Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Searching For Used Car Parts

People just do not bother and most of the times they are over confident. They never bother to pay a thought about their cars and only when their car lands in some problems do they start scratching their heads in trying to search for spare parts. There is no need to worry if you are one of them, rather there is no need for any car owner to worry as far as reliable and genuine parts for their cars are concerned. There are certain sites on the net that help you to find out and purchase used parts for your car.


Most of them sell products, which are guaranteed to last a certain period of time and what is more are, the prices that you get them for. These sites give you access to hundreds of used and reconditioned parts for every make of car imaginable. Most of them have an online calculator on their websites which can be used to input details about the make of your car and the type of spare that you are searching for.

They use secure sites that ensures that your credit card information, used for paying for your purchases, are kept away from the eyes of hackers. Most of these sites are linked to part suppliers all over America and as soon as you submit your request, the same is forwarded to all the suppliers. With the help of these sites the time you spend in searching for individual spare parts for your car is over and you can hunt for all these spares from just one single and easy to use website.

Most people dump their used cars in the wrecking yards and there are agencies that specialize in checking out these carts and salvaging re-usable parts from them. These parts are categorized and indexed according to type, make and warrantee period. Once this categorization is done, the information is linked with these websites. Once you fill in the details of the parts you require, these details will be sent to various agencies and within a short span of time they will be contacting with the information you require via phone or via email.

You can select the quote that suits you best and then proceed ahead to arrange the parts to be delivered at your doorstep. These are the simple steps you need to get the parts at your doorstep. Log on to their website and enter all details about your car using their secure site. Once that has been done, enter the details of the used car parts that you are searching for. Finally enter your contact details including your telephone number, street address and your email id.

This is all that you need to do. Within a few hours you will be astonished as you start receiving quotes after quotes. Select the one whose quote s the best and within a few hours the part that you have been on the lookout for will be delivered to your place. Hunting for car parts has never been so easy.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Motorcycle Ride

There are different types of riding. And there are different motorcycle and motorcycle apparel. To yield the best motorcycle ride, riders must match their bike and accessories with their skills.

First things first. A rider must choose the bike in harmony with his riding preference. There are lots of bikes to choose from - street bikes, cruisers, vintage, dirt bikes, sport bikes and other bikes. The choice is yours. There are a lot of trusted motorcycle manufacturers where you can choose your bikes. Kawasaki, Honda, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha are some of them and there are a lot more manufacturers. Another thing to think of is whether to customize the bike or not. If yes, look for motorcycle parts that can complement with the bike.

Nowadays, it is no longer hard to combine style and performance. For instance, there are elegant cruisers for strolling scenic spots. There are different engine types and power level available. Touring models are made fuel-efficient and powerful. The seats are made comfortable by adding posh adjustable suspension tops. There are also numerous lustrous chrome and paint to choose from. Compartments are also made larger to accommodate greater capacity. Rainy weather is also not a problem because motorcycle stores are offering protective yet comfortable fairing and windshield.

In connection with sleek aerodynamic sport-bikes, today’s design and performance will surely captivate every rider’s fancy. They usually have windscreen and detachable saddlebags to add up comfy to riders.

Now that you are knowledgeable of the motorcycle parts and their advancements, the next thing to do is to learn to ride. You can’t be a rider without having the nerve to ride hard and rock the road. Nonetheless, you can’t just mount on your bike and ride on. You have to be a legitimate ride with corresponding driver’s license, motorcycle registration and insurance coverage.

Practice, practice and practice. You can also enroll in a basic rider’s course to be able to learn the techniques of driving. Know your limits. The more learn the more you take pleasure in your ride.

If you have any queries about motorcycle parts don’t entertain any qualms and ask it on motorcycle stores pool of experts on motorcycle parts. Enjoy the passion of riding and explore the world of adventure and fun.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Motor Oil For Your Car

Proper car maintenance is essential for safety and the proper operation of the vehicle. Using the wrong type of motor oil can be dangerous to your car and to others. Motor oil, coolant, clutch, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids are all vital parts of all cars. They need to be regularly checked, topped up or changed whenever required to ensure that the vehicle operates properly. The car owner’s manual will show what the manufacturer believes to be the best regular maintenance schedule for the particular model. Making sure that the advised service intervals maintained may sometimes seem like an unnecessary expense, but it will help protect the car, preserve efficiency, increase the vehicles lifespan and reduce the risk of future unexpected bills.

Taking the correct care of a vehicle will not only help to ensure that it will run correctly and efficiently, but will also help to make sure that it is running safely. It is also important to note that many vehicles’ warranties will become invalid if the manufacturer’s service requirements are not scrupulously followed.

The engine oil that is made for use in cars ensures that all the moving parts of an engine are properly lubricated and protects them against the wear and tear caused by the friction of everyday operation. Additives which are put into the base oil also provide additional engine protection, helping to prevent the car engine oil from deteriorating under the engine’s extreme operating temperature conditions.

Like all fluids, motor oil will thin out when it is subjected to increased temperatures, and thicken when cooled. In order for the motor oil to properly protect the engine, the oil must be able to remain at the correct viscosity level at all engine operating temperatures. If the viscosity becomes too thin then the oil will lose the strength to protect the engine, if it is too thick then the oil may not pump to the proper parts of the engine, and damage may be caused as the engine revs.

Multi-grade car engine oils use base oil (usually 5W, 10W or 20W) which maintains the correct viscosity at low temperatures, along with polymers which keep viscosity levels acceptable at higher temperatures. These levels are indicated by SAE grades. When choosing appropriate engine oil, refer to the manufacturer guides and always use a multi grade that has the narrowest span of viscosity possible which is appropriate for the temperatures the vehicle will encounter. This is because the wider viscosity range oils can be slightly more prone towards breaking down due to the high polymer content.

As well as checking every couple of weeks that the engine has the appropriate levels of the correct type of motor oil, it is also important to frequently check the transmission and power steering fluid dipsticks to preserve the proper working fluid levels, and make certain the brake fluid and coolant are filled to the top. If a car is leaking fluids, it can mean serious trouble. Keep an eye on the condition of any parking spaces which are regularly used, looking for stains or spots that can warn of possible leaks.


Monday, September 1, 2008

Bosch VP44 Injection Pump

If you have ever had to replace your Bosch VP44 injection pump, than you know the expenses and headaches that can be incurred. If you would like to prolong the life of your Bosch VP44 injection pump, than this article has some good tips for you. Does your pickup not have enough pickup? If you are not getting optimal performance from your diesel pickup truck, especially if it is equipped with a Dodge Cummins engine, the performance issue could be contributed with the injection pump.

What is the Bosch VP44 injection pump?

Bosch VP44 injection pumps perform four basic functions:
~Producing the high fuel pressure required for injection.
~Metering the exact amount of fuel for each injection cycle.
~Distributing the high-pressure, metered fuel to each cylinder at the precise time.
~Varying the timing relative to engine speed.

The Bosch VP44 is an electronic rotary distributor pump that can vary fuelling and injection timing, and also contains fuelling, timing, and diagnostic data.

The following are the top two most common mechanical failures:

Check Engine Code 216. This is the most common mechanical failure and occurs over a period of time when weak lift pumps, with low fuel pressure; rupture the diaphragm in the front of the injection pump. The timing piston will then vibrate to a point where it wears the housing of the pump down until the fuel is able to bypass the piston. Dodge has recognized this problem for some time, and they no longer even sell the lift pump that goes on the side of the block anymore, instead they replace it with a unit that is now mounted in the tank.

Rotor Seizure
Another mechanical failure with the Bosch VP44 injection pump happens when the rotor seizes in the distributor section of the pump. The most common cause for the seizure is a lack of lubrication. Since the fuel lubricates the Bosch VP44 injection pumps, weak lifts pumps can again be blamed for this failure. The seizure will then break the Drive Plate and the truck will stop running, never to start again, until the Bosch VP44 injection pump is replaced.

Overall the number one cause of Bosch VP44 injection pump failure is a drop in fuel line pressure, which is usually due to a malfunctioning lift pump. Normal fuel pressure is around 15psi and if the pressure drops below 5psi an injection pump failure is probable. Remember bad lift pumps can run unnoticed until costly damage is done to the Bosch VP44 injection pump.

Preventing Bosch VP44 injection pump Failure
The best way to avoid failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump is to prevent them from happening. Purchasing a replacement lift pump, one that is of a better quality than what comes from the factory will help. If that option is too costly, you can also install a gauge to monitor your fuel pressure. With the gauge you will be able to know when your lift pump is going out and can easily fix the problem before you lose the Bosch VP44 injection pump.

Preventing problems before they occur is the best way to take care of your truck.


Replcement Of Exhaust And Headers At Parts Train

Control your car's speed and sound with high quality Ford Performance Parts from Parts Train. High performance Ford part like car exhaust mufflers and headers can transform your Ford into a customized machine. Moreover, these custom car parts can add up to 20+ HP to your car, truck or SUV. Learn how these slick aftermarket auto parts will turn heads by turning to Ford Taurus Performance Parts.

Parts Train's High Performance Ford Parts like lowering springs, shock absorbers and high performance suspension system guarantee the racing balanced handling you want. In addition, your new high performance auto parts can reduce your ground clearance, making your Ford look fast and sleek.

Ford parts from Parts Train like side marker light; corner light, fog lights and driving lights system come with all necessary installation hard wares. These added SUV fog lights, 4x4 off road lights, or fog lights system to gain a better visual on the dark road, no matter rain or snow.

Ford Parts may include A/C condenser, catalytic converter, clear side marker light, corner light, door glass, engine splash shield, front bumper, front fender, grill, header panel, headlight, hood, mirror, radiator, radiator support, rear bumper, side marker light, spoiler, starter, tail light, turn signal light, wheels, windshield and many more.

Ford auto part like the catalytic converter cleans up a gasoline-powered engine's exhaust. (Diesel engines do not use catalytic converters.) If a vehicle's catalytic converter is no longer functioning properly, it can be replaced with a high-flow unit that is less-restrictive, to reduce backpressure and improve the vehicle's gas mileage and performance.

With years of combined experience in selling premium quality auto parts, Parts Train has been the trusted and most reliable source of superb quality engine parts, electrical body parts and other auto parts. Shopping for excellent quality Ford automotive parts here in Parts train is easy and hassle-free. You can either browse our accessible user-friendly online parts list at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD by make or part type. Ordering is a breeze, simply select the premium car parts you want and fill in your particulars at our secure checkout page.


Woman's Guide To Basic Tyre Care

Women certainly are not helpless. But sometimes we are a little overwhelmed working a 40-hour week, taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. The car is just another added burden when there isn't a man around to tinker with it. For the woman who finds herself in this situation, this is a short primer on routine tire care that will extend the life of your tires and hopefully make your life a little bit easier.

Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure should be checked whenever you suspect a problem or at a minimum, seasonally. Symptoms of improper tire pressure include excess wear and squeeling when going around a corner (for under-inflated tires) and reduced traction (for over-inflated tires).

Even the temperature can affect your tire pressure. Check your owner's manual to find where they've posted the proper tire pressure (usually on one of the doors) and be sure to keep it at that level. An improperly inflated tire not only wears quicker, it can also be dangerous when stopping and can cause tread separation.

You can purchase a tire-pressure gauge at your local auto parts store, use a gauge at the gas station or ask your tire dealer to check it for you.

Have Your Tires Rotated
Tires should be rotated every 5000 - 6000 miles. For various reasons, all four tires on a car do not wear the same. The purpose of the tire rotation is to allow for even wear and an extended life for your tires. Some manufacturers recommend "cross-rotation" (moving the right-front tire to the left-rear, etc.). Check your owner's manual for its recommendations. Have your tire dealer rotate your tires regularly?

Check Your Wheel Alignment
If you've hit a pothole or scraped your tire on a curb, your wheels may have been thrown out of alignment. Symptoms of wheels that are out of alignment are excessive wear (one tire may wear more than the others) and steering problems. You may notice that your car veers to the side when you're on a straight road or the car doesn't steer properly in a turn.

Unless you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your alignment checked annually.

Have Your Wheels Balanced at the Same Time They're Rotated
An improperly balanced wheel will cause a vibration at higher speeds (50-70 MPH) which is noticeable in the steering wheel (if a front tire is out of balance) or in the seat (if a rear tire is out of balance). It will also increase wear of shock absorbers, struts and suspensions.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your tire dealer take a look. He will need to locate the heavier part of the tire and attach a lead weight opposite it to counter-balance it. Unless you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your wheel balanced every time you have them rotated (every 5000 - 6000 miles). Women certainly are not helpless. But sometimes we are a little overwhelmed working a 40-hour week, taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. The car is just another added burden when there isn't a man around to tinker with it.


Article source : Free Articles Zone

Saturday, August 30, 2008

SARD Gauge For Your Car

Car gauge is a very important part of a car’s interior and driver’s control panel. Its main purpose is to display the engine conditions of the car and comes in both digital and numeric reading options. It not only enhances the look of the car from the inside but also works as a very important alert system for the driver. If you are planning to get a custom car made or getting your car completely redone then car gauge can be chosen as per your engine requirements, performance and the kind of interiors that you want. Car gauges come in different sizes, styles, colors, qualities, prices etc., and there are many car accessories companies which are manufacturing car gauges these days. But out of all the options available now days, one of the best car gauge brands include SARD gauge.

SARD gauge is a heavy duty component which can be easily bought on the internet on many reputable web sites which sell car parts and accessories. SARD gauge is manufactured by SARD which is a Japanese company specializing in creating different products for primarily heavy duty Japanese and non Japanese vehicles. Over the period of time SARD gauges have been found ideal for vehicles which generally go through extreme conditions of the engine and very rough handling.

It is not very uncommon to find many local car accessories manufacturers selling car gauges, but it is always recommended to go for reputed brands like SARD which promise high quality, endurance and top performance. Car gauge is something you will not be able to change again and again as your car’s interiors will be made to match it so why take a chance and get stuck with a gauge which will not work later on. From safety as well as a car’s engine maintenance point of view it is always a good idea to choose the best. A gauge which becomes faulty after sometime is a big risk not only for the car’s engine but also the lives of the driver and the passengers. So always choose good brands like SARD gauge when buying such critical accessories for cars.


Article source : Free Articles Zone

HHO Generator Powers Your Car To Run On Water And Increase Mileage

The term Water Car can be understood in two ways.
1) A water car that rides on water and
2) A water car that runs on water, but as a fuel.

This article talks about using water as fuel for car. It sounds fascinating isn't it? Well, thanks to the technology that has brought water cars into existence. You can now have car fitted with an on board HHO generator which generates HHO gas to be fed into the engine manifold along with regular gasoline/petrol. The benefits of these kinds of water powered cars are that you get increased mileage, more power, less pollution and above all your cars engine stays much cooler.

Initially, water cars were popular only in Europe. However, you can now find water cars in other parts of the world too. This is possible due to the awareness about the water car and thus creating a demand and supply like situation which also reflects on the selling price of a water car. Also, technology has brought in, intelligent and long lasting parts for the water car.

With a water car, you can experience the thrill and excitement of driving vehicles at high speed and that too in the water. This is all happening due to the coming of new technology which makes a whole new mode of transportation possible.

Your car can now be fueled by using water. It can be done when water is used as a supplement to gasoline. Yes, you can now convert your car to run on water and gas. This technology of using water as car fuel has been around since many years. However, recently, the concept of using water as car fuel has started getting more attention. These days there are water conversion kits available. You can use this kit to convert your car to run on water and gas. You can save about 40% on fuel costs. It also helps to improve the ecological balance.

When you use water as car fuel, you automatically improve the survival of life, called oxygen. The running car that is fueled by water leaves out oxygen and water vapor or steam. When condensation takes place, the water vapor quickly condenses back into water. This action helps to replenish the oxygen in our atmosphere. This is the main benefit for switching to water as car fuel.

Water conversion do it yourself kits are now available which teach you to use water as car fuel. You can use tap water as car fuel. So, no need for any distilled water or any kind of special water. The conversion kit cum guide teaches you how to use electricity from your car's battery in order to separate water into a gas called HHO ( 2 hydrogen + oxygen). The other name for HHO is called Brown's gas or Hydroxy. It has a smooth burning effect and provides effective energy. At the end, you get H2O. The atomic power of hydrogen is provided by HHO and at the same time it maintains the stability of water.

One must understand that you cannot use water entirely as car fuel. You will have to use gasoline too. But the main point that has to be kept in mind is that you can save much money on gas if water is used as a supplementary car fuel. Also, the after effects of using water as car fuel, helps the environment in a great way.

Poor Credit Car Financing

In the last two decades car ownership has increased exponentially, so much so that owning one has become the accepted norm. Poor credit may prove a hindrance for some new car owners, but it does not have to be. Just because you have made credit mistakes in the past does not mean that you have to settle for whatever you can find or are offered. There are several car dealerships and financing companies that are willing to help you become a car owner, even with bad credit. Past credit mistakes, such as bankruptcy might keep you from owning some cars, but by working to build your credit and finding the right company you should be able to own a car in the timeframe you established.

In order to determine your credit rating and the risk associated with approving you, credit companies use a pretty standard set of measures. Items reported include both positive and negative feedback from creditors and lenders, such as your payment history, bad debt and credit cards owned and a history of each. To improve your credit score, you will need to clean up the credit report companies see by paying off old debt so that it is removed from your report. As you clear old debt off your report, your low credit score will improve and you will be able to secure more favourable car loans.

Even working with those credit lenders who are willing to finance your car loan even though you have a bad credit score, does not mean you are in the clear. Those with bad credit are seen as a high risk borrower regardless of whether you get the financing you need or not. For this reason it is important that those who are looking to get a car loan with bad credit seek out lenders who are experienced at working with high risk borrowers. You can still find ways to get a good loan with these types of lenders because they have several loan programs available to them specifically for those with less than perfect credit. In all cases of lending and financing for a car, it is important that you understand the terms of your loan and borrow an amount that you are realistically able to handle without going over the actual value of the car.

Once you are ready to begin securing a car loan or gaining financing for your perfect car, request a credit report that you can look over and asses. Determine if the loan that is being offered is a manageable amount for your current and projected income, and do not forget to include interest rates that you will be able to negotiate down with the right lender. Use resources that are made available from both your local lenders and financial institutions that you have used in the past, as well as free resources on the internet. This guarantees that you are as well informed as possible and helps you prepare to get the best interest rate you can.

Remember, the best financiers and lenders will look not only at your past credit history, but will take into consideration the work you have done to clean up your credit and work towards financial stability.

Performance Auto Parts – Essentials For An Enhanced Drive

Cars are a loved possession for all. We all simply adore our cars but feel frustrated when they do not deliver the desired performance. If your car is a bit old, getting a remarkable drive seems almost next to impossible. What will you do? Would you buy a new car and make several hundreds of dollar of more investment; or just act smart by installing quality performance auto parts into your vehicle?

Auto performance parts have the capability to make your car different by enhancing the performance quotient. You no longer have to face poor service but can enjoy high quality performance to cherish your driving. Performance parts are auto parts that can enhance a car’s overall performance. By achieving customization with performance parts can increase its speed to a great extent. You can appreciate your old car’s capability of amazing speed and handling.

Some of the popular performance parts include forced induction, air intakes, exhaust packages, suspension upgrades, including braking systems, batteries, strut braces, fuel delivery components and cam gears, pulleys, wheels and tires. Any upgrade in the mentioned parts can give you a better performance and making them hugely popular automobile enthusiasts.

Performance Parts That Perform
Irrespective of the brand, using performance parts can prove worthy. They not only enhance the car’s performance but also increase the overall value as well. So, why not, search out for the most useful performance parts for your car?With their quality service and desirable results, Greddy performance cars are making a good name for them. They can be used in any model and do not harm the functioning of others auto parts so that you can enjoy a great drive. Internet provides the nicest way to get the most useful information about the Greddy performance parts. Search now!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Don't Make Your Vehicle A Target For Thieves

Most people have in the back of their minds some concern about their vehicles being involved in an accident or unexpected breakdown, major inconveniences that leave many people across the country stranded without a vehicle every day. Though the likelihood is often ignored, theft represents another major threat to vehicles owners. In fact, www.nicb.org reports that a vehicle is stolen in the United States every 25.5 seconds; a telling statistic that reminds us why we should take precautions to protect our vehicles against thieves who are waiting for the moment we let our guards down. Here we examine some precautions vehicle owners can take to reduce the likelihood that their vehicle will be targeted by a thief.

1) Never leave keys in the ignition. Neglect of this seemingly obvious piece of advice results in numerous effortless car thefts across the country. Even a quick thirty second run into a convenience store or your home is ample time for your car to disappear into the hands of a thief. Always take your keys with you when you leave your vehicle.

2) Lock all vehicle doors, all the time. Simply locking the doors to your vehicle may be enough to deter a thief who is looking for an easy target. Keeping vehicle doors locked is advised not only when your vehicle is parked, but when you are driving as well to protect against carjacking. If a person approaches your vehicle while you are in it, drive away immediately.

3) Keep windows closed completely when parked. Even a slightly open window can be enough to give a thief easy access to your vehicle, and may be the simple cue that attracts a thief to your vehicle in the first place.

4) Keep valuables out of your vehicle, or at least out of view. If you must leave valuable items in your vehicle—or even items that may appear valuable to a thief—make sure to lock them in the trunk or otherwise out of sight. Anything that could entice a thief to target your vehicle should be considered a valuable item. Purses, wallets, jewelry, electronics, briefcases, laptops, shopping bags or other containers that may be perceived to hold valuable items should never be left in clear view from outside the vehicle. Hiding valuables also includes removing the face of a detachable face CD player if you have one.

5) Utilize an alarm system. An alarm system can be a valuable deterrent to a thief seeking an easy target. A wide range of vehicle alarms are available, from the familiar audible alarm system to modern tracking systems that provide authorities with information about your vehicle’s location in the event that it is reported stolen.

6) Park in well lighted and heavily traveled areas. Car thieves seek out environments conducive to committing their crimes unnoticed, such as poorly lit areas with little to no passersby. Parking your vehicle in a well lit, populated location can reduce the chances that a thief will target your vehicle for theft.

Precautions to prevent your vehicle from being stolen should not be overlooked. Car thieves are driven by the profits they can make by selling your vehicle, disassembling and selling its individual parts or the possibility of using your vehicle as an instrument to commit other crimes. Identity theft is another viable threat when a thief obtains access to all of the documents and information within your vehicle. Complying with the simple precautions above can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of car theft.

Article source : Free Articles Zone

Monday, August 25, 2008

10 Ways To Make Car Fuel Last Longer

Fuel prices are steep and always rising. Car owners need to find ways to make their car fuel last longer. If you can squeeze a few more miles out of every gallon imagine the savings you can make on fuel costs. The world is constantly finding out ways to use transportation that is affordable and eco-friendly. There are solar battery powered cars as well as hybrid cars in use. However the majorities are still using petrol or diesel powered vehicles.

Whether you drive a two seat car, economy car or a sedan or a sports model that runs on gas you need to master ways in which you can make fuel last long. Here are a few tips given by automobile experts that will give an increase in miles per gallon (MPG):

1. Read driving tips give by the AAA. Drive at optimal fuel efficacy speeds and use the right gears at the right time.

2. Keep the car serviced and in top mechanical condition. Learn how to listen to the car and diagnose any knocks or strange sounds.

3. Ensure that the car air filter is clean. Fuel economy is greatly enhanced with a clean air filter. When an air filter gets clogged it blocks air flow and reduces engine efficacy. So remove the filter and hold it up to check if you can see light through it. Use a filter that can be cleaned and is better for the environment.

4. Always ensure that tires are in good condition and that they are properly inflated. Use the parameters recommended by the car manufacturer and make it a point to check tire pressure whenever you fuel the car.

5. Watch the speed fuel economy decreases with increased speeds. So drive within the speed limits and watch the difference in fuel consumption.

6. Try not to speed and brake constantly. Driving at a steady pace keeps shifting to a minimum and aids fuel economy. Ever watch how trucks drive at a constant pace? They don’t brake and speed like cars do and yet arrive at a destination in the same time frame. When you brake to a stop and restart the car much more fuel is used.

7. Learn all about acceleration and revs. Stopping and starting hurts the car and fuel use. If your car is an automatic accelerate moderately and allow the transmission to shift gear smoothly. Otherwise shift gear early so that the engine does not go wrong. Slow down if you see a stop light changing well in advance so that you don’t have to brake suddenly.

8. Use the air conditioning sparingly. At lower speeds the AC will gobble fuel. So get used to air from the outside. Enjoy the breeze and roll down the windows.

9. For long road trips used recommended stock wheels. They offer greater fuel efficiency than wider cooler looking tires
10. When you buy a car don’t go for looks look at aspects of fuel efficiency and mechanics.

Log on to the internet and keep abreast with reviews and tips given by automobile gurus on saving fuel and increasing the efficiency of the car. Websites like that of the AAA and road safety police also have great recommendations for motorists.

Drive happily and save fuel.

Article source : Free Articles Zone

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Ensure Your car stays Young Even After 150000 Miles

Automobiles were always built to last and that is the reason why we see antiques manufactures centuries ago still running and not just in museums. If you take good care of your car it can stay young well past 150000 miles and this is not true only for Japanese cars.

Be a parent to your car and nurture it well
1. Be tuned in to the car and learn to recognize coughs, sputters, and knocks. This will help you get a problem fixed well before it becomes big.

2. Drive the car with care and avoid dents, scratches, and bangs. Always drive carefully and follow rules.

3. Follow the maintenance schedule stringently. Create a maintenance minder for the car and pencil it into your schedule or diary. Better still get a contract with the garage and let their customer service people remind you. Get parts replaced on time. Get the car tuned and keep an eye on mileage and time.

4. Create a car maintenance and repair fund in your financial planning. If you save small amounts regularly the repair bill will not scare you into buying a new car. Preparing for contingencies will ensure that you don’t need a credit card advance or loan. It will keep you well out of the debt trap.

5. Always use parts provided by manufacturers. Never resort to using substandard parts in the car. And try not to delay maintenance servicing or parts replacements.

6. Keep the car spick and spank and learn how to fight rust. The World Wide Web has several websites hosted by the AAA, car enthusiasts, as well as manufacturers that have tips, schedules, and articles as guidelines for car owners who care.

7. Drive the car gently don’t ride it rough. If you want to be a racer get a car suited for that and be ready to half the life of the car.

8. Read the car owner’s manual and manufacture’s website. Be informed and read car blogs and forums where car enthusiasts share information. Learn all about the car and how to maintain it. Once in a while get a friend who is careful to drive the car and tell you if he notices anything wrong….a wobble, knock, or sounds.

Always park your car in a safe spot. Keep in clean. Know all about weather proofing and more. If you care the car will stay young and working well past 150000 miles and save you a lot of money which you will spend when buying a new car. Imagine no loans or interest payments.

The World Wide Web is a knowledge highway and is replete with driving tips and car maintenance tips. Find websites that are relevant to your model of car and store them as favorites. Watch car shows, read car magazines and know how to take care of your car which will take care of you.
Article source : Free-Article-Zone.Com

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

What You Need To Know When Buying Rims


Are you looking to spice up your ride with a set of new rims? When you have a vehicle that you’re proud of, it’s only natural that you want it to look the best it can look. And there's no better way to jazz up your vehicle than by giving it new rims.

There are a few things that you should know before you go out looking for new rims. And you'll want to keep a couple of things in mind.

You'll be able to find some rims....you may even be lucky enough to have a fairly good selection to choose from. But if you're looking for a really great selection of unique rims to choose from, then you need to look online. Shopping online offers you a whole new world of choices. When you shop online, you aren't limited to just what the retailers in your area have to offer you. Now you can shop for rims in every store, in every town, in every state, in every country as long as they have a website.

Why Is A Wide Selection Important?
It's important to have a wide range of choices when you're buying new wheels because you want your vehicle to look unique and you want rims that fit your particular vehicle.
Online you'll see a huge selection of styles and brands in chrome and alloy. However, if you're one of those people looking for something really special, you'll find colored wheels, rims with colored lug nuts, rims with lights in them and even wheels with “diamonds” on them.

What Do You Need To Know When You Buy Online?
Look for a site that offers reviews. Many online merchants will provide customer feedback so that you can see how people feel about their decision to order from the site.
Shipping cost can be a concern for some people shopping online. However, some online stores offer free shipping direct to your door. But be careful. Some online merchants require that you buy tires from them as well in order to get free shipping. As with anything that you buy online, be sure to only shop on a website that is secure. You'll have to give your credit card info, or an online payment system such as PayPal, so make sure that the site provides a secure shopping cart before giving your personal information.

What Else Do You Need To Know?
Obviously, you'll need to know what size you need. This information will be in your vehicle user manual. If you don't have the manual just go to a tire store or car dealer and ask for their help. You'll find them more than accommodating.

Why Should You Buy New Rims?
Some people buy new rims to jazz up the appearance and make their vehicle look sexy. Others buy after market wheels to improve the performance of their vehicle. When you get a mix of appearance and performance in your rims you can actually improve gas mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle. Unique and sexy wheels will definitely add value when it comes time to sell. Remember, buying new wheels can be fun and you can save a lot of money by shopping online.

Alloy wheels may actually reduce wear and tear on your brakes. Alloy rims reduce the heat that results during braking.

Article source : ValuableContent/Bob Martin

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Car Color Trivia

The color of car a driver chooses reflects their personality and perhaps their favorite color. But the choice of color in a vehicle can be much more important as well.

According to a study by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, silver cars are 50 percent less likely to be involved in a crash resulting in a serious injury as compared to white cars. The least safe colors are brown, black, and green according to Reuters. While, yellow, gray, red and blue cars ranked in the middle range.

According to optometrists, red is the most difficult to see color. Red is the most controversial of colors. Many drivers claim that by driving a red car they get stopped less for speeding and have less accidents. On the other hand, red car drivers complain that because they drive red cars they are stopped more often for speeding and are moving targets for accidents.

White is actually the easiest color to care for. Half of the white car drivers claim that white cars don't look dirty as quick as colored cars, while the other half complain that they have to wash the car more often just to keep them looking clean. Black, red and most other dark colors absorb more ultraviolet rays than light colored cars so they are more susceptible to sun damage. At night white is the most visible and red is seen as black.

Owners of both red and black cars say the interior warms up faster than in other colored cars. This is due to the absorption of heat rays from the sun. Depending on season and locale this may be good or not so good.

Accident statistics show that gray cars are the most invisible in foggy conditions. Lime yellow is best seen on cloudy days and in snowy winter conditions.

No matter what color the car is, keeping a car in excellent working order and keeping it clean are the most important for safety concerns.

Article source : ValuableContent/Marilyn Pokorney

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Cleaning Rims With Pressure Washer


Some people give advice that you shouldn't wash your rims with a pressure washer. Our experience has been that you indeed can use a power washer without causing any damage to your wheel. Just use a washer that can have its pressure adjusted.

You may have discovered that cleaning your car rims by hand can be pretty difficult, but the job can be made a lot easier by properly using a pressure washer. Cleaning rims using a pressure washer can be superior in eliminating the tough stains of ugly caked-on brake dust and grease from your wheels.

If you don’t own a portable pressure washer, you'll be able to buy one at very affordable prices online or at your neighborhood home improvement store. To do a really good cleaning job you should also purchase a good, non abrasive rim cleaner. There are many top quality brands available online.

It only takes a little bit of rim cleaning solution to effectively clean rims in conjunction with a power washer.

Here's an easy step by step method.

Step back a couple of feet and a bit off to the side of the rim then rinse the rim from about 8 inches away. Be sure to spray into the crevices and spray from different angles.

Spray the rim using a circular motion around the outside of the wheel and be sure to rinse the tyre as well.

Apply tyre cleaning solution onto the tyre. Rinse the whole tire this time from about 5 inches away using the pressure washer. Now spray the rim with rim cleaner generously, following label directions. Usually you'll have to leave it sit on the rim for a few minutes to lift the debris. Rinse the cleaner from the rim from about 8 inches away with the pressure washer.

Note:
Always clean the rims before you clean your tyres and only clean your wheels after you've cleaned your car body. You don't want all that dirt from the body washing back onto your clean rims.

Dry your rims with an old bath towel. Optionally you can apply a light coat of car wax which will keep your rims clean longer and make your next washing easier by reducing the amount of dust that will "stick" to your rims.

Article source: http://www.valuablecontent.com/ /Bob Martin

Monday, August 11, 2008

My Cold Engine Won't Start

Starting a car with a cold engine is easier said than done, and there are times it can be a real frustration particularly if you live in the hills or areas that get exceptionally cold. Getting late for work, missing deadlines, not being able to drive the kids to school are just some of the things that happen when your car refuses to start due to cold engine. How to avoid this from happening?
Cold weather will come; that's for sure and inevitable. The trick is to not let cold engines stop you from driving your car without hassles.
Firstly, is it because cold weather affects liquid evaporation. When it is cold, petrol evaporates less, making it more difficult to burn. By the time petrol burns sufficiently, it is already too burnt for the car to use properly.
Secondly, a cold engine might have problems in starting because oil happens to get thicker in cold weather. Oil, just like any liquid, changes consistency when exposed to very low temperatures. The oil then may not properly circulate in the car engine.
But oil is not the only problem, as car batteries are affected too by cold weather. Since batteries function through chemical reactions, cold weather can severely hamper those necessary chemical reactions, making it hard for you to start your car. You end up starting the engine futilely as the batteries struggle to spark a chemical reaction.
When these three difficulties occur at once, then it becomes clear that you really won't be able to start your car anymore. What to do then?
Spray ether into the engine to help evaporate the petrol quickly and help your engine to start. Opt for thin Synthetic Oil which has better resistance from coagulating in the cold. Also, park your vehicle inside a garage where it's warm and sheltered. Leaving it out in the cold is a sure-fire way to deaden your engine.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Defensive Driving Skill

How to survive on the road: 7 Rules to live by
It is true that driving is a very dangerous activity. Any trouble in driving would not only endanger our own life but also the life or lives of our passengers and other drivers and passengers at other cars in the road.

Through the decades, people have witnessed some of the most tragic accidents by road. It is in this regard that there is a need to further popularize defensive driving.

Defensive driving refers to a form of road driving training that is aimed at helping a driver take an important intellectual and safety approach that helps save brakes, fuel, tires and of course, lives. It is necessary to lower if not totally eliminate the risks of driving vehicles through the anticipation of dangerous driving situations even at the face of adverse conditions and inappropriate driving practices by others.

There are seven general rules that are generally observed when a driver is acquiring and practicing the skills to defensive driving which are as follows.

Pick and purchase the right car
Make sure you are driving the right vehicle. No matter how cautious and safe you are as a driver, you would inevitably encounter challenges and road accidents if you are driving an unsafe and accident-prone car in the first place. So, there are some basic tips on car purchase.

First, when purchasing cars, avoid bland and dark colors. Gray, tan and silver are bland colors that look like urban camouflage. Thus, other drivers would have a hard time taking distinct and immediate notice of the car.

Likewise, dark colors like black and red are very hard to see especially in dim light. Then, make sure the car's center of mass is low and the four-wheel drive system has a differential center balancing forces between rear and front. It would also help if you would avoid purchasing or driving cars with heavily tinted windows especially in the front.

Inspect the car thoroughly before driving
Check all the components and parts of the car prior to driving. As an unwritten law, drivers should make it a habit to inspect the good quality and condition of tires, engines, lights, brakes and oil and water levels especially in preparation for a long trip. Make it a must to have the car sent for a mechanical condition check with professionals at least once a year.

Focus on the road
Defensive driving skills center well on focusing on the road. When driving, always scan the highway or road for any tell-tale signals from other vehicles like turn signals and brake light indicators form other cars. Usually, vehicular accidents occur because drivers fail to take heed and recognize the light indications and warnings from other drivers. Moreover, it is also imperative for you to make sure your headlights or daytime running lamps are turned on while driving in a busy and rapid road to avoid other cars from crashing into your car.

Always assume the worst in other drivers
It may be a little paranoid, but one of the distinct defensive driving skills is the ability to always assume that other drivers are the worst drivers. As such, do not rely heavily on light indicators from other cars, as drivers have the tendency to change minds on the last minute about taking a turn. Also, expect that other drivers at your back might not be able to see and interpret the stop signals and other tail light indications you may do.

Beware when you see drivers talking to their mobile phones while driving as they are more prone to accidents. Do not always assume that in intersections you will always have your right of way.

Keep an exit route
When driving in the highway, always remain in the outer lane especially on freeways. That way, the need to cross the lane to get to the shoulder in cases of problems would be eliminated. Have space on either side of the vehicle.

Avoid danger
Avoid driving at danger sites, like near large vehicles or cars that are defective. Visibly damaged cars should also be avoided as it can be safely assumed that their drivers are not skilled enough to drive safely.

Observe precaution when passing by vehicle break-down and crash scenes
When being awed by such vehicular cases, stay focused on your own driving. If not, you may risk running at wandering animals or pedestrians. Worse, you may run across obstacles or other road accident-causing sites.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Flex Fuel : Will You Bite?

FFV: flexible fuel vehicle. Are you interested in reducing your fuel costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and stopping our dependency on foreign oil? If so, ethanol may be the way to go. E85 is the "new" fuel source giving drivers an alternative to overpriced hybrids and clanky diesels.

All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. That’s right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? I’ll let you be the judge of that!

Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model “T” to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?

For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol –a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. That’s right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.

With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they aren’t some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.

E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:
1. E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.
2. E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

3. E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in America’s heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.

Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.

So, will you take the “bite” and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldn’t have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyone’s consideration.

Simple Tips To Save Gas

To most people, the most obvious way to save gas is buying a new car that gets better gas mileage. But before you head to the dealer to make your trade-in, you should know that there are easier ways to save money on gasoline. Do you stop short at traffic lights and then make a jack-rabbit start? Do you weave in and out of traffic? Driving more sensibly can save you 5%-33% on your gasoline costs. Driving the speed limit can save you another 7%-23%. It is estimated that every 5 miles you drive above 60 miles per hour is comparable to spending an additional $0.20 on gas.

Using your cruise control can also save gas since it regulates your speed. Additionally, using your overdrive gears when climbing hills can help. Excessive idling wastes fuel as well so you might want to consider turning off your car if you need to wait for someone or are completely stopped in traffic. If you're carrying around a lot of junk in your trunk, now is the time to clean out your car. Every extra pound you carry in your vehicle reduces your gas mileage. This formula applies more accurately to small vehicles rather than larger ones, but the total savings of reducing the weight in your car by 100 pounds is 1-2%. Keeping your car properly maintained can improve your gas mileage as much as 19%.

Visit your mechanic to check if your car is properly in tune and that there are no major mechanical problems detracting from your gas mileage. Discuss a schedule for changing your air filter, as this can improve mileage by up to 10%. Perhaps the simplest mileage savings comes from keeping your tires properly inflated. Purchase a tire gauge at your automotive supply store and learn to use it!

Many employers are now offering their employees the ability to telecommute and work from their home offices. Telecommuting just one day out of ten will obviously save you 10% on your gas costs. Carpooling, ride-sharing and public transportation are also ways to save gas, but these things may not an option for you due to scheduling conflicts. You can still save gas by avoiding rush hour commuting, combining errands into one trip and arranging your route to avoid backtracking. Many families are unwilling or unable to give up their annual driving vacation, but can save money by making sure their car is properly maintained as described above and by driving the speed limit.

Additionally, using a top carrier causes drag and can reduce efficiency by as much as 5% in addition to the reductions caused by carrying extra weight.

Visit
http://iautomotiveworld.com/ Ito learn more.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Avoid Highway Robbery by Using The New Crude-WATER

HERE'S THE BAD NEWS. Engines waste gasoline! Up to 80% of the high-priced gas that you pump doesn't get you anywhere because it goes UNBURNED to the catalytic converter. That means you are getting 0 MPG from most of the over-priced gasoline you pump into your tank.

WHY DO COMBUSTION ENGINES WASTE SO MUCH GAS? That's what they are designed to do, "WASTE GAS" because every second of every day, everywhere in the world, every single gas and diesel engine on the planet puts money into the deep pockets of Big Oil. Automotive and fuel technology has been deliberately held back, and people have been kept in the dark about AMAZING inventions and discoveries, in order to sell us lots of gasoline.

Sorry, but that's how it is. For example, the gas could be preheated and better formulated for better combustion, but it's not. The fuel vapor droplets could be smaller for efficient combustion ,but they're not. The pre-set computer-controlled air-to-fuel ratio could be more economical, but it's not. The exhaust could be reprocessed to contribute to mileage (there are patents on that), but it's not. Cars could be using a better carburetor design, but they're not because the patent for a 100 MPG carburetor was bought and buried years ago. Cars could be running completely on water fuel, but they're not because those patents were also bought and then buried along with the inventor (however, the patents ran out recently!). Even the hybrids that Big Auto is selling at luxury car prices don't optimize gasoline combustion and consumption.

HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS. You can do something about it, by using ENERGY from WATER. It sounds impossible, but this is something that none of our trusted sources of information, TV, radio, teachers, movies, professors, magazines, dad, scientists, books, Sesame Street, have told us about. Why? See the bad news, above.

I mentioned amazing inventions and discoveries. Many of them have very sophisticated technical patents on them. But the kind of water energy system I am talking about, the one that is affordable and do-able by us in our cars (not by buying a Big Auto hybrid with a luxury car pricetag), is a do-it-yourself technology, specifically designed for beginners with basic tools and very limited budgets. A working system can be built at home for $20 to $200 worth of parts and installed in your car, or truck on a weekend.

It's a 90-year-old technology that has been revived and developed into a simple, affordable, SAFE system based on low-cost hardware. It works like this: The main component of the low-cost water energy system is an electrolyzer, a container of water with electrodes in it. The electrolyzer takes a tiny bit of electricity from your car. The electricity "splits" water into hydroxyl gas and feeds it immediately to the engine cylinders. The improved air/fuel mix gets very efficient combustion.

Remember I said that wasted fuel can be as much as 80%? In other words, even though you have paid $3.50 or more per gallon, you are only getting performance from as little as 20%--two gallons out of every ten, of the gas you pay good money for! It puts a whole new complexion on the phrase "highway robbery." Our heads are spinning from rising gas prices. Now imagine instead that ALL your gasoline is working for you, it's actually turning your wheels and not just being turned into carbon deposits on your engine or exhaust from the catalytic converter. What would it be like for ALL that gasoline to be giving you mileage? It would be a WHOLE LOT MORE ECONOMICAL, that's what!

That's what happens when you add the energy from water. SEEING THE SEA OF ENERGY Wondering how much energy is in water? One gallon of water converts to approximately 1,833 gallons of combustible gas. One observer noted that a gallon of water in his water energy system lasted for about 2,700 miles. "Energy from water" is hard to believe because we are misled by the appearance of water when it's liquied. It looks so, well, WET and noncombustible.

But if we could sea the sea of energy in the water, zillions of hydrogen and oxygen atoms ready to break out and be combustible gas under the right conditions, it would be easy to conceive that, indeed, water can be "burned" in an engine, thus taking advantage of a new "crude" ,plain water. Why aren't scientists telling us about this? Why doesn't it make big headlines? More bad news. Some of them just don't know about it, and some are paid to tell us about anything

A crude example is a solar panel in sunlight. We get electrical power out of the panel but we do not put the sunlight into the panel-the sunlight arrives on its own. This example is simple as we can see the sunlight reaching the solar panel. "If, instead of the solar panel, we had a device which absorbs some of the energy that Quantum Mechanics observes and then gives out, say, electrical power, would that be so different? This reaction is based on the fact that we cannot see this sea of energy. We have been living and driving with danger for decades,it's called GASOLINE! Cars and trucks are planet-polluting bombs on wheels! But we are accustomed to it and we don't blow ourselves up. But in the water energy system, I know, you think we're talking about tanks of compressed hydrogen in the car, but that's not how it is done!

Here's the beauty of it: Hydrogen is already compressed in plain water! All we do in a water for fuel system is UNCOMPRESS and USE it immediately, on-demand, in the engine! No hydrogen bombs on board. Just a container of distilled water! And the exhaust is WATER! You split water, you burn it, you get fantastic mileage, you get a little water left over. GREEN TECHNOLOGY You can't get much greener than this unless you go for an engine designed to run completely on water, like the one that was designed and proven by Stanley Meyers when he drove across the United States on approximatelyconstructing and installing water energy systems. These people save gas, save money, get much better mileage, and enjoy smoother-running engines and greatly reduced emissions; be the proud owner of a Water Hybrid Vehicle.

WHAT CAN A WATER ENERGY SYSTEM REALLY DO FOR US? How much will gas cost the next time you fill your tank? A water energy system won't lower the price of ALL 28 gallons of water. This is GREEN technology, and you will not be causing any damage to the car or the engine, your warranty will most likely be intact AND the government will owe you money for going green!

INSTALL WATER ENERGY SYSTEM, there are hundreds of people around the world who are gasoline. It will lower the price of YOURS.