Automobiles
Things you should know about storing your car
May 9, 2012
If you find yourself in a scenario where you’ve got to store your auto, there aren’t many things you might need to consider before doing it.
If you drive your auto once or more a month for at least a half hour, then you should not pursue an automobile storage solution. But if you have a car that is of sentimental value but is not seeing much action, or you live in an area that seasonally gets harsh winter weather, then storage is a usable option. If you’re still going to store, please try the following pre-storage list to test off before hitting the lights.
Drive the auto (duh). When you get back, add (save 4-6 tablespoons for later) carburetor and valve cleaner to the gas tank, then fill the tank with fuel. This process will ensure upper cylinder lubricant.
Change the engine oil and filter. If you have a Spica-injected auto, the injection pump oil filter too.
Drain/flush the cooling system. Leave the heater valve is open. Refill cooling system with a 50/50 mix of fresh antifreeze and purified water.
Top up the trans/differential/steering box. Transmission and differential oil should be modified each 30,000 miles. If your car is due for a change, take care of it before storage.
Top off the brake liquid. Your car’s braking system should be flushed and bled with new fluid every 2 years.
Wash and wax the paint and bright-work. Comprehensively vacuum and clean the car’s interior.
Take away the battery, then clean the battery and battery case with a solution of cooking soda and water to neutralise acid. Take battery inside and place on an automated trickle charger.
Push (or temporarily reinstall the battery and drive) the vehicle into the (hopefully indoor) storage area. If you’re storing the auto in an area with an earth or gravel floor, lay a big piece of plastic down first, then drive the automobile onto that. The plastic sheet will supply a vapour barrier and help keep the car from rusting.
Raise the car on jack-stands. Place the jack-stands under the diverse suspension parts so that the suspension is compressed and at normal ride height. Fully extended shocks have a tendency to get stuck in that position, therefore the last instruction. If space is tight in your garage, you can rest the vehicle on a collection of Auto Dollies, so that you can move it easily into a corner.
Slip a plastic baggie over the exhaust tip (s) and snap an elastic band around it to keep it prepared. Do the same to the air cleaner inlet. This is going to help keep moisture out of the engine.
Place two mothballs in the trunk, the interior, and the engine compartment. Hopefully this will dissuade little hairy creatures from building nests. A top quality auto cover will also help to keep the animal kingdom out of your auto. An even better solution is to cocoon the vehicle and cover in an Automobile Pocket. If the automobile is being stored inside, crack the windows about 3/8.
Finally, if feasible, rotate the drive axles a few turns once a month. This’ll help to keep the differential gears and transmission main shaft and counter shaft lined with oil.
All these tips should keep your car in tip top shape while storing your car.
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Winter Garaging Tips For Your Motorcycle
May 8, 2012
You need to prepare your motorcycle for the winter months when the evidence of cold weather starts to appear. This demands a lot more than merely taking the motorcycle, pushing it into a garage and covering it. Proper winter storage will keep your motorcycle looking and running perfectly for a very long time. In this short article we shall cover a few things you simply must do to make certain your bike is ready for a long winter nap.
You will probably want to make a number of purchases as you make ready to competently store your motorcycle. Among the initial things you should get is a fitted cover suitable for your motorcycle. When buying the cover you’ll want to obtain a “breathable” cover. This will make it possible for your motorcycle to stay completely dry and thus prevent any rust or mildew formation.
You’ll also want to purchase a trickle charger for the battery. Throughout the winter, it’s a wise decision to store your motorcycle battery independently from the motorcycle. Essentially, you will want to charge the battery 12 hours every 3 or 4 weeks, and a work bench makes an excellent storage option. Whatever you do you dont want to leave the battery on a cement floor. Doing this could lead to damage to the battery which may lead to you being forced to order a new battery.
You’re going to also want to purchase some motorcycle stands. You should have these to keep your tires from resting on the ground. Storing your bike with the wheels on the ground prevents the wheels from changing position. Doing this reduces the lifespan of your tires. So be extra careful to keep the tires above the ground.
Now for the most important part. You’ll certainly need to buy a fuel stabilizer which you can add to the fuel for optimal storage during long periods of nonuse. There is really a method to doing this. Naturally, you can just indiscriminately pour the additive into your fuel tank, but it’s not the best way to go. First you should either drain or run your motorbike until your fuel tank is practically empty. When you’ve done this, you can put the fuel stabilizer in your tank. Now head out for a short two mile ride on your motorbike. This permits the stabilizer to flow fully through the fuel system.
Then come spring when your geared up to take your motorbike back out again, the only thing do is to fill your gas tank with fresh gas, hook your battery up and you’re ready to go. One last thing you may want to do is to thoroughly clean and lubricate the moving parts prior to storing your motorcycle. This is a great way to make sure that all the gears and parts are going to move when you’re ready to drive again.
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Why You Need To Pay For Insurance
May 7, 2012
Truth be told if you look at everything man has created the car has to be the most useful. You can use the car to get to 10 different places in a day where before this was just not possible! For long distance journeys you are not going to have to spend years trying to plan them out. We don’t have to seek anyones permission to go to places all over the country.
But of course with the benefits come the negatives of it being an expensive thing to own. You are going to have to pay for the car itself, which will set you back a few thousand dollars. Then there will be times when the car suddenly breaks down. These are the times when you are going to have to spend money out of your own pocket to get it fixed. The biggest daily expense you are going to have is actually paying for the petrol you need to run the car.
Believe me all of these expenses are nothing in comparison to what you are going to be paying to insure your vehicle. If you opt to get fully comprehensive car insurance then you are going to find that it will set you back quite a bit! Now I know many of you are going to be asking the question as to whether having car insurance is really necessary.
If you want to make sure that you are fully covered and don’t have to pay a penny when you have an accident then car insurance is a must. Just imagine one day you are unfortunate enough to get into a serious car accident. If you didn’t have car insurance then you would have just lost thousands of dollars.
Yes there are going to be many of you out there that say that this is extreme. I am telling you right now that it is more likely that you are going to be out there paying for your insurance and never claiming a single thing! The reality is that I would rather pay for the insurance than have to experience a car accident without it! Trust me paying a little up front every single month is going to give you a sense of satisfaction you can’t get elsewhere.
I am telling you right now that getting insurance will bring you an extra sense of joy when you are out there driving. Believe me you are going to be in heaven when you know that you are fully covered by insurance!
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Automotive Repair-How to Understand your Vehicle’s Air Conditioning System
May 6, 2012
Most cars have an air conditioner to make summer riding enjoyable. In the South, it’s almost required to have a good air conditioner, and when it quits, everyone suffers. Getting stuck in rush hour traffic is bad enough with AC!
Even though it’s not a good way to conserve fuel, you may have to run the AC in the middle of summer. If the car gets overheated it is dangerous for the car but when the driver gets overheated it may result in road rage. It takes almost 8 horsepower to run your AC. This does consume fuel. However, when on the open road where the speed limit is sixty, running the air conditioner is probably a better financial choice than having the windows open. If the window is down it will create a drag and make the car work harder.
How does the AC even work?
Car ACs work like window ACs. Freon is a gas that is contained by being sealed. The system has a compressor that pressurizes the Freon. As this happens the heat around the unit is absorbed. Hot gas is then absorbed and passed through a series of tubes at coils. Contrary to what you might imagine, the system does not add cold air but instead removes collected heat. Pressure on the Freon is reduced and it turns into a cold liquid. The newer models of vehicles use an environmentally friendly Freon R-134a instead of the original Freon that was dangerous to work on and hard on the Ozone layer. It’s not illegal to work on these without a license.
There are several parts of a cooling system.
The compressor is the main part of your system. The compressor does just what it says and compresses the Freon used to create cooling. The compressor is connected to the engine by a belt. There is also a clutch that is engaged when you turn on the AC.
The A/C unit has a condenser that is like a tiny radiator usually located next to the vehicle’s big radiator. The radiator pushes cool air in the car. This air can get super cold so there is a thermal expansion valve that controls the super cool air flow. This is how you will choose the temperature. There is an accumulator that acts as a safety for your system, a filter to collect sludge that collects from the system and different sensors depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle.
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Vehicle Graphics/Wraps
May 5, 2012
Here is a step by step process to applying vehicle wraps/graphics and following this step by step process you should ensure a great finished vehicle every time.
The golden rule when applying and graphic/wrap to a vehicle is to make sure you don’t overstretch the graphic/wrap. If you can find crevices then make small tension slits to stop the graphic bowing.
1.You have to clean every surface. Not just the one you are to apply to as a slight breeze will move dirt from a nearby area to your cleaned surface. It cannot be stressed enough that keeping the vehicle clean is massively important.
2. Apply a liberal amount of primer especially in groves where sticking maybe difficult.
3. Brackets, spoilers, window wipers, trims and all other exterior accessories should be removed as it will be much easier than working around them.
4. Make sure you use a good masking tape to tape up. There is a new water/paint resistant tape on the market and it is great. Make sure you have quick run without the graphic backing taken off to make sure everything fits.
5. Use a proper squeegee. Don’t use anything other than a purpose designed squeegee, using anything else will drive you mad and put you off doing the job. There are no shortcuts with this one.
6. Cutting the edges of the film is vital to your success in making the job look professional. If you end up with a small amount of the vehicles original colour peaking through it will look terrible. Take your time here.
7. If you are filming the windows make sure you do this after your wrapping has stuck and use a good Edge Sealer to finish the job.
8. Replace the styling parts and wiper blades and gently remove any tape or excess graphic that may still be on the vehicle. If you followed step 6 carefully this should be fairly easy.
9. Leave your vehicle for a day or two before driving it or cleaning it. Rushing out down the motorway when the vehicle has just been wrapped will do it no good at all.
10. Lastly the first time you clean it be gentle and do not use any chemicals that may damage your film. Again warm soapy water with a soft sponge is the best option.
Follow the above step by step and you will soon find you can apply vehicle graphics, but remember that only practice will make perfect and don’t worry too much as everyone will make a few mistakes first time around.
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The Need For Tire Chains
May 4, 2012
Tire chains are not used by everyone. People who live in areas that do not experience heavy winter do not need these kinds of chains. However, there are people who live in regions that simply require the use of the chains.
You will be presented with many different options when you go searching for tire chains. These chains are availed according to determinant factors such as type of road, type of driving and even type of wheels. If you select the wrong chains, the effectiveness is reduced considerably. However, if you select the right chains according to your individual needs, you will not regret your choice.
If you are planning to do long or short driving, you should know that there are specific tire chains that are suitable for this. In most cases, you will find cables, diamond and ladder chains. The ladder and also the diamond ones are good for short distances. If you use them for a long distance, they will become very hectic. In addition, they are noisy and can be disturbing to use them for long.
There are also a number of features that may be present in your car tires that will affect the type of chains that you buy. For instance, zigzag is a popular chain design that is well suited for tractions that are controlled. If you establish that your tires have these kinds of controls, then you know which chains to get. If you are unsure about which designs will suit your tires, you should carry out some research to avoid making the wrong decision.
Another consideration that you need to make concerns the installation and use of the tire chains. There are people who buy them only to end up with regrets once they get home and start struggling with using the chains. You need to realize that you will be installing and removing the chains a couple of times depending on your use. You should definitely ensure that you get chains that you can use with ease.
The best way to learn how to install or even remove your chains is by learning how to do it practically. Do not just read about it. You should watch someone doing it and also try it yourself before you start driving around. You can have a professional help you learn how to do this.
You may not be in a position to use your tire chains at all places and at all times of the year. This is because there are actually laws governing this use. In some cases, you may only use the chains during winter. If you are seen using them in warmer periods, this may get you arrested. If you are unsure about these laws as pertaining to your area of residence, you should definitely make consultations first.
Most of the tire chains are normally very durable and can be used a multiple of times. However, the one thing that normally affects how long the chains last is the way that they are used. You cannot use the chains wrongly and expect them to last long. You will damage them and this will only cost you more money. Find out the correct usage of the chains so as to keep from making costly mistakes.
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What Is An Engine Control-Unit
May 3, 2012
The Engine Control Unit controls the overall mix fuel and air that’s inside modern engines. The predetermined ration or ‘mix ‘ sets the power as well as the overall efficiency of an engine. The configurable nature of ECU’s has spawned the art of performance chip tuning whereby engine tuning can be manually modified to suit varied driving applications.
The ECU utilises performance maps to provide the most optimal tune for regular engine power performance. Modifying the performance map is what yields changes in potency and power.
For road applications the ECU engine tuning would usually favor a performance map that used less fuel and air. The effect is a saving in fuel usage.
For competition purposes the chip tuning would then favour a marked increase in fuel and air. However the portion would be variable as it relies among other factors on the ambient conditions as well as the usefulness of the ignition spark.
The algorithm that decides the mix as well as the delivery of the spark is essentially what differentiates one Engine Control Unit from another.
Car companies prohibit access to the engine control unit as divergences to the algorithm could cause the engine to fail. Furthermore, during the servicing process the authority designated by the vehicle company will customarily determine if the performance map has been altered. The effects of a verified modification can either be that the current service is refused or that the overall service warranty is invalidated.
ECU’s are not limited to road vehicles. Most modern methods of transport including motorbikes, prime movers (trucks, semi’s), earth moving equipment, scooters, buses, trams and even golfing buggies use engine control units.
Usually they look like a metallic box similar in size to an average paperback novel. They have the ability to not only control the performance map but more recently these units have been engineered to log the events. This provides numerous authorities the ability to recall and analysis these events thus making the ECU a variety of black-box recorder.
In the racing world this is especially handy as it then allows engine tuners and drivers to assess the performance of an engine during a lap or stage.
An example of this is if the analysis shows that fuel pressure at a specific point within the overall rev range (number of engine revolutions per minute) is retarding then the engineers would be well placed to summise that the available power would be badly effected at that point in time. The theoretical solution is to encourage the further delivery of fuel in that particular section of the lap or stage.
Next week we’ll cover the control over ignition timing and idle speed within the ECU.
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Buying A Used Car in Charleston
May 2, 2012
Aside from buying a new home, buying a used car is the biggest purchase that many of us will ever make. The National Automobile Dealers Association tells us that the average cost of a used car in Charleston SC is approximately Ten Thousand dollars. That is the main reason that getting a solid deal is so important while negotiating for a new car. You have to take the time to strongly consider which of the car models and options you want and just how much you are going to pay for them. One important factor is doing your research and having the knowledge you will need while negotiating. If you do this, you will be less likely to feel pressured into buying hastily and costing yourself a lot of money. If you’ve done your homework, when you get to the Charleston dealers showroom, you will be more likely to get a fair deal.
You should take time to consider these following suggestions – check local Charleston publications, your local library, and or bookstore, and of course the Internet has much info on cars that discusses new car features and the prices you will run into at the showroom. These sources and many others will provide important information on the Charleston used car dealerships costs for the car models you are interested in buying. Shop around for several Charleston used cars and you will get the best possible price because you will be comparing the models and their prices in local ads and at the Charleston dealer showrooms. You should also contact a car-buying service or a broker-buying service to become even more informed.
You are going to want to set a top price you are comfortable paying and not go over. When you show up at the dealership, be ready for negotiating if you want a certain price. Used car dealers are usually willing to bargain with you if you are serious about buying a vehicle that day. Often they will come down as much as 10 or 20 percent off the price! Many times, with car dealers this is the difference between the MSRP and the invoice price, or the sticker price. Usually, the price is a major factor in the dealer’s negotiating regardless of whether you are paying cash or will be financing the car, it also affects your monthly payments, so, negotiating a good price can save you a lot of money inthe long haul. You might also want to consider ordering the new car if you do not see what you are looking for on the car dealer’s lot. This may involve a little bit of a delay in you getting your car, but cars available to you may have some options you don’t want or need and that will raise the price.
You may come to find out that the car dealer negotiations have a vocabulary you are not so familiar with. Here are a few terms you might hear when you are talking about price with a Charleston used car dealership. The Invoice Price is a manufacturer’s first charge to the car dealer. It is usually higher than the car dealer’s final cost or price because car dealers receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. The invoice cost should include the freight of your new car. If you are buying a new car that is based on the invoice price and if the freight is already included, just make sure the freight is not added a second time to the sales contract. The new car’s base price is the cost of the car without any options added, but includes the standard equipment and the factory warranty.
If you are thinking of financing a used vehicle, just be aware that the financing you get at a Charleston used car dealership, may not be the best overall deal for you. Always try to contact the local lenders and banks directly. Then, you can compare the financing they offer you with the financing the dealership offers you. These offers will vary, so, make sure to look around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate and very importantly considering the length of the loan. When you are negotiating the financing of a new car, be careful to not focus only on the monthly payment. The end amount you will pay depends on the price of the car you negotiate, the APR, and the length of the car loan. We hope this helps you in your search for a new car!
Good luck shopping for used cars Charleston SC!
Auto Loans For People With Bad Credit Ratings
May 1, 2012
Raising the deposit that a person is required to make as down payment could be quite hard. When this is combined with their poor credit scores, these people really find it hard achieving their dream of driving a car of their choice. Many banks and other lenders will dismiss their applications and term it as high risk.
But there is hope in bad credit advance. This is an arrangement where you obtain an advance regardless of your credit ratings. Many lenders have come up to cater for the borrowing needs of those people who really need credit to enable them purchase and an automobile.
Since the car is used as a security for the amount which you are borrowing, the lenders do not have to worry. The loan is also insured hence making it possible for lenders to serve the needs of every person.Also, the rate of interest that is payable is higher thus making it a profitable venture for lending companies.
It is important that you know of your credit score before commencing the application process for the advance. If there are some errors in your report, you could ask them to strike it off. This makes it possible for you to qualify for an attractive rate of interest.
It is imperative that you use the internet when doing your search since there are many resources that could help you make a good choice. Get a list of reputable firms that provide auto loans and get in touch with them. It is important for you to ensure the safety of your personal information.
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Showing Your Children About Motorcycles Does Not Have To Be A Bad Thing
April 30, 2012
Motorcycles can be a life style for many families, and they grew to be that way for the children also. You may think that it’s dangerous for children to ride a motorcycle at an early age, but it isn’t much different than riding a horse. Families with horses often teach their children the way to ride horses when they are very young. Nearly anything in life can be dangerous so we have to teach our children the safe way to do things.
For children, riding a motorcycle can be as much fun as riding on a bicycle. Both are generally dangerous if precautions are not taken. Kids should be wearing helmets that fit properly and have the right clothes and padding. Children figure out how to ride a bike at various ages, and a motorcycle is not any different, especially when it comes to riding a bike or motorcycle that is the right fit. Difficulties can arise if the child is trying to learn on a motorcycle that is a bit beyond their age. Figuring out how to drive a motorcycle at a young age can instruct children to respect the road and become excellent drivers when they become adults.
Riding a motorcycle as a kid isn’t going to be without some harrowing times. They are going to probably get hurt but it will be relatively minor if you have proper guidance. You want to ensure your child is adequately equipped, is following all the safety guidelines and riding a motorcycle that is just the right size. It is outlawed for children to be driving a motorcycle on public streets so they will need to learn on dirt trails or motorcycle pathways. You want to make sure the bike you obtain can be used in rough terrain and you get your child a full face cover helmet. You should expect your child to end up in accidents where they may get hit in the face area on the handle bars.
Your children should never ride on a motorcycle with someone who is not licensed. Young children will have to ride on the backside of the motorcycle though on occasion they may need to ride in the front. Kids should always have the helmet on all the time. It is also important that your child does not ride on a motorcycle with another child. There exists a possibility of a fatal accident if they wind up not paying attention to the road. Not only that, but the extra weight can relocate the weight causing the motorcycle to handle differently than what is used to.
It is true that riding a motorcycle growing up can be dangerous, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. So long as parents take their duty and teach their children properly, and be safety conscious, their children will grow up with proper respect for all vehicles.
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