Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Never Get Tricked by Used Car Dealers Again - (part 1)

Amazingly, no matter what car the customer wants, it is always ‘hot property’, ‘very sought after’ and/or ‘hard to find’. Moreover, it isn’t a secret; we have all known it for years. Nevertheless, some of us still continue to be tricked into buying a new or used car we really don’t want to buy, and at a higher price than we expected. So let’s find out what some of the most favourite and sneaky used car dealer tactics in the car industry today and put them in our diary so we can refer to them when next buying a new car.

Car Dealer Tactic #1
Almost every new car dealership will drop the initial price they have listed on a car for sale. However, be wary of scams, pressure tactics, twists, and turns that car salespeople have up their sleeves. It is in the showroom, when you are ready to finalise the deal, where you shall be worn down by these machinations if you don’t have your wits about you.

Car Dealer Tactic #2
Car dealers will never give a direct or exact quote. If they do, they know you will go to another dealer and have them better the price. If you do leave the dealership and tell the dealer you will ‘look around for other prices’, the dealer will most likely ask you to come back once the ‘best price’ has been obtained. Don’t be fooled by this because the dealer will then either match the price, or, worse, since you're back and apparently ready or even eager to take the car, they will increase the pricer slightly, knowing they've gained upperhand this time.

Smart and very familiar, this trick works very well for most car dealers. It relies mainly on getting you, the customer, to feel obliged to buy the car finally, since you have put the dealer to ‘so much trouble’.

Car Dealer Tactic #3
Smart car dealers will urge you to commit to buy the car you really want, even before you get the final price. This is irksome and exasperating for customers, but reasonable from a car dealer’s point of view. Now your car dealer has two choices: to give you a quote and watch you walk out the door, or entice you to negotiate. Perhaps you may be lucky when negotiating with the dealer; however, you may never know whether you have paid too much.

If you feel uncomfortable about a car dealer, know that you can always back out of the negotiation, and find a new or used car elsewhere.

Go online at consumer.vic.gov.au, for instance, where you can check if traders of cars and other vehicles in Victoria are licensed and have Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) number. Car classifieds such as OzFreeOnline.com, offer thousands of used cars for sale, which can offer you the best price without the car dealer commission.

Vauxhall Astra – All Car History Volume5

The Vauxhall Astra is a spacious and practical small family car. The latest model, introduced in 2004, is the fifth Astra since the start of its production. It sports a larger interior than previous versions, with lots of kit providing an up market look and feel. The Astra's wide range of petrol engines and good choice of diesels make it a very popular car in the current market. The three-door Sport Hatch variant has the option of an innovative and attractive panoramic windscreen, which gives the Astra a whole new driving experience.
History of the Vauxhall AstraThe first Vauxhall Astra was introduced in 1979 and replaced its predecessor, the Vauxhall Viva in the UK. The Astra is manufactured and sold all around the world; branded as an Opel in continental Europe, a Holden in Australasia and a Chevrolet in Latin America. In Russia, it carries both Opel and Chevrolet badges. During the 1980s, the Astra was sold as a Pontiac in the United States.
Types of Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is available in three door and five door versions, as well as estate and van models. There are 13 trim levels to choose from, starting with the entry level Expression ranging all the way up to the Elite with additional SRi and VXR models available too. The Astra has petrol engines ranging from a 1.4 up to a 2-litre turbo in the VXR hot hatch. The diesel choices are 1.3, 1.7 or 1.9-litre units producing power from 90bhp to 150bhp.

Did You Know?
The griffin emblem which is still used on all Vauxhall cars today is derived from the coat of arms of Fulk le Breant. He was a mercenary soldier who was granted the Manor of Luton for services to King John in the thirteenth century.
The new Vauxhall Astra has been awarded a 5 star rating for adult occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash test programme.
The Vauxhall Astra is also available in the top-of-the-range VXR format. The team behind the VXR model combined their racing knowledge and experience to produce high performance road cars. The Astra VXR runs on a 2-litre Ecotec turbocharged engine producing a maximum output of 237bhp. This power allows it to get from 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 140mph.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Nismo Performance Parts - All Your Car Needs to Get Rejuvenated


Things depreciate with the time, so is a car. A car used for almost five to ten years will not be able to serve you to the extent it used to be in its initial years. What will you do, sell the car and buy a new one? Not many of us can actually buy a new brand of car because of its high cost. To get the better service of a used car, you can upgrade it by adding some performance enhancement parts.
Adding Nismo performance parts to a vehicle can make a huge difference. Besides, improving the performance of the car, these parts can increase the value of your car. Also, if want to sell the vehicle in the months to come, adding performance parts can get you a better price. So, it is always easy to visit a garage and pay for performance car parts to be added to your car’s overall value.
Apply Your Own skills:
Have you ever given a thought on using your own efforts to enhance the performance of your car? A bit of right knowledge about the car parts and availability of some spare time can actually save your dollars that you would need to pay to the mechanic. Nothing can compare to the sense of achievement in upgrading your car’s performance with your own efforts.
Popular Auto Performance Parts:
You can choose many performance parts for vehicles today. To get the most satisfying service, you need to identify the most useful performance parts for your car. Here are some parts that people generally add-on to their vehicle to enhance its performance:
• A new clutch
• A new exhaust pipe
• Spoilers
Internet is the right place to get good bargains for Nismo performance parts. Search carefully and get the right one for your needs.

Turbocharger the powerful accessories


For quite some time, the only way that engine designers knew how to make power was by adding displacement. The bigger the engine, the more power it could make. While this type of design was acceptable in the 50s and 60s, as technology moved on and fuel became more expensive, it became clear that smaller motors could be made to develop healthy power too.There are plenty of imports out there with 4-cylinder motors in the 2 liter range. If you have one of these engines, then you know that while it might be fun to drive it in the higher rpm range, it does not have a lot of grunt down low, and it tends to run out breath pretty quickly in top gear. You might have seen some sporty-looking compacts zoom by you on the highway and heard a distinctive "pssh pssh" sound when they shifted gears. That is the sound of a turbos blow-off valve. A what?A turbocharger is a device that crams more air into your engine by compressing it as much as possible. A quick lesson on how engines make power: they take air and fuel, combine them together, and then ignite that mixture to create an explosion that turns your cars crankshaft. This generates horsepower. Now, if you can figure out a way to get more oxygen into that mixture before the spark plug fires, then you can add an extra amount of gasoline and create an even more powerful explosion. Thats what a turbocharger does, through compressing air so that it contains more oxygen per cubic foot than the air around us in the atmosphere.In order to do all of this compressing, a turbo has to spin pretty fast actually, really fast. Most turbos spin above 20,000 rpm, and this allows the blades inside the device to compress air incredibly quickly. Turbochargers are really efficient devices, as they are driven by the exhaust gases of the engine itself. These gases exit the engine at great speed, and this speed is translated into the high rpms of the turbo itself.However, this design is also the source of one of a turbochargers greatest downsides turbo lag. Since an engine running at a low speed does not produce a significant amount of exhaust, when you mash the gas, it takes a little while for the turbo to spin up to maximum power. The time it takes between the pedal being depressed and full power being available is known as lag. This can be a frustrating experience when running the stoplight grand prix, as some turbo cars are a bit slower off the line than their more torquey opponents. Once that turbo kicks in, though, all is forgiven.A turbo can be a great way to add some real punch to your imports engine, but its important that you take the time to install everything properly, and make sure that your fuel delivery system is up to the demands of all that extra air rushing in. Turbochargers add extra pressure to many engine components, and its far better set things up well at the beginning than it is to have to call a tow truck to take your baby back to the garage.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Why Is Auto Insurance Important?

Auto insurance protects you from being financially responsible for an accident, but you’re required to pay monthly premiums to keep the insurance. By law you must have car insurance if you want to drive on the road and without it you can be fined, lose your license, go to jail and also be sued depending on the seriousness of the accident you caused. Even if you’re pulled over without car insurance you can be fined though which means you must have and maintain auto insurance.
There are lots of companies that offer auto insurance and you’ll need to research which is the best option for your specific needs. Auto insurance has many different types of policies and coverage so you need to make sure when you buy your car insurance that the policy makes sense for you. One thing you want to make sure of is that the monthly premium will fit into your budget and also that you’re getting the right amount of coverage for your vehicle. Don’t get to much coverage but also don’t get too little coverage, there is a very fine line between the two and you’ll need to determine which is suitable for your vehicles.
Typically if you get into a car accident and you’re at fault then you need to put the claim through your insurance. This will mean that your insurance company will pay the damages to the vehicles and also any medical expenses that anyone faces, if any. Without car insurance it makes you liable for the damages and medical bills and this is where it gets very serious. You can be sent to jail for injuring someone in an accident without any insurance and you will most definitely be sued by the family. This will often result in you losing everything you own.
Car insurance isn’t a joking matter and is one of the most important insurance policies you need. It’s also one of the insurance policies that are mandatory to have while driving. Having car insurance is also necessary to have in case somebody hits your vehicle. If someone hits your vehicle and you don’t have insurance then they won’t be liable for paying any damages to you.
As you can tell having car insurance benefits you in a lot of ways and also gives you a feeling of safeness while out on the road. It’s always better to drive focused and not sub-cautiously have to be thinking about the fact you’re driving without insurance. Car insurance can be bought for very affordable monthly premiums and offer great coverage, you just need to do a bit research beforehand so that you can find the best deal. There is highly competitive competition in this industry and there are many companies fighting for your business. Decide on a budget savvy auto insurance policy and I guarantee you’ll be saved a lot of hassles and unnecessary fines. You’ll also be ensured that you won’t be financially accountable for any damages to people or vehicles as your insurance will cover you.

Brake Service




Brake Services are a must in ensuring safety of automobiles especially its passengers.
Vehicular accidents are a leading cause of death in many countries around the globe. Such can be attributed to various reasons; however, majority of the cases is due to poor maintenance of the vehicle. More particularly, brake systems often fail to serve its main purpose because those behind the wheel forgot to check them before actually traveling. As a responsible owner and driver, you must always put into thought that it is not only you who will be suffering from severe damages, but your passengers as well. Especially if you run a business that involves automobiles, heavy machineries or one that offers transportation service to the general public, safety should be your number one priority.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several brake systems that works for each kind. Before visiting the nearest auto shop, identifying what system is installed in your car would help you scout for the most appropriate brake service. In addition, determining this fact will lead to you establishments which can provide you with necessary tools and technical know-how for you to maintain the quality of your brake system. All drivers depend on the braking system in their vehicles as this is crucial to the law of survival. Aside from knowing what kind of system is in your car, familiarity with what actually compromise the machinery is a requirement. This shall enable a driver to troubleshoot simple mechanical problems that may arise while on the road.
Technological advancement has given us a wider range of automobiles to choose from. Therefore, the development of various types of brake systems was inevitable to keep up with the fast-changing demands of each vehicle type. Among the many available in the market, the most commonly used for high-powered, heavy equipments are the hydraulic brake mechanism and the air brake system. From the word itself hydraulic brakes makes use of hydraulic brake fluids forced into particular pistons which then are expected to reach cylinders connected to the wheels. Similar components in this kind of contraption must likewise be inspected for damages other than the normal ones you encounter. On the other hand, the air brake system operates with compressed air found in pistons within master cylinders. Programmed systems were later incorporated in the regular air brake mechanisms since damage to car parts became a reason for vehicular accidents during the time when air brake systems were kept under control by train engineers.
If you were in the transport business, having a well-maintained automotive brake system would suggest safety and security of services to your clientele. Hence, the returns should be better compared to competitors in the industry. A regular visit to your choice of dealer is a must if you’d like to save on your hard-earned money. Especially if you operate heavy machineries, only the best brake system dealers are to be considered. However, finding one on a short notice is quite difficult as most of these companies encourage scheduled check-up of vehicles. So unless you are willing to compromise on this rule, you better make sure that your brake system parts are working just as they should be. For repairs and other services, ask friends and family for their recommendations. They should be able to give you at least one particular dealer which provides the service you need. Otherwise, surf the net for some but be careful because almost, if not all, claim to be the best at what they do. Consider also your location, schedule and of course, your budget. Whenever replacing parts of your brake system, it is best to go for performance rather than cost. Majority will generally look for cheaper parts versus more expensive ones but in turn they are sacrificing the level of safety of their vehicles.

Driving Green In Today’s Environment



With skyrocketing gasoline prices being what they are, the hazards of global warming, and the public’s concern about foreign oil, more and more automakers are offering electric, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles. While purchasing a green vehicle is a great start toward reducing the environmental impacts of driving. Of course, the vehicle you drive is the most important factor, but your driving habits and how well you maintain your vehicle will also impact the environment in a positive or negative way.
A Green house Gas (GSG) is any gas that, when released into the atmosphere, traps infrared radiation (heat) and causes a slow heating of the planet. The most common GHGs are: carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrous oxides (N 2 0). CO 2 makes up about 70 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, which is why many vehicles produce several times their weight in greenhouse gases each year. In fact, most of the fuel you put in your gas tank becomes GHG emissions!
Let’s face it – owning a car is a necessity in today’s world, so what kind of actions can you take to help you “drive green”?
In hot weather, park in the shade when possible and open doors and windows to cool the car off before you turn on the air conditioning. Window shades also help cut down on heat and sun damage. Use of AC increases fuel consumption, and involves using fluids that are potentially harmful to the environment.
Avoid driving in rush hour traffic. Start and stop driving increases emissions of smog-forming pollutants.
Go easy on the brakes and the accelerator. Jack-rabbit starts result in wasted fuel and releases more pollutants into the environment. Let your vehicle coast to a stop as much as possible and save wear and tear on your brakes.
Obey the speed limit. If you drive 65 mph instead of 55 mph, you will lower your fuel economy by almost 10 percent, and increase exhaust pollution output.
Instead of taking separate trips, combine them as much as possible. An engine that is already warm generates far less air pollution. Catalytic converters only work well when the exhaust has warmed them to a certain temperature. If you cold-start your vehicle and drive just two miles, the emissions are much higher than driving an additional two miles to stop at the grocery after your usual evening commute. Combining several short trips into one can make a big difference when it comes to driving green.
Use your tire gauge! Properly inflated tires are a must. Fuel economy decreases by about two percent per every three pounds below the recommended pressure. Check the air pressure regularly; especially before going on a long trip. Your tires will last longer, too.
A tune-up can have a substantial impact on your fuel economy. Check fluids, spark plugs, and the air filter. Change the oil (to go even greener, ask for recycled oil) and replace worn belts. Rotate the tires and have your wheels aligned for even tire wear.
Avoid topping off the gas tank after the automatic nozzle shuts off. Spilled gasoline is carcinogenic to breathe, evaporates into the atmosphere, and can leak into the ground, pollute the water, and poison wildlife.
Save on fuel and decrease pollution by biking or participating in a car or van pool to get to work, and share rides to and from the kids’ activities.
By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can do your part to offset global warming and help the environment. Go green!

Seven Tips to Save on Car Fuel

Fuel efficiency is one of the most popular concerns of car owners. As the price of fuel keeps rising in the world market, it becomes mandatory for everyone to find ways on how to possibly save on gas. Here are good tips to follow:
1. Make sure that your car is running perfectly.
Cars that have problem motors are likely to use more gas. Have your car checked on a regular basis to keep it in shape. Tune ups should be done right on schedule. This way, you can keep your car from consuming more gas than it has to.
2. Use the air conditioner sparingly.
The air conditioning system of your car uses gasoline as well. This fact should force you not to use the air conditioner system when not necessary. If it is rather cold outside, why not roll down the window a bit and enjoy some fresh air? This is especially advisable on short rides. If that's not possible, try to wait for the temperature inside the car to go down and then switch to fan mode right after.
3. Don't over inflate your tires.
Tires that are filled over the required pressure tend to reduce the fuel efficiency of your car. Always check the pressure of the tire before driving. If you have to fill your tire with air, make sure that you don't go over the limit.
4. Idle engine uses gas.
Don't leave your car's engine on idle if you will be gone for quite some time. Some people park their car and leave the engine on. This is not a good practice, even if you have somebody watching your car. You might also want to turn off the engine if the traffic is so worse every stop is more than 5 minutes worth of wait.
5. Don't drive too fast.
Driving too fast consumes more gas than driving within acceptable speeds. You should have known that already. Every time you accelerate, you step on the gas. That means you're using more fuel if you are unnecessarily driving too fast. Unless you're in a race, remind yourself that speed limit doesn't mean minimum speed.
6. Consider your gas choices thoroughly.
When you go the gas station, there are different types of gas to choose from - unleaded, premium, and all other types of car fuel that may or may not be compatible with your car. Know the type of fuel your car needs. Your car would run with unleaded gasoline as good as the more expensive ones. Just be sure not to load up on diesel or LPG if your car runs on gasoline. Doing so would ruin your car. Consult your manual for reference.
7. Choose fuel efficient cars.
If you really want to save gas, you might want to change your car entirely into another model that is known to be real fuel efficient. Cars that are made to run fast tend to consume more gas than cars with less whistles and horns. Know the car's expected mileage per gallon straight from its dealer.

Choosing a Subwoofer


Subwoofers are the speaker units that produce lower frequency sounds. It is a very important part of getting great sound. It ensures that the music’s bass is clear and hard hitting. Most human beings can hear between 20and 20,000 Hz. Subwoofers give out sound on the low end of this frequency scale.
The crossover filters of subwoofers filter out sound that is high on the frequency scale. The point where this takes place can be adjusted. Sounds on the low part of the frequency scale are very long and it takes a lot of power for them to be heard. By using a subwoofer to filter low-frequency sound, the base in your automobile will sound a lot better.
When you're looking for a subwoofer, it's important to decide ahead of time how much power you want. If you have a lot of room and you want a lot of base, then you will want to purchase a subwoofer that has powerful, built-in amplifiers. Also, it is important to note, that the bigger the driver is, the deeper the base will be. Therefore, you may want to go with subwoofer with around a 10 or 12 inch woofer cone.
Many subwoofers come with a single cone then moves back and forth to help create sound waves that are low-frequency. The woofer cone can be mounted one of two ways. The first way is called, down firing and the second is called front firing. Subwoofer cones that are down firing are typically on the bottom of the subwoofer cabinet. When they are front firing they are on the side of the cabinet. One of these is not necessarily better then the other. It's just a matter of design and your own personal taste.
Another important part of subwoofers is the enclosure. This is essentially the cabinet where the speaker is placed. By changing the design of the cabinet, you can affect how the subwoofer works and its’ output. There are a couple of types of enclosures. They are called acoustic suspension and base reflects. Acoustic suspension enclosures are inside a box and help to offer base response. The sound that you will get will be tight and accurate. However, it will take a more powerful amplifier then is required with the base reflects design. A base reflex enclosure has a port, which helps to make the base bigger and more extended. Essentially all of port is, is a hole that allows some of the energy created from the woofer cone to come out. These types of enclosures use power better, but they're not as accurate.
Subwoofers provide full, rich sound and a lot of base. If you have standing speakers, you may be satisfied with the base. However, if you want a little more power and a little more kick then you may want to consider adding better subwoofers. Also, if you are thinking of using your stereo system for a home theater or you just want really big sound, then you may want to consider getting or upgrading your subwoofers.

Adding Video to Your Car

Placing a mobile video system in one's car is no longer exclusively for car enthusiast, high rollers and rappers. Today, you are bound to see suburbanites and families with video systems built into their vehicles. They are a great way to keep children and adults entertained while on the road, especially on long trips. Sometimes it is difficult to find a radio station or music that everyone likes. It’s a little easier to find a great movie that's good for the entire family. Mobile video is an affordable addition to any vehicle and instantly ups the entertainment value.
There are some minivans and SUVs that come with built in video systems. For those that do not, it's very easy to have them installed them in one's car, truck or van. There are many reasons to get a video system installed in one's car or to purchase a vehicle that already has one installed. We will discuss some of those reasons below.
The first reason one is simply for entertainment value. The second reason is to show off a little bit, and the third reason is that the video systems not only show videos, but also can act as GPS navigational systems.
A video which shows movies can instantly make long trips more bearable. This is especially true if one has young kids who grow restless and bored pretty easy. Instead of them fighting with each other to entertain themselves, they can watch a movie. This gives a little bit of peace and quiet to Mom and Dad. Individuals can watch all types of movies and they can cater them to whoever's in the car. This may mean of cartoons for while, kiddy movies and even those of a more grown-up variety. Another option is to use the video system to play video games. This can keep teenagers busy and engaged for hours.
Having a video system installed in your car can also help you show off a little bit. Dash receivers and receivers in car seats are very impressive and are sure to get you a lot of positive strokes.
For individuals who do a lot of driving or who get lost often and/or easily, video systems can also act as GPS systems. They can tell you exactly how to get to a particular place. You won’t get lost and you won’t waste time driving around, which wastes gas. With gas prices being so expensive, any methods that can improve fuel efficiency are a big deal.
When setting up a video system, you will need three primary things. They include something for audio. This could include wireless headphones, if you don’t want to force everyone in the car to listen to the movie. You will also need a monitor and you will some type of media player. This can be either a VCR or DVD. You will be able to buy kits that have all these components or you can just hand over the duties to an auto shop that will allow you to pick out a video system and then install it.

Adding a GPS System to Your Car

Many navigational GPS systems are very robust in their features. They give drivers directions, provide directories to places such as hospitals and restaurants. They also provide street and highway maps. Voice directions will lead individuals directly to their destination. With so many advantages, it seems impossible to imagine that we have ever gotten along without them. The top-of-the-line GPS systems and the most expensive ones have extra special features, such as street maps that are in full color and 3-D, traffic alerts, that will let you know if there's an accident or if traffic is backed up. They also will help re-route you to help you get to your destination. Some of them also come with the ability to use the cell phone without using one's hands. They also have touch screens, FM transmitters and even widescreens.
The GPS system that you purchase will be determined based on your budget and on your personal needs. There are a few ways to get a navigational system in your car. The first option and probably the most simple, is to purchase a vehicle that already has a GPS system installed. For those who perhaps have an older car or just did not purchase a car with a navigational system when they were in the market for a vehicle, may want to go with purchasing and having installed an aftermarket system. This will be installed and your standard radio system will be taken out. A third option is to simply purchase a GPS system that is portable and that can be placed in your car. You can take it with you or simply mount it on your dashboard.
The most expensive option is probably to purchase a vehicle that already has a GPS system. However, you are likely to get a very good model. Often times these come with the LCD screens that are big, this helps a great deal when you’re looking at maps. These types of systems are also integrated with other things in the car such as the radio, the built-in cell phone, and climate control. One disadvantage of purchasing a car with a GPS navigational system already installed is that when new ones come out, it is not as simple to upgrade it.
Purchasing an aftermarket GPS system and then having it installed is a second option. These are of very high quality as well and usually come with a navigation system, a stereo and a CD or even a DVD player. These are great to use in recreational of videos as well as cars, SUVs and minivans. They can be kind of expensive and you will need to have someone install them professionally.
The last option and probably the least expensive is the portable GPS system. It gives you a lot of flexibility. You can choose a more expensive option because you will not have to pay for installation and you also can take them anywhere, which makes it great, especially for individuals who travel a lot or use rental cars.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Wix Car Filters



An air filters remove solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from air. Air filters are used in applications where air quality is important, such as in internal combustion engines, gas compressors, diving air compressors, gas turbines and others. The air intakes of internal combustion engines and compressors tend to use either paper, foam, or cotton media.
Automotive cabin air filters The cabin filters are a pleated-paper filter that is located in the outside-air intake for the vehicle's passenger compartment. Some filters are rectangular. Others are shaped to fit the available space of the vehicles' outside-air intake. This filter is often overlooked by owners. Clogged or dirty cabin air filters can reduce airflow from the cabin vents, as well as introduce allergens into the cabin air. Internal combustion air filters
The air filter prevents abrasive like dirt from entering the engine's cylinders that would cause engine wear and oil contamination. Most fuel injected cars use a pleated paper filter that looks like a flat panel. This filter is placed inside a plastic box connected to the throttle body between the intake tube. Older vehicles use carburetors or throttle body fuel injection sometimes use a round air filter, usually a few inches high and between 6 and 16 inches round. It is usually located directly over the carburetor or throttle body and secured with a metal or plastic lid.
Paper Pleated paper filters are the preferred choice for automobile engine air filters, because they are efficient, easy to service, and inexpensive. The "paper" , as the filter media are considerably different from other papers.
Foam Oil-wetted foam filters are used in some replacement air filters. Foam was used in air cleaners on small engines and other power equipment, but cars paper filter media has since replaced oil-wetted foam filters. An oil-wetted foam filter can offer minimal airflow restriction or high dirt capture, which makes this type the choice in off-road vehicles and other motorsport that encounter high dust levels.
Cotton Oiled cotton gauze is employed in a small number of aftermarket automotive air filters marketed as high-performance items. In the past, cotton gauze saw limited use in original-equipment automotive air filters.
Oil Bath An oil bath air cleaner is a round base bowl containing a pool of oil, and a round insert which is filled with fibre, mesh, foam, or another coarse filter media. When the cleaner is assembled, the media-containing body of the insert sits a short distance above the surface of the oil pool. The rim of the insert overlaps the rim of the base bowl. This arrangement forms a labyrinthine path through which the air must travel in a series of U-turns: up through the gap between the rims of the insert and the base bowl, down through the gap between the outer wall of the insert and the inner wall of the base bowl, and up through the filter media in the body of the insert. This U-turn takes the air at high velocity across the surface of the oil pool. Larger and heavier dust and dirt particles in the air cannot make the turn due to their inertia, so they fall into the oil and settle to the bottom of the base bowl. Lighter and smaller particles are trapped by the filtration barrier in the insert, which is wetted by oil drops aspirated by normal airflow.
Oil bath air cleaners were very widely used in automotive and small-engine applications until the widespread industry adoption of the paper filter in the early 1960s. Such cleaners are still used in off-road equipment where very high levels of dust are encountered, for oil bath air cleaners can sequester a great deal of dirt relative to their overall size, without loss of filtration efficacy or airflow. However, the liquid oil makes cleaning and servicing such air cleaners messy and inconvenient, they must be relatively large to avoid excessive restriction at high airflow rates, and they tend to increase exhaust emissions of unburned hydrocarbons due to oil aspiration when used on spark-ignition engines.
References from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.wixautomotiveproducts.blogspot.com/

Friday, July 11, 2008

Auto Dealers – How To Find The Right One


Whether you are planning to sell your car, buy a new one, or trade your car for another one, Auto dealers can provide much assistance. These individuals or groups can be found through a number of means; however, you need to be aware of the unsavory activities performed by some of them.
Are you planning to purchase a car? Do you have a specific automobile that you would like to sell? If you were in one of these situations, a good option for you would be to get in touch with an auto dealer. This is an individual or group that buys, sells, and oftentimes, trades cars and other types of vehicles. Generally, buying from an auto dealer can be advantageous as these persons or companies normally give relatively lower prices. In addition, through selling your car to an auto dealer, you could have a better chance of giving your car a more reasonable price.
But where exactly can you find auto dealers? First, you can do some legwork and drive around your city to find automobile stores and car repair shops. Most likely, these establishments are affiliated with auto dealers, and some may even be dealers themselves. This option has a certain advantage, as it would allow you to personally meet at once the individual or group from whom you buy a car from or sell your vehicle to. On the other hand, if you are in a tight schedule, you can search for auto dealers in the yellow pages. This enables you to contact more auto dealers within a significantly shorter amount of time. You should keep in mind though that you have to limit the auto dealers you would call up to those within your district or city. Another way to find auto dealers is through the Internet. Using Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine, you can type “auto dealers” followed by the name of your city on the field provided, and in a few seconds, you would be able to view a number of websites developed and maintained by auto dealers working in your area. If you choose this option, you should be more careful and look out for fake websites and shady dealers. Make sure that the auto dealer you have chosen has provided its telephone number and address in its website.
Moving on, regardless of how you would get in touch with an auto dealer, you should be aware of certain things to remember. First, there are a lot of auto dealers out there who perform scams on their customers. For example, some auto dealers would convince you to trade your present car with a new one with low financing. When you have traded your car with a new one from the dealer and have made a down payment, he would call you a few days later and tell you that your car loan payment has increased. If you can’t pay the loan, the dealer will take back the new car, and if you try to ask for your old car, he will tell you that he has already sold it. To avoid this from happening to you, you should never give the dealer the title or the key to your car until you have signed the purchase agreement. Apart from this, there are other types of unlawful activities that are done by some auto dealers.
About the Author
For more information on Auto Dealers please visit our website.

Where To Acquire Auto Painting Services


Painting your automobile is an important step in improving the appearance and protecting the body of your vehicle. There are a number of ways to find providers of auto painting service. In addition, you can also decide on doing this task yourself.
Most of the time, you would be contented with the color of your automobile. You would then proceed to maintaining the other components of your vehicle such as its engine as well as its interior equipments and furnishings. However, there may be an instance when you would decide on modifying or completely changing the color of your car. Also, you may encounter a situation wherein certain parts of your cars body need to be painted due to damages caused by a mishap.
If you are in one of these aforesaid situations, you need to acquire a service aptly known as auto painting. There are a number of ways to get in touch with providers of this service.
First, you can drive to one of the car repair shops in your city. These establishments usually have experts who render this kind of service. Once you have met an auto painter, clearly point out what needs to be done to your car. Ideally, you should use the car you would like to be painted, as this would help you properly describe the changes that have to be performed on it. Then you have to indicate exactly which type and color of paint should be used. If you cannot decide which color of paint your car should have, the auto painter can give a set of suggestions. Examine each one and ask if you could see the cars in the shop with have the colors he has suggested or if you could see the paint colors them. After you have chosen the color you want your car to have, you can now discuss with the service provider the cost of the task. Keep in mind certain factors such as the length of time the painter would work on the car and whether he would paint the entire body or just a portion of it.
Alternatively, you can visit certain websites developed by companies the offer auto repair and painting. While searching for these online companies, you should focus on those that are working in your city or district. This will give much convenience especially when you will bring your car to the shop or when you need to visit it from time to time. Next, you should see if the online company provides a means of talking to its auto painters. This feature lets you talk to the painter and assess if you indeed want to acquire his service without going to his establishment.
Moving on, another option is to paint your own automobile. You can do this if you believe that you have a lot of patience, an artistic eye, and a sense of perfectionism. Generally, this process consists of several steps. First, you have to get rid of rust from your car by removing the metal that has rust and welding patches on the areas where metal has been removed. Then you have to straighten the car’s panel by using quality fillers and power sanders. Finally, you can carry out the actual painting. This step involves gathering the necessary tools, applying quality primer on your car’s body, and applying your chosen paint on it. Since this is the most crucial part of the project, you may want to consult a car specialist before doing this procedure.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Car Troubleshooting With Automotive Scan Tools

It wasn't that long ago that car troubleshooting involved listening to your engine and then doing all sorts of trial and error guessing at what problems the car had. If you had to hire a mechanic, this could get very costly. Nowadays there are automotive scan tools that can diagnose many problems that used to take many man hours of car troubleshooting to diagnose.
Some types of automotive scan tools can even solve some of your car's problems for you. Many of these automotive scan tools can interface directly with the new computers being built in cars. This is possible because most new cars have an OBD (onboard diagnostic computer) that constant monitors and can report on commonly malfunctioning car systems. This makes it much quicker for you to get your car repaired. In many cases it can save you diagnostic charges. Most importantly, it can save you from having your mechanic trying to fix the wrong parts of your car.
You may not even be aware that automotive scan tools are being used for even basic car servicings. Even your car's oil levels and oil quality may be checked by automotive scan tools when you take your car in for a tuneup or oil change. Your car may have the air bags and engine checked during factory servicing as well.
More About the OBD
Again, the OBD keeps track of how well various parts of your car are functioning. OBD codes can be outputted to help the mechanic figure out what isn't working properly in the car. The mechanic usually uses automotive scan tools to read these codes and make interpretations of them. Most problems will be immediately and correctly diagnosed and solved on the first try with this information in hand. This is not only time saving, but it can save a lot of money on unneeded parts and a lot of hassles with repairs that don't really solve the problem and leave you returning to the mechanics over and over again. The process of car troubleshooting has been greatly improved through the use of OBDs and automotive scan tools.
Remember that successfully buying used cars hinges on several different factors, so see what you can do to improve your opportunities atcheap used cars.

Plastic Headlight Lenses Cleaner



In the past, automakers designed headlight lenses made from glass so they were limited in the size and shape they could produce. Since then, auto manufacturers began designing cars with plastic or polycarbonate headlight lenses. This modification mainly occurred due to the change in the design of cars---cars became lighter and more aerodynamic, plus plastic was by far less expensive to produce than glass. Today this plastic material is the chosen choice because it is very light and can be transformed into unlimited sizes and shapes to satisfy new car designs.
Polycarbonate has its advantages but also has its disadvantages---namely oxidation / discoloration. To the naked eye one cannot tell that these plastic lenses are actually a porous material that expands ever so slightly when it gets hot. Degradation of the lens occurs over time. Having your headlights on or being exposed to the heat of the day causes the pores to open allowing debris from the road to get in. Debris, together with a combination of environmental factors such as the sun (UV rays), smog, acid rain, car exhaust, and harsh chemicals used to wash you car can cause the plastic headlight lenses to become oxidized.
Plastic oxidation leads to lens discoloration, which transforms new, clear, bright, shiny plastic to a dull yellow tint that appears to be foggy, hazy, or cloudy. This process (oxidation), as described above, not only becomes an eyesore but also is unsafe. Because of the degradation of the plastic lens, less light passed through resulting in diminished visibility during night driving. The car owner either had to deal with these cloudy yellow, oxidized headlight lenses posing serious safety issues or purchase expensive replacement headlights costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
We feel it is necessary to inform the public so that they may know and learn how to restore, clean, polish, and clear those cloudy, yellow plastic headlight lenses on their own without putting more money into the car manufacturer's pocket. One can restore headlights to like-new condition by taking off the top layer of oxidized plastic. This can be achieved through polishing, wet sanding, or through the use of chemicals. Auto manufacturers would rather you go to them for a headlight repair (charging as much as $150) or headlight replacement ($100-$1,000). The top layer of plastic on the headlights contains a UV polymer that retards or slows down the aging of the plastic lens. Therefore, it is important to use a polish (containing UV polymers) or UV coating to slow down the oxidation or discoloration of the lens. Parking your car in the shade or garage, or maintaining the lens by washing, waxing, and polishing a minimum of every three months, could avoid damage to the headlight lens.
There are many companies that specialize in headlight restoration and one can easily find one by simply putting in a keyword phrase such as "cloudy foggy headlights" into any of the popular search engines like google, yahoo, or msn. There are two types of headlight cleaners / headlight restoration kits:
1. Basic Headlight Restoration Kit (for light discoloration) 2. Advanced Headlight Restoration Kit (for more severe discoloration)
Most headlight restoration kits work extremely well. Choosing a kit depends on the severity of your vehicle's lenses. Most kits available online are very easy to use and do not require the use of special tools or training. Beware of kits that offer backing plates and drill attachments. While they may save time, they may cause irreversible damage due to various drill speeds causing burning or swirls in the plastic lens. First-time users should avoid these kits because it takes skill and practice to control the drill from making these mistakes and possibly slipping off and ruining a perfectly fine paint job.
In some kits like an Advanced Headlight Restoration Kit, they may even supply a small roll of blue painters tape to mask your headlight to protect your paint job during the restoration process. Along with both kits, one should receive a step-by-step brochure outlining how to clean headlights appropriately to obtain bright, shiny headlamps while restoring optical clarity to your lenses. Both kits should carry a satisfaction guarantee. It is also a great resource if the company has tech support for anyone that has questions while reconditioning their headlamps so trained technicians can walk you through the quick and easy process of headlight restoration.
For more great information, tips, safety and money saving products please visit: The Headlight Solution at http://www.headlightsolution.net
John Steel is an alumni of The University Of Miami with a degree in Biology and Exercise Science. He is currently working as an Nuclear Medicine Technologist in South Florida. He is also the President/Owner of The Headlight Solution-A small company with a big goal of safer driving at night through restoring aging plastic headlights to like new condition providing optical clarity for night driving.

Car Accident Safety Research And Literature

There is no lack of research and data banks from which to draw specific information regarding collision speed and injuries. Case studies on neck and whiplash injury can be traced to Dr. Crowe, a surgeon who presented eight cases of neck injuries from traffic accidents in 1928. This concept was looked at more closely by the United States Navy after observing the phenomenon of neck injuries in pilots who were injured when catapulted from aircraft carriers. This research led to the finding that a high seat supporting the head, upper back, and neck during acceleration prevented hyperextension, which was identified as the main cause of those injuries.
Although books and articles can be found on a national and international level, probably the single largest data-base is with the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Since 1956, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has sponsored the Stapp Car Crash Conferences, which have been hosted by various colleges, universities, and technical institutions. These conferences publish studies that are cleared through the SAE advisory committee.
The focus of these research articles is on automotive design and occupant safety. Whether the research was generated and presented under the auspices of the SAE or otherwise, methodologies and technology have become more sophisticated over time. The earlier studies used primarily sled tests and impact barriers, which do not necessarily reflect the dynamics involved between two colliding vehicles on a roadway. The anatomical models first used were primarily male and not as sophisticated as the current models, which more closely match body mass, soft tissue, and bone structure. Cadavers sometimes were used; in earlier studies, rarely were human volunteers used.
More recent studies now include vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, current automotive, seatbelt, and seat designs, and more representative anatomical models of women and children. However, these studies always seem to rely on a compromise of an "average" person, and therein lies some major differences when applied to real world crash facts.
The current studies also focus on low speed crashes in which there is little property damage to cars. High speed, slow motion videography demonstrates the motion of dummies, cadavers, and live subjects in low speed impacts. These studies show the numerous variables discussed above, which strongly suggest that there is no constant threshold below which injury does not occur and above which injury does occur. We are all familiar with the scenario in which a person remarkably escapes injuries in a severe crash, even though another occupant of the same vehicle sustains serious injuries. There are infinite variables at both ends of the spectrum that can only be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
It must be kept in mind that the engineering research discussed in this article occurs in a controlled environment at low speeds with live subjects who are healthy and strong. For good reason, these studies do not subject live volunteers to high speed impacts or attempt to intentionally induce injury by having occupants sit improperly or by recruiting elderly or previously injured persons to participate as test volunteers. Even under strictly controlled conditions at low speeds when every precaution had been taken to avoid injury, some research volunteers have reported post-collision symptoms, including neck, back, and headache pain without hyperextension or hyperflexion.
Article edited. The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
About the Author
A car accident lawyer or attorney in Minneapolis MN at the law firm of Schwebel Goetz and Sieben can provide you with an experienced automobile accident attorney or lawyer in Minnesota.

Affordable Auto Windshield Repair

Even a seemingly small rock chip on your windshield can pose several problems. Apart from posing an optical hazard during driving, these rock chips have a tendency to grow into longer cracks and weakening the windshield ultimately. Sooner or later one is faced with the inevitable auto glass replacement option. However, if you react in time you will be able to save tremendously by opting for an auto windshield repair rather than a windshield replacement.
Auto windshield repair provided by Dings Plus is an effective way to ensure that the windshield chip is contained and there is no need to replace the windshield in question. There are several advantages which translate to monetary terms when one opts for an auto windshield repair option rather than a windshield replacement. These are discussed below-
Direct savings - Since the average cost of windshield replacement can vary from $300 to $500, the measly amount of $60 that is charged by Dings Plus for auto windshield repair is definitely a huge savings. The company provides excellent guaranteed service and ensures that rock chips and cracks of a quarter size and smaller are repaired completely. This strengthens the original windshield and also allows optical clarity while driving.

Time savings - Since Dings Plus comes to your doorstep rather than you having to go looking for them, this saves tremendous time. No doubt this time saved can be utilized for other more valuable chores that help in money generation. So instead of having to take a day off work and going to repair your auto glass, you can continue to work while Dings Plus fixes the car in the office parking itself.
Fuel savings - Apart from the time spent in driving to a to an auto glass repair shop, the fuel spent in driving to and from that place also results in you incurring fuel costs. No doubt with the door to door facilities that Dings Plus provides, the auto windshield repair option is an economical one.
On road savings - When your car goes off road, you end up having to rent a car or hire a taxi which costs dearly. Dings plus ensures that with its auto windshield repair door to door mobile service, your car does not need to go off road. This of course further allows you to save money that you would have ended up spending when your car was at the auto glass repair shop for a windshield replacement.
About the author: Mark Carpenter is co-owner of Dings Plus Windshield Chip Repair in San Jose, CA. For more information or to learn more about the benefits of auto windshield repair, please visit: windshieldchiprepair.com

Saving Guranteed Money at the Gas Pump

Let’s face it, in today’s world, the gas prices stink and while you would think there would be some sort of alternative by now, there isn’t! Why could this be? Only one could speculate on why there isn’t an alternative but in the meantime, it looks like you and I will have to pay those awful prices that have surpassed the four dollar a gallon mark. Finding cheap gas isn’t hard and even though you probably will save a few cents per gallon, it all adds up and I’m going to show you today on how you can get cheaper gas guaranteed.
Paying cash at the pump
Paying cash only at the pump is a new phenomenon at a lot of gas stations around America. States like Arizona, Michigan, California, and Florida are all using this technique to help consumers save at the pump. Gas station owners say that you can save on average of fourteen cents per gallon. This is a nice savings figuring that if you fill up with twenty gallons, you’re going to save close to three dollars.
The reason why gas stations are resorting to the cash only technique is because of the credit card transaction fees they encounter every time you swipe your card. Instead of having to pay that fee, they would much rather have your card cold cash. The next time you’re around your area, check and see if there are cash discounts. You’ll notice that most stations will have a “cash price” on their pricing board. Keep in mind that these stations will still accept credit cards but you won’t get the discount so in the long run, cash is your friend.
Buying in discount
Some service stations around the globe are offering drivers a discounted rate if you purchase gas through the company via a contract. The way this would work would be though a contract. Each week you would meet up with the owner of the gas station owner and you would promise him that you will fill up x amount of gallons each week. You will then agree on a price and you will then fill up with those gallons throughout the week for the price you agreed on. This type of discount deal is a great way for business owners who have a fleet of vehicles. Generally, you can save anywhere from a few cents to as much as ten percent with this type of discount.
Gas credit cards
A gas card is a great way to save on gas with any consumer. A card such as the BP Visa allows you to save 10% per gallon for the first sixty days. After the sixty days, you’ll be able to save five percent per gallon for life. Make sure that you pay your bill off in full each month so that you can take advantage of these savings. This card is great for those who travel a lot. Make sure you look around and do your research on all the gas credit cards on the market.
About the Author
Find a gas credit card and more of Tom's work at FINDgascards.

The Benefits of Fuel Efficient Cars

Owning a fuel efficient vehicle has become of greater importance in today's world, where gas has become a documented expense, as opposed to a spur of the moment purchase. Instead of being one of the minor factors considered when buying a car, fuel economy is now one of the top aspects looked at. Currently, highly fuel efficient vehicles are more expensive than their lesser counterparts, so it may take years to see a net profit from the savings on fuel.
Some people are willing to pay the extra money because they are conscious of the environment and want to consume less fuel, as it is beneficial to the planet, and others are negatively affected psychologically by seeing such high numbers at the pump. One who is environmentally and fuel conscious has a multitude of vehicle options to choose from, as there is no shortage of efficient cars in our society.
Kia offers several fuel efficient vehicles that are not lacking in other features. The 2008 Kia Rio is safe, sporty, and comes standard at $11,540. There is plenty of room, a powerful engine, and a reputable Powertrain Warranty. Best of all, the highway fuel economy is rated at 35mpg. The base model can be upgraded to LX and SX for only a few thousand dollars more, although upgrades do not effect fuel economy.
Mazda is not known for focusing on fuel economy, although a few of their vehicles are prominent in this respect. The Mazda3 4-Door has 148HP, multi-port electronic fuel injection, and a heap of sophisticated external features. Manual transmission yields higher fuel efficiency than automatic, with 32 highway miles per gallon compared to 30, respectively. Interesting, the higher priced Mazda vehicles have much lower efficiency than the cheaper ones. For example, as the Mazda3 is continually upgraded (there are five unique models of it), the economy gets proportionally lower.
Like Mazda, Mitsubishi is more popular for its innovative designs and impressive features than efficiency. Despite this, many of Mitsubishi's newer models take in to account the general population's desire for efficient vehicles. The 2009 Lancer is a perfect case of this. Its aerodynamic design makes it move easier, and it has many features that are more likely to be found on a jet than a car.
In fact, it has many futuristic characteristics that make it a pleasure to own. A keyless entry system enables drivers to open doors and start the ignition without actually needing to insert a key, and advanced navigation and Bluetooth technology complement the other attributes seamlessly. With all this, the Lancer still manages to get 30 highway miles per gallon, and a respectable 22 in city.
The company that is most notably leading the way in fuel efficiency is Chevy. Fuel solutions are one of their top priorities, next to safety, and they are pioneering the way towards a gas-free future. The Concept Chevy Volt, which has not entered the market yet, is one of the most promising electric vehicles ever designed. Chevrolet has dedicated extensive resources to perfecting the vehicle, and it is expected to have a driving range of 640 miles before needing to be recharged.
In addition to electricity, Chevrolet sees biofuels as an ideal alternative to petroleum, specifically E85 ethanol, which is made mostly from corn. Several vehicles even have the ability to run solely on ethanol, and if that fuel is not available, regular gasoline can be used as an alternative.
About the Author
If you are considering a hybrid car try this New Car Dealer. If you are looking forUsed Cars Victoria BC look no further.