Postingan

Menampilkan postingan dari Februari, 2011

All about Toyota Mirrors: Functions, Importance and Buying guide

by: Terry Brown Most auto parts are important in the proper operation of an automobile . Meanwhile , some play a more important role in keeping the vehicle and its occupants safe. Auto Mirrors are some of the most important safety features of any automobile. We most often associate mirrors with vanity, but in automobiles, mirrors serve primarily for safety. Mirrors serve as a second pair of eyes for the driver by giving a good view, with a slight glance of the eye, of what is happening behind the vehicle without taking his eyes of the road. Visibility is always important and mirrors make sure that whatever is beyond the normal periphery of the driver's vision is made visible. Thus, the driver can react appropriately to whatever is happening behind him and avoid any accidents. There are two basic types of auto mirrors: the rear view mirror and the side mirrors. The rear view mirror is a wide rectangular mirror that the driver's use to view anything behind the car. With a rear

A Little Rubber Hose--Your Life Depends On It!

by: Tommy Sessions I won't go into details with this job, but I want you to think about it. Your brakes are very important. Your life depend on them. When you have to have brakes repaired on your favorite vehicle, don't skimp. Sure, it looks like all you need is a set of pads, or shoes. But, if the pads or shoes are wore out, what about the other parts? I don't recommend having the rotors or drums turned. I know, a lot of technicians will tell you that you will have better braking if you turn them. On the small cars with the removable rotors on the front, I have had some turned, and then I had to buy the customer a new set of rotors and pads! For some reason, the little rotors seem to eat the pads, after you have them turned. They are not that expensive. Go ahead and replace them if they are not usable. By that, I mean, if the pads were down to the metal plate and rubbing on the rotor. Another thing to take into consideration is the rubber line coming from the caliper to t

Airbag SDM ' Black Box ' Crash Data Retrieval Information for GM Cars

by: Jenny McLane The benefit of retrieving data from flight data recorder using the Black Box was only available to airlines for many years. This invaluable instrument, which helps determine what happened in the critical time before a crash, is now available as Airbag SDM crash data retrieval system on GM cars. In response to the call of the National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) in 1997 that vehicle manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration team up to gather information on vehicle crashes using on board collision sensing and recording devices, General Motors expanded the data downloaded to permanent memory in the air bag sensing and diagnostic module at deployment or in a near deployment collision. The capability to record pre-crash data has since expanded with time and technological advancement. General Motor's Vetronix crash data retrieval tool (CDR) collects vehicle crash data via the air bag system SDM. General motors together with Vetronix Corpo

A Guide to U-Haul Trailer Hitches -

by: Elizabeth Morgan U-Haul is best known for its rental trucks used to help people move, but they also sell trailer hitches and trailer hitch accessories. U-Haul makes trailer hitches that accommodate all kinds of vehicles, including many cars. Different models of U-Haul trailer hitches can haul up to 24,000 pounds . U-Haul makes and sells all needed trailer hitch parts, including hitch balls, ball mounts, receivers, and brake controllers. U-Haul makes some small trailer hitches that can be secured onto cars. These hitches usually can’t be used to haul as much cargo as heavy-duty trailer hitches found on trucks, but they are still useful. Most car U-Haul trailer hitches can handle loads up to 2000 pounds . These hitches can be bolted onto the car’ frame, usually using preexisting holes. This is a better option than welding the hitch to the frame, which can cause electrical problems and can make the frame much weaker. U-Haul trailer hitches are not just made for cars. U-Haul manufact

Aftermarket, OEM, OE Auto Parts Explained

by: Joe Thompson Aftermarket , OEM, replacement parts—you see these words in almost all auto parts stores online. What do these terms mean? For a passive buyer, these things are but ordinary terms used in the automotive market but for someone meticulous and who wants the best for his auto, these things matter considerably. Deciding which among these to purchase is just like deciding what car to buy. O.E.M . stands for Original Equipment Manufactured. This means that OEM Ford parts are manufactured by Ford itself, Chevrolet parts are manufactured by Chevrolet, Toyota parts by Toyota, BMW parts by BMW and so on. The terms O.E.S. and OE are also used; these mean Original Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While in many cases, OEM and OES mean the same, OE is more general referring to any part that came as original equipment on the car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made by the car manufacturer but are purchased and assembled by the automaker

Aftermarket Auto Lights to Match Ultimate Driving Machine’s High Standards

by: Joe Thompson Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online. BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW ’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high qualit

Affordable Spoilers and Performance Parts available at Partstrain

by: Jenny McLane Chevy cars like the Cavalier has a unique tuner-theme body kit , lowered suspension , wheel flares and a functional rear spoiler that gives it a distinct appearance. Bring out the true performance greatness of your Chevy by adding Parts Train's Chevy spoiler or a wing to your car is a great way to a sportier and cooler stance. Body accessory like a Chevy spoiler can make a huge difference on the car's over-all look. It can be universally made, customized or made for a specific type of vehicle. Universal spoilers fit all car types but other models need a specific kind of spoiler to suit its distinct features and dimensions. Custom made wings can reflect the uniqueness and individuality of the car and the user since he can decide as to what will be the specific style, color and design he desires. Chevy Spoilers like all other car spoilers used to be the property of race and sports cars, which is commonly mounted on the rear side of the vehicle. Other makes and m

Add style to your car by adding a new Rim and Tire!

by: Mike Yeager Wheels and tires are obviously important , but in terms of how your car looks, they're probably the more boring parts of your car. You can change all of that by adding a rim and tire package to your car. The most popular options for cars is usually the asymmetric rims, centerless rims, and three-piece cylindrical rims with no drop center. There are many other rim and tire packages to choose from. Be aware that while some rim and tire packages are pricey, there are also some cheap rim and tire packages available. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car but still want a rim and tire package; you can get new rims for almost any vehicle, including motorcycles and trucks. One of the newest rim and tire package to come out is the VRD-8 Silver Wheel and Tire Package. These Volution Racing Wheels are made specifically for car tuners that want only the best. The VRD wheel and tire package includes four profile tires and four Volution sport wheels. If you are planning on buying

Add-on Accessories To Enhance Your Car

by: Alan Detwiler There are many add-on devices and gizmos for cars that can provide features to make your ride better. There are accessories that will give you music that is more to your liking. A gps with maps can display the route to take to your chosen destination. A heated mug will keep coffee hot as long as the car is running. There are other useful functions and nice effects that add-on accessories can provide. Many car accessories are low enough in price so that they may be well worth installing. This article concentrates on the lower priced accessories. Most are under $50 . Here's the list with some information and comments about each: 12 volt heated mug - A mug with a plug for getting power from the cigarette lighter socket. It keeps a liquid such as coffee hot for as long as the vehicle is running. Some models have a thermostat to set the temperature. Example models: Wagan Tech Heated Travel Mug. At www.autoanything.com/products/product_sp.aspx?p_id=1552,about $30. Nex

A Complete Online Store Features Premium Class Diesel Fuel Injection Parts and Other Performance Parts for Volvo

by: Kenneth McKinley No matter what vehicle you drive, whether it is a passenger car, a van, a Sport Utility Vehicle or a truck, it is subject to common car problems from time to time. Volvo cars are no excuse . Despite this car’s renowned safety features, durable and high quality Volvo Parts, they are prone to wear and tear, especially when abused. In order for your Volvo car to work always at its best, it needs to be maintained. There are thousands of Volvo Parts and Auto Parts stores that can help you do this with ease and convenience, but only one gives you the most comprehensive line of Volvo Parts and Volvo Car Parts store . Starting problems are among the most common car problems you might encounter while driving your Volvo car. If your engine cranks normally despite low or high temperatures, there must be a problem with the fuel injection system. As we all know, fuel is the lifeblood of the vehicle so if there is insufficient amount of fuel reaching the engine, your car won’

2007 Lexus GS 450h: Full Hybrid Technology Revs Up With Superior Toyota Aftermarket Parts

by: Jenny McLane The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the world's first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive. 'Once again, we've applied our formula of no compromise engineering - this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application,' said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. 'It's very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn't have it any other way. It will be a rear wheel drive full hybrid making it able to travel at low speeds under electric propulsion alone. Lexus says the GS 450h will have gas mileage similar to the average 2-liter, 4-cylinder compact sedan. The Lexus GS 450h is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. A SULEV-rated vehicle is 90% cleaner than the average new car. The GS 450h will h

2006 Toyota Tacoma

by: stuart simpson Another impressive redesign by Toyota this year was the new 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This truck has morphed from a small to a mid-size pickup truck. You are familiar with the Tacoma’s of the past. They are as reliable as the day is long, but how will the new truck compare? I went shopping, and to be honest, I was checking out the Nissan Frontier, too. Its been redesigned and is about the same size as the new Tacoma. The Nissan has a rail system in the bed of the truck, but the Toyota has it on the deck edge up higher. I like it better as it seems as though it would make tying off items a lot easier. Also, in the bed, there are two neat lockable storage compartments nestled so they aren’t noticed. Pretty slick. The new V6 has 236hp, which is no slouch in anyone’s book. The old V6 had about 190 hp I think. The standard 4-cylinder is 2.7 liters and rates 164 hp, which is more than most V6’s. There’s an X-Runner available, which is more for show and go, than off road or work

2006 Pontiac G6 Coupe Redefines Performance; Is Further Enhanced with GM Performance and Aftermarket Parts from Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane "The G6 coupe and convertible are uniquely Pontiac vehicles that are great additions to the family started by the G6 sedan ," said Jim Bunnell , Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop convertible that has room for four adults." Both the G6 coupe and G6 convertible will be available in GT and GTP models. The GTPs will feature a 240 horsepower 3.9L OHV V6 coupled to a 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode or a 6-speed manual in the coupe and sedan models - a package that targets driving enthusiasts. From styling to interior fit, finish and materials quality, interior room to driving dynamics, the new G6 is a solid step up from the old model. The coupe and convertible models have all-new body panels rearward of the A-pillars. Large, wraparound tail lamps on both models create a distinct look compared to the G6 sedan. LED-lit Center High Mounted Stop La

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Performance Parts

by: Jenny McLane The Mercury Mariner Hybrid uses both gasoline engine and electric motor, which gives a 50% increase in driving efficiency with a much lower emission. All this is achieved by the use of 6 powertrain components, which work in perfect unison. Ford motor has 40 patents in hybrid engine technology and 70 pending. "The greatest appeal of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is that it satisfies both your environmental conscience and sense of style. Mariner Hybrid retains the clean, tailored appearance of the conventional Mariner," said Peter Horbury, Executive Director, North American Design. Being a full hybrid, the Mercury Mariner employs both series- and parallel-hybrid characteristics. The gasoline engine shuts down to conserve fuel during coasting, at stoplights, and at low speeds. The electric motor, drawing electricity from the battery, is able to drive the vehicle without assistance up to 25 mph. It has 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine with 2 ac electric

2006 Honda Civic Si: Automotive Innovation at its Best, Complemented with Honda Parts from Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane Designed as an "Advanced Personal Compact," the next-generation Si will incorporate flowing bodywork, a steeply angled windshield, and wide stance to suggest stability and forward motion. The new Si will be the fastest and most powerful Civic offered in its twenty-year history. The 2006 Civic lineup, launching this fall, will include a 4-door Sedan, a 2-door Coupe and Si Coupe, an even more fuel efficient Civic Hybrid and a natural-gas powered Civic GX. The Civic Si Concept builds on its performance heritage with a 200-horsepower, 16-valve, and DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000-rpm red line, mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type limited slip differential for improved launch traction and cornering performance. A 200-horsepower 16-valve i-VTEC engine powers the 2006 Si. Honda sources indicate that next-generation i-VTEC technology will have significant gains in performance and fuel econ

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS Plus the Chevrolet Performance and Aftermarket Parts

by: Jenny McLane As the first truck developed by GM ’s Performance Division , Trailblazer SS’ has a towing capacity up to 6,700 pounds with the two-wheel drive model and up to 6,500 pounds with the available all-wheel drive model. Cargo volume is 41 cubic feet ( 1161 liters ) behind the rear seat and 80 cubic feet ( 2265 liters) with the rear seat folded. GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations tuned the suspension and upgraded the brakes of the SS. It features stiffer springs, an inch lower ride height, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as standard StabiliTrak stability control. Larger, 12.8-inch diameter front brake discs are fitted, allied to new iron twin-piston calipers, while the monster twenty-inch aluminum wheels have 255/50 V-rated tires. The TrailBlazer SS has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments, including prominent 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power is delivered by the Corvette-derived LS2 6.0L V-8, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. A perf

2005 VOLVO S40: Can now be Accentuated with Volvo Performance Parts from Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane The most noteworthy element with this next-generation S40 is the sculpted shoulder line that starts at the front of the car between the headlights and grille and is carried across the beltline all the way back to the taillights. The new Volvo will be available with two new gasoline engines, the 2.4-liter five-cylinder with 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, and as the T5 with the 2.5-liter low-pressure turbo with 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The S40 T5's engine is the familiar 2.5-liter twin-cam, low-pressure turbocharged, intercooled in-line five-cylinder found in most other Volvo lines. Its 218 horsepower (at 5000 rpm) and 236 lb-ft of torque (between 1500 and 4800 rpm) have almost 750 lbs less car to move than the similar engine in an S60 2.5T AWD. The S40 is offered in two different five-cylinder engines, the 168-hp 2.4L gas engine and the 218-hp 2.5L turbo gas engine, badged 2.4i and T5 respectively. The T5 is available in 2WD or AWD mated to a five -speed Gea

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Reinforced Safety with Matched Performance Parts and Accessories

by: Jenny McLane The Outlander is built on a rigid unibody chassis and benefits from Mitsubishi 's extensive experience in international rallies and raids. The Outlander benefits from such body-strengthening techniques as MASH seam welding and what Mitsubishi calls its RISE design (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution). Much of this technology was developed from the company's winning efforts in the Paris-Dakar raid as well as its involvement in the World Rally Championship with the Lance It has four doors and a roomy cargo area that's easily accessible. Like other small crossover sport utilities, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers elevated seating for better visibility. Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 160 horsepower, matching the output of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Mitsubishi tuned the Outlander's engine to deliver the bulk of its torque at lower engine speeds. Mitsubishi 's MIVEC electronic variable-valve setup helps the engine to opera

2005 Honda Odyssey: Honda Factory Replacement Parts at Partstrain for High Power, Economy and Lower Emissions

by: Jenny Mc Lane The 2005 Honda Odyssey has high power with efficiency, economy and lower emissions. For better mileage, three cylinders shut down at cruising speeds. Electronic liquid-filled engine mounts mask vibrations during the transition, and a noise-canceling frequency broadcast through the sound system minimizes audible evidence. The Odyssey 's highly adaptable interior includes a stowable 2nd-row Plus One Seat™ that allows seating for eight (EX), and one-motion 60/40-split 3rd-row Magic Seat® that makes cargo loading even easier. You can even entertain passengers with the Honda DVD Entertainment System with remote control, 9” screen, and personal surround sound headsets. And with the new Michelin® PAX® System on the Touring model, you can travel on a punctured tire at 50 mph for up to 125 miles. Discover new levels of confidence while navigating through an uncertain world. The 2005 Honda Odyssey has high power with efficiency, economy and lower emissions. For better mile

2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane Since it was introduced back in 2002, Honda Insight's 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) motor-generator have been modified, and the CVT model's final drive ratio is considerably lower, at 5.69:1 compared to 3.21 for the manual, to take advantage of the CVT 's wider-spread "gear'' ratios. Powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist ( IMA™ ) system that pairs a 3-cylinder VTEC™-E engine with an electric motor, the Insight comes fully loaded with dual front airbags (SRS), power windows, mirrors and door locks, a remote entry system, AM/FM stereo cassette , alloy wheels and much more. Like a turbocharger, the IMA motor-generator is called to action when extra power is needed for acceleration and hill climbing, and feels like a low-pressure turbo. Unlike at turbo, the motor becomes a generator when braking or coasting, which recharges the nickel metal-hydride battery pack The Honda Insight gains effici

2005 Ford Mercury Montego: Best Equipped With Superior Aftermarket Parts at Partstrain

by: Jenny McLane The Mercury Montego is the first Mercury car in over a decade offering all-wheel drive. Montego comes in Luxury and Premier models with a 203-hp 3.0-liter V6. Both offer front-wheel drive with 6-speed automatic transmission or AWD with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The CVT provides variable drive ratios vs. the conventional automatic's fixed-ratio gears. Both transmissions are new to Ford Motor Company. It has signature waterfall grille, strategic use of contrasting metallic surfaces like satin aluminum and chrome, distinctive taillight bezels. The Montego's Volvo-inspired platform has a stable platform, with fully independent suspension for a quiet ride and responsive handling. With Duratec 30 V-6 engine refined for a smoother, quieter operation, the available all-wheel-drive system is packaged with a new continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel-drive vehicles use a premium six-speed automatic transmission The 3.0-litre, 4-valve-per-c

2005 Ford Five Hundred Complemented with Top Notch Parts for Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane The Five Hundred will become Ford's flagship sedan. It has higher seating, increased interior space, and optional all-wheel drive. The Five Hundred has considerably more interior space than the full-size Crown Victoria , even though it's only 25 centimeters shorter "While the industry tries to make car-based crossovers, the Ford Five Hundred stands alone as the first crossover-based car" said Ford vice president Phil Martens . It's a 4-door sedan with SUV and crossover advantages, including cargo capability, versatility, "command" seating and available all-wheel drive. The Five Hundred's 3.0-litre Duratec V6 engine makes 200 horsepower while two transmissions will be offered: a six-speed automatic and a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The front seat H (hip) point is four inches higher than that in a typical midsize sedan, and the rear seats are higher still. Legroom is best-in-class front and rear, while the trunk is bigg

2005 BMW M5 Performance and Luxury at Its best at Partstrain

by: Jenny McLane The all-new fourth generation M5 pushes that envelope even further with the first V10 engine to power a production sedan. The new V10 produces 507 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque by European measure. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. With this new powertrain, the M5 offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. This new engine offers 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, pure racecar territory. The 90o V10 is designed for maximum stiffness and minimum vibration. The new V10 features double-VANOS variable valve timing . Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle butterfly. The new MS S65 engine management system uses the most powerful processors currently approved for use in automobiles. The new BMW M5 features gear changes that are 20 percent faster with a seven-speed SMG gearbox. Six of these programs can be selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode). These programs adjust shifting speed and style

18 Tips for Saving Money on Gasoline

by: Fisher Swanson Gas prices are on the rise again! Here are some tips to help you conserve gas and save money as we approach summer gas prices. 1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline. 2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving. 3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open! 4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting). 5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill. 6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go tr

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

by: Pete Lance Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive . A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record , and even the area you reside in! You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually. So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40 Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance r

10 Tips For Saving Cash On Your Gas

by: Pete Lance Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! For the new car owners out there, do you know that a gallon of unleaded gasoline used to cost only $1.25? Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station. So here we have compiled 10 best tips to help you get the most out of your dollar! Tip 1: Shop Around This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything. Always shop around. You can get a cheaper price for your favorite brand, and probably a yet cheaper price for a different brand. Tip 2: Use a Gasoline Credit Card Gasoline credit cards are great! They can save you 5 10 ff your gasoline purchase. Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool Gasoline is denser in cooler temperatures, such as in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density, so you'll be getting more solid fuel than vapors, thus improving your overall gas milea

10 Tips For Getting The Best Deal On A New or Used Car

by: George Dodge 1. You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time because with everybody buying their Christmas presents, not many of them are looking to buy a new car, and it forces dealerships to up their sales strategies. Salesmen are more willing to haggle down to your prices to close the deal. 2. You can also get a good deal from July to October because that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to get rid of their inventory to make way for the new models. 3. Purchasing a car online is becoming a great way to get a new car. Just wait for good rebates and incentives online and shop around. Print out your information from the best quotes and bring it to the dealer that you are most willing to work with. Bringing in lower quotes from another company might be your best bet in getting a good deal. 4. You should visit http://www.FightingChance.com if you are hoping to find new car prices, dealer incentives, and the best rebate offers. This site is the first pl