FUN DRIVE

Doing a makeover or making a monster?

2008-06-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Car modification is cool. However, you may find yourself exaggerating things, making your work of art a total disaster! Better yet, you can keep everything simple yet appealing.

There are lots of auto parts that you should consider when modifying your ride. You can start with the most obvious ones… Those which you can see even from a distance – like your wheels and tires.

With the wheels and tires, the desire to fit alternative ones is the most common modification. This is because of their significant visual contribution on aesthetics. Oftentimes, these auto parts stand as foundations in making or unmaking a car.

Changes to the wheels and tires can alter your ride’s behaviour on the road, so it is advisable to fit wheels and tires that are listed on the tire placard or in your owner’s handbook. Of course, you also need to ensure the good condition of your tires and wheels.

Some experts say that modifying wheels and tires can really improve a road holding, but an incorrect tire and wheel combination can affect the track of your vehicle.

Now let’s talk about one of the most popular location of car modification – the exhaust system. The rumble of a hotted-up V8 makes a pretty loud statement. Enthusiasts extravagantly shell out to fit a larger exhaust system with the idea of improving gas flow while deriving more power from the engine.

Ideally, it will be better to reduce the restriction in the exhaust to maximize the performance but in reality, it doesn’t deliver huge gains because it goes more about the noise than anything else.

Upgraded exhaust systems are popular in the 17–25 age group This is partly personality and show-off factor. The statutory limit for exhaust noise is 90 decibels for cars made after 1983. Nonetheless, fines range from $150 to $500 depending on how far the exhaust noise exceeds the limit. What do you want, fame or fine?

Getting in the interior… Car enthusiasts transform seats for support, safety, comfort, and aesthetics. If you don’t have any reason while doing such modification, better stop it, or make a monster out of your interior. However if you are sure about your plan, you can find optional extras for your vehicle, just don’t forget to get an engineering certificate.

Once a seat is incorrectly fitted, it will dislodge in the event of a crash. Moreover, if you fit a new seat and it ends up too high or low, it could compromise the driving position of your ride. If you have side airbags, have your seats modified or use seat covers since they could interfere with the deployment of airbags..

Getting under the hood.. Engine modifications tend to be more complex as these include either modifying the existing engine or fitting a new engine. Among the common activities are adding superchargers turbochargers, or after-market fuel injection systems.

Powerchips are great. These go into the vehicle’s engine management computer and changes the mapping of fuel and ignition timing, maximizing the power. Nonetheless, this is expensive if you base on the “not so great” net gain.

Never modify your ride if it is likely to affect engine management, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or the mufflers in the exhaust system. You can boost the power under the hood using other techniques. You don’t have to modify your ride into a monster.

More techniques are yet to be counted. If you want to learn more about having a makeover for your vehicle, keep on researching. A lot of enthusiasts are willing to share great tips for your benefits. Next time, I’ll be posting more entries related to this…

Improve your Shocks

2008-06-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Have you been suffering from extensive bouncing? Never ignore this as you will never get the off-road performance that you need. Check if the shocks are still in good shape otherwise, you will continuously get annoyed by the road disturbances.

Shocks generally stand as piston inside a liquid, having an extra gas chamber that absorbs the unfavorable effects of road disturbances. This happens when gas compresses while the liquid does not compress under pressure. Because of such difficult task, your shocks are apparently made to have fairly complicated structure. Additionally, since these auto parts are exposed to extensive movements, early damage are always imminent. If this happens, your car would bounce all along. To make sure that problems with your shocks will not annoy you, make sure that you will always consider the condition of each suspension parts. These are some of the main components that you have to regularly inspect.

Bound and Rebound settings
This refers to the dampening force of the shock absorber. Bound is the rate at which shock allows compression. Rebound, on the other hand, is the rate at which the shock releases the compression. Once your suspension has a dampening control, then you can determine the optimum setting.

Camber
This is the angle of your wheel against the road. Putting all your weight on the outside of your feet will cause negative camber. On the other hand, rolling your feet inwards, so all your weight gets inside, positive camber is resulted. As the car rolls into the corner, the camber will bring changes to handling and tire life. The best camber settings for handling will lead to premature tire wear. The front wheels are set up for positive camber while the wheels deflect up. Camber setting refers to the angle of the wheel to the road and the angle of the wheel to the chassis. Maintaining the best angle of contact between the tire and the road should therefore be done properly.

Caster
The angle of the wheel hub in relation to the suspension arm is referred to as the angle of castor. Positive castor keeps the wheel straight. Stability is maintained, whereas a neutral camber leads to wheel wobbling around the axis.

Toe
Toes in or toes out? Your car has “toes out” when they seem to look like your feet, having the heels together and the toes apart. On the other hand, it has “toes in” when the heels are apart and the toes are together. Any of these conditions can affect the stability of your car. Toe can provide stability on the straight and resistance whenever turning. With toes out, there is quicker steering response.

You can provide your car with the toe that you want, just make sure that this is equally distributed to all your wheels.

Roll
Removing roll in corners will help attain cornering stability. Once you push hard, your car will lift a rear wheel and when cornering, you will surely need as much rubber in contact with the black stuff.

Roll bars are also called sway bars. These help keep the level in a car corner by taking a lift from one side and trying to move it to the other. This is impossible so the lift effectively pulls down and everything is kept in contact with the road.

Spring stiffness
If the springs become so stiff, the car will bounce over humps and potholes on the road. When this become too soft, the car will wallow along. Perfect shocks are made adjustable on the car to let you get the set up that will match your driving style.

Bushes
These suspension parts provide connection to the suspension components and chassis. The rubber ones deteriorate over time. New poluurethane bushes last longer and maintain handling much tighter. However, since these are harder, your ride has the possibility to become a little bumpy.

Experience the Honda roadster drive!

2008-06-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

2008 Honda S2000 CR

Want a sporty yet feminine convertible coupe? Why not consider the Honda roadster – S200. This sports car was launched in April 1999 and was created to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary. This had the chassis designation of AP1then

Honda S2000 features a front-mid engine, rear wheel drive layout with power delivered by 1, 997 cc F20C inline 4 cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine producing 240 hp (179 kW) at 8,300 rpm and 153ft.lbf (207 Nm) at 7,500 rpm. The six speed manual transmission is matched with Torsen limited slip differential.

This roadster is constructed using a rigid x-bone monocoque frame so as to improve passenger safety and handling. You can also locate other features like double wishbone suspension, integrated roll hoops, and electrically-assisted steering. An electrical vinyl top with internal cloth lining was standard.

The AP1 was manufactured up to 2003 at Tochigi plant, alongside Honda Insight hybrid and Honda NSX. The succeeding year, the production was continued at the Suzuka plant.

In 2004, a lot of revision to the S2000 was carried out. These have later on given the chassis designation of AP2. The 2004 model got the newly designed 17 in wheels and Bridgestone RE-050 tires along with a returned suspension, which reduces the tendency to oversteer.

The 2008 model year recorded the first time the S2000 was offered in more than one trim level. Additionally, Honda offered a new race-inspired version of this coupe. This is distinguished by reduced weight, fewer amenities, and a claimed increase in performance.

S2000 CR, the latest model, was introduced at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Some modifications, called the Type-S in Japan, have included the stiffer suspension, quicker steering rack, and new Bridgestone Potenza RE 070 tires.

More and more enthusiasts desire to experience the smooth performance of this 2-door roadster, especially the ladies. If you are among these people who long for this car model, then better stop dreaming now, see it yourself..

Getting Lower... but trendier

2008-06-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Do you want to give your vehicle a new appeal? Why not try making it look closer to the ground? Lowering has been one of the popular trends today so it will surely be a success if you will pursue such style in your own ride.

But how are you gonna start the lowering of your vehicle then? Lots of enthusiasts have their vehicles lowered through their own skills and money. Apparently, you need to invest the same factors to make sure that your ride will stand out down the road.

Usually, lowering is started by removing the huge tractor like gap between the top of the wheel and the arches. Such lower feature is better for handling since the track becomes fairly flat and smooth.

Manufacturers need to take speed bumps, passenger comfort, uneven road surface, and road noise into consideration when setting up a car suspension. Lots of cars contain soft comfortable suspension that does a little to maximize handling and driving experience. Track cars are designed for driver preference and style for perfect setting is not just different for each model, as it is also a subjective thing.

If your car has a lowered front with a body kit, you will may not go quite as low on the suspension or you will quickly grind the front skirt of pavements, ramps, and speed bumps.

Vehicle models like Ferrari raises the nose cone electronically to avoid such issue. You could add gringing plate of rubber or metal to the bottom edge to preserve the plastic- you get to replace the grinding plate instead of the whole front apron.

Talking about the common mistakes – you should not go through the chavsandtarts car part catalogue and buy a suspension kit, which can lower your ride 50 mm, and expect the perfect set up.

Several kits are so general, as these can be fitted to all models. Different engine weights, wheel sizes, and car weights need different suspension characteristics. If you go too low, you risk grinding the tires in the wheel arch requiring a rolling of the arches, making them bigger by folding the metal underneath. You will also risk the condition of the drive shaft and gearbox if the angle from the final drive to wheel hub is wrong.

Your car can look good when slammed to the ground. You can reduce the ground clearance, causing troubles with tires rubbing in the wheelarches. Take note that roads have speed bumps and instead of slowing a lowered car down they will grab the sump and rip off the bottom of the engine, where most is of the front skirt. Several road cars can be better off going lower than 35mm for hot hatches which tend to have uprated suspension (which can even be better with just 30mm).

In case you have changed the wheel size, then these tolerances can be much lower a car fitted with standard suspension and 17” rims can be fine. Nonetheless, if you lower it as well, you may get more problems. Lowering must improve handling and appearance. Also, this must result to less air going under the car, which can enhance stability. You can notice that lower springs should be fitted top match shocks, so cutting the springs will not be that advisable.

Lowering is indeed a great idea for customizing your car. Nevertheless, this always requires complicated procedures. Of course you can do it yourself but the result will be better if a skilled auto mechanic will assist you. Also, make sure that you will get the best lowering kit in the market. Always guarantee yourself with the right choice of kit, according to the requirements of your car manufacturer.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2008-06-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

Bavarian Motor Works or BMW has been one of the most popular auto manufacturers since the onset of the 20th century.

When speaking about BMW, elegance, performance and convenience are always expected. That’s why with all the impressing high-performance and luxury vehicles that this manufacturer produces, more and more unique designs are yet to be revealed.

Lately, BMW just unveiled its latest design philosophy through a radical concept car. Publicized as the "game changer" for the "development of tomorrow's mobility,” such new BMW concept centers around the GINA principle, for Geometry and Functions in "N" Adaptions. With this concept, BMW shows its capability to think outside the box and introduce great ideas with the least amount of typical constraints on car designs.

The first translation of GINA philosophy is established in the Light Visionary Model concept. You may find something familiar out of it. And it might be the car's realistic 8-cylinder powertrain package residing in a roadster, built from an aluminum space-frame chassis with two double tailpipes. Moreover, you may find the 20-in. alloy wheels at the corners recognizable too. More important than these are the Visionary's exterior body that surely catches attention. This is skinned by four large pieces of flexible material, stretching and contracting based on a number of substructures. These will move about on the chassis through electro and electrohydraulic controls.

Four main pieces of skin make up the Visionary's body. The largest among these starts at the front and extends down to the base of the windscreen, and then across the two doors, ending at the rear edge. The next two fabric-like skins start at the front lower rocker panels. These run across the rear wheel arches to the back. The last piece of skin is making up the rear deck. The roadster's scissor-type doors are opened with its outer skin wrinkled in a very clearly defined pattern. These are however stretched back into a silky-smooth surface once the doors are shut. The fabric covering the Visionary's body is made from waterproof and temperature-resistant mesh netting on the outer layer. This is supported by a flexible metal-wire structure underneath so as to keep the skin's tension and smoothness regulated. Around the curvatures of the skin, you can find carbon struts added for higher flexibility and better shape of contours.

The GINA Light Visionary Model is attractive not only because of the fabric outer skin but also because of the utility in form following function. On the other hand, flexible skin causes the headlights to seem hiding or exposed whenever necessary. Side markers to signal lane changes are not seen on the outside until turned on. As these lights are lighted on, the beams shine through the translucent (but not transparent) cover.

The airflow around the car can be managed aggressively as the skin can be closed, opened or stretched relative to the necessity. The rocker-panel shape is made adjustable for better aerodynamics. And since the rear deck is covered by one single piece of fabric, the spoiler can be completely concealed when not in use.

With the appeal of GINA Light Visionary Model, BMW is in the forefront of creative automotive design. If you are not impressed yet, then check these out.

When was the last time you have upgraded your car?

2008-06-10T19:37:00.001-07:00

Revolution in the automotive industry has gone so far. And fortunately, the development gets on, as modern cars seem to get more and more complicated, yet convenient. Though microprocessors make it more difficult for you to work on your vehicle, some of these will make the maintenance easier to handle.

The use of microprocessors are basically brought by the need for sophisticated engine controls to meet emissions and fuel-economy standards, simplification of car designs, new safety and convenience features, and development of wireless connections.

Some of the signs for the advancement of automotive technology are the innovations from engineers like the ABS module, Airbag module, Body Controller, Climate control module, Cruise Control Module, ECU, Instrument Panel, Power distribution box module, and transmission controller.

ABS module – controls anti-lock brakes, handle traction-control and stability-control systems.

Airbag Module – controls airbag deployment

Body controller – controls power windows, interior lights, seats etc..

Climate control module – monitors interior temperature while controlling heating and cooling systems.

Cruise Control module – regulates speed while in cruise mode

ECU – controls engine functions such as spark timing, fuel/air ratio etc..

Instrument Panel- controls gauges and indicator lights

Power distribution box module – controls relays in the power distribution box

Transmission controller – controls the automatic transmission

Among these advanced automotive designs, the sophisticated engine controls make a lot of breakthroughs. Though these were unimportant then (because it was possible to build an engine without microprocessors), the increasingly stricter emissions laws have necessitated their uses. Today, sophisticated control schemes are designed to regulate air/fuel mixture so that the catalytic converter could effectively minimize the pollution.

ECU is among the most powerful computer in vehicles, as it controls the inputs to a system, managing the emissions and fuel economy. It gathers data from different sensors, keeping it “knowledgable” with everything from the coolant temperature to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Just imagine how it performs millions of calculations per second. This controller is indeed one of the busiest computers. By the way, have you upgraded your ECU? Better do it soon, otherwise, troubles with miscalculations may lead to major problems.

ECU gathers data through a lot of sensors. Clusters are currentlyused on smaller scales for these sensors. There are manufacturers that produce smart sensor that is integrated with all electronics, along with a microprocessor that enables it to read the voltage, calibrating it through temperature-compensation curves and digitally outputs the pressure onto the communications bus. Such design can save the carmaker from having to know the dirty details of sensor, while saving processing power in the module.

Smart sensors are favorable as the digital signal traveling over the communications bus is less susceptible to electrical noise. An analog voltage traveling through a wire can pick up extra voltage when it passes certain electrical components, or even from overhead power lines.

In addition to sensors and computers, other systems such as traction control, stability-control, ABS and air bags have become common to cars. These safety features add new module, which contains multiple microprocessors.

Each safety system requires more processing power and is usually packaged in particular electronics module. In the near future, it is expected that all kinds of new convenience features in modern cars will require more electronic modules containing multiple microprocessors.

With all these advancement in modern cars, how many have been used to upgrade you car? Better check out if your vehicle is still on the trend. Upgrading the systems may require ample money and time, but surely, it pays. Anyhow, it’s your choice to be left behind or not.

Hyundai HDC9 Talus

2008-06-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Talus aims to excite the inner passion of customers who have not been able to justify parking a sports car in a secret place. Unlike the traditional coupes, Talus can run over steep driveways, potholes, or two-track access roads because of its increased ground clearance.

The performance of Talus is of optional 4WD to assist in applying horsepower to the pavement or for added confidence in inclement weather. The increased ride height also improves visibility, giving the driver the ability to see and anticipate the road ahead. Talus includes interior room for four adults, plus cargo space. Such space ensures more convenient access, while giving more benefits in spite of a commanding ride height.

With the exterior, Talus got the assertive features that brings confidence to the driver. Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer of Hyundai, says that Talus can do what it wants to as it opens boundaries from a sports car perspective.

Every inch and curve of Talus comes from the same underlying inspiration, which guided all-new Santa Fe. Talus shares a similar assertive expression in its front headlamps, grille, and bodyside. The shape of the hood emphasize an extremely powerful V8 engine under it.

The roofline and tapering greenhouse accentuate the exterior profile while highlighting the broad shoulders and wide sporty stance, with its 22-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels.

There are pillarless aperture supported by front-hinged doors and rear-hinged jump doors for easier access into the cabin. There is also a solenoid door release that is integrated into the b-pillar, which allows sculpturally clean bodyside.

Balance is importantly considered between passion and functionality at the rear. The beltline adds up intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for all passengers. A power clamshell hatch opens to a spacious cargo area, allowing easy access from the rear and sides. The dual exhaust tips repeat the design theme of the fog lights up front.

Overall, you will notice that the finish of the exterior is on Molten Red metallic paint. This is selected as a refined evolution of bright red that is typically associated with sports cars. The finish is harmonized with Cinder black ground effects.

The interior is equally as elegant as the exterior. Talus is captivating and luxurious on the inside so as to provide ease to the passenger while attaining cargo versatility. The cascading metallic trim on the center console will make Talus a more interesting ride. You surely would want to explore the details and craftsmanship that were entirely tailored into the interior. Blue LED lighting establishes nice ambience throughout the interior day or night.Getting behind the wheel of the Talus gives you a feeling of being privileged and empowered by the luxurious appointments and higher seating position, as senior creative designer Dragan Vukadinovic said. According to him, they aim to push the expectations of the sports car interior by injecting as many luxury cues as possible. The center console was designed for more alluring visual while providing all the practical functions a driver expects.

If you will notice, the center stack looks like a jeweled pendant hanging from a necklace. Such necklace graphic describes a retractable hood that opens to show off a 10-inch LCD monitor, air vents and a clock capable of displaying time in three different time zones. There are also two control knobs that seem to be suspended from the necklace, representing the jeweled pendant. Dual zone climate controls edge the tapering center console. The secondary audio controls make the rear passengers enjoy watching individual nine-inch DVD monitors mounted in the rear of the front seats.

The interior is covered with rich hues of supple leather wherein the palette contains Sierra Brown and Black Chestnut colors. These were selected to evoke the warm affluence of a western lodge. The accented metallic finishes also maintain a fresh yet futuristic appeal.

Nissan Intima Concept

2008-06-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Simply elegant. This is how I want to describe the Nissan Intima.if you are like me who wants to enjoy an exciting yet elegantly looking ride, then this Nissan model is perfect for you.

Intima is equipped with many safety systems based on Nissan’s safety shield concept, including the Around view monitor and Distance Control Assist System (DCAS). It also features an efficient, environmentally friendly V6 clean diesel engine.

As it targeted consumers with sophisticated, discerning eye for beauty, Intima sees to it that it expresses the interior attractiveness of Nissan. It is in fact inspired by an imagination of a situation where a person who has accumulated many experiences and successes currently wants to spend his/her time alone or with a partner.

Looking beyond such imagination, we can find some auto parts that will justify the sophistication of Nissan Intima. For instance is the instrument panel padding that appears to float in between the wood grain panels. The center console incorporates a wave pattern and large door armrests, while assist grip combine to give passengers a feeling of comfort and peace of mind.

Another vital element in orchestrating the relaxing ambiance in the Intima is the illumination. The cabin illumination is provided by the indirect lighting incorporated in the instrument panel, door trim, center console, and ceiling. The door assist grips, featuring blue-green acrylic material that gives off a soft light. A lighted storage space is also featured, giving more convenience.

Also featured in an Intima is a four-zone air conditioning system that offers nice and cool ambiance. All passengers can independently control the temperature through the use of infrared sensors. Such advanced AC system keeps the interior clean since a natural grade seed polyphenol filter neutralizes pollen and other allergens. In addition, a cool storage compartment at the rear center console will keep beverages or snacks at a satisfying temperature.

When it comes to aesthetics, Intima will never be an outcast down the road. Its traditional expression of relaxation focuses purely on function such as in terms of seat comfort. The interior provides the sensation of relaxation to an even higher plane. The front passenger’s seat swivels approximately 80 degrees to the outside as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car. There is legroom in both front and rear seats for more convenience. The large glass roof, that seems to flow continuously from the windshield, enables all passengers to enjoy a wide outward view so as to enhance the feeling of a comfortable and relaxing drive.

As we take a closer look in the interior, we will notice the style that combines a sharp-edged lines with organic panel sufaces. The balance of such elements creates a refined mood based on the ideas of relaxation and comfort. The elegance is more expressed through the arching side character line as the crystal- like appearance of the front and rear lamps, grille and wheels that project an image of superior quality and refinement reminiscent of jewelry. The “quiet” luster of the chrome finish contributes to the impression of refined quality imparted by all of the exterior embellishments.

With all the beauty and convenience that Intima offers, Nissan retains its reputation as one of the best car manufacturers. The Intima testifies the that art and functionality are not mutually exclusive. This therefore emphasizes the dominant role of visual attractiveness in creating a comfortable and relaxing interior.

Above all the looks and comfort, Intima features environment friendly engine. If you are an environmentalist, then the designed new-generation clean diesel that offers quiet operation will satisfy you. The V6 clean diesel engine guarantees enhanced fuel efficiency, harmonizing with the relaxing and inviting interior.

Volkswagen EOS

2008-06-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

concept C

VW Eos is a convertible coupe, which is considered as world’s first four-seater car with five-section CSC roof - a folding top that combines the characteristics of a coupe, sliding, and convertible roof, so three different car concepts are formed in one vehicle. Amazing it is.

Eos is generated from a greek name of the goddess of dawn and wind. From the term itself, we already know what to expect with VW Eos. But let’s assess first on the exterior details.

When closed, the CSC roof curves in an arc between the rear end and windscreen. This gives rise to an outstanding coupe roof that apprears sporty, yet elegant. The roof’s curve elongates while the rear end looks aggressive and muscular. The overall impression is of high quality. When the roof is open, the 4.41 by 1.79 m Eos reveals a body concept that has not been derived from any other model. The CSC roof enables the windscreen frame to be kept short while the rear compact lends the sensuous proportions in the classic convertible style.

The five sections CSC structure offers practical advantages. Among the most significant ones is the pure convertible feeling. Another is the optimum entry and exiting. The shorter windscreen frame makes it easier to get into the Eos when the top is down. The integrated glass/sliding/tilting roof gives benefits as well. The sun does not always shine nor is it always summer. Thus, full opening and closing becomes quick. The system completes the process with a signal tone, so as to confirm if the roof is either opened or closed. The CSC roof also offers benefits on unimpeded suitability throughout the year and minimal driving noise whenever it is closed. This is also less appealing to vandals than a soft top.

From the exterior, let us now focus on the inner details of Eos. Behind its powerful appearance are extraordinarily agile and safe handling. These character will let you enjoy pure driving even if your roof is down.

Some of the details that you will enjoy inside an Eos are the ESP, safety- optimized front headrests, safety gadgets like airbags (including the side head-thorax airbags), air conditioning system (climatic/V6: climatronic), electric window lifters, ambient lifting, gear level knob, handbrake lever, Dynaaudio sound system with ten-channel amplifier, ten loud speakers, and 600W output power, and more. Also featured is a power latching system that closes the boot lid the last few millimeters. Another is the through-loading aperture that is additionally integrated into the rear bench seat.

New look?

2008-06-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Having your vehicle flaunted down the road is not simple. Some styles just don’t bring contentment at all. Oftentimes, it is a matter of taste as you tend to go in with halfhearted effort buying cheap auto parts that will just make your ride look tacky. Uuhm… Don’t get offended (big grin :D).

If you really want to have an attention-grabber look for your ride, you have to give extra money, time, and effort. Styling a car is not that simple as I said. You need to have a theme in mind. Just like decorating your home, you have to carefully choose colours that blend or contrast well.

Your theme is important and you have to think about it a million times so that your car will really stand out down the road. Nonetheless, you have to set limits to avoid exaggeration. Attention to detail and maybe, sense of humor will also go a long way. You can find lots of inspiration from the worl of motrosport. Among the most popular applications that you can have are the spoilers and wheels. You can also experiment on your car’s paint. The wheels can be customized using stylish colors and finish.

One word is important on your goal to customize your vehicle: originality. Off the shelf body kits are quite easy to modify so you can create a totally unique look. There are kits from sports cars that are modified and fitted to typical hot hatches and bring them into a higher level.

Some enthusiasts have their vehicles fabricated using wide body kits, making their cars look more aggressive and powerful. Because of that, more and more people get impressed.

Remember that unleashing the best looks on your ride can be a hard task so you need a lot of patience. If you don’t have “sufficient supply” of patience, make sure that you are ready to stretch your wallet then look for an expert who can do the task perfectly for you.

More articles…..

New look
Vent your vehicle’s dullness
Is your car perfectly tuned?
Upgrade your interior
Have a more powerful clutch!
Bored with your doors?
Paint your wheels

Vent your vehicle’s dullness

2008-06-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

The looks of every vehicle is dominantly affected by the way your fascia is maintained. Apparently, even from a distance, the front fascia exhibits an appeal that will make or unmake your vehicle. For this reason, more and more enthusiasts have their vehicles customized through the front details. Among the most frequently modified parts is the hood, which is usually referred to as the bonnet.

Hood is considered as another door as it gives access whenever you need to work on the engine bay. This door protects the important auto systems from foreign elements. Aside from such detrimental elements, the components under the hood also need to be protected from extreme heat. This is the reason why auto grilles are installed on vehicles.

Grilles however may not be enough to draw in sufficient air; that’s why some car owners have the bonnets modified with vents. From a distance, a vent exposes a different look. It exhibits a different attitude and style. If you want a complete motorsport look for your vehicle, then a vent in your bonnet will make your ride.

Vents can range from subtle slits to a honeycomb of vents that cover up to 50% of the bonnet area. These are very useful in keeping the under bonnet temperatures moderated while maintaining the performance of the engine.

The size of a vent is a big factor in keeping the temperature down. Nonetheless, you should not get too mad because the larger the vent, the bigger is he effect on the aerodynamics.

Before you go and take an angle grinder or jigsaw, mark out where the main support frame is and avoid cutting it as this will dramatically affect the rigidity of the bonnet. On a frosty morning, as you run the engine, the supports will generally be the last part of the bonnet to defrost. This can be a fool proof way of approximating their whereabouts. Better yet, use large sheets of paper stuck together to fabricate a patter from which you can decide where cuts shall be made.

You can find a lot of ways in designing your bonnet. You may practically cut the bonnet and fabricate the vents yourself. This will be an inexpensive option but you will need to roll the edges of the cut to make them smooth. It will be hard to get a good straight symmetrical cut in the bonnet.

Never attempt to cut the bonnet while it is still on the car though you have propped it open since it is the best way to get an off symmetrical cut and or seriously injure yourself. You may also need to check the bonnet supports before cutting so that you won’t undermine the strength of the sheet.

An expensive but great looking route of getting a bonnet vent is to buy a bonnet with pre- cut vents or moulded vent panels. You can have the bonnet applied with protective mesh underneath it. This will give an attractive finish, like the carbon fibre bonnets that really look great. Nonetheless, you can still lave the bonnet unpainted or painted with a matching or contrasting colour. This method of modifying your bonnet will provide you with a smooth professional looking finish.

On the other hand, you could have stick vents and use these to finis off your DIY cut outs. This can be a handy way of finishing off a DIY cut job. However, you need to give more effort and money so that the vent will perfectly harmonize with the rest of the bonnet.

The new vent can be finished with a quality of mesh, which is available in various designs. The mesh can be painted with your preferred color including black, polished, and paint effect finish. If you go with a polished metal finish mesh, the metal will not get corroded.

If you are not sure with your own knowledge for DIY job, then make sure that you will find a reliable personnel who can accomplish the task for you.

More articles…..

New look
Vent your vehicle’s dullness
Is your car perfectly tuned?
Upgrade your interior
Have a more powerful clutch!
Bored with your doors?
Paint your wheels

Is your car perfectly tuned?

2008-06-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Why not try a sports cat?

Being an environmentalist and driver, some things are just hard to deal with. Sometimes, It feels like I don’t want to push the gas pedal down because of the exhaust that will be released behind my crossover. However, I often realize how responsible I am with maintaining the condition of my auto systems especially the exhaust system.

Among the most important part of my crossover that makes me proud is the catalytic converter. Would you believe that my car is of almost zero-emissions, making it environment- friendly.

So what makes my catalytic converter that clean? If you would look a little closer on my crossover’s exhaust, you will notice a significant substance that converts harmful gases to less harmful ones. Such substance is called catalyst.

Catalysts are definitely vital elements in our environmentally conscious society. These substances work by accelerating the chemical reaction in the catalytic converter.

In cars, exhaust fumes are fed through a matrux of ceramic honeycomb lined with precious metals. When these metals heat up, the gases flowing through them will react and will be changed into less harmful substances.

In a two-way diesel catalyst, carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and partially burnt fuel into carbon dioxide of water. In a three-way catalyst used in modern petrol engines, nitrogen oxide is converted into nitrogen and oxygen, carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.

Catalysts typically die if there are unburnt fuel entering. The same thing may happen when a catalyst is used while it is cool. You should therefore avoid jump starting your vehicle with a catalyst. If possible, avoid short journeys as well.

You can analyze if there are power gains from a sports or high flow cat and compare these with the removal of the catalyst together. A sports catalyst or sports cat has a much greater flow rate than a standard cat. This is constructed of the same materials but the chamber size and smoothness may give way to the exhaust gases, which will be released quickly out of the pipe.

Regarding the efficiency, they will have the same effect as a standard cat on your vehicle emissions. These generate less turbulence than a standard cat, having a finer matrix and therefore a greater internal surface area.

Another important consideration is the weight. A sports cat is basically of lesser weight than a standard catalyst. Most sports cats are a drop replacement although some have wider bore capacity so would better suit a car that has had a sports exhaust upgrade.

Power gains on smaller engines can somewhat be unnoticeable. Larger engines, on the other hand, may have power gains that fall between 4 and 10 bhp. Generally, the more power the car is generating, the greater the benefit will be from a sports cat.

The de-cat pipe is one of the most popular cat choices today. This has replaced the catalyst causing the exhaust fumes to flow freely. A de-cat is a cheap option but there are some drawbacks. In some cars with oxygen sensors, you will create anomalies with the ECU. This can lead to running in a fail safe limp home mode. Engine can however decide out of the amount of unburnt oxygen, while using less fuel. This may cause the engine to run lean.

Some cars have the Lambda or oxygen sensor before the catalyst so it will run harmoniously with a de-cat pipe. Nonetheless, this is an illegal modification in some countries, where mandatory carbon dioxide reduction systems are legally required.

Catalyst designs have indeed gone far today as most modern cars take advantage on power gain and emission reduction. In case you catalyst need replacing, you can take the benefits of a sports catalyst. The prices of an original catalyst and a sports catalyst are almost the same. But I’ll tell you, sports cat would be a wise choice. It guarantees you with high performance and less expenses on maintenance.

More articles…..

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Vent your vehicle’s dullness
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Upgrade your interior
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Upgrade your interior

2008-05-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Are you getting bored with the classic colours and fabrics of your interior? Why not try looking for custom re-upholsterers to swap in your aftermarket parts?

A lot of cars today come with black and grey interiors and sometimes navy blue or a slight coloured cord finish. Some also have the slight variation in the fabric. These may look great at a closer look but when you are from a distance, you may notice that they are not that attractive at all.

Even as a car interior usually appears to a wide selection of motorists as it stands up to 20 years use, there is much that can be done to spice up the interior of your car. You can start having your seats upgraded. Many sports seats are available in the market today. However, these are somewhat difficult to track down rear seats to match as most aftermarket seats. Universal fit seats have an adapter rail that will match the car, whereas the rear seats have to be specific in size and must have precisely cut belt holes and release catches.

Using the new seats as base, you can get them without having the recovered or completely re-upholstered. Once you have swapped them in, you can earn bucks by having your old seats sold to your fellow car owner.

Re-upholstering is not an easy job. If you want to do it by yourself, it may take a week or two before you finally take advantage of the output. But if you want to have it finished at once, you should look for an experienced upholsterer.

On the other hand, you should also reckon with the materials of your new fabrics. Be careful with selecting the hard wearing fabric like leather. This material is great as it repels most stains from liquids. This is also easy to clean and is stretchable, as it fits flawlessly into your auto seats.

Aside from leather, you can also choose other fabrics such as heavy cotton, alacatra, and synthetic fibres. Make sure that these fabrics are properly stitched. They must not get a lot of abuse otherwise, you will suffer from a bad interior.

Upholstering is definitely a major activity that will result to major changes in your interior. Hence, it is always a part of a complete interior makeover that you must provide with ample time, effort, and money. This may also include the upgrade on door cards. You can remove the door furniture like the switches, handles, and catches. The door cards typically pushed on with studs and are warped as they are removed.

You can also upgrade the speakers. You can add up small colored panel that can radically transform your car’s appeal. Less is more it is.

New fabric trim can be simply stretched over the doorcard, holes from furniture that can be added and then you can affix the fabric to the door card, having a heavy duty carpet tape spread liberally over the backing surface to a keep them from stretching or a good quality fabric adhesive.

If you are using an adhesive, make sure that it won’t oose through the fabric otherwise, it will harden the fabric, making it scratchy to touch. You can pull the fabric over the edges. You can glue down the seam on the reverse of the door car then rely on the door furniture to avoid sagging.

The finishing touches, dials, dash board function, gear knob, and handbrake can be upgraded too so that they will blend in with the rest of your interior. All of these can represent your personality so get on your feet and be ready with all that these may cost.

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Big power? Have a more powerful clutch!

2008-05-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

Your vehicle’s capability to accelerate matters a lot. Hence, big power always requires a powerful clutch that will manage more effective and efficient shifting of gears.

Clutch takes engine power and puts it down through the drive shaft to the driven wheels but it also allows you to disengage the engine whilst performing a gear change. This kind of contact often requires a lot of grip and fast response. As, the more power there is, te harder it is for the clutch to operate.

Power is potentially lost if the clutch slips. Failing to make steady contact with the contact plate when the clutch was first released. Power clutches are usually designed with high friction surfaces and sometimes 2 or 3 contact plates.

Heavy duty race clutches have less feel and are practically on or off. Because of this, it may become hard to drive smoothly in traffic or pulling away smoothly on a hill, requiring a fair bit of leg muscle.

Clutch release spring is fairly heavier on most race clutches. A fast road power clutch makes more sense for road use though the high spec multi-plate race solution would seem the best, it is not that great to domestic driving for most vehicle types.

Most clutches have power ratings. If your engine’s output is greater than the rated power of the clutch, clutch slip is more likely experienced while you are accelerating. As a result, the clutch will wear out quickly.

What is clutch slip? A sudden surge of power can cause the clutch to lose grip. This will end up with failure in transferring power to the wheels. This is evidenced by a rise in the revs but not in the road speed. So do you now understand what clutch slip is? This can be compared to pulling a table cloth off a table and all the crockery still stay in place.

As you find some knowledge about clutch slip, you may also want to know more about clutch judder. When clutch does not engage properly, the engine will experience a kangaroo start or intermittent power to the wheels. This must be solved at once by checking your clutch release mechanism and cable.

Clutch problem is always a big deal. Once it is not solved immediately, more and more engine power will be corrupted. More and more notchy clutch (especially on the first and second gear) is surely not a good at all. Having the clutch replaced is a good idea however, you can never assure that 100% of the original’s efficiency is attained. This is because of the permanent damage to the synchromesh has been done as the first remained notchy. If you are adjusting the hydraulic clutch, you must remove the mats from the car especially if they are thick (as they can reduce the pedal travel significantly, making the clutch appear to wear out).

So how will you know that your clutch is still going great? As your clutch wears out, it will usually start slipping or sticking, and not fully engaging or disengaging. Shifting to the first and second gear often becomes harder.

Your car may eventually stall every time you try to put in gear from stationary. Fortunately, the third and fourth can work as you can limp to a garage. If your clutch has gone, you can engage the third and fourth easily without using the clutch if you just carefully match the engine speed to the gear that you select, while your car is moving. When the clutch cable stretches , same problems can occur.

If you are looking for immediate replacement, make sure that you will get the new clutch that will perfectly match your vehicle’s transmission system. Always check your manual for the specs before purchasing a replacement. Regarding the installation, make sure that it is serviced by a qualified personnel.

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Bored with your doors?

2008-05-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Are you bored with the standard doors of your vehicle? Why stick with such doors when you have an option to convert them into more exciting design. Nonetheless, if you want to convert your doors, you have to consider several pros an cons of having them. Among the most popular door designs that I can share to you are the lambo/scissor door, gullwing door, suicide door conversions.

Kits are available for about every car as you can also find many universal fitting kits. Manufacturers usually offer fitting service but then, you might get problems with choosing the right conversion kit for your ride.

Most kits will require cutting of the interior wing. They may also involve the use of small amount of spraying so you will need to be reasonable confident once you decide to get a DIY fit. You must understand that you must also add a door conversion before you do other paint and bodywork as these may need touching up after the door conversion is fitted.

Since conversion kits are part of the coolest styling additions for vehicles today, why shouldn’t you try it now? Let’s talk about the types of kit one by one.

Scissor doors or lambo style or vertical doors are basically pulled out a little like ordinary doors. They are lifted up over the roof line like someone doing a butterfly stroke. You can find different kits that allow the door to go completely vertical while others give option to a fairly normal pull outwards to 60-75 degrees as well as swinging upwards to 90 degrees. The kits should match the weight of the door or else, it will fall down. These must also match the amount of width available in the door hinge area.

Lambo doors are sometimes hard to close from a seated position so thought has to be given to the handles. Drop handles can make it easier or you go for the very impressive electronic opening and closing lambo doors. These doors can be impractical on the rear doors because they will swing up and over obscuring the front door.

Apparently, lambo doors are advisable for front doors. If you own a sedan, then the back doors can be the suicide doors. So what are suicide doors?

They are not doors that will end your life. Suicide doors take the hinge of the other side of the door. And they are called such because they open behind you, so as to expose you fully to oncoming traffic.

Suicide doors are fairly simple, however they can make your vehicle look strange. Nonetheless, make sure that they are properly installed in place so your ride will not look weird at all.

If you don’t want the style of lambo and suicide doors, then you last option might be the gullwing doors. The hinge of these doors is placed at the top of the door and the door swings out and upward must like the wings of a bird in flight.

Gullwing doors look impressive as lambo doors, however, these door have not become popular at all. These doors require a slightly wider opening space so if you are parking side by side with other vehicles, you may not be able to open you car. This apparently tells you that gullwing doors are not for supermarket run car.

Should you want to adopt any style of these doors, make sure that proper installation is carried out. Remember that doors keep you from getting thrown out of your vehicle. so better assure that they will remain stuck tightly in place. Better yet, look for a specialist who can successfully do the task for you.

imgs from these sites:

http://bcdsm.labattz.com/Robin%20Ride/Lambo%20Doors%20022.jpg

http://www.215.org/NECO/shows/CCCJ03/images/Focus%20Suicide%20doors.jpg

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Paint your wheels

2008-05-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Painted wheels are always cool, aren’t they?

Since wheels can make or unmake a vehicle, you must make sure that they remain attractive whether in a closer look or from a distance. When talking about wheels, you can name several styling options and among the most effective one is painting.
Why should you paint them? Well why not! A lot of manufacturers today start to produce wheels having colour options so why not customize your own? One of the most popular designs is the black wheel having red highlighting along the inside faces.

There are lots of alloy wheel cleaning solutions that are more than any concentrated acid. You can use these solutions in stripping the dirt and grime of your wheels in preparation for paint. More radically making the wheels clean through thorough scrubbing with a firm brush is a great help in attaining attractive appeal to a vehicle. As you do this on your own wheels, make sure that even the smallest layer of lacquer or polish must be removed, or else the paint will not adhere properly.

Your wheels are exposed to lots of several detrimental elements so there is always a big possibility of having them damaged with rust. Always grab the opportunity to repair the corrosion and impact damage on the rims otherwise, they will affect the overall appeal of your vehicle. Minor damage and abrasions can be sanded out fairly easily, but deeper damage is often repaired by specialists.

You must use a quality metal primer and have it built up in a number of thin layers that aid adhesion of the paint. When the primer has dried, mask off any areas which will have second color applied to them then switch the mask to the newly applied color so that there will be an underlap once you paint on the highlight color.

Build up the paint in multiple layers. Avoid getting the paint in the inside area of the wheel, right at the contact with the tire. Some car owners paint the entire wheel and leave it to the tire fitter to insure good fit between the tire and the rim. On the other hand, some people insist that there should be no paint on this inner side of the wheel.

The color of wheels set up attitude to your vehicle. Sometimes, it even flares up emotions, to the amaze of some. Most wheels are color-coded so that they will match or contrast the car. The powder coated alloy wheels may also be painted but it is preferable to strip the wheel back to bare metal.

You might hesitate to paint your wheels because of fear in getting damage from the kerb. Nonetheless, damage is more easily repaired through little more than a touch up pen. The layer of paint can easily kept clean as the smooth finish will repel brake dust road and grime, much easier than many alloy wheels that become corroded.

Whether you are an enthusiast or an ordinary car owner, you can always bring out the best look of your vehicle through your wheels. If you don’t want to have the hub caps or wheel covers, colorful paint will always make your day. Nevertheless, make sure that proper painting is done since it can affect the so much on the appeal of your ride.

There are manufacturers that produce rims with a detachable facing edge, which can make painting a lot easier. Furthermore, they can also lessen the difficulty in removal.

Always make sure that you will plan it out well before you strike the first stroke of paint on your wheels. If you are not confident in doing the painting job yourself, then make sure that you will look for a reliable personnel who can successfully do the task for you.

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Is wing really a spoiler?

2008-05-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

NO. Spoiler and wing are two different aerodynamic features of a vehicle. Spoilers are generally closer to the body of a vehicle and it helps diffuse air. Wings, on the other hand, are mounted much higher up and create downforce that provides more aerodynamic effects. Wings almost work like an upside down air plane wing.

In the simplest form fast moving air creates pull if the other side of an object is exposed to slower moving air. If you want to test the theory, you can take 2 sheets of paper then hold them between your thumbs and little fingers, in such a way that there is a gap between the sheets of about an inch. Blow between the 2 sheets and you will notice that they pull together, which is not what you expect to happen. The fast moving air generates low pressure region in between the paper will cause them to pull together.

So as to create lift or down force, you will need air that will move faster on one side of the aerofoil than on the other creating a pull towards the fast moving air stream. We can use a simple 2 deck deflection in creating the down force required.

Deflection will have a bearing on the amount of downforce created and the larger the angle, the more downforce there will be. However, you will pay the price with an increased drag. Most wings contain a two-angled surface having a two stage deflection that force air over the wing, taking a shorter route than the air going under the spoiler.

Looking at the typical shape of a car, you will notice that air will travel further and faster over the top of the car, than it dows underneath. This will create lift then. If you open the sunroof at speed, problem with aerodynamics will be induced.

Imagine you car as a see-saw. When you press down on the rear, the front will be lifted slightly. As you fit the spoiler to the rear, the front of the car will be lifted even higher at high speeds. This will be undesirable in a front wheel drive car. And in a rear wheel drive vehicle, you will need the front wheels to steer even if traction is enhanced a degree of lift at the front is adverse.

To counter the front lift, splitters can be used. Also, front and rear skirts can be fitted to create downforce at the front of the car so that the amount of air rushing under the car is controlled. As you start redirecting the air rushing over the car, an amount of drag will be generated to rob your speed and fuel economy. There will therefore be a line between an efficient spoiler and wing design and inefficient ones.

The best wings are usually adjustable so that the driver can set his preferences to track conditions. You can find such advanced features on most sports cars today such as the Ferrari models.

Indeed, spoilers and wings are great for enhancing the aerodynamics of your car. If you want to enjoy a really smooth and seamless downforce and air redirection, then you need to have your spoilers and wings properly installed on your car. This may seem simple but if you try to figure it out, it is such a complicated task. Better yet, if you are not confident of your own skills, look for a qualified technician who can have your spoiler and wings installed successfully.

Even so, make sure that you will choose the right spoiler and wing for your ride. A lot of non-standard spoilers and wings are available in the market, so beware. If you happen to get such non-standard parts, your vehicle’s aerodynamics will be affected significantly. Remember that these aerodynamic parts must not reduce fuel economy. Be wise in selecting your new spoilers and wings then.

imgs from here and here

More articles…..

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Vent your vehicle’s dullness
Is your car perfectly tuned?
Upgrade your interior
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Is wing really a spoiler?
Is your engine balanced?
Blow that…
Lose weight

Is you engine balanced?

2008-05-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

Balance matters a lot when speaking about vehicles. This is especially true with your engine, which is subjected to extreme pressure and heat during combustion. Moreover, with all the rotational speeds that induce vibrations to parts, a balanced engine is surely needed to maintain efficiency and reliability.

No engine can however be perfectly balanced because of the amount of subtle factors, though we can improve upon the balance of a mss produced engine. You can do something to maximize the power delivery of the engine, by carrying out some modifications. Nonetheless, you must not overlook the benefits of balancing the engine to sustain higher engine speeds.

If you want to attain balance in your engine, you must focus on 2 main areas. First are the components inside the engine whose weight and features needs to be assessed properly. Second are the forces created within the combustion.

Balancing engine components involves a lot of processes. One is blueprinting, which refers to the matching and machining of components as a set with a unique engine. Like a tyre installer has a special machine to balance your wheels a machine shop have a dedicated engine balancing machine onto which the components fit and rotate.

The main engine components in an engine to be considered for balance are the bearings, flywheel, piston roads, piston and rings, crank, and pins. Weight is removed from the heavier side of each component so that balance is achieved. This factor incrementally increase the imbalance so lighter components are used to get more stability in the engine, though we still have to consider that some light components are weak.

Pistons and rods are usually machined as a matching pair so the weight and dimensions of each is closely matched, making it well on the way to having balanced engine. On the other hand, the crank usually has a metal cut away and sometime weld to adjust the weight.

The crank at the bottom of your engine has a hard task, which includes conversion of the vertical motion of pistons into rotational forces. Crankshafts are forged from steel thorugh they can also be cast from iron. A machined crank from steel can be a lot stronger as the metal has not been subjected to heating and cooling cycles of casting.

After balancing the engine components, you will need to balance the dynamics. If the compression ratio is out between cylinders, there will be imbalance and vibration since the engine turns over. Such ratio can be affected by a large number of factors, hence, the cylinder wall can get damaged later on. Furthermore, weaker gaskets, poor valve seating, and bad spark plug will also come out. It is surely favorable to take compression readings from each cylinder at regular intervals and check that everything is open within an acceptable tolerance. Also check the camshaft since uneven wearing can lead to stuck open valves and imbalanced cylinders.

If each cylinder compression matches, you will need to balance the fueling. The injectors should be matched and must deliver the same amount of fuel to the cylinders. The fuel/air ratio also need to match.

Once the engine is balanced, you will hear a purr as it ticks over. You should get used of the sound of the engine exhaust note on tick over. Once you lose the regular throbbing purr, you must be alarmed about the possibility of imbalance in the engine.

The engine is indeed the most important system in your vehicle. Once perfect balance is lost, other auto systems will soon fail too. To tone down expensive repairs and replacements, make sure that you will sustain the balance in your engine system. You can do it yourself by following simple procedures that are rampantly available in the internet. If you are not so confident in doing so, you can always look for a reliable auto technician.

Blow that....

2008-05-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

The exhaust is not just about how good your vehicle sounds. It is also about the overall performance of your ride. Furthermore, exhausts importantly deal with the management of fumes and poisonous gases. Well then, how much time would you allot for maintaining and repairing bad exhaust parts? Better think about it right now.

Getting rid of the exhaust fumes while reducing pressure is what you surely need to attain higher BHP. One way of working on this is by polishing the inside of the exhaust, which can allow fast exit of gases.

Cars with 1.6l engine, according to Torquecars.com, should be provided with a maximum of 1.5 to 2 inch pipe .While 2.5l engines should go with 2-2.5 inches then over this go with a 3 inch exhaust. The bore size applies all over the length of the exhaust up to the back box.

The back box and exit pipe can be a little wider however, it won’t give more power, instead, it will just give deeper sound. Gases will flow better from a large pipe to a small pipe. Steps will cause turbulence and this can interfere with the airflow. Later on, this will contribute on the quality of performance.

The shape of exhaust manifold can also be critical. If you think that your exhaust parts are simple auto parts, then consider the complicated calculations made by experts so that all features are proportioned and perfect for handling pressure and gases. Consider aftermarket performance exhaust headers when replacing the original.

If you still want to improve your exhaust, smoothing out the inside using grinding wheel on a drill can help. You can also get a purpose built stainless steel unit that will perfectly fit into your car.

Some of the best systems are called 4-2-1 (means that they go from 4 pipes into 2 pipes and then into 1 within 3-step process). Other standard exhausts are 4-1, where the pipes are merfed at one point lower down the manifold. A larger diameter of exhaust signifies that as the pressure needed to expel air is lower, the whole process will get quicker with a lower push needed. Cats suck power by slowing up the airflow. Nonetheless, the catalysts (which is made standard for all exhausts) can reduce efficiency.

You might have heard about the catback. High flow sports cat can give improvement on most applications. This benefit however will be minimal on smaller engined vehicles.

Most standard exhausts are cast and are composed of many imperfections on internal suface. Ridges on joints are often seen on these parts. When there is grinding inside the exhaust. Smooth airflow and more improved performance are possibly attained.

Hood temperature is one of the biggest jinxes found in your vehicle. Wrapping the exhaust manifold with a heat resistant wrap can result to a dramatic temperature reduction. It will help the cat reach operating temperature quicker. This can also ensure longer life and efficiency.

So whenever you want to blow clean exhaust, while improving the performance of your car, then start upgrading your exhaust now. Make sure that the next time you drive down the road. Your exhaust will not bring you into troubles. Also ensure that proper care and replacement are provided upon discovering exhaust problems. You can check your manufacturer’s manual if you want to know the basics in maintaining your exhaust. If not, you can surf the internet for countless options in enhancing your vehicle exhaust. When looking for high-quality replacement, demand for the best-quality one since the exhaust system always need to be precise. You can also ask for the opinions of your dad, brothers, family relatives, or experienced friends.

Loose weight!

2008-05-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

A lighter car runs faster. It also ensures better handling, performance, and gas mileage. Hence, it is advisable to take things out of your car to achieve the ideal weight.

Apparently, you can eliminate the seats, seat belts, carpet, radio, air conditioning, and headlining to take away a significant figure of weight. But this is too impractical isn’t it? Nonetheless, there are still lots of ways to reduce weight.

Spare wheels add weight so it will be necessary to remove them. Removing these wheels will be a fairly easy weight reduction modification with lots of modern run flat tyres that you can limp home without air in the tyres, so that the spare will become obsolete. Speaking of wheels, the alloy ones can help further reduce weight. The rotational forces of lighter wheels can provide better handling especially when changing direction. The alloy magnesium wheels can improve airflow to the brakes, so better try such kind of wheels.

Serious weight removal of glass windows and replacement with perspect can also help you save a fair chunk of weight. On the other hand, the addition of a light weight racing seat can further reduce weight.

Some companies offer replacement body panels in aluminum and GRP fiberglass so that maximum weight reduction and best strength are obtained. You can know how heavy panels are when you lift up the bonnet. The weight of such panels is lost once they are stripped out from your vehicle.

Carbon fiber bonnets/hoods look great however, you should make sure that when you buy one, you will get the good quality fit since some panels are not perfectly built. Always try the hood/bonnet for the size before drilling and adding fasteners.

A roll cage can add a little weight that you have saved. Nonetheless, it can provide safety while improving handling and rigidity of your vehicle. Roll cage can let you strip out a lot more metal from your ride, including side impact beams and cut away inner arches and panels , while not removing any parts of your car.

Other metal parts can be stripped off or lightened by drilling holes. That is, if you will know the proper procedures in doing so. You start with the small metal parts like the door hinges and locks. These are small but they often contribute on the weight of your car. They can be removed if the doors are welded shut. Such welding will also help add more strength to the body shell. And so, whenever you are fitting new parts, you should weigh them and choose the lighter ones. The same must be applied with other metal parts like brake discs.

On the other hand, huge and heavy components like alternators, fly wheels, water pumps, and pistons should be considered too. Look for these lighter engine components.

These are just some pointers on how to reduce weight on your vehicle. So if you think you have spare time to do some of these, never hesitate to do so. These will be favorable on your pursuit to attain better performance, handling, and gas mileage.

More articles…..

New look
Vent your vehicle’s dullness
Is your car perfectly tuned?
Upgrade your interior
Have a more powerful clutch!
Bored with your doors?
Paint your wheels
Is wing really a spoiler?
Is your engine balanced?
Blow that…
Lose weight

Ferrari California

2008-05-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

Are you sports minded car enthusiast? If so, Ferrari is probably not new for you. And the legendary Ferrari California return is such a big deal to you.

The Ferrari California is more beautiful than before. One look at the 2-seat convertible would be enough to tell you that this thing is destined to be a classic, just like the Ferrari California of yore. This ride features a folding hard top, making it look prettier with the top up. Nonetheless, the same elegance shows even with the top down. In the interior, you will get surrounded by high-grade leather and a dashboard layout this is undoubtedly Ferrari.

A 4.3-liter V-8, located just at the front axle, powers the soon-to-be-released Prancing Horse. This comes with the 7-speed double-clutch transaxle, allowing you to choose gears manually or cruise in full automatic mode. The 460 bhp on tap moves you to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, according to Ferrari.

The new multilink suspension system at the rear so the car's handling and ride quality should be extraordinary. Not only that, you can also locate the company's F-1 Trac traction-control system, also on the 599 GTB Fiorano, which tickle your sport-mindedness. Managing speed is not a problem at all as Brembo brakes at all four corners will ensure excellent stopping power.
In terms of sporty design, innovation, and versatility, Ferrari makes such a big name. Ferrari California will make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show in the fall. The price is not yet set but you got to watch out.

Modify your brakes

2008-05-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Brakes can be modified. Since they are part of going fast, you must always ensure that they are able to stop as fast. Your brakes work with a friction pad that press agains a disc. Such friction converts the momentum of the car into heat which is then dissipated over the brake disc, resulting to slowing down of your car. Heat is one of the big factors for heavy braking especially on race cars, which must be prepped to cope with the high heat demands on the braking system.

As you step down the brake pedal, engine power is used to amplify the pressure of your foot, which decreases the effort needed. Such pressure is transferred to the friction pads through a brake fluid inside the tube. The brake pad end is subjected to high temperatures that’s why the fluid itself can get very hot. Such fluid cannot be simply pressurized, meaning, the effect of braking just passes along the tube almost instantly. A cable stretches a little and needs constant adjusting, as most handbrakes use a cable system that are more susceptible to the effects of stretching and heat.

The problem with brake fluids is about reducing the effectiveness of the transference process that is also at high temperatures. Under such condition, they can boil and so bubbles are produced in the brake fluid, creating spongy effect at least or at worst can completely prevent the brake from having any effect. The dissipated heat from the brake pad makes the disc vented. This disc has a ventral channel that increases the surface to air ratio of the disc. This create better and faster cooling then. The drilled discs can also increase the air ratio and along with grooves, help to prevent a gas build up between the pad and the disc, keeping the pads clean and sharp. Bigger discs can provide better cooling but they may require a different design of alloy wheel.

When selecting a brake pad, you should be wise and careful of certain factors. The higher the friction, the better. Most racing pads have special construction, which involves high firction compound that works at much higher temperatures. A true racing pad can effectively work when it gets hot, since it renders race spec pads useless for the road where braking most often happens on cold pads. Fast road pads are great compromise as some performance pads have the added benefit of producing nearly zero brake dust, which can even last longer than the standard pads.

If you are into upgrading your brakes, you need to do a lot of preparation. Key areas for attention include fitting of bigger discs. Larger disc will provide bigger friction area and will therefore dissipate more heat. You will notice more feel that is easier to detect the point of lock up with a large disc conversion kit. Brake calipers and pistons must be given much attention. More pistons equal a greater clamping force and allow the use of larger pads.

Before getting into the road, you must also prepare your brakes into particular conditions like driving along flood.. Under such situation, applying brakes is surely hard. You should apply brakes to dissipate the water and grease that get on them, which will dramatically improve the chances of stopping during emergency.

The brake fluid must also be checked more frequently. It must be changed bi-annually or annually, depending on your driving style and the recommended service interval. Such fluid must be properly checked by an expert for its boiling point. This will give an idea of degradation. Synthetic brake fluids are not hygroscopic, as they have high boiling points.

Keep on improving your brakes otherwise, you will suffer from inconvenience. Nonetheless, make sure that you will observe proper procedures when doing so. If you are not confident enough on doing it, make sure that you will have the task done by a qualified auto mechanic.

13 tips for a healthy driving machine

2008-05-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Regular car maintenance and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of your car ownership. Hence, you should always consider having all your auto systems maintained. Among the basic considerations that you should think of are the maximum fuel efficiency and safe driving. To ensure these, you should keep your engine in tune while keeping the brakes, steering and suspension systems in A-1 condition.

Car maintenance does not need to be costly, as it may not require even a single cent at all. Moreover, they can save time, money and inconvenience. It is important that you always refer to your manual when performing any maintenance task on your vehicle. You can even bring your car for periodic inspection by a qualified technician. If you want to do the maintenance yourself, I have some researched basic tips to share (which include some of the things that I have done with my roadster and crossover).

First, you need to check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. If your car has transparent reservoirs with level markings, you should fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Remember not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.

Second, inspect belts and hoses monthly and have the worn, glazed or frayed belts replaced at the soonest possible time. If your car has a spring loaded belt tensioners, then no adjustment is required. If there are bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten clamps, make sure to have them replaced at once otherwise, leaks will be induced on them. See if the hoses look bad, or feel too soft or too hard. If they are, have them replaced at once.

Third, check the transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. You should add the appropriate type fluid whenever necessary. Remember not to overfill.
Fourth, check oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and insert it fully then remove again. If it is low, you need to add oil. Maintaining the peak performance of your vehicle requires oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You also need to have the oil filter changed with every oil change.

Fifth, check the air filter monthly and have it replaced when it is dirty. You can also do it during tune-up. This is easy to reach, right under the big metal "lid" in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.

Sixth, check brake fluid monthly. In doing so, you have to wipe the dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Then, you need to pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on your vehicle type. If you need fluid, you must add the approved type. Don’t forget to check possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir.
Seventh, have the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled all the time. When topping off, you can use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. During winter, consider the freezing point of the washer fluid.

Eight, beware of the proper handling of a battery for it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near your battery and make sure that you are wearing protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be securely attached, while being free from corrosion. If battery contains filler holes, you should add only clear, odorless drinking water.

Ninth, inspect the power steering fluid level monthly by simply removing the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, you must add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
Tenth, inspect the windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. The rubber should not be worn or brittle. Have the wiper blades replaced at least once per year, or when smearing or chattering occurs.

Eleventh, inspect the condition of your all your lights. Make sure that they are clean and working.

Twelfth, the tires should be inflated with the necessary pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. If you discover uneven wear, make sure that you’ll do something about it. Keep a record of tire rotation, which can be initially 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.

Thirteenth, make sure that there are no oil seepage on shock absorbers. Check shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The bouncing should stop when you step back. Once you realize the occurrence of leaking shocks, carry out an immediate replacement.

3-wheeler cars

2008-05-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

3-wheeler concept for TREX

Ever heard of the 3-wheeler car concept? This car is designed by Johnathan Cote, who just tried to offer his re-design proposal for the legendary T-REX. With the uniqueness of this concept design, many consumers are surely looking forward to its production and release.

With the first prototype released in 1994, T-REX pioneered in the rapidly expanding world of modern 3-wheeled transport that has now spawned some exotic cars like the Brudeli’s Three-Wheel Leanster, Can-Am Spyder, TriRod’s F3 Adrenaline and the upcoming ZAP Alias highway electric car. While connecting with the T-Rex’s DNA, the remodeling of Cote’s design offers refreshing new lines and added new assets. Its beauty imparts elegance and refinement worthy of the best sports cars.

Cote’s new design features several storage areas into the vehicle. The spacious cargo area harmonizes with the vehicle’s outline, adding up a small storage space and two smaller glove compartments in the front. The two windshield versions are also catered for: raised or F1 style.

3-wheeler from SIDAM

After conquering the hearts of the consumers and as the three-wheelers demand rises, More and more 3-wheelr designs are brought out to the public. We can recall that the 3-wheeler design was started by Gilero Fuoco, Piaggio MP3, and Vectrix. Today, a French scooter importer Sidam tries to enter the market by building another type of three-wheel scooter. Nonetheless, instead of putting two wheels at the front, they decided to put the two wheels at the rear of the vehicle. Can you imagine it now?

The concept can remind me of Thai Tuk Tuk, though Xnovo concept is somehow a crossover between a minivan and Thai Tuk Tuk.The design sketches seems to picture both rear wheels will be belt driven in the 500cc Piaggio-engined petrol version. Hybrid and fully electric versions are also on the cards, the latter feature twin electric motors, wherein one is in each wheel hub. The luggage angle comes to be a big part of the concept.

Later on, we will learn more as the Xnovo moves towards a launch date rumored to be this year.

imgs from these sites:

http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/images/cl3_30a.jpg

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=piaggio

Modifying HHO gas car

2008-05-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

HHO gas based car system's has become a major breakthrough in terms of an environmentally friendly car modification. This is because of the features that allow users to increase gas mileage while trimming down the gasoline costs and drastically reducing car emissions. The system relies on HHO gas to assist combustion, leading to the revolution of fuel consumption and economy. Indeed, this breakthrough supports our claim of living in a world where industrial explosion takes over.

Nonetheless, in exchange of the comfort and convenience of highly advanced automotive industry, gasoline prices keep on soaring higher. And this is apparently a major issue for consumers worldwide. The majority of US, Canadian, British and Australian citizens are always at the top list of affected consumers since they are highly dependent on gasoline.

A lot of experts continuously discover ways on how save on gas. The HHO based technology is among the effective ones that is claimed to save the average US driver in excess of $1000 dollars a year in gasoline prices.An HHO gas based car modification can increase mileage between 30% - 50%. The efficiency of the engine will be dramatically increased, resulting to an increase in your mileage. Moreover, the engine will run smoother and quieter, while the performance and power draw closer to the maximum level. Not only these, the modification can also ensure longer engine life, which is very much favorable for cost cutting in terms of repair and replacement.

How does an HHO based gas system work anyway? The technology does not interfere or damage an engine or computer system. If you want to have this system, you have to place a quart size container filled with distilled water and small amount of baking soda under the hood of your car. The system needs electricity (12 Volts) from the engine, create a vacuum and then produce HHO Gas. This gas is pushed into the engines manifold or carburetor.

If you want to try the HHO gas car modification, then forget the water car system, which is not actually the ultimate solution to the rising gasoline prices. You can buy a hybrid car if you have the money, but it will be more practical to modify your car, knowing that a lot of ways can be used to improve its features, counting HHO gas car modification. Save money today, increase your car's mileage, and help protect the environment with the one basic system.

water in your fuel tank?

Cheapest car

2008-05-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tata Nano

Heard about the cute Tata Nano? The first time I saw this driving machine, I instantly thought about an animated film entitled cars. Tata Nano seems to speak with its smiling front fascia. Indeed, this car invites you to go and get behind its wheels. This is not impossible since you probably are capable of spending $2500 for a brand new Tata Nano. Apparently, this is one of the world's cheapest car.

Nano is an Indian-built car that is also one of the world's smallest. It measures 118.5 in. long, 59.1 in. tall and 63.0 in. wide. You can mistakenly see it as an R&T's own Cyclops. It has four seats, but there is no door for access to the trunk space.

Powered by a 623-cc 2-cylinder engine at the rear, Nano performs well with its cool rear wheel drive feature. Nonetheless, we are not sure about the 33 horsepower that falls into the definition of "power." The Nano is clearly designed as a city car, which has a top speed of 60 mph. It also gets 47 mpg.

Expect Nano will by October this year, with a production target of 350,000 cars per year. This car will be available only with its 3-cylinder gasoline engine, but a diesel version will follow later.
Want to own this Nano? It’s quite a good idea that though you cannot have the most expensive car in the world, you can grab the chance to have the cheapest one.

Pagani Zonda S Roadster

2008-05-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

More or less, around 750,000,000 vehicles are being used in the world today. And fewer than 100 are Paganis. Millions of drivers would ask, "What the heck is a Pagani?"
Enthusiasts who are into exotic cars know it's called the Pagani Zonda, and over the past decade, these carbon-fiber wonder cars were manufactured in a small Italian town of San Cesario sul Panaro about 10 miles east of Modena. This makes the Pagani a close neighbor of Ferrari, Maserati and my very own Lamborghini. I always love roadsters that’s why I always treasure the Lamborghini that my dad has bought for me. Going back to Pagani, where does this name really come from?

Horacio Pagani (obviously where the name originated) moved to Italy from his native Argentina. He became an early expert in the art of automotive carbon-fiber, letting him decide on building his own exotic car. He has successfully made it indeed. His car is now in several forms, one is called the F, as in Juan Manuel Fangio, Pagani's home country hero. There is another one that is labeled the S. The basic design has been changed only in detail over the years, though it is now sold as GT or spider. This however has not kept Pagani from continuing success.

Central to the Pagani is a carbon-fiber tub that is covered with body panels of the same material. The shock absorbing is durable with the front and rear that are equipped with lightweight metal subframes, for the A-arm suspensions and the drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz' AMG provides the powerplant, a 7.3-liter V-12 with 555 bhp, 553 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm and a pleasantly ferocious howl that chases you around when you're at full throttle. The gearbox is a 6-speed manual and the Brembo brake discs come as steel or carbon ceramic.

Weighing in around 2700 lb. and riding on squat Michelins, Zonda S is reportedly able to squirt to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and able to keep going until it's nigh on to 215 mph. Zonda's remarkable shape may seem to age quickly, but it still looks good a decade down the line.
The interior detailing is downright fun where you can find a mix of vintage toggle switches and an instrument panel that could have been found in the 1930s, a Nardi steering wheel and fine leather. The background has the carbon-fiber bones of the Pagani's chassis.

Owning a Pagani would be fun but not if you have no half-million dollars yet. This amount is not big enough once you have the steering wheel on your hand. The cost is not high at all as you step on the gas pedal. I bet, this roadster is better than my Lamborghini, nevertheless, I still love my first roadster. But wait, I can sacrifice and give it to my dad in exhange of a Pagani Zonda S roadster.

img from : http://www.innovationcars.com/images/cars/pagani_zonda_roadster.jpg

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept – from the inside out

2008-05-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept was inspired by the tough, hard-shell backpack that is seen in the animal world. The architecture consists of three ultra-lightweight structural ribs that create the vehicle’s safety cage. The front-end styling adopts organic structural forms, giving hints at the appeal of future Hyundai trucks. Some significant attributes also include the assertive face and piercing headlights angled towards the grille. The prominent hood scoop intends to enhance the Hellion’s rally car demeanor as the clamshell hood utilizes exposed latches for easy access to the engine bay.

A canvas soft-top roof, two-piece Teflon-coated 20in wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips are also featured.The Hellion has a 3.0L V6 Common-rail Diesel engine (CRDi) with 236hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. Its drive is sent through a six-speed auto mated to a 4WD system. The Hyundai Design and Technical Center and Hyundai Motor America presented the world debut of the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Hellion is a compact three-door sport crossover designed with attitude and independence creating its unmistakable character.

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion was particularly designed to attract a diverse individualist customer, according to Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center. He said that mindset and attitude are becoming the modern way to define new market segments, and the Hellion concept will do that. Hellion brings a new attitude to the Hyundai family and its the sibling who’s a bit mischievous and always outspoken.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGNS

The proportions of the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion basically flaunt a tough look, as described by Marc Mainville, senior designer at the Hyundai Design Center. He said that short overhangs are designed to allow for excellent attack angles for off-roading and the skid plates, and then the muscular wheel flares and tow hooks convey Hellion’s strength.

The Hellion’s front design explores how new organic structural forms could look on future Hyundai trucks. Its stance is wide and its face is assertive, with piercing headlights angled towards its dominant grille. The hood scoop enhances Hellion’s rally car demeanor and the clamshell hood utilizes exposed latches for easy access to the engine bay. The windshield’s fast rake gives a sporty character to an otherwise stout profile.

The bumpers are distinguished from the organic body shape with a darker, durable wrinkle-finish paint supported by functional aluminum skid plates that wrap underneath the vehicle.The rear of the Hellion has a bold design theme wherein the taillights emphasize the tapering of the greenhouse and the wide sculpture of the wheel flares as cantilevered off the rear quarter glass. Dual chrome exhaust tips are fitted between the bumper and skid plate to complete the integrated appearance.

The soft-top roof adds to the independent spirit of the Hyundai Hellion. It’s fabric has a subtle abstracted camouflage pattern which can be customized. The 20-inch aluminum wheels are constructed in two pieces and are Teflon®-coated to resist build-up of the elements.The interior is like a true living room. The two-box design and three-door package gives the driver and passengers a tidy, functional environment. Hellion has a consistent design theme unifying the interior and exterior resulting in a very cohesive concept car as claimed by Martin Frost, senior designer at the Hyundai Design Center.

The HCD10 Hyundai Hellion’s compact exterior appearance belies its abundant interior space with the inventive cargo and storage spaces. The seat-mounted gear packs transform into fully functional backpacks via push-button releases. Moreover, there are convenient hideaway drawers push out from the front of each seat. The storage is also found along the center console and there are two lids with translucent strips for easy access to belongings. Aside from these, more innovative and useful amenities are feaured in Hellion. These include the bucket seats, hands-free hydration system, instrument panel and more advanced devices.

img from these sites:

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2006/11/hyundai_hellion_concept.jpg

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/hyundai-hellion-concept-2.jpg

Green driving machine

2008-05-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

If you are an environmentalist, you surely prefer to use “greener driving machines”. Before you buy a new car, you probably are assessing the specs affecting its production of minimal CO2 and other emissions.

You may have heard about the fact that by the end of the decade, new cars need to produce an average of at most 130g/km of CO2. However, most cars today emit rather more than this. How will this average be assessed? The 130g/km average is well-meaning rhetoric, but no one in the EU carbonocracy can set out the definition for now. Meanwhile, with the target date fast approaching, the carmakers are left behind.

Some manufacturers, nevertheless, are going ahead anyway and creating some very low-CO2-producing cars. (I may not say "low-CO2 emitting", because emissions suggest pollution and CO2, unlike nitrogen oxides, particulates and unburnt hydrocarbons, are not pollutants.)
Among the most ideal vehicles that deserve recognition when it comes to environmenta friendliness is the BMW 118d. This vehicle model is currently having an "EfficientDynamics"– package the better to eke out every litre of diesel oil.

What is EfficientDynamics all about? (it’s not typo, there is really no space in between.) All new 1-series cars, unlike the 116i and 130i (the two extremes of the petrol-fuelled range), have a stop-start system, which you might remember from aeons ago with the Fiat Regata ES and later the VW Golf Ecomatic. The concept is the same with the car stopped and the gearbox in neutral, then the engine stops until you depress the clutch upon which it restarts automatically. Nevertheless, this modern, high-tech BMW works rather more discreetly, smoothly, and reliably.

Aside from the EfficientDynamics, there is also the Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) that is perfect for an environmentalist. Whenever the engine is turning but not under load, (meaning when decelerating or braking) the alternator engages to charge up the high-capacity battery. Otherwise the alternator is disengaged unless the battery is getting too low. Some cars have the engine that requires the alternator to be turned on all the time, even when the battery is charged. Considering the fact that turning an alternator uses energy, the IAC system can reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent.

Yet cleverer than that, an alternator that's charging hard is a big drag on the engine. So when the alternator is engaged as you slow down or stop, while some hard charging to do in order to recover the energy taken from the battery when driving under power, then that "drag" helps with the braking. Meaning you don't have to brake so hard, so less energy is wasted. This is called regenerative braking, as used by hybrids. Whenever you are slowing down at least, the 1-series behaves a bit like a hybrid.

So, feeling smugly green, 118d is indeed a good choice of ride. Immediately it feels unique among today's compact hatchbacks for blending that compactness with the very BMW sensation of rear-wheel drive. The demeanor feels pure with the new electric power steering that is good enough not to have the stodgy, artificial feel that is too often found in such systems. The electric power steering feels more natural when the motor is in the rack rather than in the column, and that of the 1-series is so designed.

The numerical credentials of this BMW 118d engine would have been so impossible and unreal. Forget about the 118d designation: like the more powerful 120d engine, this is a 2.0-litre unit but here producing 143bhp (21bhp up from the previous 118d) instead of 177. This is backed up by 221lb ft of torque for having effortless pulling ability typical of the best modern diesels, propelling the 118d from a standstill to that arbitrary 62mph figure in 8.9 seconds.

With all the flawless specs of 118d, you can also point out the officially-measured average CO2 output of just 123g/km, the lowest of any BMW-badged car. Imagine that all cars deliver all this dynamism and slip comfortably under the CO2 quota, then what a green environment we have in the future.

BMW received 2008 World Green Car Award for the 118d model

High-performance tires

2008-05-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tires keep you rolling. Their quality matters especially when you frequently engage to off-road driving. If you are a performance driver, you surely want the best tires for your ride. So what are the best options that you can have?

Goodyear Eagle, Continental Constisportcontact 3 , and Bridgestone Potenzas are perhaps first on the list when it comes to giving out the best service for your travels. Let’s take a look on each of them.

Goodyear Eagle tires have changed dramatically since the Gatorback (1983). Experts from Eagle have designed the high-performance touring tire aimed at satisfying the driving enthusiast who wants additional grip but not at the expense of a harsh ride.

New Eagle tires have asymmetric dual-compound tread. ON the inboard side is the all season zone, where the open pattern facilitates water dispersion and a high-silica rubber compound improves wet grip, aided by fine grooves with special tread locks that reduce squirm. The outside tread is the high performance zone, with large tread blocks and circumferential rung made of a grippier compound.

The dual- purpose theme carries inside the tire. The Eagle’s outer sidewalls are reinforced with carbon fibers, the resulting firmness reducing tire roll and keeping more tread on the pavement. The inner sidewalls, on the other hand, are conventional, tuned for ride comfort and aided by a layer of Kevlar beneath the tread.

Continental Contisportcontact 3 are often great for sports cars. These tires let them go faster. As original equipments on Porshes, Mercedes AMG models, and BMW M series, Continental has evolved its venerable Contisportcontact tire to its third iteration. It’s an improvement that raises the level of performances for everything but noise. And the CSC2 wasn’t theat noisy no begin with.

Like an engine that has both better fuel efficiency and performance, the CSC3 has improved rolling and resistance and grio according to their engineers. To prevent aquaplaning, a revised tread pattern helps to expel water but doesn’t sacrifice the contact patch. An asymmetrical rubbed trad pattern is optimized for high loads, specifically those from high speeds, braking and cornering. Combined with a refined rubber compound, the CSC3 really shines at the track.

Bridgestone Potenzas tires offer enthusiasts, who want to maximize dry weather traction on the street or at the occasional track event. The unidirectional tread pattern starts out with a semi slick shoulder block, brandishing “racing slits” claimed to promote uniform pressure of the contact patch by increasing flexibility. A thick center rib provides for favorable initial responsiveness and straight-line stability while cooling slits throughout the tread ensure the tire’s survival to its V and W speed rated limits. Because this tire is not a competition radial, Bridgeston’s Hydro Evacuation Surface tread technology has been employed to avoid aquaplaning on wet pavement.

Bridgestone’s second addition to its performance lineup, phasing out the S-03 model, is the newly reengineered “Ultra High Performance” Potenza RE050A Pole position. Although there are no discernible changes to the tread patter, the significance lies in the tire’s compound and construction, The main focus of the changes is to improve handling response over the standard RE050A and prolong traction throughout the life of the tires, while an increase in silica content enhances wet-traction capability.

Plans for OE applications result in W and Y speed rated sizes.
These three quality tires should always be considered as your top three options whenever looking for replacement tires. Always make sure that whenenver you are replacing your tires, you have checked the specifications. Also, ensure that a qualified personnel will assist you in installing the new tires. If they are not properly installed, they will probably experience early wearing.

Having problems with your fuel pump?

2008-05-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

The fuel pump is the heart of your fuel injection system. When it stops working, the whole system will not run at all. This pump, usually found inside or near the fuel tank, is considered that important in fuel injection since it pushes fuel from the tank to the injectors and create sufficient pressure for accurate fuel delivery. The pressure from the pump and the volume of flow must both meet your vehicle manufacturer’s requirements or else, engine performance, emissions, and economy will get affected.

Flow and Pressure are so important in the fuel injection system. If your pump does not meet the OE minimum fuel flow or pressure requirements, then you will possibly experience drivability and emissions problems. The weak pump that you have will not be able to generate enough pressure, leading to troubles on the calibration of the fuel system. This can also let the engine run lean or starved for fuel under load. Symptoms will then show such as hard starting, poor idle quality, stumbling or hesitation when accelerating, and loss of high-speed power.

Low fuel pressure can also be a cause of lean misfire at idle under the load. This can lead to a dramatic increase in HC emissions. If this happens in your car, then you may not pass the emission tests. Hence, when your fuel pump becomes weak or has failed, it is important to have it replaced with a quality one (the one which meets all OE fuel performance specifications.)

Perhaps you wonder how fuel pumps get damaged? Just realize how active they are. Since fuel pumps run constantly over the years, they will experience wear in the brushes, armature bushings, and commutator. Pump vanes and gears can also wear down, causing gradual loss or pressure and flow.

The accumulation of rust and sediments can also cause pump problems. Fuel starvation can also be another factor in accelerated wearing, which can even damage the pump and other fuel injection system parts.

Never let your damaged fuel pump unsolved for a long time. Have the pump’s voltage supply and electrical connections checked at once. An open relay, loose wire, and blown fuse may have caused the pump to stop working. Or if not, low battery voltage may have reduced the pump’s ability to generate pressure.

Once the static pressure or volime of fuel is delivered less that the specifications of your car manufacturer, then have the fuel pump replaced immediately. Replacement will be required if the pump the pump’s check valve has failed.

If you are replacing your fuel pump today, make sure that you know what you are looking for. Selecting the right replacement involves more than looking up the year, make, model, and engine size. It also involves intelligent selection of OE performance specifications. Be sure that your replacement pump fits the same as your original pump. Nonetheless, your car might not require this. So check out the requirements carefully.

Since there are lots of performance requirements and pump designs used in our modern cars, lots of performance and fit problems are encountered. So again, be careful with choosing are replacement pump.

Regarding the installation, fuel pump is one of the most difficult ones to work on. Upon installation , whether mounted inside the tank or not, make sure that you will have the tank inspected and cleaned if contaminants are found in the pump or filter. Having the pump replaced without cleaning a dirty tank will doom the new pump to premature failure.

When replacing the in-tank fuel pump, disconnect the battery to avoid unwanted sparks. Upon doing so, drain the tank and remove the tank straps. As you do the installation, replace the filter screen and use a new O-ring or gasket for the sealing collar. Never test a new pump before it having been installed by jumping it. It you run the pump under a dry condition with no fuel (to lubricate it) will just end up to damage.

These are just some of the pointers that I can share. Just always keep in mind that the fuel injection carries the lifeblood of your vehicle. So better ensure the perfect condition of its components especially the heart.

BMW supercar

2008-05-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

BMW claims that the striking concept shown at the recent Villa d'Este concours in Italy is not destined for production. Huwaat?? However, when Adrian van Hooydonk, the head of design for BMW automobiles, said that BMW M1 Homage manifests the creativity and potential of the BMW Design team and that, a project like this is a valuable source of inspiration for their day-to-day work, then maybe, there is still a hope to see BMW supercars on the years to come.
M1 Homage is simple though it is one of the most lust-worthy sports cars ever created. The original M1 by Giorgetto Giugiaro was based on the BMW Turbo concept penned by Paul Bracq while the new M1 Homage comes straight from the BMW Group Design team.

An M1 Homage does not have an interior and is not a"runner" at all. But do not frown. It looks stunning at Villa d'Este, positioned alongside the M1 and the BMW Turbo, painted in Liquid Orange in honor of the hallmark M1 colors of black and orange. The twin BMW logos on the rear are also in honor of those on the M1 production car. The air vents in the hood and the classic louvers on the back window are of the same purpose. According to BMW, the M1 Homage's exterior dimensions "are in keeping with those of the M1; only the extended wheelbase indicates a larger passenger cell.

What other features that make M1 Homage cool are the "invisible headlamps" and a squat version of the trademark BMW grille, which also serves as a way to route cool air to the compartment under the hood. The headlamps are almost invisible, recessed into the design of the car's nose before they are turned on.

Though BMW M1 Homage remains a concept, it has a design that becomes the source of inspiration. If BMW can do such kind of concept, then we can expect for more or better cars from them. So if you want a BMW supercar, wait for the best one has yet to come.

Frequent Oil change

2008-05-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Among the most serious auto problems that you may encounter is overheating of the engine. This may be caused by a bad cooling system or failure to change oil. When engine overheats, other auto parts will become prone to troubles too. So always try to work on the maintenance of your engine to further avoid higher cost of repair or replacement. What shall you do then?
Engine cannot generate motion without sparks and friction. And where you find sparks and friction, you will also find one of your engine’s worst enemies- heat. Extreme temperatures can damage motor oil, decreasing its ability to deliver full protection. Fortunately, there are lots of high-quality motor oil that can take the heat. Just always make sure that you will get the right one.

High-quality motor oils cqan resist heat with adaptive molecules. When such molecules encounter scorching heat, they break apart, yet continue to provide excellent protection. When the temperature decreases, the molecules return to normal.

Heat is not the only enemy adaptive molecules resist. They also resist pressure and shearing. When adaptive molecules face intense pressure, they cluster together, helping to absorb the impact like a cushion. And when adaptive molecules enter areas of high shearing, they split up, reforming as soon as they have slipped through.

Amazingly, adaptive molecules can go from separation to avoid shearing , to clumping together against pressure, right back to separating to evade heat, over and over, This helps your motor oil to maintain viscosity, which helps keep engines running stronger, longer. So help your engine fight the enemies within. Give it adaptive molecules in motor oil.

Changing oil may seem unimportant. But when the engine fails and overheats, you will surely realize its necessity. Ask for the recommendations of your friends, families, and other experts regarding the perfect motor oil that you should get for your vehicle.

Audi R8 cars

2008-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Audi has engineered exquisite cars that have been warmly distinguished by enthusiasts. These cars were acclaimed with attractiveness, sophistication and technical perfection. Such great characteristics make Audi a very competitive car maker over the years. Now, the company’s creativity, commitment and enthusiasm have resulted to the production of more car models like the future most wanted cars- Audi R8 cars.

If you are an avid Audi fan, your wishes and emotions would probably be some of the guiding principles behind Audi’s approach. If you want to testify this fact, why not take a look at the Audi R8 car models this year. Among the ones that you should not ignore is the 2008 Audi R8 quattro sports coupe.

The 2008 Audi R8 quattro sports car, which has an MSRP of $109,000 - $118,000, is Audi’s first super car. This is designed to compete in the high-end, high-performance luxury collectors car market. This sexy sports car competes with the Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z06, Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR, BMW Z4 M Coupe, Porsche 911 GT2, and Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe. It comes with 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine, quattro all-wheel drive system. Further, it houses two transmissions: the manual, six-speed gearbox or Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox.

Audi R8 quattro coupe is a sports car introduced in 2006, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car. You may have noticed the similar features of this coupe with a certain Lamborghibi model. Perhaps it will be Lamborghini Gallardo, which share similar transmissions, chassis and layout. Nevertheless Audi R8 was made noticeably different through its interior and exterior styling, choice of engines and price range.

Aside from the Quattro sports coupe, you must expect for more Audi models this year. One of these is the Audi R8 model that is similar to the open-top Porsche Carrera GT. It is due to be released any time this year. This model is reportedly featured with more powerful, turbocharged engine that is set to be included in the future Audi RS6 and may also be adapted for the R8.

Audi R8 can be customized using various accessories and optional features. Some of these are the power driver, leather-upholstered seats, driver's seat lumbar support, passenger seats, sport steering wheel, heated front seats, speed-sensing steering, adaptive, suspension front and rear anti-roll bars, and sports and four-wheel-independent.

Audi R8 expediency are basically found on the speed control, power windows, tilt-steering and telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, driver vanity mirror, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and HomeLink garage door transmitter. Also included on the list is the GPS feature, which is optional.

As an enthusiast, you are surely meticulous when it comes to interior parts. Your standards definitely reckon with the best entertainment features. Don’t worry for an Audi R8 is designed with six-disc CD player with MP3 capability, AM/FM/Satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, seven Bang & Olufsen speakers, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The exterior, on the other hand, features some lighting and safety features like trip computer, high-intensity discharge headlights, rear window defroster, tachometer, low tire-pressure warning, variably intermittent and rain-sensing wipers, outside temperature display, compass, reverse-sensing system (front and rear, with rear camera), panic alarm, airbags (driver and passenger front, side, and knee), adjustable head restraints and traction control. There is also the Hill Hold feature, which is optional.

If you want to know more about Audi R8 cars, you can visit their site at http://www.audi.com/. On their site, you can see the latest Audi news and features about their models. Aside from R8 cars, you can also see there the Q5, A3 Cabriolet, A4, A5, TT Lounge, and Q7 Globe. Have a quick tour in their show room and find yourself like you want to get behind those wheels.

Younger and greener GMs

2008-05-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hummer HX concept

Saab 9-4X Biopower concept

Get younger and greener – This is where the message of General Motors in Detroit focused. Indeed, their newly launched vehicles are bound to attract younger and environment-concerned enthusiasts. These cars include the Hummer HX concept that is definitely appealing to the younger buyers. Also included in the show was the Saab 9-4X Biopower concept.

Three young designers, who were new to GM, designed the HX Concept as a smaller and more youthful Hummer. The 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine is matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission and is E85 capable.

With the unique Hummer design characteristics, the two-door vehicle is engineered with convertible body that can be adapted to off-road conditions. Also, two removable roof panels are included in the design for an open-air driving experience, while having the modular rear roof assembly removed.

The rear roof assemblies allow the HX Concept to be distinguished as a sport-utility truck (SUT) with the roof assembly removed. It also has a slant-back or a traditional SUV design with a larger covered cargo area. This design also features the removable fender flares and doors that can be quickly removed by pulling pins in the exposed hinges. The composite fenders are attached with quarter-turn quick-release fasteners for easy removal of narrow trails or rock climbing.

Rick Wagoner, General Motors CEO, announced a partnership with Coskata to produce ethanol through a new process that is not dependent on corn and requires much less water than other processes. A pilot program is also expected to be in place by 2009 with the cost of production at less than $1 per gallon.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept confirms Saab’s plan to enter the crossover market. This testifies running on bioethanol (E85) fuel, as powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that combines the advantages of direct injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing with high-octane E85 fuel.

Younger and greener indeed.

img from:
caradvice.com
thetorquereport.com

Secrets of a secured ride

2008-05-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

Whenever you have your vehicle well-maintained vehicle, you will most probably be free from serious problems. Furthermore, it will not give your trouble about passing the standards of the government. The state makes it illegal to drive a car or truck in dangerous condition and you should abide by their requirements since these are just for your own good.

There is nothing wrong if you provide ample time, effort, and money for the maintenance of your vehicle. These will not just give you a ride that will be from tough fines of the government but also with expensive repairs and replacements. Keeping your car/ truck in good shape will even let you save on fuel while protecting the environment.

Your well-maintained vehicle will generally start in all weather conditions. Here are some tips on doing the regular maintenance that will help you keep a vehicle that is fit and safe: First, check tire pressures and check tires for damage or wear. Have the tires replaced when you found some bulges, bumps, exposed cords and deep cuts. Second, check that all lights are working then have any broken or burned out bulbs replaced at the soonest possible time. Third, check if the windshield wipers and blades are working properly. Once the wiper blades streak the window, you must have them replaced before the windshield gets damaged. Fourth, check the fluid levels and conditions. Oil and filter, water in the radiator, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and battery fluid are some of the fluids that you have to regularly check and change. Fifth, check all hoses for cracks or leaks and also check fan belts for wear or slackness. Sixth, have the exhaust system checked especially when it rattles or sounds noisy. Seventh, maintain cleanliness in the interior and exterior. Eighth, make the seat belts clean all the time to prevent dirt and moisture from damaging the mechanism.

Remember that any time and anywhere, your car will be inspected. Once your car/ truck is found to be unsafe, your licence plates will be taken off the road until the problem is fixed. You can be fined as you refuse to allow your vehicle to be inspected. But what shall you fear about if you have maintained the safety of your car?

Inspecting the Radiator

2008-05-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

The radiator is one very important cooling system component. Once it malfunctions, you’ll probably experience great problems. So better yet, always make sure that it is maintained at its perfect condition. Meaning, you must have it regularly inspected.

When inspecting your radiator, you have to observe necessary procedures. The component that you are about to explore is a vulnerable one so beware. This is the reason why I wrote this post. Let me share to you the basics about having your radiator checked.

First, allow the radiator to cool before inspecting then cover the radiator cap with a heavy cloth material or cap remover. Remember that you must not use paper towels or else, your hand will get burned. Stand back while extending your arm straight, away from the radiator when removing the cap. This is because of the pressure resisted by the cap. Never let anyone come closer to your working area when doing it. Once the radiator cap does not have a pressure-relief lever, you have to tighten the cap and then loosen it a half turn to the first notch. If equipped with a pressure-relief lever, then you can lift the lever into the open position.

All pressure may not have escaped and the cap gasket may be trapped in the radiator neck. Never put your face directly over the radiator when he cap has been removed because the coolant may just erupt without warning.

The hoses may contain leaks so don’t forget to check them out. Tighten the hose clamps when hoses feel damp. Once you found cracks, tears or other signs of wear or if you feel that they are brittle when you squeeze them, you got to have them replaced or repaired.
If the radiator has to be removed for repair, you need to have the fluid drained. Such fluid must be drained to an appropriate container. Be sure to dispose such fluid in accordance with local environmental agency requirements.

Clean the radiator by dipping it in a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution as you observe safety against hazards of working with caustic materials. You have to know what to do in case such solution splashes on you or if it spills.

Dispose of the tank sludge, tank solutions, and rinse solutions compliant with local environmental requirements, come’ on, you must not have it just dumped anywhere you want. The solution and sludge will contain copper, zinc, and lead which are harmful for the health of living things. Regarding this, you have to understand the hazards of exposure to lead in solder. Also be aware of how to work with such exposure safely.

When soldering is carried out to repair radiators, the operations should be done in a well ventilated and maintained enclosure, ventilated exhaust hood or booths.
Never forget to wear a respirator as protection from exposure to lead when soldering, or grinding or buffing soldered surfaces. This is important when ventilation is not available or is not functioning.

Apply good housekeeping methods to keep surfaces from lead exposure. You can use a wet mop or vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter when cleaning floors and other surfaces. The use of a dry broom or compressed air for cleaning up lead dust is not very much advisable since it will cause the lead dust to become airborne.
Hygiene practices are so important. Wash your hands and face after the soldering, grinding or buffing operations. This is necessary especially before eating, drinking, or smoking to avoid ingestion of lead.

Coveralls or similar full-body clothing and disposable or washable caps are also necessary. Such work clothing should be stored in a place where it can be free from contamination. Put it in plastic bags and send to a laundry for cleaning. Don’t forget to tag the bag as "clothing contaminated with lead" so that the work clothes are be washed separately from other clothing.

wanna ride a leopard?

2008-04-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

If you are a college driver like me, then this will also be one of your dream cars. This Geely Tiger GT may seem to be a virtual ride of a superhero isn’t it? But hey! That is the reason why you don’t need to spend countless hours at all as a kid in front of the TV watching your superhero’s mobile. Let’s take a closer look on this futuristic ride .

Geely Tiger GT is the putative successor to the current Leopard coupe in the comapany’s lineup. This is a two-door coupe that features swoopy styling that Geely hopes will set it apart from its Chinese rivals.

It has a dropped front snout that has a split grille, containing holes rather than traditional slats or mesh. The headlamps are nestled in fenders defined by sharp character lines that sweep upward and back down into the doors. The rear haunches have the same curve to them, having large tail lamps that are just above the centre line of the rear wheels. Greenhouse features two small rear quarter windows for the rear passengers.

The rear drive is powered by a 3.5 liter V6. The engine produces about 225 bhp and 340 lb.ft of torque. A multilink suspension rides on 19-in wheels and tires.

Now with all these good specs, I am again itching to convince my dad. Would it be too much for an honor student like me?

Geely Tiger GT

img from roadandtrack.com

Prevent auto repair off!

2008-04-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Not all auto mechanics are out to rob you. This is especially true if you will provide service to your car through your own time, effort, and money. Haha. However, it will still be ideal to have your car worked over by an expert since they know best.

With a little effort, you can find a good, honest mechanic who can solve your auto problem. Nevertheless, you may encounter a few bad apples along the way. Better yet, follow these tips to help prevent auto repair rip-off.

First, find a mechanic whom you feel good about before your car needs major repairs. You can ask your family, friends and co-workers for some referrals. You can also bring your car into any new shop first for small repairs like oil change or brake check, then evaluate the overall service that they will give you.

Have a check list of what your car needs , and if possible, state the reasons for such necessities. Whenever you are dropping your car off, try to avoid bringing your car in and asking them to "do whatever it needs". Take time to talk to the mechanic who will be working on your car. Don’t forget to go for a test drive beforehand and clearly explain and point out the problem if possible.

Like what you do with your medical check ups, your car also necessitates second opinion if you feel uncomfortable with any diagnosis. It will be perfect to have your car towed to a second shop for another opinion if it isn't drivable. Now before you leave the shop, request for a written estimate, and then ask about the warranty for parts and labor on any repairs.

Also make a reuest that your parts be saved for your inspection. Always ask before the work begins. Now before you pay the bills, be wise. Go for a test drive before to make sure that your car drives well and/or was fixed to your satisfaction.

Be intelligent in assessing the bill before paying. You can always ask for clarification on any charges that don’t make sense at all to you.

Pay with a check or a credit card, on that way, you can stop payment on a check and some credit cards offer protection against consumer fraud.

Never let anyone fool you by getting exposed with knowledge on auto parts. This can help you have ideas on how much do the parts may cost, or how intense would a problem be. You can sense if the mechanic is telling you the truth or not. There are still lots of tips on preventing auto repair off, these will include special conditions for particular vehicles. I may offer your some detailed pointers for dealing with my crossover or roadster that will not be applicable for your ride. So better yet, have the responsibility to know your vehicle more.

Basic car maintenance

2008-04-29T01:09:00.000-07:00

As I took long journeys with my own roadster and crossover, I have experienced lots of trouble with some auto systems and believe it or not, I have learned how to deal with them. Among the most important things that I have learned is keeping all auto systems well maintained- after all, prevention is better than cure. Now, I want to share to you some of the helpful measures regarding automotive maintenance.

As much as I want to count them all in the most organized way, allow my fingers to enumerate them randomly. Perhaps, we will understand each other as we are of the same language – vehicles.

I know you know this one, but let me put it on the top of the list. One of the most important procedures is checking the levels of power steering fluid, transmission/transaxle fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These are like the blood of the different auto systems so better keep them flowing.

Getting far away from these fluids, let us now consider the windshield wiper blades. Nonetheless, the windshield is another important auto part, which you should first check out for cracking, tears and contacts. The blades should be replaced at least once a year, remember that!
With the tires, make sure that tire inflation is evaluated monthly. Underinflated tires can always waste fuel. Aside form this, you should also inspect the engine belts regularly and try to look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn out belts will affect the engine performance; and thus, reducing fuel mileage. The engine oil and filter should be changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

Have your engine tuned-up regularly since a fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Also have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt, and other impurities from entering the fuel system. You also have to change the crankcase vent filter every 24,000 miles. This filter needs to clean the air exposed to the crankcase and the working components of the engine.

Inspect the battery cables and posts for corrosion then clean whenever necessary. Remember that battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is already low. Nonetheless, this is not applicable in the case of maintenance-free batteries. Oh gosh the auto lights! Be sure to inspect them once in a while especially the headlights, turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. You already know why. How will I forget the air filter. This should be checked approximately every other oil change along with the other filters. This will help you attain the perfect performance that you always want.

The transmission fluid and filter should be changed every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will help you protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle from detrimental elements since such filter effectively removes dirt and other foreign material from the transmission/transaxle fluid.Additionally, keep the manual transmission fluid level measures along with the differential (rear-end) fluid level. Don’t forget to lubricate the chassis frequently to extend the life of the suspension parts. And even further, inspect the condition of all suspension regularly to extend the life of your tires.Change the vapor canister every 24,000 miles to keep the gas fumes from escaping into the atmosphere.

In case you don’t want to do the maintenance yourself, make sure that you will look for technicians who are ASE-certified. This means that they must have passed a voluntary competency test offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Ask about facility's industry and consumer affiliations of these experts. These may include the business' affiliation. Always expect for the automotive facility to be neat, clean, and well-organized. The employees should be helpful and courteous. Lastly, a good service facility is often found by asking friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers’ recommendations.

2009 Toyota Matrix

2008-04-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

2009 Toyota Matrix

Toyota is a big player in the compact wars. With its "foot soldiers" down the battlefield, both the brand and consumers are importantly considered. Canada's compact car segment is one of the key combat zonea for auto-makers, accounting for 26% of all cars sold last year.

As a result of Toyota’s pursuit in engineering more and better compact cars, the audience are continually amazed by the new models. The sporty Matrix compact crossover has undergone a makeover- the first since it originally debuted in 2002 as an '03 model. To retain the functionality and sporty dynamics of the original Matrix, the new edition is further provided with fresh look plus improved handling, enhanced power, more standard features, and take note; all these at lower price than the comparable 2008 base model. Just take a look at the 2009 Matrix starts at $15,705, $1,495 less than the previous version.
If you are one of the enthusiasts who were amazed by this cute crossover of Toyota, then get more stunned by its specs.

2009 Toyota Matrix is an all-wheel-drive compact crossover that is empowered by and engine of 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder, 158hp at 6000 rpm, 162 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The transmission is four-speed automatic and the brakes are each installed with four-wheel disc with ABS.

Some other standard features include the telescopic and tilt steering column, MP3/WMA capable audio system, dual-stage front and side impact air bags, power windows and locks, Optritron gauges, roof rack, keyless entry, 60/40 split rear bench, and tire pressure monitoring system.

As a member of the Toyota clan, the Matrix does not offer heated seats. This is because of no leather option is available. This may or may not have something to do with providing a heating element in the seat cushion. Neverhteless, the 2009 Matrix is a great vehicle that offers practical utility in a package that looks and drives with a muscular flair.

tight budget?

2008-04-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Want to get behind the wheels of a high-performance vehicle but have no enough budget? I can help you assess the best car choices at low cost, yet capable of providing the satisfaction that you are looking for.

If you are looking for great cars that cost at most $20,000, why not choose the 2008 Saturn Astra 5-door hatchback. This seems elegant with its sleek exterior and modern interior designs. Though it is not a 200-ho turbo engine in sight, nor five-speed manual auto, its performance is yet considerably average. Another good choice is the 2008 Scion xB. This is like a junior minivan that looks luxurious and spacious. You can enjoy its power and quiet suspension and transmission. As redesigned for 2008, this xB is made better with stability control as standard. Nonetheless, some setbacks are still considered. xB has become 600 pounds heavier, and has become less frugal with fuel that the outgoing model. Also, the suspension becomes soft, making you feel that is it tossable.

The 2008 Saturn Astra 3-door hatchback is another option, if you want to keep your wallet at ease. Indeed, this car model has a stunning design inside and out with the standard stability control. It looks sporty and may seem to perform like a sports car as well.

These are just some of the best choices that you can have. Nevertheless, you can still have a lot more options, which include the ones that will perfectly fit with your own style preferences. When you surf the net, don’t forget to keep the specs assessed from edge to edge, and don’t get misled with unreliable reviews that evaluate such and such.

Sterling Edition S302E

2008-04-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sterling Edition S302E

As Saleen Automotive celebrates its twenty-fifth year in business, they are offering the first $100,000 new, nonracing Ford Mustang . This is hailed as the Sterling Edition S302E.
The "302" refers to the 5.0-liter V-8's cubic-inch displacement that was amazingly achieved by stroking the Mustang's stock twenty-four valve, 4.6-liter mill. An intercooled, twin-screw supercharger and reinforced internal components will help attain a revised engine that can produce an astounding 620 hp at an enhanced 6400 rpm and 600 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.
Saleen can run a 0-to-60-mph time of less than four seconds, imagine that! It is about a second quicker than the 500-hp Ford Shelby GT500. All S302Es will feature twenty-inch wheels, six-speed manual transmission, sports-car quality brakes.

You can getaway with the elegant touches on the exterior like the silver paint, carbon-fiber front and rear diffusers. This seem to be Gone in 60 Seconds Eleanor-like face that highlights the aluminum hood. How about the inner beauty of this car? A custom-trimmed interior is harmonized with leather and Alcantara seats. Also, there are the sterling silver serial-number badge and the push-button starter.

This Saleen may not look like a $100,000 car. But the exclusivity is a big part of the equation since only twenty-five S302Es will be built. Would you want to be one of the few who can own this car model? If so, you can also receive a custom leather jacket and a first-class plane ticket to Detroit, where the factory is located. This place was where the car was unveiled in January 2008. You will also have the chance to dine with a Saleen executive.

If you think you have everything, this car may change your prerogatives. Once you fail to own one Saleen, you may lose something. Perhaps a six-figure Mustang makes sense or a lot of other cars on which we'd rather drive $100 grand, but being one of the few who will have Saleen, you can be someone.

Yes! Roadster

2008-04-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

YES! Have you heard about it? The Yes? Not yet? Neither had I, until I found out that Funke & Will AG brought its wares to the 2008 Chicago auto show. This German company has been producing little sports cars since 2001; and this was when the first generation of the YES! Roadster was introduced.
American buyers soon plan to purchase version 2.0 of the low-volume two-seater already available in countries throughout Europe as well as New Zealand and Japan.
If you are one of the enthusiasts thirsty for roadsters like this, then start deciding on which flavor should you choose. There are actually two choices. These are normally aspirated 3.2 or 3.2 Turbo. These two flavors are powered by an Audi-sourced 3.2-liter VR6, mounted in the rear. The hand-built car uses an aluminum space frame that was designed and developed by Herbert Funke and Philipp Will- the company's namesakes. At approximately 2000 lbs, the roadster’s weight is similar to that of a Lotus Elise.
How about the performance? It is also Lotus-like, even if price tags are about one and a half times those of comparable Hethel-built cars. The $77,995 Roadster 3.2 can give 255 hp and will reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. An excess of $20,000 will get you the turbocharged version that produces 100 more hp and lowers the 0-to-60-mph time to 3.8 seconds. Won’t it be fast enough? If not, then you can add the $7995 turbo upgrade for a total of 415 hp.
Not cheap at all huh? Once you consider that creature comforts are all optional, seemingly to keep weight down, you will see that it is never expensive at all. If you need heated seats, removable hard top, and a navigation system, never fret, for they are made available at low cost.

Yes! Roadster

small but terrible?

2008-04-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Smart two-seater

The Smart ForTwo is here to finally get driven down the land of the free and the home of the Escalade. In case you want to get behind these wheels and drive anywhere exotic in the past few years, to places such as Europe or Canada, you must have seen the original Smarts scooting around and dicing up traffic like motorized pygmies on speed. You may either thought, "such things would never work in America," or "have I seen those in America? How I wish gurl!"
Soon enough we’ll possibly know which camp is right, because Roger Penske is bringing the second-generation Smart two-seater - in coupe and ragtop forms - to his vast dealer network. He further promises that a $99 deposit will get you a Smart of your own within six months. Hitherto, 30,000 people have signed up for that deal. This hence signifies that the Age of the Microcar is off to a favorable onset.

How about those who haven't plunked down a deposit? Anyway, will it testify its cost with its size and engineering? Will it be smart alternative to more conventional compact cars like the Chevy Aveo or the Honda Fit?

When you climb behind the wheel of this car that measures 40 inches less from nose to tail than a Mini Cooper, what must you expect? With its height, will passing along with an eighteen-wheeler on the highway cause me to wet my pants?

It may look scary, especially when you are bound for a drive on the highway. With this two-seater coupe, you feel like you got the slow car at the go-kart track.

With a 70-hp three-cylinder hanging over the rear wheels, it does not have a surfeit of power; nevertheless, it will climb to an electronically limited 90 mph. The setback somehow is this: at highway speeds, you are constantly at the edge of the performance envelope. It would be like driving a race car while looking far down the road and planning how to exploit every final drop of performance at your clearance. For example is when you are approaching a hill, you will click the left paddle and drop the five-speed sequential manual transmission from fifth down to fourth to spike the revs before you hit the incline. Once you wait until before getting there, it will be too late. Hence, momentum is a precious commodity in the Smart ForTwo.

Choose your line, when you are driving this cute coupe. This is important since at 80 mph, you do would not want to make a lot of steering corrections. In most modern vehicles, 80 mph on the interstate is already an exercise in dullness. This time, you can set the cruise control and try not to fall asleep. Remember that when you fell asleep, you might get crushed to death by an eighteen-wheeler!

There is fun to be had in Smart-for two! It doesn’t lie in the traditional metrics like acceleration or outright grip. Think about the Ferrari that measures its semiautomatic shift times in milliseconds – you can actually complete a customer-service call to Banga-lore whoel the Smart mover from first to second. The suspension? Your Smart contains soft springs that it can squat like 600 hp Camaro under throttle, though 60 mph is reached in about 13 seconds!

Though it is just small, you will still get contented with it performance. Indeed, size does not matter. But hey, you still need to consider other important feats. And always maintain situational awareness at a higher level than in most other cars. You may not be relaxed with this small coupe, but you will never get bored.

are you safe?

2008-04-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Driving is such a pretty cool stuff to learn and do. As going to places you want with your bare hands- while getting behind the wheels, will give contentment on your part because at last, your pal is not anymore the one giving you a ride!

It’s kinda cool to drive but always remember that your skill in driving can also take you into several consequences? This is for the reason of road accidents. You need to get responsible; otherwise, you will lose your life anytime, anywhere.

You should therefore know the best ways on combining skills and responsibility. With this, you are not alone, as manufacturers are definitely aware of your safety necessities. However, you got to do your own part. Know what you can do for your own safety. Here are some auto parts that you may acquire to start traveling safely with your car.

Safety Belt

It has been found out that 63% of fatalities due to vehicular accidents are caused by ignoring the use of safety belts. Some people just don’t care using this important safety gadget while driving. Some say it’s just a trouble and will cause discomfort. Some are brave enough to play with their lives, or should we say fool enough to make fun of the consequences that threat their lives.

Safety Belts are not just made as for decorative purpose or as a compliance of the manufacturing company to the standards stated upon them. It’s the primary safety device that a car can offer to its passengers to assure their protection from accident. Nowadays seat belts are being polished and develop by car manufacturers for its suitability and comfort ability to make them more dependable. So why not try considering what kind of belt suits your style while keeping you comfortable while driving.

Air bags

Invented between the 50’s and the 60’s, and formally introduce publicly at the 70’s, Electromechanical Automotive Air Bag system was considered as one safety mechanism to further enhance the safety features of cars/ This system is basically designed to save lives during collision or other type of vehicular accidents.

Continuous development of this mechanism is being done today so that you will drive and enjoy your travel better. Although air bags are not as reliable as the safety belts, it will be advisable to have them yet- after all, these will prepare you from most life-threatening accidents.

Hand Brake

The use of hand brake has been a requirement in almost all states now. Some people/ enthusiasts call it parking brake though its basically intended for emergency situations like when the primary brake fails or malfunctions.

This brake is useful when you wan to let your car remain exceptionally motionless while parked. This is usually mounted at the car floor between the driver and its front seat passenger. A lever type (yes, the one that is normally at the right side of your seat) handle with a ratchet locking system which is pulled so that the brake engages. A button located at the tip of the lever is pushed to disengage the brake and leave the car to be operational again. Other hand brakes however, are located somewhere near the steering wheel column or beside the driver and the door.

***

These are some of the most important safety parts/ gadgets that you should include in your ride. If ever you have them, but you suddenly realize that one or more of them are already damaged, then never hesitate to have them replaced. Once you find a quality replacement, make sure that it is well installed otherwise, your life will not be kept safe. Be responsible and as much as possible, don’t think twice spending for your safety – it’s your life that’s at stake after all.

Happy earth day!

2008-04-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

It’s earth day and it is one of the best times to give back the energy to our mother earth. After all, the fuel empowering our vehicles, which carry us into different places, is originally extracted from our planet. Now, isn’t it too much to save fuel and become more responsible with managing our emissions?

In the states, Oil tankers from OPEC filled with $100 barrels of petroleum are doing what decades of screeching environmentalists failed to do. These bring the virtues of fuel economy and efficiency home to consumers in the world's biggest and richest car market.

As the sales of big personal-use trucks sag, the small cars deals boom again. So that to ensure environmental advocacies, particularly rising social awareness about the issue of climate change, consumer attitudes are being conditioned though it is hard to argue with economics as a motivator.

Mother earth somehow owes its salvation from the green segment or those people willing to pay more and not just those who say that they like a cleaner, more efficient car if it didn't cost them any coin. These people are truly committed environmentalist sector amounts to the same 3 to 5 percent of the market as it did 10 or 20 years ago. This is about the same size as the enthusiast sector, defined as those willing to pay more for performance. The greens find are often trapped in interests aligned with pocketbook issues and even those patriotic visions of increasing the nation's independence from foreign sources of energy. Though economics drives the consumer, governments and business cooperatives, a lot of initiatives that were deemed good ideas have went nowhere before.

Price instability in the oil sector opens the door for venture capitalists who view opportunity today where the prospects for alternative fuels, however this did not pencil out when oil went for $30 a barrel. Government offer incentives to pursue these ideas grow more abundant.Whatever will emerge after a period of fits and starts and hiccups, we should continue promoting the protection of the environment. Let us promote one alternative over the others, and embrace an era in which those competitive claims are made to prove themselves. These may not need proofs for pandering politicians or puritanical self-appointed guardians of the planet. But these have to prove themselves to the consumer. Let us balance our interest in efficiency and environmental issues against affordability and convenience. Be a responsible driver and citizen of this world.

In the years to come, just imagine how will our world look like if we won't do anything for the shelter of our mother earth. Remember the prophecy in the book of revelation that all destroyers of the earth will be destroyed when God's wrath comes. Would you count yourself as one of these destroyers?

Happy Earth day everybody!

How much does a 2008 Lotus Elise SC cost?

2008-04-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lotus has recently announced the pricing for the 2008 Elise SC, the newest addition to the 2008 Lotus line-up. As expected of a car with 217 hp and weighing only 903 kg (1987 lbs), the performance of the Elise SC is electrifying! With the 0-60 mph in 4.4 secs; 0-100 mph in 10.7 secs; top speed 150 mph, what can you expect from its cost?

The price? $104,990! And this amount excludes the dealer delivery and government charges, plus the extra $8000 for the Elise Touring Pack or $7000 for the Elise Sport Pack.
In addition to the extreme performance, the fuel economy of the Elise SC is evenly impressive with an estimated combined figure of 8.5litres/100km. On the other hand, the light weight has benefits for handling, acceleration, ride comfort, and braking. Braking comes from AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear linked to 282mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs .

For the “green people”, Elise SC is undoubtedly environment-friendly. You can trust the construction of its exhaust and engine systems.

Regarding the security, an advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system which is so unobtrusive. Most drivers will not realize it’s working otherwise needed. This is still true even if the system keeps a subtly low profile. The ABS system is connected to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminum pads. Such unit has an electronic throttle for smooth, quick, and more linear engine response.

Behind the face-lifted appeal of Brabus

2008-04-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

BRABUS

Since Mercedes SLK has recently launched its face-lifted appeal, Brabus has also unveiled its new version of the little coupe cabriolet. Indeed, Mercedes bears the crown when it comes to luxury rides as far as this car and other great Mercedes models are concerned.

So what can this Mercedes SLK give? Its power coming from a 6.1 liter V8 engine can deliver 445 hp, which can offer a sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds while the top speed is of 305 km/h. Brabus offers various alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches. Designed with the calibrated suspensions, the car is lowered by 30 millimeters in order to make it more stable at high speeds.

In the interior, the German tuner offers highly polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo, Mastik leather and Alcantara and a specially designed speedometer with 330 km/h dial.

With unrestricted top speed, Brabus has apparently brought a nice and clean style successfully.
At the same time when the updated Mercedes SLK-Class was launched, BRABUS presents an exclusive customization program. The palette of products has ranged from engine tuning with up to 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW of power to a sporty-yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program. This also includes custom-tailored light-alloy wheels and suspensions as well as individual interior options.

The existing BRABUS suspension modifications for the SLK are specifically calibrated to the use with such sporty wide tires. The engine-specific Brabus sport springs lower the ride height of the roadster by some 30 millimeters. The sport suspensions combine such lowered center of gravity with a sturdier but calm damper setup. For lesser body roll fast corners, stronger sway bars were featured in Brabus.

Various versions of high-performance brake systems for the new SLK are also featured. Among the largest version features is the six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355-mm (14 inches) vented and slotted discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 300-mm (11.8 inches) discs then with the four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex-steel brake lines ensure continuous high brake pressure.

SLK cockpit is yet another BRABUS specialty when it comes to aesthetics. The list of customization components includes highly polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo, a variety of versions of the ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel and a speedometer with 330-km/h (206 mph) dial.

The interior upholstered with soft yet durable Mastik leather and Alcantara is one of the best features of the interior. The brabus upholsterers have not limited themselves to working on door panels, dashboard, seats, and center console, since upon customer request, they will meticulously sew miles of thread to cover areas, where it is necessary.

Want to drive this vintage Chevy wagon?

2008-04-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Different modern vehicles are rampantly swiveling their wheels down the road. Most of these amaze us with their wonderful modifications while others remain attractive with their simple bodyworks. With all these modern auto designs, other enthusiasts are yet more amazed with vintage cars.

We can see a lot of vintage cars such as sedans and coupes, and we know that the cost of these kinds of car is not a joke. Oftentimes, these cars are more expensive than a brand new sports car. This is especially true if you will see this vintage station wagon from Chevy that I am going to share to you.

Station wagons were first facilitated in railroad stations, carried campers and worked for tradesmen. And in 1948, one covered the length of Africa. If you want to drive this vintage wagon, take a quick view of its history.

Henry Donner, a professor of astronomy and geology at what was then Western Reserve University in Cleveland, drove a 1947 Chevrolet with his wife through Africa. During that travel, he was studying geological formations and comparing star measurements with those made on previous trips. His vehicle had heavy-duty springs and fan, spotlights, dual batteries, a winch, and a skid plate. It was also outfitted with a screens, bed, and curtains, spares and extra supplies.

The Donners drove their Chevrolet wagon from New York to Le Havre, France, then from there, they’ve traveled on to Paris and then to Marseille, and to Algiers. The English travelers leaving in four-wheel-drive military vehicles predicted the Chevrolet's defeat. The Donners and one English truck followed and were joined en route by an ex-military Dodge. Subsequent to fighting sandstorms, getting stuck, searching for gas and food, breaking the winch and pushing for hours in first gear, they wedged up to the Brits who had doubted the Chevrolet. After 74 days, across 9400 miles, they reached Bloemfontein, South Africa.

The car that was owned by the university and used later by Donner on student trips to Colorado was later sold several times through the years. And in 1971, Larry Nagode bought what he thought was simply a 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Special Deluxe woody. The seller told him that Western Reserve had owned it as traces of the name remained on the body. Nagode learned the car's story from the school.

He started to clean it up. As he took some of the molding off, it was packed with red dust. Then these things started to make some sense. He contacted the Donners and arranged to meet.
The original owner was very happy to see the car again. Since it was his home for many, Nagode was crying when he pulled into the driveway. The sheetmetal was repainted in 1955, and most modifications were removed. Nevertheless, Africa left evidence behind then lettering remains barely visible on the wood. The fenders show waves from the ships' lifting slings. Plating on the rear bumper's corner is worn away from having served as a seat during the Colorado trips. Nagode did not hurry to change that. He said, the car has needed only exhaust replacement and front-end work.

The Chevrolet is easy to drive. This is asserted by the steering that demands little strength, and the brakes that stop the car smoothly and quickly in a 1947 way, together with a heavy pedal pressure. The vacuum assists help the column shifter through the standard three-speed pattern with only gentle direction. The transmission is as well of great sturdiness. The gearing is low enough, though, that shifting is infrequent. Similar to the Chevrolets of its time, it would make any competent driver comfortable, and that is something Donner recognized.

Chrysler rescues Nissan or the other way around?

2008-04-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chrysler plans to build Nissan’s next pick-up truck to Nissan’s designs. On the other hand, Nissan will build a small car for Chrysler to Chrysler’s design. This partnership leads to rampant speculation that the futures of the two companies may become even more entwined.
Chrysler has been desperately looking for a chance to find foreign sales that I has even considered emerging markets as the future of the auto industry. However, it has virtually no presence in any of these markets. This auto maker has been looking for a way to get a small car on the market in the United States, which has a market having the highest rate of growth in production and profits, as energy prices rise.

Nissan seems to solve both problems. Though it has become a non-entity in the full-size pick-up market, it cannot justify leaving that market. Aside from the yearning to retain its credibility as a full-line manufacturer, the market seems too large to be thrown away. Nevertheless sales have been disappointing for Toyota’s new Tundra, a lot of new trucks are yet to be sold. In some areas indeed, the rising energy costs will not appear to have dented pick-up sales.

Chrysler is Nissan’s solution to that problem. Interesting indeed but then these are manufacturing deals and not nameplate engineering deals. Taking a look back, Chrysler’s deal with Volkswagen with the version of a minivan as a Volkswagen, involved manufacture by one company of the designs of the other, and then for the showrooms of the other. Such partnership lead to the production capacity being used for manufacture of products for which the production facilities were best suited and its manufacturing techniques were best adapted. Chrysler got the added bonus of being able to move some of its Dodge pick-up production back to the States, from Mexico. This has provided way for the Nissan production lines. And that ought to mollify the UAW even a bit.

Though both companies deny it, speculations become rampant that this is only the first step toward much greater cooperation between the two companies. Nissan said that there were no discussions ongoing with Chrysler . However, the denial preceded the latest announcements by a mere two months.

The combination of Nissan and Chrysler may lead to a more successful purchasing and lower costs. This can also result to the Nissan-Renault alliance that can break into non-American markets.

Nissan has a lot to gain with Chrysler and no doubt about it survival. It needs cash from building vehicles for others, and it needs a small car. All these and more just from a big deal with Chrysler. Nonetheless, other deals can profit Chrysler as well.

In case Nissan is a bit more difficult to understand, it will be manufacturing a car that Chrysler will use to compete with Nissan. In this case, Nissan must succeed to remain competitive. In a market that is crucial to Chrysler – light trucks, a potential rival for market share comes with Nissan. This can be one reason for Nissan to refuse the deal.

While United States manufacturers, particularly General Motors, focus on world markets as the key to their future growth, Ghosn has always looked upon the US market as the key to the future growth of his companies: Nissan and Renault. With the emerging markets in the total automotive sales picture, US remains the largest market in the world for motor vehicles and will remain the second largest once Chinese auto sales grow as exponentially in the future. Such large share of market would basically benefit Nissan, as it has already made the investment in image and distribution that is the cost of entering new, emerging markets.

Is your car safe from code-cracking robbers?

2008-04-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Scientists issue warning against remote-control robbers so beware! Yes, it is possible for car robbers to be on your wavelength. Scientists in Belgium assert that they were able to unlock the code to millions of keyless entry devices used to open vehicles. This means that maybe one of these days, your ride will be driven away by a wise robber.

The researchers from the University of Leuven say that the remote key fobs to all Honda, Toyota and Volvo models can be easily cloned. The codes in cars produced by General Motors, Jaguar and the VW Group can be duplicated as well. If your vehicle is made by one of these manufacturers, be warned otherwise, you will lose your precious investment.

The code-cracking was first on track when an equation was posted on online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, allowing the universal master key to be obtained for vehicles using the KeeLoq coded software. Hackers emphasize that with only one hour’s remote access, from up to 100 metres away from any car’s fob they the key for that particular model can be simply clones. The robbing operation will only require them a capital of only £1,500 worth of specialist equipment! How is that for an illegal business? Wheew.

When the information are already taken, the unique code for any model by that maker can be cracked in just seconds. The cloned keys can’t just be used to unlock doors as alarm systems and immobilisers can be controlled too.So what shall you do to get prepared? The KeeLoq system of the Microchip Technology based in Arizona, US – was thought to be uncrackable, due to the fact that each key fob uses a unique security code from billions of possible combinations. This can probably help you ease the fear of code-cracking thieves.

Keeloq was cryptanalyzed by a certain Andrey Bogdanov using sliding techniques and efficient linear approximations. On the other hand, another expert named Nicolas Courtois attacked Keeloq with sliding and algebraic method. The attacks made by these two experts do not pose any threat to the actual implementations that seem to be vulnerable to simple brute-force of the key space that is reduced in all code-hopping executions of cipher known to date.

The individual code-hopping implementations are usually vulnerable to a replay attack exploited by jamming the channel while intercepting the code, since code hopping is normally done by incrementing the IV on each use instead of using the current time. This has made Keeloq “code grabbers” quite popular among the most car thieves. Although some of them use FPGA-based devices to breal Keeloq based keys by brute force within about two weeks. This is credited to the reduced key length in the real world implementations.

In March 2008, Ruhr University Bochum researchers presented a complete break of remote keyless entry systems based on the Keeloq RFID technology. Such vulnerability applies to all known car and building access control systems that rely on Keeloq cipher. The Bochum team aimed to recover the secret cryptographic keys embedded in both the receiver and the remote control.

Devastating attacks on car keys from Keeloq can be possibly cloned by eavesdropping two messages transmitted by a remote control. However, if you own a car having the Keeloq series that is at least manufactured in 2002, you have nothing to worry since it is designed with effective countermeasures that prevent those upsetting attacks of professional thieves. Now if you are anxious with your old Keeloq series, better have it replaced immediately. The worth is high but the risk of having your vehicle robbed will be trimmed down. Get secured today.

Keeping the transmission in shape

2008-04-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Most transmission problems are products of overheating.Under heavy load like towing a heavy trailer, rocking the vehicle from the snow, racing, recurrent stopping, getting trapped in traffic under hot weather, etc. the transmission can normally overheat.

The transmission fluid burns at higher temperatures, losing its lubricating qualities. It also gets oxidized, leaving deposits all over the transmission. When exposed to the heat, the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission are hardened and will eventually cause leaks. Metal parts warp and lose their strength as well. These will sooner or later result to transmission failure. How will you prevent this?

Regular check up of your parking space for leaks is one of the best tips. Once leak of engine oil, power steering fluid or transmission fluid are discovered, be sure to get it fixed before something serious happens. Once in a while, check the transmission fluid level and condition.

Not all cars have the automatic transmission dipstick. In some cars, the transmission fluid can only be checked by the dealer. In this case, consult with your owner's manual for details.

Low transmission fluid level can signify a leak. This has to be fixed at the soonest possible time.
Change the fluid as required in your owner's manual or when it becomes too dark (rather brown than red) or dirty. An automatic transmission can not be drained completely so there is always some transmission fluid left inside the transmission (the torque converter, in the valve body and others). This means that you can change about 60% of the fluid at once.

Use only the same type of the transmission fluid, which is usually specified in your transmission manual. Some vehicles are very sensitive to fluid type.

When driving, never shift to the reverse or parking until the car is finally stopped. Also, do not shift if parking mode when engine rpm is higher than normal idle. Always hold the brake down when shifting from Parking.

When towing, the automatic transmission can be damaged if not properly handled. Always use a dolly or place powered wheels on the towing platform (for FWD).

For perfect treating of transmission problems, it is best to have the original parts. Have your car brought to your trusted shop to know exactly what type of fluid is needed. Even if you go to the independent garage, always ask to use original parts since most after-market parts are not of as good quality as the original.

used to dream of having this roadster

2008-04-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

2005 audi tt convertible

Aside from exotic cars, I am also into sports cars. And one of the ultimate dreams I had before was to own the 2005 Audi TT convertible car. Audi's sports car heritage is indeed as rich as any manufacturer's, dating back 100 years to competition at the Isle of Man. And this fact has been marked in my head since I have discovered this Audi TT car from a famous online magazine.

In the 1930s Audi achieved real fame with its awesomely powerful Auto-Union grand prix cars. Today, it continues rushing forward with the RS6 sedan that is winning in the Speed Challenge touring car series. The R8 prototype, which is the fastest sports car in the world, is currently dominating the 24 Hours of Le Mans and international endurance racing, including the American Le Mans Series. This heritage drives the 2005 Audi TT!

Why do I want the 1005 Audi TT? Aside from the sexy and luxurious appeal, the powerful beast under the hood rushes me in. Included are the one turbo compressor- featuring 1,781 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 front engine with 81 mm bore, 86.4 mm stroke, 9 compression ratio, double overhead cam and five valves per cylinder. It is premium unleaded fuel 91, designed with fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 29 and EPA city (mpg). With the Multi-point injection fuel system, there is also 16.4 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank. A monstrous 168 kW engine is hyped with 225 HP SAE @ 5,900 rpm; 207 ft lb , 281 Nm @ 2,200 rpm.

Now, do you think I have to pursue my dream to have this convertible coupe?

another supercharged exotic car

2008-04-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Farbio Supercharged GTS

Does your car have to be branded with the most renowned name in the automotive industry. Perhaps, not all the time. Looks and performance are everything right? Concerning the appeal, nothing beats exotic cars! That is for my own opinion huh. These cars amaze me like I don’t wanna miss the chance to get behind those wheels. Whenever I see a new exotic car, I am itching to phone my dad and let him check it out himself. Consequently, I will run to him and try hard to do the sales talk for the nth time.

Today, I have discovered another great exotic car. And while my dad is not around, let me impress you with its specs.

Before my tongue loses its brake, can i ask if you have seen some exotic car trend of unusual names, having low volume and high performance? Have you heard about Koenigsegg, Gumpert or even Pagani? Well these names might not roll right off the tongue, but their namesake cars definitely have the right to fly down the road. Following their trend is the Farbio Supercharged GTS.

GTS came out through the vision of pharmaceutical CEO/journalist/car enthusiast Arash Farboud and the development of Chris Marsh with his team near Bristol, England. It may take few more years to catch up with demand, especially from the UK and U.S. They are responsible for a considerable chunk of the several hundred orders and deposits placed thus far!Taking a bit closer to the Farbio Supercharged GTS is really worth the wait. First, let us know why it is such a beautiful ride.

Smaller engines lacking cred against V8s, V10s and V12s, the Farbio Supercharged GTS does well with its mid-mounted 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 and Rotrex supercharger. Harmoniously coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, the engine is tuned to dust off with 384 horsepower at 6,700 rpm with 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. With this, you can dash from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and cross 175 mph in this 2,350-pound car.
Handling is just ok. And thanks to the adjustable suspension, with a good dose of feedback in the steering too. In spite of the power-assist, GTS reassure weight and precision.

How about the chassis? The carbon-fiber body draping of GTS’ tubular spaceframe chassis is not considerably different in appearance from the first prototype some from five years ago. “Voluptuous Lotus” can be an adequate description for it has substance, but is far from porky! Perhaps it has aged well though it can be an understatement.

GTS still looks fresher and firmer without desperately trying to be noticed . Indeed it is another supercar that should be watched out. If the reverse-tapered side ducts appear a little unusual at a first quick look, take another glance and notice the uniqueness that adds character to the otherwise nondescript flanks.Drawing closer into the GTS, the harmonic balance does not pander to gadgetry like some other aspirants, although some buyers associate doodads offer sticker price. The Sparco Milano leather seats provide just the right support and comfort., while providing great interior looks. You can disregard the rows of switches and gauges cluttering the works since the leather dash is offset with a carbon-fiber center console. This has a few aluminum accents, where control buttons are studded unto. HVAC, satellite navigation, sound system, and Bluetooth capability are all operated through the console’s touchscreen. Also, the front and center, the straightforward analog speedometer and tachometer are designed with blue backlighting right there. The tach takes it a step further, moving ahead in illumination from blue to purple to red as the revs build.

Farbio Supercharged GTS has all the right stuff to run with the pack. Wait and see.

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High performance sedan

2008-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

LEXUS IS F

On the record, Toyota Motor Corporation’s amenity-laden American affiliate, Lexus, was seriously scrutinized. This was not for the grade of the vehicles produced but for the catalog itself. Such criticism barrage was spurred by the complete absence of a single performance model rolling off of Lexus assembly lines.Lexus have remain competitive with rivals like Mercedes, Acura, Infiniti, and specifically BMW. It also took on the challenge with gusto.The IS 430 prototype seem to serve as any indication of Lexus' performance capabilities, hence preparing us for the power of IS F. With just the looks, the IS F could knock you to the ground. And what more if the performance numbers are revealed? , You will agree with me if i give a total of 100 points for this Lexus model, basing on the performance and luxury.

Why is it luxury? Once your brand has been renowned as the highest-selling manufacturer of luxury rides and your car sits atop the J.D. Power and Associates scroll of the most reliable brand stateside for 13 years running, aren’t these enough to say that you own a luxury car?

British automotive connoisseurs Auto Express and Top Gear have said that Lexus is the cream of the automotive crop according to their satisfaction survey ratings since the marque’s inception into the luxury division in 1989.

Nonetheless, Lexus had generally been omitted as an option when seeking performance sedans over a decade, with seemingly no track-worthy platform. But just on the horizon was the IS brand in 1998, when it has excelled.
To overcome the stigma of lackluster engine capabilities, the IS F was outfitted with a naturally aspirated DOHC, 5.0-liter, 32-solenoid-titanium valve, this is designed with electronic variable timing, V8 engine, with dry sump lubrication. The 90-degree, aluminum mill and its uniquely engineered heads are fed by a two-stage intake system, giving you a 416-horsepower at 6,600 rpm and over 371 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. The powerband spreads and propels the Lexus IS F to a maximum speed of about 170-mph mark, hurling the 3,780 pounds of creative engineering from 0-60 mph in a flaming 4.4 seconds. Just a reminder friend, this is a SEDAN. This RWD missile is firmly planted on the road with a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. It takes corners like a champ, measuring an inch lower than the standard IS models. Be amazed with the slightly asymmetrical weight distribution of 54/46, as it allows the IS F to be tossed around without even loosing rigidity.

You can look at the tri-mode Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with a Sport configuration. This technology enables this sedan to be driven harder before the throttle, braking, and steering control systems kick in. Here’s more, the bold six-piston Brembo brake calipers and high-friction brake pads can drive you to a competitive race. And how the racing-inspired paddle shifters impress you? Well it just controls the world’s first eight-speed, direct sport-shift transmission!Sexy and luxurious it is. And so powerful indeed.The IS F target consumer is foretold as the family man who does not just crave for the edgiest of grocery getters, but also makes the most of a $60,000 budget. You heard it right, the price is under $100,000!Although the Lexus IS F is not perfectly fabulous and powerful to be crowned as a supercar by technical standards, it is still great choice among all performance sedans today. From street savvy to comfort levels, this Lexus model can be boasted by any enthusiast.

According to Lexus their goal was to create a true performance sedan in a uniquely Lexus way, which is totally authentic. And as for the facts revealed, a refreshing take on a luxury sedan IS F will definitely take you to a unique journey.

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3 Best SUVs on 2008

2008-04-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

In the age of emerging winged sedans, SUVs have remained a great choice of vehicle type either for on or off roading. In spite of the rapidly changing sales environment, including the escalating fuel prices and concerns about exhaust-gas content, SUVs still claim a big chunk of our new-vehicle market. Sounds strange? Isn’t it ironic that while we are worried about mpg and CO2, we still love vehicles with carbon footprints redolent of the tracks left!

If you are an enthusiast craving to know the leading SUVs for the year 2008 (while fighting with your asthma), then better continue rolling your eyes down!

Style is a big factor in the equation, particularly with SUVs. Nonetheless, there are really two key reasons. First is that we still want the added utility in this realm. Sedans and Coupes do not cut it when they are loaded with heavy cargos and equipments. Second, those big carbon footprints shrink. Hybridity has found its way into the truck world, plus the traditional body-on-frame big boys, Chevy’s Tahoe hybrid being the first example.

The nature of trucks is changing relative to the time. This is particularly true among SUVs, where crossovers, handily shapeless term we use for want of anything better, are gradually becoming prevalent. Reviewing the vehicles identified as crossovers, we look at the bodyworks that trace their engineering heritage to front-drive passenger-car origins. Unit-bodied vehicles are generally lighter than body-on-frame designs that are of higher structural rigidity. This rigidity level refers to as a prime prerequisite for ride and handling. On this regard, nothing beats lower curb weights for achieving higher mpg.

Let me cut this intro short! Let’s reveal the top 3 SUVs this year and discover the characters that made them to be recognized among all fabulous trucks.

2008 Toyota RAV4

Size matters, regardless of the category under analysis. The third-generation RAV4 is a 5Best repeater for 2008! It has put the baby-ute concept into the mainstream since its debut for the 1996 model year. The increased size has improved usefulness. Seemingly, the baby has grown. Since the 1996 original, the five-door RAV4 has formed wheelbase stretched 9.8 inches, while the overall length has increased by more than a foot and a half (19.1 inches), the width by 4.8 to 6.3 inches, and height by almost an inch. RAV4 has a third-row seat option, as well as an exceptionally robust V-6 engine option (269 horsepower, 246 pound-feet of torque). All these are harmonized with the choice of front- or four-wheel drive.

2008 Mazda CX 9

Honda did not design the large crossover SUV, part car, part minivan, part ute— but the Pilot came to define this promising segment. It is no surprise that several manufacturers, especially Mazda, used the Pilot as a template for their own models. Some succeeded in improving on the formula. This has finally brought us to the 2008 CX-9, Mazda’s first large SUV. Its exoskeletal origins have been traced to the front-drive Mazda 6 sedan. This has a roomy three-row cargo and people hauler with the option of all-wheel drive.

The usual family peacekeeping options, airbags galore, slick styling, high-quality materials and assembly, excellent driver sightlines, count them on. And more with the high chassis rigidity and consistent with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom ethic—best-in-class agility! This Mazda’s truck is just fun-to-drive, making it easy to carry loads that are weighing more than two tons! Wheew..

Mercedes-Benz GL-class

Mercedes expanded the GL-class from a class of one to a family of three! Imagine that? If you want thrift and torque at the same time, then this will be your truck. There is the GL320 CDI turbo-diesel, which is an impressive powerplant that is currently creating compression-ignition converts in service with ong-term test fleet. But if you still find the GL450’s 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque a bit too tame, then take another drive with the GL550, with a 5.5-liter V-8 generating 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet.

Power matters relative to loads weighing 2.5 tons or up. However, in GL class, there are other important factors. Packaging is one of these. GL-class provides useful three-row seating and comfortable accommodations for seven in a wrapper, shorter, lower, and not so wide as most of the luxo leviathans. These are classy, don’t worry.

Another suit of refinement is the exceptionally quiet attitude. The seven-speed automatic is at the top of the charts for seamless operation. The ride quality is creamy so for a vehicle that is unusually responsive by large-SUV standards. None of the foregoing comes cheap but luxury is as luxury does. Indeed, GL does it best!

Toyota RAV4

2008 Mazda CX 9

Mercedes-Benz GL-class

Ford F-150 Raptor

2008-04-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for an attractive truck that you can bring on and off road? Here is the Ford F-150 Raptor!

Ford’s muscular truck- F-150 Raptor, is becoming more genuine, presumably with its long-awaited Boss V-8 engine. Do you want the latest spy shots of this ride? Know these facts as you anticipate the new model’s release on 2010 or 2011. Yes, you heard it right. You still gotta wait for two years or three. Haha.

Ford’s new marketing chief Jim Farley seemingly was downright excited with the Ford name stamped into the grille’s black mesh. This was based on his expression on one pictures captured by photographers during the automaker’s 2008 Dealer Show. The audience were teased with video footage of a Raptor mule bombing across the desert at high speeds!

The “boss engine” was lined as being rated at 380-horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque- different from some expectations of 400-plus hp 6.2-liter V-8 from the new modular Boss family. This would one-up the 5.7-liter V-8 in the Toyota Tundra and the 6.1-liter Hemi, and then GM’s 6.0-liter V-8. And because the Ford’s future powertrain evolves around EcoBoost—direct-injection and time and again turbocharged gasoline engine technology—this will be a trademark of the Boss engines, although the 6.2 in the Raptor would be logically aspirated.

Ford engineers who idled Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, have been in anticipation of approval to build a new fuel-efficient V-8. Ford officials have not confirmed the product tentatively slated to be built at the Canadian plant, but the low-volume Boss appears to be a good fit. Windsor designed the Triton modular V-8 as Ford SVT F-150 Lightning pickup until it was stopped in 2004.

Timing of the Raptor dovetails is what Ford’s product development chief promises with a new modular V-8 for trucks by the end of the decade. This would be fruition of a project that dates back to 2005 when the engine was codenamed Hurricane.

One of the Raptor's long-travel shocks is sourced from Fox Racing and specially built for the Raptor program. This is reportedly the same as that of Fox's 2.0 Piggy Back reservoir shocks with 12 inches of travel, which is four more than the eight-inch shocks on Ford's FX-4 off-road trim package. Hence, on and off the road, this raptor can always get it on.
Ford execs are fired up, telling dealers that the Raptor is the first and only Baja 1000 Trophy Truck anyone could buy.

In 1992, Ford created its Special Vehicle Team, who made the Mustang Cobra and F-150 Lightning pickup, which was later followed by SVT versions of the Ford Contour and Focus. When the Lightning was phased out in 2004, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 used to be the undisputed performance-pickup king.

The most recent use of the badge was to produced, and 1000 of them will slap on the limited-run 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang. The last SVT vehicle prior to that was the 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Ford has insisted the division was on break, but then it has been working on an SVT truck—presumably the Raptor, since the fall of 2006.

or the Raptor itself, the front clip of the mule running around looks like a modified version of the new and pending 2009 F-150. The air intake in the front bumper is larger and sports a wide grin. It may look like it is to feed more air to an intercooler for a turbocharger but at least not initially. You will see that the cooling vents atop the hood are not just ordinary vents, they function to lower engine compartment temperatures when at is in full steam.

“Premium fuel only” labels can be too obvious not to see on prototype instrument panels. Further fueling our optimism the Boss is on track. So, will you wait for the release of this beast? Dream on for now. Peace out!

img from autoblog.com

when was the last time you have cleaned your interior?

2008-04-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Clean your interior pleeaaaaaassssse!

Cleaning the interior for me is more difficult than that of washing and waxing the exterior. But we have to do it in our car! A clean interior looks great and most of all, better for your health.

Some of the common things that you should do in the interior are vacuuming and polishing. You can start the vacuuming by removing the floor mats and have the carpet set free from dust and dirt. Vacuum the seats and make sure that you will use proper attachment to reach under the seats, around the pedals and area between front seats and central console. After these, you can then vacuum the floor mats separately.

Use soft bursh attachment in vacuuming the dashboard and door panels. Be careful with the knobs and other sticking parts. Use the same attachment in vacuuming the seats. Leather seats are too sensitive to damage so be careful about scratching them with the vacuum hose.

Cleaning the seats and door upholstery can be complicated. It will be necessary to choose the right cleaning agents for them. One common agent used today is the spray cleaner from turtle wax. This is sprayed on the seat or door upholstery and rubbed vigorously. This is wiped thoroughly with a dry cloth. If you do not have the right cleaner, simple laundry detergent can work. Just mix small amount of this with warm water, dip a clean cloth into it, wring out good and then wipe the seat and door. Work harder on dirty areas and then rub dry with clean, soft cloth. Never soak the seat with water! This will cause stains and duh, it will manifest mould smell!

Cleaning the carpet can be done in the same way as what you did on the seats and door. Spray evenly with the carpet cleaner, rub vigorously, and wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth. You can also use the laundry detergent on the carpet. Damp a rag with detergent and water then squeeze the excess of water and run the carpet. Rub dry with a clean dry cloth. Again, never soak the carpet with water for it will not just leave stain and mould smell, as it can also lead to corrosion in the sheet metal flooring.

Cleaning and polishing the dashboard can be done easily as well. You can clean the dashboard, central console and other plastic parts using slightly damp cloth. Take a small amount of laundry detergent to remove the stains. Dry with a clean soft dry cloth and to make it shinier, spray plastic polish and spread it evenly with soft brush. Never spray directly on the stereo. You can use a brush on this part instead.

Dry polishing is gently done by simply using a clean soft dry cloth. This will make the dashboard shiny and have the plastic protected. After polishing, you may use a soft duster periodically to maintain it.

After cleaning the interior, you may get bothered by the musty smell that will annoy your senses once the airconditioner is turned on. You can solve this by getting an odor treatment, which kills bacteria and removes that mildew smell. Conversely, the cleaning is not the sole reason for having musty smell in the interior. You can check the AC for some clogging in the drain tube or accumulation of leaves and other debris under the cowl cover. These can also cause damp mildew smell.

Your interior is like your living room while far from home. Make sure that you have it cleaned all the time to have a more comfortable and enjoyable travel.

Engine oil and transmission fluid check/change

2008-04-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Car maintenance can be done in a lot of ways, through a long checklist. I have done a lot of these with my roadster and crossover so now, I want to share some points to you.

The cleanliness of your vehicle should be from the inside and outside. You will need to wash your car and wax it once in a while to keep the body shiny and corrosion-free. If you found some minor concerns, take care of them as soon as possible and make sure that these will not cause serious problems and expensive repair later. When replacing interior and exterior parts, ensure your car with the original parts. More than these, true cleanliness really comes from within. This will nromally involve regular oil change, which is very important to keep the engine in good shape.

Oil change is too important, but how will you do it yourself? This can be done by carefully following the necessary steps that I will share to you. your car the level spot then stop the engine. Wait for a while and let the engine oil pour down to the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick and then check the owner’s manual, which usually has a bright handle saying “engine oil.”

Wipe the oil off the dipstick with a clean rag or tissue. Consequently, insert it back all the way down to its original place. For the second time, pull the dipstick and check the oil level. This is normally at “full” mark. Once you see that the dipstick is marked with lower level of oil, do not fret for it is not a big problem yet. However, you need to top it up. Check the oil condition immediately. The color of oil will tell you how worse the condition is. If it is way to black, it is definitely time to have it changed. If it is slightly brown, it is just fine. It if is dark brown but still transparent, it is still admissible but you will rather have it changed sooner or later. If it is white (or coffee with milk color), it means that the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem. An example of this trouble is the blown head gasket in the engine.

How will you top up the engine oil? It will be better to add the same type and brand of the engine oil as you already have in the engine. You may add up the right amount of oil and then wait for a minute to let it our down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it is still low, add some more oil. Just make sure not to overfill it. Install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you are through.

Checking the engine oil can be as hard as that of checking the automatic transmission fluid. Doing the latter starts with placing your car at a level surface and then engaging the parking brake. After these, start the engine and set the transmission shifter in “P” or park position. Let the engine idle and check and pull the transmission dipstick.

Wipe off the oil from the dipstick with a clean lint free rag and then insert it back to its place carefully. Pull again and check the fluid level. You must also check the fluid condition, through its color too (like the engine oil). If it is too black and dirty with burnt smell, the transmission is at its critical condition. It is normally clean and transparent. The new fluid comes red and over time, it becomes brownish. Some manufacturers require transmission fluid change every 30,000 or 50,000 miles of travel. Check what your car manual says.

Topping up the transmission fluid has to be done properly. Once wrongly done, the fluid will eventually damage the transmission. Add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for minutes and let the fluid flow down. Recheck the level again and remember, do not have it overfilled.

Ease your wallet strain

2008-04-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Are you are having a hard time dealing with your boss while getting tired each day because you have not gotten a raise yet? Why not look for other options to save your money. Try to cut your gas cost down to 0 to ease your wallet strain even just a bit. Don’t know how to do it? I’ll tell you how.

Get a gas station branded credit card. A lot of gas stations will offer credit cards that provides rebate of up to 5% each time you buy gas from them. In case you live in an area where you can regularly fill up at one provider, the collected small rebate can add up in the long term. At first, you may not feel the benefits of doing this technique, but later on, you will surely reap what you have sown.

Get low resistance tires. You might have heard of new tire designs that promise reducing gas cost. Given the expense of the tires, you can consider this option unless you are already in the market for new tires. Relative to this, make sure that all your tires are at the proper air pressure since low tire pressure hurts fuel efficiency.

Tune up your car always. If you have your ride properly maintained, it will surely use less gasoline. Furthermore, tuning up your car will help you keep the engine running even longer.

Look for specials in your neighborhood since some local gas stations offer specials like “wacky Wednesday”. Other stations even offer $.10 discounts on some days.

Don’t forget to slow down and drive less. This may be ironic on your part but trust me, it works! Traveling at 55mph gives you up to 21% better gas mileage as compared to driving at 65mph. Also, since traffic lights are timed for the lower speed, you will decrease your odds of having to stop, which is another gas waster. Drive slower and your total gas bill will surely decline. Better yet, wake up early so that you will not be late on your work even if you drive slow. Your boss will not be angry at all. It is just a matter of responsibility right? Wake up early and drive slow, simply like that.

Avoid idling. This will take up more gas than stopping and restarting the engine. Turn your car off when you are waiting for someone. Go into a fast-food place instead of using a drive through! Do not bother warming up your car in the winter, It is not necessary with today’s vehicles.

Gasoline evaporates from your tank, did you know that? This is true especially when it is hot. Hence, when you are leaving your car down the street, make sure to park it in the shade. The effects are so small yet every drop counts! So read my lips: “never park your ride under the hot sun.”

Inside your car, do not put the pedal to the metal. Go easy on both gas and brakes. Anytime you do a jackrabbit start or a quick stop, it will increase the gas mileage.

Clean out your car. Weight, aside from cargos, will decrease the gas mileage. Clean out all the unnecessary items. You can opt not to transport things on a roof rack, instead, put them in the trunk or inside your vehicle to reduce drag.

While driving down the road, stick the paved roads, gravel, and dirt that can reduce gas mileage by as much as 30%.

These techniques that I have shared to you will surely help you save bucks. This I guarantee you since I myself have proven that with my allowance. You can save for your other expenses and you may also donate some for charity. Opportunities in sharing your blessings will be the best reward from getting wise.

The chopped box

2008-04-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

This cool vehicle is obviously not for my dad. Not at all. Looking at its features, everybody would agree that this kind of driving machine is best for college drivers like me! so sorry dad.

The sporty version of a box. This is how most enthusiasts describe the Scion’s Hako coupe concept. This vehicle was clearly inspired by Scion's own xB however, the Tokyo Design Division has reportedly penned the shape, studied global, youth-inspired trends too. If we look closer to the concept's high beltline and chopped, blacked-out greenhouse, we will also notice that classic American coupes were part of the influence. Have you also recognized it? Oh well, I bet you had before I had.

The vertical windshield is the car's most striking feature isn’t it? This gives Scion the aerodynamic efficiency of a brick. Notice also the wraparound rear window that could make you believe that it would cut a cleaner hole through the air if driven in reverse.

The front end, where auto lights are installed on has an aggressive appeal yet, the driving machine appears cute and attractive. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a bold, compact package. Look at the trapezoidal LED headlights with the large and aggressive upper and lower grilles. The lower grille anchors the car’s strong attitude.

The lights and grilles contribute a lot of the attractive fascia, which seems to convey a smiling face. The fog lights that are symmetrically placed high on the front bumper are not just ordinary lights. You will then see that these lights are installed with turn signals too.

If you are looking for the neat features of this car, look at the race-car-inspired side mirrors that house integrated turn signals. Imagine how this ride gets more attractive at night once those turn signal lights blink up. At the rear end, its bumper has an integrated fog- and backup light as well. You can find it on the left and the exhaust outlet on the right. The LED taillights echo the shape of the headlights. Up top, a full panoramic roof will surely amaze you.

This concept car also features powerful, flared fenders that add up dimension and contrast to the boxy shape and smooth surfaces. It hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a Scion custom tread.

If we get inside of the Hako coupe, two video monitor screens on the dash will greet you and offer you some entertainment. Videos and music can be uploaded to the entertainment system through a Bluetooth connection. The entertainment system has two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. The front passenger can control the system using a large rollerball on the cenrter of the dash. The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme, which definitely blends with the youthful character of the driver.

The two front and two rear seats are covered with easy-to-clean urethane and rubber-like upholstery. The front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console, featuring a large storage crevice for your cellphones, magazines, books, and other small items. There are two cockpit-like rear seats that will provide a storage crevice.

Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The steering wheel has a simple button that will allow you to start the engine. There is also a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The shifter is intended to resemble a large joystick.

If you want to know more about the preliminary specifications of the Hako Coupe, check these out:

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 145.7
Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
74.0 including side mirrors
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 94.5
Ground clearance: 4.0
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size: 225/45 R18
Seating Capacity: 4

How cute!

imgs from this site

Be a non-smoker!

2008-03-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

The Darker or Oilier the Exhaust, the More it is important to have the system checked.

The color the exhaust will tell you much about the condition of your vehicle. Did you know that? Dark exhaust color often signifies that your vehicle has a bad exhaust. So make sure that you will check the exhaust of your vehicle as part of a regular system of spotting problems and getting them fixed.

If you think checking the exhaust color sounds a little like how a quack doctor fix your headache problem, well hear this, it won’t be quite esoteric. Obviously, exhaust is the end product of the combustion process in the engine. As what you put into the engine to fuel and lubricate it, the color, smell, and composition of the exhaust coming out will most likely tell you what has gone wrong in the engine.

If you feel that quality fuel and oil will save you from exhaust problems, then think again. This cannot save your engine and exhaust from damage. Once bad emissions are released, make sure that you will put some actions about it. There will be something within the core components of your vehicle that is causing fuel and/or oil to break down. Or maybe, the fuel fails to undergo efficient combustion. The root of the problem may probably be present well ahead of your exhaust system itself. So you probably start the inspection with the engine.

For your vehicle that operates in peak condition, you may not be able to see the exhaust much at all. On a freezing morning, you may spot smoke, but this is simply the difference in temperature between the exhaust coming from a warm/ warming up engine and the temperature of the air. This is just the same with what you see when you breathe or speak outside. This is about the condensation in a puff of mist coming from your mouth.

Different colors or qualities to the car exhaust probably indicate different degrees of exhaust/engine problems. A pale gray color will not be a bad signal at all. When the exhaust gets darker, you should be warned. The black or dark blue oily smoke can tell you that there is something serious going on with the engine. This can be related to overage on oil, which go somewhere, so the car sends it back through your exhaust.

Oil does not where it should be since it is coming out through the exhaust. This is seen on most old and poorly maintained vehicles, especially those with lightweight aluminum engines that degrade after years of hard use.

Remember your car radio security code

2008-03-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

A car radio security system is typically installed on your vehicle. This system either came from the factory of your car or bought from an auto parts shop. Anyway, the source of this radio sytem is not our main topic here ok? We are here to determine the importance of knowing your car radio security code.

Radio is not just an ordinary gadget for entertainment purposes; it is rather for security reason. Your radio is normally secured with a code so that your car remains protected. This will stand as a tracking device whenever your car is stolen. Car radio signals will emit sounds that help in tracing the location of your precious ride.

The codes are not all the same as they vary depending on the make and model of the radio. Also, these depend on the type of car the radio is installed. Some car radio security systems are especially designed for specific kinds of car, which require special program. Nevertheless, there might be a big problem with this once you buy a second-hand car.

As we know, factory car radio security codes are given to the original buyer, who might have lost the security code over the years. Unfortunately, this always happens today. But remember that car radio security codes are always needed when your car radio breaks down or need repairing or when battery was disconnected. Yes, you will need the codes when the battery is disconnected since the program will be restarted. Once the battery is reconnected, you will need to press the car radio security code so that the alarm will function again.

Car radio security codes are often presented by three to four digit codes.
If ever you have forgotten the code or never knew it, never fret ok? You can find experts who can do the decoding or recoding of your car radio security code. Nonehteless, service payment for these decoders is not a joke at all. You can have another option if you don’t want to look for a decoder. Talk with the factory where the radio came from and ask for the code. But hey, this quite a hassle especially when your car is an every day necessity for you. Better yet, try surfing the net and look for sites that can help you find the car radio security code. Just make sure that when you do this, you will be cautious enough with scammers or fraudulent people who can mess up with your existing problem.

Will your sunnies save you?

2008-03-28T17:43:00.001-07:00

Simple matter matters! Driving is a sensitive issue especially for women. Little things associated in driving can harm you in unexpected moments. So beware of the simple yet important things like the use of your accessories. Among the simplest things that you should check is your sunglasses. Yes your sunnies my dear. Will your sunnies save you? Does your fashion complements with your safety at the same time? Is it better to take them off than drive your way to death with them?

Paris' oversized Pucci/Gucci sunnies are perhaps the most popular trend now. Nevertheless, have you ever considered how safe these accessories/ eye protectors are for driving?
British female car insurer Sheilas' Wheels can testify the truth about this. The team has recently researched together with eye health charity: The Eyecare Trust, to review and critique the safety factors on this season's most fashionable high-street sunglasses.

The big, bold and beautiful sunglasses, which are typically designed with brown lenses, can stop level with the edge of the eye with chunky, wide arms. Their chunky frames could pose a hazard when driving since the width of the plastic arms could possibly restrict the driver's peripheral vision. These shades are not advisable for motorists who need good all-round vision and a visual range of at least 120 degrees.

The Summery pink lenses of girly shades are commonly designed with wrap back slightly over the eyes, with slim-fitting arms. These slim-fitting, wide, open arms are good for 180-degree vision. But once you wear such kind of feminine sunnies, you should beware of pink-tinted lenses that can distort colour vision. This can be tricky for understanding road signs and potential hazards.

The Small, dark & handsome sunglasses should be considered too. These usually have small-rimmed pair, with slim arms and cool, dark category- 4 filter lenses. They are great in bright sunlight but definitely not suitable for driving. There are laws saying that drivers' eyewear must allow more than 8 per cent of the visible light to be transmitted through the lens. The dark lens of sunglasses may not be able to transmit sufficient light, so beware girls.

Do you have an aviator? This is basically polarized, having lenses that curve back around the eye with slim-fitting arms. These are good sunglasses for you since they can reduce harsh glare from strong sunlight while minimizing reflections from wet or polished road surfaces. Large aviator style lenses and slim arms offer unrestricted viewing which are perfect for fashion-conscious drivers and Top Gun fans too. However, polarised lenses can highlight stress lines in old windscreens, and these can distract you.

If you are a simple type, then simple, brown/grey-tinted lenses with anti-reflective coating and slim-fitting arms would be great. These neutral-tinted lenses provide more natural colour definition. The anti-reflective coating helps to minimize glare in bright conditions while the slim-fitting arms will ensure the drivers' peripheral vision is not compromised at all.

If you are conscious about your safety and the kind of sunglasses you wear haunts you, try going to your local optometrist for practical advice on choosing appropriate eyewear for driving. The frame density, reflective coatings, filter category, and of course, lens colour will play a part in determining whether your sunglasses are roadworthy or not.

Girl college drivers like me should be aware of simple safety tips like this. If you are one of us, be sensible by having a practical pair of sunglasses for driving at hand in your glove box. Always make sure that these are free from scratches and smears. Wearing unsuitable sunglasses will be as dangerous as wearing none at all as you drive in bright conditions.

the color of accident?

2008-03-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Oh no!

Did you know that the color of your ride has something to do with the possibility of encountering an accident? This is not about luck, coincidence, or fortune eh? This is about a specific study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). According to their research, black cars are the most likely to be involved in an accident, while white ones are the least likely.

"Darker colours and colours with low contrast to the road environment such as silver, green, gray, blue, red and black, tend to be associated with a higher crash risk especially in daylight hours. This is one of the conclusions revealed by the researcher Dr. Stuart Newstead.

Compared to white vehicles, the higher crash risk percentages were:

* Black cars = 12 per cent higher than white

* Gray = 11 per cent higher than white

* Silver = 10 per cent higher than white

* Blue and red = 7 per cent higher than white.

So how did the researchers get these results? Using on-road crash data, they analyzed crashes between 1987 and 2004 in Victoria and Western Australia. These crashes were resulted in death or injury or a vehicle being towed away. The research was supported by RACV, RTA, NRMA, VicRoads, and TAC.

Based on stats, silver has now surpassed white as the most popular choice for new vehicles. Even in good conditions, silver cars have low contrast with the road environment. Perhaps this is because of the road's color isn't it? That lack of visibility gets worse in fading light or cloudy and wet conditions. Apparently, poor visibility can lead to more crashes and higher severity crashes for drivers of silver cars.

So in case you own a silver car, be aware that pedestrians may not be able to see you as well as other drivers. Better yet, try installing daytime running lights or drive with your headlights. Girls, be aware of these huh?

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Primp and drive? Not a good habit..

2008-03-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Don't you care about the kids?

Girls like me are used to be vain. We always ensure that we look great all the time so we check ourselves out in windows, car doors, actual mirrors and you bet, even with spoons, you can find us desperately trying to see if we still look good. Obsessed much. But how much?

Some surveys reveal that women look in to a mirror between 38 and 50 times each day. So it is about once every 35 minutes from when we wake up. Very consistent huh? No wonder, there is no problem with being conscious with the way we look unless, too much. As the cliché says, anything that is excessive is bad. What is dangerous about all the “self-inspection” is that 50 per cent of the survey participants also said that they use their car's rear-view mirror to check themselves out while driving! Obviously, we cannot safely primp and drive..

You can find more tsk-tsk statistics regarding that matter. About 25 per cent of female drivers put on makeup while driving although this is lower than the 44 per cent of men using the rear-view mirror to check out women in the cars behind them. Well then, 25 percent is a significant figure that can hurdle safe driving. This number can be turned to percentage of worse cases – on accident.

Drivers indeed can do a lot of things while driving. Just imagine how 2 per cent of men surveyed manage to shave in their cars. Women are vainer than men. So as to say, we should be aware of our own safety. Do not primp and drive. It’s bad! Do not primp, entertain phone calls, shave your legs, pluck your brows and take a nap while driving…. These can be deadly. :D

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do you have a red suit for this?

2008-03-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

Pontiac Solstice

If you were to drive this flawless and sexy coupe, what attire would you wear? Perhaps your brows are currently jumping off your forehead, haha. Why am i asking this anyway? Well, do you want people see you in pink shorts and green shirt as you step down from this car? Awkward huh. An elegant car like this should be complemented with the best suit huh? Remember that. Nevertheless, if you do not have the plan to leave this car, then it's your choice. In the meantime, let us discover deeper facts about this coupe. What more should we know to get prepared.....

The Pontiac Solstice was introduced in 2002 as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show. There were two versions of the car, the current roadster and the coupe. Such concept has been fully realized with the introduction of the Solstice Coupe for the 2009 model year.

Though having the same fastback shape of the concept, the production version adds a lift-out Targa panel between the windshield header and the B-pillar. Also, you will see a rear glass hatch and ducktail rear spoiler as dominant features of the car. In addition to that fixed panel, that is too large to store onboard, the car is designed with the soft-top cover that provides protection against detrimental elements.

The basic look of the car is the same even if the rear taillamps have been tailored smoother flow into the tapered roofline. Also, the additional space beneath the rear window doubles the load space to 5.6 cu. ft.

The coupe is made available in both base and GXP trim levels. These offer buyers a respective choice of a normally aspirated 173-bhp 2.4-liter four or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 260 bhp. Consedering that the new top is a composite-covered aluminum structure, curb weight is up slightly over the stock vehicle. For example, the lift-out panel weighs just 31 lb. and can be easily removed or installed by just one person.

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getting exotic

2008-03-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Quaranta

Exotic cars are definitely the ultimate in tuned cars since they come straight out of the factory, driven to perfection. While most students like me cannot afford exotic cars, many car tuning hobbyists can create innovations for us. In actual fact, with the right tuning car parts, excellent know- how and maintenance, we can easily surpass the performance of even the most expensive and rarest vehicles down the road.

While continuing my fascination with exotic cars I may never own, let us put our focus on this great driving machine that is named Quaranta.

Quaranta is the Italian word for 40. This car name is given to an innovative concept car from ItalDesign Giugiaro, which was built to commemorate Giorgetto Giugiaro's 40th year of auto design. Hmm..very logical eh?

Anyway, this is the first concept car to incorporate Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive in a mid-engine layout. The idea was originally to create an extreme, but ecological, 4-wheel-drive supercar containing a cabin that can accommodate three adults plus an infant.

The midship packaging of the hybrid powertrain enabled Giugiaro to make a one-volume, sleek silhouette shape. This is so vital to mitigating the aerodynamic drag isn’t it? Additionally, the slick shape of the vehicle itself is incorporated with rear aerodynamic flaps inspired by Formula 1. Italdesign implies that Quaranta’s low wind resistance enables it to reach a top speed of 155 mph and to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.0 seconds.

Unquestionably, Quaranta is not simply a design exercise, it is a way of showcasing the high class automotive expertise of Italdesign Giugiaro. With the details the exterior and interior car designs, the Italian firms obviously provide great engineering services for chassis, mechanicals and bodywork. By the way, do you know the latest in their automotive technology? If not so, then better search for their innovative use of solar panels in obtaining additional energy for the hybrid powerplant. This innovation will amaze and impress you more. Italian automotive firms are not just ordinary group of experts, they are equipped with highly technological facilities.

Preparing for a Road Trip?

2008-03-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Traveling on highways and small tree lined country roads is possibly more exciting and adventurous than driving down the streets of the city. However, before you drift off the exit and direct through a long trip, remember that you may need to travel miles before you come across a gas station, house, or mechanic. Once you exit major roads and settlements you must be sure that you have prepared your car, old or new, for a road trip.

Of course, you have to start preparing for the trip by planning the journey. Equip yourself with a road map and study the roads you will take, and then decide where you will spend the night if the trip is approximated for more than a day. Have a list of important things that you will need to pack. Also, keep noted of emergency numbers that you may need to contact during the journey.

Take note of these preparation tips to further keep your journey trouble- free:

Have your car thoroughly inspected over at a garage. Set major tune ups and repairs at least two weeks in advance so that any minor adjustments will be done before you finally drift off the exit.

All fluids must be topped up or replaced. These include transmission fluid, brake oils, engine oils, battery fluids, and coolants. If your destination is warmer or cooler than home, do the necessary adjustments with the anti-freeze and water mixture that will suit your destination.

Have the tires checked and aligned. Make sure that the worn out tires are replaced and properly inflated. Once you realize the importance of getting a mobile puncture repair kit, pressure gauge, and a small portable air tank, have them so.

Check if all doors and boot locks are working. Also, be sure that windows are in good working order too. Do a physical check on the boot; check the tool box, spare tire, and jack.

Equip the glove box a set of car papers, insurance documents, and list of emergency numbers. Always ensure that you bring the handy manufacturer's manual. Also, have a small box containing prescription medicines, a torch, and spare batteries.

It important that there is at least one charger for your mobile phones.

have yourself with AA membership, but if you already have one, make sure that you get their 24/7 assistance numbers.

Ring a friend or family member before you head to your destination. Let them know such destination.

if ever you have some serious medical problems, be sure to consult your doctor before leaving on a long road trip. All your insurance papers (medical and car insurances) should be in good order. Keep a copy of your medical records with you as preparation for any emergency.

Have all the gas and mains shut before leaving and locking up the house with a check list by your side. Do not leave a set of keys on the lintel or under a pot. Once you are planning to be away for a while, keep the neighborhood informed so that they will watch your place. Also if possible, let the police station know it too so that they will be vigilant. Once also possible, you can get a house sitter.

Having all these tips taken, relax. Never get burnt out with too much preparation in just one day. As I said, do consider doing these tips weeks before you leave. Do not get into cramming! This can possibly lead to problems. Be organized and have all things done in days not in hours. If you are not confident with other troubleshooting, you can always find an excellent auto mechanic to help you. Spare your pretty hands my dear. Nevertheless, do not have all the jobs done by the mechanic. You need to learn his tasks especially when you are off for a travel alone. There might be some time that you have no one to depend on so be sure that you can survive independently.

Cheap yet effective car maintenance tips

2008-03-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Owning a vehicle always require crucial maintenance responsiblity. You may often realize that unnecessary expenses are generated just because of lack of knowledge or even laziness. Once you fail to have your vehicle regularly maintained, it will not only give huge car repair costs, but also injuries or even death.

Now it is about time to consider few tips on how to perform the regular maintenance of your car, focusing on the most important tasks.

Have the fluids frequently Checked – talking about fluid doesn’t pertain to gas, though it is vital to know when you have to tank transmission fluid, oil, and engine coolant. The check up goes without considering the crucial maintenance issues that shouldn't be taken easy on. Once you discover that the levels of these fluids are too low, add enough fluid at once to prevent engine collapse. Remember that such engine problem can take your leg and your arm to repair.

Have the Air in Your Tires checked regularly – Tire problems can lead to major accidents. You must therefore learn how to maintain them. You have to know the right pressure for your tires and make sure that you will not forget it. Also know the load limits for your tires. Heavy loads in your ride can result to stress on tires over time. Preventative measures against tire problems are not only done when your car is idle or just parking in the garage as you can also do these while driving. Be wary of potholes that can greatly damage the tires. Be also alert with the newly paved roads that have uneven shoulders.

The tires should be properly aired. Tires can wear down faster when too much air or less air is supplied in them. They often lose air in the winter due to the cold so make sure that you routinely check the air in your tires winter. Knowing this fact should not keep you at ease during other seasons. Of course, you should have the tires inspected everyday if possible. If the air is too low, add some. Check the specs on your tires to find out how many pounds of air are needed. This will help you preserve the life of the tires since their replacement is not a joke these days.

Get Regular Oil Changes - Oil in your car is a big factor in maintaining the life of your engine, so once you fail to have regular oil change, it could ultimately cause major engine problems. Oil change is done about every 3000 miles for the best results. Take time to make sure that the oil is changed on a regular basis for the best performance.

Have your Car Washed and Waxed Regularly – keeping any vehicle looking good is always possible if you often have it washed and waxed. Just imagine it installed with complete aesthetic accessories, yet looking dirty with dust and mud in all parts. Not attractive at all isn’t it? It is therefore important that you keep the car waxed and washed on a regular basis. This is one of the easiest car maintenance procedures. You can do it yourself, considering that is one of the most enjoyable ways of spending time with your ride. Forget having your car brought to a carwash station and save money!

Proper maintenance, however, is important to the life of your vehicle, so make sure that you will do the cleaning properly. Simple maintenance procedures like washing and waxing still requires standard procedures so be responsible enough in doing so.

water in your fuel tank??

2008-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Can your car start up when water is filled up in the fuel tank instead of gas? Amazingly, yes! There are countless successful water conversions worldwide that can testify that this automotive innovation works. Experts say that it will just require time before this water-burning technology becomes standard in vehicles. Some have foretold that this technology will be prevalent by 2012.

Only one quart of water provides over 1800 gallons of HHO gas, lasting for months while significantly increasing the engine’s efficiency, improving emissions quality, and saving expenses for gasoline. Plus, you are guaranteed with a “green car”, which is environmental friendly.

So how does it work? The process of combustion is very safe since gas is extracted as needed and burned steadily from the water, unlike greater volumes of pure Hydrogen. Perhaps one of the biggest questions that would pop out in your mind is that: why should hydrogen be compressed in dangerous high pressure tanks when it is already compressed in plain water, and can be safely released?

Some designs will produce hydrogen as your car needs it, instead of using storage tanks. A lot of vehicles have been safely converted without any reported serious troubles. The conversion process is completely reversible so that it won’t void warranty. This merely stands as add-on for significantly increasing your fuel efficiency.

You can create your own water hybrid. You can convert your ride into water-burning driving machine. But always remember that this involve serious processes and will bring up a lot of consequences if not properly done.

getting tired of your tires?

2008-03-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Tire problems usually lead to accidents. Hence, you must learn how to maintain them. How? First, you have to know the right pressure for your tires and make sure that you will not forget it. Take note of this number.

Also, know the load limits for your tires. Carrying heavy loads in your ride can result to strain on your tires. Tire makers usually provide list of "maximum permissible inflation pressures" on the tire sidewall. These figures will show the greatest amount of air that can be inflated into your tires under normal driving conditions.

Preventative measures are not only done when your car is idle or just parking in the garage. You can do these while driving as well. You should keep an eye for potholes that can greatly damage the tires. Moreover, be alert with the newly paved roads that have uneven shoulders.

Tires definitely lose pressure over time so be sure to check them regularly. Do it at least once a month. You must measure tire pressure when tire is "cold", meaning, it has not been driven ( as I said earlier).

Be cautious for curbs especially when backing up. Scrapping your tires on a curb or hitting a curb will eventually damage the tires.

When replacing a tire, make sure that it is of the same size as the other three. Test out the tire tread and replace tires before or at least when tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. If its possible, invest effort and money for the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. Once you see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to get new tires.

Always buy road hazzard insurance on your tires. It is usually only a few dollars more and the tire company will replace the tire if it's beyond repair.

One last thing, always keep a tire gauge in the glove compartment.

Submarine ride! Ninja turtle ride?

2008-03-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

Thirty years ago, a movie thriller entitled ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit the silver screen. And who would have thought, the floating/diving car is finally here!

The sQuba was presented by Rinspeed’s Zero-Emission World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show. This model was hailed as the Green “Fish” with Q-Factor.

While “smokers” (geothermal manifestations underwater) in the ocean floor emit sulfuric substances from the lava, this car model will make sure that the acidity of seawater will not get higher. Haha. Oh wait, does this car present the idea of abolishing the use of submarines? Hmmm..

Getting deeper into the oceanfloor however, will give you the chance to see the cracked surfaces where riftia worms are found. Hmm creepy. Well then, it is your chance to check if these worms will lead you to the gates of hell, wargh. Does this mean too that you will possibly encounter near death experience since satan’s soldiers are just around the ocean floor. Hmm.. If this idea slithers under your skin, just remember that when you didn’t pray, you will really worry, but if you prayed, don’t worry.

Going back to the sQuba car, it was demonstrated impressively by Roger Moore in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me” when he dove below the waves. However, the scene was clearly animated. Now with this world’s first real submersible car, that movie fake is brought into reality for visitors of the Geneva Motor Show last March 2008.

Rinspeed’s Frank M. Rinderknecht (52) is known for his astonishing automotive innovations. And indeed, sQuba is one heck of a breakthrough! This acknowledged James Bond enthusiast and Swiss automobile visionary was reportedly revisiting the scene in his mind over and over. He said that for three decades, he has been imagining the possibility to build a car that can fly under water. Today, he has apparently broken the barriers. He proves that his dream is finally over. He is living it.

sQuba can probably be a good ride for military intelligence groups. But apart from military vehicles, this ride is submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 meters. Military vehicles can go under water, which means that they are limited to driving slowly over the submerged ground. Rinderknecht said that it was not simple to make a car watertight and pressure resistant enough to be driven under water. Definitely, the challenge taken was to create that submersible car that can swim like a fish in water.

Driving underwater will perhaps oblige Rinderknecht yield to several questions. One of this is health conditions of riders. Scientifically, as we get nearer to the center of the earth (or getting deeper from the sea level), nitrogen increases and oxygen decreases. Like scuba divers, the occupants’ breathing air will come from an integrated tank of compressed air.

Also, Rinderknecht implies that for safety reasons, the vehicle was designed as an open car so that occupants can get out quickly in case of an emergency. And aside from safety, an open-top design is made for other reasons. With an enclosed volume of just two cubic meters of air, the vehicle’s weight would have to increase by two tons (!), which is favorable for counteracting with the unwanted buoyancy. This gives the “sQuba” a land mobility of a turtle. Once you get out of the “sQuba”, it will surface automatically. Amazing huh?

Aside from being an amazing submersible car, sQuba was converted into a diving dream in the facilities of Swiss engineering specialist Esoro. When it is brought out from the water, sQuba lands as a cool sports car.

It took a lot of engineering concepts to obtain the state-of-the-art ride like sQuba. The combustion engine was removed and replaced by numerous electric motors. Three motors are found in the rear: one of these provides propulsion on land while the other two drive the screws for underwater motoring. Two powerful Seabob jet drives in the front are included in the design to allow ‘breathing’ through special rotating louvers from HS Genion (for closing and opening of the water intake). The rotating outlet jets were engineered for light weight, yet twist resistant by using high-tech nano materials (Carbon Nano Tubes).

If one of these days the sQuba steals a breathtaking moment in your sight, don’t worry, it won’t harm you. Haha. If perchance the driver lets you drive it down the road or under water (even car floats), make sure that you will be carefully drive it. When cracks are brought into the doors, water will flow in. tsk tsk. Big problem. The sQuba will not float at all. It will stay under water for good. Harhar.

The sophisticated laser sensor system from the Hamburg company Ibeo is intended for keeping the sQuba efficient when driven on land, without any help from the driver or passenger. The Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries! This car produces no exhaust emissions. Its filling station is the water reservoir.” Further, be more amazed by the energy-saving LED lighting technology.

Focusing on the exterior design, there are 3-D foil elements with embossed fish and sharkskin patterns from Wetzel Processing Group and Hornschuch. These give visual pizzazz and streamline. Together with the flashy elements from Foliatec, you will also notice the harmonious velvety matt-white appeal.

The stainless coil-over suspension from KW automotive and large Pirelli tires are mounted on custom-made forged light-weight wheels from AEZ with 17and 18-inch diameters. An innovative salt-water resistant interior from Strähle is also included since it is a mere fact that corrosion is the biggest enemy to combat with when driving underwater.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friends right? This is the reason why + Hess features genuine mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond are found in sQuba too. Along with these are the high-tech VDO instrument cluster and controls that create a futuristic ambiance, while allowing full control of all vehicle functions even while submerged.

As a unique car, unique maintenance products are also required for it. The Motorex lubricants are used in the ‘sQuba”. These are biodegradable.

Are you flooded with the flabbergasting features of sQuba? Well, it is time to save some pennies because its price is probably not a joke. For now, buy a turtle.

imgs from this blog
and on this site

Elegantly flawless bodywork…

2008-03-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Flawlessly perfect, it is.

This Kizashi 3 Concept used to serve as a warning shot to more upscale automakers. Indeed, Susuki is again at its drive to market new car models that are awesomely great. This one shot of pic is such a clear presentation of a larger, more upscale Suzuki on the way.

On the styling cues of Kizashi Concept estate wagon and Concept 2 crossover, the 3 models complete Suzuki's upscale lineup. According to Suzuki, this trio of concepts remains appearance-wise to the coming production versions.

Earlier Kizashi vehicles were powered by a 4-cylinder diesel or a V6. Conversely, the 3 models will be ran by a V8 powering all four wheels. The AWD system technology will most likely be derived from the intelligent, torque-dispensing system used on the SX4.

Kizashi wagon has the sequentially-shifted transmission that has a transmission that can be manually or automatically operated. These performance potentials will render Kizashi 3 right up with the likes of BMW, Infiniti and now even Hyundai in the sports-sedan alcove.

All these 3 concept cars are definitely signifying Suzuki's goal to compete in more profitable segments with modern vehicles. Watch out for these rides!

img from this site

Pokemon ride?

2008-03-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

TOYOTA TINY IQ CONCEPT

Look at that!
It seems to be a pokemon rider is right inside this world’s smallest four-door passenger car. Haha.

Nonetheless, this Toyota tiniy IQ set concept has ran into some serious competition in the micro market since it was first introduced to the public (Frankfurt last 2007). This car was unveiled with Tata’s $2500 Nano and Smart’s $11,600 American-ready Fortwo making big splashes.

Toyota has taken the conspiracy of silence off the for-sale version of its iQ mini car. This was set for production in late 2008 at roughly 100,000 units worldwide.

With each unit, you will have a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel. This is relative to the powerplants for which will contribute to greater fuel economy and exceptionally low emissions. This is anticipated to start at around 161 grams per mile.

IQ’s production ends up measuring in at less than 10 ft., with a length of 118 in., a wheelbase of 78.7 in. The flexible interior space is made for three adult occupants, plus luggage.

Toyota engineers cope up with the idea of having the IQ designed long on style, while looking spacious in a glance. If you will notice at the fascia, the smoked headlamp units are set deep into the hood, with the fenders and door mirrors integrated with turn signals. Just imagine how flashy your drive is as you bring this ride down the road at night.

Inside, there is a floating-V center console that dominates the asymmetric dashboard. This includes a single dial at the base, used to control air conditioning. Within the arms of the V, you will find temperature controls with an LCD that displays airflow, twin face-level air vents and a 5.8-in. color touchscreen satellite nav display.

As you sit down on the driver’s seat, you will hold upon the steering wheel that is flat-bottomed ( which is intended for better legroom). If you wish to turn the entertainment system on, the audio controls on the wheel will amaze you.

Some other features of the IQ include the matte silver door handles and the ultra-slim seatbacks that are designed in a one-piece molding. Also included are the 50/50 split rear seats.

img from this site

My dad car-napped my Lamborghini!

2008-03-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, I was stunned when I noticed that my topless ride has drifted off the garage! Later on, my phone rang. Not again. Dad has car-napped my Lamborghini for the nth time. He seems to be so sick of his old wrangler that’s why he keeps on stealing my car while I’m asleep. Haha. I will never nag him because of that since he bought it for me about two months ago. How sweet huh?

My favorite part of that car so far is the door, which I often refer to as the “chicken wing”, since it seems to flex and flap off as I enter or exit the car. Woah, I feel like a star everytime my shoes edge on my Lamborghini. Love it! Thanks to my dad who was formerly happy with his wrangler, but now with my Lamborghini. Wargh! I’m afraid he’s gonna ask me to use his Wrangler in the meantime as he wants to enjoy my chicken-winged ride. Naah! Please dad.

my long hair under the hood

2008-03-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Ever seen a woman with her head under the hood? Don’t be amazed for it just shows how women of this age get through the quest on dominating over men. So if ever you think that automotive is a masculine thing, think again. Observe and get swept off by a woman’s heel.

As a college driver, I make it a point to be responsible of my own cars. The following are just some of the maintenance practices that I have learned so far with my roadster and crossover. If you are a female college driver like me, you can perhaps learn from these:

LUBRICATION

Moving parts settle from corner to corner underneath the sheets of a vehicle. And most of these suffer from extensive frictional heat. This is the reason why you need to regularly check and change oil. There are other important fluids that include power steering fluid, which can let you control the steering wheel conveniently and not as if it is intended for the muscles in your triceps! The brake fluid and transmission fluid equally as important. Once you keep these fluids properly applied in particular auto systems, then you’re gonna save thousands of dollars. Trust me.

ELECTRICITY

As a young driver, the entertainment system is surely one of my priorities. This system will never run if not with the proper supply of electricity, which refer to the battery and fuses. Aside from the entertainment system, other auto systems will most importantly need electricity. Among the most essential ones are the auto lights and air conditioning system. So never let the battery run out of charge especially when you are off for a long travel.

TIRES

Always bring an extra tire every time you drift off your garage! Who knows, the next time you are about to park your vehicle, one tire is rolling like a jelly. Also, make sure that everytime you leave, have all the tires inflated properly. Never under or over inflate them ok!

COOLING

The engine is one of the busiest auto components in your ride. Once it gets exhausted, you will be forced to bring your head under the hood. This is what I always ensure with my Lambo roadster. Just imagine how I am gonna deal with my elegant car that blows off black smokes underneath its brawny bodywork! Duh! To avoid this, make sure that the cooling system is regularly checked and maintained.

Age or gender is not a requirement for being accountable in driving and owning a car. So as a female college driver, I see to it that I can let my hair under the hood and get my hands ready for grease stains. Having my roadster and crossover is perhaps more than luxury. It is responsibility.

Ford Sync

2008-03-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

The interior of your car is just like your pink room while far away from home. Thus, you make it pleasant so that you will spend respite conveniently. All interior accessories should be all set and functioning well. Among the most useful and perhaps necessary gadgets (relative to your lifestyle), are the cell phones and players. These devices allow you to be anywhere while still getting connected with your friends and at the same time, enjoying your favorite music.

Such useful and entertaining gadgets are continuously developed by manufacturers. Fortunately, Ford has come up with an advanced design known as Ford Sync. This has been a joint project of Ford and Microsoft.

Instead of having separate connection for the phones and players, Ford Sync is an all-in-one solution that can be updated from time to time. This sync targets “generation Y”, which refers to the people born between 1981 and 1995.

There are many vehicles that are provided with the connection from digital music players to the audio system. With these, you still have to cycle through your songs on the player itself or if not, a connection will be used to allow the iPod play via the dashboard’s audio controls. Similarly, blutooth wireless phone connections have also been used over the years. This allows you to interface with a wireless headset or other applicable gadgets.

How does it work?

Sync can interface with just about any player or Bluetooth cell phone. This will allow any of your passenger to connect their phones through the integrated Bluetooth technology. The software will detect address book and transfer the contacts to an internal database. Similar to other Bluetooth cellphone links, Sync can let you enjoy hands free calling. This can be done by pushing a button on the steering wheel, then speak the name or number of the person you want to call.

From the traditional Bluetooth path, Sync diverts path by using text-to-speech technology to read aloud any text messages. The system is designed to effectively translate commonly used text message phrases. You can also make a reply to an audible text message from one of 20 predefined responses.

Other features such as caller ID, conference calling, caller log, call waiting, and signal strength are also found on Sync. Further, your personel ring tones can also be played. The mp3 players are connected to the system through a USB 2.0 port, which can also charge the player. You can operate the player through voice commands too. Just make sure that the music are properly filed from genre to genre.

Sync is upgradeable. Ford and Microsoft are working hand on hand to allow dealer service technicians perform updates. Also, updates are made available thru the internet so that you can download and install them yourself.

How much does it cost? Totally not cheap, I bet.

Go pink!

2008-03-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone pink with your vehicle’s interior? As a female driver, you may want to customize your car with pink accessories. These may include the dashboard, steering wheel, door panel, ceiling, mirrors, seats, and flooring. Nevertheless, customizing these interior sections will require money, effort and of course, time. From the selection of high-quality interior accessories up to their installation, these factors will complete your pursuit to unleash the best looks of your car. So whenever you want to set up a pink interior, you should be ready for digging up bucks from your pocket while investing volumes of sweat from your forehead.

If you are planning to have your ride customized, why not go pink?! Pink is always attractive and feminine. You can find a lot of auto accessories in the market today. Go get the pink ones and have them properly installed in your driving machine’s interior. If you need my advice, you can take these options:

The girlie car graphics and stickers that have colorful, funky, and bold designs. These can be placed on windows and windshields.

You can also find smiley face LED car sign that can display five different smiley faces. These can be mounted on the rear window, where it can establish great effects. These signs are installed using a switch on the dash.

pink steering wheel! This pink steering wheel cover can give you a lush pink furry palace that is really pleasing to your sight while having a comfortable grip on the wheel.

Pink furry dice that you can hang from the rear view mirror.

pink furry harness pads can bring you comfort and style. They are available for universal fitting.

pink mat set is of universal sized mats that are soft and obviously pink!

Pink auto seat cover set and pink lady harness pads are always great. Just imagine sitting on a pink throne, you as the princess in your own car.

imgs from this site

Run thief.. run!

2008-03-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

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Have you ever encountered a dumb thief who got a heart attack while unlocking a car? How funny it will be to see him startled by a loud alarm that comes from nowhere but your ride.

Car alarm systems have been prevalently used in the US not just to witness stupid thieves run but to keep their invested cars from troubles of vandalism. A lot of cars today are equipped with sophisticated electronic sensors, remote-activation systems, and blaring sirens. Such gadgets will also provide ample security to your ride, even with your wheels that can possibly attract thieves.

So what basically is an alarm?

Most modern alarm systems are much more sophisticated as they are composed of:

Sensors that have switches, motion detectors, and pressure sensors.

Siren that provides you with a distinct sound for your ride

Auxiliary battery that gives emergency power

Radio receiver that facilitates wireless control from a key fob

Computer control unit (CCU) that stands as the brain of the system

The CCU is a small computer that closes the switch to activate the alarm devices, which include the headlights, horn, and siren. Security sensors may differ on how these devices are wired into the CCU.

As the brain of the alarm, CCU should be properly powered by the battery. This power supply device is often backed up with a hidden battery that kicks in when somebody cuts off the main power source. Cutting the power is one of the possible indications of a trespasser; thus, the brain will be triggered, consequently sounding the alarm.

Here are some of the alarm sensor elements to which the CCU communicates:

DOOR SENSORS
Door alarm is a basic element in a car alarm system. Once the hood (or other doors including the trunk) is opened, the CCU will trigger the alarm system. In modern car models, the inside lights are turned on when any of the doors is opened. The switch regulating this mechanism is the same as that with your refrigerator. Once you close the door, it presses a small spring-activated button or lever that opens the circuit. On the other hand, when you open the door, the spring pushes the button open closing the circuit. This is the reason why the inside lights are turned on.

SHOCK SENSORS
Highly-advanced alarm systems principally depend on the shock sensors. These sensors are very effective on deterring thieves and vandals. Once somebody moves you car, shock sensor will send a signal to the CCU. Consequently, this unit will communicate with the alarm system, giving off warning horn beep or other sounds.

Setbacks…..

You may have heard about a lot of cases for false alarms. For this issue, many vehicle manufacturers are not anymore designing factory fit simple noise making alarms. They are instead offering silent yet effective immobilizers. Also, vehicle tracking systems are also used to have stolen vehicles traced. These systems are however more expensive.

Installing an alarm system in your vehicle is quite complicated. Make sure that you have it done by an experienced auto mechanic. Otherwise, the thief will be the one laughing at you.

Have you seen the doors?

2008-03-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

LOREMO

Another futuristic car model is here! Wow. This Loremo car really amazes me. Its bodywork is unconventional yet, very pleasing to our sight. Look at that awesome fascia and hey, check out the hood at its grandeur strut. Haha. Wait! It is not actually a hood? You will get into this Loremo by a lateral threshold, so instead of two lateral doors, there is one “gate”. Thus, that is not a hood! it is actually the frontal door that opens forward before the seats, taking the steering wheel with it! Have you seen the roof and the doors? They are laid out as a two-layer plastic construction with some laminated interior sides. Worried about your baggage? The rear seats provide wide space for them. Instead of a longitudinal adjustment of seat, the pedals and the steering wheel will be adjusted to you (if you are the driver). The rear seats are installed against the line of travel and the dashboard is replaced by a simple device mushroom-shaped with a display.

LOREMO NEW CONCEPT CAR

Loremo AG introduces this new Loremo Concept Car that will let you enjoy a drive while keeping your pocket at ease. This is because of fuel economy that is brought by the reduction of weight and air resistance.

Fuel mileage : 1.5 litres / 100 km

Simple yet elegant, it is. This new concept car is a product of dedication from automotive engineers of AG who aimed to provide a driving machine that exhibits comfort, design and efficiency.

The combined aspects in aesthetics, simplicity, and aerodynamics are vividly seen on the car’s features. The low air resistance is designed from the excellent Cw value of 0.2 and from a frontal area which has been reduced to the minimum.

If you want to be a Loremo’s driver, you will just need 300 litres of fuel at an annual road performance of 20,000 km, compared to a conventional small car that can consume 1,600 litres of fuel while assuming the same performance.

Loremo concept car is offered in two models, the Loremo LS and Loremo GT. The LS model is powered by a 20 hp, 2-cylinder turbodiesel. On the other hand, the GT is designed with a 50 hp, 3-cylinder unit. Both models have 2 2, mid-engine/RWD configurations with a 5-speed gearbox. In contrast, the GT has an advantage on speed (from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds), while the Loremo leads over it because of fuel efficiency (1.5 liters/100 km compared to the GT that consumes only 2.7 liters per 100 km.)

How much do these Loremo cars cost? Approximately, LS car model will be priced $13,100, while the GT car model will be more or less than $18,000.

identity.....femininity...

2008-03-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

There are lots of car accessories that will manifest your femininity. Even the smallest details can be used to show off your elegance and womanliness. Among the simplest yet effective accessories that you can consider is the license plate bracket.

The license plate is attached at the front and rear ends of your car for the purpose of identification. This basically contains serial number that will permanently identify your vehicle. As part of most state regulation, your vehicle should always have this plate. And as an important auto element, this plate should look good.

You can always personalize your license plate through the bracket. There are lots of license plate bracket designs available in the market today especially for female car owners. You must not worry about looking for high-quality license plates since the internet has the widest stock of these products that are obtained from major manufacturers.

License plates are relatively easy to install on your vehicle, make sure that you will follow procedures so they will appear great afterwards. Remember that the front and rear ends of your vehicle can leave a lasting impression so be careful with small details like the license plate.

imgs from this site

Magnetizing looks

2008-03-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Customizing a girl’s car is always exciting. For this reason, a lot of innovators never stop designing accessories that will please a woman’s passion to upgrade her ride’s aesthetics. Amazing it is, that these designers have made magnets to attract more eyes.

There are strong fade-resistant magnets that can firmly stay in place. These will make your ride look more unique and eye-catching. You have nothing to worry about the finish of your car since these magnets will not damage the paint as long as they are applied according to the standard applications procedures.

Car magnets are just some of the best options in accessorizing your driving machine. You can find more feminine car accessories in the market today such as car jewelry, license plate frames, and beautiful decals. Surf through the internet and find the best ones that fit your statement.

Make up kit or tool box?

2008-03-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

It may be unnecessary to know how to tune up your car's engine but you should be aware that this auto system must be tuned up regularly. There are three basic components of car maintenance that you should take note before you drift off the exit. You may not be able to fix everything that can go wrong, but at least you will know if there is something wrong.

On top of the list is checking the tire pressure. This is an easy task but once ignored, serious problems will be experienced. Driving will be held smoothly and the tires will last longer once aired up correctly. You surely do not want to experience tire blow out on a major interstate don’t you?

How do you ensure that the tire pressure is fine? You must secure a basic tire pressure gauge from Wal-mart if you want. Unscrew the valve stem cap on your tire (this is the short thing that sticks out by the wheel). Press the end of the gauge over the end of the valve stem. You will hear a little air escaping the tire but it’s ok unless you will not move quickly. Once the gauge is positioned right, the stick inside it will pop out to indicate tire pressure. Check the reading and ensure and once the pressure is not within the required range, stop at your local service station.

Second on the list is the ensuring engine temperature. There are vehicles that are equipped with gauge in the dashboard. If your ride has it, occasionally check it while driving around. Once it goes a lot closer to the hot side than normal, it will be advisable to seek help as soon as possible.

If ever you do not have that gauge, don’t act as if you are an under par victim! Look at the light in the dash that lights up when the temperature has gone too high. Once it comes on and doesn't turn off, then it is time to drive your way to a service station. They will surely enjoy entertaining you there. Remember that you must not drive an overheated car. It may cause expensive damage.

Now, take note of this. As a responsible young driver and car owner, you should know the ultimate guide for car maintenance. Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) you need to take your vehicle to a local service station for an oil change. You can have all other auto components checked at the same time.

Indeed, the tool box of your ride is as important as your make up kit. Take time exploring the details of your vehicle to know how to fix troubles and to repair damage.

Buy me this Bugatti dad!

2008-03-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

“Bugatti y Hermès presentarán un Veyron exclusivo en GInebra” -from this site

Whatever this sentence means… I want that Bugatti!

My jaws are stuck in amaze again. I was never an enthusiast who follows Bugatti models but look at my bulging eyes now. When I saw Veyron fgb, there is one person who entered my mind- my dad. I know it is too much but hey, I have been an honor student since I was 6 and not only that, I have also been the president of our batch since 9. Don’t I deserve a Veyron then? Pleaaaaaaaase daaaaaad!

Why am I so into this ride? Look at these….

wargh! look at that!!!!

BUGATTI VEYRON Fgb

With its color and paint trim package, you can tell that the Bugatti Veyron Fgb is special. Its face has been revamped with a brushed-aluminum trademark horse collar grille, flanked with a panel and two air inlets. The mesh grilles (and radiator opening) and lower inlets (engine air snorkels aft of the passenger cabin and rocker panel inlets) have a pattern reflecting the Hermes “H” motif.

If you check out the interior, you will see the sand colored leather everywhere. The inside door pulls have been reconfigured to appear more like luggage latches than door handles. You will also recognize the bespoke leather and hermes logos on the wheel hubs and fuel- filler door speak to the car’s pedigree.

As is, Bugatti Veyron has its legendary performance from 1001 bhp, V16 quad- turbocharged engine, which drives a factory claimed 0-62 mph at 2.6 seconds. By the way, this Bugatti model costs nearly $2 million.

imgs from this site

see-through bra for your ride

2008-03-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever compared your ride to your own body? Oh well, maybe this will require so many exemptions like if you are skinny and you have a brawny Cherokee jeep. Kidding.

Like our body, vehicles are made up of several parts that compose different systems. Furthermore, these are accessorized to improve aerodynamics, convenience, form, and aesthetics. Auto accessories are of great help especially to meticulous car owners. One of the best accessories that you should install on your ride is the transparent car bra.

The surface of your ride’s hood is never safe from flying road debris and insects. I am sure you do not want these detrimental elements to just leave chips and stain over the sleeking finish of that wide area on the fascia. Thus, a car bra is always great for protection.

Transparent car bras have paint protection film conversion and installation services. These have carved a niche for themselves because of their ability to minimize paint damage. A car bra can ensure you that the paint of your ride is not virtually sandblasted from everyday driving.

A Transparent Bra is always great for preserving the beauty of your ride. Just imagine how an spf lotion protects your skin from the harmful effect of sun’s rays. This is almost the same with how the car bra shields the hood from the inevitable flying debris. This car accessory is easy to install, as you can do it yourself.

Not like traditional bras that have always been cumbersome, transparent car bras can be left on indefinitely, washed, and then waxed along with the rest of the car. Furthermore, these bras use a special clear impact-resistant urethane film that is specially made for automobile finishes.

Fire! Fire!

2008-03-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

A death trap it is. When your car burns like hell, stay calm. You know that smoke accumulates quickly within the windows and sealed doors but stay calm ok! The rising heat and fire itself are pictures of a time bomb out of the gas tank but as I said, stay calm! In times like this, all you need is fast thinking and faster acting. Never panic otherwise, you will waste seconds of mistakes.

So what will you do when all of a sudden, your precious, million-worth ride is burning in black smokes? Wargh! Of course, unlock the doors. Do something to give rescuers a good shot of getting you out of that trash car. (Once they give you water, drink up. Do not splash it to your burning car for it can do nothing, duh!)

If you are held by your seat belt, take it off at once (duh!). Do this quickly so that the heat will not fuse the metal of the buckle to its anchor. The metal may get too hot to touch. Use a piece of cloth if you cannot stand it. If the belt does not unlock, push your shoulder strap over your head and try lifting your legs out.

Once you fail to unlock the doors, kick out the window. I know you have been keeping them smooth and clear but hey, you are roasting like chicken! Once a window is opened, smoke will exit and you will also get the chance to escape. Do it calmly using both feet.

Now you know how to…

Cheat death…

I know it is tough but hey, do it anyway!

IT'S A PLANE.. ITS A SPACE SHUTTLE..

2008-03-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

A time machine. Wacha think? Haha. The mere sight of its white, curvilinear bodywork will transport most thirty- and forty-something car enthusiasts back in time! What an amazing car design we have here. Looking at its features just takes me into a fantasy world where super Speed Racer goes wheel to wheel with a squad of racing villains.

Racer Motors Mach 5 >> “The animated series, titled Speed Racer (called Mach GoGoGo in Japan) is the brainchild of animation legend Tatsuo Yoshida, and it eventually developed a loyal following among American preteen viewers. Broadcast on a UHF station in my hometown, Speed Racer was my favorite program in the early 1970s. You might say it kick-started my passion for automobiles.” read more

images from here

Futuristic Furai!

2008-03-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed by new car models that are engineered with futuristic features. And this one that I have found earlier did not fail to hit me with a dropped jaw. Woooah. My bulging eyes are again focused on the details of the astonishing Mazda Furai. "Furai," , referring to "sound of the wind", is the fifth evolution of Mazda's new design language exemplified in its initial Nagare concept (Nagare refers to "flow"). This working concept has began life as one of Mazda's 2006 season ALMS P2 race cars.

The following are the specs and significant features of Mazda Furai

Built on a Courage C65 chassis

Complex outer shell that clearly follows its predecessor's design trends

Front-fascia channels direct air to the brake ducts

Sculpted flanks create turbulence which draws air to the side ducts, keeping the engine cool in conjunction with the radiators mounted in the car's sidepods

Aft of the gullwing doors, flow-directing details continue to guide air over the car's rear haunches toward a large, functioning, adjustable-element spoiler. The sharp element you see protruding from the roof is called an A

Air Fang that optimizes ram air induction

This new concept car will surely make a hit in autoworld. (I wish my dad has enough savings to buy me one.) With Mazda Furai’s sophisticated aerodynamic design, even batman will dump his own batmobile to take it for a ride.

The unique design of Furai took an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racecar and translated its appeal of the Courage C65 chassis.

Its aggressive look and strong appeal are reminiscent of the past concepts such as Hakaze, Ryuga, and Taiki. Take a closer look on the details and recite your own woooahs…

images from: roadandtrack.com