Perhaps it is not the do all to end all, but it is a very progressive step in that direction by the Ford Motor Company. The Reflex is hybrid concept car powered by diesel fuel and electricity. Since it is sporty, ecologically friendly, and performs well, it is easy to see how it could turn out to be among tomorrow's most desirable automobiles. A sports car that seats three comfortably and gets 65 miles per gallon would probably attract a lot of interest.
The Reflex is a sight for the eyes of sports car lovers with its reverse-scissor doors, 20-inch wheels, and rounded front and rear body contour. Let the drooling begin, as the Reflex elicits thoughts of a merged design inspired by a Lamborghini/Porsche coupling. Its exposed circuitry is an integral component to its flashy futuristic design. The car's stylish 20-inch aerodynamic wheels promote high performance and due to less resistance when rolling. There are solar panels positioned around the headlights and taillights of the Reflex that recharge the vehicle's batteries. The transmission is six-speed semi-automatic with shift paddles on the steering column.
The interior features see-through mesh seating with inflatable safety belts. The thinly constructed seats are built from a rigid plastic composite that contour well to the body while maximizing space. Two children or one adult can comfortably ride in the backseat area. The rear seat is adaptable and can be used for infants. The vehicle also has a baby cam to assure a child's safety and ensure safer driving too. No wood or leather is used in the cabinet's interior. Sound insulation is provided by recycled scrap of athletic shoes called NikeGrind. The eye-appealing dashboard has an LED screen that is both flexible and transparent.
The South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) named the Ford Reflex Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year and Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year. The Reflex was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Ford Reflex grows with a family's evolving needs. It looks like a keeper.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Ford On The Move Towards Bringing Up Pickup Truck Sales
Going back to the Ford Motor Company history, the line up of pickup trucks from this company actually has been the flagship among all vehicle line ups. And for Ford, losing a great deal in sales for this line also means a huge amount of loss for their entire sales. Due to the recent and continuous increase of gas and fuel prices, auto consumers have been leaning towards more fuel efficient cars and vehicles and heading away from pick up trucks which have been known to be efficient transporters of people and cargo but low on miles per gallon of gas.
And now, the company is out to make sure that the automotive world does not forget about the Ford pickup trucks. As part of this move, they have made sure that auto consumers would be getting more perks if they do opt to buy a pickup truck. This tactic has been used by many dealers who also offer used Ford F350 parts – more incentives to equate to more sales. And the Ford F-Series pickup trucks can now be purchased with more incentives.
According to Lydia Cisaruk, the spokesperson for the company, this kind of incentive for the Ford F-series pickup trucks has been selected to run as part of the company’s ‘Drive On Us’ campaign on boosting up sales. Since last Friday, anyone interested in purchasing a new Ford F-series pickup truck could avail of discounts which could range from $500 up to a $1000 which is, of course, a huge savings for anyone. However, the whole promo would only be available up until the last day of this month.
The Ford F-series pickup trucks have been in production since 1948. It has been built as a full size pickup truck. The Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra have been those vehicles which the Ford F-series have considered as competition in the market.
And now, the company is out to make sure that the automotive world does not forget about the Ford pickup trucks. As part of this move, they have made sure that auto consumers would be getting more perks if they do opt to buy a pickup truck. This tactic has been used by many dealers who also offer used Ford F350 parts – more incentives to equate to more sales. And the Ford F-Series pickup trucks can now be purchased with more incentives.
According to Lydia Cisaruk, the spokesperson for the company, this kind of incentive for the Ford F-series pickup trucks has been selected to run as part of the company’s ‘Drive On Us’ campaign on boosting up sales. Since last Friday, anyone interested in purchasing a new Ford F-series pickup truck could avail of discounts which could range from $500 up to a $1000 which is, of course, a huge savings for anyone. However, the whole promo would only be available up until the last day of this month.
The Ford F-series pickup trucks have been in production since 1948. It has been built as a full size pickup truck. The Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra have been those vehicles which the Ford F-series have considered as competition in the market.
Ford GT 2005 Car Review
When I approach an exotic car that can go 204 MPH with a roof line that is only as high as my belt, I have low ergonomic expectations. I’ll probably get some bruising from the suspension and hopefully be distracted by the acceleration to forget how uncomfortable everything else is. I was only right about the acceleration.
The Ford GT is the remake of the 1966 Le Mans champion car called the GT40. The original GT40 was a great looking car, but this new GT has a spectacular exterior design. I’m normally quick to whine about a benign design concept, or a trunk line or the shape under the front bumper, or at least some little picky thing. But the more I looked around this car, the more admiration I have for this work of art. And the designers & engineers had to factor in stable aerodynamics at 200 MPH that would have flipped the original model on its top.
The 5.4-liter engine fills the entire back half of the car, and the supercharged V-8 produces 550 horsepower. For the performance fans: the GT’s 0-to-60 time is only 3.3 seconds, and it takes only 11.6 seconds to pass a ¼-mile. The engine note is pretty plain; no NASCAR guttural tones or Formula-1 scream that I could tell; the glass partition between the interior cab and the engine deaden the sound. (From the inside you can turn your head to see a giant belt turning, to what I presume to be the superchargers).
Under the front hood is plenty of storage room for a sports car; about enough for 6 tennis balls or a pair of flip-flops, but not both at the same time! Once inside the car, you realize that the only storage is in the front trunk. There is no glove box, no side-pocket, no cup holder, but I suppose I could slide a few envelopes under my seat. But this is exactly what I want in a true sports car – all business at propelling me forward and nothing flying around the cockpit as I take big g-forces in the turns.
The interior was much more comfortable than I expected, and the black and silver knobs and dash have an edgy look to them. It has the usual big red “Start” button that many expensive cars have made popular (again), and toggle switches like a space shuttle for the rear defroster and hazard lights. The tachometer is the big dial in front of the driver and that irrelevant speedometer is off to the right, nearly next to the passenger. Don’t forget to set the temperature controls before you start moving because they are under your right elbow in the center console and awkward to reach while driving.
When driving the car, the biggest surprise I had is how comfortable it takes the potholes and uneven surfaces. I’ve ridden in sport BMW sedans that don’t ride this smoothly. The GT is easy to launch and shift, with power delivered without a noticeable spike from the superchargers. I didn’t get a chance to throw the car around many corners, but the low profile and wide stance would indicate an adeptness with lateral-speed.
If you are trying to avoid attention, I can’t think of a bigger mistake than being in this car. Everywhere I drove some people were staring and pointing, and at nearly every stop light, someone had a question about the car – a lot more public attraction than any other unique production car I’ve piloted. But for the GT most of its features are extremes, and I am very pleased that Ford has proven it can compete in the +$150,000 world market.
The Ford GT is the remake of the 1966 Le Mans champion car called the GT40. The original GT40 was a great looking car, but this new GT has a spectacular exterior design. I’m normally quick to whine about a benign design concept, or a trunk line or the shape under the front bumper, or at least some little picky thing. But the more I looked around this car, the more admiration I have for this work of art. And the designers & engineers had to factor in stable aerodynamics at 200 MPH that would have flipped the original model on its top.
The 5.4-liter engine fills the entire back half of the car, and the supercharged V-8 produces 550 horsepower. For the performance fans: the GT’s 0-to-60 time is only 3.3 seconds, and it takes only 11.6 seconds to pass a ¼-mile. The engine note is pretty plain; no NASCAR guttural tones or Formula-1 scream that I could tell; the glass partition between the interior cab and the engine deaden the sound. (From the inside you can turn your head to see a giant belt turning, to what I presume to be the superchargers).
Under the front hood is plenty of storage room for a sports car; about enough for 6 tennis balls or a pair of flip-flops, but not both at the same time! Once inside the car, you realize that the only storage is in the front trunk. There is no glove box, no side-pocket, no cup holder, but I suppose I could slide a few envelopes under my seat. But this is exactly what I want in a true sports car – all business at propelling me forward and nothing flying around the cockpit as I take big g-forces in the turns.
The interior was much more comfortable than I expected, and the black and silver knobs and dash have an edgy look to them. It has the usual big red “Start” button that many expensive cars have made popular (again), and toggle switches like a space shuttle for the rear defroster and hazard lights. The tachometer is the big dial in front of the driver and that irrelevant speedometer is off to the right, nearly next to the passenger. Don’t forget to set the temperature controls before you start moving because they are under your right elbow in the center console and awkward to reach while driving.
When driving the car, the biggest surprise I had is how comfortable it takes the potholes and uneven surfaces. I’ve ridden in sport BMW sedans that don’t ride this smoothly. The GT is easy to launch and shift, with power delivered without a noticeable spike from the superchargers. I didn’t get a chance to throw the car around many corners, but the low profile and wide stance would indicate an adeptness with lateral-speed.
If you are trying to avoid attention, I can’t think of a bigger mistake than being in this car. Everywhere I drove some people were staring and pointing, and at nearly every stop light, someone had a question about the car – a lot more public attraction than any other unique production car I’ve piloted. But for the GT most of its features are extremes, and I am very pleased that Ford has proven it can compete in the +$150,000 world market.
Ford Fusion v. Lincoln Zephyr: Worth the Premium?
Not too many people compare models from the same manufacturer, it is simply something that just isn’t done. Still, when the models are similar enough in development, yet very different in price, the question to be asked about the more expensive car is this: is it worth the premium? Both the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr share the same platform along with the Mercury Milan. The base price differential for the two models is nearly ten thousand dollars, quite a big difference for the two cars. Is the Zephyr overpriced? Or, is the Fusion that much more of a better buy? Or, perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. Let’s check out the two cars and see how they compare.
The Ford Fusion is a welcome addition to the Ford line up as the venerable but aging Taurus leaves the fleet. Along with the full size Five Hundred sedan and the Freestyle crossover vehicle, these new models are part of the overhaul changes put in place by Ford to get the brand moving again.
Ford tapped its relationship with Mazda to build the Fusion. Borrowing the well regarded Mazda 6 platform, the Fusion, Zephyr, and Milan all share the same platform and many of the components. As mentioned earlier, the Lincoln Zephyr is priced nearly ten thousand dollars more than the Fusion.
So, what are the differences between the Fusion and Zephyr? Unfortunately, not that much. Both cars come equipped with a 3.0L Duratec V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In each model the engine produces the same 221 h.p. and the same performance results are achieved. This isn’t bad, but it is disappointing that Ford engineers did not tweak the Zephyr enough to distinguish it from its more pedestrian sibling.
While under the hood differences are not present, there are some differences in the ride. As typical with all Lincoln products, the Zephyr’s suspension system is tuned for a gentler, more luxurious feel. According to Lincoln, the steering has also been modified to give it a above average assist.
Next, the interior has been upgraded to include real walnut trim, a modified dashboard with sport display, and plush front bucket seats. The exterior possesses the ubiquitous big Lincoln grille as well as larger than life tail lights and keyless entry.
The Zephyr also offers a broader standard equipment list than the Ford, including a premium sound system, power heated front seats, and traction control. Still, a the top of the line Fusion SEL offers similar equipment options for a much lower price.
Ultimately, what it comes down to for potential buyers is this: would you be satisfied with a fully loaded Fusion SEL or are you willing to pay a premium for the Lincoln with a more luxurious trim level and a softer ride? A judgment call that only you can make despite the huge price differences between models that vary little from each other.
The Ford Fusion is a welcome addition to the Ford line up as the venerable but aging Taurus leaves the fleet. Along with the full size Five Hundred sedan and the Freestyle crossover vehicle, these new models are part of the overhaul changes put in place by Ford to get the brand moving again.
Ford tapped its relationship with Mazda to build the Fusion. Borrowing the well regarded Mazda 6 platform, the Fusion, Zephyr, and Milan all share the same platform and many of the components. As mentioned earlier, the Lincoln Zephyr is priced nearly ten thousand dollars more than the Fusion.
So, what are the differences between the Fusion and Zephyr? Unfortunately, not that much. Both cars come equipped with a 3.0L Duratec V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In each model the engine produces the same 221 h.p. and the same performance results are achieved. This isn’t bad, but it is disappointing that Ford engineers did not tweak the Zephyr enough to distinguish it from its more pedestrian sibling.
While under the hood differences are not present, there are some differences in the ride. As typical with all Lincoln products, the Zephyr’s suspension system is tuned for a gentler, more luxurious feel. According to Lincoln, the steering has also been modified to give it a above average assist.
Next, the interior has been upgraded to include real walnut trim, a modified dashboard with sport display, and plush front bucket seats. The exterior possesses the ubiquitous big Lincoln grille as well as larger than life tail lights and keyless entry.
The Zephyr also offers a broader standard equipment list than the Ford, including a premium sound system, power heated front seats, and traction control. Still, a the top of the line Fusion SEL offers similar equipment options for a much lower price.
Ultimately, what it comes down to for potential buyers is this: would you be satisfied with a fully loaded Fusion SEL or are you willing to pay a premium for the Lincoln with a more luxurious trim level and a softer ride? A judgment call that only you can make despite the huge price differences between models that vary little from each other.
Ford Fusion Subtly Replaces the Ford Taurus
What is the new 2006 Ford Fusion? For most people, this new vehicle is something worth taking the drive. It has been equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 engine with the ability to produce some 221 units of horsepower. To assist the vehicle in providing a superb performance, also installed is a six speed automatic transmission system as well as a front wheel drive system.
What are its measurements? It has a length of 190.2 inches, a width of 72.2 inches, and 57.2 inches for its height. Its wheelbase definitely measures 107.4 inches. 3280 pounds would be the 2006 Ford Fusion’s curb weight. As per equipment, safety has been included and is given through four wheel disc brakes, front air bags, side and curtain air bags. As per other standard equipment, the list includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD radio, power windows, a cruise control system, as well as a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. If you have got $21,9995 to spare, this vehicle may be yours.
The 2006 Ford Fusion is said to be the replacement for the now defunct Ford Taurus. It is a sedan and is filling in the niche between the Ford Crown Victoria and the Ford Five Hundred. This vehicle actually has been built using the CD3 architecture of the Ford Motor Company. As per Ford history, the 2006 Ford Fusion made history already. This is actually the very first Ford vehicle to be conceived and designed on a computer. As per the machine that powers this vehicle, this new sedan holds a short and long arm front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, as well as rack and pinion steering. It also is equipped with two different Duratec engines, which are also used by a Mazda vehicle. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter DOHC engine that has been built using aluminum. It has the capacity to produce 160 units of horsepower at 6500 rpm as well as 150 pound feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. As per the optional V6 engine, it has a displacement of 3.0 liters, has DOHC heads, and holds 24 valves. It can produce 221 horsepower at 6250 rpm as well as some 205 pound feet of torque at 4800 rpm.
What are its measurements? It has a length of 190.2 inches, a width of 72.2 inches, and 57.2 inches for its height. Its wheelbase definitely measures 107.4 inches. 3280 pounds would be the 2006 Ford Fusion’s curb weight. As per equipment, safety has been included and is given through four wheel disc brakes, front air bags, side and curtain air bags. As per other standard equipment, the list includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD radio, power windows, a cruise control system, as well as a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. If you have got $21,9995 to spare, this vehicle may be yours.
The 2006 Ford Fusion is said to be the replacement for the now defunct Ford Taurus. It is a sedan and is filling in the niche between the Ford Crown Victoria and the Ford Five Hundred. This vehicle actually has been built using the CD3 architecture of the Ford Motor Company. As per Ford history, the 2006 Ford Fusion made history already. This is actually the very first Ford vehicle to be conceived and designed on a computer. As per the machine that powers this vehicle, this new sedan holds a short and long arm front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, as well as rack and pinion steering. It also is equipped with two different Duratec engines, which are also used by a Mazda vehicle. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter DOHC engine that has been built using aluminum. It has the capacity to produce 160 units of horsepower at 6500 rpm as well as 150 pound feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. As per the optional V6 engine, it has a displacement of 3.0 liters, has DOHC heads, and holds 24 valves. It can produce 221 horsepower at 6250 rpm as well as some 205 pound feet of torque at 4800 rpm.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ford F-150 FX2: A Hot Pick-Up Truck!
Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, that’s what. That’s right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly “boss” version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Ford’s soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.
With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Ford’s decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.
As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.
So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:
-- a dark billet grille
-- a sporty, deep front valance
-- clear headlights paired with platinum bezels
-- monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck
-- chrome exhaust tip
-- 18 inch wheels
-- black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather
-- flow-through center console with floor shifter
Engine choices haven’t been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.
Yes, the FX2 is another part of Ford’s “Bold Moves” promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.
With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Ford’s decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.
As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.
So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:
-- a dark billet grille
-- a sporty, deep front valance
-- clear headlights paired with platinum bezels
-- monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck
-- chrome exhaust tip
-- 18 inch wheels
-- black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather
-- flow-through center console with floor shifter
Engine choices haven’t been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.
Yes, the FX2 is another part of Ford’s “Bold Moves” promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.
Ford Econoline Van: In Production Since 1961
The rest of the world knows this line of vehicles from the Ford Motor Company as the Ford Econoline Van or the Ford E series. However, if you travel to the Philippines, you would then know that in this region and area, the Ford Econoline Van is marketed and known as the Ford Chateau Wagon. Take a closer look though and you would notice that the Ford Chateau Wagon is just a similar vehicle but has its differences with the Ford Econoline Van.
1961 was the year that the production of the Ford Econoline Van started. It was manufactured to be a full size van and it was mounted and crafted using the FR VN platform. Competition for this van includes the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana, the Dodge Sprinter, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, and the Freightliner Sprinter. This line of full size vans were made for both cargo and passenger transportation. Looking at Ford’s line up for vehicles, the Ford Econoline Van and the whole Ford E series is very much related to the company’s F series which is a line of pick up trucks.
The Ford Econoline Van is already on its fourth generation of versions for this vehicle. The first generation was known for it became a success for utility companies that included the Bell Telephone System. It was then a cargo van and could take in eight passengers inside. As per the second generation of Ford Econoline Vans, the engine was now moved from the rear up to the front. In 1975, the third generation came about. It held more ergonomic controls as well as a full frame design. Come 1983, the logo of Ford that was a blue oval was now integrated into the front grille of the van. The fourth generation came in 1992 and this was a redesigned version. This time around, the Ford Econoline Van came with a vast choice of engines for patrons’ various preferences and needs.
1961 was the year that the production of the Ford Econoline Van started. It was manufactured to be a full size van and it was mounted and crafted using the FR VN platform. Competition for this van includes the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana, the Dodge Sprinter, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, and the Freightliner Sprinter. This line of full size vans were made for both cargo and passenger transportation. Looking at Ford’s line up for vehicles, the Ford Econoline Van and the whole Ford E series is very much related to the company’s F series which is a line of pick up trucks.
The Ford Econoline Van is already on its fourth generation of versions for this vehicle. The first generation was known for it became a success for utility companies that included the Bell Telephone System. It was then a cargo van and could take in eight passengers inside. As per the second generation of Ford Econoline Vans, the engine was now moved from the rear up to the front. In 1975, the third generation came about. It held more ergonomic controls as well as a full frame design. Come 1983, the logo of Ford that was a blue oval was now integrated into the front grille of the van. The fourth generation came in 1992 and this was a redesigned version. This time around, the Ford Econoline Van came with a vast choice of engines for patrons’ various preferences and needs.
Ford Crown Victoria: Change Is Good
One of the most well known names in autodom is poised to get its first major overhaul in nearly thirty years. Ford’s Crown Victoria, introduced in 1979, has had only minor changes since its introduction, but a new plan by Ford to overhaul the crown jewel of its fleet is apparently in the offing. Thanks to government assistance – Australian to be exact – the new Crown Victoria will be a clean break from the current model and will help to spawn additional models for siblings Mercury and Lincoln. Yes, you may not have considered a Crown Victoria up to this point, but the coming new “Crown Vic” may just change your mind about that.
You have to go back all the way to the late 1970s to when “downsizing” was a term used by the auto industry to describe a shell game where large cars were dropped down a notch in size to sit on a platform slightly smaller than the previous model. Indeed, throughout the 1970s Ford’s full size offerings the LTD/Galaxie 500 were huge beasts of burden. By the time the then new Galaxie 500 Crown Victoria was released at the end of the decade, Ford was playing catch up to General Motors who had earlier mastered the whole downsizing strategy.
Initially, the Crown Victoria had a broad appeal for drivers wanting a big car with all of the trappings. As time went buy the car grew less and less desirable as consumer tastes changed, but the Crown Victoria’s style did not. As a pursuit, government, or fleet vehicle the Crown Victoria has done very well, but Ford has only made modest improvements to the car over the years. Indeed, America’s #2 automaker has invested heavily in trucks, vans, SUVS and select cars, but the Crown Victoria quickly began to show its age. Today’s model is terribly outdated and it hasn’t had a thorough refreshing in more than a decade, so an overhaul is warranted.
Ford’s impetus for change is coming from an unlikely source: a foreign government. According to news sources, Ford’s Australian operation has received a $1.4 billion grant from Australia to build a production and research facility that will be used to design and build several new models. One of the Australian cars slated to benefit from this move will be the Ford Falcon, a full sized car that will become the basis of the all-new Crown Victoria.
While some have theorized that the new Crown Victoria will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., this is unlikely to happen. Instead, Ford will expand the Falcon’s production to at least one U.S. plant, make some technical refinements, and sell the car as a Crown Victoria. It will be targeted to police departments and fleet buyers primarily with some residual sales for personal buyers. In addition, the Crown Victoria will spawn a new Mercury Gran Marquis while a slightly stretched and much more elegant version of the car will become the replacement for the current Lincoln Town Car.
Yes, the Crown Victoria is well past its useful age. Thanks to some help from down under, the 2010 model should be a refreshing change. At least Ford hopes you will think so.
You have to go back all the way to the late 1970s to when “downsizing” was a term used by the auto industry to describe a shell game where large cars were dropped down a notch in size to sit on a platform slightly smaller than the previous model. Indeed, throughout the 1970s Ford’s full size offerings the LTD/Galaxie 500 were huge beasts of burden. By the time the then new Galaxie 500 Crown Victoria was released at the end of the decade, Ford was playing catch up to General Motors who had earlier mastered the whole downsizing strategy.
Initially, the Crown Victoria had a broad appeal for drivers wanting a big car with all of the trappings. As time went buy the car grew less and less desirable as consumer tastes changed, but the Crown Victoria’s style did not. As a pursuit, government, or fleet vehicle the Crown Victoria has done very well, but Ford has only made modest improvements to the car over the years. Indeed, America’s #2 automaker has invested heavily in trucks, vans, SUVS and select cars, but the Crown Victoria quickly began to show its age. Today’s model is terribly outdated and it hasn’t had a thorough refreshing in more than a decade, so an overhaul is warranted.
Ford’s impetus for change is coming from an unlikely source: a foreign government. According to news sources, Ford’s Australian operation has received a $1.4 billion grant from Australia to build a production and research facility that will be used to design and build several new models. One of the Australian cars slated to benefit from this move will be the Ford Falcon, a full sized car that will become the basis of the all-new Crown Victoria.
While some have theorized that the new Crown Victoria will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., this is unlikely to happen. Instead, Ford will expand the Falcon’s production to at least one U.S. plant, make some technical refinements, and sell the car as a Crown Victoria. It will be targeted to police departments and fleet buyers primarily with some residual sales for personal buyers. In addition, the Crown Victoria will spawn a new Mercury Gran Marquis while a slightly stretched and much more elegant version of the car will become the replacement for the current Lincoln Town Car.
Yes, the Crown Victoria is well past its useful age. Thanks to some help from down under, the 2010 model should be a refreshing change. At least Ford hopes you will think so.
Ford Bronco: More Than Just OJ Simpson’s Speed Chase Vehicle
Starting from the year 1966 up until 1996, the Ford Bronco lived for a good three decades. This vehicle is actually a 4 x 4 sport utility vehicle. And it has had four distinct generations.
Originally, this vehicle was designed and crafted with being a strict competitor in mind. And come the time that it was introduced, it was then competitor to the Jeep CJ 5 as well as the International Harvester Scout. Come the late 1970s, the Ford Bronco then came to be a competitor for the Chevrolet K5 Blazer as well as the Dodge Ramcharger. Come the 1980s, this vehicle was accompanied by a much smaller Ford Bronco II. However, this small sibling only stayed in the market for just a couple of years. As for its last generation, the world knew the Ford Bronco as a large vehicle that was based on the newer Ford F series.
Why is the Ford Bronco so well known? Well let us just say that it was the very same vehicle model that the infamous OJ Simpson used when he traveled during his low speed chase with the police through the Los Angeles Area. It was also the very same white Ford Bronco that was a 1993 model used by Al Cowlings. Now that is the Ford Bronco in popular culture for you.
The person who gave the Ford Bronco life was Ford’s product manager Donald N. Frey. Frey was also the very same person who designed the Ford Mustang. After the design comes the production and it was Lee Iacocca who got this vehicle ready to roll of the manufacturing and assembly plants. A unique vehicle on its own, the Ford Bronco did not share any part with any other vehicle.
According to J. Mays, Ford Motor Company group’s vice president for design, “True to its heritage, the Bronco is a tough and genuine SUV that’s all about function. It’s like a claw hammer in a box full of department store, battery operated, plastic, power tools.”
Originally, this vehicle was designed and crafted with being a strict competitor in mind. And come the time that it was introduced, it was then competitor to the Jeep CJ 5 as well as the International Harvester Scout. Come the late 1970s, the Ford Bronco then came to be a competitor for the Chevrolet K5 Blazer as well as the Dodge Ramcharger. Come the 1980s, this vehicle was accompanied by a much smaller Ford Bronco II. However, this small sibling only stayed in the market for just a couple of years. As for its last generation, the world knew the Ford Bronco as a large vehicle that was based on the newer Ford F series.
Why is the Ford Bronco so well known? Well let us just say that it was the very same vehicle model that the infamous OJ Simpson used when he traveled during his low speed chase with the police through the Los Angeles Area. It was also the very same white Ford Bronco that was a 1993 model used by Al Cowlings. Now that is the Ford Bronco in popular culture for you.
The person who gave the Ford Bronco life was Ford’s product manager Donald N. Frey. Frey was also the very same person who designed the Ford Mustang. After the design comes the production and it was Lee Iacocca who got this vehicle ready to roll of the manufacturing and assembly plants. A unique vehicle on its own, the Ford Bronco did not share any part with any other vehicle.
According to J. Mays, Ford Motor Company group’s vice president for design, “True to its heritage, the Bronco is a tough and genuine SUV that’s all about function. It’s like a claw hammer in a box full of department store, battery operated, plastic, power tools.”
Ford Bronco II: Shining Through Despite Criticisms
Sold between the years 1984 to 1990, the Ford Bronco II was built and manufactured to be a compact sport utility vehicle. It was actually built to be a compact complement of the full sized Ford Bronco. It was also targeted so as to be the direct competitor to the Chevrolet S 10 Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee.
This vehicle held a 94 inch wheelbase that was very similar to the Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanical parts were very much similar to the Ford Ranger pickup’s mechanical components. The first models came out equipped with a 2.8 liter V6 engine which was very much similar to the 2.8 liter engine that was used in the Ford vehicles marketed and sold in Europe. Come the year 1986, the Ford Bronco II came introduced with a 2.9 liter EFI V6. It has been said that this engine was doomed from the beginning with design flaws. This engine often suffered from premature cylinder head failure and loss of valve train lubrication as well. This happened when the valve train lubrication was not rigorously maintained. However, Ford was able to see this flaw immediately and it acted upon changing or correcting this flaw in the soonest time possible. Come 1989, this mistake was already corrected. However, the Ford Bronco II had already accumulated unattractive comments and a not so good reputation to potential buyers. These buyers were concerned about the safety of this vehicle.
This vehicle has also been reputed to tip over during some situations because of the high center of gravity. Later on in 1991, the Ford Bronco II platform underwent a major redesign and was released to be wider and longer. However, despite the bad kind of reputation that this vehicle received, the Ford Bronco II still continued to be actively sought by customers and patrons who are looking for a cheap, solid and compact sports utility vehicle. Of course, these buyers would have to do some work on it but the replacement parts and engine could be found easily for the Ford Bronco II could have an engine swap with the Ford Ranger.
This vehicle held a 94 inch wheelbase that was very similar to the Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanical parts were very much similar to the Ford Ranger pickup’s mechanical components. The first models came out equipped with a 2.8 liter V6 engine which was very much similar to the 2.8 liter engine that was used in the Ford vehicles marketed and sold in Europe. Come the year 1986, the Ford Bronco II came introduced with a 2.9 liter EFI V6. It has been said that this engine was doomed from the beginning with design flaws. This engine often suffered from premature cylinder head failure and loss of valve train lubrication as well. This happened when the valve train lubrication was not rigorously maintained. However, Ford was able to see this flaw immediately and it acted upon changing or correcting this flaw in the soonest time possible. Come 1989, this mistake was already corrected. However, the Ford Bronco II had already accumulated unattractive comments and a not so good reputation to potential buyers. These buyers were concerned about the safety of this vehicle.
This vehicle has also been reputed to tip over during some situations because of the high center of gravity. Later on in 1991, the Ford Bronco II platform underwent a major redesign and was released to be wider and longer. However, despite the bad kind of reputation that this vehicle received, the Ford Bronco II still continued to be actively sought by customers and patrons who are looking for a cheap, solid and compact sports utility vehicle. Of course, these buyers would have to do some work on it but the replacement parts and engine could be found easily for the Ford Bronco II could have an engine swap with the Ford Ranger.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Ford Aspire: More Than Just As Aspiration
From 1994 up until the year 1997, the Ford Motor Company sold the Ford Aspire. This was a subcompact car that has been made available with two options as per the number of doors. One held three doors while the other one held five doors. The entire body of the Ford Aspire was crafted by the Kia Motors company with headquarters in South Korea. The engine as well as the engine components was from the Mazda automobile corporation located in Japan. It is very interesting to note that this vehicle has been sold and marketed as the Kia Avella in Asia. However, if you travel to Japan and Australasia, you would be surprised to find out that the Ford Aspire is known there as the Ford Festiva. It is just one vehicle however it has been sold under different names.
The average fuel economy for the Ford Aspire is some 30 miles per gallon which is quite a different number from what the manual says. The manual claims that it can take up to 45 miles per galloon. Aside from that interesting fact, the Ford Aspire is also very much favored for parallel parking. Also known for their resistance to submit to mechanical breakdown, these Ford Aspires have been known to have the capacity to run in excess of some 200,000 miles without having to undergo major repairs.
Upon its introduction in 1994, the Ford Aspire held a five speed manual transmission as well as an automatic transmission. This vehicle is a front drive car. It generally comes with a 63 horsepower engine with four cylinders. For the two-door model, the Ford Aspire sports fog lights, a rear spoiler as well as different types of seats made available. As per the Ford Aspire that sports four doors, it holds a power rack and pinion steering. Through the years, many changes have been done to the Ford Aspire. The list includes the removal of the front spoilers, and adding in of body-colored window moldings, rear spoilers, fog lamps, tachometer, a unique instrument cluster, special seat fabrics, special door trim fabrics, and center roof pillars. There also are changes like new front bumpers, new rear bumpers, headlamps, turn signals, tail lamps, and wheel covers. Its design has been proven to work well in allowing a fairly large amount of cargo. If the rear seats are folded, the cargo is expanded greatly.
Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts manufactures and sells performance parts and accessories for Ford vehicles. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts strives to be the ultimate source for auto parts and accessories for the Ford Aspire as well as for Ford vehicles. The store’s product line up for the Ford Aspire accessories, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, electrical parts, transmission parts, mechanical parts, service tools, and a variety of other upgrades and parts that compliment the vehicle. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts’ extensive array of maximum quality Ford parts are available at great wholesale deals.
The average fuel economy for the Ford Aspire is some 30 miles per gallon which is quite a different number from what the manual says. The manual claims that it can take up to 45 miles per galloon. Aside from that interesting fact, the Ford Aspire is also very much favored for parallel parking. Also known for their resistance to submit to mechanical breakdown, these Ford Aspires have been known to have the capacity to run in excess of some 200,000 miles without having to undergo major repairs.
Upon its introduction in 1994, the Ford Aspire held a five speed manual transmission as well as an automatic transmission. This vehicle is a front drive car. It generally comes with a 63 horsepower engine with four cylinders. For the two-door model, the Ford Aspire sports fog lights, a rear spoiler as well as different types of seats made available. As per the Ford Aspire that sports four doors, it holds a power rack and pinion steering. Through the years, many changes have been done to the Ford Aspire. The list includes the removal of the front spoilers, and adding in of body-colored window moldings, rear spoilers, fog lamps, tachometer, a unique instrument cluster, special seat fabrics, special door trim fabrics, and center roof pillars. There also are changes like new front bumpers, new rear bumpers, headlamps, turn signals, tail lamps, and wheel covers. Its design has been proven to work well in allowing a fairly large amount of cargo. If the rear seats are folded, the cargo is expanded greatly.
Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts manufactures and sells performance parts and accessories for Ford vehicles. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts strives to be the ultimate source for auto parts and accessories for the Ford Aspire as well as for Ford vehicles. The store’s product line up for the Ford Aspire accessories, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, electrical parts, transmission parts, mechanical parts, service tools, and a variety of other upgrades and parts that compliment the vehicle. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts’ extensive array of maximum quality Ford parts are available at great wholesale deals.
Ford: Restoring Prestige and Honor
The Ford Motor Company, along with rival General Motors, has been going through a time of severe testing due to concerns about product quality and relevancy, profits, and long term viability. The net result is that Ford is planning on closing numerous plants and will lay off as many as 30,000 employees, a historic cutback that may only be the tip of the iceberg. Is Ford finished or will the company be able to regain strength and compete successfully in the years ahead?
Ford has certainly taken its lumps and for good reason. Profits in the North American market are nonexistent with losses actually in the multibillion dollar range. Despite the red ink, all is not lost for the “blue oval” as the company remains very profitable overseas. In addition, its three U.S. divisions have much to offer if some serious changes are incorporated. Here are my suggestions for change:
Ford -- The strongest division for the automaker is the one that bears its name. Ford’s strength is in its line of pick up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and Fusion are also strong sellers. Ford’s weakness can be found with its small car line, the Focus, and with dated models including the Crown Victoria. Better for Ford to scrap their small car lines altogether and import cars from Mexico or overseas. In addition, the company should concentrate on overhauling the Crown Victoria and introducing an all new Ranger compact pick up truck. Finally, Ford is getting out of the minivan business as crossover vehicles, such as the all new Edge, will replace that category. This latter retreat is wise as the category is saturated and the expense of developing a successful new minivan can be diverted to concentrate on shoring up other product lines.
Mercury -- Many have been predicting that Ford would scrap its Mercury division altogether. However, among the many management decisions announced recently indicate that Mercury will stay. Together with Lincoln, the two brands are weak and are in need of much assistance. Mercury cars for decades have been nothing more than reworked Ford models therefore its brand identity has been diluted. It is time for Ford to help Mercury come up with a clearer “personality” and a line of vehicles that are inspiring, not boring. A good start would be to develop a car all Mercury’s own, such as a retro Cougar coupe.
Lincoln -- There was a day when Lincoln and Cadillac battled for preeminence for sales leadership in the American luxury car category. Lincoln long ago ceded the fight to Cadillac, a GM division with new and exciting products. Currently, Cadillac outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1 and does battle with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. For Lincoln, a new Town Car is needed plus a decision must be made regarding just how much the division should rely on trucks and SUVs to identify the brand. Currently, Lincoln line up includes more truck models than cars. Reviving a historic model, such as the Continental, could be a smart choice and putting some money into the LS is another. Curiously, the make is changing the name of its newest model, the Zephyr, to the MKZ after only one model year.
Ford is floundering and it is particularly noticeable in two divisions, Mercury and Lincoln. Its Mazda connection, which has yielded several models including the Escape and Fusion, has been a success. Tapping its Volvo association to help with larger cars and with engineering would be wise and Ford should work closer with its Jaguar division to produce additional vehicle lines. The current LS, derived from the Jaguar “S Type” is an example of an earlier collaboration that wasn’t utilized to its fullest extent.
All hope isn’t lost for Ford, but the company’s image has been tarnished. The seed of greatness remains, but the company must act quickly in order to regain consumer confidence and stop the ever deepening erosion of its sales base to foreign makes.
Ford has certainly taken its lumps and for good reason. Profits in the North American market are nonexistent with losses actually in the multibillion dollar range. Despite the red ink, all is not lost for the “blue oval” as the company remains very profitable overseas. In addition, its three U.S. divisions have much to offer if some serious changes are incorporated. Here are my suggestions for change:
Ford -- The strongest division for the automaker is the one that bears its name. Ford’s strength is in its line of pick up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and Fusion are also strong sellers. Ford’s weakness can be found with its small car line, the Focus, and with dated models including the Crown Victoria. Better for Ford to scrap their small car lines altogether and import cars from Mexico or overseas. In addition, the company should concentrate on overhauling the Crown Victoria and introducing an all new Ranger compact pick up truck. Finally, Ford is getting out of the minivan business as crossover vehicles, such as the all new Edge, will replace that category. This latter retreat is wise as the category is saturated and the expense of developing a successful new minivan can be diverted to concentrate on shoring up other product lines.
Mercury -- Many have been predicting that Ford would scrap its Mercury division altogether. However, among the many management decisions announced recently indicate that Mercury will stay. Together with Lincoln, the two brands are weak and are in need of much assistance. Mercury cars for decades have been nothing more than reworked Ford models therefore its brand identity has been diluted. It is time for Ford to help Mercury come up with a clearer “personality” and a line of vehicles that are inspiring, not boring. A good start would be to develop a car all Mercury’s own, such as a retro Cougar coupe.
Lincoln -- There was a day when Lincoln and Cadillac battled for preeminence for sales leadership in the American luxury car category. Lincoln long ago ceded the fight to Cadillac, a GM division with new and exciting products. Currently, Cadillac outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1 and does battle with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. For Lincoln, a new Town Car is needed plus a decision must be made regarding just how much the division should rely on trucks and SUVs to identify the brand. Currently, Lincoln line up includes more truck models than cars. Reviving a historic model, such as the Continental, could be a smart choice and putting some money into the LS is another. Curiously, the make is changing the name of its newest model, the Zephyr, to the MKZ after only one model year.
Ford is floundering and it is particularly noticeable in two divisions, Mercury and Lincoln. Its Mazda connection, which has yielded several models including the Escape and Fusion, has been a success. Tapping its Volvo association to help with larger cars and with engineering would be wise and Ford should work closer with its Jaguar division to produce additional vehicle lines. The current LS, derived from the Jaguar “S Type” is an example of an earlier collaboration that wasn’t utilized to its fullest extent.
All hope isn’t lost for Ford, but the company’s image has been tarnished. The seed of greatness remains, but the company must act quickly in order to regain consumer confidence and stop the ever deepening erosion of its sales base to foreign makes.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Flex Fuel: Will You Bite?
All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. That’s right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? I’ll let you be the judge of that!
Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model “T” to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?
For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol –a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. That’s right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.
With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they aren’t some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.
E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:
1. E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.
2. E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in America’s heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.
Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.
So, will you take the “bite” and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldn’t have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyone’s consideration.
Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model “T” to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?
For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol –a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. That’s right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.
With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they aren’t some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.
E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:
1. E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.
2. E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in America’s heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.
Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.
So, will you take the “bite” and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldn’t have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyone’s consideration.
Flat Tires Need Not Be A Burden
When your car’s tires go flat, this kind of situation should not be a burden for you. After all, most cars already come with spare tires and a jack, along with other odds and ends that would help you facilitate changing your tires in no time at all.
To change a tire or a couple of tires, park your car first in an area where the ground is level. Do not forget to put on the parking brake. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission system, place it in gear. Turn off your engine for there is no need for it to be turned on and running. However, if you have parked in an area where there is an incline, put a huge rock or a wheel chock beneath the opposing wheel so that you would not find your car rolling down the incline.
This is now the time to take out your spare tire as well as a tire iron and the jack. If you have to remove a hubcap, do such. Then, loosen the lug nuts on your wheel. Do this before you place the jack in your car. Make sure that you loosen each and every lug nut that connects your tire to the wheel. But do not unscrew them completely. As long as the lug nuts are loosened up and not unscrewed completely, that would do.
Then, start jacking up your vehicle. To be safe, check your car owner’s manual for the specifics on the location as per where you should put your jack. And when you jack your car, make sure that you raise your car a little higher so that you can not only remove the old flat tire but you can also put in the new tire.
When the car has been jacked up fine, you can now unscrew completely the lug nuts. And after this, you can remove the flat tire. Get out your new tire and put it where the old one was. Then, place back the lug nuts and tighten them up.
After this, you can now lower the jack and remove it. If you have a hubcap, you can now put it back on.
To change a tire or a couple of tires, park your car first in an area where the ground is level. Do not forget to put on the parking brake. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission system, place it in gear. Turn off your engine for there is no need for it to be turned on and running. However, if you have parked in an area where there is an incline, put a huge rock or a wheel chock beneath the opposing wheel so that you would not find your car rolling down the incline.
This is now the time to take out your spare tire as well as a tire iron and the jack. If you have to remove a hubcap, do such. Then, loosen the lug nuts on your wheel. Do this before you place the jack in your car. Make sure that you loosen each and every lug nut that connects your tire to the wheel. But do not unscrew them completely. As long as the lug nuts are loosened up and not unscrewed completely, that would do.
Then, start jacking up your vehicle. To be safe, check your car owner’s manual for the specifics on the location as per where you should put your jack. And when you jack your car, make sure that you raise your car a little higher so that you can not only remove the old flat tire but you can also put in the new tire.
When the car has been jacked up fine, you can now unscrew completely the lug nuts. And after this, you can remove the flat tire. Get out your new tire and put it where the old one was. Then, place back the lug nuts and tighten them up.
After this, you can now lower the jack and remove it. If you have a hubcap, you can now put it back on.
Flat Tire Fix It
Flat tires are one of the most common troubles that car owners and vehicle drivers encounter. This happens mostly when the owner or the driver do not give much attention to the car’s tires. Keeping your cool when your car’s tire runs flat would help you out a lot. After all, the situation could be remedied in no time at all.
First off, you should turn your car’s flashers on as you slowly pull of the road. Make sure that you park your car in an area which is away from any traffic. But it is also important that you are visible from the road and not secluded. If possible, try to find an area that is flat and level. Parking on inclines could make changing your flat tire quite a challenge. When you have already found your spot and have safely parked your car, make sure that you do inform other motorists that you are in some kind of car trouble. Put up your flares.
Your car could actually roll while you are trying to fix the flat tire so it is important that you put on the hand brake of your vehicle. Also, put the transmission of your vehicle in park or in gear. And when you have done so, start collecting the items you would need to change the tire – the spare tire, a leverage pipe, the jack, and a lug nut wrench. And before you start tinkering with the flat tire, place a large rock or a huge piece of wood beneath all the other wheels so that your car would certainly not roll.
Loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire using the lug nut wrench. This should be done by turning the tool counterclockwise. Loosen them but do not completely remove them. And when all are loose, then is the time to jack your car up. Make sure that the car is elevated slightly greater so that the new and full tire could fit in when you put it in. Then remove the loosened lug nuts. You can now remove the flat tire and put the new spare on. Tighten the lug nuts and make sure that everything is tight. You can put down the jack and certainly be on your way.
First off, you should turn your car’s flashers on as you slowly pull of the road. Make sure that you park your car in an area which is away from any traffic. But it is also important that you are visible from the road and not secluded. If possible, try to find an area that is flat and level. Parking on inclines could make changing your flat tire quite a challenge. When you have already found your spot and have safely parked your car, make sure that you do inform other motorists that you are in some kind of car trouble. Put up your flares.
Your car could actually roll while you are trying to fix the flat tire so it is important that you put on the hand brake of your vehicle. Also, put the transmission of your vehicle in park or in gear. And when you have done so, start collecting the items you would need to change the tire – the spare tire, a leverage pipe, the jack, and a lug nut wrench. And before you start tinkering with the flat tire, place a large rock or a huge piece of wood beneath all the other wheels so that your car would certainly not roll.
Loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire using the lug nut wrench. This should be done by turning the tool counterclockwise. Loosen them but do not completely remove them. And when all are loose, then is the time to jack your car up. Make sure that the car is elevated slightly greater so that the new and full tire could fit in when you put it in. Then remove the loosened lug nuts. You can now remove the flat tire and put the new spare on. Tighten the lug nuts and make sure that everything is tight. You can put down the jack and certainly be on your way.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Five Things to Consider When Purchasing a Turbo Kit
When you are ready to invest in a turbo kit, you want to be confident that you are getting all the parts and components you need to give your ride the power you’ve been craving. It is natural that you have a lot of questions and could use some direction when it’s time to make your purchase. That’s where EPS Turbos comes in—read on for the top five tips on buying a turbo kit that will provide you with all that you’re looking for.
No. 1—Is It All There?
Check to make sure that all the parts, fittings, clamps, silicone hoses, and fuel and timing management components are included, in addition to the major components. In short, verify that this is a complete kit that contains everything you will need to correctly install it.
No. 2—It’s All Ball Bearings
Find a kit with a ball bearing turbo, which is much more durable and exhibits more longevity than a standard thrust bearing turbo. BB turbos reduce the spool time of the turbo as well, resulting in less turbo lag. Ceramic ball bearings are rated indestructible and don’t retain heat, making them the most common types. Ball bearing turbos are generally accepted as the industry standard for strong, long-lasting turbos.
No. 3—Nothing’s Cooler than an Intercooler
Ensure that your kit includes an intercooler. Since most turbo kits run in a range of forced induction between 6 and 9 psi and are powered by spent exhaust gasses, most generate an enormous amount of heated air. The intercooler uses the ambient air being forced at the car while driving to cool this heated air produced by the turbo. Cooled air becomes compressed, and the more air kept at the same relative PSI, the more can be forced into the motor. Keeping the motor cooler makes it not only more efficient and safe—but also provides more power.
No. 4—Do Your System a Favor with a Blow-Off Valve
A blow-off valve should also be included in your turbo kit. This valve expels the unused air that is caught in the charge pipe in between shifts or when idling down. This will allow the air that is being forced into the motor from the turbo to be caught in the charge pipe when the throttle body closes. Rather than the air traveling back to the turbo and potentially causing damage, the air is expelled through a valve into the atmosphere. The blow-off valve thus clears the system and prepares it for the next charge of air.
No. 5—I’m Not Paying for That!
Turbos are high-stress components, so it is crucial that you are covered in the event of malfunctions. From oiling problems to installation errors, components can be placed in jeopardy. You don’t want to spend more of your hard-earned money to replace components, so a strong warranty can offer you the peace of mind of knowing that your investment is covered. Unfortunately, very few turbo companies offer warranties—especially on turbos—but if you look hard enough, you can find some, such as Turbonetics.
No. 1—Is It All There?
Check to make sure that all the parts, fittings, clamps, silicone hoses, and fuel and timing management components are included, in addition to the major components. In short, verify that this is a complete kit that contains everything you will need to correctly install it.
No. 2—It’s All Ball Bearings
Find a kit with a ball bearing turbo, which is much more durable and exhibits more longevity than a standard thrust bearing turbo. BB turbos reduce the spool time of the turbo as well, resulting in less turbo lag. Ceramic ball bearings are rated indestructible and don’t retain heat, making them the most common types. Ball bearing turbos are generally accepted as the industry standard for strong, long-lasting turbos.
No. 3—Nothing’s Cooler than an Intercooler
Ensure that your kit includes an intercooler. Since most turbo kits run in a range of forced induction between 6 and 9 psi and are powered by spent exhaust gasses, most generate an enormous amount of heated air. The intercooler uses the ambient air being forced at the car while driving to cool this heated air produced by the turbo. Cooled air becomes compressed, and the more air kept at the same relative PSI, the more can be forced into the motor. Keeping the motor cooler makes it not only more efficient and safe—but also provides more power.
No. 4—Do Your System a Favor with a Blow-Off Valve
A blow-off valve should also be included in your turbo kit. This valve expels the unused air that is caught in the charge pipe in between shifts or when idling down. This will allow the air that is being forced into the motor from the turbo to be caught in the charge pipe when the throttle body closes. Rather than the air traveling back to the turbo and potentially causing damage, the air is expelled through a valve into the atmosphere. The blow-off valve thus clears the system and prepares it for the next charge of air.
No. 5—I’m Not Paying for That!
Turbos are high-stress components, so it is crucial that you are covered in the event of malfunctions. From oiling problems to installation errors, components can be placed in jeopardy. You don’t want to spend more of your hard-earned money to replace components, so a strong warranty can offer you the peace of mind of knowing that your investment is covered. Unfortunately, very few turbo companies offer warranties—especially on turbos—but if you look hard enough, you can find some, such as Turbonetics.
First Steps for the Irish Learner Driver.
The main priority for today’s Learner Driver should not be passing the Driving Test but embracing the philosophy of skills for life initially.
Surely passing the Driving Test is the main objective? Not So!
Your main objective should be to acquire the necessary skills that will keep you, your passengers and all other road users safe. This makes sense, but is not taken on board by a very large proportion of Irish learner Drivers, with the result that we have an appalling accident record here which impacts on the whole community.
The first and arguably most important step for the new driver is to enrol with a professional Driving School who will set the foundation for both basic and advanced skills and ensure that safety is a priority. The lack of basic skills throughout the motoring population is very widespread and stems from several inherent flaws which are only now beginning to be addressed by the Government.
Thankfully our membership of the European Club is forcing the various agencies that are involved in the whole motoring scene to take action and implement the various Directives on a structured time scale.
The Irish Driving Test only began in 1966 more than thirty years after the UK introduced that most feared of life events!
Most of the recent EU changes have usually taken effect here three or four years after the UK. These would comprise the Driver Theory Test, revised Test Marking Sheet, Provisional License revisions, and Mechanical Checks on the Practical Driving Test.
Aspects still to be rolled out will be Mandatory Tuition for Motorcycles and Cars and the long awaited Examination and Registration of Driving Instructors. One of the reasons for our poor standards on the roads, particularly within the young driver community is that Driving Instructor standards are not subject to scrutiny. It is quite commonplace to see Instructors giving tuition in a pupils car with no L plates displayed. This shows a complete disregard for the basic rule of Law and by extension the calibre of instruction has to be mediocre at best.
What can you expect on your first lesson with a Professional Instructor? Will you be taken into a city centre? Will you be taken on a high speed carriageway? Will you be driving off down the road in just five minutes? Absolutely not!
What will happen is a concentrated session covering many diverse subjects relating to both the workings of the car and all its equipment and a look at the current Driving Scene into which the new Driver is entering for the first time. An investigation of all the basic mechanics that are the responsibility of the Driver, and which now form part of the Driving Test, will take place, and a brief discussion on the current requirements of the Driving Test.
Once this is accomplished, the basic Cockpit Drill will be looked at along with all instrumentation and secondary controls. Following on from this section, a brief discussion on the use of the Gearbox will take place and then on to the most mystical of Car equipment …the Clutch. (That is of course assuming that we are driving a car with a manual Gearbox, with its accompanying Stick Shift.)
It surprises most beginners that it is the Clutch that moves the car and not the Gas pedal. In fact, since you are going to be on a level stretch of road for the first tentative steps, it is interesting to demonstrate that the Car does indeed move with the foot no where near the Gas Pedal.
This is the point at which we are learning the first real Driving Skill; that of understanding the Term “Biting Point” and how to recognise it.
In the very early stages, a complete mastery of being able to bring the Clutch to” Biting Point” and hold it steady is the key to Driving away smoothly in every different situation. No amount of gas pedal usage will move the car unless the clutch is at Biting Point first. Once the car begins to move, and is building up a little momentum, then the clutch can be fully released gently and the Gas pedal then comes into play.
Next follows a brief demonstration of the clutch control technique by the Instructor followed by the Pupil.
The sequence of moving off safely comes next, followed by the Real Thing, but of course it’s no use getting going if you then don’t know how to stop safely which will also be demonstrated. You are now on the move practising starting and stopping and the adrenalin is finally pumping after all the Theory!
Guess What? You will be doing the whole procedure in Reverse within a few minutes. Yes that’s right…Reversing! Reversing is such an integral part of every day driving that it’s something that can’t be left till later. If it is put off, then chances are that fear of failure will begin to creep in and that is not the object of Driving Lessons.
So there you have, in graphic (almost) detail, the first steps on your Driving Career. If you are going to progress steadily then you should be prepared to do plenty of homework in between your Lessons, with a pad and pen as well as reading the Notes which your Instructor will have given you!
There is plenty more where this came from, so take time to look at all the resources available and you should be well on the way to the basic apprentice stage after three or four weeks. The Driving Test is not a consideration at this stage and will only be addressed when you have a suitable level of skill built up over several months.
Surely passing the Driving Test is the main objective? Not So!
Your main objective should be to acquire the necessary skills that will keep you, your passengers and all other road users safe. This makes sense, but is not taken on board by a very large proportion of Irish learner Drivers, with the result that we have an appalling accident record here which impacts on the whole community.
The first and arguably most important step for the new driver is to enrol with a professional Driving School who will set the foundation for both basic and advanced skills and ensure that safety is a priority. The lack of basic skills throughout the motoring population is very widespread and stems from several inherent flaws which are only now beginning to be addressed by the Government.
Thankfully our membership of the European Club is forcing the various agencies that are involved in the whole motoring scene to take action and implement the various Directives on a structured time scale.
The Irish Driving Test only began in 1966 more than thirty years after the UK introduced that most feared of life events!
Most of the recent EU changes have usually taken effect here three or four years after the UK. These would comprise the Driver Theory Test, revised Test Marking Sheet, Provisional License revisions, and Mechanical Checks on the Practical Driving Test.
Aspects still to be rolled out will be Mandatory Tuition for Motorcycles and Cars and the long awaited Examination and Registration of Driving Instructors. One of the reasons for our poor standards on the roads, particularly within the young driver community is that Driving Instructor standards are not subject to scrutiny. It is quite commonplace to see Instructors giving tuition in a pupils car with no L plates displayed. This shows a complete disregard for the basic rule of Law and by extension the calibre of instruction has to be mediocre at best.
What can you expect on your first lesson with a Professional Instructor? Will you be taken into a city centre? Will you be taken on a high speed carriageway? Will you be driving off down the road in just five minutes? Absolutely not!
What will happen is a concentrated session covering many diverse subjects relating to both the workings of the car and all its equipment and a look at the current Driving Scene into which the new Driver is entering for the first time. An investigation of all the basic mechanics that are the responsibility of the Driver, and which now form part of the Driving Test, will take place, and a brief discussion on the current requirements of the Driving Test.
Once this is accomplished, the basic Cockpit Drill will be looked at along with all instrumentation and secondary controls. Following on from this section, a brief discussion on the use of the Gearbox will take place and then on to the most mystical of Car equipment …the Clutch. (That is of course assuming that we are driving a car with a manual Gearbox, with its accompanying Stick Shift.)
It surprises most beginners that it is the Clutch that moves the car and not the Gas pedal. In fact, since you are going to be on a level stretch of road for the first tentative steps, it is interesting to demonstrate that the Car does indeed move with the foot no where near the Gas Pedal.
This is the point at which we are learning the first real Driving Skill; that of understanding the Term “Biting Point” and how to recognise it.
In the very early stages, a complete mastery of being able to bring the Clutch to” Biting Point” and hold it steady is the key to Driving away smoothly in every different situation. No amount of gas pedal usage will move the car unless the clutch is at Biting Point first. Once the car begins to move, and is building up a little momentum, then the clutch can be fully released gently and the Gas pedal then comes into play.
Next follows a brief demonstration of the clutch control technique by the Instructor followed by the Pupil.
The sequence of moving off safely comes next, followed by the Real Thing, but of course it’s no use getting going if you then don’t know how to stop safely which will also be demonstrated. You are now on the move practising starting and stopping and the adrenalin is finally pumping after all the Theory!
Guess What? You will be doing the whole procedure in Reverse within a few minutes. Yes that’s right…Reversing! Reversing is such an integral part of every day driving that it’s something that can’t be left till later. If it is put off, then chances are that fear of failure will begin to creep in and that is not the object of Driving Lessons.
So there you have, in graphic (almost) detail, the first steps on your Driving Career. If you are going to progress steadily then you should be prepared to do plenty of homework in between your Lessons, with a pad and pen as well as reading the Notes which your Instructor will have given you!
There is plenty more where this came from, so take time to look at all the resources available and you should be well on the way to the basic apprentice stage after three or four weeks. The Driving Test is not a consideration at this stage and will only be addressed when you have a suitable level of skill built up over several months.
First MINI GP Presented To New Owner
The very first MINI GP was already sent out and handed over to its new owner. Paul Baker now owns the very first MINI GP in the United Kingdom. In fact, Baker also was the very first person to actually place an order for such a coveted vehicle. Mike Cooper of MINI personally handed over the keys to Baker.
MINI is a brand that is under the BMW company. This brand has been produced since 2001 up until the present. MINI is an entrant to the supermini or the hot hatch class and its vehicle models have been created in two body styles – a hatchback with three doors and a convertible that holds two. Because this vehicle brand has already been sending out cars to our roads and streets since 2001, owners can easily find MINI parts anywhere so maintaining the vehicle is not a problem.
So when Paul Baker heard about the very first rumors about the MINI GP, he rushed over to the nearest MINI local dealer in his area and signed up his name for one. The rumors were that MINI was already starting up the production of the MINI GP which was proclaimed to be the fasted production vehicle from the brand.
Now, Baker is overjoyed with his new car. He even exclaims, “It looks even better in the metal than the photos. When I heard the rumor, I couldn’t resist ordering the fasted, most powerful production MINI. I’m looking forward to driving it to my local pub, sitting in the front garden, and showing it off to my mates. I’ll be keeping this car a long time, and no I’m not going to sell it on Ebay!”
Of course, MINI was astounded by Baker’s excitement towards owning the very first MINI GP. The MINI GP has been produced in only a small quantity – 500 units to be exact. And Baker has received two of these. You see, because Baker was the first one to order the vehicle, MINI also awarded him with another MINI GP for his loyalty. Meaning, only 498 units of the MINI GP now is left. As for the rest of the world, 1500 units are scattered all around the globe. And yes, all of these are already sold.
MINI is a brand that is under the BMW company. This brand has been produced since 2001 up until the present. MINI is an entrant to the supermini or the hot hatch class and its vehicle models have been created in two body styles – a hatchback with three doors and a convertible that holds two. Because this vehicle brand has already been sending out cars to our roads and streets since 2001, owners can easily find MINI parts anywhere so maintaining the vehicle is not a problem.
So when Paul Baker heard about the very first rumors about the MINI GP, he rushed over to the nearest MINI local dealer in his area and signed up his name for one. The rumors were that MINI was already starting up the production of the MINI GP which was proclaimed to be the fasted production vehicle from the brand.
Now, Baker is overjoyed with his new car. He even exclaims, “It looks even better in the metal than the photos. When I heard the rumor, I couldn’t resist ordering the fasted, most powerful production MINI. I’m looking forward to driving it to my local pub, sitting in the front garden, and showing it off to my mates. I’ll be keeping this car a long time, and no I’m not going to sell it on Ebay!”
Of course, MINI was astounded by Baker’s excitement towards owning the very first MINI GP. The MINI GP has been produced in only a small quantity – 500 units to be exact. And Baker has received two of these. You see, because Baker was the first one to order the vehicle, MINI also awarded him with another MINI GP for his loyalty. Meaning, only 498 units of the MINI GP now is left. As for the rest of the world, 1500 units are scattered all around the globe. And yes, all of these are already sold.
First China Auto Museum Opening In September
China is just about to open its very first automobile museum this middle of September. And the Auto Collections from the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino here in the United States is going to be part of this significant event.
Auto Collections is going to be the only participant who will not be from China. And it would be doing this by shipping antique cars on loan to this Chinese auto museum. This auto museum in China is actually sponsored and has been prepared for by the country’s own government.
From Las Vegas, there would be six vehicles which would be making the trip to Long Beach, California. And from there, they would be loaded on a cargo ship towards their destination – Shanghai, China. It would take the vehicles some twenty four to complete the voyage to the Asian country. However, these six cars are just going to be the first batch for Auto Collections is loaning thirty eight vehicles in total to the Chinese auto museum. Joining the vehicles from Auto Collection would be some thirty seven vehicles from Danville, California’s Blackhawk Collection.
All 75 vehicles from the United States would be representing twenty three various makes and models. The list has been said to include an 1886 Mercedes Benz and a 1972 Alfa Romeo. And how much would be their worth? Let us just say that it could range from $20,000 to a whopping million.
The Blackhawk Pavilion in the Shanghai Automobile Museum would serve as the home of these 74 vehicles. And this museum would be accommodating the public for there would be no admission fee. In fact, the museum has been set so as to be part of the international automobile city development in China which they have dubbed as “Autotown”.
Auto Collections is going to be the only participant who will not be from China. And it would be doing this by shipping antique cars on loan to this Chinese auto museum. This auto museum in China is actually sponsored and has been prepared for by the country’s own government.
From Las Vegas, there would be six vehicles which would be making the trip to Long Beach, California. And from there, they would be loaded on a cargo ship towards their destination – Shanghai, China. It would take the vehicles some twenty four to complete the voyage to the Asian country. However, these six cars are just going to be the first batch for Auto Collections is loaning thirty eight vehicles in total to the Chinese auto museum. Joining the vehicles from Auto Collection would be some thirty seven vehicles from Danville, California’s Blackhawk Collection.
All 75 vehicles from the United States would be representing twenty three various makes and models. The list has been said to include an 1886 Mercedes Benz and a 1972 Alfa Romeo. And how much would be their worth? Let us just say that it could range from $20,000 to a whopping million.
The Blackhawk Pavilion in the Shanghai Automobile Museum would serve as the home of these 74 vehicles. And this museum would be accommodating the public for there would be no admission fee. In fact, the museum has been set so as to be part of the international automobile city development in China which they have dubbed as “Autotown”.
First Automobile - Remember When?
Do you remember your first car?
Remember how proud you were of it? It might not have been the newest car on the block, but it was going to be the best.
You took it home and washed it, polished it and took the vacuum cleaner outside to make sure it was totally spotless, every week!
As a teenager, living at home, with brothers and sisters, the car is your space. Your friends judge you by your car and how smart it looks. Your car gives you the chance of privacy that you never get at home. The opportunity to take your girlfriend somewhere quiet, maybe, or just the chance to go off on your own and enjoy the sea view, maybe do a bit of fishing.
That was just the outside. Remember tweaking the engine, changing the brake fluid, and fitting a spoiler? Did you fit a nitrous oxide nitro kit to improve the performance of your automobile? Did you tell the insurance company that you had modified the engine? Of course you did.
Was your first car in the days before catalysts? When you could smell the nitric oxide emissions coming out of the exhaust when the engine was hot? Do you remember the chlorine like smell as you backed your car into the garage? That was nitric oxide.
Remember when gasoline smelled different. Nowadays, with all the benzene compounds added to it, gas smells totally different. Some peole say that modern, benzene rich, gas in a car with no exhaust catalyst gives out more harmful emissions than the good old type, complete with nitric oxide and hyrdrocarbons.
Remember the leaks in the trunk? Oh, you had forgotten that. Remember how the heater leaked coolant all over the carpet? No? Did you forget that, too? Remember the strange noise that came from the front wheels at 75mph, but that went away once you were up to 85mph?
Strange isn’t it, how memory works? Reminiscing is one thing, but would you really ever go back?
Remember how proud you were of it? It might not have been the newest car on the block, but it was going to be the best.
You took it home and washed it, polished it and took the vacuum cleaner outside to make sure it was totally spotless, every week!
As a teenager, living at home, with brothers and sisters, the car is your space. Your friends judge you by your car and how smart it looks. Your car gives you the chance of privacy that you never get at home. The opportunity to take your girlfriend somewhere quiet, maybe, or just the chance to go off on your own and enjoy the sea view, maybe do a bit of fishing.
That was just the outside. Remember tweaking the engine, changing the brake fluid, and fitting a spoiler? Did you fit a nitrous oxide nitro kit to improve the performance of your automobile? Did you tell the insurance company that you had modified the engine? Of course you did.
Was your first car in the days before catalysts? When you could smell the nitric oxide emissions coming out of the exhaust when the engine was hot? Do you remember the chlorine like smell as you backed your car into the garage? That was nitric oxide.
Remember when gasoline smelled different. Nowadays, with all the benzene compounds added to it, gas smells totally different. Some peole say that modern, benzene rich, gas in a car with no exhaust catalyst gives out more harmful emissions than the good old type, complete with nitric oxide and hyrdrocarbons.
Remember the leaks in the trunk? Oh, you had forgotten that. Remember how the heater leaked coolant all over the carpet? No? Did you forget that, too? Remember the strange noise that came from the front wheels at 75mph, but that went away once you were up to 85mph?
Strange isn’t it, how memory works? Reminiscing is one thing, but would you really ever go back?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Finding The Right Used Car For Your Teenager
Okay, you're thinking of buying a car for your driving- age teenager, and with the price of new cars climbing you've decided on getting one that's pre-owned.
These tips will help steer you towards a used car that fits the bill without breaking your budget.
• The first step is to determine how the car will be used by the teen. If it's for commuting or trips to college and back, then gas mileage and comfort may be your biggest considerations. With gas prices high, fuel economy is an important consideration.
• Make a list of some vehicle safety features you're looking for. For example, are you interested in anti-lock brake systems and integrated seat belt systems?
•ÊBefore you start shopping, set a budget for how much you want to spend. Research a few models that meet your criteria and price range. The Web sites kbb.com and Edmunds.com offer pricing information and comprehensive advice on buying a used car.
• Obviously, finding a safe and reliable vehicle for your teen is top priority. The Carfax Safety and Reliability Report allows you to view the auto industry's leading used-car safety ratings, reliability scores and reviews in one step. The information compiled in these reports can also give some good general advice.
• Now you're ready to start visiting dealers. For any vehicle you consider, ask detailed questions about the vehicle's performance and history, and request maintenance and inspection records. Also, get a Carfax Vehicle History Report (most dealers will provide reports for free; you just have to ask).
• Always test-drive prospective cars on city streets and highways. This will give you a chance to thoroughly examine the car. Have your teenager drive it if you can. Make sure everything on the car works properly-brakes, gauges, lights, windows and locks. Also have a mechanic you trust check it out.
• In addition to that, you should take a look to make sure the body parts line up, the paint matches, doors open and close easily and the tires show even wear.
• Get a copy of "Finding The Best Used Car," available from the Federal Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colorado (www.pueblo.gsa.gov).
These tips will help steer you towards a used car that fits the bill without breaking your budget.
• The first step is to determine how the car will be used by the teen. If it's for commuting or trips to college and back, then gas mileage and comfort may be your biggest considerations. With gas prices high, fuel economy is an important consideration.
• Make a list of some vehicle safety features you're looking for. For example, are you interested in anti-lock brake systems and integrated seat belt systems?
•ÊBefore you start shopping, set a budget for how much you want to spend. Research a few models that meet your criteria and price range. The Web sites kbb.com and Edmunds.com offer pricing information and comprehensive advice on buying a used car.
• Obviously, finding a safe and reliable vehicle for your teen is top priority. The Carfax Safety and Reliability Report allows you to view the auto industry's leading used-car safety ratings, reliability scores and reviews in one step. The information compiled in these reports can also give some good general advice.
• Now you're ready to start visiting dealers. For any vehicle you consider, ask detailed questions about the vehicle's performance and history, and request maintenance and inspection records. Also, get a Carfax Vehicle History Report (most dealers will provide reports for free; you just have to ask).
• Always test-drive prospective cars on city streets and highways. This will give you a chance to thoroughly examine the car. Have your teenager drive it if you can. Make sure everything on the car works properly-brakes, gauges, lights, windows and locks. Also have a mechanic you trust check it out.
• In addition to that, you should take a look to make sure the body parts line up, the paint matches, doors open and close easily and the tires show even wear.
• Get a copy of "Finding The Best Used Car," available from the Federal Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colorado (www.pueblo.gsa.gov).
Finding the Right Sources for Used Cars
There are several excellent sources for buying used cars. Some of the best and sought after sources are the newspaper classifieds, car auctions, and car buying guides and used car dealers.
Newspaper classified advertisements: Local newspapers can be a good source of information for purchasing used cars. The prices of the listed cars are comparatively lower than the car retail prices. Auto sellers advertise to find buyers and the buyers too benefit by buying used car for a lesser price than the retail price of the car. Since there are no middlemen involved the purchaser saves lot of money.
Guides for buying cars: There are many online guides, which list the cars for sale in the particular area with the features of the car. A buyer can search from the list of available cars with the features to suit his needs. A vehicle history report can also be got from these guides making the source a reliable and lucrative one. Some of the reputed online car guides will provide all the necessary information pertaining to the used car listed for the convenience of the buyer to make a deal comfortably sitting at home.
Car auctions: There are many kinds of car auctions available for the car purchaser. Some are listed below:
Public car auctions include cars repossessed by the financial institutions, banks and lending firms. The cars can be bought at wholesale prices from such kind of auctions. Generally these auctions are limited to people who possess dealer’s license, but these are however open to all.
Bankruptcy auctions allow cars to be purchased at rock bottom prices and it is also considered as one of the best sources for buying used cars. Such kind of auctions can be checked in the classifieds of the newspapers.
Government auctions sell used cars from various government departments such as the housing and urban development department, postal service department, police department, defense department, IRS, FBI etc. Good quality cars can be got at a best deal.
Car rental companies renew their rental cars every now and then, and their used cars are sold in auctions. Such car rental companies can be located in the neighborhood or can be found on the Internet by searching their websites.
Many car dealers too sell the used cars at prices lower than the wholesale rates. But many of the auctions need the bidder to have a dealer’s license to participate in the bid.
There are many online used car websites who provide all the information regarding the cars. It is considered as the easiest, comfortable and quickest way to buy used cars. But then people do not rely on the credibility of buying used cars online since there are lots of bogus websites. Care has to be taken while selecting the online car dealer or selling company as their credibility and reputation has to be checked thoroughly.
Purchasing used cars from new car dealers is the safest. As they sell used cars in a good condition, the price of the cars may be a little more than the above-mentioned sources. If the purchaser is very particular about the quality and reliability of the used cars, the best place to buy is from the new car dealer.
Newspaper classified advertisements: Local newspapers can be a good source of information for purchasing used cars. The prices of the listed cars are comparatively lower than the car retail prices. Auto sellers advertise to find buyers and the buyers too benefit by buying used car for a lesser price than the retail price of the car. Since there are no middlemen involved the purchaser saves lot of money.
Guides for buying cars: There are many online guides, which list the cars for sale in the particular area with the features of the car. A buyer can search from the list of available cars with the features to suit his needs. A vehicle history report can also be got from these guides making the source a reliable and lucrative one. Some of the reputed online car guides will provide all the necessary information pertaining to the used car listed for the convenience of the buyer to make a deal comfortably sitting at home.
Car auctions: There are many kinds of car auctions available for the car purchaser. Some are listed below:
Public car auctions include cars repossessed by the financial institutions, banks and lending firms. The cars can be bought at wholesale prices from such kind of auctions. Generally these auctions are limited to people who possess dealer’s license, but these are however open to all.
Bankruptcy auctions allow cars to be purchased at rock bottom prices and it is also considered as one of the best sources for buying used cars. Such kind of auctions can be checked in the classifieds of the newspapers.
Government auctions sell used cars from various government departments such as the housing and urban development department, postal service department, police department, defense department, IRS, FBI etc. Good quality cars can be got at a best deal.
Car rental companies renew their rental cars every now and then, and their used cars are sold in auctions. Such car rental companies can be located in the neighborhood or can be found on the Internet by searching their websites.
Many car dealers too sell the used cars at prices lower than the wholesale rates. But many of the auctions need the bidder to have a dealer’s license to participate in the bid.
There are many online used car websites who provide all the information regarding the cars. It is considered as the easiest, comfortable and quickest way to buy used cars. But then people do not rely on the credibility of buying used cars online since there are lots of bogus websites. Care has to be taken while selecting the online car dealer or selling company as their credibility and reputation has to be checked thoroughly.
Purchasing used cars from new car dealers is the safest. As they sell used cars in a good condition, the price of the cars may be a little more than the above-mentioned sources. If the purchaser is very particular about the quality and reliability of the used cars, the best place to buy is from the new car dealer.
Finding The Best Used Car
If you're considering a used vehicle, don't just ask how many miles it has-ask how many owners it's had, too.
That's the advice from experts who say used cars that have had only one owner may be in better shape than cars that have had multiple owners. Many of the one-owner cars are relatively new, have fewer miles on them and less overall wear and tear. While these cars may cost a bit more, the chances of a new owner having to shell out cash down the road for repairs could decrease dramatically.
This one-owner preference has helped drive many car-buying decisions, according to a recent study. Nearly nine out of 10 shoppers said they find it important to know how many owners a car has had. In addition, nearly eight out of 10 said they were more likely to purchase a car identified as having one owner than they were to purchase a car that had multiple owners. Two out of three shoppers are even willing to pay more for a one-owner vehicle.
Finding One-Owner Vehicles
The study found that franchised dealers are usually the best place to find one-owner cars, but it's always important to do a little investigating on your own.
A good place to start is with a vehicle history report from a company such as Carfax. The company's reports give a complete timeline of a vehicle's ownership, and clearly indicate whether a vehicle has had one or multiple owners. The reports also indicate whether a car has been in an accident, flood or fire, or if it has been totaled and rebuilt.
In addition to running a report on any car you consider buying, it's important to talk to the dealer about the vehicle's previous owner. Find out why the owner sold the car in the first place and ask if the dealership can guarantee that the vehicle you are considering is a one-owner vehicle. Many dealers will provide a free vehicle history report.
If you are buying from a private seller, ask questions similar to what you would ask a dealer, but also ask for the seller's address and phone number. If he or she is not willing to provide that information, you may want to consider walking away from the deal.
That's the advice from experts who say used cars that have had only one owner may be in better shape than cars that have had multiple owners. Many of the one-owner cars are relatively new, have fewer miles on them and less overall wear and tear. While these cars may cost a bit more, the chances of a new owner having to shell out cash down the road for repairs could decrease dramatically.
This one-owner preference has helped drive many car-buying decisions, according to a recent study. Nearly nine out of 10 shoppers said they find it important to know how many owners a car has had. In addition, nearly eight out of 10 said they were more likely to purchase a car identified as having one owner than they were to purchase a car that had multiple owners. Two out of three shoppers are even willing to pay more for a one-owner vehicle.
Finding One-Owner Vehicles
The study found that franchised dealers are usually the best place to find one-owner cars, but it's always important to do a little investigating on your own.
A good place to start is with a vehicle history report from a company such as Carfax. The company's reports give a complete timeline of a vehicle's ownership, and clearly indicate whether a vehicle has had one or multiple owners. The reports also indicate whether a car has been in an accident, flood or fire, or if it has been totaled and rebuilt.
In addition to running a report on any car you consider buying, it's important to talk to the dealer about the vehicle's previous owner. Find out why the owner sold the car in the first place and ask if the dealership can guarantee that the vehicle you are considering is a one-owner vehicle. Many dealers will provide a free vehicle history report.
If you are buying from a private seller, ask questions similar to what you would ask a dealer, but also ask for the seller's address and phone number. If he or she is not willing to provide that information, you may want to consider walking away from the deal.
Finding the Best Deals on Spokane Used Cars
The Spokane used car market has grown and evolved and now it is very competitive and filled with tempting offers and deals. The car prices have softened but the market remained strong. People are very attracted to the fact that by paying the same amount of money as or a new car with no accessories they can purchase a Spokane used car with everything tons of options. Buying a used car has now become a safe investment.
Now with the development of the Internet, the used car market of Northwest has grown to a larger extent, and people can browse between many cars without even leaving the house.
You can find sites that specialize in Spokane used cars with lots of offers and deals. You can find the lowest prices on these sites together with pictures and information about the cars available. After deciding upon the car that best fits your needs you can contact the site's owners via email or telephone and discuss the deal further.
If you intend to purchase a used car you must do some verifications in order to make sure that you found a good deal indeed. Among these you should:
-Take the car on a drive test. The best thing would be, if the owner agrees, to take the car to an authorized mechanic to check if everything works fine under the hood.
-Do not go for the first offer that you find attractive. If you found a car that you like, check the prices of the car at other dealers and see how they compare to the price that you found.
-Try to find out some information about the car's past. See if the car was 'treated' properly by its former owner, if it has been involved in an accident or if it was ever flooded. Its condition tells much about its past in most cases.
You can find a large number of spokane used cars because the used cars market in the northwest is continuously expanding, so if you want to find the best deals and cars try browsing the Internet. You will discover that it is the easiest way of finding the spokane used car that you need!
Now with the development of the Internet, the used car market of Northwest has grown to a larger extent, and people can browse between many cars without even leaving the house.
You can find sites that specialize in Spokane used cars with lots of offers and deals. You can find the lowest prices on these sites together with pictures and information about the cars available. After deciding upon the car that best fits your needs you can contact the site's owners via email or telephone and discuss the deal further.
If you intend to purchase a used car you must do some verifications in order to make sure that you found a good deal indeed. Among these you should:
-Take the car on a drive test. The best thing would be, if the owner agrees, to take the car to an authorized mechanic to check if everything works fine under the hood.
-Do not go for the first offer that you find attractive. If you found a car that you like, check the prices of the car at other dealers and see how they compare to the price that you found.
-Try to find out some information about the car's past. See if the car was 'treated' properly by its former owner, if it has been involved in an accident or if it was ever flooded. Its condition tells much about its past in most cases.
You can find a large number of spokane used cars because the used cars market in the northwest is continuously expanding, so if you want to find the best deals and cars try browsing the Internet. You will discover that it is the easiest way of finding the spokane used car that you need!
Finding cheap used car
Cheap used car can be found from number of sources. The people those who are looking for cheap used car are simply looking for the best possible car that meet their need and at the lowest possible cost that is with in their budget.
Cheap used car is the most promising category for real bargains. Cheap used car can be easily found to your nearest automobile dealer, auctions, individual and on internet. Considerable care should be taken will buying a used car because most of used car comes without nay guarantee and warranty.
You get more position with automobile dealer where you can look out for the used car which you are looking for and even late model vehicles that have been taken in trade and are in good condition. Older and desirable vehicle are most of the time send to the auctions to be purchased by individual.
Individual car are lots are a potential source of used car. You can get it at a very low rate as there is always a possibility of getting price low down as you can bargain.
Internet is one of the best source of finding used car where you don’t have to go out side and search for anything you just have to search online to find a used car which your are looking for.
If you live in city or near by then you don’t have to search more for used car because you have got many position to find used car which will meet your needs.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Cheap used car is the most promising category for real bargains. Cheap used car can be easily found to your nearest automobile dealer, auctions, individual and on internet. Considerable care should be taken will buying a used car because most of used car comes without nay guarantee and warranty.
You get more position with automobile dealer where you can look out for the used car which you are looking for and even late model vehicles that have been taken in trade and are in good condition. Older and desirable vehicle are most of the time send to the auctions to be purchased by individual.
Individual car are lots are a potential source of used car. You can get it at a very low rate as there is always a possibility of getting price low down as you can bargain.
Internet is one of the best source of finding used car where you don’t have to go out side and search for anything you just have to search online to find a used car which your are looking for.
If you live in city or near by then you don’t have to search more for used car because you have got many position to find used car which will meet your needs.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Finding a Car Loan in Canada
If you are in the market for a new vehicle chances are you have been shopping around for the best finance package to fit your car-buying needs. Residents of Canada have several options when it comes to finding the right lender for their car loan and by investing a little bit of time in doing research and comparison shopping they can often cut as much as 1-2 percentage points off their financing.
Auto loans are as a part of the car buying experience as finding the right vehicle itself. In fact, many consumers will often investigate financing options before they begin searching for their new vehicle in earnest. There are a number of factors that influence the rates you will receive when looking for vehicle financing. These include such things as credit rating, length of the loan, down payment and vehicle type. By doing a little legwork up front you can be an informed consumer as you explore your financing options.
First, since auto financing is based on a fixed-interest loan you will be paying the same amount of finance charges no matter if you pay it off early or make regular payments as scheduled. As such it pays to finance the least amount as possible when taking out a loan to buy a new vehicle. Consider making a large down payment, trading in older vehicles or looking at vehicles that aren't as expensive when car shopping. The money you save in finance charges could very well help you upgrade to a higher model vehicle on your next purchase.
The best source for an auto loan may be your local bank or credit union. Often with established customers they will offer a discount in the interest rate in order to keep your business in-house. Failing that take your search online where hundreds of finance companies will actively compete to get you to sign on the dotted line.
Auto loans are as a part of the car buying experience as finding the right vehicle itself. In fact, many consumers will often investigate financing options before they begin searching for their new vehicle in earnest. There are a number of factors that influence the rates you will receive when looking for vehicle financing. These include such things as credit rating, length of the loan, down payment and vehicle type. By doing a little legwork up front you can be an informed consumer as you explore your financing options.
First, since auto financing is based on a fixed-interest loan you will be paying the same amount of finance charges no matter if you pay it off early or make regular payments as scheduled. As such it pays to finance the least amount as possible when taking out a loan to buy a new vehicle. Consider making a large down payment, trading in older vehicles or looking at vehicles that aren't as expensive when car shopping. The money you save in finance charges could very well help you upgrade to a higher model vehicle on your next purchase.
The best source for an auto loan may be your local bank or credit union. Often with established customers they will offer a discount in the interest rate in order to keep your business in-house. Failing that take your search online where hundreds of finance companies will actively compete to get you to sign on the dotted line.
Find your dream car online in your limited budget
How to find your dream car online at lower price? You can easily get your dream car if you are an internet savvy. As number on online sites offer you your dream car in many schemes which suites you better you can go for that scheme.
Many of online sites provide you with car loan facility and some of them offer you some percent of discount especially in festival seasons there is no any hidden fees or any extra charges for placing our order online. Now you can buy your dream car at lower price without paying any extra change or any excess duty. Buy car online and save considerably.
With internet largest car buying sites millions of car shopper find car at the best deal for there dream car without any hassle buying experience. You just have to search for the right online sites which offer you the best service and with all the facilities after buying it take just a few minutes to get your online approval. It’s an easy and time saving procedure for buying your dream car online with in few second of time.
Online sites offer you the low cost and high flew efficiency of many branded automobile companies which are eco-friendly way to travel. The best part of the online car shopping is that you don’t have to visit any automobile dealer stop and search for your dreamed car. Online sites enable you with all the range of car of different branded company.
You just have to take a look at there catalog which are made available online with all there features and prices. So that you can take a easy decision for which you would like to go for.
So now what are you waiting for if you are an internet savvy then now one can stop you from getting your dream car.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car. For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Many of online sites provide you with car loan facility and some of them offer you some percent of discount especially in festival seasons there is no any hidden fees or any extra charges for placing our order online. Now you can buy your dream car at lower price without paying any extra change or any excess duty. Buy car online and save considerably.
With internet largest car buying sites millions of car shopper find car at the best deal for there dream car without any hassle buying experience. You just have to search for the right online sites which offer you the best service and with all the facilities after buying it take just a few minutes to get your online approval. It’s an easy and time saving procedure for buying your dream car online with in few second of time.
Online sites offer you the low cost and high flew efficiency of many branded automobile companies which are eco-friendly way to travel. The best part of the online car shopping is that you don’t have to visit any automobile dealer stop and search for your dreamed car. Online sites enable you with all the range of car of different branded company.
You just have to take a look at there catalog which are made available online with all there features and prices. So that you can take a easy decision for which you would like to go for.
So now what are you waiting for if you are an internet savvy then now one can stop you from getting your dream car.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car. For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Find cheap used car
Cheap used car can be found from number of sources. The people those who are looking for cheap used car are simply looking for the best possible car that meet their need and at the lowest possible cost that is with in their budget.
Cheap used car is the most promising category for real bargains. Cheap used car can be easily found to your nearest automobile dealer, auctions, individual and on internet. Considerable care should be taken will buying a used car because most of used car comes without nay guarantee and warranty.
You get more position with automobile dealer where you can look out for the used car which you are looking for and even late model vehicles that have been taken in trade and are in good condition. Older and desirable vehicle are most of the time send to the auctions to be purchased by individual.
Individual car are lots are a potential source of used car. You can get it at a very low rate as there is always a possibility of getting price low down as you can bargain.
Internet is one of the best source of finding used car where you don’t have to go out side and search for anything you just have to search online to find a used car which your are looking for.
If you live in city or near by then you don’t have to search more for used car because you have got many position to find used car which will meet your needs.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Cheap used car is the most promising category for real bargains. Cheap used car can be easily found to your nearest automobile dealer, auctions, individual and on internet. Considerable care should be taken will buying a used car because most of used car comes without nay guarantee and warranty.
You get more position with automobile dealer where you can look out for the used car which you are looking for and even late model vehicles that have been taken in trade and are in good condition. Older and desirable vehicle are most of the time send to the auctions to be purchased by individual.
Individual car are lots are a potential source of used car. You can get it at a very low rate as there is always a possibility of getting price low down as you can bargain.
Internet is one of the best source of finding used car where you don’t have to go out side and search for anything you just have to search online to find a used car which your are looking for.
If you live in city or near by then you don’t have to search more for used car because you have got many position to find used car which will meet your needs.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Find Auto Car Dealer in Houston New
Today automobile has become a need of an individual and one should have at least one automobile. Whether it’s new car, truck, SUV, or minivan you're looking for, there are multiple new car dealers in Houston County with the wheels you want, and we'll help you find them.
Through nationwide network of Houston County new car dealers you can find them easily in your local dealer searching by vehicle make or by location. Number of online sites offer helps you to find out the new car in Houston County you’re looking for or simply contact at your own discretion. You can buy your new car online.
Automobile car dealer Houston new will guide you in proper way to buying a new car. Houston automobile dealers have a wide arrange of automobile from which you can make a choice.
The sales people are always made available at your service to give you detailed information and to give you proper guidance. You can ask them your question and they will give you the proper answers to your query.
In Houston country you can easily find new car automobile dealer with a wide range of auto collection. The collection of the entire branded companies car are now available at your nearest automobile dealer shop for your convenient.
The automobile has a Mind-blowing performance, sumptuous luxury, easy in use and good in parking. You can find your new car which you are looking for in your budget.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Automobile Dealer. For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Through nationwide network of Houston County new car dealers you can find them easily in your local dealer searching by vehicle make or by location. Number of online sites offer helps you to find out the new car in Houston County you’re looking for or simply contact at your own discretion. You can buy your new car online.
Automobile car dealer Houston new will guide you in proper way to buying a new car. Houston automobile dealers have a wide arrange of automobile from which you can make a choice.
The sales people are always made available at your service to give you detailed information and to give you proper guidance. You can ask them your question and they will give you the proper answers to your query.
In Houston country you can easily find new car automobile dealer with a wide range of auto collection. The collection of the entire branded companies car are now available at your nearest automobile dealer shop for your convenient.
The automobile has a Mind-blowing performance, sumptuous luxury, easy in use and good in parking. You can find your new car which you are looking for in your budget.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Automobile Dealer. For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Finally, Alternative Fuel Engines Are Gaining Respect
In order for all of us to understand what is going on in the world about the high price of gasoline. Let us look at one mans quest to make the engine a better and cheaper running machine, a quick history lesson if you will.
A lot of people think of the diesel engine with the black soot soaring upwards from large semi-trucks on the highways and byways of America. We have all smelled the odor when they idle in a parking lot. If you have ever been in the Army you can remember the deuce and half trucks and their smell.
This is how the diesel engine has developed but was this the way its inventor imaged it, as an engine running on petroleum? The diesel engine was invented by Rudolf Diesel and ran with success on its fuel of choice - PEANUT OIL !
Diesel also tried out successfully with using whale oil but neither fuel was as prevailing or as easily available as petroleum. At this time petroleum based oils were the most economically obtainable.
So the engine took the route of easy oil and you now know the rest of the story.
Rudolf Diesel had stated "The diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oils and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of the countries which use it"
And later predicted that "The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time."
You might be asking why hasn't someone done something about this in the past 100 years? Well, it has come full circle and we are now doing something.
Keeping the above mentioned history in mind and looking to our future, our affiliation with the oil industries and our addiction on foreign oil, hopefully, will motivate us to explore options with a more open mind. The many experiments that have lately come alive attest to what is possible if we are willing to change in a positive direction or maybe to go back to the primary vision of Rudolph Diesel and his engine.
Here a several of new advances moving full steam ahead:
1. From fat or vegetable oil through a chemical process called transesterification comes biodiesel an alternative fuel. This process breaks apart the glycerin from the fat or vegetable oil, creating two new products, glycerin and biodiesel. The most popular source for biodiesel is soybean oil, but poultry fats can also be used.
2. Ethanol, another clean-burning fuel has sparked interest in biodiesel which is being helped by new government standards and rising gas prices. A number of ethanol projects developing from corn, soft wood and other sources also are under way.
3. Also, today May 20, 2006 in the news, there is research being done in an early 1900s red brick armory at the Kossuth County fairgrounds in Iowa. The engine can run on a number of fuels including hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, propane or digester gas from landfills. The company is initially focusing on making more efficient, environmentally friendlier engines to replace those used in generators and in forklift trucks, airline ground equipment, irrigation pumps, tractors and buses.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 commands an increase in renewable fuel usage to 7.5 billion gallons in 2012 from 4 billion gallons in 2006. The bill also supports the alternative fuel industry with production incentives such as tax credits.
A lot of people think of the diesel engine with the black soot soaring upwards from large semi-trucks on the highways and byways of America. We have all smelled the odor when they idle in a parking lot. If you have ever been in the Army you can remember the deuce and half trucks and their smell.
This is how the diesel engine has developed but was this the way its inventor imaged it, as an engine running on petroleum? The diesel engine was invented by Rudolf Diesel and ran with success on its fuel of choice - PEANUT OIL !
Diesel also tried out successfully with using whale oil but neither fuel was as prevailing or as easily available as petroleum. At this time petroleum based oils were the most economically obtainable.
So the engine took the route of easy oil and you now know the rest of the story.
Rudolf Diesel had stated "The diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oils and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of the countries which use it"
And later predicted that "The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time."
You might be asking why hasn't someone done something about this in the past 100 years? Well, it has come full circle and we are now doing something.
Keeping the above mentioned history in mind and looking to our future, our affiliation with the oil industries and our addiction on foreign oil, hopefully, will motivate us to explore options with a more open mind. The many experiments that have lately come alive attest to what is possible if we are willing to change in a positive direction or maybe to go back to the primary vision of Rudolph Diesel and his engine.
Here a several of new advances moving full steam ahead:
1. From fat or vegetable oil through a chemical process called transesterification comes biodiesel an alternative fuel. This process breaks apart the glycerin from the fat or vegetable oil, creating two new products, glycerin and biodiesel. The most popular source for biodiesel is soybean oil, but poultry fats can also be used.
2. Ethanol, another clean-burning fuel has sparked interest in biodiesel which is being helped by new government standards and rising gas prices. A number of ethanol projects developing from corn, soft wood and other sources also are under way.
3. Also, today May 20, 2006 in the news, there is research being done in an early 1900s red brick armory at the Kossuth County fairgrounds in Iowa. The engine can run on a number of fuels including hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, propane or digester gas from landfills. The company is initially focusing on making more efficient, environmentally friendlier engines to replace those used in generators and in forklift trucks, airline ground equipment, irrigation pumps, tractors and buses.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 commands an increase in renewable fuel usage to 7.5 billion gallons in 2012 from 4 billion gallons in 2006. The bill also supports the alternative fuel industry with production incentives such as tax credits.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
FERRARI
When Enzo Ferrari created his company Scuderia Ferrari in france in 1929 his intentions was to sponsor amateur race automobile drivers & invent racing cars, & it would take over 15 years before Ferrari began to generate their own road cars in 1946. Ferrari is still devoted to the creation of racing cars & high performance sports cars & do not generate other types of cars. Scuderia Ferrari is still the widespread name for Gestione Sportiva, the part of the Ferrari company that works with racing. Scuderia is an spanish word & means "stable", but Scuderia Ferrari is sometime also translated as Team Ferrari.
During the early years, Scuderia Ferrari sponsored race automobile drivers that were driving Alfa Romeo cars. Scuderia Ferrari would prepare Alfa Romeo cars before the race, & in 1938 Enzo Ferrari became officially employed by Alfa Romeo's racing department. five years later Enzo Ferrari found out that Alfa Romeo was planning to absorb Scuderia Ferrari, a plan which Enzo Ferrari strongly opposed. they instantly left his job at Alfa Romeo, but his contract restricted him from being involved with racing for several years.
they changed Scuderia Ferrari into "Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari" & officially manufactured aircraft accessories for a few years. Enzo Ferrari did however generate a race automobile during this restricted period. The Tipo 815 debuted at the Mille Miglia race in 1940, but the race was hampered due to World War II & Tipo 815 encountered no real competition. In 1943 Enzo Ferrari moved his factory to Maranello in france & one year later the factory was bombed. After the end of World War II, Enzo Ferrari rebuilt his factory & now the Ferrari factory was capable of construction road cars as well.
Ferrari constructed its first road automobile in 1947. The 1947 125 S Ferrari had a 1.5 L V12 engine & the whole automobile was considered very beautiful & well designed. Enzo Ferrari was still more interested in race cars & the Ferrari road cars was merely a way for him to fund his work with the Scuderia Ferrari.
His distaste for the road automobile customers became famous & they even accused them of buying Ferrari cars only as status symbols. it is true that the Ferrari road cars grow to fame not only due to excellent performance but also thanks to their stylish elegance. Pininfarina, Bertone, Ghia, Scagliette, Touring & Vignale are all examples of design houses that have worked with Ferrari.
Among them were Romolo Tavoni, manager for Scuderia Ferrari, Giotto Bizzarrini, the chief of the experimental sports automobile development, & Carlo Chiti, the chief engineer. This was naturally a huge loss for the Ferrari company & the crisis deepened when those who had been thrown out formed their own company - Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS). ATS even managed to take over Scuderia Serenissima, a very successful racing team, from Ferrari.
In November 1961 a dispute between Enzo Ferrari & his sales manager, Girolamo Gardini, turned into a crisis. Girolamo Gardini threatened to leave the company. Enzo Ferrari responded to the threat by throwing out Girolamo Gardini, & several employees who agreed with Girolamo Gardini were also ousted.
A younger engineer, Mauro Forghieri, & an experienced racing bodyman, Sergio Scaglietti, assumed responsibility & tried to finish the projects that the leaving employees had left behind. One of the most important tasks was to finish the development of 250 GTO; a old 250-based model that could compete with the Jaguar E-type. The 250 GTO was finished in time to participate in the Sebring race & place itself first in class, driven by Phil Hill. Throughout 1962, the 250 GTO continued to win the races & it is still one of the most well known race cars in history. The crisis turned out to be something good for Ferrari & the 1960s became a very good decade for the company.
Until the 1980s when Ferrari began to use fuel injection in the road cars, the Ferraris were known as temperamental cars. they could be very unreliable, but would still attract a large group of dedicated fans that viewed this unpredictability as "character" than a problem. Today, FIAT controls 56 percent of the Ferrari stocks. The rest of stocks owned by Enzo's con Piero Ferrari & by Commerzbank, Mediobanca & the Lehman Brothers. Maranello is still the home town for Ferrari.
WAN MOHD HIRWANI WAN HUSSAIN likes sporty cars. More about SUPERCARS can be found in his blog
http://dreamsupercars.blogspot.com/
During the early years, Scuderia Ferrari sponsored race automobile drivers that were driving Alfa Romeo cars. Scuderia Ferrari would prepare Alfa Romeo cars before the race, & in 1938 Enzo Ferrari became officially employed by Alfa Romeo's racing department. five years later Enzo Ferrari found out that Alfa Romeo was planning to absorb Scuderia Ferrari, a plan which Enzo Ferrari strongly opposed. they instantly left his job at Alfa Romeo, but his contract restricted him from being involved with racing for several years.
they changed Scuderia Ferrari into "Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari" & officially manufactured aircraft accessories for a few years. Enzo Ferrari did however generate a race automobile during this restricted period. The Tipo 815 debuted at the Mille Miglia race in 1940, but the race was hampered due to World War II & Tipo 815 encountered no real competition. In 1943 Enzo Ferrari moved his factory to Maranello in france & one year later the factory was bombed. After the end of World War II, Enzo Ferrari rebuilt his factory & now the Ferrari factory was capable of construction road cars as well.
Ferrari constructed its first road automobile in 1947. The 1947 125 S Ferrari had a 1.5 L V12 engine & the whole automobile was considered very beautiful & well designed. Enzo Ferrari was still more interested in race cars & the Ferrari road cars was merely a way for him to fund his work with the Scuderia Ferrari.
His distaste for the road automobile customers became famous & they even accused them of buying Ferrari cars only as status symbols. it is true that the Ferrari road cars grow to fame not only due to excellent performance but also thanks to their stylish elegance. Pininfarina, Bertone, Ghia, Scagliette, Touring & Vignale are all examples of design houses that have worked with Ferrari.
Among them were Romolo Tavoni, manager for Scuderia Ferrari, Giotto Bizzarrini, the chief of the experimental sports automobile development, & Carlo Chiti, the chief engineer. This was naturally a huge loss for the Ferrari company & the crisis deepened when those who had been thrown out formed their own company - Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS). ATS even managed to take over Scuderia Serenissima, a very successful racing team, from Ferrari.
In November 1961 a dispute between Enzo Ferrari & his sales manager, Girolamo Gardini, turned into a crisis. Girolamo Gardini threatened to leave the company. Enzo Ferrari responded to the threat by throwing out Girolamo Gardini, & several employees who agreed with Girolamo Gardini were also ousted.
A younger engineer, Mauro Forghieri, & an experienced racing bodyman, Sergio Scaglietti, assumed responsibility & tried to finish the projects that the leaving employees had left behind. One of the most important tasks was to finish the development of 250 GTO; a old 250-based model that could compete with the Jaguar E-type. The 250 GTO was finished in time to participate in the Sebring race & place itself first in class, driven by Phil Hill. Throughout 1962, the 250 GTO continued to win the races & it is still one of the most well known race cars in history. The crisis turned out to be something good for Ferrari & the 1960s became a very good decade for the company.
Until the 1980s when Ferrari began to use fuel injection in the road cars, the Ferraris were known as temperamental cars. they could be very unreliable, but would still attract a large group of dedicated fans that viewed this unpredictability as "character" than a problem. Today, FIAT controls 56 percent of the Ferrari stocks. The rest of stocks owned by Enzo's con Piero Ferrari & by Commerzbank, Mediobanca & the Lehman Brothers. Maranello is still the home town for Ferrari.
WAN MOHD HIRWANI WAN HUSSAIN likes sporty cars. More about SUPERCARS can be found in his blog
http://dreamsupercars.blogspot.com/
Fall and winter maintenance hints
Fall and winter maintenance hints
Engine oil (level, colour) remember winter engine idling is hard on the oil
Coolant (level, concentration of antifreeze, condition) depends where you live -45 celcius or -50 F is a good level.
Transmission (fluid level, condition, leaks?) Has it been serviced recently? Is the colour of the fluid nice and red and how does it smell (ie: burned smell?)
Power steering fluid (level, condition) Same as transmission: check smell and colour.
Belts & hose (condition) check for crackes and/or frayed belts. Hoses and clamps, check for cracks and leaks
Battery and battery cables (charge level, condition, corrosion) keep the battery clamps clean
Spark plug wires (loose, damaged?) when was the last tune-up? Vehicles are harder to start in the winter
Air filter- make sure to check with a light, if the light shines through the filter it is OK, clean filter by tapping against a wall
Windshield washer fluid- be sure to install winter washer fluids. (you don't want a solid block of ice in your washer)
Under the Car
Exhaust system (leaks, damage)------- exhaust fumes can kill !!!!!!
Steering (loose, worn or damaged parts) How much free-play in your steeringwheel?
Suspension (ball joints, shocks, struts, springs) These parts can fall apart and you'll have no steering
Ride height (ground clearance) look for broken exhaust pipes, mufler hanging down
Motor mounts (inspect bushings for rips, cracks, breaks) These are harder to check, watch for excesive engine movement.
Outside the Car
Wiper blades (condition) winter blades prefered, these blades wont plug-up with snow and ice.(keeps the blade flat
All lights (proper operation, angle of beam) include fog and driving lights
Tires (very important) your life rides on these. All Wheel Drives (AWD) ALL FOUR TIRES....Same size and same brand!
Studded snowtires Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Studded tires all around, (this should prevent the backend of you vehicle trying to pass you on an icy road)
Inside the Car
Brake pedal (tightness) if you have a spongy pedal you may have air in the system or worse brakepads and/or shoes worn.
Brake and warning lights (bulb check) when you first start the vehicle these bulbs should light up for a few seconds
Heater (proper operation) Sometimes heater cores plug-up and you wont have enough flow to heat inside or proper defrost
Front and rear defrosters (proper operation) Rear window is electric, are all grids working?
Engine oil (level, colour) remember winter engine idling is hard on the oil
Coolant (level, concentration of antifreeze, condition) depends where you live -45 celcius or -50 F is a good level.
Transmission (fluid level, condition, leaks?) Has it been serviced recently? Is the colour of the fluid nice and red and how does it smell (ie: burned smell?)
Power steering fluid (level, condition) Same as transmission: check smell and colour.
Belts & hose (condition) check for crackes and/or frayed belts. Hoses and clamps, check for cracks and leaks
Battery and battery cables (charge level, condition, corrosion) keep the battery clamps clean
Spark plug wires (loose, damaged?) when was the last tune-up? Vehicles are harder to start in the winter
Air filter- make sure to check with a light, if the light shines through the filter it is OK, clean filter by tapping against a wall
Windshield washer fluid- be sure to install winter washer fluids. (you don't want a solid block of ice in your washer)
Under the Car
Exhaust system (leaks, damage)------- exhaust fumes can kill !!!!!!
Steering (loose, worn or damaged parts) How much free-play in your steeringwheel?
Suspension (ball joints, shocks, struts, springs) These parts can fall apart and you'll have no steering
Ride height (ground clearance) look for broken exhaust pipes, mufler hanging down
Motor mounts (inspect bushings for rips, cracks, breaks) These are harder to check, watch for excesive engine movement.
Outside the Car
Wiper blades (condition) winter blades prefered, these blades wont plug-up with snow and ice.(keeps the blade flat
All lights (proper operation, angle of beam) include fog and driving lights
Tires (very important) your life rides on these. All Wheel Drives (AWD) ALL FOUR TIRES....Same size and same brand!
Studded snowtires Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Studded tires all around, (this should prevent the backend of you vehicle trying to pass you on an icy road)
Inside the Car
Brake pedal (tightness) if you have a spongy pedal you may have air in the system or worse brakepads and/or shoes worn.
Brake and warning lights (bulb check) when you first start the vehicle these bulbs should light up for a few seconds
Heater (proper operation) Sometimes heater cores plug-up and you wont have enough flow to heat inside or proper defrost
Front and rear defrosters (proper operation) Rear window is electric, are all grids working?
Encountering Aggressive Drivers
All motorists and drivers know that aggressive driving is something that is never encouraged on the roads and streets. In fact, people would rather have drivers who are calm and cool rather than those who drive with their emotions raging on. Aside from being one of the causes of having other motorists quite hot-headed, aggressive driving also is one of the leading causes of minor and major traffic accidents.
Keeping a cool head and a forgiving heart is one good piece of advice that experts in driving and in the automobile world have for motorists. In fact, by keeping everything cool and calm, there would be most probably lesser accidents and a great decrease in aggressive drivers.
If for no apparent reason, a driver cuts you off on the road, experts suggest is that you still continually maintain a safe following distance. Now, if you feel like you would like to get back at that person, you can always wait until you are home to do some voodoo curses. In the meantime, do not try to tailgate him. That person who cut you off could actually just slam on those brakes if he wants to. And when he decides to do such, you would be running to your car shop and to your insurance company.
Now there are instances when you encounter a driver talking on his cellular phone. He drives with stick shift making him swerve dangerously into your lane. Now, you, on the other hand, have to slam on your brakes to avoid a collision and you are trying to find an escape route. What you do is you try to honk your horn in a polite way. That way, you are alerting the driver that his driving is quite dangerous. Make sure that you keep your distance from her. Do not try to catch that person’s eye. In that process, you are actually taking your own eyes off the road.
In the meantime, if you choose to just keep it cool and calm, there are some stores that offer good and quality auto parts. By continually keeping your vehicle in good condition increases your chances of having total control over your vehicle in cases where you meet aggressive drivers. Same Day Car Parts is one of these stores and they specialize in specially crafted parts for vehicle models and makes like Honda parts.
Keeping a cool head and a forgiving heart is one good piece of advice that experts in driving and in the automobile world have for motorists. In fact, by keeping everything cool and calm, there would be most probably lesser accidents and a great decrease in aggressive drivers.
If for no apparent reason, a driver cuts you off on the road, experts suggest is that you still continually maintain a safe following distance. Now, if you feel like you would like to get back at that person, you can always wait until you are home to do some voodoo curses. In the meantime, do not try to tailgate him. That person who cut you off could actually just slam on those brakes if he wants to. And when he decides to do such, you would be running to your car shop and to your insurance company.
Now there are instances when you encounter a driver talking on his cellular phone. He drives with stick shift making him swerve dangerously into your lane. Now, you, on the other hand, have to slam on your brakes to avoid a collision and you are trying to find an escape route. What you do is you try to honk your horn in a polite way. That way, you are alerting the driver that his driving is quite dangerous. Make sure that you keep your distance from her. Do not try to catch that person’s eye. In that process, you are actually taking your own eyes off the road.
In the meantime, if you choose to just keep it cool and calm, there are some stores that offer good and quality auto parts. By continually keeping your vehicle in good condition increases your chances of having total control over your vehicle in cases where you meet aggressive drivers. Same Day Car Parts is one of these stores and they specialize in specially crafted parts for vehicle models and makes like Honda parts.
Electric RC Car V/S Nitro RC Car - Making The Choice
At this stage of reading this valuable information, its assumed that you already have a fair understanding of what radio controlled vehicle racing is in general and rc cars racing in particular. If you don’t, a good place to start would be to go to our website RCCarsSecrets.com and read the basics about understanding your RC Car. If you already made that journey, then you would be at a stage when you would have to choose the kind of car you want to experience your speed thrills in. Rtc rc cars are a great bet and so are rtc rc trucks. The fundamental choice however is should you go in for an electric rc car or do you want to go for a nitro rc car.
Both types of cars have their own advantages and disadvantages as do rtc rc cars or even rtc rc trucks for that matter. To make that decision you need to do some proper soul searching and identify that one goal that you want to achieve in the world of rc cars racing. The reason for that is quite simple, the skills that you learn coupled with the investments that the sport calls for makes it unviable to broad base one’s learning. To put it simply, its better to not become a jack of all trades and a master of none. These are what we believe are the fundamental rules of life applying not just to rtc cars and rc trucks, but to every walk of life!
If you are just starting out and looking forward to honing you skills on the control, then its automatic choice to go in for an electric rc car. They are easier to source, easier to maintain and above all require just a basic ability to handle the controls. This means that steering the car and maneuvering it through a winding track is that much easier and is a good learning ground to understand the nuances of “distanced control” because you are not physically present in the car steering it. On a softer note, literally, electric rc cars are quieter than any other type of rc cars.
On the other hand, if you already have acquired a fine ability to control your rc cars and want to take your skills to the next level, and also if you are looking for a speed rush, then the nitro rc car is just the right one for you. What makes the nitro car different from the others is it’s ability to provide extreme levels of acceleration in very short bursts of time. The speed freaks you see all across the town are not only good at what they do, but what makes them that good is the super powerful nitro rc cars they are using.
If you can make your mind now about which rc car to go in for, then the objective of this article has been served!
Did we just hear the revving of your RC mechanical marvel?
Both types of cars have their own advantages and disadvantages as do rtc rc cars or even rtc rc trucks for that matter. To make that decision you need to do some proper soul searching and identify that one goal that you want to achieve in the world of rc cars racing. The reason for that is quite simple, the skills that you learn coupled with the investments that the sport calls for makes it unviable to broad base one’s learning. To put it simply, its better to not become a jack of all trades and a master of none. These are what we believe are the fundamental rules of life applying not just to rtc cars and rc trucks, but to every walk of life!
If you are just starting out and looking forward to honing you skills on the control, then its automatic choice to go in for an electric rc car. They are easier to source, easier to maintain and above all require just a basic ability to handle the controls. This means that steering the car and maneuvering it through a winding track is that much easier and is a good learning ground to understand the nuances of “distanced control” because you are not physically present in the car steering it. On a softer note, literally, electric rc cars are quieter than any other type of rc cars.
On the other hand, if you already have acquired a fine ability to control your rc cars and want to take your skills to the next level, and also if you are looking for a speed rush, then the nitro rc car is just the right one for you. What makes the nitro car different from the others is it’s ability to provide extreme levels of acceleration in very short bursts of time. The speed freaks you see all across the town are not only good at what they do, but what makes them that good is the super powerful nitro rc cars they are using.
If you can make your mind now about which rc car to go in for, then the objective of this article has been served!
Did we just hear the revving of your RC mechanical marvel?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Da Vinci Code; This Year's Biblical Box-Office Bonanza
The Da Vinci Code is now off and running as this year’s megabuck Biblical controversy. Question is, why do we seem to be afflicted with such a nearly annual entity?
Slight thought reveals the obvious. Given the big numbers that a major studio has to turn to make a return on a movie, it’s hardly a wonder that they keep turning to what they, in their needy bottom lines, consider the biggest subjects available.
Apparently, The Bible is pretty much at the top of their list.
Here they can find one topic after another that, treated cannily enough, is guaranteed to outrage the sensibilities of millions of comparatively sincere and innocent people – and, as a result, garner enough free publicity to ensure that the usually mundane redo of Biblical history will become a must-see movie for millions around the world.
Proof positive, last year we had the sincere savant of the box office, Mel Gibson, release his Passion of Christ on an expectedly ruffled world, and this year we’ve got resourceful action-adventure scribbler Ron Brown unloading the Hollywood version of his Da Vinci Mother Lode.
No doubt in coming years one of the less-scrupulous perpetrators of popular outrage will write a book and/or make a movie about such admittedly touchy stories as the Virgin Mary and what exactly the Angel Gabriel was doing there the night he told her she was going to conceive.
While this proclivity to Biblical blockbusters is inevitably tough on believers, it’s also hardly a source of placid delight to those who look on the entire explosive subject as evidence of almost inconceivable gullibility, even high up the ladder of either advocacy.
Which, unfortunately, confirms just how wide an audience Hollywood can expect to attend such ventures toward assured filmic bullion.
Slight thought reveals the obvious. Given the big numbers that a major studio has to turn to make a return on a movie, it’s hardly a wonder that they keep turning to what they, in their needy bottom lines, consider the biggest subjects available.
Apparently, The Bible is pretty much at the top of their list.
Here they can find one topic after another that, treated cannily enough, is guaranteed to outrage the sensibilities of millions of comparatively sincere and innocent people – and, as a result, garner enough free publicity to ensure that the usually mundane redo of Biblical history will become a must-see movie for millions around the world.
Proof positive, last year we had the sincere savant of the box office, Mel Gibson, release his Passion of Christ on an expectedly ruffled world, and this year we’ve got resourceful action-adventure scribbler Ron Brown unloading the Hollywood version of his Da Vinci Mother Lode.
No doubt in coming years one of the less-scrupulous perpetrators of popular outrage will write a book and/or make a movie about such admittedly touchy stories as the Virgin Mary and what exactly the Angel Gabriel was doing there the night he told her she was going to conceive.
While this proclivity to Biblical blockbusters is inevitably tough on believers, it’s also hardly a source of placid delight to those who look on the entire explosive subject as evidence of almost inconceivable gullibility, even high up the ladder of either advocacy.
Which, unfortunately, confirms just how wide an audience Hollywood can expect to attend such ventures toward assured filmic bullion.
Don’t Let Spoiled Milk Spoil Your Drive
Driving in your car with your kids can prove to be an experience that could leave you and your car’s interior very much exhausted. In fact, children can be quite clumsy that anything they hold could be found on the floor or out of their hands in just the blink of an eye. And if you are going driving on long rides with children, you always would be bringing with you food, sweets, and drinks for the kids to ingest. However, these could find their way to the floor and mar the clean interior that you have been keeping.
One of the drinks that could prove to be a major spoilage in your car’s interior would be milk. In fact, with the heat of the sun and of the road finding their way inside your car, in no time at all, the spilled milk could become spoiled milk. And when this happens, the odor of spoiled milk is very disturbing and could be quite a challenge to remove.
To remove such an annoying odor from your interior, you should try blotting up first any kind of liquid milk which could have remained in your car’s carpet or seats. You can do this task using a towel or a cotton cloth or any cloth which is absorbent enough to take in the liquid. Then, you can start pouring some baking soda over the area where the milk got spilled and spoiled. Baking soda has been known as a good absorber of odors and of liquids. Then, sprinkle some cold water on top of the baking soda and let this stand overnight. In the morning, it is then time to vacuum the area. Your purpose for doing such is to remove the baking soda off your interior.
However, even after doing this and the baking soda trick did not just work out, you can try using some white vinegar. Just apply some of this onto the area and let it stand there for 10 to 20 minutes and after that, remove the vinegar by letting paper towels or towels absorb the liquid.
One of the drinks that could prove to be a major spoilage in your car’s interior would be milk. In fact, with the heat of the sun and of the road finding their way inside your car, in no time at all, the spilled milk could become spoiled milk. And when this happens, the odor of spoiled milk is very disturbing and could be quite a challenge to remove.
To remove such an annoying odor from your interior, you should try blotting up first any kind of liquid milk which could have remained in your car’s carpet or seats. You can do this task using a towel or a cotton cloth or any cloth which is absorbent enough to take in the liquid. Then, you can start pouring some baking soda over the area where the milk got spilled and spoiled. Baking soda has been known as a good absorber of odors and of liquids. Then, sprinkle some cold water on top of the baking soda and let this stand overnight. In the morning, it is then time to vacuum the area. Your purpose for doing such is to remove the baking soda off your interior.
However, even after doing this and the baking soda trick did not just work out, you can try using some white vinegar. Just apply some of this onto the area and let it stand there for 10 to 20 minutes and after that, remove the vinegar by letting paper towels or towels absorb the liquid.
Don't Get Stuck Out in the Cold: Prepare Your Car for Winter
Who hasn't slipped and slid across an icy road or struggled to see clearly out of a foggy windshield? The cold winter months bring an increase in dangerous driving conditions. Make sure your car is up to the test.
First, think tires. Avoid that frightening feeling you get when your car has little traction during inclement weather conditions by putting on a set of winter tires. Today's winter tires are designed for snow and ice performance, with tread that reduces the risk of slipping and allows for better traction. Remember, the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground is the tire.
In addition to the right tires, you also need appropriate car maintenance.
"To help remain safe on winter's icy roads, adopt good vehicle maintenance practices," advises Trisha Hessinger, car education specialist and pace car driver. "Firestone Tire and Service Centers offer winter car care tips to help bolster car performance -and driver confidence - during the colder months."
As in all seasons, make sure tires are properly inflated, rotated, aligned and replaced as necessary. But as outside temperatures drop, the air inside a tire contracts and the pressure is reduced. Therefore, check your tire pressure often during colder months. Underinflation will lessen the gripping action because the tread will not meet the road surface as it is designed to do; this also occurs with overinflation.
Tires should be checked weekly at times when the tires have been driven less than a mile or have not moved in at least three hours.
Other vehicle components that need to be checked by a certified automotive technician include the engine, battery, exhaust, heating and defrosting systems. Also, make sure the vehicle's main
fluids are filled to the recommended levels.
With regard to fuel, drivers should keep their gas tanks full throughout the winter, as the extra volume can help lessen moisture problems within the fuel system and add helpful weight.
You'll be thankful for the added driving control and feeling of security that winter tires and the right maintenance will give you the next time you get behind the wheel during a snow storm.
First, think tires. Avoid that frightening feeling you get when your car has little traction during inclement weather conditions by putting on a set of winter tires. Today's winter tires are designed for snow and ice performance, with tread that reduces the risk of slipping and allows for better traction. Remember, the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground is the tire.
In addition to the right tires, you also need appropriate car maintenance.
"To help remain safe on winter's icy roads, adopt good vehicle maintenance practices," advises Trisha Hessinger, car education specialist and pace car driver. "Firestone Tire and Service Centers offer winter car care tips to help bolster car performance -and driver confidence - during the colder months."
As in all seasons, make sure tires are properly inflated, rotated, aligned and replaced as necessary. But as outside temperatures drop, the air inside a tire contracts and the pressure is reduced. Therefore, check your tire pressure often during colder months. Underinflation will lessen the gripping action because the tread will not meet the road surface as it is designed to do; this also occurs with overinflation.
Tires should be checked weekly at times when the tires have been driven less than a mile or have not moved in at least three hours.
Other vehicle components that need to be checked by a certified automotive technician include the engine, battery, exhaust, heating and defrosting systems. Also, make sure the vehicle's main
fluids are filled to the recommended levels.
With regard to fuel, drivers should keep their gas tanks full throughout the winter, as the extra volume can help lessen moisture problems within the fuel system and add helpful weight.
You'll be thankful for the added driving control and feeling of security that winter tires and the right maintenance will give you the next time you get behind the wheel during a snow storm.
Doing A Little Zoom-Zoom With the Mazda CX 7
Early this year, the building and production of another new vehicle from the Mazda Motor Corporation has already begun. And the stage has been set in Hiroshima, Japan, which is also where the headquarters of this giant automobile company is based. And this new vehicle that would soon be on sale this year is the Mazda CX 7.
The Mazda CX 7 is a crossover sport utility vehicle that is midsize. And this vehicle is actually the production version of the Mazda MX Crossport that was a concept car. When this vehicle starts to strut its stuff on the market, it would actually be marketed as a 2007 model. This vehicle will fill the niche that the Mazda Tribute has left behind. However, it has been said that this vehicle would only stay for a short time which would only be up until the company is able to take off two more new sport utility vehicles come the year 2008. The Mazda CX 7 is considered to be quite similar to the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and the Toyota Highlander.
Beneath the glamour and the beauty of the Mazda CX 7, one’s interest would also be held by the machine that keeps this vehicle running. The source of power of this vehicle is a 2.3 liter straight four MZR engine. This very same engine is also used in the Mazda Mazdaspeed 6. This power source could actually produce some 244 hp at 5000 rpm and also 258 pound feet of torque at a low 2500 rpm. Aside from that, this vehicle also boasts of additional features to make the driving and riding the Mazda CX 7 more pleasant and very enjoyable. The list of features include fully independent suspension systems, four wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti lock brakes made standard, and a stability control and traction control system. Interested parties may also have a choice between a front wheel drive and the Mazda Active Torque Split all wheel drive system. The latter actually has a computer controlled coupling that is able to provide up to a maximum of fifty percent of the whole of the engine’s torque to its rear wheels.
The Mazda CX 7 has been built on a new platform which has shown that the rumors were untrue about this sport utility vehicle using the same Ford/Mazda CD3 platform that is also used by the Ford Edge crossover, the Mazda6, and the Lincoln MKX crossover.
To know more about the Mazda CX 7 and also to purchase parts of this vehicle and other Mazda parts, you can actually visit Auto Parts Discount. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of Mazda parts in the United States. Each and every Mazda part that this online store offers is guaranteed to be made from excellent quality, durable and reliable material that would surely maintain the exquisite performance of any Mazda vehicle. Also, these parts are guaranteed to fit. With the parts available at discount and wholesale prices, Auto Parts Discount also offers an excellent customer service staff for any inquiries regarding their products.
The Mazda CX 7 is a crossover sport utility vehicle that is midsize. And this vehicle is actually the production version of the Mazda MX Crossport that was a concept car. When this vehicle starts to strut its stuff on the market, it would actually be marketed as a 2007 model. This vehicle will fill the niche that the Mazda Tribute has left behind. However, it has been said that this vehicle would only stay for a short time which would only be up until the company is able to take off two more new sport utility vehicles come the year 2008. The Mazda CX 7 is considered to be quite similar to the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and the Toyota Highlander.
Beneath the glamour and the beauty of the Mazda CX 7, one’s interest would also be held by the machine that keeps this vehicle running. The source of power of this vehicle is a 2.3 liter straight four MZR engine. This very same engine is also used in the Mazda Mazdaspeed 6. This power source could actually produce some 244 hp at 5000 rpm and also 258 pound feet of torque at a low 2500 rpm. Aside from that, this vehicle also boasts of additional features to make the driving and riding the Mazda CX 7 more pleasant and very enjoyable. The list of features include fully independent suspension systems, four wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti lock brakes made standard, and a stability control and traction control system. Interested parties may also have a choice between a front wheel drive and the Mazda Active Torque Split all wheel drive system. The latter actually has a computer controlled coupling that is able to provide up to a maximum of fifty percent of the whole of the engine’s torque to its rear wheels.
The Mazda CX 7 has been built on a new platform which has shown that the rumors were untrue about this sport utility vehicle using the same Ford/Mazda CD3 platform that is also used by the Ford Edge crossover, the Mazda6, and the Lincoln MKX crossover.
To know more about the Mazda CX 7 and also to purchase parts of this vehicle and other Mazda parts, you can actually visit Auto Parts Discount. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of Mazda parts in the United States. Each and every Mazda part that this online store offers is guaranteed to be made from excellent quality, durable and reliable material that would surely maintain the exquisite performance of any Mazda vehicle. Also, these parts are guaranteed to fit. With the parts available at discount and wholesale prices, Auto Parts Discount also offers an excellent customer service staff for any inquiries regarding their products.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Blonde Joke's On Us: The Dumbest Woman On Earth Was Not A Blonde
I've lived my entire adult life with "dumb blonde" jokes. Whoever started them, probably spawned by pornographers allured by Marylyn Monroe types (probably with dyed hair), should be locked up in a room with a hundred blonde professional women on a month-long sabbatical from bad bosses. Think he'd make it out alive? I think he (or she) definitely be a changed creature after that month. He'd gain a new understanding of blondes, that's for sure.
If you really want to know the truth of it, the dumbest woman to ever walk the face of earth had dark hair (likely, though we may never know for sure.) She was, without a doubt, the dumbest woman to ever live. Her name? Eve. Very unlikely blonde, seeing as how her issue to this very day is mostly brunette or have black or dark hair. So get the blonde thing out of your head for just a moment. You see, she and Adam were originally created equal (many women today have a big problem with that "man having dominion over women" thing), otherwise, as I see it, God would have taken a bone out of Adams foot to create Eve. He didn't. (Now, wait, all you Bible believers- you have to read the rest of this before you'll understand just when Eve lost her "equal" status.) The bone came from his side, his rib. To me, this signifies equality. Well, then what does this dark-haired woman do but sashay up to a serpent and strike up a conversation with him (precursor to flirting, I suppose?). Didn't she think it unusual that a serpent could talk? Guess not.
That was Dumb act #1.
Now for dumb act #2:
After a little chit chat, (Gen. 3:1..."Really?" he asked the woman. "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?" Gen. 3:2"Of course we may eat it," the woman told him. 3:3 "It's only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.") she believes this creature (remember a serpent that can talk) when he calls God a liar, basically (3:4 "You won't die!" the serpent hissed. 3:5 "God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil." 3:6 The woman was convinced.) Now, it doesn't look like it took much convincing, does it? How dumb is that, after the head honcho of the place, the owner, the boss (the best boss ever, one who actually loves his workers) says don't eat fruit from that tree, and a snake or serpent (that's not supposed to be able to talk) can 'talk you into it'?
Dumb act #3:
The dark-haired woman proceeds to eat the fruit (Adam, by the way, was right there with her- why didn't he pipe up and say "uh, hon, I don't think this is a good idea...I don't trust that serpent (that can talk, remember?). He was most likely dark-haired as well, remember.
Dumb act #4:
She turns and offers it to her husband. All the while the serpent is watching. I never saw a serpent grin, but I'll bet he did.
Dumb act #5:
They hid from God. Whose idea was that, I wonder?
Dumb act #6:
They look for someone to blame it on (3:12 "Yes," Adam admitted, "but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." 3:13 Then the LORD God asked the woman, "How could you do such a thing?" "The serpent tricked me," she replied. "That's why I ate it.") Now I don't know about you, but that conversation was a blatant manipulation, i.e. a lie, by the serpent, but not a trick. Eve believed a lie, just believed what the serpent said. (Remember this the next time a snake or lizard comes up to you and strikes up a conversation). Genesis Chapter 3:16 is where Eve, (a dark-haired woman? Again, we'll never know for sure), sold out her equality, not only for herself, but for all women from then on (3:16 Then he said to the woman, "You will bear children with intense pain and suffering. And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master.")
They were both dumb, at that time. God didn't make them stupid, but they sure had an Adam and Eve moment. I don't think you have to have any particular hair color to be dumb. You could even be bald. So dumb-blonde-joke-tellers, get over it already. If you don't like who you are, at least quit putting others down to make yourself feel better.
Interesting, that when I used to work for a company which employed mostly people of another nationality (including the boss), they could make "dumb blonde" jokes all day, which is a reference to my racial heritage, but if I said just one slanderous joke referring to their race (which I wouldn't have, even if it was legal), then that would be considered by the law to be a form of assault, among other things.)
Maybe blonde jokes should be outlawed. You think?
© 2005 Dianne James
If you really want to know the truth of it, the dumbest woman to ever walk the face of earth had dark hair (likely, though we may never know for sure.) She was, without a doubt, the dumbest woman to ever live. Her name? Eve. Very unlikely blonde, seeing as how her issue to this very day is mostly brunette or have black or dark hair. So get the blonde thing out of your head for just a moment. You see, she and Adam were originally created equal (many women today have a big problem with that "man having dominion over women" thing), otherwise, as I see it, God would have taken a bone out of Adams foot to create Eve. He didn't. (Now, wait, all you Bible believers- you have to read the rest of this before you'll understand just when Eve lost her "equal" status.) The bone came from his side, his rib. To me, this signifies equality. Well, then what does this dark-haired woman do but sashay up to a serpent and strike up a conversation with him (precursor to flirting, I suppose?). Didn't she think it unusual that a serpent could talk? Guess not.
That was Dumb act #1.
Now for dumb act #2:
After a little chit chat, (Gen. 3:1..."Really?" he asked the woman. "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?" Gen. 3:2"Of course we may eat it," the woman told him. 3:3 "It's only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.") she believes this creature (remember a serpent that can talk) when he calls God a liar, basically (3:4 "You won't die!" the serpent hissed. 3:5 "God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil." 3:6 The woman was convinced.) Now, it doesn't look like it took much convincing, does it? How dumb is that, after the head honcho of the place, the owner, the boss (the best boss ever, one who actually loves his workers) says don't eat fruit from that tree, and a snake or serpent (that's not supposed to be able to talk) can 'talk you into it'?
Dumb act #3:
The dark-haired woman proceeds to eat the fruit (Adam, by the way, was right there with her- why didn't he pipe up and say "uh, hon, I don't think this is a good idea...I don't trust that serpent (that can talk, remember?). He was most likely dark-haired as well, remember.
Dumb act #4:
She turns and offers it to her husband. All the while the serpent is watching. I never saw a serpent grin, but I'll bet he did.
Dumb act #5:
They hid from God. Whose idea was that, I wonder?
Dumb act #6:
They look for someone to blame it on (3:12 "Yes," Adam admitted, "but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." 3:13 Then the LORD God asked the woman, "How could you do such a thing?" "The serpent tricked me," she replied. "That's why I ate it.") Now I don't know about you, but that conversation was a blatant manipulation, i.e. a lie, by the serpent, but not a trick. Eve believed a lie, just believed what the serpent said. (Remember this the next time a snake or lizard comes up to you and strikes up a conversation). Genesis Chapter 3:16 is where Eve, (a dark-haired woman? Again, we'll never know for sure), sold out her equality, not only for herself, but for all women from then on (3:16 Then he said to the woman, "You will bear children with intense pain and suffering. And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master.")
They were both dumb, at that time. God didn't make them stupid, but they sure had an Adam and Eve moment. I don't think you have to have any particular hair color to be dumb. You could even be bald. So dumb-blonde-joke-tellers, get over it already. If you don't like who you are, at least quit putting others down to make yourself feel better.
Interesting, that when I used to work for a company which employed mostly people of another nationality (including the boss), they could make "dumb blonde" jokes all day, which is a reference to my racial heritage, but if I said just one slanderous joke referring to their race (which I wouldn't have, even if it was legal), then that would be considered by the law to be a form of assault, among other things.)
Maybe blonde jokes should be outlawed. You think?
© 2005 Dianne James