motorfair - the pleasure of motoring

Motorcars cannot drive without roads

2008-12-24T18:37:00.000+08:00

In general, it is imperative that roads be constructed so that cars and vehicles can traverse over them. But not just any kind of roads, but reasonably flat and even terrain roads.

However, the roads of the following pictures are quite a challenge to motorists:

Technorati Tags: roads,motorfair,motorway

The Hondas have done it again...

2008-11-21T16:42:00.001+08:00

Once again the Honda won another award. This time it was voted by the online users through a poll by Yahoo. It is called the "Yahoo! Autos Excelerator Award Winner".

You can view it here: Click Here

This is the latest 2009 model and it will take the auto industry by storm. Already, the size is bigger than the Toyota Camry, so it will give the top car a great fight.

The engine is a V6 - 271-hp engine and uses the i- VTEC for great power and engine efficiency at all the speeds. This car also has the built-in Variable Cylinder Management technology meaning that the engine's cylinders are only activated as needed and giving the immediate push for both fuel savings and powerful acceleration from the blocks. Many of the regular functioning buttons are founded on the steering wheel, making you look like a Ferrari driver, even the hands-free button for your mobile phone.

Let's hope this will turn around the auto industry which is already plagued by the financial turmoil.

Technorati Tags: honda accord,cars,2009

To Honda or not to Honda ??

2008-11-19T13:20:00.004+08:00

I was approached by Mr. Eric Lam, the proprietor of the local Honda franchisee, of Haslita Motor Sdn Bhd to purchase a Honda Accord new model about two days ago.Of course the initial reaction would be, "sure, why not?" Let's have a look, especially with the latest newspaper report on the Asimo robot, and how advance Honda technology is. Hey, this robot is almost human. This is getting too close to be like the show "Matrix".

One look at the price tag of the Accord brought such a heavy deterrent to the soul. The new Accord is way beyond the normal wage earner, unless you can write it off as a business expense. On further checking, the "Honda Fit" seems like a great alternative. This is the latest addition to the Honda family. As someone once said, if you need to get a new car, go for the latest model. The old phasing-out model may have problems with spare parts later.

Honda Fit

So reading on further Honda Fit reviews brings up bigger surprises. The car is actually more like an MPV rather than a sedan car. It is 7 feet 9 inches long and can seat five adults comfortable. Further EPA estimates the fuel consumption to be 33 mpg - which is great, considering all the turmoil over gas prices and gas wars nowadays. In one of those 2008 Honda Fit reviews, I found that they actually overdid their features - the car has 10 beverage holders! Not 5, but 10. That means each passenger gets to have two holders - which can come in handy if you are driving on a ten hour journey.

Besides the basic utilities, other extras are like 6 air-bags, built in GPS, built in USB Audio Interface - accessible to maps and mp3s (all within the control of the steering wheel handle - makes you feel like an F1 driver).

Safety? No problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2008 Honda Fit a Five (5) Star rating. Hey, that is the max, already.

Any, bad news? Yes. Sorry, guys and gals, it is only available here in 2009. I guess they are trying to clear the old stock of the previous models first. Cross your fingers and wait patiently.

Technorati Tags: Honda Fit,2008,2009

Pump more petrol - price is dropping

2008-10-31T10:02:00.004+08:00

The government of the day is announcing that pump prices are dropping. What a welcome news to motorist and joy riders.

"Friday October 31, 2008
Govt expected to reduce petrol price by 15 sen a litre Saturday
By ROYCE CHEAH

PETALING JAYA: Petrol prices are expected to be cut by 15 sen a litre at 12.01am tomorrow – the fourth reduction since August.

This means the RON97 will cost RM2.15 a litre, down from RM2.30, and the price of RON92 is also expected to go down... The Star "

What a wave of refreshment. What a time of relief. What a smile for everyone.

For that matter, it is everyone's hope that all consumer items should also decrease in price. Especially the cartel over raw materials, construction products, transportation costs etc.

Does that mean that there is no more tightening of the belt for the average Joe? Can we afford to indulge in one's past-time favourites again? How about the long awaited holiday that every member of the family is looking forward to? Can we afford to spend as if tomorrow the price will drop further?

Wow, so many uncertainties. Just cross your fingers and hope for the best. But for the motor enthusiasts, this is the best time to take a joy ride all along the whole Expressway to burn off some of the joy of savings.

Necessity is the mother of invention - in the motor industry

2008-09-22T20:56:00.004+08:00

Many people in the world are still staggering from the full impact of the recent fuel price increase. The developed countries like US, Britain, France are also in the same predicament as those in Third World countries, all be it, to a lesser degree. However, it is about time that an alternative should be made viable for the mass, such that total dependence on fossil fuels should be unchained.

There is a renewed interest in the electric powered car production. No longer do we need to be controlled by the Middle East Oil crisis - fighting for oil with violence, as quoted by those "anti-Iraq war" patriarchs, but we can strongly look forward to a greener world and a lesser dependence on limited fuel resources such as petroleum.

One of the latest to join in this array of manufacturers of electrical cars is the Chinese car industry players. A Chinese electric car called the Flybo has reached the U.S. market and it is sold by a U.S. distributor, Wuzheng North America.

During the Beijing Olympics last month, various car makers have came up with hybrid or hydrogen powered vehicles for the Olympic use. Some taxi drivers have upgraded their cars to hybrid models, hopefully giving themselves better fuel economy and playing their part in preserving the environment.

Cars need roads to run...

2008-09-18T20:54:00.003+08:00

Cars need roads to run. Without roads, there will be no wheels, only bullock carts.

Some of the most interesting roads I have seen are found here.

You can see more of them at this website:

http://matadortrips.com/the-worlds-most-spectacular-roads/

More tips for saving gas / petrol

2008-09-15T17:53:00.003+08:00

1. Keep your tires properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Under inflated tires make the vehicle run less efficiently and waste gas.

2. Don’t be an aggressive driver. Sudden jerking starts, tire screeching stops and speeding can lower your gas mileage by 5% on city streets and as much as 33% on highways.

3. Avoid excessive idling. Idling your engine for 15 minutes wastes one gallon of gas. Whenever possible, time your traveling to avoid lingering at traffic lights and reduce the amount of time you let your car warm up. In warm weather, driving is actually the most efficient way to warm up a combustion engine.

4. Slow down. The faster you go, the less efficiently your vehicle uses gas. 55 is the most efficient mph on highways. Go above 60 and your fuel efficiency decreases rapidly.

5. Remove excess weight. If you’re used to driving around with your golf clubs and a chain saw in your trunk, you’re paying a heavy price for it. Removing an extra 100 pounds from your car will increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 2%.

6. Don’t use premium fuel unless your vehicle manufacturer requires it. Check with the manufacturing guidebook - to have the optimum type of fuel for your vehicle. High grade fuel costs much more.

7. Have a mechanic check your oxygen sensors. A faulty oxygen sensor will mistakenly send more gas to the engine then is needed. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can save you as many as six fill-ups a year.

8. Make sure your air filter is clean. A dirty air filter dramatically reduces fuel efficiency, so don’t just blindly follow some predetermined schedule for putting in a new one. Consider your actual driving conditions. Driving ondirt roads—or just plain dirty roads—or in heavily polluted cities will get your air filter filthy a lot faster than you might expect.

9. Check on your “forgotten filters.” Most motorists know to check the air filter when they do a tune-up, but not many think to check on the fuel filter, the PCV valve and the breather filter. Replacing these “forgotten” filters once a year or every 12,000 miles can help improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent.

10. Get a new gas cap—and make it one with a lock. Old gas caps can get out of shape. As gas fumes expand in your tank, they can escape past a faulty seal and waste precious fuel. Some studies suggest you can save as much as 17 gallons of gas a year just by replacing an old gas cap. And consider making that new gas cap a locking model because sadly, as gas prices go up, so do gas thefts.

Are Car Magazines useful in buying a new car?

2008-09-10T00:59:00.002+08:00

Many people rely on other people's advice especially on the purchase of an automobile / car. The words of a trusted friend goes a long way to convince a car purchaser on what type of car to buy. The investment for a regular guy that goes into a new car is quite a considerable amount in present market value and is usually the second largest purchase after the purchase of a house. What happens when there is no reliable friend around? Who can give solid advice to a purchaser? Would the potential purchaser depend on newspapers, classified ads, car magazines, books or the old-fashioned salesman at the car showroom?

Today, with the advent of the Internet, it is normal for a yuppy (and not necessary an-internet savvy person) to consult with on-line blogs, car review websites, forums, and even eBay before plunging the initial step of placing a deposit for a set of new wheels. The convenience of participating on comments in blogs, forums etc. has opened a new realm of social networking for personal benefits. You actually have lots of people who are more than willing to share their experiences with you and to offer free advice to you - without any obligations or other ulterior motives.

Once upon a time, we used to look out for the classified ads at the back of the Star papers, just to check out the prices of the vehicles but a quicker and cheaper way today would be to "google" for it.

You can even view them in video sites such as youtube, metacafe or google videos all at the comfort of your armchair in front of your computer. No need to waste your time and money running from showroom to showroom gawking at the vehicles.

So, are car magazines important or useful when purchasing a new car? Yes and no. Yes, when the car magazine is an online version with all the featured tabs. No, when you have to buy the soft copy magazine, and then finding out that many of the information is not covered or it does not give a wider scope of reliable information.

Happy hunting!

Technorati Tags: purchase,cars,magazines,forum,videos

Winglet - Is this the end for the taxi and local transport industry?

2008-09-02T14:43:00.002+08:00

Toyota just unveiled the Toyota Winglet on August 1, 2008, which is a self-balancing two-wheeled scooter. It is quite similar to the Segway but the maximum speed is only 3.7 miles per hour as compared to the 12.5 mph of the Segway. The Segway did not really picked up because of the hefty price tag, but if Toyota have its way, it will also conquer the world market similar to the way that their passenger cars did. Ask anyone in the world and only an alien would not have heard of Toyota.

For the Winglet, it is not known when it will be available on a commercial basis but keep your fingers crossed. Japanese companies have a way of pricing them reasonable cheap just to make it vastly available. In Fall 2009, Toyota will begin testing the devices on a larger scale in a Japanese airport and a seaside resort.

You can read more about it at Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,396261,00.html

Top ten fuel saving tips by Aboutdotcom

2008-08-18T18:02:00.003+08:00

The following is an except for fuel saving.

You may install a great device for saving fuel but you still need to consider changing your habit of driving so that you can maximize your savings especially in these times of hardship.

Top 10 Fuel Saving Tips

By Aaron Gold, About.com

Whether you drive a two-seat hybrid or a three-ton SUV, chances are you can squeeze a bit more distance out of each gallon of fuel -- and at today's gas prices, an improvement of just one or two miles per gallon (MPG) can really add up. These ten fuel saving tips have served me well over the years, and they can help you improve your car's fuel economy and take some of the sting out of high fuel prices. Most of these tips will give you a very slight increase in MPG -- but use several together and the gas mileage improvements will really add up.

1. Slow down

One of the best ways to save gas is to simply reduce your speed. As speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. If you one of the "ten-over on the freeway" set, try driving the speed limit for a few days. You'll save a lot of fuel and your journey won't take much longer.

2. Check your tire pressure

Under-inflated tires are one of the most commonly ignored causes of crummy MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop); under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which means you need to burn more gas to keep your car moving. Buy a reliable tire gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Be sure to check them when they are cold, since driving the car warms up the tires along with the air inside them, which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner's manual or on the data plate in the driver's door jamb.

3. Check your air filter

A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one.

4. Accelerate with care

Jack-rabbit starts are an obvious fuel-waster -- but that doesn't mean you should crawl away from every light. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don't lug the engine -- downshift if you need to accelerate. Keep an eye well down the road for potential slowdowns. If you accelerate to speed then have to brake right away, that's wasted fuel.

5. Hang with the trucks

Ever notice how, in bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace? A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum -- important to those who have to wrangle with those ten-speed truck transmissions -- but it also aids economy, as it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving.

6. Get back to nature

Consider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you'll save fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. If I'm going someplace where arriving sweaty and smelly could be a problem, I bring an extra shirt and leave early so I'll have time for a quick change.

7. Back off the bling

New wheels and tires may look cool, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they'll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. If you upgrade your wheels and tires, keep the old ones. I have fancy sport rims and aggressive tires on my own car, but I keep the stock wheels with a good narrower-tread performance tire in the garage. For long road trips, the stock wheels give a smoother ride and better economy.

8. Clean out your car

If you're the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness -- and I definitely fall into that category -- periodically go through your car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house. It doesn't take much to acquire an extra 40 or 50 lbs. of stuff, and the more weight your car has to lug around, the more fuel it burns.

9. Downsize
If you're shopping for a new car, it's time to re-evaluate how much car you really need. Smaller cars are inherently more fuel-efficient, and today's small cars are roomier than ever. Worried about crash protection? The automakers are designing their small cars to survive crashes with bigger vehicles, and safety features like side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control are becoming commonplace in smaller cars.

10. Don't drive

Not a popular thing to say on a car site, I know, but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you'll save gas. Take the train, carpool, and consolidate your shopping trips. Walking or biking is good for your wallet and your health. And before you get in your car, always ask yourself: "Is this trip really necessary?

Car Tip 34 - Environmental Car Care Tips

2008-08-14T13:18:00.002+08:00

Drivers, why not make every day Earth Day?

According to officials with the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), motorists can help the environment and their own finances by changing a few habits. This may come as surprise to those who think they must wait for hybrid or alternate-fueled vehicles to become popular.

ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two can't-fail action plans. Here are a few specific, easy-to-implement tips from ASE.

-- Keep the engine running at peak performance -- a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in your owner's manual. A well tuned engine pollutes less and uses less gasoline than a neglected vehicle. Moreover, engine performance problems only get worse if neglected.

-- If you do your own repairs, be a good citizen.
Dispose of engine fluids and batteries properly. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water. Anti-freeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife and household pets. Some repair facilities accept used fluids and parts. Or call your local government for more information.

-- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
If your air pressure is just a few pounds low, you force the engine to work harder (read: burn more gasoline) just to move the vehicle. Tires that are misaligned also make your vehicle work harder. Consider, too, that poorly maintained tires wear out faster, which means more discards have to be scraped, recycled or sent to the landfill.

-- If you are not much of a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician.
Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.

-- Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

-- Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations.
Both habits guzzle gas and put extra wear and tear on your vehicle's engine, transmission, steering and suspension system, and other components. Use cruise control and anticipate traffic patterns ahead. As a side benefit, your brakes will last longer.

-- When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine.
Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. And, yes, walk more often.

-- Remove excess items from the vehicle's truck, since less weight means better mileage. Remove that roof-top luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag.

If appeals to save the environment are not enough, consider this: A poll of ASE-certified auto technicians indicated that a well-maintained vehicle should last 50 percent longer than a neglected one. Good car care saves you money and helps the environment -- a win-win situation.

Technorati Tags: cars,fuel saver,gas,petrol

5 great ways to save fuel for your car

2008-06-20T15:46:00.001+08:00

I came across this great article on 5 great ways to save fuel / gas for your vehicle.

In summary,

a. Don’t drive as much

b. Ease off on the pedal

c. Feeling the need for speed? Let it go

d. If you’re filling up on mid-grade or premium fuel, check to see if you really need to do this

e. Check your tire pressure weekly and keep your tires aired up to the recommended psi

See the full article here:

Save gas

Technorati Tags: save,gas,fuel

World's smallest helicopter to fly in da Vinci birthplace

2008-05-15T11:07:00.001+08:00

World's smallest one-man helicopter, GEN H-4, is seen here flying in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture, central Japan. It will soon take flight in the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, who is credited with having first thought of a vertical-flight machine, according to its developer.

Does that means that more and more people will take flying to work, or from one place to another instead of taking their cars. Dread, is this the beginning of the end for the motor industry.

Technorati Tags: helicopter

A bonanza for used auto parts

2008-05-13T11:09:00.002+08:00

Upon the launch of the Perodua Nautica, it was said that the life-span for a car owner to drive the same car is about five years. That means most car owners will own a car, new or second-hand, for an average of five years before disposing them of. The newer generation of car owners may not even use them for that long considering that they are so fashion conscious. However, they are not able to afford the newer cars that are coming in the market at $70,000 entry level. So they will settle in for second-hand modifications or improvising the existing car with used auto parts.

With that in mind, the used car market and all the downstream industries related to the used category is booming. The after-market parts is growing. The price increase of new cars is further fueled by the increase of iron and steel prices worldwide, causing tremendous shortages that is felt even in the local scene. The raw material shortage has reopened abandoned iron ore mines. Old mines that were deemed unprofitable such as those in Mersing, Johor and Rompin, Pahang were reopened with much enthusiasm. The auto wreckers are having a field day collecting presumably old cars and reselling them as scrap iron to steel mills or to China, which is experiencing a construction boom at the moment.

So if you are considering purchasing a new car, do consider some huge savings in the used car market.

Technorati Tags: used,cars,parts,wreckers,auto

Why are car prices in Malaysia so expensive?

2008-05-11T16:07:00.001+08:00

Do you realized that if you are a graduate with say three years of working experience, you cannot even afford a decent new car? You have to settle for a car that is maybe 5 years old, because your salary will not be able to take in all the car installments.

Maybe, you say it must be the whole economy fault. Let me tell you something. I was in Hawaii lately, and the price of a new Mercedes C200 is only about $30,000+. Dollar for dollar, if a 3 year graduate in US were to draw a salary of RM4000 per month, he can easily afford this car, because your installment would only be about $400 a month.

However, a new Mercedes C200 will cost you a limb here in Malaysia. The present price is around RM$300,000. How can a graduate pay for such a car? The installment would be more that his whole month's salary (say around RM$4000 also).

A car is now a basic necessity nowadays and you cannot really move about very much without one. So can our present government make this basic necessity reachable to everyone.

Why must the prices of cars be so high?

Technorati Tags: prices,car

Perodua Nautica or "naughty car"

2008-05-11T15:41:00.001+08:00

With the recent launch of the Perodua Nautica, there has been a renewed interest in the 4 wheel drive section of the car market. Previous editions of 4WDs are either too pricey or high on maintenance, since it is a wholly imported model. Parts are expensive and servicing is also expensive.

Hopefully, with the advent of the Nautica, Malaysian drivers can experience the comfort and safety of 4WD without burning a hole in the pocket.

However, without sounding to be too much of a pessimist, I do find several discouraging factors that are deterrents to buying a Nautica. These are only my personal point of views and nobody else.

They are:

a. The power is too low. The cc, is only 1.5l, while most other 4WDs are at least 2l. With such low power, the engine will be dragged and the petrol consumption will be high.

b. The seating capacity is only for 5 persons. With most other family vehicles, the intention is to be able to fetch as many as possible, especially now the introduction of rear seat belts seem imminent. The Toyota Rush is 7 seater. So people will be more keen to invest in the Rush than a Nautica. Also, the rear seats do not really take in 3 passengers comfortably. The 3rd passenger will have a tight squeeze.

c. The price of the car is a huge jump from the Kembara. Since Malaysian mentality is to take price increase in small increments, many will be deterred away from the price of RM89,900. The Kembara was only RM60,000.

d. And lastly, the choice of colors is terrible. There are only 2 colors available, and as you know, people like variety. So, your favorite color may not be mine.

So there you are, it is just my two cents.

Technorati Tags: Nautica,peodua

Dubai car

2008-05-09T13:46:00.000+08:00

How to sleep in your car

2008-04-23T14:02:00.005+08:00

I found it amusing to know that there is even an article related to teaching you how to sleep in your car.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A29176365

However, let me advice you that you are doing it at your own risk. There are many reasons and some of the most important reasons I can think of right now is that you are going to die of carbon monoxide poisoning. No matter how insulated you are from the outside atmosphere, the engine compartment is still linked to the passenger compartment. Leaks are going to occur whether you can detect it or not. Anyway, carbon monoxide gas is odorless i.e. you cannot smell it. Many suicides have occurred in this manner because of the painless procedure.

Secondly, in the present age of terror and violence, it is most likely that you will me robbed, mugged, raped, decapitated, de-limbed, taken for a terror ride, or killed. This is a modern and technologically advanced age but it is also the most violent age that we are living in.

I think the above is enough for you to stomach for the moment. My sincere advice, don't sleep in your car. Get home to sleep or a motel or a friend's house. Period.

A new Detroit

2008-03-01T08:24:00.004+08:00

America used to be proud of its automobile industry, particularly in the city of Detroit, the capital of mass production and automation for auto-vehicles. However with the ideas of globalization and sourcing for cheap labor, we are seeing a new paradigm shift which has made the entire world our ball game.

No longer do we see a domination of the automobile industry by US companies, but we are beginning to see new "Detroits" sprawling all over the world. The Detroit in US may be experiencing a slow down. The workers there may be laid off and definitely many people would be out of employment, but look at the bright side. The US companies now have the advantage of building new Detroits all over the world, where the cheap labor is, where the huge international market is, where the love for the exciting Fords and Chryslers still burns with great passion.

Look at Ford itself. They have relocated their operations internationally and judging by their superb redesigned F-150 pickup, they may be on the rise to be a top seller in the auto industry in the US once again.

The challenge is not whether there is going to be a revival of the car industry in Detroit in the US in the future. The challenge for auto-makers is to see the whole world as a fresh market and to produce environmental friendly vehicles rivaling those of Nissan and Toyota from Japan.

On the other hand, we are beginning to see an interest of non-US car manufacturers willing to relocate to the US soil for practicality purposes. The US is still considered as the largest car market in the world. The closeness of the US car buyers, the cost savings of international transportation (especially with the high cost of fuel for transportation), the enthusiastic consumer feeling for high technology in automobiles etc. have encouraged other car manufacturers to build their cars on US soil.

These newcomers over time could include carmakers from India and China as well as existing ones such as Toyota, Hyundai and BMW, which have already invested massively further north in Canada or in southern US states. Together with their manufacturing plants, other supporting industries will be spawned for their various auto parts such as Ford parts or Nissan parts.

They may seem unlikely to build their plants in Detroit, US again, but there will be "another Detroit" in another part of the States.

New technology from Michelin

2008-02-03T17:31:00.001+08:00

No air! And much less petroleum in their manufacture. Check these out...
Thought you might like to see the next generation of tires. They had a pair at the Philadelphia Car show.

Attached are pictures of the new Michelin tires. These tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon.

The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these tires.
This is what great R&D will do and just think of the impact on existing technology :

* No more air valves
* No more air compressors at gas stations
* No more repair kits

Futuristic Renault Car in India

2008-02-03T16:55:00.001+08:00

Can your car run on sawdust instead of petrol?

2007-11-05T17:54:00.000+08:00

It was reported that the Canadian scientists are experimenting with powering up your car with sawdust instead of the black oil that ooze from the ground beneath. With the price of oil aiming for US$100 / barrel, we are talking about a world inflation if nothing is done about this.

Some years ago, there was a story that reported automobiles running on tapwater! So the story goes, nothing is impossible. An alternative to petrol / gas, is also good for the environment as well as saving the future of the planet.

Running on sawdust / wooddust is not so far fetch. There is a vast availability of wood dust. In the province of British Columbia alone, a 8.8 million tonnes of wood waste is produced per year, excluding the rest of the other provinces that are already entrenched in the timber industry.

Would this be one of the means to end the oil monopoly?

Why is Oil Prices so high?

2007-10-29T18:09:00.000+08:00

Today, oil prices have soared to a record of US$93 per barrel which is roughly 40% higher than the price that is at the start of the year 2007.

Why is the Oil Price so high? What are the factors pushing it to the next level?

Many have said that wars around the world is one of the biggest factor. If you look at the latest military tension between Iraq and Turkey in northern Iraq, you will noticed the instability of the whole zone has created fears and uncertainty over the commercial future of the people, especially the business sector involving in the Oil and Gas Industry. The control over production, the fear of retaliation on the existing pipeline supplies, the reduction of manpower in war zones etc. have added to the slowing down of much needed production.

This unsecured political situation in northern Iraq is just one of the factors affecting the uncertainty in the Oil and Gas Industry, thus pushing the Oil prices sky high.

Next you find Iran, one of the major oil producers in the world, making demands on the Oil users like United States and Europe, to lay their hands off their nuclear programme, and to abstain from military attacks or threats of war. Iran could be using their influence in the Opec Council to push Oil prices higher with the intention of trying to crunch the users to their knees.

Then you have Nigeria's long history of civil war which has eroded the confidence of Oil companies in the country to invest in more drilling apparatus. Multi-national companies in the Industry have to house their platforms, offices, pumps and people in heavily guarded compounds to reduce the high incidences of kidnappings. Nigeria still has one of the largest untapped oil-fields in the world, but their unpredictability in the production of Oil has inflated the prices.

Is the Oil price going to increase further? This is a definite Yes.

When you have reduction in production and an equally insatiable thirst for more Oil in India and China, you are going to see a greater increase in Oil Price. This is basic supply and demand economics. India and China are liken to a race to outdo each other in economic expansion. With estimated economic growth of 8% in India and 10% in China, we are seeing an all-time demand for the much needed Oil energy as fuel for this economic engine.

However, the happiest lot of people seems to be the oil producing countries and their companies in the Industry, and that includes Petronas in Malaysia.

Green light for cleaner and safer cars

2007-10-26T18:28:00.000+08:00

Lately, the buzz in Malaysia and Singapore is about motor shows and motor exhibitions. The public are being deluged with promotions after promotions of newer and shinier models. Luxury cars are no longer reserved for the few elite, but young yuppies are finding themselves behind these sexy wheels which speak of a new found wealthy class of professionals who have made it.

In the past, motor shows have always been about sexy cars. Now, the emphasis seems to have shifted to lower fuel consumption and controlled toxic gas emissions. There have been greater emphases on environmental protection and greater care for the climate and planet earth. All the hype by environmental evangelists such as the former Vice President of United States, Al Gore, seems to be bearing fruit.

Toyota was one of the first car manufacturers to come up with a hybrid sedan car that runs on petrol and electricity. The idea is a cleaner fuel and more efficient engine compartment. Subsequently, other motoring giants have also jumped on the bandwagon and come up with their latest hybrid show models, ready to entice the new generation of environmental conscious car buyers.

Whatever it is, a car or vehicle will not function to its maximum design if their parts are defective or of sub-standard quality. I remember when I was servicing my multi-purpose Toyota Avanza, there were plenty of salesmen peddling cheap Toyota auto parts to replace worn out ones. That is one of the silliest ideas to accept particularly in this era of car and passenger safety. Particularly for my friends who use their 4 wheeled vehicles for off-road adventures, safety and dependency is top most on the mind when you are in the midst of a rocky climb. You wouldn’t want your Four-wheeled drive Isuzu Trooper to fail you while you are negotiating a steep climb just because you have compromised and installed defective Isuzu parts.

Get genuine parts from genuine distributors. Go for good reviews from satisfied customers. In Malaysia and Singapore, it is a hip thing to install fancy accessories to impress the opposite sex with their new wheels. Due to the popularity of certain models such as the Honda City or Honda Accord, many imitation accessories have emerged. You should always demand to have genuine Honda Accord parts and accessories. You will never go wrong on this path.

Happy motoring.

10 Ways To Overcome The High Oil, Gas & Petrol Prices, Both Local And International

2007-10-19T21:28:00.000+08:00

These are my personal understanding on how I can overcome the high prices of gas or petrol for my personal expenses.

They may not be rocket science deductions or great political analysis, but if I can do all these ten ways, my monthly expenses will be reduced, my life will be healthier, the environment will be better, global warming will slow down, demand for gas and petrol will reduce and the gas prices will fall.

Here are the ten:

1. Use motion detector or sensored devices to operate your electrical appliances and lightings. For example, your lights or fans will turn off by themselves when there is no movement or motion detected. This is great for walkways, hallways, driveways, playgrounds, games rooms etc. Much electricity / energy is wasted because many people forgot to off their switches to the appliances. When less electricity is used, less gas is used to generate that electricity.

2. Use light sensored switches to control perimeter lights such as garden lights, back door lights, garages, road lights etc. These switches will only turn on when night falls. During daybreak, the switches will turn all the lights off. You will never forget to turn off the lights again. With less electricity consumed, less gas is required by the generators.

3. Use as much renewable energy as possible such as solar powered, wind powered, hydrogen generated, hybrid generators etc. These are non-dependant on the gas produced by the oil fields. Presently, these energies may be expensive, but when more individuals favor these renewable energies, the installation prices will fall, the savings will be noticed on the medium or long run. Better still; if possible, shift your house nearer to the seaside for breezier atmosphere. The natural breeze will be good for your health and it also saves your energy costs to run your fans and air conditioners.

4. Change your driving habits. Use more cruising in your driving, and use higher gears more often. If possible, go for a manual geared automobile instead of an automatic one. Nowadays, many automatic cars also come with manual shifts to allow flexibility for the car owner.

5. Use lower capacity cars for town driving and for driving within a 25 kilometer radius. The rational is that within the town, there are many stops and obstacles causing the vehicles to consume more petrol or gas. When you are using a lower capacity car (say 650 cc) instead of a higher capacity car (say 3500 cc), your vehicle will consume less gas during those waiting times. Over a period of time, you will find that your petrol consumption will be drastically reduced.

6. Use air conditioners that have a combined heater which can be used to power your hot water requirements in your home. Most homes have separate air-conditioners and water heaters. But if you install an air-conditioner with a built in heater pump for your home, you will have up to 40% savings on your energy bills. The excess heat generated by the air conditioners can be used to run your launderette, kitchen taps, dishwashing appliances, spa and other water heating services.

7. Use electrical powered bikes, cars, bicycles, mopeds and other forms of short distance transporters that can run on electricity instead of gas or petrol. This is a direct reduction on the usage of gas and the demand will be reduced immediately.

8. Use more public transportation such as buses, mass rapid transportation (MRT), light rail transportation (LRT), subways etc. Reduce your dependency on your cars and taxis.

9. Join environmental conscience groups, climatic crisis groups and add consensus to the combined voices to pressure energy generators to convert to natural energy or renewable energy generators such as hydro-electricity, sea wave generated electricity or wind farms.

10. Use energy saving devices for all appliances. For your cars, you can install ISpark at www.motorspark.com so that your cars become more fuel efficient, and your power is boosted for greater acceleration. That means you step on less petrol to travel the same distance and you can arrive there faster. For your homes you can install LED lights instead or halogen / fluorescent / incandescent bulbs. LED uses minimum energy as compared to the others. For your TVs and computer screens, use LCD monitors instead of the normal CRT tubes or devices. Consider solar powered garden and wall lights for a start.

Let's contribute for a better tomorrow.

I have an interesting research done on fuel saving and power boosting for my product for petrol cars. Check it out at: http://motorspark.com/ and visit my blog at http://duriancapital.blogspot.com/

Surging Oil Prices...Ouch

2007-10-15T14:20:00.000+08:00

Oil surges to $84 for first time. There is much debate over whether the oil price will rise or fall.
This time, oil prices have reached another record - surging past $84 a barrel for the first time. US sweet, light crude jumped as much as 97 cents to trade briefly at $84.05 a barrel in New York on supply fears before falling back to $83.69. What are these fears? Fears that world energy supplies will reach critical levels this winter rose on low US crude stockpiles and fears that supply from Iraq could be hit.

The whole world is dependent on oil (or gas, petrol). Without it, mankind cannot survive, it seems. This season of high oil prices, will be a good time to reflect on how to save gas or petrol in our driving. Better still, install a measure of fuel saving device for your vehicles to help reduce gas consumption on an individual basis.

Driving in the night technologically

2007-10-08T21:45:00.000+08:00

BMW claims that its new 7 Series is the first production car to feature a far infra-red night vision system, used in conjunction with the new high-beam "assist" function to make night driving safer. A thermal imaging camera covers a distance of up to 300m in front of the vehicle creates an image of objects out of range of the normal headlights. The more brilliantly the object on the central monitor is displayed, the greater the warmth registered by the camera. Pedestrians and animals would thus be the brightest areas of the image because of their high infra-red heat signature; they're also the most important things to concentrate on when driving responsibly.

The thermal-imaging camera is installed behind impact-resistant glass and a fine grid in the left front bumper. A camera cleaner jet is activated along with the windscreen washer system and the glass cover is heated when the outside temperature is below 5ºC.

Motoring is getting more and more sophisticatedly and technology has helped made human lives safer on the road.

PM advice: Drive home safely

2007-10-07T23:37:00.000+08:00

Better late than never. This is the advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who wants the people to drive safely during this week despite the balik kampung rush. He said it was his hope that everyone would celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri this weekend joyfully and not mourn over the death of their loved ones involved in road fatalities...The Star Malaysia.

Highways are going to be jammed packed. Trains and buses are going to be overcrowded to beyond maximum capacity. The holiday rush is now on everybody's lips - for the transporters as well as for the holiday makers.

What are some of the precautions before you take that long arduous journey home?

Here are just some suggestions:

a. Car pool - to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

b. Don't overload because you need greater acceleration for overtaking and stronger braking power - especially during emergencies. If your brakes fail you at your crucial moment, it can mean disaster.

c. Check your brakes, and do a full point checkup with your mechanic and car electrician.
Take breaks in between the journey to ease yourself - both mentally and physically. Tired minds and bodies are ingredients for slow reflexes leading to accidents.

d. Have the correct air pressure in your tires. Proper air pressure gives better road handling.

e. Clear your bladder and bowels before you start your journey. I can guarantee you that one of the worst scenario when caught in a jam is when you need to find a latrine or toilet.

f. Make sure you carry enough food and entertainment for your children, if you have any, in the car. It will be hard to scout for proper food and harder to satisfy an irritating child.

g. Follow proper lanes and do not use the motorcycle lanes or the emergency lanes even though it may look empty. This eliminates bottle neck at the front and stalled vehicles not progressing at the rear.

h. Check your air-conditioner and make sure you have enough cooling gas/fluid. You wouldn't want the heat to get to you and your family in the car especially when you are cooked up in a metal container called a car, and the sun is overbearing on you.

i. Have the right amount of money for toll and keep spare change and coins in the car for faster clearance at the toll booths.

and finally:

j. Be patient and courteous on the road. Do not be a rude road user. Isn't this holiday season supposed to be enjoyable and happy for everyone.

Happy motoring.

The irony of using a faster touch n go card

2007-09-28T11:58:00.000+08:00

Driving through the highway is a good way of saving time especially with the "touch n go" card issued by the toll highway operator.

However you would have noticed that there are several toll plazas where two toll collector booths will be opened. One of them is for collecting cash meant for the toll that the motorist have to pay. The other will be for collecting either cash OR for swiping the touch n go card.

The problem becomes acute when the cars began to queue up for payment at the toll.
When you are a touch n go card holder, you are buying into a convenience whereby you do not have to waste time by queuing up with the rest of the cash payers. When the cash payers find that both tolls are able to collect cash, they will quickly use up both the lanes for payment resulting in the card holders having to queue up with them.

This brings us up to the question: why should we purchase a touch n go card?

What is the benefit of a card holder, when you have to queue up with all the rest?

Can't the operators dedicate just one lane for card holders and the other lanes for cash holders instead of mixing up the payment methods?

I know this does not happen to all the toll plazas along the highway, but the ones that I use - have this problem.

Nuclear power or nuclear bomb

2007-09-26T18:04:00.000+08:00

Nuclear power is on everybody's lips. The President of Iran says that he is creating nuclear power for their energy needs and not to bomb Israel.

Many countries rely on atomic energy for their electricity.

Though nuclear energy is cheap, no reactors have been built since the 1980s. Accidents, spiralling decommissioning costs and the problem of nuclear waste have eroded enthusiasm.

But with soaring oil and gas prices, dwindling fossil fuel reserves and pressure to tackle climate change - such as depletion of ozone layer, many believe a new generation of reactors is required.

What do you think? Should we go for nuclear power/energy - in the face of a possible nuclear war disaster?

The future truck ?

2007-06-04T19:07:00.000+08:00

Driving Tips - What Really Saves Gas? And How Much?

2006-05-18T18:47:00.000+08:00

[ adapted from = edmunds ]

With gas prices so high, the media is awash with lists of gas-saving tips. Well how's this for a tip? If you listen to us, you can see hybrid-type savings without having to buy a new car.

By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy up to 37 percent right away (depending on how you drive). Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance and you will save real dollars, not just pennies.

A miracle? All we did was take several of the most common tips out there and put them to the test over a remote 55-mile route in the high desert of California. Some of them worked like a charm. Some of them didn't work at all. We'll give you the breakdown.

These tests were done under real-world conditions — not in a government lab somewhere. Our results can be matched by anyone — even you.

The wonderful part about what we found is that improving your car's mileage is just a matter of changing your habits. Stack a few of these winners together and we'll bet that you'll see a substantial savings at the pump — without the need for a new car.

The Tests

Our results are based on two separate fuel testing sessions. On each occasion we took two cars from the long-term fleet and drove on a 56-mile test loop. Our route circled Owens Lake near Lone Pine, California, at the foot of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. We chose the route because it was so deserted we could vary our speed and driving style without interfering with the flow of traffic. The only other cars we saw on the route were a caravan of test vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. We drove the loops back-to-back to ensure that we were comparing similar wind and temperatures. We logged our results and later put them on a spreadsheet where the results were averaged.

Test #1: Aggressive vs. Moderate Driving

This is gonna hurt. Our tests showed that the most significant way to save gas is: you. And we're talking massive fuel economy gains. Think you need a hybrid? Chances are you've got hybrid-style mileage in your gas pedal foot. Don't mash the gas when you start up. Take the long view of the road and brake easy. This tip alone can save you unbelievable amounts of gas. If you slowed your 0-to-60-mph acceleration time down from your current 10 seconds to a more normal city pace of 15 seconds, you'll feel the savings immediately.

Method: We conducted this test four times. The first time we did the full 55-mile loop once by accelerating aggressively 15 times at 3/4-throttle from zero to a cruising speed of 75 mph. We also applied the brakes hard to come to a full stop. Then, we drove the second loop by accelerating moderately 15 times at 1/4-throttle to a cruising speed of 70 mph. We braked lightly to a full stop. In the second set of tests we drove 25 miles making 25 rapid accelerations to 65 mph at 3/4-throttle. After 1 minute of cruising we braked hard and repeated the cycle up to 65 mph. We then drove the same distance making 25 moderation accelerations to 60 mph at 1/4-throttle. After 1 minute of cruising we applied the brakes easily and came to a full stop.

Test #2 Lower Speeds Saves Gas

Remember a thing called the speed limit? On most highways it is either 65 or 70 mph. How fast are the cars and trucks around you going? From 75 mph to 90 mph. These people are wasting a lot of gas for the chance to get there a little earlier. Factor in safety concerns and a speeding ticket once or twice a year and going fast is a costly proposition.

Method: This test was simple. For 50 miles we drove with the cruise control set at 65 mph. Then, for another 50-mile stretch we drove with cruise set at 75 mph. We repeated this test going in the opposite direction. It is amazing how obvious the difference in gas mileage was. Just think what would have happened if we had slowed down to 60 mph. The only problem is with impatient drivers behind you. One driver became so irate that he tried to run our editor off the road. Still, if you are pinched by gas prices. Leave a little early and drive the speed limit (in the slow lane).

Test #3 Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control is a bit of gas-saving advice frequently on tips lists. We have always agreed with this tip in theory but we hadn't expected such significant results. First, it smoothes out the driver's accelerator input by preventing nervous "surging." Second, it makes the driver take the long view of the road rather than reacting to every change in the traffic around them.

Method: We did this test twice with four different cars each time driving the 55-mile loop. The first time we set cruise control to 70 mph. The second time, with the cruise control off, we varied our speed between 65 mph and 75 mph. We tried to mimic the driving style of a person who is in moderate freeway traffic.

One thing that's important to note: if you are in a mountainous area you should turn off cruise. It will try to keep you up to the speed you've set and will use a lot of extra gas downshifting to lower gears to accomplish this.

Test #4 A/C On, Windows Up vs. A/C Off, Windows Down

This has got to take you back to the days with the family on vacation. Dad says, "Turn the A/C off! It wastes gas!" And Mom says, "We can't roll the windows down or everyone on the highway will think we can't afford A/C." And you're in the back roasting, hoping someone will win the argument so you can cool off.

Well, family psychology aside, if dads are still saying this, they aren't necessarily right. While the A/C compressor does pull power from the engine wasting some gas, the effect appears to be fairly minimal in modern cars. And putting the windows down tends to increase drag on most cars, canceling out any measurable gain from turning the A/C off. But this one depends on the model you're driving. When we opened the sunroof in our SUV, the mileage did decrease even with the A/C off. Still, in our experience, it's not worth the argument because you won't save a lot of gas either way. So just do what's comfortable.

Method: We drove the full 55 mile-loop in two cars at equal speeds both times — 65 mph. The first loop we drove with the A/C on and the windows up. The second loop we drove with the A/C off and windows down. In the second test we drove 20-mile loops. This was far enough to see our gas mileage level off and remain steady on the computer trip meter.

Test #5: Check Your Tire Pressure

No matter how many times drivers hear about the importance of tire pressure, most of them don't do anything about it. They probably don't like squatting beside their car in a busy gas station with fumes swirling around them. But is it important? The answer is yes, for a number of reasons. Properly inflated tires are less likely to fail at high speeds. They wear more evenly and, yes, they deliver better gas mileage. How much? In this test we saw a modest difference in two of the cars. It might have been more dramatic with different tires on different cars. Experts swear by it; we couldn't really document it. And we wound up wondering if tire technology, like the design in other areas of the car, had improved.

Eventually, we concluded that each set of tires is different and every vehicle is different. We recommend that you do your own tests to see what inflation setting gives you the best fuel economy.

Method: We drove the 55-mile test loop four times at 60 mph — twice with tires at or above proper inflation. Once, we did the test with the tires 5 psi below the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Since this produced very little difference we enlarged the gap and under inflated the tires by 8 psi. We felt that it was important to make sure the tires were inflated to the recommended level or above.

Test #6 Avoid Excessive Idling

If you turn off a light bulb as you leave the room you'll save electricity. If you turn off your car you will save gas. Obviously. But related questions are more difficult to answer. If you're only stopping for only a minute, is it better to shut off the engine or keep it idling? Should I shut off the engine in traffic? How much gas will this save? What rule of thumb do I use when trying to save gas this way?

Method: We took two cars and drove a 10-mile route stopping 10 times for two minutes. We shut down the car each time. Then we drove the same route at the same speed and let the car idle for two minutes.

Conclusions

The good news is that you can drastically improve your gas mileage. The caveat is that you have to change your driving habits. If you are willing to change, you'll find many related benefits too: no speeding tickets, greater safety, reduced stress and lower repair bills for tires and brake pads. In the long run this will save you money. And who knows? You might like the new you.

Car Tip 33 - Driving Safety Hazards

2006-01-06T22:19:00.000+08:00

Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards

Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.

Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway.

Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.

The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs replacement.

Rainy weather also affects driver visibility. Because 90 percent of driving decisions depend on good vision, a clean windshield is imperative. Streaking and smearing impair vision and are caused by worn windshield blades. One out of every five vehicles that went through the check lanes had worn wiper blades.

Replacing worn wiper blades is easy and inexpensive, why put it off until there's a downpour and your blades are chattering and smearing the windshield?

Car Tip 32 - Driving More Efficiently

2006-01-05T22:12:00.000+08:00

Driving More Efficiently

Practicing fuel efficient driving techniques can improve fuel economy more than 10%.

* Observing the Speed Limit

In highway driving, over 50% of the energy required to move your car down the road goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag (pushing air out of the way). As you drive faster, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance increase. As a result, at speeds above 55 mph, fuel economy decreases rapidly.

By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph , you'll save gas. Of course it will take you longer to get to your destination, but for each extra hour you spend driving you'll save $5.00. Owners of larger trucks and sport utility vehicles may save as much as $10.00 for each extra hour spent driving.

Staying within the speed limit is not only a matter of safety and obeying the law, it can also save you money!

* Over-drive Gears

Over-drive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. When you use over-drive gearing your car's engine speed decreases. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

* Using Cruise Control

Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will reduce your fuel consumption.

* Anticipating Traffic Situations

In city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy.

Avoid extreme acceleration except in emergency situations. Hard acceleration causes your engine to enter a less efficient "fuel enrichment mode" of operation.

If you anticipate traffic conditions ahead of you and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5-10 %. This defensive driving strategy is not only safer, it will also reduce wear on your tires and brakes and save you money.

* Avoiding Unnecessary Idling

Warming up your car isn't necessary for most cars today. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air.

* Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Your tires are designed to operate at peak efficiency only when they are inflated to the proper air pressure. You can read the maximum inflated tire pressure on the sidewall of the tire. By adhering to these recommendations your car will not only get better tire wear, but you will get better fuel mileage because you'll have less rolling resistance.

Car Tip 31 - Drivetrain Quiz

2006-01-05T22:07:00.000+08:00

Drivetrain Quiz

Your car's drivetrain is a vital power-transmitting component ,and key to dependability.
It's responsible for transmitting the flow of power from the engine to the wheels.
The components include the clutch, torque converter, transmission, driveshafts (or axle shafts in front wheel drive), Ujoints, CV joints, differential and axles.

Most motorists take these components for granted until something goes wrong.
That "something" can range from leaks or strange noises to shifting problems to total failure.
If you do a lot of stop-and-go-driving, tow a trailer or otherwise subject your vehicle to unusual service, check your owners manual for recommendations.

With regular checks and maintenance you can expect two bonuses: a more dependable car, as well as fewer and smaller repair bills.

See how much you know about your vehicle's drive train.

1. If you hear a loud clucking sound as you shift your rear wheel drive car from drive to reverse, you probably need:

a) new universal joints. b) universal joints tightened. c) transmission mounts tightened.

2. The most common cause of damage to an automatic transmission is

a) driving too fast in second gear. b) failure to have bands adjusted. c) overheating due to improper use.

3. The drive train most commonly used in new cars is

a) front engine, front drive. b) front engine, rear drive. c) rear engine, rear drive.

4. Most automatic transmissions are cooled by

a) the vehicle's air conditioning system. b) a fan driven air cooler. c) the engine cooling system.

5. A lock-up torque converter is a

a) theft-proof device built onto an automatic transmission. b) torque converter that serves as a parking brake. c) torque converter in which the fluid coupling is mechanically locked out, providing a solid, nonslipping connection for better efficiency.

ANSWERS:

1. a) By the time the noise has become noticeably loud universal joint failure may be imminent. You could be stuck on the side of the road.

2. c) Improper use can range from heavy duty trailer towing without adequate cooling to excessive "rocking" out of a snow drift.

3) a) is correct.

4) c) is correct.

5) c) is correct.

Car Tip 30 - Does "On the Road Again" Mean "On the Phone Again"?

2006-01-04T22:03:00.000+08:00

Does "On the Road Again" Mean "On the Phone Again"?

These days you see more cell phones than ever, and many of them will be on the ears of people behind the wheel of an automobile.

Some of these phones and their owners will wind up in car crashes, but don't be too quick to blame the cell phone. Blame the drivers who use them in the wrong place at the wrong time, allowing conversations to divert their attention from the road.

Hands-free devices make it easy to eliminate reaching and dialing, but it's not about having your hands free. It's about having your mind free to concentrate on driving. It's best to pull off the road, or even better, call back later.

There are a variety of other situations that can distract motorists, whether they're en route to their vacation destination, or simply driving across town.

Many of these can be addressed with little or no money.

Examples include:

* Things hanging from the rear view mirror – Take them down. They can obstruct vision out of both the front and rear windows.

* A damaged rear view mirror – Get it repaired. Many of your driving decisions are only as good as the view from your mirrors.

* Worn windshield wiper blades – Replace them. Smeared glass and chattering blades can be unnerving. Blades are inexpensive and you can probably do the installation yourself.

* Torn or frayed car mats – Get new ones. The old mats can catch a heel, diverting your attention and/or interfering with the motion of your foot on the accelerator or brake.

* Droopy headliner – Purchase a kit to reattach it or buy a new one. Material draping down in the back obstructs the view out of the rear window.

* Keeping a pet in its place away from the driver.

Determine what annoyances you can fix yourself and which ones need professional attention. Take care of them as soon as possible; to delay could mean an accident waiting to happen.

Car Tip 29 - DIY - Easy Stuff

2006-01-03T21:56:00.000+08:00

DIY - Easy Stuff

Ok, so you want to work on your own car. Before you start let's look at what you will need to have before you open the hood.

* Your owners manual
* A flat area to work on your car with enough room to safely work on your car.
* Some clothing you don't mind getting dirty.
* Towels or rags to wipe your hands and various dipsticks.
* Shop light or flashlight to see into those dark places.

Checking Fluids:

Read you owners manual and look for a diagram of the engine. Most times there will be a diagram showing where to check all the major fluids. This should be your starting point. If your manual is lost in the glove box or you never had one, then ask your mechanic or a friend who knows cars to show you all the places to check.

There are 4 major levels to check on most cars.

* Engine oil - Usually towards the front of the engine and marked "OIL" Always check your oil level with the engine OFF. Remove the dipstick and wipe the oil off with the rag or towel then put the dipstick back into the hole. Now pull out and get a reading. You might have to hold the dipstick to the light to get a good reading as fresh oil can sometimes be hard to see. On the dipstick there will be two marks indicating a maximum and minimum level for the oil. Make it a habit of checking your oil every two weeks.

* Transmission fluid - If you have an automatic transmission then you will have a dipstick to check the fluid level. It is most commonly found towards the back of the engine compartment or towards the passenger side. You should find out how to check the fluid by looking at the owners manual or on the dipstick itself. Most cars have to be running with the transmission in park or neutral. Also the transmission should be warmed up to give a true reading. Make sure the car has been driven for a short distance to make sure everything is up to operating temperature. Checking the level is just like checking your oil, wipe off dipstick, replace, pull out again and check level. If you have a manual transmission there is no dipstick and to check the fluid level you must crawl under the car and remove a fill plug. I would have your mechanic check this for you once a year.

* Engine coolant - -- CAUTION -- Never open your radiator cap when the engine is hot ! The pressure in the system can send hot coolant splashing out on to you. Most cars have an overflow bottle which will have level markings. Keep the coolant between these markings. If you have to open the radiator, make sure the engine is cold.

* Power steering fluid - Your car uses oil to assist in steering the car. The fluid is usually checked at the pump, but can be away from the pump in a separate reservoir. Like the transmission, this fluid should also be checked when up to operating temperature. Most commonly the level is measured by a small dipstick attached to the cap of the reservoir.

* Brake fluid - On most newer cars you can check brake fluid level without removing the cap on the master cylinder. There will be level markings on the side of the plastic reservoir. If you have to remove the cover to check the fluid level, be careful not to spill any fluid on the surrounding paint. Brake fluid makes a nice paint remover :-)

* Windshield washer fluid - That's the magic blue liquid that squirts out of your hood. Most reservoirs have the level marked on the side but some newer cars have them buried underneath everything so you can not see. Just fill to the top, there is no harm in overfilling.
If you need to add any fluids to bring the levels up, a funnel is helpful to avoid spills. Keep track of how often you add oil, and transmission fluid. Frequent additions can point to leaks and engine wear.

Changing a tire:

It always happens at the worst times! You need to know how to change a tire even if you have an auto club membership. Depending on where you get a flat, there may not be a phone nearby to call a tow truck. Let's take is step by step and always remember to read your owners manual, there will be detailed instructions relating to your car there. I should mention also a few tips for getting to the side of the road safely if you have a blow-out on the road.

* Stay calm, do not panic
* Slowly take your foot off of the gas and let the vehicle coast to a stop.
* Do not make any sudden braking or steering actions.
* Put your flashers on to alert other drivers.

Now that you are safely off of the road.

Step 1: Make sure you are on firm level ground and away from traffic. If you are not, then try to drive to a better spot, but only if you can do it safely. Avoid going back onto the road and into traffic.

Step 2: Set your emergency brake and put the car in Park or 1st gear if you have a manual transmission. Make sure the engine is turned off.

Step 3: Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. These are usually located in the trunk underneath the carpet on cars. Trucks usually have the jack and lug wrench behind the seat or under the hood, with the spare tire under the bed.

Step 4: Typically there are instructions printed on the jack or somewhere near the storage compartment. Read these instructions, they will tell you where to jack the vehicle and any special steps you will need to take.

Step 5: First remove the hubcap or wheel cover. The lug wrench often has a flat end which you can use to pry off the cover. If not, a screwdriver will work just fine.

Step 6: Before you jack the car up you will want to break loose the lug nuts. The weight of the car will keep the wheel from spinning and allow you to apply more force to the nuts. You do not want to completely remove the lug nuts yet.... just break them loose.
Once the lug nut begins to move, STOP and move onto the next one. I often carry a small pipe which will fit over the lug wrench. This pipe can provide additional leverage and allow you to get those stubborn lug nuts off. Always remember righty tighty, lefty loosy. Turn the lug nuts left or counter clockwise to loosen.

Step 7: Now it's time to jack up the car. Make sure you know where the manufacturer has placed jacking points by reading the owners manual or the instructions near or on the jack. Most cars will have a reinforced lip where the jack can be placed. If you can not locate this, look for a solid portion of the frame to jack on. Make sure the jack is on firm level ground and start jacking. Take it slowly and only go as far as you need to get the wheel off.

Step 8: The wheel is off the ground and it's time to remove the lug nuts. Use the wrench or your fingers to remove the nuts. Slowly take the wheel off and set it to the side.

Step 9: Get the new wheel and put it on the car. Tighten the lug nuts as tight as you can without the wheel spinning. Don't worry about getting the nuts super tight as you will do the final tightening when the car is off of the jack.

Step 10: Let the car down off of the jack and get your lug wrench. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern if there are five nuts. Start with one lug nut and skip the next one until they are all tight. If you have 4 nuts, just tighten the opposite nut from where you started and then the remaining two in any order.
Step 11: Replace your wheel cover or hubcap and clean up the jack, lug wrench and blown tire. If your spare tire had air in it, you should be able to continue your journey.

Finally: Remember if you have a temporary spare tire (AKA doughnut) you can only drive a few miles to a service station and usually not over 50 MPH.

Car Tip 28 - Are Dirty Cabin Air Filters Preventing You From Breathing Easily in Your Car?

2006-01-02T21:51:00.000+08:00

Are Dirty Cabin Air Filters Preventing You From Breathing Easily in Your Car?

During the hot summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog, can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside.

Motorists can protect themselves and their passengers from these containments by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually or more often in areas with heavy containments, or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.

Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens - especially beneficial to people who suffer from allergies.

If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter.

There are about 30 million vehicles in North America that currently have cabin air filters.

However, most people have never heard of a cabin air filter or don't know if their vehicle is equipped with one. Vehicle owners should refer to their owners' manuals for this information.

If the cabin air filter is not replaced, it can cause musty odors in the vehicle, and over time, the heater and air conditioner may become damaged by corrosion.

A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can also cause containments to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car compared to walking down the street.

Car Tip 27 - Defensive Driving Tips

2006-01-01T21:42:00.000+08:00

Defensive Driving Tips

Many of the techniques have probably kept me out of serious accidents. Here are a few of the common sense tips I learned:

1. When traveling on a 4 lane or wider highway always stay in the right hand lane (at least in the good old USA) unless you are passing someone.

If an oncoming car loses control, and swerves across the median, the chances are that he will hit a vehicle in the left lane before hitting one in the right lane. So the right lane is the safest place to be. Always play the odds in your favor.

Along the same lines, if you're traveling in the left lane and someone coming towards you swerves across the line, you have very little time to react. This is how head-on collisions occur.

Curves are especially dangerous in this respect. The next time you are traveling around a curve on a road where there is no median, look at how worn the center line is. This is from cars crossing over into the oncoming lane. Be cautious, and stay to the right, especially on curves.

2. When traveling on a multi-lane road always give yourself maneuvering room in case another car looses control. Don't drive along right next to another vehicle, especially big trucks. One false move and you could get tangled up under the wheels of an 18 wheeler.

The idea is to always have an escape area, or a space to the front, rear and sides of your vehicle. That way if something goes wrong you have a place to maneuver into to avoid crashing.

3. Distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is absolutely critical.
You must be able to maneuver, under control, if something happens to the vehicle in front of you.

This is especially true if you are traveling in the rain or snow. Allow yourself additional space if the road conditions are bad, because you can't stop as fast as you normally could.

When road conditions are bad you don't want to be in the position where you have to make a panic stop, because then you will lose control of your vehicle. You must be able to slow down gradually and under control.

If someone behind you gets impatient and passes you, simply back off and put an appropriate distance between you and them. It could save your life.

4. Be very cautious at stop signs and traffic lights.

Whenever you take off from a stop sign or a traffic light after stopping, always look for oncoming cars that may be turning in front of you, and for cross traffic from both directions on the street you are going to cross. Don't assume that someone is going to stop just because they have a red light or a stop sign. Don't pull out in front of them until you are sure they have committed to stopping or yielding the right-of-way to you.

Also, when you are driving down the road always be on the look out for drivers who may not stop at side streets or intersections where they have either a stop sign or a red light. When you see someone approaching, slow down and be ready to stop just in case they don't....and when slowing down always be aware of how close cars behind you are. You don't want to slow down too quickly with someone on your rear bumper.

Car Tip 26 - Cooling System Quiz

2005-12-14T18:22:00.000+08:00

Cooling System Quiz

A fairly common household disaster is flooding of the laundry area due to a split hose on a washing machine. Also vulnerable to a similar disaster is your car. A bulging radiator hose, carrying hot water (coolant) under pressure, can rupture.

Cooling system neglect is cited as a principal reason for mechanical failure of a vehicle. In addition to the danger and inconvenience of a breakdown, the damage to the engine and transmission can add up to thousands of dollars. Discovering a leaking radiator, hose connection, a sticking thermostat or other cooling system component that's on "borrowed time" can save the life of one's engine.

To underscore the importance of proper care of the cooling system, we offer this multiple- choice quiz:

See how much you know about this vital engine system.

Cooling system quiz

1. For maximum freeze protection antifreeze mixture should be:
a. half anti-freeze and half water; b. pure antifreeze; c. 70% anti-freeze, 30% water.

2. In the cooling system the thermostat:
a. controls engine temperature; b. works the air conditioner; c modulates the diodes.

3. A radiator cap is designed to:
a. keep water from sloshing out of the radiator; b. keep the cooling system operating at a specified pressure; c. last indefinitely.

4. A broken drive belt can cause:
a. overheating; b. loss of power steering; c. dead battery.

5. Cooling systems on many cars today:
a. have no water pump; b. never need to be flushed; c. are equipped with an electric fan on the radiator.

Answers to Cooling System Quiz:

1. (C) is correct, although a 50/50 solution is adequate for most climates, protecting to -34o F. Never use pure antifreeze.

2. (A) is correct. As stated above, a faulty thermostat, causing an engine to run too hot or too cold, can damage the engine.

3. (B) is correct. And when replacing the cap, be sure to install the right one for your vehicle. Pressure recommendations vary.

4. Because all three functions are dependent upon the drive belt (or belts) all three answers are correct.

5. (C) is correct.

Car Tip 25 - Connecting Jumper Cables

2005-12-14T17:56:00.000+08:00

Connecting Jumper Cables

In the world of automotive emergencies, motorists need to learn certain procedures for safety's sake. Two of the most valuable lessons, changing a tire and hooking up jumper cables are best learned before an emergency arises.

The process of boosting a battery is especially important in cold weather. Jumper cables or cables on a portable battery booster should be connected properly to avoid sparks, which can cause an explosion of the hydrogen gas emitting from a battery. Beyond this, an incorrect hook up can damage critical, and expensive, electronic components.

The procedure is simple:

Connect the positive (+) clamp to the positive terminal of the healthy battery and the other positive clamp to the corresponding terminal of the dead battery.

Next, the negative (-), or ground, terminal on the good battery and, finally, the negative clamp to the engine block, frame or other grounded metal as far as possible from the battery. You want to avoid sparks in the vicinity of the explosive hydrogen gas that emits from the battery. Do not connect it to the ground terminal (negative).

When using a portable battery booster, the process is much the same.

Connect the positive clamp of the booster cable to the positive clamp of the dead battery. Then connect the negative cable to the engine block or other grounded metal away from the battery.

We offer an additional suggestion: if you are buying jumper cables or a portable battery booster, buy the best quality you can afford. Look for well-insulated clamps and 8-gauge wire.
(Note: the lower the wire gauge number, the heavier the gauge.)

Under the heavy electrical load of boost starting, lightweight cables may not be able to deliver enough current to start some engines. In fact, they have been known to melt in the user's hand.
If your battery is three-years old or older and you haven't had it checked, it's a good preventive measure to do so. A battery's power is reduced as the temperature drops. And that's when the engine's starting demands are greatest.

Car Tip 24 - Comprehensive Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

2005-12-14T17:50:00.000+08:00

Comprehensive Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

Tow truck operators in resort areas or along Interstate highways see all too many travelers forced to return home ahead of schedule. Car trouble, usually due to neglected preventive maintenance, brings an abrupt end to vacation plans.

The situation usually means more than just a repair bill. It can involve towing charges, lodging and possibly a rental car. Add to that the cost of extra phone calls, meals and general inconvenience, and the ordeal becomes expensive.

This scenario usually can be avoided with a pre-vacation inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician.

This "physical" for your automobile should address the following systems:

* Cooling
* Braking
* Emission control
* Steering/suspension
* Fuel
* Electrical and ignition

In addition, the tech should evaluate engine performance, tires/wheels, A.C./heater/defroster, instruments/gauges, windshield wipers, horns/lights/mirrors, seat belts and the car's body, inside and out.

Not only can a pre-trip inspection help reduce chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made at home, with one's own technician who knows the vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

Car Tip 23 - Cold Facts About A/C Refrigerant

2005-12-12T17:45:00.000+08:00

Cold Facts About A/C Refrigerant

How did we ever get along without air conditioning in our cars?
It's a feature we take for granted until, suddenly, it's blowing hot air.

In the past few years, many owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending upon the make and model of vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade named DuPont Freon, has been replaced by R-134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been standard since ’94.

If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the air conditioning system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They're not inter-changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Further, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you're damaging the ozone layer.

An annual inspection of the vehicle, including the air conditioning system, may help forestall costly repairs. Many automotive service shops offer AC inspection specials when warm weather arrives. Otherwise, ask your service center to evaluate your system before those hot and humid days of summer.

Car Tip 22 - Closing the Deal

2005-12-11T17:39:00.000+08:00

Closing the Deal

Congratulations !!!!
You got the deal you were looking for. Now is the perfect time to mention to the dealer that you are looking to trade in that car you are currently driving. This way they can not jack up the new car costs and offer you more for your car to make it seem like a better deal. If your trade-in is in good shape you should be looking for a price somewhere between retail and wholesale. If your car is spotless make sure the dealer knows he will not have to recondition it. Most research sites list trade-in value in the pricing reports, this is a good starting point. If your trade-in is less than perfect don't expect more than wholesale price. The dealers will take clunkers but they end up on the auction block the next week.

Once all the numbers are crunched and the papers are filled out double check everything before you sign. Also look out for extras which you do not need. Rust proofing is rarely needed as most manufacturers already offer a rust warranty. Also window etching, extended warranties and accent packages are highly overpriced and sometimes useless.

Now would also be a good time to inspect the vehicle one last time. Check for paint blemishes, how much gas is in the car (some dealers will actually empty the tank leaving you just enough gas to get to the closest station) and that it is the exact model you test drove.

Now sign the papers and drive home in your new car. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Car Tip 21 - Choosing the Right Repair Shop

2005-12-10T17:28:00.000+08:00

Choosing the Right Repair Shop

No matter what you drive--sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment.

I. Preliminaries

Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.

* Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.

* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.

* Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.

* Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop in question.

* If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location.

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later

II. At the Shop

* Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.

* Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.

* Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.

* All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.

* Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.

* Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.

* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.

* Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications--a national standard of technician competence.

Cheers,
www.motorspark.com

Car Tip 20 - Cars Need Spring Cleaning, Too

2005-12-05T17:29:00.000+08:00

Cars Need Spring Cleaning, Too

Warmer weather and longer daylight hours bring the return of birds and animals to the great outdoors -- as well as the return of the do-it-yourself car mechanic.Out of hibernation the "gear heads" emerge with their brushes, buckets and toolboxes in hand, ready to get their car in top shape for the spring. These car enthusiasts look forward to the spring ritual of checking over, cleaning and fixing their cars.

The experts offer the following spring-cleaning tips:
-- A good hand washing of your vehicle to check out the condition of your paint and make note of any scratches or chips. If you find minor paint damage, buy some touch-up paint as soon as possible and apply it to keep rust from forming.
-- Clean the grease, salt and dirt out of your wheel wells and repair any rust.
-- Check the windshield for any chips or cracks and repair.
-- Replace worn out wiper blades.
-- Check tires for wear and proper tread depth.

On the interior:
-- If your car's carpet is subjected to a lot of salty water during the winter, a rug shampoo can help remove salt from the carpet's fibers and prevent rust from forming underneath.
-- Clean your car's vinyl with a vinyl treatment product to prevent drying and cracking.
-- Clean your windows inside and out to improve visibility.

Of course, along with the spring cleaning and check-up comes the greasy mess from working on a car. But there's one product, now available nationwide, that makes cleaning up automotive grease and grime easy.

High Performance Cleaner and Degreaser works on heavy grease and grime build-up on engines, tires, tools and shop floors, but is also safe for grease-stained uniforms, upholstery and carpet. Get them from detail shops especially those recommended for car shows and motor sports circles.

One customer wrote, "When I purchased my car, it was full of coal dust from the previous owner. Coal dust, can you imagine? The upholstery was supposed to be green, but almost all of it was entirely black. I tried everything to get the coal out, but nothing worked. I was extremely pleased when I tried your product and it actually worked. I used it on the seats, the carpet and the dashboard. Now my entire car is clean."

Another pleased customer says, "I own a detail shop and can't imagine cleaning without High Performance Cleaner and Degreaser."

What's more, after the car is clean, these High Performance Cleaner and Degreaser will work on shop or garage floors, as well as on clothes and rags that become stained with grease. Just add to a load of laundry, and the grease disappears effortlessly.

There are also High Performance All Wheel Cleaner, made specifically for vehicle rims and wheel covers. It instantly dissolves brake dust and road grime, cleaning down to the original finish. It's safe for use on rims made of aluminum, plastic and clear or coated chrome. These products are available at most chain retail stores and at automotive specialty stores nationwide.

Car Tip 18 - CAR DEALER ADS...REVEALING THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LIES!

2005-12-05T17:19:00.001+08:00

CAR DEALER ADS...REVEALING THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LIES!

It never ceases to amaze me how so many people fall for the phony baloney nonsense that car dealers put in their ads! Yet week after week you see the most outrageous ads run by the car dealers. And let me tell you, those big color newspaper ads don't come cheap!

Whatever you think the ads are saying, Don't Believe Them! There's a catch, an angle or something misleading in MOST car ads. I emphasize MOST, because there are some honest dealers out there who have too much integrity to pull some of the shenanigans listed below!

Here are just a few examples I've gleaned lately from local newspapers here:

1. A full size flyer inserted into a newspaper has a $2,500 voucher that looks just like a check with "Made payable to: Holder of this voucher!" printed at the top of the flyer!
In microscopic fine print it says, "Valid only when used toward the purchase of any used vehicle in dealer stock!" Of course what they don't tell you is that the night before the ad hits they raise the prices on all used cars by ...Guess What?!
You got it! $2500!!!
Why do you think they say on used cars only? It's simple. Because they can't go raising the prices on new cars $2,500, now can they?!
If it was a legitimate offer they wouldn't have to do it on used cars only!

2. OK! Here's a beauty! "$69.00 Vehicle Underwriter Clearance Event!"
What?? Does anybody understand that statement? I sure don't!
But it goes on to say that with a "$69.00 Procurement Fee" you just make payments on any one of hundreds of vehicles in stock! They want you to think that after paying your "Procurement Fee" that you can take over payments.
IT'S ALL BULL!

You can't take over payments! You have to get a new loan, and if you have decent credit you don't need anything down! Do you think a bank cares if you put $69.00 down or $0.00 down? There's no difference to them!

It's all a bunch of malarkey designed to get the "poor unsuspecting car shopper" in the door, so they can beat them over their heads with rubber mallets until they sign! (Not really rubber mallets, but to some car buyers i'm sure that's what the buying process feels like!)
Not the kind of thing that will ever happen to a member of this elite audience, however!

3. "$75 Unclaimed Vehicle Sale!"
These are just ordinary vehicles in stock that haven't been sold yet! So I guess you could say they are "Unclaimed!"
Then it goes on to say, "Pay the $75 Unclaimed Vehicle Fee, then take on the payments!"
Sound familiar?!
You see?

4. "$2,000 Minimum Trade-In!"
Again, only on specified used cars! It's never on new cars! Why? Because all the prices on these "specified used cars" were jacked up $2,000 the night before! How stupid do the car dealers think people are, anyway?

The thing that fascinates me is the fact that the same dealers run these "Minimum Trade-In" ads over and over again! Since a full page color ad costs many thousands of dollars in most newspapers, the only conclusion I can draw from them running these ads repeatedly is that they must be working and paying for themselves! Scary thought, isn't it!

5. "All Credit Applications Accepted!"
So What!
You still have to be approved by a lending institution before you can have a car loan! Accepting a credit application and being approved for a loan are two completely different things!
They want you to think that regardless of your credit rating, you can buy anything you want! WRONG!!!

6. "Don't Worry About Your Payoff, If We make A Deal. We Will Write The Check For Your Payoff!"
Of course they will! That's because the payoff amount is added to the new loan! They may write the check for your payoff, but the money goes right back in their bank account when they cash the deal at the lending institution where your new loan is.
It doesn't mean that's what you're getting for a trade-in allowance either!
If your payoff is $10,000, and they only give you $8,000 for your trade the numbers work out like this: $10,000 payoff minus $8,000 trade-in allowance leaves $2,000 that you have to pay in addition to the cost of your new vehicle!
And what they put on paper for your trade-in allowance is usually no where near what they are actually giving you for your trade, but that's for another article!

7. How about this one? In fine print under a beautiful color ad picturing new cars and trucks, each with a price and payment: "Picture May Be Different Than Actual Vehicle!"
How do they get away with this stuff?!

By the way.... the sole purpose of all these gimmicks is to get you in the door at the dealership, and not let you leave until you buy a vehicle.

Their professional team - which includes the Salesperson, the Sales Manager, the Finance Manager, the Used Car Manager and often a Floor Manager who is the "Closer" - goes to work on you, using a professionally designed Selling System in which they are all well trained and rehearsed.

You're not up against just a car salesperson! When you walk into a well run, professionally organized dealership, you're up against a whole team of pros who go through their act numerous times a day!

Car Tip 19 - Car Covers: Types and how to use them

2005-12-05T17:19:00.000+08:00

Car Covers: Types and how to use them.

Car covers can help protect your car parked in the great outdoors from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, bird droppings, wind borne particles, sun fading, the claws of animals and even the prying eyes of thieves (let them guess as opposed to knowing). Inside your garage a quality cover provides a barrier against airborne dirt and foot borne varmints. (If it rains in your garage, you have problems that are not covered by this article.)

The use of a car cover is a double-edged sword, as they are both protective and possibly damaging. A cover that does not fit properly may be more damaging than no cover at all. If it is too loose, wind may cause it to flap against the paint, causing severe scratching. To obtain the best fit, order a cover that is custom fitted for your year and make of car. The "one size fits all" are cheaper, but will not provide the tight fit needed. If the car is not clean, the dirt trapped between the paint and the cover can also cause scratches as the cover is installed or removed or is moved around by the wind. The key to avoiding these problems is to put a proper fitting cover on a clean car. The best types have a bottom locking system that allows a plastic coated cable to hold the bottom of the cover snugly. This will help prevent wind movement of the cover and thieves from taking a peek.

Armed with the proper information, you may make an informed choice as to the advisability of using a car cover and the best type for your needs. There are three basic types; water proof, water resistant or "breathable" and non-water resistant. Each has it's own advantages and problems. (And you thought only kids came with built-in problems.)

The waterproof car covers are usually plastic film or a plastic coated fabric and will keep the rain off your car, but will also trap condensation between the cover and your car. This trapped moisture may attack your paint with results that are worse than if you just left the car uncovered. The plastic type of car cover is useful if you store your car over the winter in a garage and use a flannel cloth cover against the surface and the plastic one as an outer protective shield. The flannel will wick off any moisture and the plastic adds a tough outer protective layer to help keep the varmints from nesting in the soft cloth. One manufacturer makes a giant "baggie" for your car called the Omni Bag. These are very useful if you store the car over the winter and wish to provide the extra level of protection gained from "sealing" the car. Place some desiccants in the bag to absorb excess moisture and seal your pride and joy for its winter hibernation. Another trick to protect any winter-stored car is to place mothballs around the exterior to discourage the rodents from moving in for the winter and dining on your insulation and wiring. Their gourmet appetites make for some interesting problems. One person had mice stuff the exhaust pipe with acorns. When he started the car in the spring, the resulting acorn shotgun blast dented his metal garage door. If you wish to rid yourself of the rodents, lay dishes of Instant Potato Buds and dishes of water around the outside of your car. They eat the Buds and drink the water and go *KA-BOOM.

The second type of cover material, the water resistant or "breathable" type, is available in an almost bewildering array of fabrics, weights and types. These types of covers will repel most of the water yet allow air to circulate, preventing condensation. Most have ultraviolet screens woven into the mesh to help them withstand sunlight degradation and are usually mildew resistant. The lightest weight car cover currently available is made from Tyvek. This cover weighs about 3 pounds and is very easy to put on and take off. Tyvek is very water resistant and sheds most of the water, yet is so light that the wind will tend to beat the cover against the finish. Unless care is taken to insure that this type of cover is fitted very tightly, it may beat your paint into submission. Tyvek covers lend themselves for very short-term use, such as daily use in the office parking lot. Evolution by Kimberly Clark is a multi-layer "waffle pattern" cover that offers great protection from the elements, available in numerous colors, and is thick enough to help soften the blow of door dings. For outside use, custom fitted Evolution covers offer the best protection. The downside is they are heavy, difficult to put on and take off and if the paint surface is not clean, they may tend to scratch the surface. If you are storing a car outside for long periods of time, this may be the best choice. Another type of composite cover uses a clothing style breathable nylon or polyester outer layer with a foamed acrylic inner lining. This combination is not that water resistant, it instead "filters" the water, allowing only "clean water" to reach the surface. This filtering process, in my humble opinion, only removes the gross dirt. It does not remove the acid from acid rain (unless there is a tiny chemical factory inside the cover that no one has told me about). These types of covers are usually lighter, thus easier to install/remove, than the Evolution type and may be more suited for short-term use. There are a multitude of other "filtering" materials available, such as rip-stop nylon, synthetic sail cloth and boat canvas. Most of these are found on the relatively inexpensive one-size fits all type of mass-market covers and may not be that suitable.

The third major type of cover material is 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blends available in a flannel style or regular cloth style. I prefer the 100% cotton, as the polyester fibers may scratch the paint. These are not water resistant and should not be used outside for long periods of time. For indoor use, the 100% cotton flannel cover is the most gentle on the paint and probably the best choice. The flannel lining may cause lint balls on your canvas cabriolet top (automotive fur balls?), so you may consider a plain cotton cover for your Cabrio. If you store your car over the winter, or drive your pride and joy infrequently, a 100% cotton cover may be a wise investment.

One of the tricks to installing/removing a car cover is to roll the cover on and off the car. The first step is to place the cover on the car in position, but not hooked under the car. Take the driver's side one third of the cover and fold it over the top of the car towards the passenger side, so the fold runs along the edge of the top, hood, and trunk. You will find that the roof is usually one third of the cover and the sides are each a one third. Fold the passenger side third of the cover over the driver's side section, so you now have three layers of cover over the roof, hood and trunk. Start rolling at either the trunk or hood end and roll the cover up with out moving the cover. Walk along the car as you roll up the cover. This way, you have minimized the movement/scratching of the car cover as you remove it. To install, just reverse the process and unroll along the car and fold down the sides.

Car cover care is simple, and usually involves cleaning it periodically. Read your cover's directions carefully. Most may be washed in the washing machine with a mild detergent and no fabric softener. Dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's directions. No car cover should be stored wet. If it is removed wet, dry as soon as possible. Solvents, such a gasoline, etc. will usually eat holes in your cover. Most are not that happy if they are draped on hot exhaust pipes, they tend to melt and leave a gooey mess that is a thrill to clean.

Car Tip 17 - "Bells & Whistles" Enhance Your Bland Vehicle

2005-12-05T17:12:00.000+08:00

"Bells & Whistles" Enhance Your Bland Vehicle

As they make the rounds to select their new vehicle, many shoppers recoil at sticker prices. With cars now averaging well above $20,000, some buyers reevaluate their needs and desires, reluctantly settling for the no-frills, "plain vanilla" model.

With time, however, these same motorists may find themselves with a few extra dollars they can invest in their vehicle. Is it time to buy another car, even though there still are payments to make?

We say instead of replacing your vehicle, consider repairing and upgrading what you already have.

The accompanying list includes some of the accessories that can add new personality to your basic vehicle. Most of the products in the $24+ billion customizing/accessory industry are totally functional; some combine function with cosmetic improvement.

The cost of these components ranges from a few dollars to a few thousand. Still you could have most of them installed for much less than the price of a new vehicle.
A classified phone directory or a referral from your automotive service dealer are two good ways to find your local sources.
So if you're considering trading, crunch the numbers first. You might find you'd be just as happy, and many dollars richer, with a few selected enhancements.

Vehicle Personality Enhancement List:
Air dams and spoilers
Anti-theft devices
Bug deflectors
Camper caps
Car phones
Carrier racks
Custom seats
Custom wheels
Grille guards
Instrumentation
Keyless entry systems
Neon trim lighting
Personal breath alcohol testers
Pick-up bed mats
Pick-up box tissue covers
RV and towing accessories
Radar Detectors
Remote engine starting systems
Running boards
Special shock absorbers
Stereo systems
Striping and/or decals
Sun roofs
Vehicle navigation systems
Wheels & tires
Window tinting

Car Tip 16 - Buying a used car from private seller

2005-12-05T17:11:00.000+08:00

Buying a used car from private seller

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a hit or miss proposition.
There are a few advantages and disadvantages, let's look at them.

Advantages:
* You can get a good feel for how the seller treated the car. Look for maintenance records and receipts for major repairs.
* No high pressure sales tactics.
* You can get a better deal most of the time.

Disadvantages:
* Sellers can be dishonest and hide major flaws with little liability after the sale since most used cars sold privately are AS-IS.
* Most sellers will not let you take an extend test drive overnight like dealers do.
* No warranty is provided unless there is an existing warranty and it can be transferred. If the seller has a factory warranty or an aftermarket warranty on the used car, make sure you check with the company to see if it can be transferred.

A few tips on finding a used car from a private seller.
* Look to local papers, auto locator publications, thrift papers, local bulletin boards, and friends who might know someone selling.
* Be courteous of the hour when you call. Many people are in bed by 10:00pm. If the ad states a time to call...... follow it. If not, I would not call before 10:00am or after 9:00pm.
* Have pen and paper handy when you call the seller. Write down key facts like mileage, asking price, directions, how long have they owned the car and why they are selling.
* Research the car online before you go to see it. Having the "Blue Book" value in your head can give you a starting point for negotiating.
* Have a mechanic look at the vehicle. Most local mechanics will be happy to put the car on a lift and do an inspection for you. Expect to pay for this service, but if you have a good relationship with you mechanic he may do this for free.
* Take a long test drive. Make sure you do some highway driving and also some back road driving to get a feel for the car. Some suspension problems will not show up on the highway but as soon as you hit a bumpy road they will appear.

Car Tip 15 - Basic Maintenance Checks That You Can Do Yourself!

2005-11-27T21:01:00.000+08:00

Basic Maintenance Checks That You Can Do Yourself!

Whether or not you pump your own gas, your car probably receives less attention than it should. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership.

Most of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do and they can save time, money and inconvenience now and later.

Always refer to your owner's manual when performing any maintenance task on your vehicle.

Periodically your car should have a thorough inspection by a qualified technician.

1. Check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly.
Some cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of anti-freeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.

2. Inspect belts and hoses monthly.
Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced.

3. Check transmission fluid monthly.
Check it with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type fluid, if needed. Do not overfill!

4. Check motor oil monthly.
Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean. Insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.

5. Check the air filter every other month.
Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up. It 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.

6. Check brake fluid monthly.
First, wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on which type your vehicle has. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir. Caution: Do not overfill.

7. Keep windshield washer fluid reservoir full.
When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In winter months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer fluid.

8. Use extreme caution when handling a battery.
Batteries can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be attached securely and be free of corrosion. If battery has filler holes, add only clear, odorless drinking water.

9. Check power steering fluid level once per month.
Simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.

10. Inspect windshield wiper blades
whenever you clean your windshield. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year, and more often if smearing or chattering occurs.

11. Be sure all your lights are clean and working.
This includes brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.

12. Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure.
It helps to own your own pressure gauge. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance. Keep a record of tire rotation. Rotate at the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.

13. Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers.
Test shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The car should stop bouncing when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should be replaced. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.

14. Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports.
Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damaged parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for compliance with local laws.

Car Tip 14 - An Automotive Gift for Mother's Day?

2005-11-27T20:52:00.000+08:00

An Automotive Gift for Mother's Day?

With Valentines Day behind us it's not too soon to begin thinking about Mother's Day. One place to look for useful ideas is from the driver's seat of the car, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

Her vehicle is her home away from home and gifts that enhance her enjoyment of that second home are likely to be appreciated. We tend to concentrate toward gifts like jewelry, a framed photo or flowers. But why not break from the traditional and dress up her car? Maybe she's always wanted a sun roof or has admired someone's wood grained dash trim. Her wish could come true, with the help of your local auto specialty shop.

We suggest that, beyond the obvious gifts such as a car phone or floor mats, Mom might appreciate having her damaged steering wheel replaced with one that's stylish, possibly leather covered. Her sun-damaged and faded padded dash could be repaired, replaced or recovered to upgrade the interior.

Security devices such as a remote keyless entry or alarm systems are popular add-ons, as are custom wheels or wheel covers. Women usually are interested in safety and appearance accessories, as opposed to those which are performance related. Gifts can be inexpensive, too. Those net shopping bags, for example, that hook on back of the driver's seat, are great gift items.

Right on the heels of Mother's Day, of course, is Father's Day, with additional categories of gifts to consider: special tools, a bug deflector, running boards or stereo equipment, to mention a few. Gifts for the car generally are well received and the variety of innovative products never stops growing.

For more ideas and prices visit your auto supply store or specialty shop listed in the classified phone directory.

Car Tip 13 - After Vehicle Roll Over...

2005-11-15T21:45:00.000+08:00

After Vehicle Roll Over...

America’s drivers have not been adequately alerted to the increasing frequency of rollover crashes and the danger these rollovers constitute to all vehicle occupants. According to the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 10,666 people died in rollover crashes in 2002, a 5 percent increase from the prior year.

While rollover crashes account for only 3 percent of all collisions, they result in 31percent of the fatalities. The reason behind this grim record is the high incidence of occupant ejection and head injuries. Many consumers have seen the media reports and believe the rollover danger is confined to certain sports utility vehicles (SUVs). If they don’t own such a vehicle, they assume they have no need to worry. That could be a very misleading and dangerous assumption.

The cost to society of rollovers is staggering. According to the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 9,566 passenger vehicles were involved in fatal rollover crashes in 2000 with 84 percent of these crashes involving only one vehicle (NHTSA). In 2001, 54 percent of all single-vehicle crash deaths occurred as a result of rollover crashes. In 2002, 8,768 of the 10,666 occupant deaths from rollovers occurred in single-vehicle rollover crashes. The rate of serious injury in passenger vehicle rollovers is 36 percent higher than in crashes where there is no rollover. (NHTSA)

Rollovers are the leading cause of fatalities in SUVs. In single vehicle crashes, 79 percent of the fatalities among SUV occupants involve rollover. Single-vehicle rollover crashes produced more than 50 percent of all occupant deaths in SUVs compared to 34 percent in pickup trucks and 19 percent in cars. (IIHS)

Is there an answer to reducing the carnage caused by rollovers?

All drivers, regardless of age, must recommit themselves to avoid driving aggressively. More consumer information would be helpful, especially a labeling and rollover rating system. New safety features designed to reduce rollovers would be valuable. However, the effectiveness of existing and future safety equipment will only be as valuable as the degree to which it is used or maintained in proper working order.

To this end, the states – as many have already done with mandatory seat belt legislation – must review their commitment to periodic motor vehicle inspection (PMVI). Without mandatory PMVI, the average consumer does not have the diagnostic equipment or expertise to assess their vehicle’s safety preparedness.

Proper replacement of damaged windshields is precisely such a problem area. The windshield is a crucial component in preserving the structural integrity of the vehicle‘s passenger compartment during rollovers. If a damaged windshield is not properly replaced and becomes dislodged from the vehicle during rollover, roof crush resistance may be compromised. The result could be serious head and neck injuries; failure of the passenger side airbag to deploy properly; or, even worse, the ejection of occupants from the vehicle onto the roadway where they have no protection whatsoever.

Proper windshield replacement has evolved into a demanding science as the vehicle manufacturers’ safety and structural support expectations of the windshield have increased through the years. Comprehensive technician training is essential. National Glass Association (NGA) certification of technician competency is highly recommended, and is required by most responsible auto glass service providers.

Currently, the NGA and the Coalition for Auto Glass Safety are working with a number of state legislatures to require the licensing and certification of all auto glass technicians. In the final analysis, being a well-informed consumer is probably the best protection against being a rollover statistic.

Car Tip 12 - Automotive detailing - waxing

2005-11-11T22:14:00.000+08:00

Automotive detailing - waxing

Automotive detailing process invloves basic wash process, the paint prep and buffing process, and detailing the interior. I talked about using a foam cleaner in the interior series. Using that same foam cleaner regularly on your seats and carpets to remove dirt and soil spots will prolong the cleanliness of your interior, and when it comes time to detail the interior again it wont take as much time and work.

I prefer to top the painted finish with a wax or a sealant in the finishing step. You can also apply the wax or sealant when you complete the buffing process. It doesn't matter when you add wax or a sealant, but it is an important step that cant be looked over. Waxing the vehicle protects your paint, and removes swirls from the buffing process.

Wax protects your paint from the harmful elements that our vehicles are exposed to everyday. To keep that great shine and luster, you must wax your car regularly.

Wax is best applied with an orbital buffer and a foam pad, but hand applying works also. Apply your favorite wax to the painted finish, be sure to spread the wax evenly over the entire surface. Be careful not to get wax in plastic moldings, some wax can't be removed. If you have an orbital, use a foam pad or a terry cloth bonnet to remove the wax, if you don't use microfiber towels to remove the wax residue.

Tip 1 - Mask off your molding to prevent covering them in wax.
Tip 2 - Microfiber towels work great when removing wax because they collect the dust.

Once you have removed the wax, wipe off the dust and any excess wax residue with a clean mircofiber towel. With a fine detailing brush remove wax residue and dust from the cracks, crevices, and emblems.

If you have any touch up paint, use the paint to touch up any rock chips or anywhere it might be needed.

Tip 3 - When using touch up paint, it is best to use a fine paint brush, not the brush that comes with most touch up paint.
Tip 4 - Use only enough paint to cover the chip.

With a can of spray dressing, dress your wheel wells. This will cover up dull looking wells. With your favorite tire dressing dress your tires. Spread the dressing on your tires evenly.

Look over the vehicle and see if you missed anything.

Car Tip 11 - Buffing and polishing

2005-11-10T20:04:00.000+08:00

Buffing and polishing

This buffing and polishing process is the step in automotive detailing or restoration where you remove scratches, oxidation, and imperfections on the painted finish. This will also restore your finishes luster.

Tip 1 - Never rush through this process.

This process can not be reversed, so take your time.

For this process you will need:
A high-speed buffer
Buffing pads
buffing compounds

Before we can begin, you need to know what type of paint you are dealing with and what condition the paint is in. Knowing these things will help you choose the right products. Clearcoat finished are treated differently then conventional finishes. Since more then 80% of vehicles manufactured today have clearcoat, we will deal with buffing and polishing a clearcoat finish.

In general, painted finishes can be categorized into three stages of contamination:
Stage 1 - heavy oxidation and/or deep scratches
Stage 2 - Mild oxidation and/or scratches
Stage 3 - No oxidation and scratches

Each stage will require a different product.
Stage 1 finishes will require a compound with heavy abrasives, stage 2 will require compounds with mild abrasives, and stage 3 will require polishes, waxes, or product with little or none abrasives. If your finish falls into stage 3, you don't need to buff finish. All you will need to do is top the finish with a good wax. I refer to this step as "final finishing".

Knowing the condition of the paint will help you choose the products needed.

When buffing a clearcoat finish, never use too much compound. Start buffing with a small amount, and repeat if necessary.

Tip 2 - Know the type of paint and the condition of the finish.
Tip 3 - Always use clearcoat save products, if working with a clearcoat finish.
Tip 4 - Use small amounts of compounds.
Tip 5 - Never attempt to buff a warm or hot surface, this could result in staining the finish.

As with any other process in detailing, work with one small area at a time. Apply a small amount of product to the surface, and start working with the buffer. Keep the buffing pad as flat as you can. Slide the buffer in a back and forth direction on the finish. Use the same direction of motion with each stoke of the buffer. Once you are satisfied with an area, move to the next area. Always keep the buffer moving, keeping the buffer in the same place will burn the paint.

Tip 6 - Keep the buffing pad flat on the finish.
Tip 7 - Move the buffer in the same direction along the entire surface.
Tip 8 - Let the buffer do the work.

This process is best completed by splitting the vehicle up in sections. Buff one section at a time, and always buff the entire top of the vehicle before moving to the sides.

Once done with the buffing and polishing process top the finish with a wax or sealant. This will add protection to the surface and remove light swirl marks. I normally wax the vehicle after I have completed the interior.

Often, the buffing process covers the car with product splatter. If needed, wash the vehicle to remove the splattered product.

Car Tip 10 - Preparing the painted surfaces for buffing and polishing

2005-11-10T19:58:00.000+08:00

Preparing the painted surfaces for buffing and polishing.

Buffing and polishing is a vital part in taking proper care of a car. Buffing and polishing is a process that is used to remove scratches, oxidation, and to restore the paints original luster. Before the paint can be buffed and polishes, the paint needs to be prepared, or in other words, cleaned. This is first done by washing the exterior, which we did in the basic wash process that we talked about in part one of this series. Although, on some vehicles washing the exterior simply isn't enough. Everyday life exposes our vehicles to harmful elements that leave the painted surfaces rough and dull. Some of these elements could be industrial and organic fallout, paint overspray, paint finish roughness, acid rain deposits, rail dust, surface rust, volcanic deposits and other environmental contaminants.

After we have washed the exterior of the car, we need to thoroughly check the paint to see if any of these elements exist. Buffing the paint that contains these types of problems will do more harm then good, plus the longer that these contaminants stay on the paint the harder they are to remove and staining of the paint may occur.

You might be asking yourself, why do I need to pre clean the paint of my car, when most buffing and polishing compounds have cleaners in them? Well, this is true. Most all buffing and polishing products use abrasives to remove scratches, oxidation, ect by removing clear coat and or paint from the surface.

Why would you want to remove paint or clear coat when you don't need to? These contaminants can be removed without removing any paint or clear coat if the right products are being used. After the paint has been pre cleaned, the buffing process will be much easier and not as much paint or clear coat will need to be removed.

So doesn't it make sense to clean the surface first, and leave as much paint as possible on the surface? You bet it does.

Tips 1 - Never buff paint that contains contaminants.

We all want our vehicles to have an unforgettable shine. Pre-cleaning the paint before buffing is a vital step in getting the shine that we all want. These contaminants leave our paint rough and often discolored, and dull the luster of the paint. Having a smooth clean painted surface is the key to getting the maximum shine out of the painted finish.

So how do you know if your paint contains contaminants? Well, the easiest way is to rub your hand back and forth on the paint and feel how smooth the surface is. Take a good look at the paint and see if you can see any.

After you have inspected your paint, and the paint is smooth and contaminant free wait until tomorrow for the next part of this series, which will cover the actual buffing process.

If you have found contaminants on your paint, choosing the right products is very important. Paint prep cleaners are formulated for a specific purpose. For example, tree sap remover is made for removing tree sap.

Here a some additional tips on keeping your vehicle contaminant free.

1. Never park your car under trees.
2. Never park your car near areas that are being painted.
3. Keep your car covered while parked, either in a garage or covered parking.
4. Keep you car washed regularly.

Why are petrol prices so high?

2005-11-09T18:43:00.000+08:00

Why are petrol prices so high?

The countries that do not produce oil, but import oil for their consumption, are feeling the impact of atrocious rise in price of oil (petrol) during the last few months. There is no sign in the economics' near future that oil prices are going to dip. These continuous rises will contribute to the higher cost of energy production and eventually affect everyone on the street.

Inevitably higher oil prices cause rises in inflation and restrict the economic growth of a nation. This is very unpopular with democratic voters which can dethrone governing political parties.

Some oil producing countries which export oil are in favor of increasing the production to try to ease the prices while some are against for obvious selfish reasons. We have seen the crude oil price per barrel rose from US$40+ to more than US60.

There are several reasons why oil (or petrol) prices are so high.

1. Increase in Demand for oil

Globally, there is an increase in the demand for oil due to rapid economic expansion. China and many other newly industrialized countries are riding on an economic boom fueling a higher demand for the precious commodity. In US, the demand has also risen due to the recovery of the domestic economy under the Bush administration. As the general population becomes wealthier, the demand for fuel hungry vehicles such as MPVs and SUVs also increase.

In China, the demand has been going up by morethan 20% yearly. China's booming economy is sucking in a huge amount of oil. Coupled together with the Olympics dateline and the construction boom, China is buying up the regional oil to fuel its demands.

2. Lower Stock in Oil producing Countries

Due to the increasing marketing and trade competition in the international arena, many oil companies in oil producing countries are operating with lower Stock in efforts to be more efficient in management. In this scenario, lower stock also means a smaller cushion against increase in demand in the market and thus prices increase subsequently. The cushion was also a protection against breaks in production especially in violence centred Middle East, ethnic clashes in Nigeria and workers strike in Venezuela.

Low US gasoline stocks and pressure on US refiners to increase production have also helped drive world crude oil prices.

3. Cartel Strategy of Opec

The countries which produce oil mainly comes from Opec and it is a known fact that they are limiting supplies to the market in an effort to lift up the oil price. Opec countries produces more that half of the world's crude oil exports. They are now very proactive in cutting production in anticipating weak oil prices.

4. Speculation

The combination of low stock and Opec's selfish action has produced hoards of greedy professional market speculators. Hedge funds and other speculators are betting on the possibility of ever rising prices thus putting huge pressure on the actual market. Actual markets are governed by real demand versus real supply. Speculation is not.

5. Middle East Conflict

The major world's consumers are very dependent on the Middle East countries for the oil. The Gulf war, unrest in Afghanistan, violence in Middle East has created fears of an interruption to their supplies.The political sabotage to the oil fields of Iraq has caused massive reduction in supplies. This has added doubt to the ability of Iraq to become a major exporter of oil like in the good old days. The Al Qaeda attacks on foreign workers have also increased tension and instability to the production of oil.

6. Political tensions in other countries

Political tensions in non-Middle East countries such as Nigeria and Venezuela have the potential to disrupt exports and drive up world oil prices. The disputes between oil companies and their Russian government have also shut down many Russian production facilities. Yukos, a Russian oil company that pumps 8.5 million barrels of oil a day (a fifth of Russia's production) is facing bankruptcy due to the government demands for back taxes.

7. Environmental Regulations

New environment regulations such as the Kyoto Agreement (limiting gaseous emissions to the environment) have place many new financial burdens on oil producing companies. Planning permissions become more and more difficult to obtain.

In the present world situation where most countries are interdependent on each other for trade and stability, an unforeseen event that happens half way round the world will now have a quicker impact on our man in the street. No longer can we work behind closed borders and personal agendas but we need to perspire hand in hand to alleviate the sufferings (high petrol prices) of everyone.

Car Tips 9 - After buying your car

2005-11-07T15:23:00.000+08:00

After buying your car.

Enjoy your car... is it that simple? Well it's not really that simple. Here is a list of things to think about after the purchase.

* Notify your insurance agent about the new car. Now would also be a good time to get a competitive insurance quote to make sure you are saving the most on auto insurance. Scout around for a good quotation and do not just believe everything that the salesman said.

* Read the entire owners manual at least the important parts. Familiarize yourself especially with the service requirements. Understand when you need to change oil, filters, and other major things like timing belt, automatic transmission fluid and driveline fluids.

* Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio, CD player, DVD player etc. so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway. Nowadays, manufacturers throw in a lot of additional gadgets to entice the customers.

* Pop open the engine hood and look out for the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick, spark plugs location, radiator water container, wiper washer container. If you bought a car with an automotive transmission there will be a dipstick for the transmission fluid also.

* Find the spare tire and tire jack.
Make sure you know where to jack the car when changing a tire and how to remove the spare when you need it. There is usually a slot built into the car body on the underside for you to slot in the jack. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire in a new car and having to struggle to change it the first time and fumbling to find out where all the parts are.

* Install Accessories!
It's your car and it should make a statement about you. There are plenty of aftermarket items to make your new car unique like yourself. Wheels, wheel covers,bug guards, window visors, stickers, tinted films, air horns and more are all available at accessory shops and part houses.

* Now that you are enjoying your new car, learn how it works.

Car Tips 8 - Cleaning a car

2005-11-07T15:17:00.000+08:00

Cleaning a car

Cleaning a car is a piece of cake, right? Absolutely, if you do it correctly and follow the procedures.

Even though it is the most basic procedure in car care, it does deserve some thought. The first step in cleaning the car is to wash it. Give it a good rinsing from top to bottom, including the wheels and inside the fenders. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt or cloth for both. This way you'll avoid contaminating the vehicle's paint with debris from the wheels and tires.

Use a good tire cleaner with a stiff brush, to improve your tires' appearance even if you don't have white sidewalls or white letter tires. A proper hard plastic fiber brush will do. A metallic brush will damage other surfaces nearby.

Next, clean the wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes the brake dust, which often blackens the front wheels. Application of these cleaners vary, so be sure and follow the directions on the container.

Now it's time to wash the body. Use a product sold specifically for automobiles. (Household cleaners can strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish). Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Clean the rear last since it usually has the largest accumulation of dirt and grime, which can contaminate the wash mitt. Wash the inside door jams about once a month.

To rinse, remove the spray nozzle from the hose. Starting at the top, let the water cascade down the surfaces of the vehicle.

Then, to avoid water spotting, dry with a chamois, sponge or other product made for this purpose.

Now is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, look for foreign particles on the paint. Waxing the surface with foreign particles such as stones or pebbles will scratch your shiny surface. Use a car cleaner, available at auto supply stores, to remove contaminants imbedded in the paint especially the hardcore types that have eaten into the top surface of the paintwork.

Once the surface is clean, apply the wax, following the manufacturer's instructions for application of the product. Often they recommend not using the product in direct sunlight. So do it in the shade.

Keeping your vehicle clean, while it doesn't require a lot of effort, it does gives the owner a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Your car could be the object of admiration and that speaks well of the owner too.

Car Tips 7 - Changing of brake fluid

2005-11-07T14:57:00.000+08:00

Changing of brake fluid

There are many types of fluids in the car system that requires constant monitoring and attendance. Changing the many fluids in a vehicle is always a change for the better. Dirty engine oil, transmission fluid or anti-freeze are bad news for a car. But what about brake fluid? Many motorists know that this fluid should be topped off, but is it necessary to be changed?

Brake fluid in the typical vehicle can become contaminated in two years or less. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. Under heavy braking conditions, such as those encountered in mountainous or hilly driving or when towing a trailer or heavy vehicle, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

Even under normal driving conditions, this problematic condition can develop if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated. Not only is the fluid vulnerable to vaporizing, it also can freeze.

Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. If it's too thick or too thin, braking action is impaired. Beyond the vaporization hazard, moisture creates an additional problem for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) systems. Nowadays most cars come with standard ABS safety features. Moisture can corrode and cause rust. Rusted and corroded ABS components are very, very expensive to replace. So isn't it wiser to have prevention rather than cure.

How does a car owner knows when to have the fluid changed? We recommend replacement every two years or 24,000 miles.

To be even more certain, changing of brake fluid should be included with brake pad or shoe replacement, as a preventive measure, a professional brake technician should check the condition of the fluid with an accurate fluid test safety meter, which is inserted into the master cylinder reservoir to record the fluid's boiling point.

Car Tips 6 - 147 Million Gallons of Wasted Gas?

2005-11-05T18:23:00.000+08:00

147 Million Gallons of Wasted Gas?

Fuel prices are climbing year after year. How do we save fuel? How can we reduce our motorcar expenses?

Your motorcar gossip magazines will tell you. Loose gas caps, underinflated tires, faulty thermostats, worn spark plugs, malfunctioning engine controls, poor wheel alignment and the list goes on. These are among the conditions that daily cost consumers millions of dollars in wasted fuel.

Something as innocent as an improperly tightened gas cap, for example, or one that's missing or defective, might seem a minor factor. But consider that 17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas per year to vaporize into the atmosphere (source: Service Tech Magazine, September 2000).

"To the maxim 'waste not, want not,' we need to add 'be car care aware,' because most drivers are unaware of the economic consequences of neglected maintenance."

Nearly 150 million gallons of gas ooze out of the filler caps - and so few people are aware of this.

There are other culprits as well. Among the six worst offenders are underinflated tires and incorrect wheel alignment, conditions which increase rolling resistance. Like driving with the parking brake not fully released, it can cost a mile or two per gallon on a car that normally delivers 20 miles per gallon. Among other gas guzzlers, are dirty oil, a mile per gallon; a slipping automatic transmission, another mile per gallon and as much as two mile per gallon for a cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold.

Finally, there could be a malfunction of one or more components in the fuel, ignition or emission control systems, especially critical in cold weather driving. The fuel penalty for just one misfiring spark plug is two or three miles per gallon. Installing a Spark Optimizer will solve this problem.

"Combining all of these discrepancies into one vehicle, the cost of wasted fuel easily could exceed recent increases in pump prices, it's what being car care aware is all about."

Regards,
motorspark

Car Tips 5 - How to Overtake

2005-11-05T18:22:00.000+08:00

Car Tips 5 - How to Overtake

The general rule is to overtake on the left of the vehicle in front of you (For American roads only; For UK roads it is the opposite).

However, there are exceptions.

One of the exceptions is if the vehicle in front has indicated that he/she wants to turn to the left, then you may overtake him/her on the right.

How do we know that the vehicle in front is going to turn to the left?
When you see the vehicle signaling to the left and he/she is moving the vehicle slowly towards the centerline of the road for this purpose.

Another exception is during peak hours when the traffic piles up on one lane in multi-lanes road. During such a pile up, the traffic on one lane may be held up while the other lanes are freely moving. You may then overtake to continue to move forward. This is not strictly called overtaking.

Anyway, the driver should never change from one lane to another unless he has made sure that it is safe to do so and that he has given the appropriate signals.

Always overtake on the straight part of the road. Do not overtake on climbing part of the road hump and never overtake at bridges, curves or anywhere else where your view is restricted or blocked.

When there is a vehicle following behind you and you have intention to overtake the car in front of you, make sure you have indicated your signal to overtake. This will tell the driver in the vehicle at the back that you are about to overtake the front vehicle and that he should not overtake you at that moment.

If you are going out for a casual stroll in your car and intend to drive slowly, then keep your car nearer to the safety kerb. Always keep watching the rear view mirror to see whether there are any cars approaching you from the back.
When you see another car or vehicle approaching you, give him the right signal (to show that it is clear to overtake you) to allow the other traffic to overtake you safely.
(If in UK the opposite side of the kerb applies).

Regards,
motorspark

Car Tips 4 - Respect Traffic Lights

2005-11-05T15:46:00.000+08:00

Car Tips 4 – Respect Traffic Lights

When you see the traffic light is red, bring your car to a stop slowly and smoothly. Don't be a hero. Heroes are only for cinemas. Do not cross over the pedestrian line when you are approaching a red traffic light.

Start moving your car only when the traffic light is completed green. Do not move before it turns green.

When the light is amber, it is an indication for the driver to start slowing down and come slowly to a halt. It is not an indication for the driver to speed faster!

The real purpose of the amber light is to clear the junction so that the traffic from the other cross roads can have a clear unobtrusive view and unhindered path for them to cross.

In whatever the situation, you should never pass the amber light when you are in the position to stop in time.

In many new junctions today, we are seeing an increasing use of countdown timers at the lights. This is a tremendous improvement to driver anticipation and has reduced many accidents and deaths. Respect the timer. Wait until they turn to zero before acceleration. We have seen many stubborn drivers still insisting on crossing the lights even though it is already red.

Remember Prevention is Better than Cure.

Car Tips 3 - Give the Right Signals

2005-11-05T15:45:00.001+08:00

Always give signals and the correct signals when you are turning, stopping or slowing down.
Other drivers are observing you and trying to anticipate what you are going to do.

Give the signals with plenty of time before you perform the chosen action. Maintain the signal for a sufficient length of time so that other drivers can understand what you are going to do.

Years ago, before the use of car air-condition, we were asked to use hand signals in our driving.
However, now with most motorists using air-condition, the windows are always wind up and it is impossible to use hand signals. So now it is even more important to use our vehicle/car signals with plenty of good time.
It is also for the benefit of other vehicles waiting at the side roads or pedestrians crossing the roads that we give them early signals.

Keep your passengers away from the windows and refrain them from putting their hands out of the windows. They could be misconstrued or misunderstood as giving the wrong hand signals.

Make sure children do not hold out their hands or heads out of the windows. Keep their toys away from open windows. They may be mistaken for driving signals.

Regards,
http://motorspark.com/

Car Tips 2 - Be Considerate

2005-11-05T15:45:00.000+08:00

Car Tips 2 - Be Considerate

Drive considerately and courteously.

Be polite and well mannered when driving on the road. Don't copy road bullies. They are not a good example to follow. Like the saying goes: "Do unto others what you like others to do unto you."

Be thoughtful of other road users even though they may be pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.
Your understanding and caring actions and examples will help to reduce accidents.

Control your temper and obey all traffic signs and rules. Do not try to beat the traffic lights. Many accidents occur at traffic junctions due to the haste of the driver.

Other drivers may be rude, bad mannered or stupid. Don't let them affect your good driving conduct.

There is a saying, "If you drink, don't drive; if you drive, don't drink".

Be alert and sober whenever behind the driving wheels. Alcohol always reduces the alertness of the driver. This causes the driver to be careless and dare to take unnecessary and silly risks.

Cyclists and pedestrians are slow reaction users on the road. Be sober all the time.
Statistics show that pedestrians always suffer fatal accidents in an accident and usually the driver had been drinking alcohol.

Watch out for elderly people using the road. Watch out for blind people walking with white canes or leased to walking dogs. Always give way to such ones. Even though you may have the right of way, give them the right of way because they do not intentionally want to wander into your path.

Regards,
http://motorspark.com/

Car Tips 1 - The Right Attitude

2005-11-05T15:44:00.000+08:00

Car Tips 1 - The Right Attitude

In order to reduce accidents, our attitude when we get into the car is very important. If we have a very anxious or worried mind, then the likelihood of getting an accident is very imminent.

Make sure we are calm even before we start the engine. A person who drives his motorcar just to have the thrill of speed or just to show off to his friends is very dangerous to other road users. That person should be behind bars.

If you need to have the thrill of speed, go to the racing track and do all you want. Some people drive to calm down after an emotional turmoil. This is also dangerous because you can become immune to other dangers or road users around you.

Always treat your car with respect. It can be a potential killer machine if handled dangerously. A person who drives considerately towards the safety of other road users is not likely to cause any accidents.

Keep alert when you are driving.
Drive defensively by observing other drivers in the front, on the left and right and behind you from the rear view mirror.

Be aware of children crossing the road, children playing by the roadside and animals trotting along the road (animals have no road sense especially cows). Anticipate their actions and slow down when near them to avoid possible accidents.

Regards,
http://motorspark.com/