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- 2 Way Car Alarms - Wave Of The Future
By David Faulkner
2 way car are alarms bringing automobile protection systems into the future. A car alarm is now so much more than just a loud ringing noise when the vehicle is invaded. A 2 way car alarm is now able notify you remotely via pager when the alarm is activated. They also provid the ability to start and control the car from a distance. These special alarms can do nearly everything short of driving the car for you!
The technology, often utilizing FM radio waves, is not endorsed by some law enforcement officials because of the fact that real-time notification of theft activity might turn some car owners into vigilantes. It is seen as a trade-off in citizen safety to have the ability to try to intervene in a theft in progress. However, the remote action options available with 2 way car alarms, including door locks and trunk release, have allowed some car owners to derail a theft from as much as 2,500 feet away.
Many 2 way alarm manufacturers build GPS systems into their alarm units, which is a valuable tool in recovery of stolen vehicles. The ability to track and pinpoint the location of a stolen vehicle has helped reunite many owners with their cars. However, the satellite technology used by these 2 way car alarms is far from foolproof since the signals only work when line-of-sight is possible. They can can be obstructed by solid objects including below ground parking facilities. Still, it's a great advance in fighting auto theft.
Beyond these security measures, some modern 2 way car alarm models offer very attractive comfort features to their owners. Imagine being able to keep your vehicle locked while remote starting the car and engaging the climate control. The days of waiting in the heat or cold until the car's temperature regulates can be a thing of the past with these fantastically user-friendly options!
Despite the incredible advances of these 2 way car alarms, it must be stated that they cannot upgrade a vehicle beyond its original capabilities. For example, when installed in a car that does not have automatic door locks or trunk releases, these features will not work regardless of the alarm system. Additionally, most 2 way car alarms are designed to work strictly with automatic transmission vehicles. A standard transmission cannot be started remotely as the transmission must be manually disengaged to be able to start. So, be sure that your vehicle is equipped to take on the many advantages of a 2 way car alarm system, and then enjoy this space-age gadget!
Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:09:00 +0000 - Car's Oil Can Be Changed Easily By You
By Juan Uflerbaumer
Changing your car's oil yourself is a lot easier than you think, and also you can save money.
Whether you are a first timer or experienced, this is a detailed guide to show you themost efficient and safest way to do this simple task, but remember, safety always comes first when it comes to automotive maintenance.
about 5 quarts of motor oil will be needed. (the proper SAE viscosity, API performance and quantity required for your engine as well as filter specs is in your owner's manual)
A new oil filter. This is a "spin-on" type oil filter, it comes in various sizes and shapes.
A drain plug socket wrench or open-end wrench (exact size) and an oil filter wrench.
A large drain pan and a rag.
Your motor oil and oil filter should be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This will provide superior engine protection and longer engine life. (Check your owner's manual for special conditions and do not exceed warranty recommendations.)
Never use a jack to hold your vehicle up because it is too unstable. Wheel ramps are ideal and much safer. Drive your vehicle up onto the wheel ramps so that the front tires are elevated. Set your emergency brake and brace both rear wheels with wooden blocks. Put your vehicle in park if you have an automatic transmission and in first gear if you have a manual transmission.
Idle your engine for about 5-10 minutes to bring it to normal operating temperature because if the oil is cold will not drain properly (never start your engine without oil). Then switch off the engine and raise the hood to locate and loosen the oil sump cap to avoid vaccum, this will allow the oil to drain from the bottom more freely.
Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of your vehicle. It should be located at the bottom rear end of the engine sump.
Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug. Turn the plug counterclockwise using your wrench until it rotates freely. Finish removing the plug by hand. Be careful of the oil since it may release rapidly and is likely to be rather hot.
After that, loosen the oil filter - may be warm - turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench. Complete the removal by hand, taking care not touch the hot exhaust manifold. The oil filter may feel slightly heavy because is filled with oil, so carefully ease it down and away from the engine and tip its contents into the drain pan.
Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine. Then take a new filter and carefully screw the new filter onto the threaded oil line, turning it clockwise. Once aligned properly, the filter will thread on easily. Tighten the filter by hand, taking care not to overtighten.
Clean the oil plug and drain set and then align and replace the plug. Screw the plug in by hand and finish by tightening it with a wrench. Take care to not overtighten.
You will find a cap that says "Oil" on the top of your engine. Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to assure proper fill level. Then replace the cap. The oil light should go out as soon as the engine is started. Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to assure proper oil level. Last, check under the vehicle if there are leaks.
Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:20:00 +0000 - Car Theft
By Dennis J James
With all the advancement in auto anti-theft technology you would believe that the theft of vehicles would be less than ever before, however, that statement is farther from the truth than you can imagine. A matter of fact, automobile theft is still a booming business. All anti-theft systems can only do so much to aid against car theft.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently reported that the vehicle theft rate has risen to nearly 1,260 million vehicles an increase of 14,000 over the previous year. With this report, it shows that car thefts have increased consecutively over the last four years. They also provide suggestions to help every car owner protect their cars from thieves. Anti-theft systems cost quite a bit of money and many car insurance companies do give discounts on your insurance if you have some types of anti-theft devices on your car.
The NICB reported that the total loss for owners and insurance companies due to car theft is more than $8 billion a year, which is a figure that is getting larger each year as vehicles cost more and more. Auto theft costs all drivers with higher insurance rates.
The NICB also reports that where you live also plays a major factor. According to their report, owners living in a port city, an urban area in general, or a town, which is on the border with Mexico or Canada, should take into consideration some extra protection. The NICB lists the top 10 cities, including their surrounding areas, with the highest vehicle thefts from highest to lowest: Modesto, CA.; Phoenix-Mesa, AZ.; Stockton-Lodi, CA.; Las Vegas, NV.; Sacramento, CA.; Fresno, CA.; Oakland, CA.; Miami, FL; San Diego, CA.; and Detroit, MI.
The vehicle you drive even affects its chances of finding itself in the hands of auto thieves. The NICB listed the following vehicles as the most stolen vehicles in 2003 starting with the most stolen, the 2000 Honda Civic, 1989 Toyota Camry, 1991 Honda Accord, 1994 Chevrolet 1500 pickup, 1994 Dodge Caravan, 1997 Ford F-150 pickup, 1986 Toyota Truck, 1995 Acura Integra, 1987 Nissan Sentra and 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
A few helpful tips for protecting your vehicles from car thieves include:- Never leave your keys in your car; even if you think you have hidden them well, car thieves know all the hiding places.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight - this is too tempting.
- Never leave personal information in your car such as ID’s – this is just asking to become a victim of identity theft.
- Never leave the car title or registration in the car it makes it too easy to sale.
- Always park in well-lit areas.
- Most car thieves tow cars; always leave a standard vehicle in gear and with an automatic use your emergency brakes.
- If you put your car in the garage, lock all windows and doors in the garage.
- Do not believe your car is old so no thief would want it; age doesn’t stop a car thief.
- Even though, nothing can totally protect you against car thieves many could have been avoided with just a few precautions.
Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:33:00 +0000 - The 100 Year History Of The Hybrid Car
By T J Madigan
The history of hybrid cars is immersed in controversy. Not so much for the product itself, but for the technology it uses. Is it old like the conception of wheel itself, or is it a recent idea, as recent as the embryonic stem cell technology?
First of all, a hybrid car is a vehicle that uses on-board RESS, or rechargeable energy storage system. This is coupled with a fueled propulsion power source for the automobiles propulsion. The Hybrid car is a low-gas consuming vehicle, therefore, a low-polluting vehicle.
The last characteristic is particularly important because of the growing consciousness of people worldwide on the need to protect the environment.
History points to the clear differences between hybrid and all-electric cars. Electric cars use batteries charged by an external source. On this note, almost all hybrids, save for those considered as mild-hybrid, still need gasoline or diesel as their fuel source. Other fuels are also available in the form of ethanol or other plant based oils. Hybrid vehicles also use hydrogen gas occasionally.
What is the history of hybrid cars?
The history of hybrid cars is closely intertwined with the history of the automobile itself. In 1898, Ferdinand Porsche, a young Czechoslovakian, designed the Lohner-Porsche carriage, a series-hybrid vehicle that utilized a one-cylinder gasoline internal combustion engine. This engine spun a generator which powered four wheel-mounted electric motors.
The car was eventually presented at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. The said automobile, capable of up to 56 km/h (35 mph) fast destroyed several Austrian speed records. In 1901, it won the Exelberg Rally, with Porsche himself driving the car. Mass production during this time was yet to be developed, but for Porsches future-looking design, 300 units of this model were sold to the public.
The first Porsche model however, technically speaking as we know Porsch today, was a hand-built aluminum prototype, and was completed on June 8, 1948.
The development of the first transistor-based electric car in 1959, the Henney Kilowatt, heralded a new development in the history of automobiles as a whole, and the history of hybrid cars in particular. This transistor-based electric car, paved the way for the electronic speed control. Ultimately, this made the road for the development of modern hybrid electric cars possible.
The Henney Kilowatt was considered the first modern electric car. It was a product of collaborative work between the National Union Electric Company, Henney Coachworks, Renault, and the Eureka Williams Company. Whilst the sales of the Kilowatt during this time were far from encouraging, its development served as the prototype for the other automobiles down the line of hybrid cars.
Between the 1960s and 1970s, another prototype of the earlier electric-hybrid vehicle was built by Victor Wouk. Wouk is among the scientists involved with the development of the Henney Kilowatt automobile. For this work, some historians bestowed upon him the honor being the Godfather of the Hybrid hybrid car.
For his pioneering work, Wouk installed a sample electric-hybrid drivetrain into a 1972 Buick Skylark, courtesy GM for the 1970 Federal Clean Car Incentive Program. The program was later axed by the EPA in 1976. Hybrid enthusiast and supporters continued building hybrid automobiles. These models however, were not put into mass production.
In the fading years of the twentieth century however, the history of hybrid cars has taken on a new course.
1978, the regenerative-braking hybrid, was developed by Electrical Engineer David Arthurs. The said regenerative-braking is to have become the core design concept of most hybrids, currently available in the market. The first attempt of Arthurs used off-the shelf components, including an Opel GT. But the voltage controller that links to the battery motor and the DC generator belonged to Arthurs.
Fast forward in the 1990s
The history of hybrid cars took the final step to modernity in terms of mass production during the Bill Clinton administration. Clinton initiated the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles program in September, 1993, that involved the Department of Energy, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, USCAR, and various governmental agencies. The partnership was tasked to engineer a modern efficient and clean vehicle.
In 2001, this program was replaced George W. Bushs own hydrogen focused FreedomCAR initiative. The focus of the FreedomCAR initiative was to fund research that is considered high risk for the private sector to engage in. The long term purpose of which is the development and production of petroleum emission.
The success of hybrid vehicles in terms of mass production however, became a reality, when the Japanese car manufacturer entered the American market. This is when the history of hybrid cars finally took its modern development. Honda Insight and Toyota Prius became the modern progenitor of modern day hybrid vehicle available today in the market.
Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:48:00 +0000 - What the Dealers Do Not Want You to Know
By Bryan Matik
So you want to buy a used car. It is scary, because there are so many places out there that offer used cars to you. But, you want the best price that you can find, so where do you look? Who do you turn to? Before you even begin shopping, it is important to do your homework. Check out your local classified ads to give you an idea of what the price of the make and model that you are looking for. Make sure to also look for Blue Book values in the high and low range so that you know approximately what the car is worth.
Another great source for those who are interested in purchasing used cars is CARFAX. This is a web based service that will supply you with a report on the vehicle’s history. All you have to do is provide a VIN number and whether the car was in an accident or had major work done to it, you will know. There is a program set up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well. It will tell you if there has been any recalls in the history of the car that you are going to purchase. It is also highly recommended to make sure that you have any vehicle that you are considering purchasing inspected by a trusted mechanic prior to buying the vehicle.
There are several places that you can look before going straight to a used car dealer. One of them is your local Classified Ads. You will see many, many cars priced at well below retail. When you take a car to the dealer for trade in, you are usually offered something well below wholesale price. A lot of people try to sell what they have without trading them in. This allows them to at least make several hundred more then what the dealer has to offer and you will not have to pay dealer prices.
Another great place to look is at Online Auctions. Online Auctions are a great place to find bargains. You do not have to go from dealer to dealer and look to see if they have what you want. In the comfort of your own home, you can look for auctions with no reserves and bid away. The only drawback is to make sure that the car is local; otherwise you will be paying some money to have to get your new used car if you win. The other thing that you need to be aware of is that you can put in the total amount that you are willing to pay and then just sit back and watch. You have to be patient. You may not get what you want the first few times.
Public car auctions are yet another great place to find used cars at cheaper prices. They are generally open to the public and do not require you to have dealer’s licenses. These types of auctions in general are an excellent place to buy cars at wholesale prices. There are a lot of different types of car auctions out there including: Auction Repossessions from banks and other credit companies, Police Auctions and Estate Auctions. Keep in mind though, that sometimes in Police Auctions that what you are buying might not be the whole thing. The car can sometimes be stripped out, but if you have the wherewithal to fix cars, then by all means, go for it. Most public auctions are advertised in the newspapers about 30 days prior to the auction. Make sure if you are going to attend on to go prepared to pay for your purchase in full.
New Care Dealerships
Okay, so you are wondering why the heck you would go to a new car dealership to get a used car. Well, it is simple, since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars; the dealerships always have an extensive amount of used cars to unload. The advantage here is that there is a wider range of makes and models to choose from. They also provide reconditioning to the vehicle before they resell them. Buyer beware though, they actually may attempt to persuade you to purchase more than what you actually are looking for. Make sure to have your game plan mapped out before going to a dealership.
Used Car Dealerships
You can find a used car dealer virtually on every corner of every town in the United States. They will sometimes be very tiny with only a small stock of cars, or they can be part of a dealership where there will be hundreds of used cars for sale. The difference between used and new car dealers is that the prices at used car dealerships is much less than if you were to purchase it at a new car dealer. Most used car dealers are much easier to bargain with when making your purchase. What you need to be aware of is that the quality of these cars is not as wonderful as those that you would purchase from a new car dealership. The selection may not be as wonderful either.
Car Auctions
In the past several years, there has been a big increase in public auctions as a way of purchasing cars and trucks. It used to be the auctions were only for licensed dealers. Fortunately for the benefit of the average Joe who is looking for a used vehicle, there are a lot of used car auctions that are open to the public. What you need to be aware of when it comes to auctions is that the selection and quality of the vehicles will vary. One week you may see top of the line vehicles and then the next nothing to write home about. The prices that you see at the auctions are substantially lower than at the dealerships. Just keep in mind, you see what you get. There is no chance for you to have the vehicle inspected before you purchase it and all sales are final. You also need to be aware that a bidding frenzy could occur. Just be careful when going to a car auction.
Private Seller
Buying a car from a private seller has its ups and downs. On the positive side, you will be able to talk to the owner and see how the car was actually cared for. You can also get a much more reasonable price because they are usually priced as per Blue Book values. On the downside, it can be a hassle to go from private owner to private owner to look at several different cars to determine which is better. This means that you would have to set up several different appointments and then if you don’t act quickly, they may sell to someone else. Buyer Beware: if you see someone with a bunch of cars for sale, they actually may be a dealer. Always ask to see the title and registration of the car. If it is a few days old, be very wary.
Sun, 10 Jun 2007 13:39:00 +0000 - Pimp My Ride: Start With Your Rims
By Christopher W Smith
SUMMARY: If you want to enhance the appearance of your car without spending too much money on body kits, or you want to take it slowly to budget your expenses for your car, you should consider changing your car rims first. It is a fact that one of the most noticeable features in a car are the rims.
If you want to enhance the appearance of your car without spending too much money on body kits, or you want to take it slowly to budget your expenses for your car, you should consider changing your car rims first. It is a fact that one of the most noticeable features in a car are the rims. So, if you are planning to customize your car and give it a better look, you should start by replacing your after market rims with a better looking set and also one that will improve the overall performance of your car.
"First, there are different types of rims available today. There are spinners, chrome rims, American racing rims, truck rims and custom rims. All these rims differ in price, size, design, weight and mounting options. If you are a person who just wants to improve the look of your car, you should get spinners or chrome rims. However, if you also want to improve the performance of your car, try getting rims that are built for racing. It is lighter in weight and it improves that road performance of your car.
Most people know that custom rims improve the appearance of a car. However, what many people don’t know is that rims also contribute to the overall road performance of a car. In the early days, rims were made with steel, which were heavy and the handling of the car suffered. However, today car rims are aerodynamically designed, and are lighter which will enhance a car's handling performance.
The size of the rims is also important. The larger the rims of a car, the better it looks and the better the performance. By increasing the size of the rims, you will have better steering response from the car. This is because larger rims tend to increase the surface area of the wheel that comes in contact with the road. Also, because you will be covering most of the rubber in the tires, your car will also look a lot better.
Racing rims are very popular in street cars today. However, there are some people who only prefer to enhance its appearance. If you want a better looking car, and are not really concentrating much on performance, you can consider getting chrome rims or spinners. Chrome rims are popular because of its shiny appearance. Another popular trend today is by installing spinner rims on a car. This particular rim does not have any performance value but is still very popular and eye catching. What spinners do is it creates an optical illusion that even when the car is stationary, it will look as if the wheels are still spinning.
Custom rims are also very popular. This is because it is made from scratch and it is made according to your specifications on what your new rims will look like. Custom rims will cost a little more because it is made from scratch.
These are the kinds of car rims available in the market today. So, if you want to improve the appearance and performance of your car, you can consider upgrading your after market rims to custom rims, spinners, and racing rims. Always remember that by installing larger and lighter rims, you will also improve the performance of your car.
Mon, 05 Mar 2007 21:11:00 +0000 - How To Replace Brake Pads
By J Stanton
SUMMARY: A step by step guide to replacing brake pads.
There aren't many things as dangerous as a car with inefficient brakes, you know this. Regularly changing brake pads is really important. Your safety while driving depends on several factors but regarding brakes it all depends on equipment: saving few bucks on brake pads isn't worth!
There's no need to go to the mechanic to replace your brake pades, you can easily do it yourself.
If it's the firts time you do it allow it some hours, it's not difficult but it will require some time if you're not experienced.
Attention: after driving the car brake pads and brake discs are hot.
Avoid any possible risk working in a safe area.- Make sure your car will not move at all, set the handbrake and park in a plain area.
- Loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car up.
- Jack the car up so you can remove the wheel as if replacing the wheel. (Use two jack stands for your safety)
- Remove the caliper bolts and make it slide away from the disc: brake pads are the black parts that were near the disc surface.
- Remove them from the caliper: there are several kinds of calipers so you have to see how it works in your car but you should easily do it: it's just a matter of bolts or clips.
- Take the occasion to check brake rotors condition, rotors must be the more smooth possible and must not have any asperities. If it's damaged you'll have to get a new one. Discs can also be reconditioned but it's not recommended.
- Now, with the new thicker pads you need to push the caliper piston back to its original position in order to create enough space for the new pads, you might need an adjustable spanner or a C-Clamp.
- Apply brake pad grease on the part that won't be in contact with the rotor and put them inside the caliper.
- Reassemble everything as it was and proceed with the other side and the rear axle if your car has four disc brakes.
Wed, 09 May 2007 17:07:00 +0000 - Biodiesel Testing - Quality and Purity Testing Increase Confidence And Assure Results
By Andrew Stratton
Biodiesel and biofuel production is growing at an ever growing rate as new production facilities appear across Europe, Asia, and the Americas every month. Manufacturers of biodiesel testing equipment are responding to these growing demands to supply the market at every level.
Biodiesel and biofuel production is growing at an exponentially increasing rate as new test-bed plants and full production facilities are being approved every month across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
At present, biofuel production is considered experimental, and compared with other fuel production techniques, the total output is still very low. Feedstock supply lines are therefore quite limited, either being sourced from widely distributed waste products of other industries, or from niche crops like canola, a relatively new rapeseed cultivar. This creates a problem for both major and minor biodiesel producers, who have the daunting task of producing homogeneous, high quality fuel sourced from feedstock of varying and ultimately unknown purity and content. The market has responded to the demands of these new industries to supply quality assurance biodiesel testing equipment for every production scale.
Given the climbing public awareness of global warming and strains on global energy output, governments and corporations around the world are fronting the expense of rebates, research grants, and tax breaks for operators in industries which work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making the concept of small, high-tech niche-industry start-ups economically viable. This has attracted big investment dollars in Brazil, the United States, and some members of the EU - most notable among these being Germany, where there are dozens of medium and large-scale alternative energy generation plants.
Biodiesel is defined as a diesel equivalent produced via transesterification of common fats and oils. There are three main avenues of supply of feedstock to biodiesel production plants. The first of these is dedicated crops grown specifically for their organic oils. Examples of these include soy beans, canola (rapeseed), oil palms, and algae. Canola and soy accounts for most of the total biodiesel production feedstock for the world, as it can be grown with conventional farming techniques, with predictable results.
The crop with the potential to produce the most oil is actually a species of algae, Botryococcus braunii, however, there remain serious doubts about its viability as a crop. Medium scale ventures prefer the waste by-products of other farming methods. The woody part of corn plants, left over wood pulp, and other biomass materials can be used as a substrate for biodiesel or ethanol producing bacteria. This supply is desirable for medium-scale producers as it results from otherwise less valuable by-products that can be obtained in reasonably large quantities.
Small-scale and hobbyist biodiesel producers are most likely to make use of waste vegetable oils and animal fats from cooking and commercial food production, as these are ubiquitous, but usually available only in smaller quantities, and hobby users are not likely to need any more raw feedstock than is necessary for a tank of fuel in their car every week. Furthermore, it is impractical for larger producers to collect kitchen waste in the same way an individual can, at least until demand grows enough for such infrastructure to be built.
Large scale producers have ongoing testing requirements for samples from billions of gallons biofuel every year. Due to the experimental nature of the industry, initial investment for such projects is quite expensive, however, due to the mostly uniform content of the feedstock crops used, large biodiesel production plants have run fairly reliably once established. For big biodiesel, the emphasis is on quality assurance: There are stringent requirements put on producers to keep levels of pollutants and various contaminants under tight control. Areas tested can include alcohol content, ester content, sulfur, heavy metal, and water quotas.
Additionally, biodiesel must exhibit certain physical characteristics like viscosity and flashpoint temperature. Small and medium scale producers have slightly different challenges to overcome, as they often do not sell their product, but rather, use it internally to power on-site farming machinery, or in the case of a hobbyist, the family sedan. The challenge here is not in producing product that meets stringent sales requirements (although it is desirable), but rather, ensuring that the higher number of relatively small batches are safe and uniform, so as not to produce content that damages the engines of machinery and equipment.
While this work can be done in-house, it is far more economically viable for producers to contract out as possible. Larger testing enterprises usually have of at least one HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) machine or Gas Chromatograph, which are available for less than US$20,000, as well as all the appropriate glassware and apparatus to conduct titrations and other analytic procedures. At the hobby end of the market are self-contained biodiesel reaction vessel kits available for less than $500, and biodiesel testing kits for testing small quantities of product which can be sourced for less than $50.
With the growing public concern over the excess of atmospheric carbon, world peak oil production, and alternative energy solutions, biodiesel is beginning to look like an increasingly appealing stepping stone in between petroleum products and a completely clean implementation of energy storage, like hydrogen. Biodiesel testing requirements factor into the equation for small, medium, and large scale producers to ensure a supply of quality product.
Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:31:00 +0000 - How Can I Benefit from BioDiesel?
By Steve Dolan
If you have an interest in being environmentally friendly, then no doubt you're aware of the damage fossil fuels are doing to our environment. Not only that, but at some point they will run out. Add in the recent jump in gas prices, and it's hardly surprising that more people are talking about making their own biodiesel fuel. Although it sounds like a great idea, you need to consider a few points before going ahead and making your own biodiesel fuel.
What Is Biodiesel?
To start with, let's take a look at what biodiesel fuel actually is. At its most simple, biodiesel fuel is made from either vegetable oil, animal fat, or mixture of the two. It's a clean burning fuel that is made from renewable resources hence the name biodiesel.
Generally, biodiesel fuel is made from straight vegetable oil, sometimes referred to as SVO. So if you want to make your own biodiesel fuel, you'll need to have an adequate supply of the basic ingredients. Unfortunately, most households don't produce enough waste animal fat or vegetable fat to come anywhere close to making enough biodiesel fuel to keep the family car running.
Using Recycled oil
This has led to a whole new industry, with the basic aim of sourcing much larger quantities of raw product. They get together with restaurants, bakeries, and any other business that uses a deep fryer, so that they can collect the used oil for recycling. The oils are then blended and used as the basis for biodiesel fuel. The processes are the same as you'd use to make biodiesel fuel at home, but by having access to a much larger supply of raw products, these companies can produce biodiesel in quantities that are more viable.
Can I make it at Home?
One thing to remember is that it's not quite this simple! Used vegetable oil needs to be mixed and stored, which can be quite a problem if you have large amounts of it. You also need to dewater, filter and deacidify the waste oil before it can be used for making biodiesel. This makes the production of biodiesel fuel at home a lot more complicated.
Having said that, it's certainly still quite possible to make biodiesel fuel at home, simply by buying straight vegetable oil, rather than using waste products. Even though it will cost you a lot more, when you compare it to the cost of buying the necessary amount of gas to run your car for a year, you can still save an enormous amount - somewhere around 75 percent. Even better, you're saving the environment too.
Can I mix it with Petroleum?
The short answer is yes! It can be blended with petroleum in any percentages and used as fuel. There is a fuel called B20 which is 20 percent biodiesel that has shown significant environmental benefits. It can be used in an existing diesel engine with either little or no modifications. The only thing to be aware of is that biodiesel acts as a solvent and can remove old deposits on on your fuel tank walls and your fuel lines. This may lead to a clogging of your filters so care should be taken. But hey - then you have a clean system!!
So if you're interested in saving money and helping out the environment, look at the option of making biodiesel fuel at home. It takes a little bit of effort, but the rewards are definitely worthwhile.
Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:08:00 +0000 - Brake Systems: Not an abstract theory
Brake operation is not abstract theory but a great example of applied science. We can look at brake troubleshooting from two engineering viewpoints-conversion of kinetic energy to thermal energy, and the application of hydraulic principles. Let's start with stopping power and then move to the hydraulic applications.
The power to stop a vehicle comes from converting kinetic energy to thermal energy. Kinetic and thermal energy are two sides of the same coin, which is heat transfer. The primary job of a brake system is to dissipate heat. In our rush to troubleshoot today's sophisticated braking systems, however, we often jump past basic heat transfer to the high-tech realm of electronic controllers and computer programs. In reality, the major factor that determines good or poor braking performance is simple friction.
The braking system exists to convert the energy of a vehicle in motion into thermal energy, more commonly referred to as heat. Friction is measured by its coefficient, which is calculated by dividing the force required to slide an object over a surface by the weight of the object. For example, if it takes 100 pounds of force to slide a 100-pound block of iron over a concrete floor, the coefficient of friction between the two materials is 1.0. If it takes only 2 pounds of force to slide a 100-pound block of ice over the same floor, the coefficient is only .02.
Friction exists at two points for each wheel during braking-between pad or shoe linings and rotors or drums, and between the tires and the road. These are the areas you want to think about when troubleshooting a braking problem.
Three factors affect the coefficient of friction in a brake system, and these involve some important service operations on your part:
• The surface finish of both friction surfaces.
• Temperature.
• The material-the metal of the rotors and drums and the friction material of the pad and shoe linings.
Manufacturers almost universally recommend against machining the surfaces of brand-new rotors and drums or refinishing rotors unless they're worn or scored beyond certain limits. All manufacturers do, however, specify definite surface finish requirements for rotors and drums.
Because contact between brake drums and shoe linings is linear, surface finish for a brake drum is not as critical as it is for rotors. The finish is not unimportant, however. That's why carmakers and parts suppliers tell you to make the final refinishing cut on a drum at a shallow depth and slow feed rate to ensure a uniform finish, free of grooves and spirals.
Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:30:00 +0000 - Got A Need For Speed? Easy Ways To Gain More Horsepower
By Levi Quinn
SUMMARY: Does the purring of a suped-up engine make you smile? Have you ever rolled down your window at a stop light to listen to the muscle car sitting beside you? If so, you've got horsepower fever.
While we all don't own a tricked out, 1966 Chevelle with a candy apple red paint rob and a custom interior, you can feed your need for speed, even in the family minivan. Here are few easy tips to get you stated.
Lubricants are your engine's best friend
Transmission fluid and motor oil are not just necessary for your engine to run, they can affect the power performance of your vehicle. Heat and friction steal away precious horsepower from your engine by slowing down moving parts and causing the engine to work harder. Choosing a newer synthetic, high grade lubricant can greatly reduce friction and keep your engine cooler, resulting in increased horsepower.
Upgrade your ignition system
When changing your spark plugs and wires, invest in a more expensive set. Increasing your spark allows for a more complete combustion of your fuel, giving you more horsepower and better gas mileage. Changing out your spark plugs, wires and coil can be a quick and easy way to boost your horsepower.
Give your engine some breathing room
Your air filter is vital to your engine's performance. Fresh air allows your engine to breathe, giving you better horsepower. A clogged, dirty air filter not only blocks the fresh airflow to your engine, it allows dirt and debris to get sucked in as well, clogging your moving parts and turning your fluids to sludge. Clean your air filter regularly and replace it like clockwork. Consider installing an oil soaked filter like one from K&N, they are guaranteed for life and help provide peak performance from your engine.
Keep it cool, baby
The hotter your engine runs, the harder it has to work. Installing a cold air kit infuses your air filter with fresh, denser, cool air, instead of allowing it to suck the warm air from under the hood back into the engine. Cold air kits are easy to obtain and install. Most do-it-yourselfers will have no trouble installing a cold air kit.
Pay more at the pump for better performance
While the 87 octane may look enticing with today's high gas prices, the cheap stuff will not do your engine any favors. It's a lot like hospital food, it will keep you alive, but it's not recommended for long term sustenance. More octane equals more power, period. Splurge for the higher grade gasoline or add a bottle of octane booster for an instant increase in horsepower. Of course, the bigger your engine, the more noticeable the difference will be.
Keep in mind that these tips won't make your minivan Nascar ready, but it will give you a little more pep off the starting line the next time you race that turquoise Topaz at the stoplight.
Tue, 29 May 2007 06:01:00 +0000 - BRAKING MOMENTS: How to Avoid a Costly Mistake
By Vance Talmadge
Brakes are an essential component of the car. The brakes are used to slow down or stop the car. This is one of the most important parts of the car. Any brake failures can cause accident which may lead to serious property damage. A proper maintenance of the brakes is a must to avoid any accidents.
Everyday before using your car it is important to check your brakes especially the level of the fluid. It is necessary to clean your brakes weekly and check also the brake pads if they are still in good condition. Try also checking those hoses and other linings of your brakes for leaks. When driving always bring a bottle of brake fluid just in case of emergency and try to check your gauge panel to see if the brake warning light is lit. Always test your brakes when driving once in a while.
The first thing to consider while driving especially at high speed is your brakes; since brakes are mechanical it is prone to any failures especially when it is not maintained. If everything is too complicated especially brake repairs or adjustments try consulting your trusted mechanic to fix those problems, these may prevent you from spending too much for repairs.
If your brakes are malfunctioning like sudden loss of pressure on the pedal while driving, try to pull over and don't hesitate to continue driving, try to pull your parking brake slowly; this may help reduce the speed of the vehicle. Use engine brake to slow you down. It may damage the gears in the transmission but you're safe. Never turn off your engine instead try to pump the pedal because it might build some pressure. If you don't have any choice try to hit the bushes or sacrifice your vehicle by letting the side of the vehicle hit the wall to stop.
Thu, 24 May 2007 14:45:00 +0000 - Car GPS Navigation Systems - A Buyers Guide
By Nicola Carr
SUMMARY: GPS navigation systems are advancing every year to include added features such as traffic and weather reporting and integrated multimedia players such as mp3, dvd movies, games etc. This buying guide outlines the core features of gps navigation systems and how to compare them.
In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours and five ground stations. This positioning system was made available for public use. With this capability, consumer location devices were produced to accurately determine location and other data such as current and average speed, directional heading, and elevation. These GPS devices need an unobstructed view of at least four satellites to provide a reliable 3D fix.
The GPS receiver overlays this location data onto map files stored on the unit, to give a current position on the map as well previous track. The receiver constantly recalculates position, giving real time position.
A typical GPS device contains:
- 12-channel receiver - the quality of the receiver determines how long it takes the device to acquire a 3D fix.
- Antenna to capture satellite signals - positioned to get a clear view of the sky.
- CPU to process the data and overlay on maps
- DVD Hard-drive - where maps on DVD's or available online are uploaded and stored. Some cheaper units do not upload the maps, but reference them off the DVD or CD.
- Display Screen - mostly color with handheld units using black and white
- Voice Interface - more advanced units
The first time you start your GPS device, its data store is blank so needs a to collect satellite information to determine your position. This is known as a cold start. Some units only take 30 to 45 seconds to acquire a 3D fix during a cold start, while others can take several minutes. Subsequent position updates only take 3 to 4 seconds. If you go out of range from losing line of sight, such as passing behind a large building or through a tunnel, a good receiver will instantly recover, whereas weaker units will require more time to reacquire a 3D fix.
How Different GPS Navigation Units Differ
Location of Antenna - A factory installed in-dash unit antenna is integrated into the dashboard where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Many portable models have a suction-cup-mounting device to position the device on the windshield. Add-on antennas are also available. Regardless of the type of unit and antenna, the important thing is to keep the antenna visible to the greatest area of sky possible. Choose a unit where this can be done AT THE SAME TIME as being able to maintain a clear view of the screen.
Screens and Display - important to check how bright these are, and if they are clearly visible from the mounted position in bright day light. Onboard navigation systems are generally color screens, and portable units are black and white to save power. Larger screens and integrate better with other vehicle electronics.
Input Buttons - most enroute buttons are on the display screen. Ensure these are easy to use when driving; that is they are big enough and colored sufficently to see without causing a driving hazard.
Map Media - Earlier models were CD-based, requiring multiple discs to cover the entire United States. Newer in-dash systems are DVD-based; only 1-2 DVD's required for an entire country of maps.
Cost - In-dash systems are usually more expensive than portable counterparts. Aftermarket in-dash models usually require professional installation and can be just as expensive as the factory models.
Upgrading - always check how easy it is to upgrade the firmware and maps on your GPS unit. Some units detach a portion to be connected to the computer via USB, whereas others are done using a DVD. Those units which can be upgraded online, are much more convenient.
Added Features of GPS Units
Apart from giving you a current position, a number of GPS navigation devices can give you:
- A track of where you have been - the number of tracks and waypoints stored varies from unit to unit. You may also want to save on part of a track for future use.
- A path from your current position to your destination
- Maintain commonly used navigation paths for reuse.
- Points of Interest - user sets the types of points of interest, such as tourist, bank ATM, petrol stations, historical, accommodation, restaurants etc.
- Real time traffic reporting to avoid traffic delays. This can also include road works.
- Voice recognition to receive destination instructions, and voice guidance to give driving instructions
- Weather updates
- Street name navigation - instead of just turn left 200m it was say 'Turn left into Stanley St'
- Integrated Multimedia players - MP3 players, image viewers, and audio books.
- Onboard or Portable GPS Navigation
Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:26:00 +0000 - Find the Free Auto Repair Manual You Need Online
By Terje Ellingsen
You can easily get a free auto repair manual for whichever repair need you might have. You need an internet access and have to follow a certain procedure searching for auto repair manuals, but when you have done this procedure a few times it will be very easy to find the right instructions for do it yourself auto repair and it won't cost you a dime.
There are four types of automotive description documents that you will need to choose from when you want to do a repair;
General Manuals
In addition to some general manuals, most of these are related to the make. Here you can get step by step guidance on how to repair most of the makes in the vehicle market. Let's say you have a Honda Acura 2002 model and you want to find a manual for that make and model. What you do is perform the following search in a search engine: "free car manuals+Honda Acura+2002". Then you will have a long list of sites that provide you with all kinds of descriptions for your Honda Acure 2002 model, and you can choose what you want.
Diagnosis descriptions
Automotive diagnosis manuals can also be sub-divided by make and model. But it can also be divided by the area of the vehicle that is affected, for example engine intake problems, brake problems, cooling problems, exhaust problems, start or stall problems, transmission problems etc. Let's say you have a start problem. Your search would be "car diagnosis manual+ start problem", then you should get more than enough repair information to choose from. You can even get diagnostic trees where all options are covered for nothing.
You have probably more than one time heard some annoying noise from somewhere in your vehicle, without finding the source of it. This is one of the most kinky situations to run into because you don't know if it is a serious signal or just a small thing. Some websites gives you the opportunity to diagnose vehicle problems by the noise, sound and vibrating signals - and that is great. The sooner you find it the sooner you can fix it and then you can relax. When you search, you can describe the sound, for example "whine noise" or "shifter knocks" or "driveline vibration" plus car diagnosis manual plus eventually the make.
Repair Manuals
In addition to regular manuals you can also get very instructive and detailed descriptions in other internet document or websites like articles, etc. The natural way to sub-divide such repairs before searching, is by the area of the vehicle that is going to be repaired, for instance body repair, exhaust repair, suspension fix, interior repair and even general car repair.
You do the search the same way as above; "car repair manual (or description) + the area of repair and go through the list of resources you get.
Maintenance manuals
Though vehicle maintenance is closely related to your vehicle make and model, there are some maintenance issues that are pretty much common whether you have a Cadillac, VW or a Mercedes, for example changing oil, changing air filters, engine wash, fluid maintenance, tier maintenance etc. You can get access to maintenance descriptions by searching for the kind of maintenance plus "car maintenance manual (or description)" plus eventually your make and model.
I think you'll be amazed of the amount of automotive repair free stuff online.
Mon, 28 Aug 2006 16:09:00 +0000 - Thigs to consider when buying a used car
by Guido NussbaumYou are ready to buy a used car? Make sure you know certain things about cars because there are dealers or even private people who try to sell cars overpriced or even damaged ones. This article deals with several details that you want to consider before buying a used car.
Always have a closer look at the car before buying it. This includes several parts of the car that we will discuss right here.
1. The mileage
An older car will have a higher mileage but sometimes you can find cars that were driven for less than 5000 miles a year. An average consumer will drive between 12,000 and 16,000 miles a year. Those cars with a high usage are usually those that won't make you happy.
2. Inspect the engine
Have somebody with you who knows a lot about cars because the engine of a car is the most important thing to look at before buying the vehicle. A good clean looking engine is not always an indicator for a good working engine. The owner might have washed it just to achieve a higher price for the car.
Always test drive the car, this way you might find a technical problem. People who know a lot about cars can sometimes tell, just from hearing the engine sound, if the engine is alright or not.
3. Check the body of the car
Look for rusty areas and damages, check the whole body of the car. Look at areas near the bottom, these are the places where the rust spreads first.
4. Frame damages
Make sure that the car did not have an accident. Some car dealers try to sell a damaged cars, sometimes even with frame damages. These can be very dangerous for the new owner, so check the car carefully.
5. The Tires
Make sure all 4 tires are in a good condition. Look at the profile and check if the material is in a smooth condition. Make sure there aren't any damages at the tires, they are your life insurance!
6. Safety Features
Some old cars don't meet today's safety standards. It is up to you what level of safety standard you choose with your used car, just make sure the ones that are included work.
7. The price
Before buying a car, you want to compare the prices for the car model that you desire. You can use the internet for this issue. This way you can protect yourself from overpriced car deals. Take your time to research the whole topic, don't be in a hurry when buying a car. If you take the time to compare different offers you will certainly get a better deal and a better time with you car.
If you don't know much about cars, it is strongly adviced to a companion who is an expert in this topic. There are just too many people out there who try to fool you so be prepared for it. Once you are sure that the car of your desire is in a good condition you can start to negotiate about the price. Find the right price for the right car and you can enjoy your new used car!
Mon, 21 May 2007 07:30:00 +0000
