The 458 Italia is equipped with a racing manettino switch leading toward more sporting set ups and giving the driver a wider selection of electronic controls parameters. The ICE setting saw in the F430 has been removed, while the CT setting has been added in order to deactivate the traction control and at the same time maintain the stability control. There are five different manettino positions and conditions: Low Grip, Sport, Race, CT and CTS. Low Grip setting provides maximum grip under all driving conditions, and it is particularly suited for low grip surfaces. The emphasis is on comfort and stability without compromising the handling. Sport is the best setting for day to day driving and guarantees great safety under good grip. Race is particularly suitable for track driving providing maximum performance and stability in optimal grip situations. CT helps the driver improving his driving skills in safety, by keeping active the stability control. It allows over-steer right to the edge of the car’s limits and guarantees enhanced driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel, particularly on the track. Under CTS setting, both stability and traction control systems are deactivated, giving the driver maximum freedom and control on the track. No electronic systems intervene on the vehicle stability with the exception of E-diff3 and ABS.
On the 458 Italia, the driver can decouple the suspension damping from the electronic configuration selected on the manettino. The suspension decoupling button offers improved “filtering” of uneven road surfaces in order to improve performance and handling on uneven broken surfaces, such as the ones at the Nürburgring race track.
The launch control button is instead designed to offer the best possible acceleration from standstill. It delivers the maximum possible torque to the ground and prevents wheel spin as the car accelerates away. Its activation is indicated in the instrument panel. To start using the Launch control, the manettino must be selected on race, CT or CTS setting. With the car still at standstill, the driver then needs to put the gearbox in manual, selects first gear, pushes the launch control, presses the accelerator pedal and then releases the brake pedal.
The stylistic interior choices developed by Ferrari Centro Stile reflect a functional, ergonomic cockpit design. The driver is set in the center of a streamlined and intuitive layout, which is very much in line with the marquee’s signature styling cues.
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White smoke: White smoke is caused by water and or antifreeze entering the cylinder, and the engine trying to burn it with the fuel. The white smoke is steam. There are special gaskets
head gaskets are the primary gaskets) that keep the antifreeze from entering the cylinder area. The cylinder is where the fuel and air mixture are being compressed and burned. Any amount of antifreeze that enters this area will produce a white steam that will be present at the tailpipe area.
If white smoke is present, check to see if the proper amount of antifreeze is inside the radiator and the overflow bottle. Also check to see if antifreeze has contaminated the engine oil. You can look at the engine oil dipstick, or look at the under side of the engine oil filler cap. If the oil is contaminated with antifreeze, it will have the appearance of a chocolate milkshake. Do not start the engine if the oil is contaminated with antifreeze, as serious internal engine damage can result.
How did antifreeze get in the oil or cylinder in the first place? The engine probably overheated and a head gasket failed due to excessive heat, thus allowing antifreeze to enter the cylinder (Where it is not meant to be).
Blue Smoke: Blue smoke is caused by engine oil entering the cylinder area and being burned along with the fuel air mixture. As with the white smoke, just a small drop of oil leaking into the cylinder can produce blue smoke out the tailpipe. Blue smoke is more likely in older or higher mileage vehicles than newer cars with fewer miles.
How did the engine oil get inside the cylinder in the first place? The car has many seals, gaskets, and O-rings that are designed to keep the engine oil from entering the cylinder, and one of them has failed. If too much oil leaks into the cylinder and fouls the spark plug, it will cause a misfire (engine miss) in that cylinder, and the spark plug will have to be replaced or cleaned of the oil. Using thicker weight engine oil or an oil additive designed to reduce oil leaks might help reduce the amount of oil leaking into the cylinder.
Black Smoke: Black smoke is caused by excess fuel that has entered the cylinder area and cannot be burned completely. Another term for excess fuel is "running rich." Poor fuel mileage is also a common complaint when black smoke comes out of the tailpipe. Black smoke out the tailpipe is the least cause for alarm. Excess fuel will usually effect engine performance, reduce fuel economy, and produce a fuel odor.
How did the fuel get into the cylinder in the first place? Some of the causes of excess fuel are a carburetor that is out of adjustment, a faulty fuel pump, a leaky fuel injector, or a faulty engine computer or computer sensor. If black smoke is present, check the engine oil as in the white smoke example to make sure excess fuel has not contaminated it. Do not start the engine if a heavy, raw fuel smell can be detected in the engine oil. Call your mechanic and advise him of what you have found.
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A timing belt, or cam belt (informal usage) is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine's valves. Some engines, like the flat-4 Volkswagen air cooled engine, and the straight-6 Toyota F engine use timing gears. Timing belts replace the older style timing chains that were in common usage until the 1970's and 1980's (although in the last decade there has been some reemergence of chain use). The term "timing belt" is sometimes used for the more general case of any flat belt with integral teeth, although such usage is a misnomer since there is no timing or synchronization involved.
Engine applications
In the internal combustion engine application, the timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft. The timing belt does this. It has teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronised with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine. In some engine designs, the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump.
Gear or chain systems can also be used to connect the crankshaft to the camshaft at the correct timing. However gears and shafts constrain the relative location of the crankshaft and camshafts. Even where the crankshaft and camshaft(s) are very close together, as in pushrod engines, most engine designers use a short chain drive rather than a direct gear drive. This is because gear drives suffer from frequent torque reversal as the cam profiles "kick back" against the drive from the crank, leading to excessive noise and wear. Fibre gears, with more resilience, are preferred to steel gears where direct drive has to be used. A belt or chain allows much more flexibility in the relative locations of the crankshaft and camshafts. Timing belts or chains are also able to even out wear, since they can be made such that the number of teeth on the belt is coprime to the number of teeth on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets, thus ensuring that each tooth on sprocket does not end up on the same tooth on the belt repeatedly.
While chains and gears may be more durable, rubber composite belts are quieter in their operation (in most modern engines the noise difference is negligible), are less expensive and are mechanically more efficient, by dint of being considerably lighter, when compared with a gear or chain system. Also, timing belts do not require lubrication, which is essential with a timing chain or gears. A timing belt is a specific application of a synchronous belt used to transmit rotational power synchronously.
Timing belts are typically covered by metal timing belt covers which require removal to carry out visual inspection. Engine manufacturers recommend replacement at specific intervals.[1] The manufacturer may also recommend the replacement of other parts, such as the water pump, when the timing belt is replaced because the additional cost to replace the water pump is negligible compared to the cost of accessing the timing belt. In an interference engine, or one whose valves extend into the path of the piston, failure of the timing belt (or timing chain) invariably results in costly and, in some cases, irreparable engine damage, as some valves will be held open when they should not be and thus will be struck by the pistons.
Indicators that the timing chain may need to be replaced include a rattling noise from the front of the engine.[2]
Timing
When an automotive timing belt is replaced, care must be taken to ensure that the valve and piston movements are correctly synchronized. Failure to synchronize correctly in an can lead to problems with valve timing, and this in turn, in extremis, can cause collision between valves and pistons in Interference Engines. This is not a problem unique to timing belts since the same issue exists with all other cam/crank timing methods such as gears or chains.
Failure Modes
The usual failure modes of timing belts are either stripped teeth (which leaves a smooth section of belt where the drive cog will slip) or delamination and unraveling of the fiber cores. Outright snapping of the belt, because of the nature of the high tensile fibers, is very uncommon.[citation needed] Correct belt tension is critical - too loose and the belt will whip, too tight and it will whine and put excess strain on the bearings of the cogs. In either case belt life will be drastically shortened.
Construction & Design
A timing belt is typically rubber with high-tensile fibres (e.g. fiberglass or Twaron / Kevlar) running the length of the belt as tension members.[3]
Rubber degrades with higher temperatures, and with contact with motor oil. Thus the life expectancy of a timing belt is lowered in hot or leaky engines. Newer or more expensive belts are made of temperature resistant materials such as "highly-saturated nitrile" (HSN).[citation needed] The life of the reinforcing cords is also greatly affected by water and antifreeze. This means that special precautions must be taken for off road applications to allow water to drain away or be sealed from contact with the belt.
Older belts have trapezoid shaped teeth leading to high rates of tooth wear. Newer manufacturing techniques allow for curved teeth that are quieter and last longer.
Aftermarket timing belts may be used to alter engine performance. OEM timing belts "will stretch at high rpm, retarding the cam and therefore the ignition."[4] Stronger, aftermarket belts, will not stretch and the timing is preserved.[5] In terms of engine design, "shortening the width of the timing belt reduce[s] weight and friction".[6]
Usage History
The first known timing belt was used in 1945.[7] The German Glas 1004 was the first mass produced vehicle to use a timing belt in 1962. The first American vehicle to use a timing belt was the 1966 Pontiac Tempest. In 1966, Vauxhall started production of the Slant Four overhead cam four-cylinder design which used a timing belt, a configuration that is now used in the vast majority of cars built today.
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There are different forms of transport that people can use. Among those is the electric hybrid car
. The various models of electric hybrid car afford people the choice of having a stylish-looking vehicle which at the same time conserves gas.
Furthermore, the environment is kept more pollution free by these electric hybrid cars. The types of hybrid cars which you see included in the range of electric hybrid cars will be the popular SUVs, sports cars and pickup trucks. You will have the chance to see those latest electric hybrid cars which are due to come on to the market. As there are many types of electric hybrid cars you should look to see whether there are any performance reviews available.
This knowledge will help guide you when you are trying to make up your mind about which electric hybrid car to choose. You will need to realize that some of the electric hybrid cars will not be that easy to repair or have their parts replaced. This is one factor that you should keep in mind while you are shopping for the electric hybrid car that suits you.
There will be times when you will not be able to find the exact model of electric hybrid car that you want. In order to diminish this frustration, make a list of several different electric hybrid car types, (include some of the best known electric hybrid car types).
You may also want to make a list of the other most important qualities that you are looking for from an electric hybrid car. Don’t forget that you should visit the car showrooms to see the electric hybrid car of your choice, as I’m sure you may appreciate seeing what sort of cars are available before you buy one.
As there will be times when you will not be able to get hold of the details of all of the electric hybrid cars on the market, you should find some other way of getting this information. Of the different ways that you can look up the many models of electric hybrid car, the Internet can provide you with pictures, specifications, descriptions and reviews of the different makes of electric hybrid car. For example, you can access the information for the current stable of hybrid Honda cars or the previous models too. Among the many details that you can find are: the number of seats and the safety and engine specifications of these hybrid cars.
There are, as we all know, many different types of hybrid car that can be bought. These will, for the most part, be well-known car brands. You will find that Honda which is a world-famous manufacturer of cars with modern technology also has their version of a hybrid car. The electric hybrid car is one of their hybrid cars that is very popular with the public.
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A starter is an electric motor needed to turn over the engine to start it.
A starter consists of the very powerful DC electric motor and starter solenoid that is attached to the motor (see the picture).
A starter motor requires very high current to crank the engine, that's why it's connected to the battery with large cables (see lower diagram).
The negative (ground) cable connects "-" battery terminal to the engine block close to the starter.
The positive cable connects "+" battery terminal to the starter solenoid.
The starter solenoid works as an electric switch - when actuated, it closes the circuit and connects the starter motor to the battery. At the same time, it pushes the starter gear forward to mesh with the engine's flywheel.
How the starting system works:
When you turn the ignition key to the "Start" position, the battery voltage goes through the starter control circuit and activates the starter solenoid, which in turn energizes the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine.
A starter can only be operated when the automatic transmission shifter is in "Park" or "Neutral" position or if the car has a manual transmission, when the clutch pedal is depressed.
To accomplish this, there is a Neutral safety switch installed at the automatic transmission, (or at the clutch pedal).
When the automatic transmission is not in "Park" or "Neutral" (or when the clutch pedal is not depressed), the neutral safety switch is open and the starter relay disconnects the starter control circuit.
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The modern car industry is run by some of the best brains in the world. These people are constantly getting feedback from the consumers and this helps them refine their products over time. They also fund some of best researchers who continuously come up with ideas and innovations. This again means that cars get better and better. Therefore as a buyer one finds the highest levels of performance, looks and passenger comfort. Which is great but there is one problem. It is rare that the same car model comes out on top in terms of all three, looks, comfort and performance.
So when you are choosing a car you need to make a decision as to, on which front will you settle for the less than best option. Will you choose a car that doesn't quite look the best or doesn't have the most comfortable ride or doesn't have the best in class performance.
One option is you can choose the best looking car if style is very important to you and settle for a lesser performance. Unless you can come up with an innovation yourself you will have to make a compromise. So what is the solution?
The answer is simple. You can come up with an innovation yourself. Choose a car that performs the best and use the latest body kits to make it look stylish. You will find that car body kits can breathe excitement into an other wise dull car. Therefore you will be able to get the car performance you want and you will get more than great looks. Because with body kits you will be able to not only improve the looks of your car but you will be able to personalize them as well. Your car will reflect your personality and taste.
Body kits are quite light and will not affect the performance of your car much. If you choose carbon fiber composite based body kits they are very light and hardly affect the performance at all. You can choose from a wide range of body kits online and give your car a stylish cutting edge look. You can find the latest body kits at http://www.ilovebodykits.com
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There are many potential causes of a flat tire. The most common is a nail or other sharp object lying in the road which punctures the tread as you drive over it. However, damage to the valve stem, vandalism, and even a traffic collision can also cause your wheel to lose most of its air. If your treads are severely worn, even relatively blunt objects can puncture them.
If you’re fortunate enough to have run-flat tires installed on your vehicle, you’ll be able to drive to an auto repair shop to have the damaged tire replaced. Otherwise, you may be forced to do the work yourself. Below, I’ll take you through the process of changing a flat tire.
First Step: The Jack
Your car should have a spare and a jack in the trunk. Many pick-up trucks and SUVs have them installed underneath the frame. Once you have retrieved them, make sure your vehicle is in “Park” and the emergency brake has been set. Before raising your car, loosen each of the lugs on the offending wheel (turn them counterclockwise). Don’t remove them; simply loosen them.
Next, place the jack under a sturdy portion of the frame and raise your car. If you’re not sure whether a particular area has enough strength, check your owner’s manual. One important note of caution: do not do this if you’re parked on an incline. Your automobile can easily move as you’re raising it.
Second Step: The Lugs
Once your car has been raised with sufficient room to take off the flat tire, you’ll need to remove the loosened lugs. Make sure that you place them in a secure area to avoid losing them. Even though each wheel has several lugs, it is unsafe to drive if even one of them is missing.
Third Step: The Replacement
Removing the offending wheel is easy with the lugs not holding it in place. Simply slide it off the supporting studs. The difficult part is aligning the replacement (the spare) on the studs. Wheels are heavy. You may find yourself struggling to lift the spare while trying to fit the studs through the right holes.
Once you have fit the studs through the holes in the spare, you’ll need to replace the lugs in order to secure the wheel. Turn each lug carefully to avoid threading issues. Also, consider replacing them in a star pattern. That is, replace the top lug first and then replace one of the bottom lugs.
After you have tightened the lugs by hand, lower your car and remove the jack. Then, tighten the lugs securely with your tire iron while your vehicle is resting on the ground. Again, follow a star pattern beginning with the topmost lug.
Keep in mind, most spares can only be driven for a limited number of miles at a reduced speed. But, even though they’re not true replacements, they’ll help you get your car back on the road to the nearest auto garage.
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There are instances where people with humble beginnings have risen to great heights and developed great business establishments. Cars have done that too. Toyota Camry’s predecessors had humble beginnings in the Toyota family. That did not prevent Camry from commanding a major share in the mid-size sedan market. How could it tower over others in the market in its category? Several steps were taken to achieve this. Rear-wheel drive in the older model was replaced by front-wheel drive in Camry. Camry also has an option of V6 engine in place of only the four-cylinder engine in the older model. There are choices in transmission system. It provides many features contributing to a comfortable ride. These include stability control and cruise control. Its size is bigger and has some luxurious fittings. It has remained in the market for two and a half decades. It is so because it is reliable, comfortable, and has enough space. It is fuel efficient. A gas-electric hybrid Camry is also in the market.
Minute attention has been paid to all the features and accessories of the car, as would be apparent from a look at Camry headlights. Therefore when it is time to replace them you should choose great new headlights from the options that are available. Headlights are important because on these depend safety while driving when visibility is poor. Headlights need to be bright to provide adequate lighting on the road. Moreover headlights have to be adjustable to cast the beam of light in the required direction. Headlights may be called the eyes of the car. Eyes can be beautiful, so can be Toyota Camry headlights. They add their own style and finishing touch to the car. There are options of different colors and finish in their housing. While headlights will show you the way others will be astonished by their looks.
The car that has remained popular for such a long time has to be really good. You and your family and friends can have a comfortable and joyous ride in Camry. Camry headlights and the car will safeguard your reputation as a man of refined taste which you would have cultivated over years. You can see the latest Camry headlights at http://www.ilovebodykits.com.
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Rugged automotive linear regulator uses only 20µA of quiescent current.
Maxim's new linear regulator consumes only 20µA (typ) of IQ to conserve battery life, and includes a reset output with adjustable delay so no external reset IC is needed.
The MAX16910, an ultra-low quiescent current, high-voltage linear regulator with a reset output. This 200mA linear regulator consumes only 20µA (typ) of quiescent current to conserve battery life in always-on automotive applications. Designed for automotive environments using Maxim's robust BiCMOS process, the MAX16910 is capable of operating from a wide, 3.5V to 30V input-voltage range to withstand cold-crank and double-battery conditions; it can also operate during load-dump conditions up to 45V. Additionally, the integrated open-drain reset output with adjustable delay eliminates the need for an external reset IC. Thus, the MAX16910 is ideal for always-on automotive applications in which small solution size and power efficiency are critical.
The MAX16910 has three pin-selectable output-voltage configurations: fixed output voltages of 3.3V or 5V, or an externally adjustable output-voltage range from 1.5V to 11V. The reset output has a delay that is adjustable through a small external capacitor. Additional protection features include a short-circuit current limit and thermal shutdown.
The MAX16910 is fully specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. It is AEC-Q100 automotive qualified and is available in thermally enhanced 8-pin TDFN and SO packages.
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The installation kits and guides for car stereo systems are handy and helpful not only for beginners but also for those who want to try their hand in doing small repairs or remodeling.
Installation may mean adding new features or replacing the stock audio system. You can customize the stock audio system of your car by replacing the stereo, speakers and amplifier with those of your choice.
Before actually starting the installation task, double-check that you are in ready possession of the needed tools, like screwdrivers, wire stripper, crimper, wiring ties, butt splices, the dash bit, etc. In some cases, you may require an antenna adapter. These are readily available with your stereo retailer.
The best way to install your car speakers, stereos, amplifiers etc is to follow the instructions given in the instruction manual. Every car has a specific model of audio system. So, plan what best you can install in your vehicle.
In most cars, the front speakers are preferably round, while the rear speakers are oval. It is better if you choose to retain same stock location for speakers, to avoid breaking the door panel or the retaining dips in case of removing speakers installed in doors.
Basically, car stereo installation includes radio installation, front speaker, rear end speaker installation and the selection of equipment.
You can upgrade your car stereo system and install equipment with better features. For example, you can choose a head unit with remote control and a rigid face.
The head unit is the mostly likely part that is upgraded whenever there is any new arrival in the market. After all, the speakers and stereos determine the quality of sound produced.
Some of the other components which are upgraded in a high-end car stereo are amplifiers, alternators, cables, audio processors, woofer enclosure, equalizers, DVD, navigation etc.
You need to constantly upgrade the alternators according to your vehicle’s current capability in terms of the electrical system. If you want to install very large audio systems in your car, then you may need loads of batteries to control fluctuations in current flow and thereby enjoy your favorite music for longer periods. You would not run out of power.
In the US, to assist you in high-end or custom car stereo installations, there are a couple of learning centers, namely The Syntec Technical School and Mobile Dynamics.
If music is your passion, then install an audio system perfectly suited to your car and listen to your favorite music endlessly.
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One of the most important factors in engine building is determining your engine s final compression ratio. Compression ratio (C/R) has far reaching effects on the performance of any internal combustion engine. If the C/R is too low, you'll have a real dog on your hands. Too high and you won't be able to run pump gas without incurring pre-ignition and destructive detonation. Ignore the C/R and you could be in for a very unpleasant surprise.
First we'll identify and define the components necessary for completion of a formula that determines C/R. You'll need each one of the bold type measurements to accurately determine your C/R. For this example, we'll use a 1970 Ford 385 Series 460 with 78cc cylinder head combustion chambers. For your engine, substitute the measurements from your components. With most engines, all specifications are available from your shop manual. All measurements are in inches.
#
D - BLOCK DECK HEIGHT = 10.322
#
H - COMPRESSION HEIGHT = 1.76
# L - CONNECTING ROD LENGTH = 6.605
# S - STROKE = 3.85
# T - CRANK THROW = 1.925 (1/2 OF STROKE)
# d - DECK CLEARANCE = 0.032
DECK CLEARANCE CALCULATION: Compression height (1.760) + connecting
rod length (6.605) + crank throw (1.925) = 10.290
Block deck, 10.322, minus 10.290 = 0.032 deck clearance
This calculation uses a standard dished 460 piston with a dish size of 12cc. If your pistons have valve relief cuts (eyebrows), dishes or domes, that must be included in the calculation as a cc measurement. Any piston manufacturer can provide this information and the piston compression height.
Cylinder bore 4.360
Head gasket compressed thickness is 0.040
Head gasket bore size is 4.460
Now that we have all the required measurements, we can put them into a formula that will give us the exact C/R for this engine:
Compression ratio = S.V. (swept volume)
----- + 1
C.V. (clearance volume)
Since most of are do-it-yourselfers and not engineers, we ll do it the easy way and go to one of the websites that allows us to enter our measurements and instantly calculates the actual C/R:
These are the actual measurements required for the suggested automated calculator on this application:
Bore: 4.360
Stroke: 3.85
Cylinder head volume: 78cc
Deck height clearance: 0.032
Head gasket bore: 4.460
Compressed head gasket thickness: 0.040
Piston dish: 12.1cc
Final compression ratio = 9.959:1
As you can see, thanks to Internet access, determining your actual compression ratio is no longer a task best left to machinists and engineers. This will help you to put your dollars to the best usage in building an engine.
I suggest utilizing one of the software programs currently available to determine what C/R is best for your engine combination. When you input all your engine's various components into the program, it takes the guesswork out of what C/R you should run by showing 'what if' results in torque and horsepower graphs. Then you can adjust your C/R with deck height, pistons, bore and stroke to fit your cam, ignition, and fuel delivery and exhaust systems.
Suggested Compression Ratios for Street Driven Engines
Anything under about 9.0:1 will not provide the most efficient engine and, naturally aspirated, is dog country.
With cast iron heads, 9.0-9.3:1 is considered the maximum C/R for regular (87 octane) pump gasoline.
10.5:1 is about maximum for today's premium (91-94 octane) pump gasoline with a cast iron head. And that's assuming you keep the rpms up without lugging the engine, you've cleaned up the combustion chambers of sharp edges and rough spots to reduce the possibility of pre-ignition and use a zero deck clearance, or close to it, to enhance quench.
Aluminum heads will generally allow 11.5:1 C/R on premium pump gasoline, again assuming you have clean combustion chambers and a zero deck clearance.
If you run A/C, take .5 off the maximums.
Note: This information is intended for usage in the calculation of internal combustion engine compression ratios and the author makes no claims as to its accuracy or warranties its usage by any individual or company other than the author.
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Regardless of the season, your Honda car must always be clean and nice because part contributes to the performance of the car as a whole. A well maintained exterior, aside from the good looks, is also a stepping stone in achieving your Honda’s consistently great performance.
You definitely would not want damage on your Honda bumper, windows or doors. A simple way of avoiding this is trimming down trees or shrubs that touch the surfaces of you Honda car.
Washing your car should be a habit, most especially if there is noticeable dirt or debris. At least once a month, let your car experience the washing it deserves. Things like bugs, bird's dropping, or limestone dripping deteriorate the paint marking permanent stains if not washed off in time. All the moisture quickly dries up when the car is clean. But when it is dirty, the moisture accumulates in dirty areas that cause corrosion. At least once in a while use a pressure wash. It really helps because it removes the dirt from difficult to reach areas. Make sure to wash off all the areas where the dirt and salt could be accumulated such as behind moldings, inside wheel arches, under the bumpers, etc. After winter, it is particularly helpful to wash out all the salt accumulations that rush the corrosion process.
Waxing your car regularly helps in protecting the paint, reducing harsh effects of chemicals and protecting the paint from fading. Additionally, the car looks shiny. It takes only about 30 minutes to wax a whole car but a high quality car wax stays on the car for three to four months. Any product needs to be reapplied periodically in order to maintain protective coat.
Undercoating and rust proofing your vehicle will also be a huge help especially if you live in an area with high humidity, or where the salt use is common in winter months. A part of the brake system located underneath a car may be completely rusted in just 5 years in a high humidity, coastal area. In the long run, one of the brake lines can burst and the car will have no brakes. Make sure to properly undercoat and rust proof your car to protect important components from corrosion.
Repairing stone chips as soon as possible is also necessary. If not repaired at the right time, it will cause corrosion. All you need is a matching spray paint and a tooth pick. But if you have touch-up paint with the brush, you can use it instead. For a few minutes, shake the spray paint very well. And then, spray very small amount into the cap. Slightly deep the end of the toothpick into the paint cap. After that, everything would be fine.
A well looking exterior of a Honda car is a huge determinant of being a responsible owner. Aside from that, you can be assured that your car will perform well and not look disgusting, thereby giving you comfort and pleasure while driving.
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Car kits are important bundled accessories useful when driving. It is practical especially during emergency situations.
Guide on Hooking Up an iPod Car Kit
If you love music and you always listen to your iPod when driving or in the Car, then an iPod car kit is the right accessory device for you. An iPod car kit includes an FM transmitter as well as a bracket so as to hold the iPod in place whenever you are driving. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install an iPod kit in your car.
Step 1 - The first thing you have to do is to choose and decide the perfect car kit for you. There are affordable car kits while offering the same features of expensive car kits at the same time. It is important to ensure the quality of the car kit you will purchase. You can buy a version from Apple manufacturers or one from a cheaper and less known brand.
Belkin is a popular alternative iPod car kit brand if you find Apple very expensive. Check if your purchase works well with your iPod unit. Almost all universal iPod car kits are compatible with Mini, Nano, original and Video.
Step 2 - You will have to download the software included in the kit. The software will guide you through the installation process. Moreover, it permits you to register the product.
Step 3 - Set up the mount next. Car kits usually include mounts in order to keep the iPod in place whenever you are driving. Almost all mounts are suction-cupped that fits any location in the car. On some others, you will find a double-sided tape at the back.
Ste 4 - Locate the iPod's line output in order to plug the FM transmitter. Make sure that your purchased car kit has an FM transmitter since most car keys in the market include this device.
Step 5 - The car kit must at least have 4 FM frequencies. Adjust and set up the iPod's frequency. In addition, you have to tune in the car radio to the same FM frequency of the FM transmitter and play it on the iPod. If you have installed the car kit correctly, the library of your iPod will start playing on the speakers of the car stereo.
Making an Emergency Survival Kit for Your Car
Emergencies can happen any time and anywhere when you least expect it. Having an emergency kit in the car is very important especially when you are far away from your home. Moreover, an emergency survival kit can help you get through it until help arrives if you get stranded or if your car broke down. Below is a guide for making a basic survival kit for your car.
Tip 1 - Buy from a store or look for a storage box in your home that will fit perfectly on your compartment or trunk. This storage box will be your emergency survival kit. Your car survival kit must be streamlined with your home survival kit. Just choose the basic things you need in order to survive in your car. The most important things that must be in your kit are food, shelter, heat and water as well as a first aid kit.
Tip 2 - It is important to remember to not go wandering too far away from your car in case you got stranded. Always stay near your car for emergency personnel might not be able to locate you if you leave it.
Tip 3 - Dipping stick matches in melted wax and letting them cool before returning them to the max is a good way to make waterproof matches.
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Protect you car possible theft by installing the new age alarm systems in your car or other vehicles. The car alarm systems are affordable and ensure the safety of your car manifolds. For all of us, our car is an important investment that adds comfort to our lives.
That is why, ensuring its safety should be our primary goal. And for this purpose, the car alarm systems come as a great boon to protect not only your investment but also to avoid the possible hassles that can be created if the car is stolen.
Gone are the times when the car security systems were affordable by the wealthy and elite due to the high cost of the systems then used. With the changing technologies, car alarm systems have become more affordable for millions of car drivers across the United States. This is why the car theft has gone down considerably, as no one dares to touch the protected vehicle.
With the increased affordability, the car alarm systems have become highly popular and hundreds of thousands of car owners across the United States have opted for this system for securing their investment.
Many manufacturers of these alarm systems have come up with some of the outstanding products that are suitable to the common budgets. With the increased options the vehicle alarm systems can be classified into various types and the most popular of them are:
Active Alarm Systems
These systems require the user to press the transmitter button that is a part of this system to arm and disarm the alarm system. There is a chance that if you set your alarm to arm passively you can probably get a discount on your insurance.
Passive Alarm Systems
More popular, these systems automatically enter an armed mode as soon as the ignition is turned off and the all the doors are closed.
While buying a car alarm system you should look for features that will guarantee the complete safety of your car. Some of the important car alarm features are listed below:
Feature#1
Active Re-arm: to prevent accidental disarming from the remote transmitter, if the alarm has been disarmed the system will automatically re-arm after a specified amount of time if a door is not opened.
Feature#2
Air Horns: are used to call more attention and cause panic to the intruder if he makes it inside the car.
Feature#3
Anti-Code Grabbing: a typical method employed to change the alarm code with every arm/disarm that ensures it to protect from the code grabber.
Feature#4
Carjack Protection: will cause the engine to turn off and the siren to blare, incase the vehicle is taken forcefully from the owner.
Feature#5
Emergency Disarm Switch: hidden and is used to disarm the alarm in case of an emergency.
Feature#6
Ignition Kill: will disconnect the ignition if the alarm is armed.
feature#7
Microwave Detectors: mostly popular with open vehicles these are proximity sensors that trigger when an object enters the sensors zone of protection.
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Finding auto sound systems that can keep up with the constantly evolving technology of today is a real challenge for many car and sound enthusiasts not only around the nation but also around the world. There was a time in the not so distant past when car stereos that had CD players or CD disc changers where the cutting edge of technology. New technology however has nearly rendered the CD players in cars as obsolete as long forgotten 8-track players. The sad news is that many carmakers are clinging to the old days and only offer something as modern as cassette players as standard equipment for auto sound systems.
I think those days will soon be forgotten, as cassettes are no longer even in mainstream production. You should also find that as CDs are rapidly becoming replaced by MP3s that take up very little space in our cars and homes, one day very soon we may see that music companies have decided it is no longer cost effective to produce CDs and render all music to digital formats. So, what does this mean for auto sound systems? It's actually good news for savvy manufacturers are well as savvy consumers who have their eyes on the future and the growing role technology is playing in our lives and as well as our commute to work.
We've seen a recent introduction of satellite radio to our selection of auto sound systems. These stations offer the allure of no commercial interruptions to your music play in exchange for the price of a monthly subscription. At the moment there are two major companies that offer this service to consumers and each have rather proprietary equipment for their use and installation into your car. They are actually offering some rather tempting offers in order to encourage subscribers. Among those wonderful offers are auto sound systems for your vehicle at less than $100 with a prepaid year of subscription services.
For the satellite radio companies this indicates a constantly growing pool of prospective subscribers and the cost of the equipment is a drop in the bucket when compared to customer loyalty and being on the cutting edge of sound technology. The drawback is that you must decide which service you wish to go with before making the purchase. Also while they offer a very nice auto sound system (bare bones kind of kit that only allows for the radio reception in most cases) at a very sweet price, if you want upgrades such as MP3 compatibility, CD players, CD changers, DVD players, GPS, or any number of other new and advanced technology you will still have to purchase those for your sound system at an upgraded price. There are a few packages that come with these things, but the price is a little on the hefty side. Oh the sacrifices we will make for a more enjoyable daily commute.
Know what your expectations are before you decide to purchase the auto sound system of your dream or you could find that it is more the stuff that nightmares are made of than sweet dreams. Do not live in constant fear that if you buy today you will find something you like better 6 months from now, that is a reality. Technology is growing and evolving at a frightening pace. Find the auto sound system that you like best today and make that your purchase. This is a much better option than waiting around indefinitely and purchasing one just as your warranty expires on your car and it's time for a trade in and another auto sound system.
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The majority of the electric cars on the streets today are home-made conversion cars. It is very possible to easily do an electric car conversion right in your own garage. There are many online communities where you will find recommendation and complete instructions on doing an electric car conversion yourself for a comparatively reduced cost. If you're concerned about your emission output and the environmental damage caused by carbon dioxide, then an electric automobile could be just the choice for you.
DC controllers and DC motors are the usual base parts of an electric car conversion. The first step is to select the voltage you would like the motor to run on.
96-192 volts is the normal range. Forklift providers often carry the perfect motors and controllers for electric conversion cars. Most folks use manual transmission vehicles as the donor car. You may need to choose a donor automobile with a fair unimpaired body. You need to also choose a fairly common model auto or the donor, as you will need to find spare parts with small difficulty and cost. there are many kinds of battery technology you can select from. The subsequent choice is to decide on the kind of electrolyte. The good thing about a flooded battery is that it is minimal cost, but the top power of them is low as well .
If you select a pre-packaged conversion kit you are able to save plenty of time. These kits are compiled with the best components you will need by folks who have great experience building electric conversions. They have been tested and proven to be effective .
when you have the kit, you will need to get a roomy and clean work area to start the project. You must also be sure that you have all the parts ordered and that they will be shipped inside a fair time period. To prepare the donor vehicle, you need to steam clean the engine compartment to clear away any residual grease. If you're using a kit, then it will come with an instruction book which you need to study and follow fastidiously throughout .
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One of the easiest and simplest ways to make the car have the fuel economy and power you want is by installing a new Toyota performance chip. The selection of Toyota performance chips is the best on the Internet that gives you more options. When someone really needs to make the car become more powerful then he/she will have to make the engine of the vehicle more flexible, the only answer to this is a new power chip added to the vehicle that is Toyota.
The Toyota performance chip would allow one to make more powerful at the turn of a knob. The Surge Engineering Toyota power performance chip is made so that it can be installed by the customer. You can install one of these power chips in just in some minutes and the car will be more responsive to all of inputs for this process one should simply switch up the power delivery with the given supplied knob. A turn towards the right direction and one would be doing bigger tearing up and burnouts of the track. When one reaches their home, he/she can turn the knob towards the left side to get the car up to four more miles to the gallon.
There are various advantages of using the Toyota performance chip which could be said as increases power, expands the time duration between expensive tune ups, aids the spark plugs life that is installed in the engine, very good for the manual or the auto transmissions for fasting shifting, increases torque, Has the performance that is insane which actually does not hurt the gasoline, has better capacity for towing and it increases the top speed as well as acceleration. Making most of the car's engine is not just down for the Toyota ECU chip. One can also change the Toyota oxygen sensor to make more power if they wish to do so. The Toyota O2 power sensors would redirect the sensor readout to make the car run with more power. A new Toyota performance oxygen sensor would make the engine perform much better in every types of condition. The performance chips for the Toyota are considered to be one of the best upgrades any of the company’s could ever make. These chips of Toyota would actually indulge you to think seriously that you have two cars .In one you would feel as if one has a fuel miser on the highway and has a tire burner on the track in the other one.
The new Toyota Performance chip makes your car look attractive and gives it a very new appearance. These Performance Chips make the motor run at its best. There is no other better way to enhance the performance of one’s Toyota vehicle than by installing the Performance Chip of the Toyota today itself without any hurdles. Go on to become a performance-minded and install the Performance Chips of Toyota, and the vehicle would give you a very quick response and would actually reward you with a greater horsepower. One has various options to choose from different varieties of performance chips for Toyota. Whatever the needs are of the customers, the brand Toyota provides the Performance Chips which are the best for them and their vehicle.
The Toyota Performance Chip upgrades the current running condition of the vehicle’s engine. Plug in a performance chip for Toyota and one can see their engine’s power that actually gets rev up. And one could know that they are always getting a great deal with the installation of the performance chips of Toyota, because this top-brand of Performance Chips come with a 1-year lower price guarantee from Toyota.
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However all vehicles should be maintained regularly to keep fit, cars need more attention from their owners to give them the luxury drive with pride. Unlike other cars whose service intervals are based purely on mileage traveled, BMW's service interval based system measures maintenance requirements based on actual use of the car and the conditions in which it has operated. The Recommended Service intervals for older BMWs are shorter, and the owners of older cars often benefit in more frequent servicing.
When it comes to care for your luxury car like BMW, you can’t trust upon anybody else except experts in the field. Trained technicians of BMW Repair Mesa put their expertise to work on restoring your BMW to peak performance. Their technicians are not only specially trained in the care of all BMW vehicles, but they also use only genuine BMW parts, ensuring that your BMW gets the professional, quality care it deserves. They also have expertise in other expensive cars like Audi and Porsche etc.
If your car is in need of any repair, start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. The correct service interval for your car depends upon many factors including the specific year and model of the car, particular driving habits and the type of engine oil you are using. Porsche Service Phoenix looks forward to serving all your Porsche needs. They give you the high quality services in reasonable prices.
Regular preventative maintenance is critical to significantly maximizing the life of a vehicle. As a car owner it is your responsibility to keep up routine maintenance on your vehicle. By ensuring the right service at the right time you not only save you from the headache but also costly repairs that can be easily prevented. If you're looking for someone to service your Audi, Audi Repair Chandler can be a huge help. They have all the experience and expertise to give your car the best treatment.
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