the point where you give in and accept their price just to get out of there.
After you make your offer, sales people typically claim they would have to run it by their manager. You may then have to re-start negotiating with the manager, who is also a seasoned salesperson. This dance goes on for a while until you give in.
Remember, there are multiple dealerships in a city, so they need you more than you need them. Demand to speak to the manager after a certain time period or threaten to leave.
Because you are devoting a lot of time to bargain with the dealer, they know you are a serious buyer, so they will not let you leave. The earlier you can speak with the manager, the faster you can leave.
3. The Test Drive
We all enjoy a good test drive and look forward to it. Although it is essential to test drive a car before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson. Their goal is to get you emotionally attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the hard way.
To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a competing car in the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.
4. Monthly Payments
This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the total price of the car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!
You have left little room for negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the total price of the car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.
General Rule;
As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the car dealer’s trough.
If the above new car buying tips seem like a lot of hassle, yet you still want to get the best price in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.autoauctionbids.com for example is a great website for this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.
The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all participating dealers in your area through the website itself.
Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the lowest price in town for up to 3 competing car makes.
This article unveils the dealer’s selling tactics and how you can get around them. But before we dive into the new car buying tips, we need to understand what makes up the dealer’s profits.
In addition to the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), which is the dealer’s cost for the car plus an additional 20-25% profit, a dealer also gets financial incentives from the manufacturer when a new car is sold. This is called Holdback.
Depending on the car, dealers can make hundreds on each car through holdbacks. Dealers also get additional incentives and bonuses on selling a car before the end of the month and/or quarter.
A shrewd dealer can make several thousand on a new car even by selling it at invoice price. This is how new car buying can become tricky for the consumer.
Ready to learn how not to put a dent in your wallet on your next car purchase? Here are four tips to get you started. Each one is a dealer tactic to watch out for.
1. The Guilt Trip
As you may have noticed, every desk in a dealership has photos of the salesperson’s family, instead of photos of cars. Midway in the negotiation, the sales person will bring them up and make it look like his little commission check can hardly pay for his daughters college and little Bradley’s braces.
A seasoned salesperson will soon have you feeling guilty for driving the price down and hurting his commission. Watch out not to fall for this tactic, since you already know about holdbacks and incentive programs from manufacturers.
2. Wearing You Down
Come prepared to spend half a day at the dealership or pay whatever the dealer asks for. Car Dealers are trained to delay and tire you out to the point where you give in and accept their price just to get out of there.
After you make your offer, sales people typically claim they would have to run it by their manager. You may then have to re-start negotiating with the manager, who is also a seasoned salesperson. This dance goes on for a while until you give in.
Remember, there are multiple dealerships in a city, so they need you more than you need them. Demand to speak to the manager after a certain time period or threaten to leave.
Because you are devoting a lot of time to bargain with the dealer, they know you are a serious buyer, so they will not let you leave. The earlier you can speak with the manager, the faster you can leave.
3. The Test Drive
We all enjoy a good test drive and look forward to it. Although it is essential to test drive a car before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson. Their goal is to get you emotionally attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the hard way.
To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a competing car in the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.
4. Monthly Payments
This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the total price of the car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!
You have left little room for negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the total price of the car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.
General Rule;
As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the car dealer’s trough.
If the above new car buying tips seem like a lot of hassle, yet you still want to get the best price in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.autoauctionbids.com for example is a great website for this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.
The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all participating dealers in your area through the website itself.
Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the lowest price in town for up to 3 competing car makes.
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