Another popular car introduce at the beginning of video? Guess what car it is?
I have seen most of the music nowadays are always having a car at the intro of their video or not during the whole video. Is it part of car promotion? What do you think? Give us some comments.
Why Won’t My Navigation Unit Work
There are tons of new kinds of nav systems for late model cars, from Mercedes to Honda they are as varied as the cars they are in. The car navigation system over the years has become more and more advanced, for instance the Mercedes systems all use optical wiring that won’t work in any other car or system. Most of the new car radio and nav systems have specific software requirements for the systems to work correctly. If you are trying to install a factory in dash navigation screen into a car that did not come with it you may run into some issues.
The Nav unit will not take the information correctly and therefore cannot work properly if the software in the unit you are installing is not built and programed for your application. To be sure that any unit that you are planning on installing in your ride will fit, get the OEM number from the dealership. The OEM number is an exact number for the unit that will hook up in your vehicle without any reprogramming or modification to the unit.
Most in-dash nav units nowadays are part of a system and not just the stand-alone unit that can be seen in the dash they also have a under seat or trunk unit as well. If a new or old nav unit is not working it may not always be the part you think or the reason you think. If any of the parts in the system fail it will make the head unit not work. In the case of Mercedes the units are all calibrated to work in the original car and cannot be swapped into any other car. If you are having issues with your cars navigation system be sure you narrow down the issue before you start spending your hard earned cash.
The Original Auto Repair Savings Blog/ Auto Repair Savings And my Special Links
Welcome to the original, “Auto Repair Savings Blog!” My Blog is aimed at helping the consumer understand and be aware of bad auto mechanics and auto repair shops. I have worked over 25 years as a certified auto repair technician helping customers get more for their dollar. I understand how frustrating it is to have car problems and then have to go out and find a reputable auto repair shop who doesn’t look at you like a dollar sign. Most women would rather have a male there so they do not get taken advantage of. I understand!
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| CONTENT-TITLE-THIEFS |
Another web site called Geeks something is using my content from my blog and not redirecting the search engines back to mine like it should. Not only that Word Press Users are also stealing content from my blog and not asking permission. I don’t mind sharing with people but please do not steal from me! My ultimate goal now is to look into purchasing a domain and transferring over there but that costs money. As a single father of a 7 year old I am now working as a free lance writer for a Great web site company called Bright Hub Automotive Articles.
I really hate to spend time writing for them when I could be writing for my, “Auto Repair Savings Blog.” I guess why I was away from my Blog some thieves were busy using their computer skills and stealing my Blog title and my content! What would you do if this happened to your web site? Wouldn’t you feel the same? This is why I have included a donation on my Blog to help me buy a domain name where I know my content would be safe and I can continue helping people with their cars.
In the mean time please follow the link above and check out my latest work on Bright Hub. ( I can sure use the page views there) J Until I can get the donations I will continue fighting these content and title thieves. So cross your fingers and hope that I can save the, “The Original Auto Repair Savings Blog”
Will Technology Kill the Joy of Driving
In the last few years the idea of a self-driving car has hit the scene in a big way, claiming that if we were to take out the human element traffic accidents and deaths due to those accidents will be decreased significantly. This all sounds great for the day to day grind in traffic, just imagine getting up at 5 am getting ready for your hour long commute to work. It sounds pretty horrible, what if you could go back to seep in your car? Now that would be great! On the other hand knowing the way the government is they would make it so that cars are all controlled by a massive traffic controlling computer. Now I don’t know about you but I for one enjoy the feeling of pressing the pedal and hearing the turbo spool up. Feeling the press into the seat by the extra horsepower from that turbocharger is a great sensation. I love driving maybe not in traffic but when the road is empty it is a great thrill to be behind the wheel.
The joy of driving is an interesting thought, on the one hand yes it is tedious getting on the highway and doing the day to day thing. On the other hand get on a curvy road and let rip (following the speed limit of course) is a great release. There are roads in the US alone that people travel from all over the world to drive on, The “Tail of the Dragon” on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is just such a road. Now why would people come from so far away for a road? Well the joy of driving is exactly why there is nothing like handling the curves at a good clip with the wind in your hair and felling car pitch as you hit switchback after switchback. The Feeling of the acceleration and G forces as they pull you left and right in the seat while you control your car through each intricate section of this amazing drive that winds through the mountains. Yes there are some downsides, like the fact that you can crash your car at any moment. There is even a “Tree of Shame” which is a big tree at the beginning of the road where you hang parts of wrecked cars that have been crashed in the course of the drive. Each year the tree is emptied and it only takes a few months to be covered all over again.
On this tree can be found pieces of cars and bikes, from the cheapest Honda Civic to a head light from a Ferrari Enzo that was totaled 2 years ago it is all there. This may all seem a bit insane but it all comes back to the love of driving and the need for speed. The best way to put it is… no matter how the technology changes we will all find a way to make ourselves happy. For those of us that love speed we all want one thing, please don’t take our joy away by making only computer controlled cars.
How to Stop the Moaning and Groaning from Your Steering System
On a short 15 min commute to work you may see between 500 and 10,000 other cars on the road. A staggering number of these cars you have just seen are driving around with warning lights on the dash. These warning lights may be for the any system from the O2 sensor or air fuel ratio sensor to the gas cap being too loose, but what about your car? What is that sound from the steering when you are at slow speeds?
Most of us know that even if a car is not flashing a warning light it can still be having an issue. A moaning from the car at slow speed cornering is a sound that should not be ignored. This sounds is usually a sign of an issue with the steering pump, most likely the sound is being caused by air in the steering system. What happens is the air in the system will pass through the steering pump and cause there to be less resistance on the pump which in turn means it cannot function correctly. The groaning sound is actually the pump struggling to create enough pressure to keep up with the demand being put on the steering system. Some people may just ignore that sound and keep driving but this is a bad idea. These sounds are a symptom of failure but the system can be saved if caught early enough. 
The power steering system is set up so that the fluid pumped through the lines will press the steering piston the correct direction needs to maneuver the car as desired. If this system is not working in proper order steering will become very difficult. To get the air out of the system takes a little more effort than just pouring in more fluid. The system will need to be “bled”, to do this you will need to follow a few easy steps. First jack up the front of the car and with the reservoir open and the car off but the key turned to accessory begin to rotate the steering wheel. As steering wheel is rotated bubbles will begin to surface from the system and you will need to add fluid accordingly. Rotate the steering wheel about 30 times left to right once this process is done, replace the cap on the reservoir and lower the car.
With the air out of the system the moaning should have stopped, if not the problem is the pump itself. In the case that it is a bad pump, it will need to be replaced but this process can save a pump if it is just low on fluid. A steering system that is low on fluid gets that way through a leak in the system, the next step is to determine where the system is losing fluid. General upkeep and basic maintenance is the best way to keep your car on the road for years to come.
Insurers to use young driver behaviour to calculate premiums
The ECJ’s ban on using gender as an assessment factor when calculating insurance policies may
soon mean men have access to cheaper car insurance but for many young drivers in 2011, insurance premiums are simply too expensive or unavailable altogether. That could all be set to change, however, with the introduction of a ‘pay-how-you-drive’ initiative by the Co-Operative Insurance.
The Co-Op’s new insurance policy, aimed exclusively at the 17-25 age group, includes the installation of a Smartbox – like a black box recorder on an aeroplane – to record how the young driver handles the car on the road, sending information back to the insurance company so that they can then determine whether they need to reduce or increase the policy holder’s premium.
According to the Co-op, over three quarters of young drivers will be helped to achieve much lower premiums, averaging a saving of £328 per year, per person.
The policy will still be include a No Claims Discount with the policy, making it a particularly attractive one to those wishing to get a foot on the ladder of their car insurance career. Performance-based reviews will occur every three months to determine whether or not the young driver in question will receive a ‘safer driving discount’.
The Smartbox will send information using satellite technology back to the insurance company on factors like speed, acceleration and braking, cornering, and what time of the day or night the young driver is driving at. If the driver proves to be diligent, they stand to make an 11 per cent saving on their premium. Drive badly, and they could see an increase of as much as 15 per cent.
The Parliamentary Transport SelectCommittee investigation, a document commissioned by the
government this year, outlined how the challenges faced by the insurance industry have been
addressed, with investigators having made recommendations on how to tackle and get around
issues such as the cost of insurance for young drivers.
According to a related article in moneysupermarket.com car insurance news, there are other things that young drivers can do decrease their car insurance premium, such as adding and older, more experienced driver as a named driver. It does, however, warn that young people and their parents must not, under any circumstances, add that driver as the main driver. This practice is known as ‘fronting’, is tantamount to fraud, and offenders will be prosecuted.
soon mean men have access to cheaper car insurance but for many young drivers in 2011, insurance premiums are simply too expensive or unavailable altogether. That could all be set to change, however, with the introduction of a ‘pay-how-you-drive’ initiative by the Co-Operative Insurance.
The Co-Op’s new insurance policy, aimed exclusively at the 17-25 age group, includes the installation of a Smartbox – like a black box recorder on an aeroplane – to record how the young driver handles the car on the road, sending information back to the insurance company so that they can then determine whether they need to reduce or increase the policy holder’s premium.
According to the Co-op, over three quarters of young drivers will be helped to achieve much lower premiums, averaging a saving of £328 per year, per person.
The policy will still be include a No Claims Discount with the policy, making it a particularly attractive one to those wishing to get a foot on the ladder of their car insurance career. Performance-based reviews will occur every three months to determine whether or not the young driver in question will receive a ‘safer driving discount’.
The Smartbox will send information using satellite technology back to the insurance company on factors like speed, acceleration and braking, cornering, and what time of the day or night the young driver is driving at. If the driver proves to be diligent, they stand to make an 11 per cent saving on their premium. Drive badly, and they could see an increase of as much as 15 per cent.
The Parliamentary Transport SelectCommittee investigation, a document commissioned by the
government this year, outlined how the challenges faced by the insurance industry have been
addressed, with investigators having made recommendations on how to tackle and get around
issues such as the cost of insurance for young drivers.
According to a related article in moneysupermarket.com car insurance news, there are other things that young drivers can do decrease their car insurance premium, such as adding and older, more experienced driver as a named driver. It does, however, warn that young people and their parents must not, under any circumstances, add that driver as the main driver. This practice is known as ‘fronting’, is tantamount to fraud, and offenders will be prosecuted.
Rules of the Highway That All of US Should Follow
Anyone who has ever been on any US highway for more than 2 min can tell you that they are set up to be efficient and get you there fast. With a good wheel hub and bearing assembly they will be as smooth as they are long. So why are there to many clogs, Why are we waiting in stopped traffic on a 6 lane highway? One of the main reasons we all have to wait really has to come down to bad drivers. While it is true there are accidents that block lanes of traffic, on the average most of us are waiting for a very different reason. The “fast lane” which is actually supposed to be the “passing lane” and it is intended as such. In some states the police have really begun to crack down on people who are violating this outside lane. It may seem like these are implied that you should follow but in truth it is law that the left lane is for passing only. The reason the highways get clogged up is because people try to stay in the left lane for as long as possible then just shoot for their exit in a few hundred feet. This kind of act will cause drivers to have to slam on the brakes to avoid the culprit and hence cause a wave of slowing cars. In my opinion it is a great act for cops to write tickets for passing lane violations, maybe it will make my commute home a bit quicker.
Of course there are always other factors to account for traffic jams, there are parking issue and just the sheer number of cars if an area is not set up to handle them. Another act that police should “crack down” on is line cutting. We have all been there waiting at a highway entrance for 15 min in line, right as you get to the source of the back-up someone in the passing lane cuts in. They barge their way in and think it is ok, we all had to wait…why do you in your KIA not have to? Making this kind of move does not make you smarter than everyone who is waiting in line, it makes you “that guy” and you don’t want to be that guy.
One last aspect of highway driving is to remember that all cars are equipped with mirrors that face to the rear of the car so you can see what is behind you “USE THEM!!!!”. Moving your eyes in the direction of the mirror is not a hard thing to do. Yet no one seems to be able to handle this small task, it will save you from damage costs and maybe personal injury. Not to mention it will save me from being run over by you, cause I don’t know about you but I like making a trip without being hit by other drivers.
Auto Repair Savings Blog/ SEO REVIEW UPDATE of ONGSONO COM
company called ongsono.com I am sad to say I am very dissatisfied with their customer service . Here comes that old saying again, “If It Sounds To Good To Be True Well It Probably Is.” Don’t let me forget the other one I think it goes like, “ You Get What You Pay For.” Which the answer here is NOTHING! I was pretty impressed with these guys who are claiming to be SEO friendly. So impressed I asked them if I can review their site for my blog and with their approval I did just that. (That Post is Now Deleted)I tried using the other free tools that they offered and ran into a lot of technical difficulties. I attempted to contact them numerous of times knowing that ongsono is probably busy, and I received no reply. Although I did receive a email from them a month or so later telling me that my #2 ranked blog has been rejected from their site! I was stunned and surprised after following their wishes for me to place their ongsono directory link on my blog which I had, they rejected it. I quickly responded to their email asking why and they replied that, “cheating their system will result in your blog being rejected.” So not only was my blog rejected they called me a cheater also. Lol
The review update of ongsono. Com a so called SEO
company, comes out with a D-. Maybe a D+ if their tools were working all of the time. Their rules were followed concerning their link appearing on my blog and I even posted a positive review of them which they approved and I was still treated as a robot using their words. So my quest to find another SEO 
site with exceptionally good people skills continue as I scan across this Internet. If you have any ideas on finding a great SEO company to work with please let me know. All I can say about my update review of the so called SEO site of ongsono.com is to stay away from their services as far away as possible.
A Classic Race Car than Can still Hold it’s Own
The 787 will be making a huge return to LeMans…maybe not in the way we would all like but in the classics race before hand. One thing for everyone is certain, this car will smoke the competition like it did years ago and original driver will be on hand for the event.
Better Gas Mileage-Auto Repair Savings-Blog-Tune Up
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| Auto Repair Savings |
How many articles have you read when it comes to getting better gas mileage for your car or truck so far this year? If your like me I’m getting tired of hearing the same old tips and advice on getting the best gas mileage for your cars and trucks. I have spent over 25 years specializing in engine performance helping my customers get their optimum performance out of their vehicles so they can get their best gas mileage possible. From tweaking out their computerized carburetors
to replacing a worn out and stretched timing belt
, my customers always got their gas mileage increase along with some lost power they thought they had lost forever. I showed them proof of increased gas mileage after I got through with my tune ups. Some of the things I showed them were a decrease in lost voltage on the oscilloscope and the 4 gas readings before and after the tune up. Here are a few more items they were shown and were very happy with:
2. Oxygen sensor voltage jumping around back and fourth like a Easter bunny on crack to replacing a worn out and stretched timing belt, my customers always got their gas mileage increase along with some lost power they thought they had lost forever. I showed them proof of increased gas mileage after I got through with my tune ups. Some of the things I showed them were a decrease in lost voltage on the oscilloscope and the 4 gas readings before and after the tune up. Here are a few more items they were shown and were very happy with: 
pressure after changing out their old gas filters3. Tons of carbon shooting out of their tail pipes after a good fuel injection cleaning
4. A very smooth idle as if they all were a Cadillac
5. Increased power by changing out their old sloppy and loose timing belts
6. Better gas mileage and optimum engine performance
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| Auto Car Timing Belt |
I think that’s the problem with these so called auto technicians today, all they want to do is sell you parts that you don’t need and they do not take pride in their work. When ever I tuned up a car I always had a scanner hooked up to the cars computer system, the oscilloscope hooked up to their primary and secondary ignition wires 
and a four gas hanging out of the tail pipe making sure everything was synchronized and working before I let that car leave my bay. I also guaranteed them best and better gas mileage! The next time that you get a tune up on your car or truck see if they can perform all of this while you are watching them. I just bet they will tell you that you have to leave the shop area due to their insurance policy. I think the last time I checked, a tune up these days is just changing out your spark plugs. The rest is just an up sell for them. I hope that today’s tune ups in 2011 has improved so you can get your best gas mileage possible.
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| Auto Repair Savings |
and a four gas hanging out of the tail pipe making sure everything was synchronized and working before I let that car leave my bay. I also guaranteed them best and better gas mileage! The next time that you get a tune up on your car or truck see if they can perform all of this while you are watching them. I just bet they will tell you that you have to leave the shop area due to their insurance policy. I think the last time I checked, a tune up these days is just changing out your spark plugs. The rest is just an up sell for them. I hope that today’s tune ups in 2011 has improved so you can get your best gas mileage possible.How To Make Sense of AC Pressure Readings
Auto AC systems are extremely difficult to understand, the system not be blowing cold air but most mechanics have no idea why. Most mechanics will take a few minutes with the vehicle and say the old “the AC compressor is shot” buuuuut honestly they are just guessing. Usually changing the compressor it will fix the problem…but not for the reason you think. Not to mention it will cost a lot more than it needs too. The reason that the AC works is, the replacement of the compressor also means that the mechanic changed all the other AC parts in the system. Also they refilled with the correct amount of Freon and oil which may have been wrong. With the whole system changed you are back enjoying your ac system, little do you know you just spent way too much money.Air conditioning systems are very easy to diagnose if you know what to look for. The easiest way to diagnose an AC system is to get the pressure reading from the system with a pressure gauge. Issues like air in the system or too much refrigerant all have specific symptoms and can be diagnosed simply by using a pressure gauge. Remember all the readings are set for an average day at around 75 degrees so reading may fluctuate a few psi depending on temperature.
Issue = readings and symptoms
Air Entered the AC system = both the high and low side pressure readings are high (low sire 35 – 43 psi, the high side is 284 – 355 psi) also the low pressure side will not be cool to the touch.
Too Much Refrigerant = same symptoms as air in the system but bubbles cannot be seen in the sight glass.
Expansion Valve Issues or Improper Heat Sensitizing tube installation = same symptoms as above but frost or dew on the low pressure piping.
Faulty Compressor = low side too high and high side to low.
Low Refrigerant = both high and low side readings are low.
Moisture Entered the System = low side pressure will be a vacuum.
Refrigerant Fails to Circulate = vacuum on the low side and low pressure on the high side.
If you follow these readings, the issues with your system can be worked out before the AC is opened up. In other words the mechanic can’t take you for a ride, you know more than he does. Being prepared is the best way to avoid spending more money than you have to. In an economy like the one we have today a little knowledge can be a valuable thing.
Why is a Working AC System so Important
Air conditioning is not only good for cooling a car but it has an ability to get moisture out of the air. AC is air conditioning not just air cooling…in other words it has many uses. It is used to defrost the windshield as well as clean the air in the car as well.
People tend to think that running the AC is a gas mileage killer but it may be just the opposite. Running The AC may pull a few horsepower from smaller engines but opening the windows is just like deploying a parachute on the back of your car. While the AC may lower the efficiency of the car by 1 or 2% the windows can hit you with as much as 10%.
AC has one last great effect that opening a window does not…it keeps you cool. Opening a window may cool you down for a second but all it is doing is turbocharging hot air into your face. Once your car stops moving all that warm air is just that…warm air. So come on people increase the efficiency of your car by running the AC for a change. Not only will you be comfortable but you will be saving money too.
How to Install a Fuel Pump Into a Level Sending Unit
Any car can fall prey to a failed fuel pump, from Bugatti to Fiat and no matter who you are it can leave you stranded. Many of the cars on the road today can be fixed without having to replace the entire fuel pump assembly in this situation. In some cars the fuel pump alone can be changed without changing the level sending unit.The price of an individual fuel pump may be lower than replacing the whole assembly which is nice but the down side is the
labor. The fuel pump assembly is usually located inside the tank and will need to be pulled out to change the pump. The best option is to change out the entire assembly, spend the extra $20 since the labor savings will be much more than the cost difference.
Once the level sending unit is removed from the tank the swap process is very simple. Just detach the old pump from the electric and fuel line then slide the unit out. Now slide the new unit into the assembly and attach all the lines. Don’t forget to change the screen on the unit while it is apart. One thing to remember, there is fuel here…NO SMOKING!!!! This may sound like an obvious suggestion but hey you never know. With the unit installed in the assembly test the pump and make sure the pressure is correct. With everything working correctly, reassemble the car and you are good to go. Now it is time to enjoy what that Bugatti was meant to do…waste a ton of gas in a very fun way.Why You Should Replace the Banjo Bolt on Your Subaru
There is nothing more surprising than having to change a turbo on your car, its expensive and time consuming. There are a few steps to remember when changing a turbo on Subaru, these cars are not like other turbocharger equipped cars. In some ways that is very true and it can cost you dearly.The Subaru designers of the turbo system used what is called a “banjo bolt” which flows oil to the turbo unit. The banjo bolt is a bolt which has a hole through it and a screen in inside. As the oil travels through the bolt it passes through the screen and then enters the turbo. The reason you will need to change this part out is due to contamination of this screen. This banjo bolt really should be changed as often as the oil filter but is generally ignored, that is sad too. Just changing this 3$ part a few times could have saved a $1000 turbocharger.
Changing out the banjo bolt is easy and would take about 5 or 10 min while doing an oil change. Don’t forget to do this little maintenance because if the screen inside ends up clogged the oil cannot pass. When the oil does not make it to the turbo the unit will starve of oil and seize. This means that for the cost of a $3 bolt your car would still be running. We all want to find places to “cut costs” but this is one place where spending a few dollars extra is a great idea.
A Few Thoughts About a Leaking Turbo
There is nothing quite like your car puffing out clouds of smoke down the road. Not only is it embarrassing but it can also get you a citation from the cops, so what do you do? Well if your car is naturally aspirated or a supercharger equipped vehicle then you are in some serious trouble. You need to get the car to a mechanic right away. If you have a turbocharger in your car then it may be an easy fix that could lead to something very expensive.When there is smoke pouring out of an exhaust it can be caused by a number if issues. The color of the smoke will help determine the issue that your car is facing. With oil smoke the key is to figure out why the car is smoking. Most mechanics will give the old “your turbo’s done gone” but that may not be the case, if you follow this advice it can cost you a lot more than money. A leaking turbo can be caused by the seals in the turbo being worn out or it can also be other more serious issues as well. For instance “blow by” in the engine can cause pressure in the oil system and force oil out of the turbo seals. Blow by is the term for when air escapes around the pistons and enters the bottom end of the motor. Blow by is a sign of a failing engine that needs to be addressed asap.
On some turbo cars if the intake is restricted due to pinched lines or a clogged filter the turbos will create a vacuum in the intake. This will actually draw oil out of the turbo through the seals and create smoke.
There are lots more reasons that can cause smoking or oil leaking from a turbo, just remember to have the mechanic check the car thoroughly. Don’t just let him tell you “turbo’s broke” because you could be in for a world of hurt if you do.
How to Install a Basic 4 Piece Body Kit
Many cars out there look good but need just a little bit of help to make them look amazing. Like the gym can transform an out of shape man into an Adonis, a body kit can take a car to the next level too. While a vehicle can be more comfortable if the A/C compressorand A/C parts are all in working order, the looks are harder to get right. It is important to remember when modifying a car visually, less is more.While a good body kit such as a lip kit or even a flare fender kit can look great if you go too crazy…or cheap it will show. Once you have selected your desired look it’s important to attach and paint the kit correctly. Attaching the front and rear bumper covers is a simple process. Remove the old covers and line up the new ones to check for fitment. Then do the same with the side skirts to check for desired ground clearance and fitment. Not to mention this is a good time to take a look and be sure the looks are what you are going for.
Now the kit should be painted, Preferably the same color as the car. Remember to take into account the color of the primer since this
will have an effect on the final color. Once the units are painted attach them to the car being sure that they fit just like the factory units. Some kits will need to be modified to fit correctly, this may seem like a lot of work but having a great looking car will be worth it.
will have an effect on the final color. Once the units are painted attach them to the car being sure that they fit just like the factory units. Some kits will need to be modified to fit correctly, this may seem like a lot of work but having a great looking car will be worth it.Once you have the kit mounted now reattach any fog lights or turn signals into the proper locations and the car should be ready to go. Be sure to pick wheels that match well to the theme you are going for. If you have a sport looking kit, light racing wheels make a good choice to complete the look. With a heavy bulky looking kit, chrome wheels may complete the look in a nice way. Just be sure that you check how things look before you buy them since sometimes good looking pieces may not look good together.
Some Basic Maintenance for Summer
Every person out there knows that there is some basic maintenance repairs that need to be done to winterize your car. Even if it is just changing your battery or filling up the anti-freeze there are always a few small things to do. It is not like you need to go out and change your steering power boxes or power racks, no nothing like that. To summer-ize your car is a simple procedure that can make the summer much more enjoyable.The main thing to remember when doing basic maintenance is to check all the systems in the car that will be affected by the extreme heat of the summer. The AC may not be the only system to inspect, though it is the first place you want to start. There is a good chance you have not used the ac much during winter month…though if you live in Florida this may not apply. The AC system should be put through its paces to be sure you are not stuck in traffic in 100 degree weather without AC. Next the area to check it the cooling system for the engine, if this system is malfunctioning it could leave you stranded in a cloud of steam…or worse. Many car fires are caused by super heated coolant leaking onto other systems and causing combustion. Finally…check your tires during the extreme temperature fluctuations that occur during the winter season air could have escaped from your tires and coming into the heat of summer it can cause a 
blow out not having correct tire pressure.
blow out not having correct tire pressure.Car maintenance is one of those things that many of use just don’t do. We put our car through torture every day and then get mad when it breaks down. “What a piece of crap…Ahhh” but we forget the car has taken us 80K miles since the last time it saw any TLC. Don’t forget people a car is only as good as the person who maintains it, so do your part.
How to Change Spark Plugs
It may seem like a simple process but it is one that can determine if all that complex engineering that went into a car is really working. The ignition distributor and oxygen sensor can’t do their job correctly if the spark plugs are not installed properly. Most of us think changing a spark plug is as simple as screwing the new plug into place…and in some ways it is. In other ways it is a very complicate and can cause a vehicle to run worse than it did before the install.What is it that causes a car to lose performance when
changing a spark plug? How can this be done wrong? The spark plugs in modern vehicles are calibrated to a specific gap and this gap must be followed or the combustion in the cylinder can be less or more than is needed. A Gap tool will make sure that you are in the factory gap tolerances. With incorrect fuel combustion the engine will run rough, sometimes in such a significant way that the car will not run. The main thing to remember is the check the gap and make sure it is within factory tolerances.
changing a spark plug? How can this be done wrong? The spark plugs in modern vehicles are calibrated to a specific gap and this gap must be followed or the combustion in the cylinder can be less or more than is needed. A Gap tool will make sure that you are in the factory gap tolerances. With incorrect fuel combustion the engine will run rough, sometimes in such a significant way that the car will not run. The main thing to remember is the check the gap and make sure it is within factory tolerances.A few last checks will keep a car running smooth and give the performance gains that can be expected from a tune up. The plugs need to be torque to specific specs, under torque can cause air to escape and this will cause lose of compression. If the spark plugs are over torque it can cause the plugs to crack or even worse the threads can strip in the head. Next make sure the coil packs or plug wires are properly seated. If the packs or wires are loose there will be no connection for the electric current to travel and no spark will be created. So yes there are some issues that can arise doing this install but if you follow the factory specs it is as easy as one, two, three.
How to Change a Brake Line
The braking system in a vehicle can be one of the most intimidating systems to work on, not only is it complicated but also very important to the whole stopping thing. When the brakes in a car begin to fade of feel soft over time there may be more to be repaired than just a set of brake pads. Unlike a fuel pump line or a steering pump line the brake lines are under a constant change of pressure. Every time the brakes are applied the lines are under extreme stress from the brake fluid. When the brake lines begin to leak it can cause air in the lines or worse they could burst causing brake failureAs we all know if the brakes in a car fail you had better find a hill to slow you down. To replace a brake line is a simple procedure and can save a driver from a headache or maybe worse in the future. The process is simple, drain the fluid and detaching the brake line then attach the new line and fill and bleed the system. Some driver will choose to upgrade to stainless steel braided lines at this point and these will be able to take more pressure without flexing or expanding. This means more pressure to the calipers and more powerful and consistent braking. Once the system is completely bled it is a good idea to replace the brake pads and turn the rotors. Be sure that the brake master cylinder is making good pressure before you get back on the street.
Lamborghini Shows Porsche What a 4 Door Car Should Look Like
In the last few years Porsche and Aston martin have both joined the 4 door movement, with the Panamera and Rapide respectively. These two cars came about in the same period of time and competed directly with each other for news coverage and customers. Though both cars used amazing engines only the Porsche had a turbocharger option, The Aston was not even offered with a supercharger. After all the smoke cleared it really comes down to the price points and availability.Now Lamborghini is thinking about putting their voice into this argument with the Estoque. Though the Aston Martin is beautiful the price and dealer support help the car back 
while the Panamera had the backing of every Porsche dealer in the country. Strange they are always so close to VW dealers even though they are “not related” so the Panamera was able to grab a good hold on US streets. Even if the streets are much uglier cause of it the Panamera is one hell of a car to drive. Lamborghini is going to add the best of both worlds amazing styling and power to boot. In fact the power is slated to come from the 5.2L V10 from the Gallardowhich means 560HP to terrify all of your passengers. The Lambo is still in the planning stage and will ultimately see production only if there is enough interest from perspective clients, so speak up people! Oh and if you have to ask the price…you can’t afford one.
while the Panamera had the backing of every Porsche dealer in the country. Strange they are always so close to VW dealers even though they are “not related” so the Panamera was able to grab a good hold on US streets. Even if the streets are much uglier cause of it the Panamera is one hell of a car to drive. Lamborghini is going to add the best of both worlds amazing styling and power to boot. In fact the power is slated to come from the 5.2L V10 from the Gallardowhich means 560HP to terrify all of your passengers. The Lambo is still in the planning stage and will ultimately see production only if there is enough interest from perspective clients, so speak up people! Oh and if you have to ask the price…you can’t afford one.The First Audi R8 GT is Delivered to One Lucky Customer
This year we have seen our share of turbocharger andsupercharger using uber cars flowing into the automotive market. Despite gas hitting well over $4 a gallon it is more and more likely that the super rich just don’t care. To be honest neither would I, The Audi R8GT is a prime example of what a gas guzzling monster can be. With 0-60 in 3.8 sec and a top speed touching the super car holy grail of 200 mph it will be a contender for the coolest car of the year.Only 333 of these cars will be created and not many of them will ever see the light of day, a car release like this is a collectors dream. The first person to receive the new GT did not tell his plans for the car but one thing is 
for sure it is not a trip to soccer practice. The one fact that is always good for a laugh is the fact that cars like this hit almost 20 MPG which is far better than the SUVs that most soccer moms are sporting nowadays.
for sure it is not a trip to soccer practice. The one fact that is always good for a laugh is the fact that cars like this hit almost 20 MPG which is far better than the SUVs that most soccer moms are sporting nowadays.Now my opinion of supercars is swayed a bit, always been a sports car kinda guy but who can say they don’t want something like this beauty in their drive way. The Chassis on the R8 is so well built that Porsche has decided that their next 911 will be based on it. This of course means that the 911 will finally be a mid engine…finally.
The 2011 New York Auto Show
This year has been full if auto shows that steal the spot light but sometimes it starts to get a bit boring. All car companies revealing the same cars they showed off at the last 3 big auto shows this year. Some of these vehicles have new a car navigation system or a car radio smarter than your average high school student. Even so the cars have started to be less than entertaining, the Honda Civic is a good example. If you put the “All New” 2012 civic Si next to the previous year, I couldn’t tell the difference. The new model is basically a 2011 with a body kit.So if there are companies repeating the thrills of the past to see if they can get a rise out of ya, what is new? Well there were some companies that have pushed some big reveals, VW showed off the new VW Beetle. The new beetle is slightly different than the last, even though all the reviewers are raving about it being all new. Truth be told, it does look very nice but not enough of a change to rave about. Companies that usually stick to what they do best and not change at all have made the biggest leaps. Mercedes showed off the new A-Class which looks nothing like any Mercedes that has ever been released. Land Rover also released a number of new models that look unique and are rockin the new
hybrid platform to boot.
hybrid platform to boot.Hybrid is the way of the future and it slowly it will lead to all electric vehicles that will help us all get around for much cheaper. Though electric vehicles lead me back to a question I have asked before, what about those of us who park on the street. Not all of us can park in a garage every night to plug in our cars, if we park on the street not everyone is honest. There goes our plug in cable walking down the street, So what do we do? When the car industry answers that then maybe the world can adopt the whole EV movement.
Front Wheel Drive VS Rear Wheel Drive VS All Wheel Drive
In the car world there are lots of choices as to the best handling cars, but what drive layout makes for the best handling car. While lots of other factors like the type steeringpower racks and power steering pumps used can make all the difference, for the sake of this we will stick to chassis.Front wheel drive offers a stability that is unmatched for a light car and will create stable handing under most conditions. Front wheel drive will also allow for a lot of grip since the motor is located over the drive tires and creating high traction levels and quick maneuverability at lower speeds. On the cons side for FWD the fact that the front wheel s have to do everything from steering to delivering the power and handling most of the braking too. Front wheel drive is a great way to make a light car handle very well on a quick tight course and it is great for average driving.
Rear wheel drive is just the opposite of FWD it pushes all the power to the rear wheels which means the front tires are free to steer. RWD means that the power is in the rear and this can make the car handle better at higher speed but can also cause twitchy movement. RWD cars are more prone to spin over FWD due to the nature of the set up. Rear drive cars is a great option for higher speed track cars and performance street cars due to its ability to quickly handle direction changes and weight shifts.
All wheel drive would seem to be the choice for any performance enthusiast, with the power at all the wheels you get the best of both worlds. Well this may not be true, with added traction comes added weight. More weight means acceleration and more difficult handling. No matter how good the tires are one thousand extra lbs of weight is a lot to handle. AWD had some great benefits too, increased traction off the line and control on all surfaces. AWD also offers a control in the corners that cannot be matched…as Lamborghini has shown us time and time again. Mitsubishi has also proved the quality of AWD with a 4 door car that can keep up with a Murcielago around the track.
The choice of which drive train is best is one that has been going on for years and will continue well into the reign of the electric car. As the new technologies push the world to smarter cleaner cars the auto performance enthusiasts will not die out but just change. With this change many elements will shift but the drive line argument will keep raging on.
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