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Electric Supercharger Provides Power Without the Sacrifice

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Electric supercharger image
Electric supercharger image

New technology for maximizing fuel efficiency is at the forefront of the automotive industry. But this doesn’t exclusively mean hybrids and electric cars. Automakers are also looking for a middle ground, such as direct injection technology, that can provide improved efficient without taking R&D resources and without adding costs to the consumer.

Another new technology being developed in the UK is utilizing an electric supercharger to improve performance. Typically, superchargers are powered by a belt that connects to the engine. As a result, superchargers improve performance, but as Green Bay Hyundai dealers warn they also deplete fuel quicker.

This new electric supercharger concept is being developed by Controlled Power Technologies. The system is being developed for small, fuel-efficiency engines that would utilize electric power without the belt system at all. The British firm has named this the Variable Torque Enhancement System. One Mentor Chevrolet truck dealer says that best of all, the system is ready to be mass produced and can be applied to vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, or even those that have a turbocharger.

Although the system has been fitted to prototypes, it promises to boost horsepower significantly without also boosting emissions and fuel consumption. Thus far, no automaker has adopted the technology says Akron Chevrolet, but considering its benefits and the fact that is ready for mass production, a Wausau Used Hyundai dealer expects that could change soon.

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More insights into new car technology will be profiled here soon. Keep checking back!

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A Quick Look at Fuel Injection

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Fuel injection image
Fuel injection image

The modern fuel system as changed dramatically over the years in order to make car more fuel efficient and to curb harmful emissions. It wasn’t that long ago when fuel systems included a carburetor, but these days the carburetor has been replaced with the fuel injection system.

Electronic fuel injection first became common on European cars in the 1980s. Eventually, the trend caught on and according to Birmingham used cars dealers  the last car to be sold with a carburetor in the U.S. was the 1990 Subaru Justy.

The carburetor was a devise designed to deliver fuel to the engine, and it is still used in machines other than automobiles. Overtime, Used Cars Philadelphia says the carburetor became more complex, and included components that regulated fuel delivery while cruising, another that regulated fuel while the vehicle was idling, another that regulated fuel during acceleration, and another that regulated fuel while towing.

To improve emissions, cars began using catalytic converters, which maintained the right air to fuel ratio. Oxygen sensors monitored the exhaust and the engine control unit further adjusted the air to fuel ratio on the fly. Eventually, electronic carburetors were introduced before throttle body fuel injection systems were finally employed. These systems suggests Portland OR Honda were a basic replacement for a carburetor and did not require extensive changes from automakers.  However, engines were eventually changed to accommodate a new fuel injection system, the multi-port fuel injection system. This system provides fuel injectors for each individual cylinder, thereby providing more accurate fuel dispensing and improved response.

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Read more about fuel injection on Auto Repair blog.

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How to Keep Your Tires Rolling

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Tires image
Tires image

Tires can frustratingly be pricey, but the value of a quality tire should not be ignored. As the only safety device on your car that is actually touching the road, your tires play a large role in helping avoid accidents. In addition to increasing traction, tires also affect stopping distances and fuel economy. Let’s look at some of the issues that will affect the health of your tires.

First, if your tires are old, they should not be trusted. Manufacturers add dates to the tire’s sidewall to indicate age. If your tires are 5-10 years old, Cadillac Service Greensburg suggests that you’ll want to consider getting newer tires to ensure the integrity of the tire has not been compromised. The date is also something to consider when buying new tires, as some tire companies have been known to pawn off tires that have been sitting a bit too long.

Under inflated tires are by no means a minor problem. With more tread touching the road, they tend to run at higher temperatures than an adequately inflated tire says Hartford CT Tire Center. This added fiction could increase wear and exacerbate damage to the rubber. Additionally, overinflated tires can also impair safety as on road traction will likely decline dramatically. Both scenarios will also negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Tires are made of rubber, which not only deteriorates from age, but Auto Repair Richmond adds they also deteriorates from ultraviolet light and chemicals in the road. If you have a garage or carport, use it to ensure your tires are not exposed to unnecessary amounts of sunlight. There are also a number of affordable products available at any automotive parts store such as Mazda parts Salinas that can clean tires and protect them from harmful elements.

Car tires are not invincible, and they remain susceptible to harmful debris on the road. If you sustain a puncture or nail in the tire, get it plugged immediately! A plug can prevent the tire from a potential blowout warns Nissan Parts Chattanooga, which would render the tire completely useless. A plug is a cheap fix to a potentially costly problem. As with all of these issues, remain proactive to ensure years of trouble-free wear.

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Brembo To Produce Low Cost Ceramic Brakes

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Brembo brakes image

Ceramic brakes are widely considered the best brakes money can buy. Compared to other types of brakes, ceramic brakes not only have greater stopping power, but they also don’t experience brake fade after repetitive use, which is typical among lower quality brakes.

One of the leaders in ceramic brakes is Brembo. Nearly every high-end sports car features Brembo brakes as they’re known for providing high-performance stopping for high-performance cars. But Brembo is embarking on a new path thanks to a partnership is carbon-fiber producer SGL Group. Together, these two companies will deliver quality ceramic brakes for less.

Once reserved for premium makes and models, Car Parts Trenton says the partnership will create carbon ceramic brakes for the masses, including passenger cars and commercial trucks. Ultimately, the partnership will yield lower manufacturing costs according to Used Cars Utah, which then translate into lower costs for the consumer.

Brembo is the leading name in brakes and performance. Brembo supplies a slew of performance and luxury car makers such as Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Bentley just to name a few. While catering to these brands has been good for Brembo, Toyota Auto Parts Online believes that offering lower cost brakes will open new doors as the brake manufacturer will supply not just high-end automakers, but also high-volume automakers.

Carbon ceramic brakes for the masses are now attainable thanks to a new manufacturing process. These new, less costly processes will no doubt expand Brembo’s business, but a Salines auto body shop says it will also make this important safety feature more affordable for the average driver. (more…)

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Tips to Consider When Performing an Oil Change

Friday, May 29th, 2009
Oil_change_image
Oil_change_image

It’s easy to find a place to perform an oil change. With ample mechanics, dealerships, and oil and lube locations to choose from, there is no shortage of options when your car is due for an oil change. But changing your oil can actually be fun and it’s a basic auto maintenance task that numerous drivers perform themselves. If you currently change your own oil or are considering saving money by performing your next oil change yourself, here are a few tips to consider.

Let your engine run for about 10 minutes before changing the oil

For best results, have let your engine run for a few minutes before your begin the oil change. Ideally, you want to oil to warm up, but you don’t want it to be piping hot warns one Providence used car dealer. When the old oil becomes warm, it makes it much easier to drain. Also, if the oil is cold, contaminants and sludge will not drain out with the oil. Letting the engine run ten to 15 minutes should be ample time to get things warmed up. Don’t let it run too long because the last thing you want is boiling hot oil draining out.

Don’t rush when draining oil

Some of the fast lube chains tend to make it seem like an oil change only requires a few minutes. While oil changes shouldn’t be an all day project, Worcester Nissan says it’s best to be patient when draining the oil from the engine. The reason you don’t was to rush, recommends Tinley Park Auto Repair, is simply because you need to ensure all the old oil is drained completely before adding new oil.

Quality oil makes a big

A basic oil change is an essential task for keeping your vehicle running properly in the long run. Because it’s vital to the long-term health of your vehicle it’s important to use only the best motor oil and filters to ensure the oil does its job. In addition, oil filters are notoriously made with low quality materials. To ensure proper filtration of debris and other contaminants out of your engine a used car dealer Portland ME advises drivers to avoid settling for inexpensive filters.

Use the filter before installation

An optional step to consider is filling the oil filter with oil prior to installation. Used Cars Salinas explain that after an oil change, the pump in the oil system has to force oil throughout the system and into the filter. If the new filter already has fresh oil in it, it will require less pressure which in turn means less wear and tear on the engine's oil system. If you choose to take this step, ensure the mounting pad has been cleaned to prevent any seepage.

Don’t force the filter or the plug

Don’t feel like it’s absolutely necessary to make the oil filter or the oil plug too tight. This is a common mistake says Honda Parts Salinas that could cause problems when over tightened. If the gasket surrounding the oil filter receives too much pressure, it increases the risk of leaks. In addition if the threads on the oil pan receive damage from over tightening the plug, you may have to replace the oil pan which is a very costly repair. Just remember to tighten the filter and the oil plug slowly and gently and you should be just fine.

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Extend the life of your car by following these vehicle maintenance tips.

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Learn How to Check Transmission Fluid

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Transmission fluid dipstick
Transmission fluid dipstick

Just like most components in your vehicle, the transmission requires a fluid to keep is running properly. The transmission fluid level is important to keep track of, as this fluid keeps the transmission shifting properly. Without adequate amounts of transmission fluid, the transmission may not operate as smoothly as possible.

The first step in checking your transmission fluid is locating the dipstick. Similar to checking your vehicle’s oil level, the oil change Richmond VA specialists suggest that the transmission dipstick is also a way to ensure the appropriate level of transmission fluid. When locating the transmission fluid dipstick, you’ll want to look for its handle, which will either be T-shaped or have a ring.

Similar to checking the oil dipstick, you’ll want to take the transmission dipstick out and immediately wipe it clean, place it back in its housing, and then pull it out again. Then, hold the dipstick so that the end is easily visible.  The fluid will cling to the dipstick, helping to indicate the transmission fluid level. Discount Toyota Service San Diego says the indicators should be on the dipstick, as lines or words. The transmission fluid dipstick also has two sets of indicators, one for providing a reading when the vehicle is cold and another when the vehicle is hot. Each set will allow you to see whether the transmission fluid level is full or low. If it’s low, you’ll need to add more transmission fluid.

Lastly, return the transmission fluid dipstick to its original housing and make sure it’s firmly back in place. Checking transmission fluid is a very simple process that any driver can do. Checking it often can help ensure your vehicle’s transmission will operate effectively in the long run, recommends one auto body shop Richmond. If your transmission is repeatedly showing a low fluid level, you may need to have it inspected for leaks, which could be costly if left unchecked.

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When looking for do it yourself auto repair tips, look no further.

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Checking Your Tire Pressure

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Tire_Pressure_Monitoring_System
Tire_Pressure_Monitoring_System

Monitoring your tire pressure is an important vehicle maintenance task, and luckily it's also one of the easiest. Unfortunately, New Jersey Lincoln notice that this minor task is often ignored. Maintaining the right tire pressure is a great way to conserve fuel consumption and extend the life of your tires.

One of the tools that helps monitors tire pressure is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These systems have become common place and many new cars and will alert drivers if the tire pressure has fall below normal levels.

If your tire pressure monitoring system alerts you that you need to increase the air in the tire, Reading PA Used Cars says the first step is to determine what pressure is needed to inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s specifications. This information can be found along the driver’s side door jamb. You should see a sticker that outlines what pressure per square inch, or PSI, your tires require.

If your tire pressure monitoring system indicates which specific tire is low, it makes the process easy. If not, Used Cars Kansas City recommends that it would be a good idea to check all your tires anyway to ensure they’re all inflated properly. Remember that in cooler temperature, tire pressure will be lower than when the tires have warmed up.

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Helpful tricks and tips for DIY auto repair can be located right here.

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Auto Parts Suppliers Face Risky Business

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Auto parts company
Auto parts company

Chrysler has warned that its suppliers are at risk of financial collapse within weeks or possibly even days. This is no surprise as liquidity is becoming a huge issue faced by many parts and accessories suppliers within the automotive industry. Day by day, as sales continue to hurt the Big Three, suppliers continue to struggle as production remains low.

Numerous suppliers have already expressed concern to Chrysler, and have notified the automaker that they were simply out of cash. With the restructuring of Chrysler, Collision Center Winchester hopes the automaker moves quickly to negotiate with suppliers to achieve acceptable payment terms.

With rampant production delays, not to mentioned dramatically reduced production due to decreased new car demand, Used Cars Richmond say suppliers have been hit hard, despite the Big Three themselves being at the forefront of the automotive industry’s struggles.

With consumers hanging on to their cars longer, and no longer needing new cars to replace ones in adequate working order, those auto parts suppliers doing business with the automakers are in a precarious situation according to one Used Car Dealer Chicago. Meanwhile, other auto parts and accessories suppliers such as the Genuine Toyota Accessories Store have found success dealing directly with consumers interested in putting money into their existing vehicles.

Unfortunately, as bankruptcy continues to loom for Chrysler and GM, Boston Used Car dealers warm that the suppliers may face additional bankruptcy risks themselves until cash begins to flow again. That may unfortunately take some time.

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Car Dealer Service Centers Feel The Pressure Too

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Auto Parts and Auto Repair
Auto Parts and Auto Repair

New car sales have plummeted in recent months, and it seems as though that trend is likely to continue. While car dealers have had to battle sales declines, many have turned to their service departments to make up for slipping profits. But many are finding that service is also not quite as lucrative as it used to be.

First, new car sales have reduced the amount of warranty work. Washington DC Mercedes Benz dealers stress that more cars being sold results in more cars being serviced at dealerships. Additionally, non-warranty service, while expected to increase, has also bottomed out recently as the economy has forced all drivers to conserve precious dollars.

Many car dealers are finding that revenue has dropped since the third quarter of 2008. In the current economic downturn, consumers are alternating their spending habits. This includes increasing the time between service intervals, skipping minor scheduled service, and in some cases ignoring mechanical issues altogether which Los Angeles Honda parts dealers say will only increase costs for drivers in the long run. Some dealers have also found that more customers are inquiring about financing options when it comes to service. Others are also bringing their vehicles in for engine and/or transmission replacements, as more consumers are investing in what they have rather than buying a new car. While these repairs are helpful according to Hyundai parts sellers, they don’t make up for the vast majority of customers which only receive minor and low-cost maintenance on their vehicles.

While forecasts look grim for new car sales, many service managers are also predicting poor results when it comes to vehicle service in 2009. Many car dealers have even had to reduce the number of mechanics in 2008. Meanwhile, the National Automobile Dealers Association does expect a modest revenue gain when in 2009 when it comes to parts and service departments, as  Toyota Accessories Stores and others are already seeing consumers hold onto their cars for longer periods of time.

Already the automotive industry has seen many car dealers close their doors in 2008, and even despite gains in other profit centers, one Westminster Toyota dealer says many more dealerships are likely to go out of business. Although many service departments remain optimistic, there are others that realize that this year may be the most difficult yet.

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Choosing Windshield Wipers

Thursday, January 15th, 2009
Windshield wiper
Windshield wiper

Choosing windshield wipers for your car is usually a low priority for most drivers. But choosing the best windshield wipers shouldn’t be ignored. Winter is upon us, and bad weather leads to bad visibility. When visibility is low, your wipers becomes one of the most important safety features on your car.

The best way to ensure you windshield wipers are ready to take on all sorts of bad weather is to maintain them and reduce wear and tear. If you have ice or snow on your windshield, don’t use your wipers to clear it says Windshield Repair Pittsburgh. Scrapers are usually the best method of removal, and can help avoid additional strain on your wipers which could render them completely useless. Boston Hyundai dealers recommends that if you have to park outside in snow, you may want to leave your windshield wipers raised up to help prevent the rubber from freezing to the windshield.

There are numerous brands to choose from when attempting to select the right windshield wipers for your vehicle, and Auto Body Pittsburgh admits it can be confusing. Most windshield wipers feature the same design, but more expensive wipers may feature more radial shapes and multiple-blade designs. Some newer designs may not even have external frames which is intended to provide more uniform pressure along the curvature of your windshield.

While bold new designs are finding their way into windshield wipers, Houston used cars dealers claim it's often the simpler, less expensive wipers that work the best and adequately stand up to wear and tear. Most windshield wipers among Toyota accessories retailers, despite overall quality, rarely last more the six months, largely due to their constant exposure to the elements. For optimal performance, it’s recommended that you change your wipers every six to nine months. If you see any cracking in the rubber, or see the blades leaving streaks on your windshield, it’s time to switch them out. For more information on windshield wipers and which ones are best for you vehicle, you may want to consult your vehicle’s owner manual.

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Choosing the right parts and accessories is easy. Learn how here.

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