Engine Light Warning

The check engine light can be very sensitive warning device. In this quick article I will discuss why the check engine light comes on. I'll also discuss a few ways to diagnose codes and in turn extinguish the check engine light.
The check engine light is turned on directly by the vehicle computer. Most manufacturers call this the ECM. This stands for Electronic control module. You may find other names for this thing but basically it is considered the vehicles primary computer.
The ECM watches many different automotive engine sensors. It divides these sensors into multiple channels and monitors each channel and compares the range of data to the specifications that are burned in memory. The computer is monitoring both inputs like coolant temperature and oxygen sensors but also out put controls like idle air control motor steps and egr pulse width.

So the check engine light is turned on when the computer notices a parameter out of range. Keep in mind that output control parameters like the EGR and IAC mentioned above are usually measured with a resistance value or reference voltage to assure proper component operation.
When the check engine light is turned on the computer is notifying the driver that one of the channels that it is monitoring is out of the specific range. When this light comes on the car may have set a single code or many codes.
This is where diagnosing the check engine light properly will save you money and time in replacing unnecessary parts. Using an automotive scan tool, you can view the data stream for the particular sensors that set the code.
Another good rule of thumb when diagnosing sensor codes is to diagnose the failures that are set with lower numbers, prior to diagnosing the other sensor codes. This is because the higher number codes could be set by the lower number failures. You can also apply some common sense to this as in a misfire code should be addressed before repairing a rich exhaust code. Since the UN burnt fuel from a cylinder is detected as a rich condition.
To review your computer is watching multiple channels and multiple sensors and simply comparing the data with the parameters that have been programmed into the unit. Above or below these data settings commands the ECM to notify the driver they are polluting the atmosphere by turning on the check engine light.
In some cases these out of range readings can be either temporary or intermittent. This is again where the scan tool comes in handy for figuring out why the check engine lamp is illuminated. You can clear the codes and run the vehicle and see if the check engine light comes back on. If it does, then you have a path of diagnosis related to the diagnostic codes that have returned.

Replacing a Flat Tire

A flat tire can be a harrowing experience especially if you are in a hurry to reach somewhere. Tire puncture that are caused by nails or cuts measuring up to one quarter inch can be repaired by professionals. However, if the tear is more than one quarter inches or if it is a sidewall puncture then the tire needs to be replaced.
Slow leaks, punctures, pinch cuts, blow outs are some types that causes a flat tire. In slow leaks, the tube in the tire must be replaced as it would be difficult to find the tear. Punctures are caused by sharp objects and generally the tear is patched up. Pinch cuts, caused by sharp edges, usually result in a dent in the rim. Blow outs are sudden let-off of air that is usually accompanied by a loud noise.
The first thing that you should do soon after realizing that you have a flat tire is to park the car in a safe place and turn on the parking lights. It would help if the emergency brake is on. It is best to park on a flat surface, as it would help in preventing the car from rolling once you wedge it up. To make matters easy, it is necessary that you possess a spare tire, a jack and a lug wrench.

Remove the flat tire first. To do this, you need to remove the hubcap with the help of a screwdriver or the flat end of a lug wrench. It makes the job much easier if there is no hubcap as some wheels do not need one. The hexagonal bolts in the hubcap, also known as lug nuts, can be removed using the lug wrench. The trick is to turn the lug wrench counter-clockwise if the lug nut has an R inscribed on it. If it has L, instead, then turn it clockwise. It is important that you loosen the lug nuts and not remove them altogether.
Lift the car up with the help of the jack. Pump the jack until the flat tire is totally off the ground. Now, you can remove the lugs that were loosened earlier.
Place the spare tire in position and make sure that the holes of the tires are in sync with the lug bolts. You can now tighten the bolts in the opposite direction that you used to remove them. Now remove all the wheel blocks that were placed to keep the car from moving.

Steering wheel shakes

If the steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied, the brake rotors most likely have excessive side to side run-out or they are more commonly known as being warped. Auto techs call this brake shake or brake pulsation. Brake rotors being warped is not a dangerous condition by itself, but it can be very annoying. The brake pads may not need to be replaced, but if they are more than half worn it would be a good time to consider replacing them. Most shops will check brakes for free, it's best to make sure they use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the rotors to verify if they are legally able to be machined (also known as turned or resurfaced).
Replace or not. Many vehicles today have very thin rotors from the factory, depending on the thickness there may not be an option to machine them. Many replacement rotors are low priced depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It may be a good idea to replace the rotors if the replacements are priced well, instead of machining the old ones. After machining the rotors they are physically thinner and more susceptible to being warped again. In the past I owned a vehicle that warped rotors frequently. I would machine them myself using the brake lathe at the shop I worked at and the rotors would warp again in about six months time. I finally bought some aftermarket replacement rotors for around $30 a piece and put those on and never had anymore pulsation problems.

Types of Brake Lathes. There are two types of brake lathes. There is the conventional brake lathe that the technician uses to machine the rotor off the vehicle. And there is the on the car brake lathe used to machine the brake rotor on the vehicle. The best way to machine brake rotors is on the car. The reason is because of the possibility of other components having run-out. When rotors are machined on the car, any run-out in the wheel hub is compensated for. The result is a much better cut that allows the rotor to be machined much more precisely. Rotors that are machined on the vehicle have less re-occurrences of being warped as quickly when compared to rotors being machined off the vehicle. So if possible consumers should opt to find a repair shop that has the capability to machine rotors on the car if needed. Auto repair shops that have on the car brake lathes realize the importance of having the right auto tools and equipment to service their customer's cars properly.
About the Author - Hi I'm Dennis Bandy, thanks for reading about my background. I've been an ASE Master Auto Technician for over 23 years and have also sold professional auto tools since 2005. I am in a unique position to help readers on certain automotive repair related topics since I've had personal hands on experience with many auto repairs and automotive specialty tools. Let me just say, this is not a hobby for me, this is my business. Your feedback is really appreciated, if you thought this article was helpful or informative, please rate it below (thank you in advance).
Half the battle when it comes to auto repair is having the right tools, that's why we have supplied name-brand automotive tools (like OTC, Makita, Ingersoll), shop supplies and automotive shop equipment at discount prices, at DenLors Tools since 2005, many readers put us on their favorites list and visit our site when auto specialty tool needs arise, we hope you do the same.

Automotive Cooling Systems and Emissions Testing

When most of us think of modern cooling systems, we tend to think overheating, leaks, and maybe even poor cabin heat. But another valid reason for maintaining and inspecting cooling systems is their direct impact on the engine's emissions level and fuel economy.
Let's start by reviewing the combustion process. The engine compresses the mixture to raise pressure. This, in turn, increases the temperature of the air/fuel mixture and aids in combustion. If the combustion chamber is too cool, the process needs extra fuel to insure combustion. Think of the old carbureted days of thermostatically controlled chokes that enrichened the mixture on cold starts. There is even a powertrain DTC assigned to this very issue...P0128, Engine is cold too long. Some manufacturers have unique code assignments for this issue. If the combustion chamber temperature gets too hot, Nox emissions will increase. While normally the job of the EGR system, it can only cool so much. If the engine itself is running hotter than normal, the benefit of added EGR is reduced.
Diagnosing the P0128 Diagnostic Trouble Code
The ECM (Engine Control Module) is charged with keeping an eye on any system that will have an impact on what comes out of the tailpipe. Typically, the ECM monitors the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor after a cold start, looking for the engine coolant to reach normal temperature in a preset time frame. If the ECM does not see its threshold value in the allotted time, it assumes there is a problem in the cooling system, preventing normal operating temperature from being attained. This is a 2-trip code, meaning that if the ECM gets the same results after 2 consecutive tests, it will record the code and turn on the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp).
The code criterion provides clues on what to test. First, the ECT sensor must be reading correctly. The ECM can only base its decisions on the information it receives. Second, the cooling system must be functioning properly...coolant levels must be correct, no air in the system, cooling fans cycling normally and the thermostat opening and closing as it should. Fortunately, all these factors can be tested at one time with minimal effort.
In my experience, the thermostat is usually the culprit. But to make sure, I set up a few monitors of my own during the test. First, I hook up the scan tool and display the ECT reading, positioning the scan tool under the hood where I can watch it. Second, I use a temperature probe attached to my DVOM (Digital Volt-Ohm Meter) and place the probe in the radiator fins as close to the outlet hose from the engine as I can get. (Make sure it is the outlet from the engine and not the return.) Last, I use an infrared temperature gun to measure temperature on the inlet side of the thermostat housing. Now I can start my test.
Start the engine and watch the ECT reading. It should climb smoothly. You can even graph the data if your scan tool has this feature to see if the signal drops out during warm-up. I use the infrared gun to measure the temperature on the inlet side of the thermostat housing to compare to the ECT reading. While not accurate, it is usually within a few degrees if the sensor is reading correctly. The color of the surface, and the material it's made of, will affect your temperature gun's reading. At the same time, I'm watching the temperature reading on my DVOM. If it, too, climbs almost immediately after start up, I know the thermostat isn't closed. Of course, you can tell this by feel as well, but bear with me...I'm not done yet.
If the DVOM reading stays cold, I keep monitoring the engine temperature readings. As soon as I see the ECT reading near the specification for opening of the thermostat, I look to see if the outlet temperature begins to increase. If so, the thermostat is opening as it should. If not, the thermostat is stuck closed, or there is potential air in the system affecting its operation. If the thermostat opens prematurely, it may have been replaced with one of the incorrect rating, or have a damaged spring or seat.
If all is well to this point, the fault is not present at the time of testing. This could indicate a problem in the wiring from the ECT sensor to the ECM, and electrical checks may be in order. Remember, the ECM can only base its decisions on the information it receives, and if the ECM thinks the engine is cold it will still adjust its initial fuel calculations accordingly. Of course, if the cooling fans come on immediately and stay on, the cooling fan control system needs to be diagnosed and corrected before proceeding.
While You're At It
Since I'm already connected, I continue to run the engine to normal operating temperature, making sure it stabilizes. Running at idle, with no airflow across the radiator, will allow the engine's cooling system to be stressed to perform at its best. I can test the operation of the electric cooling fans by measuring the temperature at which they come on, and by how much of a temperature drop I see as they cycle. In my experience, the fans should come on between 210-240 degrees F as measured at the radiator, and continue to run until temperature drops by 40-60 degrees F. Try out your measurements on known good cars to establish a diagnostic baseline of your own.
On vehicles with viscous fans, temperature should remain relatively stable. If engine temperatures persist in rising after running them for awhile, it's time to look at system coolant flow and air flow as contributors to the problem. Now we're in the area of higher than normal engine temperatures and emissions...specifically the formation of Nox. Higher combustion chamber temperatures can also cause "spark knock", and this, in excess, can lead to engine damage. Troubleshoot these systems as you would normally.
Driveablity?
Proper cooling system function is also an important contributor to fast idle or idle surges complaints on many vehicles that use Idle Air Control systems that rely on coolant temperature as a control. In these systems, typically, a wax pellet is built into the valve and is heated by engine coolant. If the lines are restricted, or there is air in the system, the valve never adjusts and the engine can race at a fast idle speed or more. In some vehicles, this situation is complicated by the ECM's need to control idle speed. The ECM will first try to adjust the IAC system, and failing that, start varying timing in an attempt to get the idle speed to where it should be. Look for IAC systems that use both an IAC stepper motor and a Fast Idle Air Valve when dealing with this type of complaint. A quick test to verify the fault is to remove the intake boot and close off the IAC port in the throttle body with your finger. If you feel high vacuum, or the engine idle tries to smooth out and stabilize, you're on the right track.
Today's engine cooling systems are more complex than ever, with multiple flow paths and some with multiple thermostats and water pumps. While their main job is protecting the engine from excessive heat, they also play an important role in emissions control and fuel consumption. So next time you speak to your customer about cooling system maintenance, educate them on the total job the cooling system is expected to do.

Aftermarket Air Filter Parts

When purchasing a new vehicle you will get what is called a factory installed air filter. And when you have your oil changed at a quick lube, they will ask if you want it replaced. Usually, they will replace it with a factory equivalent quality filter that will most likely need to be replaced about every other oil change or so. There is another option regarding air filters: you could install a performance air filter that is better for the environment and provides better power and less fuel consumption. The reason a performance air filter for your truck, van, SUV, or car can provide these results is because of the materials used when manufacturing the filter.
Performance air filters are reusable but need to be cleaned and treated with the factory supplied cleaning products.

The filter media is a cotton material that is washable and built to last for thousands of miles thus eliminating the disposal of conventional paper media filters. Because you are using a better filter media, your engine can breath more easily and allow more air-flow into the engine which will produce more horsepower and better acceleration. Because your engine is not working as hard due to the better air/fuel mixture, you will see an increase in fuel mileage. The other issue when looking at these types of performance air filters is price, you will pay about twice as much for these filters but they will last you longer - about 5 times longer and saving the replacement cost of the more disposable type filters.
There are many types of performance air filters on the market so make sure you look for a brand name performance filter so that you are sure to get a good quality part and not a knock-off or cheap imitation. Keeping your car in top running condition is not only good for your bank account, it will also help the environment. Be sure to do your homework before purchasing and make sure you read the warranty. Most of the guarantees on performance parts are very good.

Responsibilities When Servicing Cars

As owner of a car, you have certain responsibilities to the vehicle. These responsibilities primarily come with the maintenance and upkeep of the car for the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. It is up to you to make sure that your car is in proper working order.
Servicing your car is relatively easy as long as you follow the maintenance guidelines that come with every vehicle. Of course, some repairs are far beyond that of the casual car owners. In instances such as this, you will have to take the car to a repair garage which presents a whole other set of responsibilities.
At Home Service
When performing car repair at home you need to have a rather detailed knowledge of your car and of the standard servicing practices. Many car owners are able to do at least a few of the more standard servicing needs.
These can include:
-Checking oil -Checking tire pressure -Changing brake lights -Changing the oil -Changing a flat tire
As far as a car owner's responsibility in this situation it is mostly going to be centered on safety. Many of the casual car owners are not familiarized with common safety practices. Proper disposal methods will also need to be followed such as where to place the used oil and old tires.
At The Garage
Should you need to take your car in for servicing you will need to understand your rights to prevent any unscrupulous garages from taking advantage of you. Now, not all garages will attempt to pull the wool over your eyes, but since there are a few you will be well advised to not put your full trust into anyone.
When you take you car in for repair you enter into an agreement with that garage. It is your responsibility to know what the garage is supposed to do and to make sure they follow through. You standard rights include that the garage will have skilled and competent workers that will work on your vehicle, that the charge of the repairs are fair for what work was accomplished, and that the time the work was completed in is not an unreasonable length. Now, these rights can be modified. If you agree upon a set time with the garage then you have to abide by that modified agreement.
While every car has a standard set of responsibilities in regards to servicing such as checking the oil some vehicles require special attention. Hybrid vehicles require special care and attention and it will be up to you as the owner to undertake them. Right now, there are few garages and shops that understand the special needs of these cars. While you will not be able to do much to your Hybrid there are a few servicing needs that you can meet. You will need to take a look at your particular Hybrid's car manual to find out what these are.
You have a responsibility to keep your car in safe operating condition. Should you have an issue that you are unable to resolve at your own home you need to take the vehicle to an auto repair shop.

Benefit of Car Rust Treatment

Normally a car in US cost around $30,000 and usually you have to pay $430 as monthly installment for 6 long years. Now with taxes, fees and insurance the installment rate goes to almost that of what we have to pay for mortgage payment. Though you are paying so much money in your car still many people don't care proper care for the car. Proper maintenance of the car is highly necessary to increase the longevity of these major investments.
If people neglect their cars then there is hardly anything that can prevent the car from getting rusted with the help of car rust removal products.
Rust is a very common problem and each and everybody hate rust. But most surprising hardly people take any step to prevent it.
Research shows that rust is common in the areas where the proportion of salt, salty ocean air is common. The places with high humidity are susceptible to rust. Basically rust is very common in the industrial areas.

Though the metal in the car contain a protection with thin primer and painting still the metal comes in contact with salt and water at regular interval. These two, salt and water do harm and weaken the car finish as it help in losing electron of the metal. Thus the rust starts and soon erodes the metal.
So we can see that paint is an important part in protection against rust. If proper care is taken for every two months then this paint can be strengthen. This will definitely reduce the occurrence of the rust. Regular cleaning will prevent the salt to get accumulated in the car's body. Cars polish and Car wax will act as a lubricant which not will give car a new look but also prevent the car from getting rusted. These lubricants seal the surface from collecting the moisture. For maximum protection use 2 - 3 times at a single cleaning. People who have introduce the car wax or car polish in their regular car cleaning routine face much less problem with rust.
Even if you see a small scratch in the car paint, don't neglect it. Immediately take action. You should paint that part immediately. Bare body is much prone for rusting so a proper care should be taken by buying a 1 oz. bottle of same color and applying the paint in the exact effected area with small brush or tooth pick. Properly cover the entire effected area. Remember always buy same matching color for the car color paint. It acts as car rust treatment as the color will prevent the moisture and salt from accumulating. Like a first aid you can also use nail polish for time being. It will give protection for someday. But it is better if we use car color paint. Always remove the rusted part with the sandpaper. Never use color over the rusted portion.
So we can see that if little maintenance with is done with wax or polish then we can easily protect car from rust.

Car Rust Prevention

Prevention of rust is one of the important works that you have to do for increasing the longevity of the car. To be honest rust can destroy more cars than accidents. While rust is a chronic illness whereas accident is like a sudden attack.
As chronic illness can be recovered by proper medicine so is rust. There are various rust removal products for car rust treatment. If the rust removal product is given in right time then it can be healed properly and you can also prevent from getting the rust again.
You first know what the factors that cause rust on the vehicles are.
The basic component that causes rust is salt.
During winter, the roads are kept ice free by splitting salt on the road. Thus salt help the car from preventing the car from getting into many major accidents. IF this s the positive side of the salt then the negative part is salt also acts as catalyst for rust. So during winter your car is more prone to rust.

Salt carries water or better to say moisture even into the smallest part of the car and caused oxidation with the rise of the temperature. Once the temperature of the car increases the oxidation rate also becomes high.
Acid Rain which often occurs in the industrial areas is also harmful for vehicles.
Here are some dos and don'ts for rust treatment:
The best and for most thing for preventing the metal from rusting is cleanness. This is highly required for your car. Proper cleaning everyday is required for your car. Always try to keep the body of your car clean and dry.
Waxing of the car is also crucial.
Many people had a misconception that cleaning of the car is not so important in winter but truly the cleaning is immensely essential. Make sure to wash the underside of the car properly. After completing open all the doors so that the water can drain out completely.
Always remind to check the drain holes in the bottom of the door and the frame and make sure to keep the bottom clean. Dirt holds moisture so clean and dry the tires.
Carefully observe the car and try to spot the rust area as soon as possible. It is much easy to treat a small rusted area than a big one. Don't try to neglect the light brown area. It can be the indication of rust. Rusted chrome sometimes needs to be replaced completely.
Another way to prevent your car from getting rusted is rust-proofing. You can apply a certain wax paste by spraying the entire paste on the car body. You can also opt for silicon-based spray which can be applied to your paint. These sprays act as a specialist rust-proof your cars.
Since rust is a very common problem so now a days cars have warranty against corrosion and even they are manufactured with protection itself.

Its Time to Replace Brake Pads

If your car's brake pads are worn out, you could find it difficult to bring your car to a complete stop. How dangerous that can be if you encounter an emergency situation!
Fortunately, there are some clear signs of impending brake trouble including the following:
Squealing brakes
Grinding brakes
Brake pedal that needs to be pumped in order to stop the car
Pulling of the car from one side to the other
Wheel grabbing
Sudden and hard brake pedal
Spongy brake pedals

Though some of these problems may require that you replace other brake components, an inspection of your brake pads will usually reveal that they are worn and are in need of prompt replacement.
The next step you take depends on your skillsets, time available, and your budget. Most automotive garages offer a free brake inspection which can be a perfect opportunity for you to have someone else inspect your system to confirm what you suspect is wrong with your car.
Ask your mechanic for a full diagnosis of your brake system and get a written estimate of what parts and repairs will cost you. A professional garage will give you a print out showing an estimate of what your costs will be. Include local taxes and the price quoted should be about 95% of the final cost, excluding unforeseen additional problems being detected [for example, a leaking master cylinder].
If you are confident that you can do the work yourself, you could save yourself plenty of money, at least in labor costs. You can also save money with parts by shopping around, but expect to pay the highest prices at your dealer's parts department. On the other hand, prices at a national auto parts supply store should be lower, while prices through an online wholesaler should be about the lowest of all as they purchase their inventory directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middle man.
Should you choose to purchase online, only obtain parts from a reputable dealer selling parts from respected manufacturers. Be careful of those sites selling generic parts from unknown overseas merchants. Make sure that you can return what you purchase, if needed, to an address based in the U.S.

The Automobile Cruise Control

The automobile cruise control, or the ACC for short, is guided by microwave radar and controlled by a microcontroller cruise control and can be found in all kinds of automobiles on the roads today, including the heavier type vehicles.This type of unit can help a driver maneuver through busy streets and can do the job of alerting the driver about the cars or obstacles ahead within a range of up to 75 meters. In multilane highways, an option is available which displays, with the help of a camera, the cars behind while you may be in the process of changing lanes.The ACC acts as an amiable assistance or a co-pilot to the driver and unlike the orthodox cruise control systems which use electronic throttle to maintain speed and prompt the electromechanical braking when in an emergency; the ACC does not intervene in the vehicle's dynamics.
This is because all cars have separate ACC's which are customized to do jobs according to the vehicle's build.For example the Cadillac XLR comes fitted with an automatic cruise control enhanced with radar capabilities. The Audi A8 has similar features. Cars ranging anywhere from $70,000 - $80,000 can be found enhanced with these radar capabilities. Radar kits can also be fitted to older cars at a cost of $2000-$3000.However, it is difficult to find a radar that can fit in the car like an ACC can. The ACC system can be fitted into any vehicle, from trucks to sedans, with an installation procedure that is easy to follow. The head-end radar sensing utility may be fitted in the front grill of the car whereas; the tail- end can be drilled on to the rear bumper. 10 GHz microwaves are utilized by the radar of low power as it detects objects and obstacles within a 75 meter range.The principle of the Doppler Effect is used by the radar for the detection of moving objects in both the front and rear of the vehicle.
The cars core brings together a CISC engine along with a microcontroller which has fast response and also has the power to process analog signals. The system components used by it are minimal and has also succeeded in making the architecture of the ACC simpler.The signals received from the Doppler are analyzed before it gets fed onto the core. The heart of the core has a little microcontroller (the MC68HC908QT4, CISC) that converts the analog data into digital data. It also converts this digital data into a table of signals, which can be manually programmed, and also drives the display port to show the relative distance of the target to the driver. The tail bumper unit detects the cars coming up from behind while changing lanes. The ACC improves the reliability of the system and offers a lot of flexibility. It is of tremendous use in the freeways and city roads. The system is also cheap, selling at around $500, so probably well worth the price for those that can afford it.

Successful Carpool Easy Way

Not sure if you've noticed, but the price of gas has gone completely koo-koo in the past year, leaving those of us who have a significant driving commute to work each day with a gaping hole in our wallets at the end of the month. What better time to reinstate the old office carpool!Rising gas prices and environmental concerns are two great reasons to find some like-minded coworkers who live in your area and band together to share driving responsibilities.Five reasons why it's a good time to start carpooling:Reason #1: Gas prices are going through the roofReason #2: Carpooling reduces emissions, which is good for the environmentReason #3: It's a great way to bond with your co-workersReason #4: It's a chance to get caught up on your readingReason #5: It's means a lot less driving for you!

Here are some tips for a successful car pool!:Once you've got your office carpool members organized, all that's left is to set some driving guidelines and establish a few simple car rules for everyone to follow. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:1. Be considerate to your fellow carpoolers. Just because you need classic rock turned up to 11 to get you going in the morning doesn't mean your fellow carpoolers do. If quiet is requested, be considerate and can keep the noise level low.2. Be on time. Punctuality is the key to an effective car pool. When you are the driver, remember that you are responsible for getting everyone to work on time their punctuality depends on YOU!3. Set the rules. Establish a set of guidelines for behavior in the car with regards to smoking, eating, drinking and radio playing. Print out a copy and keep the rules in the glove compartment for easy access.4. Create a schedule. Don't decide who will drive each day on the fly. Compile a schedule that plans for all the driving a month in advance (at least) and accounts for vacations and substitute drivers should someone get sick on their driving day.5. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses. If there is a change of plans, you want to be able to contact everyone in the carpool immediately. Make sure that a chain of communication is established so all parties involved can be properly informed of any schedule or driving changes. Pinning a note on someone's office chair or desk about your availability will not suffice!6. Drive safely. You've got the lives of others in your hands. Never drive in a reckless manner or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you don't feel physically capable of driving, then ask one of your co-workers to fill in.7. Find the best route. Work with the other individuals in your car pool to map out each day's driving plan. Take into consideration traffic routes, timing and how to use the least amount of gas. Make sure that everyone's needs are accounted for and that all riders/drivers are pleased with the route.

A Guide To Irish Number Plates

Over the last few years, personalised number plates have become extremely popular. Once the indulgence of the mega wealthy, private plates are now an affordable and stylish way for motorists of all incomes to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Irish number plates are increasingly popular as they can provide an extremely cost effective and flexible personal number plate option. Prices start from as little as under £100, making them some of the cheapest number plates around.As well as being well priced, Irish number plates have an added advantage - they are all considered dateless (no age identifier) and can be assigned to any car, whatever its age.Irish number plates differ in format from DVLA plates in a couple of crucial ways. Because of their format, Irish plates allow you to have 2 or 3 letters followed by up to 4 digits. The letters can include I and Z, unlike DVLA plates. This greater flexibility offers a greater range of interesting word and spelling options.There has been some very interesting releases of Irish registration marks, including GIL, BIL, DIG, BIG, JIL, FIL, MIL - with each combination followed by the numbers 1 - 9999. Letter combinations that make a name, such as KAZ or GIL can prove to be a little expensive, but others, such as TIL and UEZ are very cheap. Other examples of Irish registration numbers are DIG 3694, ANZ 348, and LIB 25.

Irish 'cherished' numbers are known as 'dateless plates meaning that they don't have an age identifier. They can easily be transferred onto roadworthy vehicles in the UKIrish number plates used to be significantly cheaper than UK DVLA plates although in recent years this has changed with the massive surge in popularity of all personalised car registrations. Recent high profile purchases of Irish Number plates include Irish businessman Sean McCrory, who not only spent over £100,000 for the registration BIG 1, but at the same Belfast auction bought BIG 2 for £15,000 and BIG 3 for £14,500 respectively. The previous record price for a Northern Ireland number plate until then had been £50,000 paid for WIL 1.Perhaps the most famous purchase of an Irish Number plate was the £285,000 paid by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for the Irish plate VIP 1. Issued by the DVLNI in 1979 for the visit of Pope John Paul II and used on his "Popemobile" for the duration of his visit, the classic plate was sold after the tour, exchanging hands a couple of times before being picked up by Abramovich in 2006.The DVA divides up Ireland into administering regions. Only when a series has been exhausted does the administering region move on to the next series. For example, one region had worked through the registration series SLZ 1 up to SLZ 9999 and has since moved on to the next series, which is TLZ 1 to TLZ 9999.If you live in Northern Ireland and wish to purchase a UK registration number (administered by the DVLA), which is held on certificate, you must bear in mind that it cannot be assigned directly to a vehicle registered in Northern Ireland. The registration number must first be assigned to a vehicle registered with the DVLA. It can then be transferred onto the vehicle in Northern Ireland via the DVA. Unfortunately for the purchaser, this involves two lots of transfer fees. However, buying a UK DVLA number plate that is already on a car means it can be transferred directly onto a vehicle in Northern Ireland.DVLA number plates can be transferred off a vehicle and held on what is known as a retention certificate. The registration can be held indefinitely on certificate and assigned to a vehicle at a later date. The DVA, however, does not currently provide a retention facility. In order for an Irish number to be held on retention it must be transferred onto a DVLA registered vehicle (£80) and then onto a retention certificate (£105). The number plate is therefore deemed a DVLA registration. In order to be assigned to an Irish vehicle again it must go through the same process of two transfers.

Car Private Number Plates Ideas

Buying personalised number plates is a personal decision reflecting a unique and individual aspect of the car owner's life. Personalised number plates can display people's names, words or numbers of significance to the owner. Apart from being fun they make your car stand out from the rest, offering you an opportunity for self-expression and imagination in an otherwise fairly straight-laced part of life. Personalised number plates needn't cost the earth either. Many are available for as little as less than £100.There are numerous themes adopted amongst personal number plate users. The car owner's name perhaps, their initials, a reference to a pet or their star sign, maybe a football team or player keenly supported, or perhaps an indication of the owner's profession.

Whether bought as a means of self-expression and identity or as a birthday, wedding or anniversary gift for a friend or member of the family, personalised car number plates are increasingly popular with people from all walks of life - a cost effective and fashionable means of defining one's individuality. There are a vast number of plates out there from low cost budget options through to extremely rare and expensive registrations. To help give you some ideas of plates that might talk to you about your life, here are some ideas to help you on your way.The most popular forms of personalised number plates are those that represent names and initials. Name number plates, especially first names, are the most desirable and therefore the most expensive of all number plates. Prices for good name number plates can be very high and relate to the popularity of the name, the match of the plate to the name and the plate style. Demand is particularly high for common first names, such as Chris, Simon, Dave and Sarah, which can sell for many thousands of pounds.Initial plates might offer more affordable options. This is mainly because this gives the buyer the greatest choice. However, prices can still vary widely as other factors are involved.You might be interested in a registration number that makes a good word. Words related to power and speed, jobs, pets, professions, hobbies, sport and media stars are popular. Equally, perhaps a zodiac sign or a specific word you feel reflects an aspect of your personality or character may persuade you to purchase a particular plate. BOSS, TOY, BOY, SEXY are all particularly popular words for personalised registrations.Plates reflecting a model or make of car - A911 for example - are also very popular. Registration plate values are dependent on the availability of other similar number plates, whether the registration mark you have is a current style, prefix, suffix, or dateless registration.The options are huge. Take your time and have a good hunt around on a professional and reputable website for your perfect personalised registration plate - an experienced personalised registration company will be able to advise you on the most affordable option for your particular requirements.

Lead Acid Car Battery

One of the most popular uses for lead acid batteries is their use in automobiles. Your car battery is a lead acid battery. You should have your car battery tested periodically for function so that you do not get stranded on the road one day if it dies.Some car batteries today have a lifetime warranty, but that does not mean that you should not have them tested. A good rule of thumb for lead acid battery testing is to have the battery tested every time you take it to get the oil changed. This should keep the battery in good shape and any recharging that needs to be done can be done at the time.Older lead acid batteries do not have a lifetime warranty. Because they contain toxins, they have to be disposed of in a certain manner. You cannot just toss them in the dumpster. You can dispose of them in designated areas. Car dealers will often dispose of lead acid batteries for a price.You can also test your own car batteries at home. If you work on cars in your spare time, you might want to invest in a lead acid battery testing product. These are relatively inexpensive and in some cases, you do not even have to remove the battery from the car.Most mechanics who work out of their home have some way they use for lead acid battery testing. This is because many of the problems that people experience with their cars are due to the battery running down.

If you turn the ignition switch and cannot get the car to even turn on, chances are that the battery is dead. A battery can go dead for many reasons. The most common reason for a battery going dead is that someone left the lights on in the car all night long. This tends to allow the battery to run down and thus, go dead.The battery can be recharged, but in some cases, it must be replaced. This is determined on the age of the battery and if it has ever been recharged. If you employ lead acid battery testing every once in a while for your car, you can then make sure that the battery is always in good condition so if there is a mishap where the battery does run down due to lights being left on, you have a good chance of not having to replace your car battery.Lead acid battery testing usually only takes a few minutes. Most car dealers may not even charge you to perform this task. However, the best thing you can do to maintain your vehicle and the battery in the car is to get your own battery testing device so that you never have to worry about the battery running down and being stuck on the road somewhere.

Online Shopping For Tyres

As I was traveling down the expressway, a person in the next car kept pointing at my tyres. I didn't pay much attention until I got to my destination which wasn't very far. What a shock I got when I took a look at my tyres! Although I had noticed that the car seemed to wobble a little bit, I had no idea what poor condition my tyres were actually in. Definitely, it was time to start shopping for tyres.Since online shopping is so much easier than going from store to store, I decided to take some time and check out the different tyre companies I could find on the internet. Obviously, I wanted to find tyres that would last for years. Therefore, I knew that price could not be the only consideration in my search. As I traveled around the internet, I discovered that there are many differences in the companies that provide tyres. Some online sites that advertise tyres mainly made claims about offering the lowest price in tyres. Others concentrated on services that they offer along with the tyre purchase.Some of these services included such things as tyre rotation every few months which is supposed to make the tyres last longer and give a better ride for the passengers.

Other services included free mounting, balancing, and even free lug nuts. Depending on the brand of the tyres, some are guaranteed to last as long as 50,000 miles or more, and/or several years. Many of the different types of tyres will then be replaced free of charge. In most cases, this replacement includes the fees for the mounting and balancing. One in particular, guarantees free replacement even if you run over a nail or blow a tyre because of a rut in the road. When traveling around the internet looking for tyres, you will find that there are many different ways that tyres are describes. There are performance tyres, passenger tyres, truck tyres and SUV tyres. Some places offer discounts on front end alignments done when you get a whole new set of tyres at their place of business. Obviously, a front end alignment is essential to make sure your tyres wear evenly and you get the most out of your new tyres. Most businesses agree that it is important to replace at least two tyres at a time so the front tyres and the back tyres are the same and have the same amount of wear. Some sites stress how long the company has been in business in your local area; others just make claims that they are the cheapest company in the area when it comes to the price of tyres. Several that I checked out stressed that they are family-owned and family-run businesses which was more impressive to me than advertising the lowest tyre price. There are sites online that brag about how many different locations they have around the country where they sell tyres. One advantage to that especially for people who travel a lot is the convenience of being able to replace a damaged tyre no matter where they are.Depending on what type of vehicle you drive, how many miles you travel a year, and how much you travel outside of your community, there are many choices of places to purchase your tyres. If you prefer a particular brand of tyre, there are many places online where you can find the tyres that will suit your needs.

Car Theft Prevention

Most people will have experienced or know someone who has experienced some sort of car theft, whether it be a car break-in resulting in loss of expensive items or the car itself being stolen. All car owners must do all they can to help secure their cars so that it is either very difficult for a thief to break into a car or so your security measures act as a deterrent to the thief from even attempting to steal from your car. Vehicle crime currently stands at around 1.7 million per year, which the authorities claim is down from previous years. The biggest motivation for a person to do all they can to secure their vehicle is that most people use their car every day and really cannot do without it, also they are expensive things to retrieve and repair if they have been damaged in a crime related incident. In this article you will find many hints and tips which should be adhered to by all drivers in order to secure your vehicle and possessions.
The first thing to do is keep all valuables such as satellite navigation systems, loose change, CD radio fascias, mobile phones and laptops out of view, either underneath covers, underneath seats or in a looked boot, if people can't see anything of real value in the car, chances are they will not have a reason to break into your car. Thieves are attracted to these kinds of items because they are small so easy to steal and easy to sell on. Whatever you do don't make it easy for the average thief to enter your car, make sure all doors are securely locked, the boot is locked and that all windows are fully close, even the slightest gap could enable a person to insert an instrument and open your window.Most modern cars come with an alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard, if your car does not have these features, it could be worthwhile investing in them. An alarm can act as a great deterrent and attract unwanted attention towards the thief. An immobiliser basically stops the car from starting its engine unless the correct code is entered. Make sure you have a sticker which you can place on the window which highlights the safety features installed on your car, this acts as a great deterrent. Having these safety features can have other benefits such as brining down the price of your insurance because there is a less likelihood of your car being broken into. There are also further simple measures you can take such as purchasing a steering wheel lock and wheel locking nuts to stop your expensive alloy wheels from being stolen.The future looks very bright for car security measures, already there are cars being developed which incorporate biometric technology such as finger print recognition and iris recognition as an anti-theft measure, basically it works by only letting verified drivers start the car. Also there is technology already in circulation which lets you know via SMS text messaging if your car is being broken into. There is no doubt that these technologies and more will be introduced into the mass market in order to stamp out crime waves of car thefts.

Automatic transmission Car

A car with automatic transmission was first developed in the 1940's; the popularity of the automatic gear box has risen greatly from the 50's. They have become hugely successful in the United States and other parts of the world, but in Europe the old fashioned manual transmission still reins supreme with car customers. Having a car with an automatic transmission system means that there is no clutch pedal and there is no need to worry about gear changing as the automatic gear box does all the hard work for you. It's an argument of preference between purchasing a car with an automatic or a manual gear box.

Some advantages of both over the other are highlighted below.Advantages of AutomaticAutomatic cars are much easier to get used to, especially if you are a new, elderly or learner driver. Some people prefer them because there is no need to worry about which gear to select or the actual manual gear changing itself, the clever automatic transmission does it all for you, this is especially advantageous when driving through traffic or busy towns and cities as you don't have to worry about constantly changing gears as you would with a manual transmission. Learner drivers are allowed to learn and take their test in an automatic car which could turn out easier to pass, however if you do pass using an automatic car it will be on your licence and you will not be allowed under law to drive a manual transmission car.Advantages of ManualThe biggest benefit of using a car with manual transmission is you have a greater control over gear selection; gears can be selected and changed in accordance to the person's judgment and the situation in hand. There are also greater financial benefits if you own a manual transmission car, it is a well known fact that cars with an automatic gear box will use more fuel per journey over the same car in its class with a manual submission, which could be down to many facts such as automatic cars are usually heavier. Manual cars are not only cheaper to run but they are also cheaper to maintain, if something goes wrong with the transmission on an automatic car it can become very expensive indeed to fix. If your battery or something else related where you will need to bump start the car, this is very easy to do with a manual car as you put it in gear, roll down the hill and bump it, with an automatic car however you can't really do this so you will have to call for road side assistance instead.

Manual transmission cars are also slightly cheaper to purchase in the first place compared to cars with an automatic transmission.Technological advances in the car industry has enabled the gap between cars with automatic and manual submissions to shorten, as a result more and more people are investing their money in an automatic car as their next new automobile. For some people who are unsure, there are semi-automatic cars on the market which have an automatic transmission system but also they will usually feature an override button so you can switch to manual transmission using the gear stick.

Safety Tubeless Tires

We would have heard that the tube is the basic component of the tire which gets inflated and with stands the pressure of the vehicle. When we think of the accidents that are taking place, the main reason for that will be a burst in tire. Researchers have developed a tire that will not be punctured and busted. This type of tire does not have any tubes in it for inflation. One can ask the quest whether there will be no air loss in these types of tire. Yes. There will be loss in the air but it will be very slow and can withstand a drive of more than two hundred miles even after getting punctured.
The tubeless tires will have an inner lining made up of an impermeable membrane of halo butyl. The rim of the tire will act as a sealant for the air inside the tire. The air valve is directly kept on the rim. This technology will allow only the air to escape through this hole in case of a puncture. Thus the rate of decrease in air inside the tire is very much slow when compared with the ordinary tube tires. These tires have the ability to improve the durability of the tire and the performance of the vehicle in which it is fitted.
The advantages of the tubeless tires include less accident that occurs due to tire burst, easy maintenance, can be used in terrains and other rough roads. Low pressure tires can also be used to operate the vehicle without any discomfort or risk. This will improve the grip and control of the vehicle. The technology used in the tube less tire is simple. It is only the sealing of the tire either with the help of a rim or with a plastic strip. Use of more rubber will also help in sealing the air inside the tire.
The disadvantages of the tube less tires are as follows:
They are costlier when compared with the normal tires. They worn out easily and should be replaced regularly. A thread goes off easily and it should be replaced or else it will result in sudden damage to the vehicle and reduces the control of the vehicle. They are heavier than the standard tires.

They don't often get air leaks which are good for tires and the puncture is not often caused like normal version. Though if it is caused it has the ability to with stand for certain distances which depends on the manufacturing quality.
There are positives and negatives but overall the advantages of tubeless outweigh the disadvantages when compared to conventional tires.

Regular Checking On Radiator Will Saves Gas

When one mentions a radiator, one would think of that silent ubiquitous metal air-conditioner type of grill, like out of the refrigerator itself. And you wouldn't be far from the truth, dear Reader. In fact, the purpose of this grill-like object in refrigerators and cars are both the same: draw heat away from the engine.
How is hot water cooled in the radiator?
Radiators are by definition "convectors" or "heat exchangers." Radiators mostly involve liquids and changing the temperature of these liquids from hot to cold to hot and so forth. The goal of a car radiator is to draw heat away from the engine and replacing the environment with cooler water drawn from the radiator.
Radiators are located front of the engine and behind the front grill of the car. This puts the radiator in a position to receive relatively cold outside air. Radiators have fins sticking out from the pipes to increase the surface area where air can come into contact with it, this way warm liquids in the radiators get colder faster in time to be pumped back into the engine to draw more heat away.
What's the composition of the radiator liquid?
Inside the radiator is plain water mixed with coolant. The ratio is about 50:50.
As a word of caution, NEVER put coolant when the engine is hot. Wait for the engine to cool down before putting in coolant. Doing so may crack the engine due to extreme temperature differentials.
Putting plain water in a hot engine is allowed during emergencies.
Coolant is needed as a part of the mixture because it has anti-corrosive properties, saving your radiator from early rust.
How to check and add liquid to your radiator
Here are the steps on how to properly check and add liquid to your radiator.
Open the radiator cap. NEVER open a radiator cap with the engine hot, this is a sure way to get very hot steam in your face. If you cannot wait, pour cold water over the cap and the radiator to facilitate in cooling the radiator faster and safe enough to open.
Look down into the hole and check water level. You should be able to see that the water level has to be around an inch below where the cap screwed on. This means that the water level is fine.
Any lower, or if you see the water fellow the fins in the radiator, it's time to add some liquid.
Check fluid condition. You tell a lot by looking at the quality of the fluid inside a radiator. The regular color of fluid is like juice, orange, blue or green. Vibrant colors.
If you notice that the fluid color is colorless (and you did remember to put in coolant), rusty, or has some particles floating around inside, it's time to flush the fluids and add new water and coolant into the radiator
If you see the fluid quality is oily or sludgy, drive the car immediately to the mechanic or service center. This may be a possible leak with the internal head gasket.
Check hose conditions. Feel and squeeze the hoses for that familiar rubbery feel. If they are in any way cracked, brittle, spongy, porous, or bloated, it's a good time to replace them.
Add some liquid in the radiator. The rule of thumb when you place fluid in the radiator is 50% water and 50% coolant. The coolant is important, not only to keep the engine cooler than what just water would do, but also to stave off the attack of rust on metal.
What if I need to totally replace (flush) the radiator?
Coolant is TOXIC to living things. Do not just flush them into your drain.
Follow these steps:
Make sure that the engine is cold before proceeding. Park in a place where you can work with no children coming near, especially toddlers.
Place a bucket under the drain valve of your car. Make it enough to hold at least 6 liters.
Open the drain valve and allow the liquid to fill the bucket.
Close the drain valve.
Open the radiator cap and fill with plain water.
Run then engine with heater on high for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge to prevent overheating. Allow the engine to cool and drain into the bucket all over again.
Refill the radiator with 50% water and 50% coolant.
Replace radiator cap and run the engine with heater on high until the engine comes to your usual temperature range.
Shut off the engine and allow to cool once more.
Bring the used radiator fluid to your local service station for disposal.
Every week, re-check the radiator for water level once more and fill as necessary.
There you have it. You can now do maintenance on your radiator. Easy wasn't it?
Our next article in the DIY series is: How Saving Gas Is Partly A Matter of Air Pressure
For more very useful information on increasing fuel efficiency, mileage, and saving petrol. Visit us at our url below.

Erwin Chua MCP, MCDST has been involved with cars since he was 22. In his youth he would take the car out for a ride without a license, and never get caught. He has a still-pending Master of Arts in Philosophy from De La Salle University - Manila after he decided to leave the academe in pursuit of the true Way. Currently, he is based in Penang, Malaysia spending his time working out, tinkering and puttering away on his Toyota, practicing the Way, building web sites, and writing articles on technology, health, nutrition, body conditioning, healing and travel.

Pontiac Fuel Filters

Due to the continuous increase in fuel or gas rates, you need to make all the necessary adjustments so your vehicle reaches its peak fuel efficiency status. With the help of cost effective performance enhancers, you can upgrade your vehicle’s critical factory settings for combustion efficiency which often restricts the adjustments allowed to unleash your engine’s full potential of generating optimum power and torque. Actually, you can boost your engine’s overall yielded output when you make sure that your Pontiac fuel filter is kept effective and efficient like new. Even as a simple engine maintenance component, the part could help promote greater fuel economy and cleaner fuel burn. To do that, premium fuel filters make use of their manufacturer’s specially impregnated filtering media so it could effectively trap the smallest of particles which may have been carried from the fuel reservoir. Prior to launching the metered amounts for fluid to your engine’s fuel injection systems, the part clears out the fluid all forms of contaminants it could have carried through the combustion chambers. While it constantly collects all forms of impurities which could potentially cause combustion deficiencies or brew damage inside the combustion cylinders, stock fuel filters will eventually need replacement. For preventive maintenance, you need to keep regular intervals for fuel filter replacements to continually enjoy excellent fuel efficiency and performance gains.
Modern engine assemblies require high flow Pontiac fuel filter as its practical applications could greatly contribute to achieving your set engine performance goals. As it complements tight tolerance engine fuel systems with its high-flow and outstanding filtering features, precision flow of metered amounts of fuel is better maintained. When you are accustomed to keeping regular schedules of engine servicing, you can effectively keep track of the part’s actual working state. By periodically checking the part for contamination or debris build-up, you can precisely estimate or determine the best time for you to have it replaced. Overextending the part’s service life is poor economy as it puts your engine under undue pressure in struggling to maintain engine system precision while sustaining efficient combustion processes. It could even wear out your stock fuel pumps and contaminate fuel injectors. Remember that an already contaminated filter does more harm than good when sustaining smooth engine operations for it may cause severe engine damages due to imprecision. While direct-fit and OEM quality Pontiac fuel filter replacements are conveniently available for specific year and model of applications, finding equally dependable replacements will be easier and more convenient.
Proper attention to Pontiac fuel filter maintenance is essential to continually enjoying its great valued service. While some fuel filter applications can be re-used and cleaned many times, it tends to clog with neglect. This results to greater fuel flow restrictions and poor drivability due to appreciable drop on fuel filtering efficiency levels which could lead to more catastrophic fuel system problems. You do not need to have special knowledge or skills to determine when is the best time to have your stock filters replaced. By sticking to the manufacturer’s application and maintenance specifications and recommended intervals for filter replacement, you can optimize the gains enjoyed when you keep the part in top notch working conditions. When you decide to have your Pontiac fuel filter replaced, you can consult a qualified service technician or a good repair and service manual to ensure great filter maintenance or servicing results.

K&N Cold Air Intakes vs. AEM Cold Air Intakes

Sure, comparisons are a nice, dignified way to pit two things against each other to find a measured victor in a gentlemanly fashion. But, that’s no way to decide which performance parts are best for your ride. In this edition, we pit K&N Cold Air Intakes versus AEM Cold Air Intakes in a gritty steel cage match. Read on for the blow-by-blow account of the clash of the induction titans.

Welcome to the air intake battle royale, where we force K&N Intakes and AEM Intakes to fight to the death…or at least until we have a clear winner holding the title of “Best intake for your auto.” At face value, there are some similarities between these two fighters—both pack incredible pipes with the testing and training an intake needs to be a champion. We suspect the subtle differences are where the fight will be won; expect neither to be knocked out but rather jabbed into a bloody, stumbling, slurred submission.
In the black, red and orange corner we have K&N, the taller, heavier, more established fighter of the two. Sure, they’ve been slugging it out with other contenders for more than 30 years, much like an aged and grizzled fighter like Evander Holyfield. But, unlike Holyfield, K&N is sharper than ever, still packs quite a wallop, has their ears intact, and nobody is begging them to quit for their own good. K&N’s advantage comes from not only being the undisputed champion intake, but also from being the brand that practically invented the sport.
AEM struts in as the challenger; a slimmer, faster, younger fighter sporting flashy red and yellow trunks. Buoyed by newer technology and plenty of support in the sport compact realm, AEM’s plan is to take the lumbering K&N with speed, quickness and quality punches. This challenger firmly believes they’re ushering in a new era of intake performance, design and maintenance.

The bell rings, and the two intake brands dance toward each other. They come together, and K&N lands a nice two-punch combination to the nose and jaw, thanks to their intake tubes. Their crosslink material tubes, available on the vaunted FIPK 57 Series and 63 Series Air Charger intakes, keep the incoming volumes of air much cooler than the metal tubes used with every AEM. Not to mention the price—crosslink plastic tubing helps a kit cost less. But, AEM relies on its smooth footwork to land a stinging gut shot, thanks to the dressy look of their pipes, which are slightly nicer in terms of engine compartment looks even when pitted against K&N’s 69 and 77 Series.
AEM also rallies to run K&N into the corner with Brute Force, their brawny truck and SUV intake that’s gaining street cred by the minute. But, K&N escapes damage by striking AEM with their 69 series—an unlikely point on the card for the veteran. Though AEM has the sport compact high ground, most of the 69 Series is able to be configured as a short ram intake or a cold air intake drawing from the wheel well. Then K&N drills AEM in the eye with filter technology, setting off suffocating swelling. K&N’s cotton-gauze with oil filtration system uses its time-tested formula and 1,000,000-mile warranty to land a big blow over AEM’s struggling bid to equal cotton-gauze performance with an oil-less filter.
Round and round they go, trading jabs and the occasional slug that re-engages the crowd to this clash of now-tiring titans. As the 12th and final round passes with many a fist thrown but few landed, the judges must go to the scorecard. Though AEM takes rounds judged on compact performance and looks under the hood, K&N wins the battle by decision with an extra 4hp on the dyno for the F-150 with a 5.4L V8, which happened to be the judges’ trucks. The cooler crosslink tube (which also costs less) helped put K&N over the top of AEM here, making it the current undisputed belt holder for intake performance. But, AEM will likely return soon with some new moves in its quest for the title.

Volkswagen Beetle For Women

Auto experts say that women prefer chic and fun cars. Stereotyping dictates it would be difficult to figure out a woman like Kate Moss and Paris Hilton driving a Ferrari. According to Kelly Blue Book, Ferrari, like some of the other high-end performance vehicles, is a notoriously "male" car.
So what cars are associated with women? What cars are the flirtiest?
Earlier, NBC divulged the top ten flirtiest cars. First on the list is the Volkswagen Beetle. Statistically, the Volkswagen Beetle is the most popular car for women, with 57 percent of all buyers of Beetles since July having been women, according to JD Power and Associates. The starting price $16,400 and its uniqueness seem to be the feminine appeal of the car.
Rachael Yos, the VW brand manager, said that the color on the Beetle helps boost its appeal.
"There are unique colors on the Beetle that you can't get on any other vehicle. I think the Beetle is a more feminine car to begin with, it's a real rounded shape," she said.
"Females, they have a much better sense of styling than men," said Tom Lisle, the general manager of Denny Hecker VW Dealership in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. "I think they like being different."
Women are so into style. As a fact, it is one of the most important factors that a woman considers in purchasing a car. The Beetle has it. Its sibling, the Jetta, has it too. No wonder the latter comes next to the Beetle on NBC’s list. It is not just the VW Jetta grille – it is the entirety of the package.
The Volkswagen Jetta continues to be one of the most popular automobiles for young women, said Kelly Blue Book senior editor Jack Nerad. The reason is the overall price (around $16,500), and its style and performance.
"(The Jetta) is especially popular with college students," Yos noted. "It's a fun, very affordable car. It's safe, sporty, and we have a great college graduate program."
Third on the list is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. While it has fallen in popularity in the last two years, the Eclipse Spyder was the most popular car for women in 2005, according to JDPA, with 65 percent of all buyers being female.
"It's a very stylish car, much better for a single person than a person with a family," said Nerad. "Even with one child it would be kind of difficult. It's a car that gets attention. It's reasonably economical, especially in a four-cylinder form."
Next in line is another VW car – the Eos. According to JDPA, the Eos is one of the most popular brands for females, with 52 percent of all owners being female. Yos, however, views the car as appealing to an almost solely female clientele, mostly in their 30s. "I think I've only sold one male an Eos so far. It's definitely a female-driven car," he said. "I think it definitely has an elegant feel to it, just a really sleek line."
BMW enters the list with its captivating Z4. The Z4 is engineered to cater to auto fetishes of successful, young women. Even for those who cannot afford the car, the Z4 still is still their option.
Representing Japanese car magnet is the Toyota RAV4, a sleek SUV. "It has a sporty feel, but you're still high enough up so you feel like you have the security of an SUV, but with great gas mileage," Yos said. "It's very inexpensive. You can get Rav-4's for as little as $20,000. They're real great starter cars."
Completing the top ten are the Honda CR-V, Pontiac Solstice, Mini Cooper, and the Mazda Miata.

Way To Change Oil

Wow, you are actually going to change your oil all on your own.That is great!You will soon learn that it is so much easier than those mechanics would like you to know.
They would rather you bring it to them on a regular basis so they can charge you for all the other maintenance services they provide.Which you can do yourself as well.Read on and discover how to change oil yourself.
Since you have decided to do this yourself, you need 5 quarts of new oil, use a name brand, not the cheap stuff.You also need to purchase a very high quality oil filter, don't go with the cheaper ones.Also ask for an oil filter wrench or a metal strap wrench. You also need a container to catch the oil, one that will seal closed.
Ok!now you are ready to get to work.Make sure you are able to fit under your car.You might need to jack up the front some, best to have some supports.
Always have someone there in case of accidents.Before you climb under your car, remove the oil cap.Now to get under for the fun stuff.
You will want to place the oil tray under the oil plug.At the lowest point of the pan, you will see the plug, remove this.The oil will drain out into your tray, it will take a few min.
After you have drained the oil, replace the oil plug.Be sure not to screw it in too tight, this will strip it.Now you want to move your drain pan under the oil filter.Oil will leak as you pull the filter out.

Using your filter wrench, you will want to turn the oil filter counter clockwise.Once it is loose enough, remove it using your hands.As I said earlier, there will be some oil that will come out.
On your new filter, you will see a rubber gasket.Take some of your new oil and completely coat the gasket.This will keep it from sealing so tight that you won't be able to remove it next time.
Time to screw the new oil filter on using only your hands.Now you are ready to screw in the new oil filter.Turn it until it is tight.Now you can use your filter wrench to turn it another ? to ? turn to seal it.You are done under the car now.Time to fill up with your new oil.You are ready to put your new oil in.You should use the entire 5 quarts.
Put your cap on and then turn on your engine and let it run for about 5 minutes. Turn your car off and check your dip stick. Now you have discovered how to change oil all by yourself and have nice clean oil in there.With nice clean oil, you are ready to go.

The modify your Mitsubishi car challenge.

Okay, I know you love cars, but it doesn’t mean you have to buy a new one every now and then just to have something new and more exciting car to drive. Admit it, cars are valuable investments and I’m pretty sure you don’t want to spend your entire earnings for an expensive and flashy sports car. Aftermarket auto parts like those offered at Auto Parts Fast are your best alternatives. By adding or replacing your stock Mitsubishi parts with aftermarket parts, you can breathe in new life to your auto and make your driving routine a lot more fun and exciting.

Compared to buying a new car, installing aftermarket auto parts is less costly, so why suffer the burden of paying for a new car when you can get all the advantages of owning the latest model, say a 2006 Mitsubishi Galant, without getting thousands of dollars poorer. Be practical, if you don’t have enough savings yet. A new car can wait, but your other essential needs can’t. But spending some extra cash on replacement and aftermarket auto parts won’t harm you. In fact, it can help you increase your car’s resale value. It’s also one way of maintaining your vehicle and enhancing its driving capabilities as well as its riding comfort, safety and style. Hence, should you decide to sell it in the future when you have already saved enough money to buy a new and more sophisticated car, you won’t have problem selling your old Mitsubishi Lancer or Mitsubishi

Mirage. Discount priced Mitsubishi parts are offered at Auto Parts Fast, your one-stop shop of high quality replacement aftermarket car parts and accessories. Here you can find performance parts designed to boost your Mitsubishi car’s performance at very affordable deals. Auto parts like Mitsubishi wheels, Mitsubishi radiator, Mitsubishi shock absorbers, and Mitsubishi catalytic converters available in this store are the best you can find for your Mitsubishi Mirage. Made with high OEM standards, they are sure to deliver the same performance as the original parts. Let your Mitsubishi car reveal who you are, personalize it so you can enjoy it more. You can make the car’s interior more conducive for long drives and more pleasing to the eyes every time you slip into the driver or passenger seat by replacing your old Mitsubishi carpet and Mitsubishi floor mats or by adding some interior lights and other accessories. You can change the way your Mitsubishi looks by replacing exterior auto parts as well. These parts give others a lasting impression about your car so make them attractive as much as possible. Also, if you are going to resell your car in the future, you have to pay attention even to slightest details in your car’s exterior, including the Mitsubishi door handle, Mitsubishi headlight covers and Mitsubishi hub caps. These parts can make or unmake an impression about your car, too. Wouldn’t it be frustrating if a customer rejects your offer only because of a broken door handle or some unsightly scratches on your Mitsubishi tail lights? Redesigning or modifying your car is fun and challenging at the same time. It may require you to spend some cash but think about the benefits of this over buying a new car, which may not be your priority yet at the moment. Take the challenge, simple things like placing a new set of Mitsubishi wheel covers on your car can go a long way! Now, I’m sure you’ve got better ideas there, go to Auto Parts Fast and start turning those bright ideas into reality.

Car Blower Fuse

Fan blower for air & heat
Lets get started on this fan repair. First of all you need to be able to bend like Houdini! Why? Because if you do not have a flexible body, you will not be able to make the repair.
First step in this repair is move the front passenger seat back as far as it will go on the track. Up underneath the dash, just behind the glove box is a panel.
There are three snap plugs holding this panel in place. Remove the snap plugs and pull the panel out of the way. This procedure might require that you remove the glove box on some vehicles.
Once the panel has been removed you will have access to the fan unit. Remove the fan assembly by removing the three nuts holding it in place. Now comes the miraculous fix!
Behind the fan unit is the fuse module that they were talking about in the repair guide. The fuse modules are the same on all Gm vehicles. Remove the small screws holding the module in place.
Now pull out the fuse module and disconnect it from the wiring harness. The replacement for my vehicle was $25.00 brand new from Autozone. The fan unit itself cost $98 dollars.
The fan unit is hardly ever the problem. But you do need to clean the fan blades off before you replace the unit. You can test the fan using some alligator clips you can buy from RadioShack.
Connect the +lead+ from the battery to the red wire on the fan motor. Connect the -lead- from the battery to the black wire on the fan motor.

The fan will turn at full speed! Connect wires long enough to make sure the fan works. Now you know which component is at fault. So most likely you will be replacing the fuse module.
That's all there is to it, you went through the procedure found the problem. Look online and find your replacement module and install it. This repair was very simple!
Now, plug new module into wiring harness. Put screws back in module. Plug in fan unit and put back in place and bolt back down with retaining nuts.
Replace the kick panel and snap plugs. If needed you can get new snap plugs at the auto supply store where you purchase the fuse module. Now replace the glove box and the job is complete.
You just saved yourself a few hundred dollars in repairs.

Poly Suspension Bushes: Enhance the Life of Your Car

Speed and smoothness is the natural quality of any car and if your car is not up to certain parameters then it may happen that you are ignoring some of its small components like suspension bushes. These are one of the important components of your car that need proper attention and care. These days people are using poly suspension bushes so that the suspension system can work more efficiently and so that a car can give excellent results.
Sometimes it happens that rubber bushes that you replaced last month have already been worn out. Due to this the tires may wear prematurely as its road-holding capability has been destroyed. It reduces the life of your car. Also, if bushes do not work properly then steering geometry and car alignment can get affected which is a bad sign for the overall health of your car. These problems can overcome by switching to poly suspension bushes which take full advantage of the special characteristics of polyurethane like its durability, and exceptional friction-absorbing capability.

Poly suspension bushes has so many qualities which differentiate them from normal rubber bushes. One of that quality is resilience which is the speed at which an elastomer will return to its original shape after being deformed. Poly bushes are excellent in this quality. Also polyurethane has the properties of extreme resistance to abrasion, low compression set, high tear strength and resistance to oils and solvents that make it ideal for automotive applications.
Therefor, by using poly suspension bushes you can expect low maintenance, responsive steering, longevity, increased tire life and improved stability. So, next time if your mechanic suggests for the replacement of suspension bushes then insist on poly suspension bushes. It is best for your car and you should never compromise as far as quality is concerned.

2008 BMW 7 Series: Making Every Journey a First-Class Experience

BMW’s performance-luxury 7 Series sedan continues as the class benchmark for 2008. The 750i, 750Li and 760Li models benefit from BMW’s innovative performance and safety technologies while providing the comfort and distinction that comes with every BMW. The BMW Individual option offers an even greater level of look and feel to suit the specific tastes of discerning enthusiasts who demand distinction and exclusivity. For 2008, the 7 Series lineup includes the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li. Both of these models are powered by BMW’s cutting-edge 360-hp 4.8-liter V-8. The long-wheelbase 760Li boasts the company’s exemplary 438-hp 6.0-liter V-12. BMW’s V-8 and V-12 engines both feature the company’s unique Valvetronic variable valve-control system, which helps provide exceptionally smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy. As the ultimate expression of the true premium nature of
BMW automobiles, the BMW Individual 7 Series is the perfect answer for those customers who seek the utmost in luxury and look to own a more personalized 7 Series. The finest quality materials and exacting workmanship that go into even the slightest details set the BMW 7 Series apart from other makes. With the standard 20-way Comfort Seats on 750 models, the 7 Series becomes even more elegant outside and inside, and discreetly more luxurious as well. The luxury experience begins with stepless door checks – once opened, the door will stay open at any position, not just two or three. Visit East Bay BMW to explore the new 7 Series. East Bay BMW is one of the leading BMW dealership located in the San Francisco, California (CA) area. The dealership specializes in BMW sales, service, BMW parts, and finance. The dealership serves customers in the greater Bay Area including Danville, Byron, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Stockton, Holt, Tracy, Dublin, Castro Valley, Alamo, Blackhawk, Discovery Bay and Mountain House.

Greddy Injectors for Your Car

Do you feel disturbed when your car does not perform well or when it loses its speed? You have two options to get a peaceful drive; you have to make a huge investment in buying a new car or have to install high quality performance auto parts like Greddy injectors in your vehicle. Greddy injectors have the capacity to augment the performance quotient of your car and would give you the experience of joyful driving.

Greddy performance parts would help you a large extent by enhancing the speed of your car and its overall performance. With Greddy injectors, even your old car requires less maintenance and runs at an amazing speed. If you are a popular automobile enthusiast, you can upgrade your car’s fuel delivery components with the help of Greddy injectors. With Greddy injectors you can enhance the productivity of your automobile and get a satisfying driving experience.
You can get vital online information about Greddy injectors for your car by searching the internet. Greddy injectors are considered to be the best fuel injectors available in the industry. As a performance part, Greddy Injectors enhance the performance of your car and as a result, ultimately increase its overall value. Greddy enjoys high reputation in the industry with its best quality service with desirable results. As the Greddy injectors do not harm or disturb the functioning of other automobile parts, you can use them in any model car as you like to enjoy a nice drive.
A greddy injector mixes the air and fuel in the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. Greddy injectors are the preferred choice of a large number of users worldwide for their automobiles. More recently, the fuel injectors have successfully replaced the carburetors and have revolutionized the entire automobile industry. As an integral component of the electronic system, Greddy injectors regularly spray fuel into the combustion chambers of the vehicle.
Greddy Injectors are available in various sizes as low resistance fuel injectors in high flow sizes of 550, 660 as well as 720 cc. You can ideally use them for supercharged or turbocharged applications. Once you use the Greddy injectors you will be surprised to see the excellent quality of service in a short time at affordable rates.

Porsche Snubs Detroit Auto Show

Porsche AG said last Monday it will pull out of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the largest in the United States industry, in favor of marketing efforts that more directly reach potential buyers. The luxury sports car manufacturer intends to concentrate on shows where it has more customers. The automaker plans to focus on shows in regions where it has more customers, spokesman Tony Fouladpour said.
Fouladpour said that Porsche gets better results when it spends its marketing dollars getting prospective customers into vehicles - such as at performance-driving lessons held at local dealerships than at events such as auto shows. "People are much more apt to buy if they drive the cars," he added.

Instead of having displays at many auto shows, Porsche decided to put a greater emphasis on personal marketing activities, such as local events where customers can test drive vehicles, said Fouladpour. "What we find typically is that the more people drive our cars, the more likely they are to buy them," he noted.
In 2006, Porsche sold 290 cars in Michigan, compared with 8,827 in California, 4,177 in Florida and 2,172 in New York. The decision is not intended as a snub to Detroit and the region, said Fouladpour, noting that Porsche is supporting the revived Grand Prix race later this year.
The North American office of Porsche said that it is re-evaluating its presence at traditional auto shows and wants to focus resources on interacting directly with potential Porsche customers to offer efficient performance like the Flowtech. "As a media showcase for new products, the Detroit auto show is clearly the premier international auto show in North America," said David Pryor, the company's vice president of marketing, in a statement. "Still, as Porsche strives to seek new, more personal ways to directly reach out and communicate to its potential customer base we need to look beyond the traditional consumer auto show - even ones that are highly renowned in the industry. For us, this is a strategic business decision that allows us to allocate our limited marketing resources more effectively."
The German automaker said that over the past two years or so, it has cut back from exhibiting at 23 North American auto shows to participating in nine such events. The news did not produce any buzz at Monday's golf outing for members of the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association who are also sponsors of the North American International Auto Show.
"There were no comments at all," said Carl Galeana, a Chrysler dealer and senior co-chairman of the 2008 auto show. "Porsche has been very, very good to us over the years. It's strictly a strategic marketing decision and I certainly respect it." Galeana said taht, if anything, Porsche's withdrawal is a chance for other auto show exhibitors to spread out. "It's a great opportunity for us."
Galeana said that he regrets Porsche's decision to leave and would welcome it back for future shows. The show is run by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. "It's a shame because they're an iconic brand, but we respect their decision," Galeana said. "Certainly, they leave as friends. We hope to get them back someday.” Accordingly, next year Porsche in North America will only appear at trade shows in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Toronto.
The Detroit Auto Dealers Association has been pushing for a new or the expanded Cobo Center to host the show, but Porsche's departure is unrelated, he said. "I would love to say if we had more space Porsche wouldn't have left," Galeana said. "That really isn't the case. This is a marketing decision based on their sales."

Chevrolet Looks To Post First Win At MIS Since 2001

The Citizens Bank 400, the fifteenth race of the 2007 Nextel Cup Series, is just around the corner and talks in the paddocks revolve around Chevrolet’s winless streak. The winless streak, of course, does not point out to the current season because Chevy teams have been dominating the season so far. To date, Chevrolet Impalas has already won thirteen of the fourteen races this season.
The winless streak is about Chevy teams not being able to win at the Michigan International Speedway where the next race will take place. The last driver to win at the MIS driving a Chevrolet is Jeff Gordon who posted a win at the circuit on June 10, 2001. From that time onwards, either a Dodge or a Ford has won at the Michigan track.
With history against them, Chevrolet teams need a boost which J.J. Yeley gladly gave them. The 30-year old NASCAR driver won the pole position which means he will start at the front row come raceday on Sunday. Yeley drives the Number 18 Chevy Impala for Joe Gibbs Racing. Another Chevy car will be starting alongside Yeley on the front row. Defending champion Jimmie Johnson recorded the second fastest lap time in the qualifying round to secure a front row start.
Kyle Busch, another Chevrolet Impala driver, will start on the second row after he qualified at the third spot. He will start alongside the Number 12 Dodge of Ryan Newman. Newman drives the only non-Chevy car in the top nine spots. His teammate Kurt Busch will start tenth on the grid.

While Chevrolet cars have dominated the season, drivers are talking about the MIS being a Ford track because it seems to favor Ford cars in recent years. Jimmie Johnson expressed his feelings towards the track saying: “It's weird how certain tracks favor certain teams.” This consensus among NASCAR drivers is based on the fact that Ford cars have won three out of the previous five races at the MIS. In 2002, Matt Kenseth won the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 while in 2003 Kurt Busch won the Sirius 400. In 2005, Greg Biffle won the Batman Begins 400.
“Manufacturers, unfortunately, have their hands tied and can't do a lot,” says Johnson. “It really revolves around the teams. And this has been a Roush track, for whatever reason. I know Jeff (Gordon) has won here... but it kind of falls into being a Roush track. They carry the Ford logo, so thus it's been considered a Ford track, too.”
With their NASCAR Chevrolet Impalas engineered for high level of performance which leaves no room for components such as Chevy window motors, Chevrolet teams have performed well at the MIS in the past only to falter during the later stages of the race.
“I think that the Chevy teams have been close here,” says Johnson. “I know from my own experience, we were running up front in the fall here and had a flat tire. I've personally had a lot of crazy things happened to me late in races here, whether it's strategy, running out of fuel, tire failures. We just haven't had the finishes we thought we would. But if you look at the statistics probably up to the two-thirds mark, Chevy teams are in contention - but when the checkered falls, weird things happen. I don't know why, but the statistics certainly show that Ford camp seems to rule here.”

Key to Volvo's Stability

For companies like Gothenburg, Sweden-founded Volvo, a car isn't just a mere means of transportation. The advancements of technology and civilization as a whole has proven that utility is not enough to sell a product. Aside from substance, a product needs some flash, and style to appeal to the intended audience. In the case of Volvo, that would be the consumers categorized as likely buyers of luxury and executive lines of vehicles. Since 1927, Volvo has done well enough to merit continuous support and a reputation of stability and durability.



Cars aren't just about power nowadays, the luxuries of yesterday are suddenly becoming the necessities of today. Comfort, utility, and electronic "thingamajigs" are just some examples of such changes. Modern automotive pursuits have worked to improve the driving experience by enhancing comfort, ease of use and other nifty features with the help of advanced electronics, however, sometimes the solution can be as simple set of metal bars and the like.
Volvo transmission mounts as simple as they are, are quite effective in what they do. Namely, housing the the transmission of the car, a critical part in making the car run. It also serves to control the torque and vibration of the car, combined with the engine mount, making the ride a lot more comfortable.



Finally, the Volvo trans mounts (as it is more commonly called) secure the linkages and keep them properly aligned, forming rear support for the transmission assembly. Normally made of rubber and steel, with the latter being more practical due to its resistance to heat, certain chemicals and gases, a malfunctioning trans mount can be either be a minor nuisance (loss in the vehicle's power) or a major disaster (quickened decline in quality of of interconnected parts, almost always an expensive endeavor). Just like any product or object, the mount is expected to inevitably succumbed to wear and tear, as such, regular maintenance and routine checking should be kept in mind, as the alternative is not only a trait of irresponsibility as car owner but also financially burdening.