5 Warning Signs Your Transmission is About to Fail

Your car's transmission is designed to operate smoothly for years. Even though there are myriad moving parts working together, and each can potentially malfunction, the assembly should be free of problems for at least 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, it can last twice as long.

When problems arise, they are usually obvious. You'll see, feel, or hear leaks, lurching, and whining (respectively). Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these indicators, hoping they'll resolve themselves. It never happens. The underlying issue continues to worsen until the transmission eventually needs costly repairs.

This article will help you avoid that scenario. I'll describe five clear warning signs your vehicle's transmission is on the verge of failure.

Tip 1 - Is Your Engine Light On?

Years ago, the engine light implied there was a problem with your engine. This is still the case, but cars are designed with much more complexity these days. Sensors constantly transmit data regarding your vehicle's operation while you're on the road. This data includes air intake, coolant levels, throttle position, and more. These sensors can also note small aberrations while shifting, many of which will escape your notice. The data is sent to the computer, which triggers the "check engine" light.

If the light comes on, have a mechanic pull the trouble codes from the computer. Alternatively, you can buy a diagnostic scanner (as low as $40) and pull the codes yourself to see whether they suggest a problem with your transmission.

Tip 2 - Are There Leaks Under Your Car?

Fluid courses through your transmission to provide lubrication to the moving parts and transfer heat away from the assembly. Without a sufficient supply of this fluid, your tranny would overheat in the same way your engine would without oil. The problem is, there are many seals and gaskets in the assembly that can wear out over time. When they do, they develop leaks.

If you notice a few drops of reddish fluid on the ground underneath your tranny, there's a good chance the assembly is leaking. Check the fluid level immediately and replenish it if it's low. Then, have your mechanic find and fix the leak before it worsens and becomes more expensive to resolve.

Tip 3 - Does Your Car Whine Or Hum?

A transmission under stress may emit a high-pitched whine or a low-pitched hum. Symptoms vary by vehicle - even those of the same make and model - since each is designed a little differently. Whatever issue is causing these two sounds will persist until it is resolved. If the issue is neglected, it will likely worsen and eventually, lead to the assembly's failure.

Tip 4 - Do You Hear - Or Feel - Grinding?

This warning sign is more prevalent with cars equipped with a manual transmission. The grinding sound might be caused by a worn clutch or the collars sitting between the gears on the differential. In both cases, the problem should be considered a priority.

An automatic is less likely to grind, but may shake when the assembly tries to find the right gear. This shaking may be accompanied by a lurching sensation or clunking sound. Given that the tranny should always shift seamlessly, this is an indication that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

Tip 5 - Is There Hesitation While Shifting?

As noted, under normal circumstances, your transmission should shift smoothly. In fact, you should barely notice the gears changing. Hesitation means there is a problem in the assembly that is affecting its ability to find the right gear. On an automatic, it typically occurs when you're trying to shift in or out of "Park," though it can also occur while you're driving. On a stick-shift (i.e. manual tranny), it will often happen when one of the drive gears is already engaged. In both cases, the problem will only worsen.

Transmission problems are usually costly to repair, and thus many drivers tend to ignore them, hoping they'll go away on their own. They never do. If you notice any of the above warning signs, have the underlying issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Investing in a New Car Versus Keeping an Older One

Automakers and dealerships are more willing than ever to extend rebates and other generous offers in order to spur sales. As a result, the thought of replacing your current vehicle with a new one might seem particularly enticing. Not so fast. From a purely financial perspective, there are compelling reasons to hold onto your current car and replace parts when they fail.

While buying a new automobile poses plenty of perks, it will also leave your bank account much lighter than a used one. In this article, we'll compare the pros and cons of both. We'll take a look at the effects of depreciation and the ongoing cost of ownership. Then, we'll offer a few suggestions for finding value among the used gems.

The Initial Loss In Value

The moment you drive a new vehicle off the dealer's lot, it loses nearly one-fifth of its value. The reason? Depreciation. Every new automobile hemorrhages a large portion of its value almost immediately. Moreover, by the end of the first twelve months, most cars have lost over 30 percent of their value (some lose even more).

This is one of the main reasons to keep your current vehicle, or consider buying a used one when the time comes to replace it. If you purchase a car that is four years old, the majority of its depreciation has already occurred. In most cases, the increased costs associated with maintaining - or repairing - a used vehicle do not offset the higher price of a new car.

Considering The Cost Of Ownership

Few people think about the ongoing cost of owning and driving their vehicle. In addition to the monthly payments (in the case of a new car), you'll need to allocate part of your budget to fuel, insurance, repairs, and regular maintenance. Given that these expenses can add up to thousands of dollars each year, they're worth considering.

Because of depreciation, new cars are very expensive to own. After a few years have passed, the cost of ownership declines. By years six through eight, the combined cost is equal to that of the first year.

For used vehicles, depreciation has already taken most of its toll, and thus annual ownership costs are already much lower. However, the costs associated with repairs and maintenance rise with age as parts begin to wear down and need to be replaced. There are plenty of resources online that will provide the average carrying cost for a particular make, model, and year. Factor this in when deciding whether to buy a new model.

Uncovering Value In Used Vehicles

New automobiles are expensive to own and drive while older ones are much less so. The question is, how old is too old in the context of maximizing value per dollar spent? A 1999 Honda Civic may come with a budget-friendly sticker price, but will repairs and maintenance become too expensive down the road?

Experts suggest one of the best places in which to find automotive value is in vehicles that are between three and four years old. As noted earlier, most of the depreciation has already occurred by this point. Hence, the money you spend is more likely to be reflected in its resale value.

Late model cars also offer the benefit of being roadworthy for several years into the future. You may need to replace the alternator, fuel pump, and invest in a new set of tires, but such vehicles tend to have plenty of life in them.

The one area in which buying a new car trumps keeping an older one is with the factory warranty. When you purchase a new vehicle, the warranty all but guarantees you'll be protected from an unexpected cash outlay due to a failing part or system. Most major components are covered. That said, you can also invest in an aftermarket extended warranty that provides a similar level of coverage for your current automobile.

Buying a new car may be appropriate if you're willing to absorb the higher cost of ownership. Otherwise, consider keeping your current vehicle and investing in high-quality replacement parts when necessary.

How Your Car's Heating and Air Conditioning System Works

Most of us have become accustomed to the comfort provided by our vehicles' heating and air conditioning system. During the cold months, warm air keeps the chill at bay. During the warmer months, the A/C produces cool air to make the driving experience more comfortable.

Like most auto parts and systems, the heater and air conditioner work without our thinking about them. Unfortunately, they do suffer wear and tear. They can break down for a variety of reasons, and fail to perform their respective jobs.

The technology used to design your vehicle's heater and A/C has evolved over the last several decades. But problems can still occur. In this article, you'll discover how the various components work together to ensure your drive is as comfortable as possible. We'll then take a look at a few issues you may experience down the road.

The Job Of The Compressor

Attached to the side of your car's engine is a component called the compressor. It is a pump that is responsible for compressing refrigerant (e.g. R-134a, Freon, etc.) and sending it to another component called the condenser (described below). In order to fulfill this responsibility, the compressor intakes low-pressure gas from a part called the evaporator. The compressor pressurizes the gas - heating it in the process - before sending it through the system.

The Condenser And Expansion Valve

Your A/C system's condenser appears similar to your cooling system's radiator. Moreover, it works in a similar manner. Once the high-temperature, pressurized gas from the compressor reaches the condenser, it undergoes a process through which heat is removed from it. During this process, the refrigerant gas is turned into pressurized liquid before it leaves the condenser on its way to the expansion valve.

The expansion valve regulates the amount of refrigerant that reaches the evaporator (described below). When you modify the temperature control in your vehicle's cabin, you are adjusting the setting of this component. The higher the temperature setting, the less refrigerant that is allowed to pass through to the evaporator.

Evaporator

Your air conditioner's evaporator has a few responsibilities. First, it is tasked with removing heat from within the cabin of your car. Second, it removes moisture from the air that leaves it and passes through the vents.

By the time the liquid refrigerant arrives from the expansion valve, much of its pressure has dissipated. It enters the evaporator where it is dehumidified prior to its release. The refrigerant then leaves the evaporator and travels back to the compressor to start its journey over. Meanwhile, cold air is blown through your car's vents with a blower motor.

Potential Problems That Can Develop

The most common problems drivers experience with their car's heating and air conditioner system include a lack of cold air, intermittent cooling performance, and noise and odor. Lack of cold air is usually due to a lack of refrigerant. This implies there is a leak from the seals or hoses somewhere in the A/C system. Finding such leaks is best left to a trained mechanic who has the necessary equipment.

Intermittent cooling is often attributable to an obstruction caused by moisture. Finding the obstruction, similar to locating a refrigerant leak, can be challenging unless you have access to the proper diagnostic equipment. The problem may also be triggered by an electrical failure that prevents the compressor clutch from engaging. If the clutch fails to engage, the compressor will not work.

If you hear your car's A/C system making excess noise, have a mechanic check the compressor. There's a high likelihood the component is about to fail, and will need to be replaced. If you smell a musty odor coming from the vents, mold has likely grown on the evaporator. This occurs because moisture collects on the evaporator's surface (recall that the component dehumidifies the liquid refrigerant). Don't ignore the odor. Have the mold cleared out.

The heating and air conditioning system of your vehicle should operate without incident for years. When problems occur, however, the repairs are best left to a mechanic.

The 10 Steps to a Body Shop Repair

Like with anything in life that requires a great deal of effort there will almost always be a process that one must follow in order to insure things are done completely and accurately. Body shop repair is no exception. From the initial accident to the insurance claim and estimates through the final repair and completion there are an enormous number of items that need to be addressed. Here is a quick overview, from the management of Northgate Ford, of the steps which may make your life easier when the time comes to get your vehicle repaired:

Step 1. Getting an Estimate
In most larger body shops that are better equipped to handle repairs better, in order to provide the most accurate estimate possible, the collision estimator will enter all the information about the repair into a computerized estimating system. A report is then generated outlining the work that will need to be done along with the costs involved.

Step 2. Getting Insurance Approval
Once an estimate has been obtained from a reputable collision repair shop, a representative from the insurance company may want to inspect the vehicle and prepare their own estimate for comparisons. Before the repair process can begin, in most cases the body shop must work with the insurance company to make sure the figures on the body shop estimate is in line with the figure from the insurance company as well as with the repair procedures needed to fix any damage. Because of this step, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to evaluate as a total loss so no repairs will be needed.

Step 3. Disassembly
Occasionally there may be the need for extra charges due to additional damage that is found after a vehicle has been disassembled for repair. When this happens, photos will be taken of the damage and the owner and possibly the insurance company will be contacted to get approval for any additional repairs.

Step 4. Ordering Parts
Before any work begins and in many cases before you are asked to bring your car in for repair, all parts will be ordered for your vehicle's repair to make sure they are available when the work begins. This insures the repairs are done quickly and efficiently with the least amount of inconvenience to the customer. Occasionally, there may be the need to place a special order for parts which can then add time to the repair process.

Step 5. Frame Repair
Most larger collision repair shops are equipped with sophisticated repair systems that enable them to carefully and accurately measure, analyze, and align the frame of your vehicle to restore it to its original factory specifications.

Step 6. Body Repair
Depending on the nature of the damage to the vehicle, there may be the need to perform some major body repair. The body repair process involves replacing any damaged exterior parts as well as any necessary metal finishing.

Step 7. Paint
After all of the repairs have been completed and parts replaced, the next step is to repaint the repaired areas. Generally a computerized paint-mixing system will be used in order to match your vehicle's paint color perfectly. To ensure the best adhesion possible, the areas to be painted are sanded down then are masked and primed for refinishing.

Step 8. Reassembly
After all necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle has been repainted, the next step is to reassemble any parts that were removed and/or repaired. A check is then made to verify that your car is structurally sound and ready for delivery.

Step 9. Inspection
When everything has been put back together and the technician is satisfied that the work is complete, a test-drive of your vehicle is completed in order to perform a quality control system check to make sure everything functions correctly and the repairs have been completed successfully.

Step 10. Completion
When your car is ready for pick up, the repair service manager will meet with you to review your invoice and answer any questions. The goal should be to make sure you're 100 percent satisfied with the work.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Takes Center Stage

Going into 2011, Ford has positioned themselves to be a winner with the all new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Standing out from the crowd, the MKZ Hybrid provides customers with a real choice in the marketplace when looking for a vehicle that truly makes a statement Ford has placed a lot of emphasis of making sure that this vehicle reflects the ideals of the Lincoln mercury division. To set itself apart from the crowd, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid comes in offering the best fuel economy for any car in its segment. Additionally, to appeal to the discriminating tastes of its customers, they have added a host of advanced safety features, and all the amenities and modern design of a true luxury sedan.

According to the management for Northgate Ford, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has gone above and beyond to offer everything that a customer could possibly look for in a midsize luxury sedan. With its unsurpassed fuel economy, ,the engineers at Lincoln Mercury worked extra hard to ensure the MKZ Hybrid’s electric motor and engine complement each other.

With a reputation as a world class leader in electrified technology, the Ford Motor Company with its introduction of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses the company’s second-generation hybrid engines. This system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.

When you look under the hood you find that the Industry-leading fuel economy comes without the need to sacrifice power. The mix of the gasoline engine and electric motor provide a great deal more horsepower than one would expect. Additionally, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends the gas mileage to an extraordinary 47 MPG.

But even after all the reviews and the great ratings, the question that still surrounds the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well can it perform against its competitors, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from vehicles using the same or similar power trains. For people who may only be looking for efficiency may be willing to part with certain luxury amenities in order to save money.

Bottom line is that with Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme it will be much better equipped than either of the less-expensive vehicles in its class. Just to spotlight a few, it will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and to top it off, a slightly more jazzed up version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. For those who may be familiar with the mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids, they have a screen-based botanical garden that grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving. With the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, they have added pretty flowers! Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors.

The feeling seems to be now that with the Introduction of the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid that it complements Ford's already aggressive global electrification plan while setting them up for the introduction of five new electrified vehicles by 2013.

How to Buy a Used Car

For many of us, buying a used car ranks up there with going to the dentist or doing income taxes. Shopping is usually fun, so why is buying a car, especially a used car, any different? Well, first it’s a big risk. You’re going to spend a lot of money, and you want to make sure you spend it wisely. Second, a car is a necessity. If you blow it and get an unreliable car, you’ll spend a lot of money in repairs and you’ll be stressed if it’s not there when you need it. There’s a more risk to buying a used car than a new one, because the condition and the price are unknown. To top it all off, you’ll be working with a used car salesman. Although their reputation for dishonesty is largely undeserved, still this isn’t someone who has your best interests at heart. Don’t worry, though. With a few simple steps, you’ll be an expert used car buyer.

The first question is what kind of car you want to buy. Before you look at your first car, you need to sit down and identify your needs. Do you need a pickup truck? A little gas sipper for commuting? A van that can carry a lot of passengers? Something that you look hot in? Or are you open to different possibilities?

Next, think about price and condition. In general, an older car or one with more miles on it will need more repairs and not last as long as a newer or lower mileage car. But it will cost less. You need to know where you stand on this. You may be looking for the least expensive car you can find, knowing that you can handle the repairs. Or you might want to get a car that’s only a year or so old and is still under warranty. Or, like many of us, you fall somewhere between these two extremes. You’ll probably need to look at some prices to determine where in this price/condition range you fall. You can easily find these online.

The next step is one that many people skip, but it’s very important in getting a good deal later: Write down your needs! This is critical in order for you to get what you want, especially when you start talking to people who are going to try to change your mind. Write down the type of car you want, including some possible models. Write down your first choices, your back-up choices, and anything you definitely don’t want. Do the same for your price/condition range. For example, you might say that you want a Honda Accord with around 50,000 miles and you’re expecting to pay around $10K to $12K. You’re willing to go up or down 10,000 miles or so, and you have a list of similar models that you would accept. Your DO NOT list might include anything that costs more than $15K, anything with more than 80,000 miles, and anything that won’t seat more than 2 people.

When you’re out shopping, compare the car you’re looking at to your written criteria. Sales people will try to persuade you to buy what they have to sell. Their arguments may seem logical at the time. That’s why you need this written record of what you want. If the car you’re looking at fits your criteria, great! If it falls into your DO NOT list, walk away. If it’s somewhere between, take the time – away from the sales person – to decide if it’s the best option for you.

The trick to used car shopping is getting what you want. The only way to do that is to clearly identify what that is at the beginning.

How To Drive An Excavator?

If you are a person who loves driving heavy equipment, then you are going to be one who loves to drive an excavators. To many of the heavy equipment drivers, excavators are considered to be toys and one of the funnest things in the world to drive. That has only come about in the last few years. Excavators have recently earned the respect of construction and utility workers everywhere.

Excavators are great for just about any kind of business since they are very easy to operate, have a small foot print, are very low in cost, and offer a precise operation. Excavators are available for rent by home owners and can do some of the yard and landscaping in the world, especially when using the mini model of the excavator. If you are in need of some tips on how to operate an excavator, then you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how to get a general understanding of how to operate an excavator.

The first thing that you need to do is choose the correct size of the machine that you are going to be needing for your project. Minis can come in a variety of sizes, from super compact. Excavators can weight anywhere from 4000 and up. You can use the excavator for digging ditches, irrigation, and so many other things.

The next thing that you should do is compare the costs of renting an excavator to buying an excavator. Typically the mini excavator can go for around 150 per day to rent. That does not include the cost of delivery, pick up, fuel charges and any insurance needed. With the price starting at 150 per day and going up from there, depending on the project or if your are trying to start up a business, you need to weigh the options as well as the pros and cons of buying a new or used excavator.

You should then check out the range of machines that are offered and if the company offers demonstrations. You should become very familiar with operating a excavator. Getting the feel of the machine will allow you to be able to successfully operate the machine on your own.

Take the time to look over the operators manual and be sure to become familiar with everything there is on the excavator. Knowing everything there is possible when it comes to driving an excavator, is the best thing that you can do. There are so many different control, knobs and buttons that one can come equipped with, it can be hard to tell what is what.

Be sure to look over all the warning labels that can come stuck onto many pieces of the excavator. They will be giving you many different charts and instructions on how to operate the machinery as well as how to perform maintenance on the machine. It will also be listing the machine's information and the serial numbers.

Operating an excavator can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you are not familiar with heavy equipment. Take your time to get as much training and information about running and operating the excavator before taking it home to do your project.

Car Dealers - Buying My Car

My recent experience at my local car dealers just proved quite how gullible I am. To be fair I was always the kid in the classroom who would believe the weird and wildly unbelievable stories that the class clown would tell, of you would be flicked in the nose when someone pointed out that I had “got something on my shirt”. I was, and I suppose I still am, far too trusting for my own good. I see the world through rose tinted specs, and it means that whilst most of the time it just leads to amusing stories to tell, sometimes it is far more detrimental! I really need to start taking people with me whenever I am in a position of financial power, as I am bound to believe whatever I am told.

The example in the used car dealership was a classic. I know a little about cars, but I am the first to admit that perhaps I don’t actually know much about the useful stuff. I could tell you at a glance if a car looks nice, and I could reel off a list of my favourite cars from a design perspective, but I haven’t really been driving long enough to be able to tell the difference between the incredibly subtle engines differences, or to know whether a tire was pulling the car a little to the left. Because of this lack of knowledge, I probably wandered into the dealer atrociously unprepared, hence the set of events that ensued.

Upon entering the showroom, I was immediately approached by a motley drew. Clearly everyone had seen the happy looking lass wandering through the doors, and had seen a number of dollar signs hanging above my head! They converged on me, and the first to reach me took me by the elbow and escorted me to his desk. He sat me down, and proceeded to quiz me on what I wanted.

“Oh, just a car” I said, “One that will take me from A to B without breaking down”.

His response, predictably, was somewhat ecstatic. He rushed to reassure me that he could definitely meet those requirements, and led me off to what he assured me was the perfect car. I stood looking at the behemoth he had bought me to, and not once did it cross my head that he had led me neatly past the cheapest cars in the room, right through to the expensive end. This car was about £5k above me non-existent budget, but when I raised concerns he let me know that I could get 0% finance for the 1st 12 months if I wanted, consequently meaning that I could afford a car that was a lot more expensive than I had though.

He then proceeded to tell me why I would prefer this car anyway. After all, I couldn’t be expected to survive without dual climate control, especially when my boyfriend always likes the temperature hotter than me. I was sold straight away – and walked away £5k extra down and thoroughly confused about what had just happened!

Roadside Assistance is a Sound Investment for the Travelling Public

The United States is in love with its mobility and always has been. There are many reason for it, the size of the country, the luxury of the automobile, the fantastic scenery, all contribute to a culture of travel. From our inception as a nation travel has been an integral part of who we are as a people. The advent of roadside assistance has just made the idea all that much more convenient.

Back in the late 1700s, the notion of travel was fueled from the very outset as the pioneers moved westward to expand the young nation across our massive continent. The draws were many and varied, from finding their own land to the call of the wild too the later advent of the gold rush in California. In those days, travel was most accomplished via wagon train or on horseback, and the going was anything but luxurious.

Travelling in the early days of this nation was fraught with danger. If the exposure, climate and difficulty finding sustenance did not get you, there was still the advent of lethal wild animals and an indigenous population that were often inhospitable. For this reason traveling was a carefully thought out and planned adventure not for the feint of heart.

As time passed, the draw for communication with all parts of the country drove the development of lines of communication. Congress designated first the waterways then the railways as official postal routes designed to keep us all connected. Still for a long time that only reached as far west as Saint Joseph, Missouri. The real west was still wild and unconnected. This spawned the creation of the pony express, but it would be many years later before there was true interconnection.

The transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 and provided the first truly line of communication spanning the continent. The first roadway spanning the nation was the Lincoln Highway spanning nearly 3,400 miles from to Times Square in new York to Lincoln Park in California. With this highway the American love for travel was launched.

Ever since then the roadways of America have grown and connected every municipality we created. A second major travel related boost was the development of the Interstate Highway System begun in 1956. Developed to assist business and leisure travel within the US, it was also a means fro moving military logistics across the nation in times of crisis.

This notion of assisting with the national defense is the answer to a number of trivialities about the roadway. The answer to why there is an interstate in Hawaii and Alaska is answered by the connectivity between military bases in these two states, as the original bill authorizing its construction was also a national defense endeavor. Also one mile out of every five miles is straight, allowing it to be used as an emergency landing field if it is necessary.

Travel across the united States in the form of a road trip has been immortalized in movies and been a part of most American lives. About the only downside to traveling across the nation is the time it takes and the possibility of having your car malfunction or just die altogether out in the middle of nowhere. The introduction of roadside assistance has all but taken these risks out of the equation.

Impact Wrench: Most Liked Equipment

Impact wrench is amongst the valuable inventions in the twenty-first century in the industry of appliances for the home which enable in providing a high torque in the rock or wall by using compressed air or electricity. The impact wrench, also called air wrench or torque gun is actually high powered equipment that produces high torque with minimum energy getting on the part of its consumer. And when putting it that way, you've got no other alternative but to adore this particular gizmo.

Normally, the impact wrench had made use of the pressurized air to perform the required purpose although currently these types of items make use of gas and electric power to come up with sufficient energy to complete the required work. The impact wrenches which use compresses air are referred to as pneumatic impact wrenches. However these days, one is more likely to come across cordless electrical impact wrench as being the equipment of choice of most tool fans.

The electrical as well as air-powered impact wrenches function in the same manner as the manually operated impact wrenches. The difference is definitely the power source. Within an electrical impact wrench, on pulling the trigger, the tiny hammers within the wrench are impacted and go into a circular movement. This particular movement allows the impact wrench to execute its activity and causes minimal exertion as being put in manually. Inescapable that the electrical and air-powered impact wrenches works much faster.

These tools should be used with extreme caution as well as security. A person must fully accept his/her desires and be familiar with the accessories well before utilizing all of them for normal or crucial jobs. The most common difficulties confronted by amateurs and newbies are cross threading and also to over-torque the actual bolts than expected. Hence if you are new at utilizing an impact wrench, it would be highly recommended to hand-tight the actual screws immediately after making use of the impact wrench.

The uses of this amazing product are tremendous. The impact wrench is commonly used in auto repairs, production lines, manufacturing of heavy equipments, building projects etc. Thus, we may well say that a basic tool set will likely be inadequate as well as imperfect without a stylish along with sturdy impact wrench.

Speaking of excellent as well as reliable impact wrenches, there are numerous that one can buy. The Ingersoll Rand impact wrench is recognized as one of the best in the business as well as comes from the famous 100 year old industrial tool creator, Ingersoll Rand - known because of its tradition of technical innovation and top quality of devices.

With the period, man as well as machine has evolved. The pursuit for perform challenging tasks with ease and minimal energy has resulted in numerous developments, inventions as well as innovation. The impact wrench is definitely an invention of man’s limitless mission for realize technological progression and try to make his existence effortless. The impact wrench has absolutely influenced the way in which tasks are done.

Five Stylish and Eco-Friendly Cars

The world today has turned a keener eye towards protecting nature. During the past few years, it is a common theme that many companies have adapted. It is the theme of eco-friendliness.

This saving the planet movement has never been more apparent than in the car industry. Big names such as Toyota, Ford and Honda have all adapted this eco-friendly mentality in their products.

Cars of today are equipped with more technologies that are aimed at reducing the damage done to the environment. This can be in the form of fuel-saving engines, organic materials and many more.

Here are some of the stylish and eco-friendly cars to roll-out of 2010:

1.Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford’s Escape Hybrid has been tagged by industry analysts as the first credible American hybrid. It is also on of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the market. The Ford Escape is a really good choice especially if you are looking for a hybrid SUV that is as good as the non-hybrid ones.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is usually priced at around $30,000. The Escape Hybrid today has been converted to become the green taxicab. The efficiency that its 32 mpg brings makes it a good choice for public transport.

2.Lexus HS 250H

The Lexus HS 250H is luxury with an environmental twist. Many analysts consider the Lexus HS 250H as the Prius and Camry’s more luxurious substitute.

Though buyers would have to dole out around $35,000 to get their hands on this, the fuel efficiency and other eco-friendly traits do more than make up for the car’s heft in price.

3.Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry hybrid is a seventh generation Camry sedan. Introduced in May of 2007, the Camry Hybrid has a 32 mpg combined engine that is as fuel-efficient as any other hybrids in the market; if not more.

Toyota has recently been rocked with technical glitches that led to a massive recall of its cars worldwide. Through it all, the Camry Hybrid has survived critique and has managed to stay as one of the most sought after hybrids in the market.

4.Honda Civic Hybrid

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has approved this Honda hybrid for its efficiency on the road. It is one of the few cars that have made it to the Institute’s five-star safety picks.

The Honda Civic Hybrid may be confused with the normal Civic because it does not really set itself apart with regards to design. Price range for this hybrid usually starts at $23,800

5.Toyota Prius, Third Gen

The sales of this car have recently been affected by Toyota’s recalls. Still, this hybrid ranks as one of the top cars when it comes to brand loyalty. Many users are still satisfied with the performance of the hybrid.

The Prius is a full hybrid car that also features an engine that can be run by electricity. According to the United States’ EPA, this Toyota hybrid is currently the most fuel efficient gasoline sold in the market today.

Motorcycles Are For Responsible People

Starting in the 1950’s and 60’s, motorcycles have been considered the vehicle of choice for bad boys. The speed, the danger, the noise were just made for the young rebel looking to defy the status quo. Fast forward to the next century and the landscape has changed. Crowded cities and roads, greenhouse gases and expensive foreign oil provide more than sufficient reason to give the motorcycle a second look.

I do not recommend motorcycles for new drivers due to safety reasons. It takes practice to learn now to navigate in traffic and to be aware of everything going on around you. During that learning period, many if not most, new drivers experience minor accidents. This is the main drawback to motor bikes. What would only be a fender bender in a car becomes a major accident on a motorcycle. That’s because there’s nothing to prevent the motorcycle rider from being thrown from the bike. Even if he stays with the bike, there’s nothing between him and the road.

Safety is an issue for more experienced drivers too, but there are things they can do to reduce the risk of injury.

Wear protective gear. A helmet is a must for any motorcyclist and passengers. Leather jackets and pants can go a long way toward protecting against injury to the rest of the body. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. Protective gear can greatly reduce the damage in such an event.

Drive defensively. One of the biggest dangers to motor bike riders is other vehicles. They drive as if, well, they’re driving a car and not a motorcycle. It’s often difficult to see motorcycles due to blind spots. Motorcyclists need to be very aware of this and do everything they can to prevent possible problems – even problems that wouldn’t be their fault. Motor bike riders should make sure that they’re seen. Get out of the drivers’ blind spots, don’t zip up on a car and expect that they’ve seen you. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. This will allow you the time to move out of the way if necessary.

Be hyper-vigilant about road conditions. Windy roads, snow and ice, even rain are a bigger issue for motorcycles than they are for cars. Ride slowly and cautiously. Don’t ride your bike at all in really bad conditions. Those are days for taking your car or catching a ride with a friend.

Make sure you have good insurance. Your motorcycle is probably less expensive than most cars. The amount of damage you’re likely to do to others in an accident is no more, and probably less, than if you were driving a car. The big difference on a motorcycle is the risk of injury to the rider and passenger. Make sure that your motorcycle insurance covers injury to yourself or anyone else who is riding your bike. Also, not all policies cover passengers. If you might ever carry a passenger, make sure that you have good coverage. Lastly, look at the dollar limits on your policy. In a really bad accident, you could need medical care for months. Don’t just take the standard coverage. Make sure you have high enough limits that your medical expenses will be taken care of, whether or not the accident was your fault.

There is a higher risk to riding a motorcycle, but there are steps you can take to reduce those risks. The benefits of lower costs, using less gasoline and getting through traffic quickly might be worth the incremental risk.

Power Exhaust Automotive

Performance auto exhaust is usually tubing used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove.

The Power Exhaust Automotive conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes.

Depending on the overall system design, the exhaust gas may flow through one or more of:

Exhaust gas or flue gas is emitted as a result of the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel fuel, fuel oil or coal. It is discharged into the atmosphere through an exhaust pipe, flue gas stack or propelling nozzle from Performance auto exhaust. It often disperses downwind in a pattern called a Custom specific exhaust modifications.

Around the world, people are growing increasingly concerned about carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Certainly, climate change skeptics pose reasonable hypotheses that suggest changes in climate are merely a natural, global cycle and we humans are just going to have to ride out. But the idea that humans are contributing to climate change is becoming more accepted. In response, scientists are thinking of ways to reduce humans' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

If you've ever heard a car enginerunning without a muffler, you know what a huge difference a muffler can make to the noise level. Inside a muffler, you'll find a deceptively simple set of tubes with some holes in them. These tubes and chambers are actuall y as finely tuned as a musical instrument. They are designed to reflect the sound waves produced by the engine in such a way that they partially cancel themselves out.

Performance auto exhaust is the some pretty neat technology to cancel out the noise in Performance auto exhaust. In this article, we'll take a look inside a real car muffler and learn about the principles that make it work.
But first, we need to know a little about Performance auto exhaust sound.

Upgrading your car, truck, or SUV's auto exhaust system is a great way to build horsepower, free up trapped torque, and improve upon anemic-sounding factory systems. The larger pipes, low-restriction mufflers, and tuned resonators of a well-designed performance exhaust system can make a world of difference on your vehicle. We have truck and auto exhaust systems from Flowmaster exhaust, Gibson exhaust, and a host of other highly-respected exhaust system manufacturers, with applications ranging from Honda Civic exhaust systems to LS1 Camaro exhaust systems. Those of you with newer vehicles are no doubt thinking, "what about emission control regulations?" The government doesn't take kindly to bypassing smog equipment, something the smart tuner keeps in the back of his or her mind whenever an upgrade is planned. Enter the cat-back exhaust system: For newer vehicles, Flowmaster exhaust, Gibson exhaust, and many of our other premium manufacturers make cat-back exhaust systems (short for catalyst-back exhaust systems) to fit your needs.

These cat-back exhaust systems leave the emissions-control gear in place, but allow you to put large-diameter exhaust pipes and low-restriction performance mufflers into the system after the catalytic converter. The net result is lower auto exhaust backpressure, more horsepower, more torque, and a much hotter sound, all while staying perfectly legal.

Car Suspension Modification

Car suspension modification is a great way to go off-road on the job or just for fun in your auto. Some companies offer complete suspension systems that upgrade the capabilities of car to tackle the toughest terrain you encounter. Give your vehicle a new rugged stance and a whole new bag of go-anywhere tricks when you upgrade to an off-road suspension system or simply lift up your truck for a commanding view of the road or the work site.

The job of a car suspension is to maximize the friction between the tires and the road surface, to provide steering stability with good handling and to ensure the comfort of the passengers. Performance suspension technology plays a vital role in the handling and stability of a performance vehicle. What manufacturers learn from the race track, will eventually find its way to the street. Performance suspension excites the driver; when the car responds to the driver's movements with precision, automotive bliss ensue. To reduce noise and vibration, Car suspension with rubber bushings of varying durometer, or hardness, at all suspension interfaces. While the rubber does a fine job of isolation, the joint is not truly free to rotate as rubber is bonded to an internal steel crush sleeve resulting in increasing resistance as the suspension swings through its arc and may reach a point where the sleeve breaks free, resulting in a sudden change in apparent spring rate (in somewhat erratic fashion). In addition to the non-linear resistance at the joints, a rubber bushing allows subtle changes in geometry as it is winds up and deflects. This is not to say they don't work, but they do at the expense of the relationship between the driver and machine, essentially numbing the feedback that makes a go-kart so much fun. In addition to suspension upgrades, we have carefully chosen components that will provide the driver with a high level of feedback.

In the world of competition, high speed handling and stability rules the roost. Race teams use their own specifications of Car suspension based on car configuration, qualifying times, and the rules set forth by the racing organization themselves. Increased toe-out, for example, may be used in high-banked super speedway configurations to improve traction and stability during high-speed cornering. The same rule applies to camber and caster adjustments. Spring rates, alignment angles--and the tires themselves are all the result of precise calculations that ultimately provide the maximum performance possible, during high-speed operations.

Drag racing isn't just for little guys in little import cars or big block Detroit hot rods. Nothing beats the satisfaction of crushing smaller vehicles as you roar off from a stoplight in a powerful truck. People don't typically think of trucks as drag racing champs, but many powerful diesel trucks with huge torque will disprove them quickly.

Pulling up to a stoplight in your truck is always satisfying. The imperious view over other traffic, the rumble of your V-8, and the knowledge that you can do much more with your vehicle than the other guys are all good reasons to own a truck in the first place. However, smaller cars usually zip away and you're left to slowly build up momentum.

Before You Apply For an Auto Loan

Getting an auto loan may seem like a pipe dream for many Americans out there who have poor or bad credit. But owning a car is a privilege not a right in this country, so knowing where you stand before you decide to apply for an auto loan will help you to make the whole process easier to complete and less stressful; not only on your mind but your wallet, too.

In many people’s opinions, you shouldn’t even consider buying a car if your credit is bad. You should try to wait until you have a secure hold on your finances and have fixed any blemishes on your credit report. Ordering a free copy of your credit report is the best way to know where you will stand with lenders and whether you have good credit, marginal credit, or bad credit. If possible you should try to wait until your credit score is at least 680. You will get much better options for financing the higher your credit score.

If you do have bad credit and circumstances are such that you absolutely have to get a car, definitely consider buying used instead of new. You should also work out your loan first and pick a car second. This is because not every dealership will have an affiliated lender who is willing to give out an auto loan to someone with bad credit who is considered a high risk. If you already have your mind set on a specific make and model, you can almost be sure to be disappointed if you don’t get approved for a loan with a dealer that has the car you’re looking for. Get your loan first and then pick out your car.

Figuring out what you can afford for monthly car loan payments is also very important before you apply for the loan. Knowing how much you can pay each month will help keep your payments timely and also keep your credit score from dropping even lower because of late or missed payments. There are many resources available online to do research on auto loans and APRs, and online calculators that can make figuring out what’s affordable for you very easy.

It’s vital to know that if you have bad credit you are much more likely to get an auto loan with a higher interest rate than someone with good credit. This is why knowing your credit score before hand is so important, and knowing what you can afford each month is crucial, because your payments will probably be higher than those with good credit because of the higher interest rates. Saving up money for a substantial down payment can help to lower your monthly payments also. And usually with a bad credit car loan, dealerships and their lenders will require a much larger down payment on a car; the amount varies by dealership and lender, but don’t be surprised if they ask for a few thousand dollars down.

Before any big purchase it is always important to do your research before actually buying. This is doubly important for people with bad credit. Knowing all the details before you apply for an auto loan can help save you time, and most importantly money. And once you do get that new or used car, keep your payments on time; this will help repair your credit rating over time and make you more appealing to lenders the next time you are looking to make an important purchase.

Collecting Classics Model Cars Fun For Both Young and Old

To some people it is just a hobby, to others it is a way of life, no matter what side of the topic you stand on there is no right or wrong answer, collecting classics model cars is just plain fun for kids young and old.

There is an excitement that goes with taking a model car out of the box and putting it together. This is a love that is shared by people who collect just for the fun and those that are serious collectors.

There are several things that a collector will need to look for when they are dealing with an item that they are looking to buy. First they will need to do a search online and find one of the many sites that offer collectors a place to buy and sell their model cars.

Some of these model cars are fully assembled while others are still in the box. It is interesting to note, that several collectors are interested in many of the models that they buy still being in the box. This is a personal choice that they make. The reason for this is that this allows them to be hands on in the creation of the classic.

There are several things that a site that offers these classic model cars will offer to a potential buyer. The buyer will have the opportunity to look at the model in pictures and video before they make a decision.

This is not a site that just offers you the vague promise of a classic model car then you end up with a bunch of junk for your money. These cars have to be verified as to they are what is being advertised. This will lead many collectors to look for a lot more than just the basics. They will want to make a decision based on the color of the car.

They may not want to take the time to repaint a car the color that they are looking for. In addition many of these cars tend to be hard to find. If you are a collector that is looking for a Bel Air, then you will know that these cars are sometimes difficult at the least to find. Other models are not so difficult to find. If the rare collectible is still in the box, then this makes the item that much more valuable and priceless.

There is an entire world that is devoted to the collecting and selling of classic model cars. It is a strict set of guidelines that determine what is and is not a classic car. Many times these cars have to be at least twenty five years old or a rare car that only a few models were made of. Collecting classics model cars is a hobby to some and more of a love for a lot more people. If you have a model car that is setting on a shelf, they make sure that you find a place that you are able to take your model car to and have it listed for other collectors to find and buy. Or maybe you will want to make sure that you start a collection all of yourself.

A Look at How to Buy Quality Used Cars

If you are thinking about replacing a current vehicle you may want to think about buying used cars instead of new ones. There are a number of advantages to purchasing cars that are used rather than new but there can also be issues that you need to be aware of before you make your ultimate selection. Here are some things that you need to keep in mind and tips on how to make the process much less difficult.

The reason that used cars often make a great alternative to new cars is that a new car will lose much of its value the instant it is driven off of a car lot. If you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money, a used vehicle may be the one that is best for you. However if you are not careful about the car that you purchase and end up with a vehicle that has many problems it may not be the best investment after all.

You can find used vehicles online and at car lots. You can also find vehicles through private sales and these are often advertised in classified advertisements in magazines and newspapers. You need to decide where you are willing to purchase a car from. Some people prefer to deal with a car dealership and other people prefer a private sale. You can apply the same car buying tips to any purchase but there may be some advantages to buying from a car dealership.

One of the first things that you should look at is the year that the car was made. Remember that cars are made with a model year that is generally one year ahead of the current calendar year. Therefore a car that has a model year the same as the calendar year has actually been around for one year. This can help you factor in how old the car is. It can also be helpful to ask when the car was actually manufactured. A good car dealer should be able to tell you this information.

Also look to see how much the car has been driven. The odometer can give you an idea of whether it has been driven a lot or a little. The more it has been driven the more wear and tear there is on the car. You want your used cars to last as long as possible so a lower odometer reading is often a better choice. Also ask whether it has been driven in the city or on the highway. City driving is often more stressful on a car because of the stops and starts.

When inspecting the vehicle, look for signs that it may have been repainted to hide damage. Checking in the wheel wells and around the doors will help you do this. Look for signs of paint spatter that may mean that it was repainted. If you see signs that they may have been trying to hide damage it doesn't mean that you should not buy that car but it does mean that you may want to be careful and ask more questions than if a car seems to be in good condition.

If you are purchasing a used car, see if you can get an extended warranty. This is often available through car dealerships rather than through independent sellers. An extended warranty will help pay for repairs if there is a massive problem such as a cracked engine block. It will drive up the price although it can help if you end up needing a major repair that you would not be able to afford.

Remember that used cars are plentiful and if you shop around you may be able to get a great deal. You should be willing to negotiate to see if you can get a better price and if you are willing to do so, you may end up getting a wonderful car for a lot less than it would cost to purchase it new.

The Advantages of Used Cars

There are so many consumers in the world of today that would prefer to drive a brand new car. They have many good reasons for this. Most importantly is a lack of mechanical trouble for at least a few years. One thing that these consumers do not consider however, is that used cars can be just as trust worthy if you take proper care of them.

People who buy brand new cars often have to pay some what high monthly car payments. While some people who buy used autos under a financing deal have similar payments, they are usually not quite as high. If a consumer can find a nice used car at an effective price and simply buy it outright for cash, he or she will have no car payments whatsoever.

Now the consumer who pays cash to buy and own a used automobile has the great advantage of owning it outright. Since their car is not being financed they are not forced to carry full coverage insurance on it. Cars that are financed must hold a full coverage insurance policy. Maybe if a car is either very old or very cheap, a person wouldn't want anymore insurance on it than what is necessary to drive.

When a consumer is completely buying a car upfront with cash, they often save a great deal of money at the dealership. When paying for a car in one sitting, the consumer has the benefit of effectively haggling with a salesman. Such a salesman will often give a great discount to a car when he knows he will receive all of the monies upfront.

When you are buying a used automobile there are simply certain things that you need to check for to be sure that you are getting a good car that will not break down shortly after purchase. First you need to test drive and then park the auto. Do not be afraid to get your hands and feet dirty because you are going to have to crawl on the ground to see if there are any spots of leaked oil on the ground.

A lot of cars will leak water and or coolant and this is the sign of a car that will quickly die after purchase. Once again you are going to have get dirty by crawling on the ground. Take the car on a bit of a long test drive and then once again find a nice level place to park it. Be sure to crawl under and check for water spots (not coming from the ac) and also check the coolant reservoir under the hood for shortages.

When buying a new used car there are certain things that the owner must do to be able to upkeep it. Regular maintenance must be performed by the owner, just like clockwork. Be sure to change your oil every three thousand miles or three months, which ever occurs first. Also keep in mind that you should get a tune up every thirty thousand miles as well.

By now, it is hoped that you have a much better understanding behind the benefits offered by nice used cars. Think of how free your finances will be when you do not have a monthly car payment to make. Some people live by the adage, it doesn't matter what the car looks like as long as it runs well. This is very good advice for anybody to live by.

Information You Should Consider Before Looking at Used Cars

When looking at used cars with the intent of acquiring one it is wise to define what you will need in a car that you purchase. For example consider how you will use the car, how many people you will need to transport, the length of your commute, the type of driving you do, and the gas mileage. Thus the car you choose should be the one that suits your needs rather than the one that looks really good.

Some of other things that you should ask yourself pertain to the vehicle's features. Such as the following: How much cargo space do you require? Do you really need four wheel drive? What kind of safety features do you require to feel safe when driving? Will the car fit in the spot you will park it in? How about the seats? Do you need them to recline because of a bad back?

Another important consideration is the price and the monthly payments. How much can you realistically afford? What kind of down payment can you raise? Some advise that a reasonable monthly payment should be no more than about 20 percent of the salary that you take home.

Once you have considered and decided upon all the factors, features, and other incidental items you require in a car that you will purchase then it is time to do some research. Study the different classes of cars and what they offer to their drivers. Then decide which class is right for you and then look at the models that are available in your price range.

During the time that you are doing your research, especially if its online, take note of the dealers in your area. Get in touch with those that have cars that you are interested in. Ask questions about the car to gain information about the car that you may not have been able to discern through the listing on the web page.

After you have finished your research it is time to actually go out and take a look at a car. When you are looking at a car that interests you be sure to look it over carefully. Check for flaws such as dents, bumps, and signs of rust. Make sure that all the locks work and that the fuel cap fits correctly. Look underneath the car to see if there are any oil leaks or water leaks. Take a look at its maintenance history as well as it will tell you a great deal about the car.

Another area that you should check is the interior. Does the wear seem consistent with the mileage? If not then something is not right and you should not consider it for purchase any longer. The next items that should be inspected are the steering wheel, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal. If the accelerator pedal shows a lot of wear then it is a good indicator of the actual mileage.

Looking at used cars for purchase can be confusing. What is worse is that you know that many of the sellers and salesmen that you encounter will not be entirely honest with you. After all their goal is to sell the car for a profit. So be cautious and study the car in question from its engine to its tailpipes to ensure you get a true bargain.

Make Use of All the Benefits of Used Cars

In the history of mankind there have been a plethora of important technological improvements. It is absurd to think that any one invention is more important than any other, but most humans would be hard pressed to name anything that stands out any more than the invention of the car. It is essential for many humans to have access to reliable transportation, and thus many consider the affordable option of purchasing used cars.

It is amazing to consider just how useful a car is. Buses and trains are great too, but they can be unreliable, and one must still get to the actual location where they will pick a person up. Furthermore, if one has to carry many heavy things, they may not be able to use public transportation. This is why so many people are into the idea of owning their own vehicle to rely on.

One of the main reasons that more humans do not own a car than would, if they had the choice, is due to how expensive a new car is. And what is interesting is that when a brand new vehicle is purchased, that instant, it begins to seriously decline in value. This is a well accepted fact, and part of why so many people investigate other methods for purchasing their own mode of transportation.

The stigma of the word used is a total mistake. There is nothing wrong with an item that has already been used. As a matter of fact, if one purchases something second hand they can trust that the thing was already reliable for its first owner, and thus it comes with an actual reputation. Brand new things have no track record, and thus no real credibility, this means that they too are a risk.

Using the internet is a great and effective way to find out the history of a car. One can check out how many times it has been repaired, and why, and the list of former owners. One cannot actually do this with a new car, which is odd, when given proper perspective for thought. It may actually be safer, thanks to the internet, to purchase a used vehicle rather than a new one.

The rate at which a brand new vehicle declines in value is absurd. The rate at which one that has been in use declines is not at all similar. This means that it can be cost effective to purchase a new already driven vehicle every few years, rather than only one new one every ten years. It is nice to have options and to be able to change cars every so often.

It is environmentally good to pass things on and to reuse things. This is a modern fact, and something that everyone can get behind. Why let a perfectly fine automobile lie dead in a scrap yard when it can be purchased second hand and then given a whole new life? It is wasteful to not reuse certain items, and automobiles make this list.

Thus it makes a lot of sense to purchase and use used cars. It is logical to find great deals on well established reliable automobiles and then to purchase them. People have been trusting in this system for nearly a century, and it seems to help a lot of people out, since it is so cost effective and affordable.

What Are Gas Bicycle Motors?

As the green movement begins to branch out and reach more and more people, the topic of gas bicycle motors keeps coming up, especially in conversations about ways to contribute to a healthier environment by investing in the most economic friendly products. A gas bicycle motor is basically the motor mechanism as a whole of a motorized bicycle, which combines the components of a motorcycle with that of an ordinary push pedal bicycle.

When was the Gas Bicycle Motor Invented?

To many it might seem as though the notion of powering a bicycle by adding a gas bicycle motor to the frame of a traditional bicycle is a relatively new invention. The fact is that experimenters began working diligently to find a way to power the first bicycles quickly after the idea of the first bicycle was conceived in Paris in the 1860s and was fulfilled by the addition of pneumatic tires and the chain drive by 1888 thanks to the work of John Dunlop. By the end of the 19th century, experimenters had found a way to add a steam engine to the bicycle.

From there, the imaginations of anxious inventors everywhere began to turn and the early progression of the bicycle split into two distinctly different categories: the motorcycle and motorized bicycles, which is where we are today. Motorcycles are exclusively powered by their engines, are much heavier than the traditional bike, and are treated as motor vehicles. These motorcycles require a valid driver’s license to operate them and are required to follow all the rules associated with driving and traffic laws. Motorized bicycles, however, are basically comprised with the frame from a regular pedal-powered bike and gas bicycle motors, which are added on to assist with the pedaling. These bicycles are not considered street legal and do not require a driver’s license in most areas, nor do they require the driver to obey the same traffic laws which apply to motor vehicles.

What are the Benefits of Adding a Gas Bicycle Motor to My Bicycle?

After the introduction of gas bicycle motors, many people quickly began to experience the numerous benefits that come from adding one of these motors to the common bike. Probably the most frequently reported benefit of having a motorized bicycle is the tremendous savings in regards to gas money, parking fees, automobile insurance, and the general maintenance of keeping a car in good running condition. Of course, this is completely appealing to those that are heavily motivated to stay within the standards of the green movement by saving money as well as contributing to a healthier environment at the same time.

In addition to the economic and environmentally benefits, adding a gas bicycle motor to a bicycle is a great way for people to have the option of either using their own strength to power their bike or using the motor as a backup. For example, many older riders are finding these gas bicycle motors to be of great convenience. They can either ride for a short distance and depend upon the motor to do the rest or solely depend upon the motor.

The Electric Bicycle Craze is Here

Electric bicycles are the newest craze in the ever-growing green movement. When the bicycle was invented, it was probably unimaginable to think that one day they would be used as an automatic mode of transportation in our modern society.

Investing in an electric bicycle is probably one of the easiest and self-satisfying trends coming about. For many people, contributing to a cleaner environment is a concern that is becoming front and center in their day-to-day lives as well as during times of recreation and adventure. These bicycles are a great way to take personal responsibility and rev up for a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Some might say that an electric bicycle is the product of combining the components of a motorcycle and those of a standard bicycle with pedals. This is a great way to think about their structure and design. These bicycles can vary by design and the way they are constructed. Some are constructed with the electric design from the beginning, whereas, others are simply bicycles that have been assembled with an electric motor after their original construction to make the original pedal-powered bicycle into an electric one.

On the other hand, even though an electric bicycle is modernized to become an effortless way to ride a bike, it does not necessarily mean it can only be used as a motorized mode of transportation. Many designs offer a variety of different ways to enjoy them. Some are designed to be used primarily as a motorized bicycle. Many, however, include the option of using the foot pedals on the occasion the motor has difficulty, the rider wants to get a manual workout, or perhaps go on a family ride with other members of the family that do not have an electric bicycle. Thus, the bicycle can remain completely usable as a regular bicycle with the option to turn into a hybrid if needed.

The possibilities for using a modern motorized bicycle are endless. While some might decide to jump on the bandwagon to become more environmentally friendly, others use these bicycles for more practical purposes such as saving money on gas and parking, traveling a further distance with less physical effort, and maneuvering around busy places quickly. For example, college campuses are being flooded with these electric bicycles because they are so easy to use as well as easy to park. With the money spent to purchase an electric bicycle, one could easily save on parking permits as well as perhaps a few parking tickets.

Overall, electric bicycles are definitely one of the leading products in the green movement sweeping across the country. Bike riding has always been a favorite pastime for many people as well as a great way to exercise, travel, and spend time. Now that there is an option to add a motor and take advantage of one of these innovative bicycles, the art of riding has been revolutionized into an option that is suitable for so many more people to take advantage of.

Is it Difficult to Install a Bicycle Gas Motor Kit?

Why are Bicycle Gas Motor Kits Becoming so Popular in Modern Society in the United States?

Ever since the emphasis in the country has shifted from personal indulgence to personal responsibility, people have begun to realize the impact their own individual decisions make on our environment as well as our economy. This realization is largely in part due to the growing pressure from the green movement, which largely supports bicycle gas motor kits for a number of different reasons. For example, these bicycle motor kits are helping to reduce the amount of green house gases emitted into the atmosphere as well as help to decrease our country’s dependence on foreign oil, leading toward energy independence.

In addition to the green movement, many consumers have realized that by purchasing or converting an ordinary bike into a motorized one, they are saving huge amounts of money. For example, the money saved just by eliminating the cost of fuel to fill a car, parking fees, automobile insurance, and the general maintenance of a car is usually more than enough to cover the cost of one of these bicycle gas motor kits. Thus, the decision is made so easy for many.

On the other hand, there are also many consumers that are interested in these bicycle gas motor kits for recreational as well as practical purposes. Many young adults are now finding themselves riding along on their way to classes on a crowded college campus without the hassle of sitting in line while waiting on a parking spot, only to walk for a long distance, and hopefully arrive in time. These same students might decide when the week is done to use their motorized bikes for recreation. If a bike has been modernized with a motor kit, the rider can still use the bike as a traditional push-pedal bike, but can switch the motor on if needed or if desired. The possibilities are endless, which make these bikes so popular.

What Types of Motors Typically Come in these Bicycle Gas Motor Kits?

There are several different types of motors that can be used to convert an ordinary bicycle into a motorized bicycle. For example, there are two stroke, four stroke, and electric motors available, depending upon the desire of the rider. A two stroke engine is the most basic design and requires the rider to use a mixture of gas and oil, which should be mixed prior to riding the bike. A four stroke engine is a little easier to ride and does not require the oil and gas mixture. The life of these motors tends to be a little longer. Finally, electric motors are definitely quieter and have a little more power than gas motors. They can also be powered by using different voltages.

Is it Difficult to Install a Bicycle Gas Motor Kit?

Installing one of these motors to a traditional bike is not difficult at all. The kits all come with very detailed instructions, which will explain how to measure, install, and maintain the motor.

Test Driving the BMW M3 GT Race Car

In these dark economic times, the number of automakers willing to throw vast sums of money at auto racing has dwindled. Honda, Toyota, BMW, and Renault have either walked away from Formula 1 or reduced their financial commitment. Automakers have cut back the cash they have been spending in NASCAR. And in sports-car racing, only Audi and Peugeot are running fully funded programs in the fastest prototype classes, with more prudent efforts coming from Aston Martin and Honda Performance Development, which uses the Acura badge.

Yet, farther back in the 2010 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) field, where the cost of entry is lower, there is genuine manufacturer involvement in the Grand Touring class. These cars actually look similar to what we see on the street. That involvement can be covert, taking the form of development help to top privateer teams, as Ferrari does with Risi Competizione and Porsche with Flying Lizard. Or it can be a full-blooded factory effort, as with the Chevrolets and the BMWs. It can also be something in between, like the Jaguar-backed RSR team.

It’s exciting that the best competition in sports-car racing in North America this year will occur between real-looking cars rather than airplanes with wheels. All six of the cars that run in GT—BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, Ferrari F430, Ford GT-R, Jaguar XKR, and Porsche 911 GT3—already look great before the teams add big wings, wide wheel arches, deep front spoilers, and war paint. Dressed for battle, these cars are stunners, none more so than the M3 GT.

According to the rules for Grand Touring–class racing [see below], the M3 has to share a reasonable amount of components with its street cousin. The steel body shell is the same as the regular car’s but with a serious-looking roll cage welded inside. The engine has to retain production castings and the same displacement as the M3’s 4.0-liter V-8, although BMW changed the internal parts, switched to a flat-plane crank, and opened up the ports in the cylinder heads. Output is up 56 horsepower to 470.

The suspension layout is supposed to remain stock, but BMW caught a break from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)—it sets the Le Mans (and ALMS) rules— because its strut front and multilink rear setup would have been uncompetitive against rivals that have control-arm suspensions. Hence the M3 GT has specially fabricated control arms at all four corners. The car uses six-piston front and four-piston rear AP brake calipers, but the ACO bans it from using either anti-lock control or carbon-composite rotors. Exotic-looking, 18.0-inch-diameter, forged magnesium Rays wheels are 12.0 inches wide at the front and 13.0 inches at the rear.

The drivetrain itself is substantially different from that of the production car. First, the engine sits lower in the frame and as far back as possible while retaining the stand­ard fire-wall location. Whereas the street car’s transmission is mounted in situ with the engine, the racing M3 has a rear-mounted Xtrac sequential six-speed transaxle. Components such as the generator, the air-conditioning compressor, and the starter motor mount to the transmission rather than the engine. We measured a weight distribution of 49 percent in front and 51 in back, confirming a claim from Jay O’Connell, technical director for Rahal Letterman Racing, which runs the cars for BMW North America, the company that initiated the program and funds it. (BMW Motorsport in Munich developed the car.)

Most of the body panels are bespoke carbon-fiber pieces, including the doors, the hood, the decklid, and the front fenders. All of the aerodynamic add-ons, such as the gigantic rear wing, are approved by the ACO. According to O’Connell, BMW caught another break from the sanctioning body, this time in the power-versus-drag department. The BMW is derived from a sedan-based coupe and thus has a much larger frontal area than the pure sports cars it races against. “We have between 7 and 10 percent more frontal area, and even when the M3s are lowered and widened, we’re still putting a bigger hole in the air,” he says. And this means the M3 is allowed to make more power than its peers, using larger air restrictors on the engine’s intake system in order to ­equalize performance, as dictated by the ACO and the ALMS. With all the lightweight pieces, the car weighs in at 2830 pounds, almost 800 less than a stock M3.

Like most modern racing cars (and ladies of the evening), the cabin is stripped for business, and there’s a lot for the driver to do and take in—enough that BMW gave me a manual to read and digest before driving the car. The steering wheel has a great many buttons on it, including the settings for the traction-control system, the pit-lane speed limiter, the radio, and the turn signals. The dashboard houses the brake balance bar and a digital display that shows revs, lap times, and the car’s vital signs. There’s also a bank of switches to the right of the tall gearshift lever that includes the ignition, the starter, and the air-conditioning controls. And what’s this? A/C? It’s there because a Le Mans rule stipulates that cabin temperatures stay below 83 degrees F unless the ambient is higher, in which case the temperature in the cockpit must match it or be lower. (In the ’80s and ’90s, cabin temperatures in sports-car racing quite often got into the 140-degree range.)

Shifting is simple. Push the lever forward to go down a gear; pull it back to go up a ratio. The clutch is necessary to get rolling out of pit lane but isn’t required on the move. The transmission has a “shift without lift” feature that allows the driver to stay hard on the throttle during upshifts. On downshifts, the electronics automatically blip the gas. The driver shifts when a sequence of lights mounted on the digital dash display goes from green to amber to red.

The driving position is comfortable, if slightly strange, with the seat so far back in the car that your shoulders are almost parallel with the car’s B-pillars. Pronounced bolsters keep the driver’s thighs, hips, and torso in place under hard cornering, in a seat so low that it’s hard to see what’s going on ahead of the front wheels.

When the engine cranks to life, the din envelops the cabin. This M3 doesn’t have mufflers, and when you’re on the gas, the engine sounds like a couple of angry four-bangers at war with each other.

The M3 GT is notably quicker than a stock M3, scooting through the quarter-mile in 11.0 seconds at 129 mph compared with 12.6 seconds at 113 mph for the quickest M3 coupe we’ve tested. With a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.1 seconds and a 0-to-100 time of 6.6, the car’s acceleration is in the same ballpark as the latest 911 Turbo and even quicker than a Corvette ZR1. The engine has a strong power band, and shifts snap off instantly.

According to the data, I’m pulling 154 mph along Sebring’s back straightaway, which doesn’t seem that fast until I have to haul down the car for the ensuing third-gear corner, where the car sticks with 1.7 g, or about 70 percent more than a stock M3. The steering is surgically accurate.

The most impressive aspects of the car, though, are its brakes, its stability and grip in fast corners, and the efficacy of its traction control. As with any race car that generates a lot of downforce at high speeds, the driver can simply mash the brake pedal at the end of long straightaways; however, as speed reduces and downforce diminishes, the driver has to modulate pedal pressure to avoid lockup. The 70-to-0-mph stopping distance of 174 feet is 17 feet longer than an M3’s and 32 feet more than a ZR1’s, but from 120 mph to 0, the M3 GT’s performance is roughly equal to the best Corvette’s, despite not having the benefit of anti-lock brakes. This BMW dares its driver to brake deeper and deeper.

The M3 GT’s powerful downforce is also apparent through the faster corners at Sebring, where the car is as planted as a sequoia. Around the back of the 3.7-mile road course, there’s a double-apex corner that I run at 132 mph, lifting off the gas briefly between the two bends. Factory driver Joey Hand exits at 140 mph. Through the 100-mph-plus Turn One, the M3 hangs on with 1.7 g of cornering force. It would go faster if only I were braver.

Truck Beds -- Dealing With Damage

Truck beds that actually get put to use often end up with one kind of damage or another. It's easy enough to just turn over your pickup to a body shop for repair. The problem with that approach is the price tag. What about tackling a bed repair project yourself? Here are several approaches to do-it-yourself truck bed fix-up.

Replacement Panels

Especially if rust is the villain, complete replacement of the damaged bed floor works best. For many popular trucks you can buy the truck floor in sections. That way you just cut out the bad part and graft in the new. The new panel can be attached with rivets and then puttied in to match the existing panels. A better way is to simply weld in the new sections and then prepare for paint.

Cut It Out

Cutting out all the damaged area is the best way to make sure it, the rust, is truly gone. Then you can fab replacement sheet metal to fit within the cut out sections. Those then get welded in place and you're ready to do the final filling and blending for a finished repair. Of course this requires some skilled work but all but the metal fab work and welding are more a matter of dirty work than skilled work.

Rust Converter

One powerful tool for dealing with rusty metal is chemical rust converter. Made by several companies, these compounds are a paint on coating that actually changes rust to a different material. What you end up with is a primer coat after the reaction takes place. Then just paint on the finish coat right over the prime coat produced by the rust converter.

Sanding

Getting rid of rust requires some serious steps if you don't take the chemical converter route. Simple sanding may often not be enough, since the rust may hide in dips and flaws. That's why the best alternative for rust elimination may be blasting, sand blasting that is. That process air blasts abrasive material to beat back the rust. The problem is that more than just rust gets blasted away. Blasting can blow away even sound metal too.

Touch-up Paint

Luckily, an internet search will probably show that you can get your paint with the proper paint code in spray cans or in small quantities by the bottle. That way when the bed damage is corrected, the painting can be done with correct paint.

Roll On Bed Liners

Covering the damage means the actual repair need not be quite so professional. Any repair should produce a sound rust-free surface. But if you cover the surface after the repair, the actual repair appearance doesn't much matter. That's where a simple roll on bed liner or another bed cover provides the finished appearance to cover the repair.

Truck beds take a licking over time when pickups actually do hauling jobs. Fixing the damage can be left to the pros or you can tackle it yourself. The do-it-yourself solutions may be good enough and far cheaper.

Toyota Tundra - - Make Your Accessories As Rugged As Your Truck

The Toyota Tundra bulldozed its way on to the American truck scene in the beginning of this century and has never looked back. It is generally regarded as the first import to have the type of rough and rugged look and feel that American trucks were known for. The Toyota Tundra parts were genuine Toyota parts, but were put together in such a way that they came close to approximating what the Big 3 American companies were doing. It was successful immediately, although it would take some time for diehards to accept it since the Toyota Tundra parts were not quite as powerful as the domestic competitors' were. As the decade went along, however, the genuine Toyota parts that make up the Tundra proved to be every bit as tough as the Fords, Chevys, and GMs. Since the Tundra is officially recognized as being a rugged vehicle, is it not appropriate to get a few Toyota Tundra parts that can reflect this?

One of the Toyota Tundra parts that can add an appropriate level of ruggedness to your experience is a set of heavy duty floor mats. If you are using your truck to do any type of heavy work, it is likely that you will collect all manner of gunk on your footwear. Even the toughest truck deserves to be kept clean, and with snow, mud, water, sand, and other types of particulate, you will need help to do so. The genuine Toyota parts may not be absolutely necessary in this case. There are plenty of third-party vendors that provide reliable products even though they are not genuine Toyota parts. Third-party Toyota Tundra parts like heavy duty floor mats will protect the inside of your vehicle no matter what the task.

Once you have protected the inside of your truck, you will need to secure the outside as well. Getting Toyota Tundra parts such as sturdy bed mats will make your life so much easier when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. This is another instance where genuine Toyota parts may or may not be a necessary move. Accessories such as these can be produced cheaply from third parties, and they will have the same durability as genuine Toyota parts. The bed mat, made from a sturdy rubber derivative, will protect your bed whether you are hauling giant tree branches or helping your friend move his piano. Again, the major advantage here is long-term maintenance and reduced time spent cleaning.

If you have a Tundra you already know that genuine Toyota parts are high quality, and Toyota Tundra parts are certainly no different. But, you are probably also aware that the standard Toyota Tundra parts, even though they are genuine Toyota parts, may not be quite as rugged as you were looking for. If this is the case, take the time to investigate some of the other available products, such as floor liners and bed mats. These items can add that extra bit of sturdy protection that your truck deserves.

Accessorizing Your Toyota For Maximum Impact

Today's world is one of personalization. We live in an era in which there are a multitude of products and modifications available to us, so that we can get exactly the look and feel we desire. At a time when everything is customizable, we all have the ability to express our individuality to the world through both our personalities and our material goods. Cars are no exception. You can turn your Toyota into more than a simple vehicle-it can be a statement. A statement about you, your values, and your personal style. By choosing the Toyota accessories that combine to show the world who you are, you can truly embrace this new world of choice and expression. The sheer multitude of Toyota accessories available can sometimes overwhelm. Which parts are the ones that will deliver maximum impact? This article will cover three Toyota Camry parts that can add style and expression to your trusted vehicle.

The first accessories we will look at are the Toyota Camry parts called dash kits. These accessories provide a way for you to customize your dashboard. While Toyota Camry parts-including the dashboard-are of top notch quality, they can stand to be spruced up a little. Dash kits come in synthetic or real wood grain, carbon fibers, and various metallic finishes. These Toyota accessories also come in a range of colors. This wide spectrum of options gives you great control over how your interior will look. Upgrading your dash can also lead to more protection and a longer lifespan.

Another great set of Toyota accessories to consider are fog lights. These Toyota Camry parts are not only stylish, they will also express your practical side. Toyota accessories that provide safety include things like weather-ready tires, but fog lights can eliminate one of the greatest dangers to any driver-lack of visibility. Toyota Camry parts such as fog lights come in a few different styles, but they all deliver enhanced visibility even in the worst conditions.

While fog lights are Toyota accessories designed for safety, these next Toyota Camry parts-vertical doors-are almost purely for style. Also known as Lambo doors, these Toyota accessories will enable your doors to open vertically, ensuring that every time you get in or out, you will be expressing your unique individuality. These Toyota Camry parts come as a conversion kit, which you can use yourself or hire someone to do. They are made to be easy to install and generally come with lifetime warranties. If you are someone who is ready to make a bold statement with your vehicle, you should definitely consider the Lambo doors.

These three different Toyota accessories can give your Camry both style and substance. The fog lights are especially geared towards safety, while the vertical doors are entirely focused on style. The dash kit is somewhere in the middle, giving your interior a fresh look but at the same time providing enhanced protection from solar damage. If you are ready to express yourself with style and substance, think about these products for your Camry.

Special Forces Tacomas

Straight from the Showroom to Counter-Insurgency Action

Introduced to the world in the mid 1990s, the Toyota Tacoma is truly an extraordinary vehicle. It was designed to be a rugged pickup truck that could compete with the products from the Big Three: Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. No one could have predicted that the Toyota Tacoma parts would be so durable, and perform so well, that the United States military would actually prefer them over domestic vehicles. That is correct: the US Special Forces teams serving in Afghanistan use Toyota Tacomas for their missions. This is a true testament to the performance and reliability of these vehicles. The military is known for purchasing Tacomas right off the showroom floor, modifying them slightly, and then shipping them into combat zones. The Toyota Tacoma parts must be quite formidable if they can stand up to this kind of severe terrain and usage. This article will look at some of the modifications that are performed on the Tacoma, and how each Toyota part is available for you to add to your truck.

One Toyota part that was added to the standard Toyota Tacoma parts that are pre-installed on the vehicle was a heavy-duty winch. A winch is a tool that provides power and leverage when using a rope. In its most basic form, a winch consists of a spool, some rope, and a simple hand crank. The user will operate the crank manually and wind up or wind out the rope. Obviously, in more sophisticated winches, such as those in tow trucks, the system is more complicated. There are many Toyota Tacoma parts that can fill this roll, ranging from the simple to the sophisticated. The military was known to use a Toyota part that was quite rugged, in order to operate effectively in the mountainous, unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan. While you may not need the same Toyota part that the military uses, a sturdy winch could help you to get out of mud bogs, or to remove fallen trees from your property.

The next Toyota part we will discuss is a bit of a cheat. I am talking about fog lights. These Toyota Tacoma parts were actually not used by Special Forces in Afghanistan. Instead, they installed infrared lights. This is a bit high tech to be a Toyota part, but infrared lights and fog lights actually serve the same purpose; they are both Toyota Tacoma parts designed to enhance visibility in less than ideal situations. So while you may not need a Toyota part that will allow you to see warm bodies at night, you will need the capability to see in the fog, snowstorm, or other low visibility conditions. For this reason, it is advisable to equip your vehicle with these outstanding products.

In this article we looked at a couple of Toyota Tacoma parts that were used by the United States military in Afghanistan. Each Toyota part added much needed functionality to the already rugged and reliable Toyota Tacoma. If you want to get even more performance out of your vehicle, invest in some Toyota Tacoma parts that will enable you to do more of the things you want to do.

Safety Features of the Toyota Corolla

Probably the greatest irony of the year-maybe of the decade-is the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and other ranking bodies, gave the 2010 Toyota Corolla high marks for safety. The past couple of years have not been good for Toyota's reputation for safety, and the Corolla has not escaped the dark shadow either. There have been recalls due to suspect Toyota Corolla parts, and even the cars with fully functioning Toyota parts have been viewed with supreme suspicion. It seems, though, that other than the Toyota Corolla parts that malfunctioned and led directly to the unstoppable acceleration problems, the car is quite safe. This article will look at a few of the Toyota parts that come with the standard option and that provide noteworthy protection for you and your family.

The first of the safety-oriented Toyota Corolla parts we will look at are the side curtain airbags. These Toyota parts are airbags that stretch the entire length of the car cabin, protecting passengers from smashing their heads during a side-impact collision. These Toyota Corolla parts are a great safety feature because they not only protect during collision, but also in case of a rollover. If there is a rollover, these Toyota parts inflate and form a barrier that keeps occupants from hitting their heads or flying out of the windows, the leading cause of injury in these types of accidents.

The second of the Toyota Corolla parts that enhances safety and that comes pre-installed on the standard model is the anti-lock breaking system (ABS). This system prevents the steering mechanism from freezing up during sudden breaks. It could be said that the Toyota parts most crucial to safety are the breaks. When traveling on icy or otherwise dangerous roads you want to have Toyota Corolla parts that will be able to bring you to a complete stop. ABS can help inexperienced drivers who may not know how to properly break while maintaining control of the vehicle. They can also help experienced drivers who are caught off-guard by, say, a deer that runs into the road. The Toyota parts that comprise the ABS are crucial for the safety of your passengers.

The last Toyota Corolla parts that we will discuss are the active head restraints. These Toyota parts sound almost like some type of medieval torture device, but, in fact, they can prevent a minor rear-end collision from turning into a case of whiplash. These Toyota Corolla parts are designed to protect your neck from damage by filling space between them and the head rests. They may not save your life, but they can save you a trip to the doctor.

These are just a few of the many Toyota parts that are designed to protect you and your family from suffering during an accident. Even though Toyota's public image has taken a huge hit in the recent past, they are still safe vehicles. If you are thinking of purchasing one, know that these three parts come pre-installed on the Corolla.