Would you buy a used car--with cash--from someone you just met in the bar, and who walked you down a dark alley to show you the car? Not likely. How about from a well-dressed, friendly, middle-aged man or woman, who placed a classified ad in your local newspaper, and who meets you midday at a restaurant of your choice?
Oops! You may be more likely to be cheated by seller number two. That's the story of Jennifer Warwa, who bought a minivan and had her mechanic examine it. The mechanic later said how shocked he was that Jennifer had been scammed:
"Because I met the gentleman who was selling the vehicle. Very clean cut. In his fifties. Very soft spoken.... And he went with her to get it inspected. There was just no sign that was the kind of person he was" the mechanic told CBC's Marketplace.
A few months later, Jennifer got a phone call from the police. They said she had purchased a stolen minivan, and they were coming to seize it. She was so upset, she tried to hide the van from the police. Eventually they caught up with her and she ended up paying for a year and a half for a $5,000 bank loan on a van she could not drive. Ouch!
Jennifer was just one victim in the chain that included the original owner, the insurance company, other consumers whose insurance rates keep rising, and the police, who spend thousands of hours tracking thefts. According to the FBI, a vehicle is stolen about every 25 seconds in the USA, amounting to an $8 billion yearly problem.
Here's how these scams often work. Thieves target particular cars: for their value, their ease of resale as a whole or in parts, or because they are easier to steal. Years ago, most cars were stripped for parts, including unusual parts such as airbags. But today some thieves are so brash they sell cars through newspapers.
This newer scam is called "VIN cloning", because the Vehicle Identification Number is stolen from another car. Criminals obtain VINs by copying them from the dash of cars in parking lots--even at dealerships. Some even physically remove the VIN plate from vehicles in auto salvage yards that allow customers to "pick your own parts." (They do not mean that literally!) The number is used to falsely obtain new ownership documents, or documents are forged. Either way, a cloned VIN allows them to transform stolen cars into pseudo- legal vehicles that can be officially titled and sold. Many thieves work across state lines: cars may be stolen in the East, registered in the Mid-West, then sold in California. Scary!
Here's what you can do to avoid buying a stolen car:
** Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver's door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork
** Use the VIN to get the car's history at carfax.com for about $20
** Ensure title and registration documents match the name and address of the seller
** Is the car from out of state?
** Be suspicious if you must meet a private seller in a parking lot. Better to see that they live at the address where the car is registered
** Has the vehicle recently been transferred?
** Does the seller use a home or work phone number, or just a cell?
** Is the selling price oddly low?
** Be warned that some used car dealers are getting scammed, too
** Pay by certified cheque or money order, not cash.
Keep in mind that most private sellers are not thieves, but rather honest, regular folks like you. And prices do tend to be lower with private sales. So if you follow my advice, you can greatly improve your chances of driving away with a "genuine" used car.
by: Michael Trusthold
Oct 28, 2010
Pssst: Wanna (not) Buy a Stolen Car?
Proper installation of used motorcycle cables
Part and parcel of owning a bike is maintaining its appearance and its capability. Nevertheless, despite making sure that the parts and cables of the motorcycle give us maximum service, we cannot but accept that they have their own warranties and lifetimes.
Unlike artwork or antiques, motorcycles are made to be used and abused. With all the elements found in the environment, motorcycle parts will definitely have its final day. When that day comes and you don't have enough money to buy new ones, why not settle for used motorcycle parts, e.g. cables? With a few tinkering and proper installation, they might just provide you the service you need in many years to come.
Here are some suggestions for proper installation of used motorcycle parts and cables:
Tip #1: Inspect and make sure you have the correct cable. This is the very first step in getting the best used cable you need. Inspect the used cable for any major wear and tear. Remember that these are used cables so it will definitely have a few scratches; but it must not be too great that using it for just a few days will result in a total bust. After you have checked thoroughly, make sure you have the correct part for the application, e.g. correct cable ends, proper size casing ferrules, correct size, shape and thread size of adjusters/elbows, etc.
Tip #2: Make sure all adjusters are in "closed" position.
Tip #3: Use a direct route for the cables. Route your used cables from control to actuator in the most direct way possible. Keep cables away from hot surfaces and avoid sharp bends, as well as "kinks" in the housing or inner cable.
Tip #4: Adjust throttle/idle cables. These should be adjusted the carb/s will return to full close when off. Adjust any excessive freeplay and be sure throttle action is smooth and free from open to full close before starting the engine. Also make sure that the used cables do not bind together or hang up when there is full lock-to-lock movement of bars.
Tip #5: Make sure clutch/brake cables are routed properly. This is to avoid binding or hanging up the cables when there is full lock-to-lock movement of bars. Also, cables that are routed properly will not bind during compression of forks or suspension. Install lever and actuator fittings, adjust freeplay to correct specs and check for smooth-positive action. These are done before starting the bike.
Tip #6: Route the speedometer/tachometer cables using a direct path. Make sure that the cable will not hang up on the caliper when forks compressed on the front wheel drive speedometer cable. This is what usually happens with aftermarket calipers because they often come in a larger size or different shape. Always make sure that the inner cable is well-lubed with light grease when installing and removing. Clean and re-grease regularly for maintenance.
Tip #7: Avoid having contact with painted surfaces when installing stainless steel braided cables. The braided surfaces of these used cables are very abrasive. You can use shrink or spiral wrap and/or cable guides when needed. And because stainless braided cables are less flexible, always keep this in mind when getting measurements for applications that are tailored according to your specifications. Clean and lube like any conventional cable assemblies.
And like any other used motorcycle parts, keep used cables clean and properly lubricated when necessary. Always check on the proper adjustments and inspect for any wear and tear on a regular basis. Signs to look out for are torn or worn housing, frayed wires, and signs of bending or kinking at the controls.
About the author:
Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.
Her thoughts on writing: "Writing gives me pleasure… pleasure and excitement that you have created something to share with others. And with the wide world of the Internet, it gives me great satisfaction that my articles reach more people in the quickest time you could imagine."
On her spare time, she loves to stay at home, reading books on just about any topic she fancies, cooking a great meal, and taking care of her husband and kids.
by: Granny's Mettle
Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips
As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that comes with ‘break-down’ surprises. Listed below are some additional reasons to get serious about preventative car care:
• Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your family members to get in an accident.
• Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.
• A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale value of your vehicle.
• Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means that you won’t have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment, worn tires and worn suspension components.
• Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!
Establish Car Maintenance Habits
It is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil changed every three months but it’s a bit more difficult to make those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs. You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn and your fuel filter.
Common Complaints that Can be Solved with a Fuel Filter Replacement
This article focuses on fuel filter replacement because experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain that their vehicles are ‘experiencing’ power loss, hard starting, or hesitation.1 These problems are in general due to clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) fuel filter replacement.
How Often Should You Change Your Fuel Filter?
As mentioned above, it is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement only applies to high mileage vehicles. Those of you who use your vehicles only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. If you have questions in regards to your vehicle, ask an (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) experienced filter specialist how often you should change your fuel filter.
Don’t Fall For It!
Many new vehicles supposedly are equipped with a ‘lifetime’ fuel filter that the manufacturer claims will never have to be replaced. These newer vehicles may require a fuel filter replacement only every other year, but they will indefinitely have to be replaced at some time. Any fuel filter (including the new ones) can clog or be exposed to moisture and rust--so don’t fall for the lifetime fuel filter story.
Fuel Filter Replacement Services
You can replace your fuel filter by yourself, but today when there are literally dozens of service stations at your disposal, you will find that you will actually save more time and more money if you do your shopping right the first time. Take time to shop/compare and even ask for references. If you take the time now, it is unlikely that you will regret your decision later. Also, if you do decide to change your fuel filter by yourself, make sure that no one smokes around you as you work. Changing a fuel filter can be extremely dangerous.
Choose a Better Fuel Station?
Also, to prevent the quick ‘decay’ of your fuel filter you may want to consider patronizing only those fuel stations which have fuel filters within their gas pumps. These filters assure that the fuel you put into your vehicle will go through one final ‘filter session’ before going into your car. You would be surprised at the amount of dirt and other junk that is prevented from going into your vehicle because of fuel station pump filters.
1It’s simple science; a clogged fuel filter cannot allow the same amount of fuel to flow through it as a newly replaced one. This may mean that on roads around your home--as you drive slowly--your car will respond well, but at highway or freeway speeds your car may splutter and lack power.
by: Boyd Norwood
Oct 27, 2010
Prepare Your Ford Escape For a Summer Escapade, Use Top Quality Parts
Taking your family or friends for a long ride with your Ford Escape—away from the busy city streets—would be a perfect way to spend the hot summer days and of course, to test this SUV’s performance. Ford Escape is an entry-level Sport Utility Vehicle, and although positioned a rank lower than the best-selling SUV, the Ford Explorer, it offers a respectable line of performance auto parts, impressive power and remarkable rugged looks. In 2004, a hybrid Escape model was launched, giving Ford the pride of introducing the first Sport Utility Vehicle to use hybrid technology. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was proven to be 75% more fuel efficient than the other Ford Escape models and other SUVs as well.
You must be excited driving the Ford Escape for your adventure, but before you head for fun, make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary auto parts and accessories to ensure your convenience, comfort and most especially, safety. Whether you are driving a Ford Escape or not, you must do a regular checkup on your auto to ensure it’s always at its best shape and driving condition. Although built with Ford’s high quality standards, Ford Escape Parts are also subject to common car problems, especially when it is not given enough care and attention.
If you want your vehicle to work at its best, don’t let small problems pass without fixing them. They can be a big source of stress and great financial burden, too. But don’t worry because the friendliest and most comprehensive Ford Parts Discount store offers excellent quality replacement Ford Parts at very reasonable prices. Ford Parts Online now features updated inventory of the most dependable Ford performance parts, Ford body parts and even Ford accessories. If you are thinking about buying Ford Parts Used, think again. You can now buy original top quality Ford parts at exciting deals easy, fast, conveniently and securely online.
Here are some insights that can help you prepare your vehicle for a long ride and some tips on car maintenance. Replacement and aftermarket auto parts mentioned can be found at Ford Parts Online, the most experienced and trusted Ford Parts Discount store:
1.Ford Wheels are the closest to the road, so they are more prone to wear and tear. Always wash your Ford Wheels with soap and water to prevent corrosion. Likewise the tires must be properly scoured to remove deep down grime and small particles it came contact with on the road. If you notice serious problems, don’t hesitate replacing them. It’s better to spend extra amount for a new wheels rather than suffer the inconveniences of a road accident.
2.Traveling during the hottest days of the year could be wearisome if your air conditioning system isn’t working. Check the major parts of your a/c system, especially the Ford AC Condenser, which is the one in charge of cooling off the refrigerant gas that absorbed the heat from the cabin. Check if the condenser has leaks; the refrigerant gas could freeze anything it contacts and could suffocate when inhaled.
3.Check the electrical system; especially, check your Ford Alternators and test the battery. Without these two essential parts of the system, your car won’t run. Make sure your battery and the alternator are free from damages.
4.Replace busted Ford Fog Lights. Driving without sufficient light especially at night is extremely dangerous. When driving off-road, you may need additional auto lights for added safety.
5.Lastly, don’t forget to check the engine, fuel and the fuel filter to avoid breakdowns and roadside delays. Clean filters could help you improve the vehicle’s performance and help you save on fuel expenses.
For proper maintenance of your Ford Escape Parts, you can consult the Ford car experts or Ford-trained technicians. Ask you dealer about their repair and maintenance services. Meanwhile, for your best replacement Ford Escape parts and other Ford auto parts needs, you can count on Ford Parts Online.
by: Jay Stevens
Planning A Car Audio System Installation
With such a wide range of components and gadget on the market for car audio systems, the big question is "Where do I start?"
First you must decide what exactly you wish to do. If you are wanting to build a car audio system for a daily driver (the car you drive back and forth to work) with good sounds, but you are not interested in competing, a system can easily be put together for under $1000. However, if you are looking for the all-out bass monster, be prepared to drop in some big bucks into your system.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a car audio system is planning. Get an idea of where you are going to place components, subwoofers, amplifiers, and power distribution. A lot of headache can be avoided with the proper planning!!
For the basic system, lets look at some of the components needed.
Let's first start with the head unit (CD player). Obviously you are going to want a nice head unit. If you start with a good quality cd player, and choose to upgrade your sound system in the future, purchase a head unit that will grow with you. Some of the features you may want to keep in mind are:
1. CD changer controls
2. XM / Sirius controls (if you decide to add Satellite radio in the future)
3. Dual RCA outputs (carries signal to the amplifiers)
4. Pause button (important for competing)
5. Detachable face, or other security devices
6. High voltage line driver - this will send the sound signal at a higher voltage to your amplifier/s reducing noise and improving overall sound quality.
After you have chosen your head unit, you will want to make a decision on amplifiers and subwoofers. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A $30 subwoofer will be as big as a $300 subwoofer, but the capacities of each will differ greatly. Look at the power handling of each subwoofer and decide accordingly. You will want subwoofers will work with your amplifier/s (see compatibility).
You must also keep in mind the available space in your vehicle. Are you willing to give up your entire cargo area? How many subwoofers will fit? Decide on the size. Sizes will vary from 8" up to 18", some are square (Kicker), but most are round. Also keep in mind the resistance (ohms) of the subwoofer and make sure they are compatible with your amplifier/s (see compatibility). The subwoofer decision will also have an effect on the enclosure you decide to build or buy. For the basic system, I would recommend purchasing a pre-fabricated subwoofer enclosure. This will save you a bit of money and headache (especially if you end up building it two or three times!!). Make sure you take accurate measurement of your cargo area before building or buying an enclosure!!
Other components may be needed depending on the type of system you are building and how elaborate you want your sound to be. For the competition vehicle, figure on upgrading your alternator, adding a battery to your system (maybe more), running high quality RCA cables, power cables, ground cables, and speaker cable. You may need to add a capacitor to provide your amplifier with a reservoir of power for bigger hits from the subs. You may need an electronic crossover, an equalizer, replacement factory speakers, an amplifier for your mid-range and tweeters, additional speakers within your vehicle for staging, etc.
by: Will Reece
Oil – The Life Of Your Car
Oil cleans your car. It lubricates parts. It helps cool things down. Without it, your engine would be sitting squarely in the center of your local junkyard.
Scheduling regular oil changes is vital to the life of any vehicle.
The oil filter keeps little bits of dust and other contaminants out of your engine, and helps ensure the oil runs smoothly, so you want to change that every time you change the oil.
Imagine how your body would react if your kidneys and liver shut down. The impurities in your blood would build up continually, and it wouldn't take long for your body to completely break down.
Oil for your car can be likened to blood to your body. Your car needs clean oil to keep going. What would happen if you never changed your oil?
Well, you'd be lucky to get 30,000 miles out of the car before your engine would collapse.
Say you only change your oil once a year. Your car seems to be running fine, so no harm done, right? Not so fast! Your engine has been flooded with contaminants. It won't be long till you find yourself coming to a standstill.
Regular oil changes are as important to your car as daily trips to the bathroom are to you. Now, we won't take the analogy too far, but you get the idea. This one scheduled maintenance may help your vehicle avoid mechanical failures.
I actually heard two mechanics say that they figured you could run a car forever if you had the oil changed every 2000 miles. That may seem excessive to some folks. But it kept my baby humming nicely!
Now if you see any hint of an oil leak on the driveway after the car is parked, get to a service station. This could be ultra bad news and you need to have your car checked out immediately. Ditto if you detect a burning smell or smoke coming from around the engine!
You may not feel 100omfortable changing your oil, but you can check it easily. It's best to check the oil when your engine is cold. Unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean tissue or paper towel. Reinsert the stick all the way. Then pull it back out and check the dipstick. You'll see "add" and "full" lines clearly marked on it. If the oil film is between the "add" and "full" lines, you're good. If it's below the "add" line, you need a quart of oil. Make sure you use the kind recommended in your owner's manual. After adding the oil, repeat all the steps.
See, that wasn't too hard, was it?
Make sure you take the time to check the oil levels in your car, and have it changed regularly. It literally means the difference between life and death for your vehicle!
by: Samuel Murray
Oct 19, 2010
OEM-quality Ford Focus Parts Available at Top American Ford Parts Dealer
“It begs to be driven,” says Ford. Beyond doubt, this car is very inviting. It appeals to a lot of buyers not only because of its modern styling and excellent driving abilities but most especially, its reasonable price. by: Jay Stevens
Now on its sixth year, Ford Focus remains to be a strong contender in the economy car class in America and in United Kingdom. Since its debut in 1998 (in UK), Ford Focus has garnered over 60 awards, including 13 Car of the Year awards, both in Northern American and in Europe. It was also included in Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best List from 2000 through 2004 and recognized as the world’s best-selling car in 2001 and in 2002.
The Ford Focus was substantially upgraded in 2005 so there are only few changes to the 2006 Ford Focus model. The 2005 Ford Focus came with restyled Ford hood, larger Ford grille, reshaped Ford front fenders integrated with the Ford headlights. These new Ford parts were maintained for the 2006 model; however, Ford offers this time a new Street Appearance Package for Ford Focus ZX3, Ford Focus ZX4, and Ford Focus ZX5, laden with safety and convenience features.
Ford Focus Street Appearance Package came with different front and rear fascias, adding new Ford lights(Euro Altezza); lower Ford air deflector, Ford spoiler and rear Ford Front bumper; and chrome exhaust tip. The S and SE trim levels got optional alloy Ford wheels. All these additional features gave the new Ford Focus a racing car look.
Continuing success of the Ford Focus only reaffirms Ford’s renowned excellence in creating vehicles of extraordinary performance, interior and exterior auto parts. Also it further proves Ford’s high standards on quality automobiles and its commitment to the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.
Because of this, manufacturers and dealers of aftermarket and replacement Ford parts like the country’s top quality Ford auto parts supplier, Ford Parts Online, feel the need to continuously raise their quality standards as well in order to meet higher demands of Ford car users and match the latest from Ford.
At one time or another, you would need to replace some auto parts in your Ford Focus or any other Ford vehicle, whether it’s simply for maintenance, for repair, for car enhancement or customization. No matter how well built and how well designed your Ford is, it is still subject to some car problems and of course, you can make it better.
Replacing your OEM Ford auto parts has never been easier than it is today. There are thousands of aftermarket auto parts dealers all over the country and even online. You can have access to virtually all of them in just a click on a mouse, making it more convenient on your part. However, you still have to choose what is best for you. Even if many offer rock bottom Ford Parts Discount deals, you are not guaranteed to get the best for your Ford.
Choosing a trusted and experienced auto parts dealer like Ford Parts Online can save you from worries. This auto parts dealer offers a great variety of Ford replacement and aftermarket parts including the finest line of Ford Explorer parts, Ford Mustang partsFord F-150 Pickup parts and Ford Escape parts. Sourced from well recognized Ford parts manufacturers, you can be sure that these parts meet the industry’s highest standards for car parts. Priced like Ford Parts Used, its Ford Parts Discount are the perfect answer to your high quality and inexpensive Ford replacement part needs. Ford Parts Discount
"My Motorcycle won't start!! What now?"
Maintain your Battery and check your charging system!
9 times out of 10 the reason why your bike won't start is usually because of the battery condition or loose connections. A charging system failure is less likely but is still possible.
I will talk about both of them here.
First look at your battery connections. Check for obvious and easiest to fix problems first. A loose connection, poor ground etc. will likely cause intermittent operation of the starting and charging systems. If you find a loose connection and/or corrosion, clean the connections with a wire brush.
Before re-attaching apply a little grease to the contact points. The grease helps to prevent any of the white corrosion residues building up around the battery terminals.
Try and start her up now. You still have a problem? Go down to the mall and buy yourself a small electronic multimeter. (Make sure it has both AC and DC volt functions, as well as a continuity (or OHMS)function. Pull out the battery and set it on a counter. Set your multimeter to DC volts. Measure the Battery voltage by placing the red lead on the positive and the Black on the negative.
The voltage read should be around 12.5 volts (higher is OK) If the voltage is less than this it may indicate a poor battery. Notice I say, "may" here because the bike's charging system might be at fault. In this case the battery will most likely be OK.
Confirm that the electrolyte level in each cell of the battery is good. Add distilled water only to cell's with a low level. (Obviously you cannot add water to a maintenance free battery) Charge the battery overnight with a slow charger only. Motorcycle batteries cannot handle a fast charge. Make sure the charger only charges at a rate of 2 amps or less.
Install the battery and try and start her again. If she still won't go buy a new battery and your problem will likely be fixed. If she starts and runs like a charm, then you have to find out why the battery went dead. You need to check the charging system.
With the engine running, place the multimeter leads on the battery. Rev the engine a little. The system voltage should rise with engine RPM. A voltage of around 13.5 to about 14.5 should be displayed. If the voltage stays constant and/or is slowly decreasing, or if the voltage rises above 14.7 volts the charging system is not functioning.
What do you do now? You have to check two things. The Stator and the Regulator. The stator creates an AC voltage. The regulator changes the AC to DC voltage and also maintains that voltage at the proper level.
The Stator can be checked with the Ohms function on your meter. Locate and remove the plug for the stator on the front of the engine block. You will see two or three pins inside.
Set the meter for low Ohms, and measure the continuity between these pins. 5 Ohms or less is what you are looking for here. Set the meter to the highest setting. With 1 lead attached to a metal part of bike check for continuity to each pin. You meter should read infinite, or no continuity. If these tests check out then your stator is fine. If there is a fault in any of these tests, then see your dealer
The regulator is the easiest of all to check. The regulator is made of solid state electronics and can't be opened. Replace the regulator if everything else on the charging system checks out or if there is an overcharging situation.
On most Harley's you will not know if the charging system is beginning to fail. The evidence shows up when you have dim lights or she just won't start. There are aftermarket accessories that you can install on your bike that will tell you the current state of the charging system.
Save yourself some bucks here!! With a simple multimeter available from any Electronics parts store you can troubleshoot your charging system and check your battery and most likely repair any problems yourself.
by: Keith
Mountain Dirt Bikes
What are ?
Mountain dirt bikes are basically dirt bikes for use in climbing and descending rocky and grassy mountains. They can be motor or peddle models and it is up to you which you go for. The motor versions are quite different in design and look to other dirt bikes because of the use they are designed and built specifically for.
How do mountain dirt bikes differ from other dirt bikes?
Specifically, the frame is a lot higher than on a standard dirt bike in order that you get more ground clearance; the extra ground clearance will help you avoid mud build-ups, rocks and other such debris when traversing a mountain or hill. The frames themselves are also much more sturdy so if you do happen to clip a rock or something similar they are unlikely to just snap in half and will provide you and your bike with more protection. The brakes are stronger, making it possible to stop your bike rolling down the hill or off a rock and they usually come with both rear and front suspension to make the trickier terrain associated with mountain riding easier to handle. The suspension also makes the ride a lot more comfortable because you will face a number of bumps and sometimes some quite manic descents down the mountain.
Generally speaking a mountain dirt bike is much more rugged and rough than a normal dirt bike because of the beating and battering it will take during it’s life.
What else should I know about my mountain dirt bike?
If you own or are considering purchasing a mountain dirt bike you should know that you can’t purchase normal dirt bike parts and expect them to do an equally good job on your mountain dirt bike. They simply aren’t designed for the same purpose. Yes, it’s true that a dirt bike is built to withstand quite a battering and a beating but it’s also designed for riding around a dirt track. However, a mountain dirt bike is designed to be ridden over mountains and through rocky, grassy and muddy terrains. The tires are such that they can withstand all of these terrains as is the rest of your bike. The suspension, brakes and frames are quite different when compared to other types of dirt bikes so you should be careful when buying parts or repairing your bike.
by: Andrew Green
Oct 18, 2010
Sites To Help You In Car Buying Online
With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?
In fact in the past years, car buying online has evolved from tips and comparison charts to honest-to-goodness online transactions. Gone are the days when you have to personally scout for your dream car, hopping from one store to another, talking to car dealers and comparing prices.
Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more… that is if you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual shopping cart.
The comparison strategy
Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several models, their specifications and features and to compare them with each other. It also gives you an idea on what specific car model suits your needs, lifestyle and of course the budget. Car buying online has never been easier as websites like these allow for clearer and faster comparisons as you are given prices and features at the drop of the hat. There are also resources on the site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions about car buying online.
Price is the name of the game
If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the model that you want, you can check your dream car’s prices online before going to different car dealers and haggling. The InvoiceDealers.com is a site that gives you competitive prices that you can choose from. You no longer need to visit several dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a breeze.
Virtual loans and finances
Who says you can only avail of financial arrangement through face to face transactions? With the advent of super technology, car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources that would help people who are car buying online for the first time.
Insurance at your fingertips
Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can compare the prices of the plans being offered by several insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the site, 4insurance.
Delivery a click away
Another consideration when car buying online is the delivery. Some websites offer instant delivery where the car of your choice will be delivered to your home and office. If you are not comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.
Saving on warranty
Warranties are really important whether you are car buying online or offline. This is especially true when you are buying a model that you have not yet tried using in the past or a model that you are totally unfamiliar with. Doing your research and scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save you up to 60f the actual cost since this is usually sold direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes.
by: John G. Nuble
Simple, Fast and Affordable Ways to Enhance Your Chevy Available at Your Friendliest Auto Parts Dealer
Since man developed fondness for automobiles, the auto industry just grew bigger and more diversified. Almost every stage in the history of cars is marked by an invention, an introduction of a new design or car concept and a whole lot of new ideas aimed at improving car's performance, style and safety features. Likewise, replacement auto parts market has thrived due to the growing demands of auto users. Hence, today, more choices of high quality auto parts and even accessories are available for your car repair, car maintenance and customization.
Auto Parts Discount is one of your top auto parts dealers that bring to you a wide selection of replacement parts from BMW parts to Ford parts, Jeep parts, and GMC parts . If you have an old car, whether it's an old Chevrolet Impala or an old Ford Mustang, this store can help you make your car livelier and more fun to drive. Accessories ranging from floor mats to different kinds of specially designed auto lights, mirrors, carpets and spoilers can be easily purchased in its convenient, safe and complete online store. These are all sourced from top car part manufacturers and are designed to match your car's specifications.
It's easy to upgrade your old Chevy and modify its looks at Auto Parts Discount. You can start it by replacing your car's carpet or floor mat. Even if your Chevrolet carpet or your Chevrolet floor mats aren't that old yet, they need to be replaced periodically since dirt and grime often get stuck in them. Especially if the stitching of your old Chevrolet carpet has already been badly frayed, you need to replace it now or else be very uncomfortable. It always feels good to have something neat, smooth and comfortable to step on as you ride inside the car, so make sure you replace your Chevrolet carpet with a good quality carpets.
Other Chevrolet parts offered here in this one-stop auto parts dealer online are Chevrolet lights like headlights, taillights and corner lights, Chevroletmirrors and Chevrolet spoilers. Aside from their known functionality, these auto parts help in improving your car's styling. Auto lights for example make your car extra attractive as they provide bright illumination at night while spoilers make your car look like real sports cars.
Making your old car more exciting to drive need not be financially burdensome. All you need is some imagination. Auto parts like the auto bumpers , carpets, lights, car wheels , mirrors, spoilers and catalytic converters can bring more life to your everyday driving. These are very affordable accessories that you can easily purchase online. Visit Auto Parts Discount and enjoy their wide variety of parts including accessories for Chevrolet—all at very friendly deals you'll surely love.
by: Joe Thompson
Simple Car Maintenance Tips
You drive your car everyday. Do you pay attention to it? Do you feel that slight shimmy in the front end? Is there a new knocking sound under the hood? Is there a rattle in the dashboard? No one knows your car better than you do. If you feel something different, or if it isn't handling correctly take it to your mechanic. It could be something as simple as a tire out of alignment, or perhaps a loose belt. It's always best to find any small problem before it becomes a large one.
Here are some simple maintenance tips that you can follow to help prolong the life of your car, and help save you money.
Notice where you park your car and get into the habit of looking to see if there are any leaks when you pull out. This can be very tricky in a public garage with lots of stains from leaks from other cars, but if your car is leaking any type of fluid, transmission, radiator or brake the leak will look "fresh". If you see any fluid leaking have your car serviced as soon as possible.
Keep an eye on your tires. When you have your oil changed every 3,000 miles have your tires rotated. At this time the technician will inspect your tires for any wear. Keep your tires aligned. Check your tire pressure once every month. It's easy enough to read tire gauges and they even have electronic ones. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps increase gas mileage too.
As mentioned above, change your oil at least every 3,000 miles. The oil is the life blood of your car and keeping fresh oil in your car can extends it's life by many, many miles. At this time the technician will check your air filter, hoses and belts.
Keep your windshield washer reservoir full and carry an extra gallon with you. You don't want to be caught without washer fluid, and you don't realize how quickly you use it up, especially in the winter months when we get salt spray on the windshield. Replace your wiper blades once a year.
Following these simples steps can go a long way in prolonging the life of your car.
by: Simon Harris
Oct 14, 2010
Should you keep your old car or buy a new one.
Are you sure you need a new car? I'm sure you want the newest safety features and modern styling that a new car offers. Perhaps you need a larger vehicle to fit your growing family. You probably feel that your old car no longer fits your life. But how about cost?
From an economic perspective, you're better off keeping your old car. It could save you thousands of dollars. Taking better care of your current car may make much more sense in the long run.
You're probably thinking - those repair bills are really adding up. But the cost of repairs will never exceed the cost of a new car. Changing your oil, replacing brakes, belts, and hoses are nothing compared to monthly payments on a new car. Even costly repairs like rebuilding an engine makes good financial sense.
If you've paid off your car, it is still in great shape and needs only a few modest repairs, there's no need to throw it away. Enjoy your freedom from car payments. Enjoy lower annual taxes, insurance rates and license fees on your old car. Buying a new vehicle would mean several years more of monthly principle and interest payments on a loan.
You can feel secure knowing that modern vehicles last longer. Not too many years ago, a vehicle's useful life did not exceed 100,000 miles. Today, many vehicles can breeze right past that 100,000 mile mark with no more than a tune-up, or maybe a new timing chain or fuel pump.
Older cars generally cost more to maintain and are more likely to break down. Repairs can be frustrating and expensive. But on the other hand they're cheaper to own and operate. They lose most of its value in the first five years of their life. Your used vehicle won't depreciate as much, saving you thousands.
Unless you're rolling in cash, I'd say keep your old clunker. Comfort yourself knowing that one day you'll be able to easily afford that costly new ride.
by: Roger Charles
Shopping for your Motorcycle Parts Online with less effort
If you are among those who spend most of your day attending to your motorcycles, indeed you are considered to be called a motorcycle enthusiast. These people would exchange their important appointments and dates just to buy more time with their motorcycles. That’s pretty fanatical I guess.
Some people really exert all their efforts in maneuvering their bikes. Some even have treated screws, wedges and other tools like their meals and food for the day. There are some who love motorcycles but only for the means of traveling and easy riding to escape themselves from heavy traffic over big busses, trucks and cars. As you can see, motorcycles are small and can fit on thin spaces in the streets.
Motorcycle lovers care for their bikes like caring for their own selves. They would even spend loads of money for maintenance, upgrades and repairs. For them, buying motorcycle parts is like buying clothes for themselves. I think that’s precisely what you call dedication and more like it.
Some purchase motorcycle parts as if they were dressing their motorcycles for a display, some rather for good performance and sound. Upgrading your motorcycles is indeed helpful. Finding new parts with good quality for your motorcycles is keeping up its power and performance. Since it is important, one must carefully be inclined with knowledge in choosing the right parts and brands.
These motorcycle parts can be acquired and purchased in hardware and motorcycle stores. Nowadays, shopping for your motorcycle parts can be purchased online. I can say it can be advantageous to shop online because it requires less work and you don’t have to waste efforts from going from one store to another only to find out that the parts you are looking for are unavailable or the stocks are all out.
With shopping online for your motorcycles, you are sure you get the most certain parts your bike needs and it gives you ideas on the price listings and some important information and details. Shopping online for your motorcycle parts gives you other options for varieties of selections. It is also to your advantage because it has wide connections or it is worldwide so don’t feel sad if the parts you are vying for are not available in your country. It can still be at your hand without any extra effort.
If you want to upgrade on an extensive level, shop online for a change and plunge in to your motorcycle addictions. It might cause to add a little extra cost but it’s worth it. You don’t have to work yourself way out on the stores. All you need is a computer and let them easily do it for you with no burden at all.
by: Karen Nodalo
Save Thousands at Auto Auctions - Without Marrying a Car Dealer!
The Common Misconception: Auto auctions are only open to car dealers.
The Surprising Truth: Anyone with the right resources can participate in the same auctions as the dealers!
Think about it. How much could you save if you bypassed the dealers and purchased directly from their sources? 30%, 50%, maybe even 75%.
As unbelievable as this sounds, it is possible with a little patience and research.
As you probably already know from past experience, car dealers will do ANYTHING to get you into the car of your dreams. Whether you can afford it or not!
I can recall a former coworker who got into a new luxury vehicle with a little "creative financing." The manager divided his mortgage payment in two. His justification: As a married man his wife was responsible for the other half of the mortgage....even though she was a stay at home mom! Luckily for them, they found a way to pay their huge car payment and avoid repossession.
Unfortunately, others aren't quite as lucky. Thousands of people default on their loans everyday simply because they couldn't really afford it in the first place.
This can work to your advantage. The banks and financial institutions that serviced the loans want to recoup their loss as quicly as possible. Add to that the exhorbitant cost of storing these vehicles, and you can easily see why the banks want to dispose of them in a timely manner.
After all, the longer financial institutions have to store these vehicles, the less money they're going to get back.
Auto auctions are the quickest way for banks to rid themselves of repossessed vehicles.
Car dealers know this, and they go to great lenghts to protect this knowledge from the general public. After all, auto auctions are a huge source of revenue. Dealers can purchase vehicles at a fraction of their value, and then resell them at a huge mark-up.
But what if you could avoid the dealer's mark-up and instead pay what they pay? What impact would that have on your wallet?
Amazingly enough, auto auctions are not solely restricted to car dealers. Up until a few years ago, I too shared this common misconception.
It was only by sheer luck that I stumbled upon a website that allowed me to search local auctions by zip code and vehicle make that I learned the surprising truth. I was paying dealers thosands of dollars in unnecessary mark-ups.
I tried the website's search feature out, and to my surprise the cars listed were exactly what I wanted. Only a few years old with very low miles. Many of them were still under the manufacturer's original warranty! This made sense of course, since most of them were repossessions.
The auction house was even willing to throw in a vehicle history report at no extra cost and a 3 month warranty.
Sure I wouldn't get the complimentary car washes and oil changes the dealer throws in, but that surely wasn't worth thousands of dollars in premiums.
After a little hesitation I joined the auto auction membership site. They helped me locate auto auctions in my area, and gain admission to them through their exclusive access rights. I learned what questions to ask, and how to handle the bidding process.
It was a lot simpler then I ever imagined it could be.
The day of the auction, I showed up a few hours early to inspect the vehicle I was interested in and get a feel for the place.
It must have been a slow day, because when my car came up for auction only a few dealers were bidding against me. Since I wasn't buying the vehicle for resale, I succeeded in outbidding the dealers!
It was a truely empowering experience. I got the vehicle of my dreams, and I only paid a little over half its book value!
What did this experience teach me? Auto Auctions can save you thousands in unnecessary dealer mark-ups.
by: Cat Tobin
Oct 13, 2010
Save Money on Used Motorcycle Parts
For every motorcycle enthusiast, it is indeed very taxing to maintain bikes as good as new – its engine running and all its other parts functioning. We know for a fact that it’s not only for the sake of transportation but also for a little satisfaction of our vanity – seeing everyone admire us, atop an excellent piece of machine. Like any road going vehicle, a motorcycle's performance is based on the smooth running of thousands of parts, large and small. It is a nuisance indeed to find some faulty parts on a vehicle and prevent owners from enjoying its full use.
Broken parts on a motorcycle can spell tragedy for its driver and extensive damage to the machine. In a motorcycle, the safety and security provided by a four wheel vehicle on each corner doesn't exist as such, when its rear wheel locks up at 70 mph it could skid out of control and throw its rider. What’s more heartbreaking is to know that the cause of the accident is because of a broken part.
The best solution is to always have a replacement part handy in order to have extra parts for those which have been damaged or lost. Having ample budget for this would, however run risks for your pocket. If you do not have sufficient budget to afford the high costs of brand new replacement parts but afraid of scratching around for used motorcycle parts from questionable origins and warranty, don’t fret. There’s still a way for you to save money by buying used motorcycle parts and prevent you from living your worst nightmare.
Yes, indeed! Buying used motorcycle parts are a great way for you to save money and keep your bike going splendidly. There are just some pointers or guidelines for you to remember once you have decided that your budget leaves you little choice between brand new and used motorcycle parts. By following several general guidelines, you could still acquire used motorcycle parts that are in tip top shape, good condition and will not be the cause of your bike getting torn apart.
First of all, when scouting for used motorcycle parts, especially online, make a point to double – check, there are things to look out for, consider and avoid. Don’t ever miss out on crucial details, like, how old can the used part be? How compatible will it be to your bike’s model and make? Next, it is understandable to be skeptical, after all, the World Wide Web is full of BS and scams. You have to be careful to avoid those who make stupid claims that expect you to believe them. It is but your right to verify and countercheck the validity of everything that they are offering you and once you have placed an order, as much as possible, give certain conditions for your purchase. Something that may go like, they will have to show you if the purchased part functions upon getting secured on your bike. You could also inquire for warranty periods.
There are ways to save your money and still get above-average used motorcycle parts. Just be wise enough once you decide to be practical and economical.
by: Lala C. Ballatan
Save at the Gas Pump - Real Money Saving Tips
Real Money-Saving Steps
There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat rising gas prices.
Most cars can run on regular unleaded – 87 octane. High performance vehicles will usually require 91 octane or higher. Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car. It’s also usually written inside your gas lid, door panel, and sometimes right on your dashboard under the fuel gauge. It will say something like “Premium Unleaded Only” which means 91 octane or higher. All gas pumps must post the octane rating.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up!
Drive more efficiently:
-- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent. This is caused by the amount of energy it takes to push your car through the air and the amount of drag created by your cars body.
So if your car gets 25-mpg highway at 55 mph, driving 65mph will drop it down to 20 mpg! Driving 75 mph drops it down to just 16 mpg!
My personal experience with my 98 VW Beetle: I drove to New York at the posted speed limits between 55 and 65 mph. I got about 35mpg and 450 miles on one tank!!! When I drove to Florida the posted speed limits were between 55 – 70 mph. I actually drove about 75 mph most of the way. I only got 27 mpg and about 350 miles on one tank. I lost almost 100 miles distant per tank! I couldn’t believe it.
-- Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear. Most automatic transmission cars will have an overdrive button right on the gearshift. Look for a “D” and/or “O/D”. You will see a light on the dash indicating weather it’s on or off. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. If your car has a tachometer, you should be able to tell by watching your engine’s rpm speed on the highway. Buy switching the overdrive on, your rpm’s should drop significantly.
-- Use cruise control. For longer trips using cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption. Set it to 55 mph on highways.
-- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50 percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit" starts and sudden stops are wasteful. Let off the gas early when approaching yellow and red lights, stop signs etc… Most fuel-injected cars will cut off the fuel supply to the engine while you slow down saving you even more gas.
-- Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for a car to reach normal operating temperature. Until then, your car is using almost twice as much fuel to keep the engine running!
-- Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent.
Maintain your car
Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel and your car will run better and last longer.
-- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Under inflated tires on a car is like running on the beach with no shoes. Car manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or doorjamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%.
-- Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
-- Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption. Imagine running up a flight of stairs with only using one nostril in your nose to breath.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up!
by: Robert Rogers
Researching Vehicles Online
The purchase of a new car is a serious investment. It is best that you do your homework before purchasing a new vehicle, to avoid ending up with a vehicle thats overpriced or just not right for your needs. Luckily, with the help of the internet, you can do all of your research directly online from the comfort of your home.
Your first goal should be to figure out what type of vehicle is right for your family. Are you looking for a sports car, or do you have children and need a sedan, minivan or SUV? You need to consider how many seats you need and how much storage space for cargo.
With todays rising gas prices, you may want to opt for the most fuel efficient type of vehicle. In other words, carefully compare the difference in gas mileage between two types of vehicles before choosing the one thats right for you. A sedan will likely use much less gas than a minivan, and if you dont need the extra seats or cargo room, you can save a significant ammount of fuel cost over the lifetime of a vehicle. Minivans and SUV's use similar ammounts of gas, depending on the size of the vehicle. A mini SUV may be a good choice over a full size SUV, saving you money every time you fill up at the pumps.
After you know what type of vehicle you are shopping for, you can focus on a make and model. Be sure to read reviews from existing owners, they often times can save you from purchasing something that isnt going to make you happy.
There are many excellent consumer review sites on the internet that have a wealth of information on what owners like and dislike about their vehicles.
Here are a couple of sites to get you started:
http://auto.consumerguide.com
http://www.edmunds.com
Many auto review sites also offer price guides so that you can know in advance what the vehicle of your choice is likely to cost you. Also, auto makers often offer price quotes directly from their sites. You can also find additional information, pictures, and sometimes video at the auto makers sites.
Once you have done all of your research, selected the make an model of the vehicles you are interested in, you can then go to your local dealership armed with all of the information necessary to make an informed buying decision. By researching vehicles online, you can save time, money and gain piece of mind.
by: Amber Lowery
Oct 10, 2010
Repairing Your Own Machine Components
Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the repair of worn shafts, the lathe machine is excellent. Keyway slots can be machined by using a milling machine, while a shaping machine can do machining of large flat areas. A drilling machine does drilling of holes.
A skilled Maintenance Engineer should know how to use all these machines in order to make his own repairs in a safe manner. Very often he has to supervise machinists. The information below should be useful for that purpose.
Lathe Machine
The lathe machine uses a single-point-cutting tool for a variety of turning, facing, and drilling jobs. Excess metal is removed by rotating the work piece over the fixed cutting tool to form straight or tapered cylindrical shapes, grooves, shoulders and screw threads. It can also be used for facing flat surfaces on the ends of cylindrical parts.
The work piece is clamped onto a horizontal rotating shaft by a 3-jaw or 4-jaw chuck. The latter chuck can be used to cut off-centered cylinders. The rotating horizontal spindle to which the chuck is attached is usually driven at speeds that can be varied.
The cutting tool is fixed onto a tool rest and manipulated by hand. It can also be power driven on straight paths parallel or perpendicular to the work axis. This is useful for screw cutting.
Internal turning known as boring results in the enlargement of an already existing hole. The holes are more accurate in roundness, concentricity, and parallelism than drilled holes. A hole is bored with a single-point-cutting tool that feeds along the inside of the work piece.
Shaping Machine
The shaping machine is used to machine flat surfaces, grooves, shoulders, T-slots, and angular surfaces with single-point tools. The cutting tool on the shaper oscillates, cutting on the forward stroke, with the work piece feeding automatically toward the tool during each return stroke.
Drilling Machine
The drilling machine is used to cut holes in metal with a twist drill. By changing the cutting tool, they can be used to do reaming, boring, counter boring, countersinking, and threading.
Milling Machine
The milling machine uses a rotating cutting tool to cut flat surfaces, grooves, and shoulders, inclined surfaces, dovetails, and T-slots. Cutters of many shapes are changed to cut different grooves.
Cutting Tools
Metal-cutting tools are classified as single point or multiple point. The lathe and shaping machine use single point cutting tool while the milling and drilling machines use multiple-point-cutting tools.
Metal is cut either by moving the work piece like in the lathe or by moving the tool like in the shaping machine, drilling or milling machine. Clearance angles must be provided to prevent the tool surface below the cutting edge from rubbing against the work piece. Rake angles are often provided on cutting tools to cause a wedging action in the formation of chips and to reduce friction and heat.
Tool Materials
In order to remove chips from a work piece, a cutting tool must be harder than the work piece and must maintain a cutting edge at the temperature produced by the friction of the cutting action.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel tools even though comparatively inexpensive tend to lose cutting ability at temperatures around 400 degree F (205 degree C).
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel, containing 18 percent tungsten, 4 percent chromium, 1 percent vanadium, and only 0.5 to 0.8 percent carbon, permits the operation of tools twice or three times the speeds allowable with carbon steel
Cast Alloys
Cast-alloy cutting-tool materials containing cobalt, chromium, and tungsten are effective in cutting cast iron and retaining their cutting ability even when red hot.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide
The hardness of Tungsten Carbide approaches that of a diamond. Tungsten carbide tools can be operated at cutting speeds many times higher than those used with high-speed steel.
Oxides
Ceramic, or oxide, tool tips consist primarily of fine aluminum oxide grains, which are bonded together. These are very hard.
Cutting fluids
An overheated tool can become blunt and soft very fast. Therefore very often, cooling fluids cools the cutting points of the tool. This serves to lubricate and cool.
Water is an excellent cooling medium, but it corrodes ferrous materials. Sulfurized mineral oil is one of the most popular coolants as it can both cool as well as lubricate. The sulfur prevents chips from the work from melting on to the tip of the tool.
by: Thomas Yoon
Tips For Keeping Up With Automotive Recalls
You hear about automotive recalls all the time in the newspaper, on the Internet, as well as on the nightly news. Amazingly, one in 12 cars traveling the roads today were recalled for one reason or another in 2003. However, even more amazing is the fact that only one third of the owners of the recalled vehicles chose to take their car in for the needed repairs. The car manufacturers are required to send out letters informing owners of these vehicles of the recall, regardless of whether it is a major or minor event. Also, the information regarding the recall is delivered to consumers in so many different mediums it is almost impossible that owners of the affected vehicles do not learn of the problems. However, people seem to think that if they are not experiencing any problems at the moment then the recall affects all of the other vehicles instead of theirs and end up ignoring the recall. This is negligence and simply asking for the problem with the car to crop up. However, if this happens after the recall then it is the owners fault because they were given the information and allowed to fix the problem free of charge yet they simply ignored it. As long as car manufactures report the recall and inform owners of the vehicles as they are required to do by law, it is up to the consumer to take advantage of the recall and have their automobile fixed. If not, then the owner is taking the risk. If you have not heard anything about car recalls or just bought a used vehicle and want to find out if the manufacturer issued any recalls then you should check out www.nhtsa.gov or www.autorecalls.org to see if your car is listed.
Both of these websites have all the information about recalls over the past years so you can search through the year, make, and model of a vehicle to see if yours is listed. It is very likely you will see your car listed on one of these website because more than 31 million cars were recalled in 2004. That is almost unbelievable considering the amount of technology used in developing cars as well as the fact that cars are safer than they have ever been. However, it is true that mistakes are still taking places and consumers are buying vehicles with basic problems like fuses or major problems with gas lines, tires, and seats buckling in crashes. Regardless of whether or not you believe you are driving a safe car you need to check out the websites stated above every few months just to make sure your vehicle has not ended up on the list. If it has, don’t fall into the two thirds of individuals who never respond to the recall. Instead, head to the nearest dealership or authorized mechanic who can make the free repairs to your vehicle. Why so many people don’t have time for free repairs is beyond me, but knowing your vehicle has a problem that could be potentially fatal for you and your family and that a free repair is available should be enough to motivate you to have the repair taken care of.
Another thing to keep in mind is that simple problems with your vehicle that result in a visit to the mechanic may not be a problem you are required to pay for. Millions of Americans each year take their cars to the mechanic for a basic repair, or even a major one, assuming something went wrong and they simply need to fix it. Unfortunately, many of these individuals never check to see if the problem was due to a recall and end up paying for a repair that might be free or discounted by the automobile manufacturer. So, armed with this knowledge the next time your vehicle has even the slightest problem make sure you check and see if the car has been recalled for similar problems and if you can get free repairs or discounted ones at the least. It is certainly worth checking out and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Who Issues Recalls?
In general, the reason so many people don’t respond to recalls is because they simply don’t understand the recall process. The NHTSA , National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, is responsible for investigating consumer complaints regarding specific vehicles and problems associated with them. After several consumers have reported the same or similar problem to the NHTSA for the same model vehicle an investigation is launched. The point of the NHTSA investigation is to determine whether the consumer caused the problem or malfunction in some way or if the manufacturer of the vehicle is at fault. If the manufacturer is determined to be at fault then the owners of affected models will receive information in the mail regarding the recall of the vehicle with information included on how they can have the problem corrected free of charge. However, the NHTSA is not always the one who issues a recall.
Occasionally, the manufacturer realizes a problem exists in a certain model vehicle and will voluntarily issue a recall. Of course, the NHTSA is informed as well, and the same letter is sent to owners of the vehicle letting them know the problem with the vehicle and how to correct it. Many times, however, a recall does not affect all models of a particular year. For example, if a recall is issued on 2005 Ford Explorers more than likely it will only affect a certain batch of these vehicles and not all of them. However, if you own a vehicle of that make and year then you can take it to the dealership and the service department will run the VIN, or vehicle identification number, to determine if in fact your vehicle is affected by the recall. If so, then you can have the repairs made at no cost. If not, then you can head home knowing your vehicle is safe and sound.
Just keep in mind, however, each year millions of cars are recalled for various reasons and you should always take your car in if you suspect the recall might apply to your vehicle or if you receive a recall letter. Don’t take your safety for granted, especially if the repair for the recalled vehicle is free.
by: Jeff Dragt
Timing belts, the sleeping time bomb
Interference Engines: ……..Free Useful informatio
When buying a used car always insist on determining if the vehicle has a rubber timing-belt. Be aware that about five years ago an International Oil Company did a follow up on 5,000 cars it had turned back after 3 year leases and traced them to their eventual private owners. All the cars had by then passed through wholesale auction markets and likely one or more retail dealers before being sold to a private owner. The survey disclosed that 50% of the cars had their odometers illegally turned back.
When buying a used car, supposedly with 40,000 miles for example, and determining it has a rubber timing belt, insist on a written guarantee from the seller to guarantee in writing to replace the timing belt at no charge if it fails within another 20,000 miles, a typical recommended total amount (Call any Dealer to get the recommended amount for the particular make of vehicle). After all, the vehicle may in fact already have 55,000 miles on it. If the seller will not make that guarantee, then he is admitting that the mileage is probably not accurate and by implication may well have been turned back. If the seller will not make that guarantee, consider a compromise, such as $100 maximum cost. If not acceptable, walk away and look elsewhere."
Before buying any car, especially 4-cylinder foreign cars, or even 6-cyl. BMW, be aware of the unavoidable cost of $400-$800 to replace the timing belt at anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 miles if the car has an 'interference' type of engine. The sales person will invariably not mention that an 'interference' type engine powers the vehicle and may not even know what one is. If a timing belt on an interference engine is not replaced at recommended intervals, the repair cost when the belt breaks (not gradually, but always catastrophically) could increase to $3,000 to $5,000 due to engine failure because parts have smashed into each other
An 'interference' engine is an engine design that has been avoided by some manufacturers for well over 80 years. General Motors, Chrysler, etc., typically use a metal chain-type timing belt on push-rod engines (often called a timing chain) to transmit torque from the engine crankshaft o the engine camshaft that opens the valves that admit air and fuel. (Note: on some new cars the fuel is admitted not through the valves but through injectors in the top of the cylinder. Rather than use a steel timing chain, interference engines may use a rubber timing belt with its limited life, whereas steel timing belts typically last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
Valves open further in an interference engine and project further into the combustion chamber than in a 'free-running' engine. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure flow faster into the combustion chamber through the larger valve opening. The engine can therefore inhale more air, be a little smaller, and still create as much power while reducing its. manufactured cost and also guaranteeing future repair business for its dealer. If a rubber timing belt breaks by not being replaced soon enough, some of the valves stuck in their open position will collide with the top of the pistons, thereby breaking or irreversibly damaging one or the other or both. To make matters worse, it is not possible to measure the wear on such a rubber belt so that it could be replaced when there is some indication of imminent failure. Failure in these belts is catastrophic, without warning. This will require a whole new engine be installed. Woe to the owner. Finally, the rubber belt may have to be replaced long before 60,000 miles solely due to its age. This is really playing a bad poker hand. Interference engines are like a time bomb waiting to explode unless replacing the timing belt at the recommended interval. Be aware of that guaranteed future expense before buying a new car, or especially a used car, " with such an engine.
by: Ralph Hoffmann
Oct 2, 2010
Things You Should Know In Buying A Car Online
Buying a car online is not really so much a mystery anymore. With most, if not all, commodities being sold in the World Wide Web, clothes, food, insurance, music, film, computers, cars are not exactly new residents in the virtual business zone. But while buying a car online may offer people endless convenience, fast service and deals not found in car dealerships in your area, there are still buyers who are skeptical that the online process actually works.
But it does work. In fact, for people who have been purchasing a host of other merchandises on the Internet for years, buying a car online is not really so different from let’s say ordering a new computer. Both deals with parts that you know next to nothing of, both can cost a lot and both can be confusing for the mechanically-challenged.
Still, in this age of information, there is no such thing as “anything” challenged. With the right attitude and the right set of information, you can also have a hassle-free virtual car shopping spree. All you need to do is look for reputable websites that would provide you with everything you need to know and the rest is history.
The advantage of buying a car online from buying a car offline is not really that far off. Except for the savings in time and if you are good, in money, it also needs the same amount of research and serious planning. Here are some of the things that you should know about when buying a car online
Websites
In buying a car online, one should ask for sites with good reputations. Ask for recommendations from your friends or search for reviews in the Internet. There are a lot available. That way, you will know what each site offer, guiding you as you are buying a car. Some of the most popular sites are Cars.com, InvoiceDealers.com, CarsDirect.com, AutoWeb, Edmunds.com, Car.com, AutoByTel and AutoUSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Sites offer various resources in buying a car not just online but also offline. With an aim to provide the buyers information on the process of buying cars online, the sites also offer articles with tips and tricks on buying a car. Another great resource is their frequently asked questions. Click on the section. Chances are, the question you are asking about buying a car is there.
Services
Sites offer web forms and other features that may help you with your decision. Sites like InvoiceDealers.com for example provides multiple price quotes from various dealers. Others have features you can use to compare the specs of one car model to the other. This is especially handy if you have not yet made your decision on which car to buy. Another great thing with websites, it can show how many are available and what color the car is available in. Clearly, it eliminates all the walking around scouting for a better deal.
Links
Websites often serve as a portal to another portal. Sites like AutobyByTel, for instance, can link you to their large network of car dealers all over the US. This is actually one of the original sites that have helped people when they were buying a car over the Internet. Some sites also provide links to various service and information in buying a car.
by: John G. Nuble
Things to look for when buying car stereo speakers.
1. How is the speaker's power measured?
Pay close attention to the amount of power the speaker can handle. This is particularly important when dealing with woofers, since they require more power to play loudly. Look out for models where the manufacturers exaggerate power. Ensure that power is measures in RMS. Be very wary of terms like "music power" and "peak power". These terms mean nothing when it comes to measuring power.
2. How sensitive is the speaker?
The more sensitive a speaker is, the less power required to play it. If a speaker is insensitive it will require a lot more power to play at the same volume. If you're using an amplifier you don't have much to worry about. But sensitivity becomes a bigger issue when you're using your head unit to power your speakers. Head units have less power so they require speakers that are more sensitive.
3. Are you buying the right size speakers?
The size of your speaker is very important. They should be able to fit in the proper locations. Ensure that your midrange speakers can fit in the door or dash spaces or else you may have to do some cutting. Do you have enough room in your trunk for your woofer to fit? Ensure that tweeters can be mounted in a location where they fire almost directly at you.
4. What type of enclosure is best for your subwoofers?
Woofers generate a back wave behind them. They should never be mounted in free air space. If this is done the sound they produced at the front will be cancelled out by the backwave. As a result they will produce no bass. Hence the need for enclosures. You can choose between many types of enclosures.
One popular choice is the ported box. The woofer is mounted in the box with a hole in it and a port tube attached to the hole.
There's another technique where two chambers are used. The woofer is mounted in one chamber inside the box and fires into another chamber that is ported to the outside.
Another method uses the speaker's trunk as an enclosure.
The sealed enclosure is the most popular. The back wave is surpressed inside the box and the speaker fires inside the car.
All of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to choose one that is best for your situation. Be sure to inform yourself about enclosures before making a selection.
Ordering your car stereo speakers online is quick and easy. Before buying them check out some online reviews. Find out what customers like yourself think of the speaker you want to buy. You can order your speakers online today.
by: Roger Charles
Things to look for when buying a car stereo head unit.
There are so may car stereo head units on the market. How do you know what to choose? Let's take a look at some of the things you should look for when buying a head unit.
1. How user friendly is the head unit?
Your head unit must be user friendly. This is the part of your car stereo you will interact with the most so you must feel comfortable using it. Before buying one be sure to play around with it and see how easy and quick it is to change tracks on a CD, switch radio stations, and so on. Are the buttons too small? You need to be able to enjoy using your head unit.
2. How is the unit's power measured?
Pay close attention to power. Look out for models where the manufacturers exaggerate the unit's power. This malpractice is common among most manufacturers. Ensure that power is measures in RMS. Be very wary of terms like "music power" and "peak power". These terms mean nothing when it comes to measuring power.
3. Choosing between a cassette player and a CD player.
It's all about your personal preference. Do you use more cassettes than CDs? In that case you should probably go with a cassette player. Many of them give you the option of hooking up a CD changer. Your CD changer can be operated from your head unit.
The only problem with some CD changers is the fact that you may have to get to your trunk or under your seat to change CDs. With in-dash CD players everything is in reach and can be operated easily.
More and more people are using CDs these days. CDs have several advantages including better sound quality. Many of them can be hooked up to a CD changer as well.
4. Does the head unit include pre-amp outputs?
If you're serious about sound you wouldn't buy a head unit that doesn't come with pre-amp outputs. With these outputs, you can run an amplifier directly without any need for conversion. This output is the cleanest. Higher volt outputs are better as long as your amplifier or crossover can handle the voltage. For less noise choose 4 volts over 1-2 volts.
5. Is there a theft prevention scheme?
If theft protection is important to you buy a head unit that includes a theft prevention scheme. You can choose between a partially detachable and fully detachable face. Detaching the face of your head unit renders it useless. So this is obviously a great deterrent for thieves.
Kenwood has some models where the face flips around so the thief can't see the head unit.
Some head units like Eclipse's ESN system, require a reference CD when you first apply power to them. If it is stolen it is useless. You must have the reference CD for it to work. The only problem with this is that if the thief has no clue about this feature, your head unit would be stolen anyway. Your only hope would be if he foolishly takes it to Eclipse for repair. Eclipse would be able to verify that it was stolen.
Ordering your car stereo head unit online is quick and easy. Before buying your head unit be sure to check out some online reviews. Find out what customers like yourself think of the unit you want to buy. You can order one online today.
by: Roger Charles
Oct 1, 2010
Things To Know Before You Buy A Car
Sooner or later most people buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it almost always happens sometime.
There is an art to buying a new car and if you know it, you're better prepared when that day arrives.
Every car buyer knows that there are tricks to getting a car at a reasonable price. Dealerships and private sellers rarely mark the car at it's actual worth.
Instead, they mark the price up a little so that they make a good profit for themselves. Another reason is that this lets them give their salespeople better commissions, and this makes them work harder to sell the car to you.
Whatever the reason, almost all dealerships can be talked down on their initial prices, if you know how to haggle properly. When you buy a car, keep this in mind all the time.
The savvy buyer will know that they can talk the dealership's prices down a little bit, if he/she knows the dealer's lingo and tricks beforehand and shows that he/she are prepared to deal with them.
Salesmen are there to try and hustle a good price for the company, while you are trying to hustle a good price for yourself.
If you have ever wanted to get your money's worth out of buying a car, then this will be your comprehensive guide to getting through all of the bull and getting a car at a good price.
Most of the time, it isn't even just the deal of buying a car that is the problem. Dealers and salesmen have a way of getting extra money out of you for the "extras".
Many people don't even realize that they purchased the extras until the deal has been closed. And then it's too late.
Salesmen speak their own language, and to know when you are being sold on something that you don't want, you need to know how to speak the same language as the salesmen do. Once you do, you will never again be oversold when you buy a car.
Buying a car doesn't have to be scary and it doesn't have to be the worst experience of your life. Many people are worried when they buy a car because they know that they are likely going to get ripped off.
by: Pete Lance
The Secret to Saving 14% at the Gas Pump!
If you know the smart way to purchase your gas you can save a considerable amount of money. The following strategies could save you 4 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent or even 14 percent of your gas costs.
In this article you will learn the secret to using two strategies that together should provide you with a significant discount on your gas costs.
There are a number of alternatives that will result in savings. Among the best is the use of credit cards that offer rebates. By using the right cards you can lower your costs without having to change your driving habits or do any special maintanance on your car.
Many gas companies offer credit cards that pay rebates on gas purchases. The typical card will rebate you 10% on your gas purchases for the first two or three months and then rebate you 5% on your gas purchases thereafter.
For example currently Hess Oil has a credit card that will pay 10% for the first 60 days for Hess gas purchases and 5% for Hess gas purchases after 60 days.
Marathon Oil has the same 10% for 60 days 5% thereafter program. Speedway has an 8% for 60 days and 4% thereafter credit card program. All these cards also offer 1% rebates on other purchases and can be used anywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted.
The examples just listed are issued by gas companies. There are also general market credit cards that will provide you with a discounts off your gas costs.
Many credit card companies offer cards that have special rebate amounts for gasoline. For example: currently Discover Card is issuing a Discover Gas Card that will give you back a rebate of 5 percent of the gas you purchase with the opportunity to increase it to 10 percent at selected retailers. It also gives you a 1 percent rebate on other purchases.
Another example: Chase has a gas MasterCard that will give you a rebate of 5% for gas purchases and 2% for purchases everywhere else.
The advantage to using a general market card as opposed to a gas credit card is that you can use the general market credit card to buy gas at any station and get the high rebate. The gas company card only pays you the high rebate at the gas company's own stations.
On the other hand the gas company credit card will generally pay you a premium of 10 percent or 8 percent for the first 60 days where the general market card may not.
That is the main strategy for getting a discount of anywhere from 4 percent up to 10 percent. Certainly any rebate is welcome in light of the cost of gasoline. 4% is good and 10% is even better. But there may be a way to cut your cost of gas even more. Maybe even to 14%.
Here's how. Many gas companies offer pre paid gas cards or gas gift cards. In many cases these prepaid cards will offer a bonus or discount. For example in some cases you can purchase a $50 gas card for $48.
That means you pay $48 for the card but the card allows you to buy $50 worth of gas. That is the same as getting a 4% discount. In most cases you must buy these prepaid cards at the gas outlet.
Now here is where the extra savings comes in. If you purchase the prepaid card using the gas company credit card during the initial period when you are getting a 10% rebate you will get a 10% rebate on the prepaid card.
Then if you are buying a prepaid card that gives you a 4% discount, the $50 dollar card for $48 cost, you are compounding your savings.
You are getting a 10% savings on the rebate and you are getting a 4% savings on the prepaid card. In total you are getting a 14% savings!
by: Scott Siegel
The Importance of a Healthy Car Exhaust System
Every BMW vehicle is truly a source of pride and of sheer driving satisfaction. Through the years, this German vehicle has lived up to the standards of its own catchphrase “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Performance—this clearly sets a BMW car from the rest of the autos within its class. The moment you rev up the engine, you would already know how your drive’s going to be. The longer you drive it, the more you get convinced it is designed and engineered to give you an ultimate driving experience. The exterior design itself can speak for its agility and responsiveness; that is because BMW has always believed that form follows function.
People behind the design and manufacturing of a BMW car have common things in mind: your safety, comfort, convenience and driving satisfaction. For this reason, every detail in a BMW is made to match the highest standards, including your own specifications. Aside from providing whatever a driver needs, BMW also provides what car enthusiasts want. BMW achieves their goal by using the most advanced and innovative technology in all BMW auto parts. From the moment you open the door, slip into the seats until you arrive at your destination, BMW pampers you through high quality auto parts.
Latest innovations featured in BMW cars include Bluetooth Wireless Technology, 5-speed STEPTRONIC, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Valvetronic, xDrive and Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The Bluetooth technology allows hands-free calling, that is, you can place or answer a call, browse the phonebook and do other things you do with your mobile phone by merely pressing on some multi-function steering wheel controls. The 5-speed STEPTRONIC feature adds variety to your driving by giving you three modes of driving: “Drive,” “Sport,” and “STEPTRONIC.” These and other modern features are standard or optional to new BMW models like the BMW 2006 525i Sedan, 2006 530xi Sports Wagon, 2006 760i Sedan and 2005 X5 4.8is SAV.
A car of special driving qualities, excellent design, high-tech interior and exterior auto parts and high respected name such as a BMW deserves special care, too. One who drives it is bound to give it proper care and maintenance for it to keep its good shape and perfect driving condition. Auto parts inner gives you excellent solution to your car repair and car maintenance needs. If you are in need of top caliber BMW parts to enhance or customize its looks, to improve its performance, to repair or replace worn out auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is ready to help you with your needs.
Wide-ranging pieces of auto parts information can also be found in this site. While you choose from the wide variety of BMW parts that range from smaller parts like BMW floor mats, BMW door handles and BMW hubcaps to bigger auto parts like BMW bumpers, BMW windshield and BMW wheels, you are also able to enrich yourself with various pieces of auto parts information.