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Monday, January 7. 2008Auto Darkening Welding Helmets
Auto darkening welding helmets offer an intuitive protection to modern welders. These helmets automatically darken when a welder strikes the arc. They free the hands that in the past had to lift and lower the faceplate, or remove the helmet altogether to see. Many injuries have been eliminated by auto darkening helmets because they cover a welder's eyes at all times without risking exposure to irritating fumes and flying debris. By instantly responding to light, these helmets auto darken when the welder strikes the arc and clear up after the welder shuts off the arc.
Auto darkening welding helmets prove especially useful to welders working indoors under poor light conditions. Traditional welding helmets can literally blind a welder if he has to suddenly cease welding and kill the arc, leaving himself in total darkness and subject to fall and/or injury. Because of this, many construction companies now require all of their welders to use auto darkening welding helmets so they can see to walk the buildings they are working in. Auto-darkening helmets also help farmers working outside because they react to sunlight much like the light an arc. In future years, it is very likely all welding helmets will be auto darkening not only because they are more convenient than standard helmets, but also because their ever-increasing precision allows for customized-eye protection--something Federal authorities and Insurance agencies may soon require. There are two types of auto darkening helmets that welders use. One is battery-powered; the other is solar powered. Solar power is more convenient and efficient when working outside, but work deep inside of large structures, or even underground, will require battery-powered helmets. Both employ sensors to "know" when the light brightens, and when it is time to adjust the special glass in the face shield to block just the right amount of light. From time to time a welder calls in with the question, "Won't the arc from my fellow welder trigger the auto darkening glass?" The answer could be yes or no, depending on the model in question. Basic models will grow darker with any exposure to arc light, regardless of the source. Deluxe auto darkening helmets have a sensor built into their design that "understands" the difference between the operator's arc and a coworker's arc. For private individuals working by themselves, it makes little difference, if any, if the helmet has an auto-darkening sensor like this. For a company, however, it is best to invest in high-end auto darkening welding helmets to have a sensor for secondary arc light. It simply makes sense to do so. Auto darkening welding helmets offer an intuitive protection to modern welders. These helmets automatically darken when a welder strikes the arc. They free the hands that in the past had to lift and lower the faceplate, or remove the helmet altogether to see. Many injuries have been eliminated by auto darkening helmets because they cover a welder's eyes at all times without risking exposure to irritating fumes and flying debris. By instantly responding to light, these helmets auto darken when the welder strikes the arc and clear up after the welder shuts off the arc. Auto darkening welding helmets prove especially useful to welders working indoors under poor light conditions. Traditional welding helmets can literally blind a welder if he has to suddenly cease welding and kill the arc, leaving himself in total darkness and subject to fall and/or injury. Because of this, many construction companies now require all of their welders to use auto darkening welding helmets so they can see to walk the buildings they are working in. Auto-darkening helmets also help farmers working outside because they react to sunlight much like the light an arc. In future years, it is very likely all welding helmets will be auto darkening not only because they are more convenient than standard helmets, but also because their ever-increasing precision allows for customized-eye protection--something Federal authorities and Insurance agencies may soon require. There are two types of auto darkening helmets that welders use. One is battery-powered; the other is solar powered. Solar power is more convenient and efficient when working outside, but work deep inside of large structures, or even underground, will require battery-powered helmets. Both employ sensors to "know" when the light brightens, and when it is time to adjust the special glass in the face shield to block just the right amount of light. From time to time a welder calls in with the question, "Won't the arc from my fellow welder trigger the auto darkening glass?" The answer could be yes or no, depending on the model in question. Basic models will grow darker with any exposure to arc light, regardless of the source. Deluxe auto darkening helmets have a sensor built into their design that "understands" the difference between the operator's arc and a coworker's arc. For private individuals working by themselves, it makes little difference, if any, if the helmet has an auto-darkening sensor like this. For a company, however, it is best to invest in high-end auto darkening welding helmets to have a sensor for secondary arc light. It simply makes sense to do so. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools. Monday, January 7. 2008Safety And Reliability Of Our Vehicle's Steering - We Owe A Debt To Early Hot Rodders And Auto Racers
We owe a debt of gratitude to early "hot rodders". Those who modified and raced cars in their day pushed along the development and evolution of cars and vehicle steering mechanisms so now we can count on precise, safe and reliable steering mechanisms and units without question.
It is always interesting that is usually not the factory design teams, with all their resources, that push along developments and modifications in the automotive industry. It is often the hobbyist, the guy in his home garage, who under competition leads to the development and progression of what becomes improvements and modifications in the automotive. At a later point the automotive industry will step in to mass produce the improvements into features and options that gain widespread use in our vehicles and on our highways. Just before and after the 1940's vintage car periods most sport car enthusiasts and hot rodders were driving pre-1935 Fords. The most popular steering gears swapped among speed and hot rod enthusiasts was the pre-1934 Ford steering gear units. It had a very fast steering ratio and could easily fit the Model "A" and "32" car frames. Parts were readily available, the cars were lightweight and few rodders felt the need to look any further. By the early 1950's, the 37' - 1948 Ford steering mechanisms with the transverse drag arrangement gained popularity and a following over the previous preferences. The steering was a near perfect built in for 1935-36 Ford frames and its major advantage over the older units was it was self centering. After a turn in completed, the worm sector "floats" back to center. However if the steering was mounted normally in a pre-1935 chassis , a mount had to be built on the inside of the frame rail and boxing the frame was necessary to eliminate rail flexing.. Naturally since the pitman arm swung horizontally (cross steering) and was tied into the right front spindle. 1940's era Ford spindles had to be used. But it was no big deal and the most "modern" rods of the era went this route, even to the extent of adding 1940 Ford steering wheels, shift linkage and dashboards. The "Gemmer" box was also turned on its side and mounted through the frame like the original. Usually a horizontal plate was welded on top of the rail to hold the steering, and the pitman arm was rotated 90 degrees so that it could be pinned up. A parallel drag link could then be used with a dropped front axle. But the evil bump steer was ever present. In the late Fifties, another steering box started to gain popularity with street rodders. This was the parallel drag line steering from the 1954 and later Ford and Chevy pickups. (The Ford F-100 being the most popular of all). To install the Ford box in a Model "T" frame it was easiest to run the column down thought the floorboard almost between the driver's legs. Mounts for the gear box were fabricated and the pitman arm was modified to point straight down or was replaced with a new one flame cut out of half inch steel plate. Only minor modifications to the box itself were needed to bolt the pickup steering into the 1928-34 frames. The Ford pickup box became the standard hot rod steering gear for many years to come, but the Chevy pickup steering was the easier of the two to install. It required only minor frame trimming to fit, but it never reached the level of popularity of the Ford box. Then along came the time of the mid 60's Dearborn introduced the Ford Mustang. The steering box of the Mustang car was a great toy for the hot rodders. This was the final step towards the evolution of steering gears. All in all although our steering mechanisms in our cars, SUVs, trucks and other vehicle are now of more modern designs we owe a debt of gratitude to the hot rodders of their day for pushing along the evolution of precise and reliable steering gears and mechanisms for our vehicles. Buy Car Edmonton Gateway California Redwoods Buy Car Vancouver . Monday, January 7. 2008Inspecting a Used Auto Correctly
Before you purchase a used auto you always want to inspect it. While everyone can do the basics; checking out the body condition, doing the once-over, etc, there are a few small things you can do on your own. When it comes to the engine itself you want a professional to inspect that for you unless you are a mechanic.
The first part of inspecting the car is looking at the condition of the vehicle's body. Depending on the color you might be able to see any noticeable scratches or dents. Another thing to look at when you're viewing the body is the paint. Are there any spots that look discolored? Sometimes when a car has been in an accident, minor or major, when they replace certain parts of the car they have to repaint it. The paint doesn't always match because the owner doesn't always care if it's perfect. So pay attention to any discoloration in the paint. If you notice something ask the owner or dealer about it. If they confirm the vehicle has been in an accident you don't have to rule it out altogether. It might still be worth buying and you won't know until you finish your inspection. When inspecting the body of the vehicle also check for rust. A sign of rust could be a sign of neglect in the care of the vehicle. Sometimes rust can be easily overlooked so try to be thorough in your inspection. When you finish the body inspection, note the tires. Do they have decent tread? How old are they? How about a spare? You want to know if a spare is included and if it is, inspect it as well. You want to know if you will need to be buying new tires after you buy the vehicle. Like previously stated, have a professional check under the hood of the vehicle. You can check the oil or other fluids you are familiar with but it is best to leave it for a professional. They can tell you of any problems they see or might occur. Now you can finally inspect inside the vehicle. Take note when opening the doors; are they sturdy? Do they squeak? If there are floor mats in the vehicle, always check underneath. The carpet or flooring may look worse than when the mats cover them. Check for any signs of flooding damage, etc. Once you are satisfied with the seats and floors start the vehicle. Listen for any odd noises, etc. Do all the electrical features of the vehicle work? Check the air conditioner and all the vents to see if they work properly. Check that all lighting and turn signals work properly. Check all the windows and note if they make noise or go slow, etc. All these small details may sound silly but you want to know if something is going to go out shortly after you purchase the vehicle. You want to remember it 'is' a used vehicle so it won't be perfect but you can make note of any odd or unfamiliar noises, etc. Shane Rethwisch is a retired mechanic and keeps many old beauties running smoothly. For Cameron Park auto repair he recommends their local shop for Cameron Park brakes, smog, or new car standard mileage checkpoint work. Monday, January 7. 2008Auto Paint How To: A Basic Guide
Whether you are just interested in re-spraying a small area to cover up some paint chips, or want to treat your car to a custom paint job that will let you enjoy envious stares from every pedestrian you pass, you will need to follow a few basic rules, and have the right tools to hand in order to carry out the work to a high standard.
The first thing to mention about auto paint jobs is that you should always work in a well ventilated area. Paint fumes can include a number of solvents that can leave you feeling light headed and even poison you if you inhale them, so make sure there is free passage of air through your work shop when you are painting. You should also wear a respirator mask during painting or preparation to avoid inhaling any paint and loose dust that you release. To get the best effects when painting, you also need to make sure that you are able to keep dust to a minimum. You can achieve a good environment by hanging sheets from floor to ceiling in the area where you are working, and wearing overalls. You should also vacuum clean the area where you are painting at the beginning of every session. When you apply auto body paint, the main thing is to get a good even finish that looks good, and the key to getting a good finish is having a good start. Preparation is everything in paining. Get it right, and you will be able to enjoy a fantastic smooth finish that will last for years and look great, skimp on your preparation, and your finish will look shabby straight away, and then get worse over time. Before you paint, you need to strip off the old paint job. You can do this with a solvent based paint remover, or do it the hard way by sanding back the panels to bare metal using a sander. Whichever method you choose, you need to make sure that you have a very smooth base. To achieve this, use the finest grade abrasive paper available, and be prepared to put serious time into the job. Once you are satisfied with your base, you can start applying the primer. Use a HLVP spray gun connected to an air compressor, as this is much more even than an aerosol, and will be much cheaper in the long run. You should use long sweeping strokes in a single direction to get a good base to paint onto. After every coat, allow the paint to dry, and then sand it back to a smooth surface. Then apply the next coat in strokes that go at 90 degrees to the previous layer, as this will produce an even color. There are two types of auto paint that you can use on a car, cellulose based and Two Pack auto paint. Most painters now use Two Pack because it gives a better finish, and metallic colors are available, whereas cellulose paint can be tricky to deal with, and is best used on classic cars where you are trying to recapture an older style. As with the primer, you should apply the auto paint in coats, spraying in a single direction, then sanding back to a fine surface to remove any imperfections, before applying the next layer at right angles to the previous one. In between coats, it is imperative to clean the nozzles on your HVLP spray gun, as otherwise, small flakes of dried paint can be caught up in the spray and cause imperfections that will spoil the final effect. Once you are satisfied that you have got a good covering and applied enough coats of auto body paint to create an excellent finish, apply one more coat for best effects, allow it to dry, and then sand back for a smooth finish. You should leave the paint to dry completely for 24 hours and then apply a wax polish to the whole body in order to protect your new paint job and give it a shine that will certainly catch the attention of anyone you pass on the road. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools Monday, January 7. 2008Back Up Auto Sensor
The best solution for protecting your car when reversing is to install a back up auto sensor. By adding an infra red sensor to your rear bumper, you will be able to keep track of anything that is behind your car. By knowing what is hidden behind your car when you are going backwards, you will be able to avoid any accidental bumps that will cause damage to your vehicle.
It is almost impossible to see the details of everything behind your car when you are reversing. Thanks to the limited field of view provided by your mirror, and the shape of the rear of your car, seeing small or low objects such as the front of other cars, docks, and even small children can be extremely difficult. If you cannot see objects, or are unaware of what is behind your car, you run the risk of bumping into it and either causing damage to your vehicle, or injury to any person who is behind you. This is where a back up auto sensor comes into play. These sensors act as your eyes, and work to detect any objects behind your car, and provide you with a warning before you hit them to prevent damage or injury. Typically, a back up auto sensor takes the form of row of sensors across the rear bumper of your car connected to a warning device inside the car to let you know when you get too close to an object. When reversing in a car, it is all too easy to be unaware of any small objects behind the car. If you have children, you will no doubt have had at least one scare when the kids have run out from behind the car when you are reversing. Just imagine if you had not been lucky. By having a back up auto sensor fixed to the rear of your car, you will give yourself peace of mind that you are not putting the lives of loved ones at risk. Most sensors use an ultrasonic field that echoes off any objects in the way of your vehicle as you reverse, and then provide audible feedback to warn you as you close in on the object that is in your way. Basic back up auto sensors simply combine an alarm with the sensors to warn you, but more advanced models also include a visible display to give you an indication of how close you are getting to any static objects. Fitting a back up auto sensor to your car can be a very straightforward process. All you need to do is fix the sensors to the rear of your car, and then connect it to the power supply and the internal warning device, whether this is an alarm, or a display screen. In the past, many people have been put off purchasing a parking sensor for the rear of their car, because they thing that having the sensor devices on their bumper spoils the lines of their car, and is a little unsightly, but this is no longer the case. To address these concerns, many manufacturers have now started to offer more discreet back up auto sensors which are concealed around the license plates at the back of the car. These are just as effective as the other models, but are less obvious on the back of your car. You can choose from back up auto sensors that offer a simple audible alarm that beeps at an increasing rate as you close in on objects, through to much more advanced models that include a screen to display the exact distance to objects to make it completely clear to you just how close to something you are getting. The latest versions can be integrated into the car more completely than ever, and include the possibility of having an LCD display as part of your existing rear view mirror that shows you the distance in either feet or metres. If you want to make it simpler to park, reduce the risk of bumping into static objects when you are reversing, or protect other people when you are going backwards, fitting a back up auto sensor to the rear of your car will offer you the kind of warning that you need. The expense of bumping into someone else's car can be quite high, and for a fraction of that cost, you can protect your self and keep your vehicle looking great. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Air Compressors. Monday, January 7. 2008Auto Refinisher's Questions and Answers Session
Auto Refinisher's Question & Answer Session
Q: The auto paint store where I buy my supplies is recommending that I switch to an HVLP compliant gun. What does HVLP mean? A: Well, that?s a popular question that many painters have been asking in the last few years. To answer your question; HVLP stands for: High Volume Low Pressure. This has to deal with the amount of air that the Spraygun requires. HVLP compliant guns require a higher volume of air at a lower pressure. HVLP is a government spec. that has been mandated for all Spraygun Mfgrs. To be HVLP compliant a Spraygun must have less than 10 psi of air leaving the air cap. Inlet pressure will vary by model and brand of the gun. I have seen anywhere from 16-50 psi inlet pressure recommended by the different Spraygun manufacturers. If the gun is said to be HVLP compliant it will have 10 psi or less leaving the air cap regardless of the recommended inlet pressure. It must also be at least 65% efficient . Q: Why should I switch? A: Well to be perfectly honest, if you don't like to save money you shouldn't switch. In the answer to the previous question I said that an HVLP is 65% efficient. In comparison, a siphon feed Spraygun is about 20-25% efficient and a regular gravity feed spraygun is about 35-45% efficient. In laymen terms, spraying with an HVLP, at least 65% of the material you're spraying is actually going to the panel. A siphon feed Spraygun will only put down 25% or less materiel. And likewise a gravity feed Spraygun will only put down 45% or less. So if your average paint costs $100.00 per gallon you would save anywhere from $35-$55. Q: Will I have to change my spraying technique? A: Definitely, with an HVLP you will need to move closer to the item being painted. Typically 8" - 10" away from surface is required. Compared to siphon feeds, they require 10" - 12" from surface. Also, you won't need as much overlap as a siphon feed Spraygun. My recommendation is 15-25% overlap. With a siphon feed you needed to get at least 40-50% overlap to get a nice even job. Q: So do I just buy a HVLP Spraygun and start using it? A: No, First things first. You really need to check and make sure you have an adequate air supply. I have talked to guys that tell me they have plenty of air so I go ahead and sell them an HVLP Spraygun and come to find out later they didn't have anywhere near the recommended volume. Now, how do you find out if you have enough air you might ask? The first step is you need to know what your compressor's scfm rating is. If you have the paper work that came with your compressor it should tell or you may have to refer to where you bought it from. Also, sometimes on your compressor you'll find a sticker or tag giving the scfm rating at various psi. If you know what horsepower your compressor is a general rule of thumb is approximately 4 cfm per horse if the compressor is fairly new and 3 cfm per horse on an older model. Don't trust this equation to be 100% factual information though because many compressor Mfgrs adjust their horsepower by over-sizing the pulleys. Finding out this information can sometimes be a pain but it is very important before you buy a HVLP Spraygun. Q: Is temperature selection more important for reducers and hardeners using HVLP? A: Yes and No, No on spot panel repairs. Large repairs or full paint jobs are extremely important. I recommend using at least 1 temperature selection higher in your reducer selection than what the paint Mfgr. recommends for the temperature that day. (Example: If its 72? and your Mfgr. recommends 70? temp reducer, HVLP Sprayguns will perform better with an 80?-85? temperature reducer.) Q: Will changing to an HVLP slow my production speed down? A: According to the Spraygun Mfgrs. No. However I have talked with many Refinish Techs and most all of them say they had to slow down at first. After the learning curve, most all of them were able to go back to painting as many cars a day as before. Even though you're using much less air pressure with an HVLP spraygun to apply the finish you're putting on more material per pass than the average siphon feed Spraygun. Q: I have been told that HVLP Sprayguns must be kept pristine clean. Is there any truth to that? A: The truth is yes and no. Yes and no you ask? HVLP guns will spray just as well as a standard siphon feed gun will when it is dirty. So to answer your question it would be no it is not mandatory that HVLP be kept in ?pristine? condition. However with paints now days costing well into the hundreds of dollars per gallon why would you take the chance of ruining a paint job with a dirty gun. And it?s not just with the paint. Primers now days also cost well into the hundreds of dollars as well. So a dirty gun could literally cost you a bundle. Besides the price of the gun, imagine if you will all the material you would use on any particular job that could be completely wasted if your dirty gun caused a problem. Why take the chance? In this day and age you can purchase insurance for everything. Why not purchase a good spraygun cleaning kit? It?s cheap insurance. Q: Why does my new HVLP gun sound so much different than my old siphon feed gun? A: Remember HVLP stands for high volume low pressure. Also remember that HVLP must have less than 10 P.S.I. leaving the air cap. So your new HVLP spraygun is going to emit a different sound than your old conventional siphon feed gun. I have talked with some painters that compare their old siphon feed as a high pitched hissing sound and their new HVLP as a low pitched jet engine. So don't be fooled by the sound coming from your new HVLP spraygun. If you inlet pressure is set at the manufacturers recommendation then the air cap pressure will be at or below 10 P.S.I. Q: I have heard other painters rave about the finish that their HVLP spraygun puts out. I have painted cars for 18 years and I tried an HVLP a few months back and I hated the thing. I just couldn't get my finish to lay out. What could I have been doing wrong? A: Well, there are a number of things that could have been a problem. First of all I would check my technique. Remember I said earlier you would need to move in closer, slow down slightly, and overlap less. Secondly, I would check my air compressor's CFM. Most HVLP Sprayguns will need anywhere from 8-16 CFM at around 40-50 PSI. On average I want at least a 5 horse compressor with at least a 60 gallon air tank. This would be the bare minimum recommendation. This size air compressor with some HVLP Sprayguns would not be adequate. Thirdly and most often overlooked is air fittings and hoses. Let?s talk hoses first. With HVLP since they work off CFM instead of PSI you will need to make sure you have at least a 3/8" inside diameter air hose. Also use only the amount of air hose needed for the job (i.e. don't use 50 feet if 35 feet will work). Now for air fittings, buy only 3/8" inside diameter air fittings such as Sharpe's 8310, 8320, 8330, and 8340. Also get rid of all air restrictions that aren't absolutely necessary such as those little colored air dryer balls, air regulators, wound up unused air hose and yes even hose reels. These steps can be time consuming to fix all the little problems, but to save the most material and get the best out of your HVLP spraygun these things are very necessary. Gary Kinsey has been a salesman for R&E Paint Supply for the last 12 years. He has a very proficient knowledge of the PBE industry and is a well trained customer service representative. Monday, January 7. 2008Is Your Auto Technician ASE Certified?
Prolonging the life of your car and making sure it keeps running properly through the years of wear and tear and extreme weather changes depends heavily on the auto mechanic or technician maintaining your car. Now the weather changes are strictly dependent of where you live but there's no denying the wear and tear that every car goes through and having a hack work on your car will really take its toll on the life of your car and your pocket book.
It's your responsibility to ensure that the auto mechanic or auto technician working on your vehicle or vehicles has the experience and ability to handle all necessary issues that can arise and that will save you time and money down the road. Don't take any chances with the health and life of your vehicle; you've invested a lot of money to buy it so insist on your auto mechanic or technician to be ASE certified. ASE certification is monitored from the nonprofit organization, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence which was founded in 1972 and can be found at www.asecert.org. The ASE has certified nearly 500,000 automotive professionals in the industry now with ASE testing and certifying auto technicians in all of the major areas of auto repair and auto service. You can find ASE certified auto technicians as well as auto parts specialists all across the United States from independently owned garages to huge name brand garages and dealerships. Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, auto service consultants, and collision damage estimators. Twice a year in May and November ASE tests over 100,000 auto technicians at over 750 locations around the country. To become ASE certified one must pass at least one exam and have verified work experience of at least two years. The tests, developed by auto industry experts and overseen by ASE's own professionals, are administered by ACT known for its academic and occupational testing programs. Also, these exams are not some piece of cake test, approximately one out of three test takers fails. Another reason ASE certification is so well respected in the auto industry and requires care and dedication is because a certified auto mechanic or technician must take the test every five years to maintain their certification which further works to find the best auto technicians in their field. The best thing about the ASE certification is that it is certifying the individual technician's ability not the repair facility or garage as a whole in which they are employed. It doesn't even really matter if a repair facility has a decent reputation if they have unqualified technicians working there. ASE certified auto mechanics or technicians have the pride to test and prove their own technical competence to themselves, to their employers and to their customers. With ASE certification being voluntary for the most part it separates sub standard auto technicians from quality technicians who are self motivated and seek out the certification that places them above the rest. There's no denying that motorists will benefit from auto technicians that are ASE certified. Repair facilities that employ ASE certified professionals show their customers they care about the knowledge and skills of their individual technicians and their commitment to quality and customer loyalty. You can identify a repair facility that has ASE certified professionals by the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence® logo. Also, ASE certified technicians usually wear blue and white ASE insignia and have credentials listing their exact areas of expertise (brakes, engine repair, etc.), most employers usually display their auto mechanics' or technicians' credentials in an area where it's easily visible, most often than not, in the customer service waiting area. These days our cars are usually the second biggest investment we make after our homes, so take your car to an ASE certified auto professional and you'll get the best possible service and a long healthy life for your car. Get valuable tips and links for car buying online and buy cars online including online car loans, online car insurance, online car auctions, car buying mistakes and car dealer scams to avoid and so much more. You can save thousands of dollars and get the deal you deserve on the car you want when armed with the knowledge at http://Car-Buying-Help.com/carblog/ Friday, January 4. 2008How To Change a Tire Without help
Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.
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Friday, January 4. 2008Taipei Auto Show Introduces VW TiguanAsia will finally have a taste of the German-produced vehicle, the VW Tiguan as it makes its Asian debut during the Taipei International Auto Show which opened last week and will continue to run until the 7th of January this year. The Marketing Director for VW Singapore, Dr. Olaf Duebel, said, “The Tiguan, often nicknamed the ’small brother’ of the Touareg, can be recommended for drivers who enjoy outdoor activities in the country.” Dr. Duebel has guaranteed that drivers of the VW Tiguan will enjoy the model, with all its performance, versatility, and its glamorous design. But still the VW Tiguan prides itself of providing highly comfortable driving behaviors which can adapt to both city and countryside driving. At the same time, it remains to be a great off-road vehicle because of its SUV built. This VW model is available in three versions – Sport & Style, Track & Field, and Trend & Fun and all are offered in tow variants. Both the Sport & Style and the Trend & Fun versions were designed more for use in on-road driving. This is because these two versions have safe and highly comfortable driving characteristics, making hem perfect for city and countryside driving. On the other hand, the Track & Field version is especially-designed for use off of the asphalted trails with its 28-degree entry angle before impacting the front of the car. There’s a newly-developed off-road mode that’s available in the standard version of the VW Tiguan. This mode helps wih controlling a wide range of assistance systems which, in turn, will allow drivers to experience a relaxing, comfortable, and safe off-road driving. With regard to the power unit used, VW will propose three TSIs models for gasoline engines – direct injection engine complete with turbo-charging or a turbo-charging plus super-charging. This engine is equipped with four cylinders which are capable fo delivering 110 kW / 150 PS, 125 kW / 170 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS, respectively. Friday, January 4. 2008Toyota Bumps Ford off 2nd Post in Sales
It still looks like foreign companies are out to conquer the U.S. auto-market as Toyota bumps Ford Motor Company off the 2nd spot for most car sales with 2,620,825 sold units. Ford suffered a defeat with a 12.7% decrease in sales and 2,572,599 units sold. Ford has again failed to pull itself up from the sales slump it has been experiencing for almost a decade now. General Motors is still strong in the lead with 3,866,620 sold vehicles. However, GM’s world’s biggest car producer title i ...
Friday, January 4. 2008Classic Ford Mustang Now on Sale
How about owning the first Ford Mustang ever produced? You’ve read right. The first Ford Mustang produced and sold is now on sale. ClassicMuscleCars.com is offering the public a chance to own the 1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible. Other Mustangs before this one were produced mainly for testing and racing purposes. The 1964 was produced on March 9, 1964 and is first of its kind to be offered to the general public. Raves about this model spread sooner before its official launch. In fact, th ...
Thursday, January 3. 2008The New Low-emission Ibiza Ecomotive
Aside from Volkswagen, SEAT also has its lowest carbon dioxide emission model offered in United Kingdom. The latest Ibiza Ecomotive features a cleaner output and goes beyond other brand’s low emission models like that of VW, hybrid Toyota Prius as well as Honda Civic. It is a bit more efficient than that of VW since the Ibiza could only emit 99g/km of carbon dioxide whereas the VW air conditioned version achieves 104g/km of CO2. The Ecomotive doesn’t need to pay vehicle excise duty inc ...
Thursday, January 3. 2008VW leans for a more environmental technologyDuring the 2008 Taipei International Auto Show which happened just last week, the Managing Director for VW Singapore, Dr. Olaf Duebel, said that VW has plans on developing new automotive technologies that also comply with both the environmental requirements and the demands of the customer. During the said auto show, Dr. Duebel also officiated the opening ceremony of the German automaker’s booth to which he also introduced the new VW Tiguan. Continue reading "VW leans for a more environmental technology" Wednesday, January 2. 2008VW’s 2008 Offer – The 2008 VW Touareg 2 V6VW wants to add more. And what the German automaker wants to achieve, it does so with much success at the end. That’s the case with its 2008 VW Touareg 2 V6. This year, this luxurious sports utility vehicle from Volkswagen promises better performance packaged in a more masculine and sporty look. The 2008 model year for the VW Touareg is the second generation for the model and it has been redesigned to look more sporty as ever. The aesthetic upgrades include a revised front grill and headlight assembly. The reason for these visual updates is to make the Touareg stand out more amongst its kind. And having such that commanding presence, its exudes an aura of being either a large midsize SUV or a small full-size SUV, a great off-road vehicle and a comfortable highway vehicle. Climbing inside the 2008 VW Touareg (take note: climbing), one will notice a few changes here and there. However, there are still a few features from the first generation which remained such as the useful storage and spacious room. The climate control system and the air conditioning system works efficiently so passengers do not have to worry about their ride not being all relaxing and comfortable. Again, they can benefit from the fresh outside air through the beautifully-designed sunroof without the wind turbulence getting to their last nerve. Great entertainment is freely given by the audio system guaranteeing clear music from the cabin soundproofing, which by the way, is also user-friendly. One of the few changes I mentioned is the comprehensive but easy-to-read instrument panel of the 2008 Touareg model. the Touareg weighs 2,332 kilos but despite its heavy structure, its acceleration speed is quite fast – zero to 100 kilometers per hour is achieved in a matter of 10.4 seconds. It generates power from its 3.6-liter V6 engine and this power unit is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. And being one great off-rod vehicle, one can experience its full all-wheel drive capability with just a push of a button. Monday, December 31. 2007GPS Auto Navigation Systems
Over the past couple of years, the cost of installing a GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably, and as an inevitable result of this, more and more people are taking advantage of it in order to make it easier to find out where they are going, plan their journeys, and keep track of where they are.
Satellite navigation dates back a lot longer than many people realize. The principles behind SatNav were first tested back in 1967, but it took nearly 30 years before the NavStar GPS System first began operation as a military application in the mid 1990s. Civilian use of GPS navigation was made available soon after the military launch, but the initial costs of using the system were very high, and required ongoing subscriptions to be paid. The first people who took advantage of GPS were pilots, and surveyors, who needed to be able to measure distances with pinpoint accuracy. In the early days , an affordable GPS auto navigation system was out of reach for the average car owner. Over time, the costs of GPS auto navigation system has fallen considerably, and there are increasing numbers of applications for them and the data that they provide in our daily lives. Manufacturers such as Garmin and TomTom have combined GPS signals Data with existing map information and complex mathematical algorithms to create systems that can be used for navigation on the roads and highways. These GPS auto navigation systems can be installed into any car in a matter of minutes, and then be used to plan journeys, and keep track of where you are to stop you getting lost on the roads. By being combined with other data, such as traffic news feeds, GPS auto navigation systems can warn drivers about road congestion, and provide alternative routes in real time to ensure that no-one who has such a GPS needs get stuck in a queue again. There are a number of different styles of GPS auto navigation systems available to suit the needs of the individual, from basic models through to expensive and highly accurate systems able to manage large amounts of data and provide information to the users in order to give feedback about where they have been. The simplest kind of auto navigation GPS system is a removable gadget that stores the map data internally, and uses a satellite signal to pinpoint the position of the unit. By combining the map data and the satellite signal, routes can be planned, and the user can find their way, while seeing a graphical representation of their route on a small screen. These GPS auto navigation systems can be either removable, or fixed into the car. Many new models actually integrate the GPS into the dashboard, while non fixed systems can either be mounted on the dash, or attached to the windshield using a suction cup. As well as dedicated auto GPS devices, it is also possible to buy a large number of other gadgets with GPS as a built in feature. Some GPS PDAs can have a GPS module plugged in to them, and used in cars, and an increasing number of cell phones have GPS as a standard feature. On the whole, although these devices have GPS built in, it is not of the same standard as a dedicated system, and wile it may help you know where you are, it will not provide such accurate data or be able to plan routes on the go as well as one of the custom systems from Garmin or Magellan. At the top end of the list of auto navigation GPS systems, there are a number of fantastic options available. Many of the high end GPS auto navigation systems include a range of features to make getting around as simple and convenient as possible. Aside from the standard information about maps and positions, these GPS systems can also provide information about local amenities such as gas stations, motels, and even speed control cameras in certain countries. More expensive GPS auto navigation systems come with the ability to upload additional map systems so they can be used in different countries, and through the use of local radio services, provide comprehensive traffic information to the driver wherever in the world he is. Whether you want a simple auto navigation GPS system to help you avoid the traffic problems in your home town, or are a cross country driver who needs the long distance planning flexibility for getting from a-to-b as efficiently as possible, there is a GPS system available that will suit your needs. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools.
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