How to Have Clean Air in Your Vehicle Always (Part 2)

In part one of this piece of writing, we spoke about the need to have an air cleaner installed in your car. We stress the need of the access to clean air by the passengers in your vehicle. This is because we dissipate most of our time transiting from one district to another. In the second part of this piece of writing, I will be concentrating on the need for your car's engine to have clean air.

Like I mentioned in the first part, I must also stress here that spending your hard earned money on treating ailments could have been dodged if certain steps were taken. If you make use of the info provided in this piece of writing there will not be need for you to dissipate lots of money fixing your car or automobile. A friend of mine who is a mechanic told me that most of the problem of automobile originates from a faulty engine. This is customarily induced by dirt in the engine. He informed me that if the dirt are alienated through air cleaner, they (the mechanics) would be out of business in no time. Though laughable but it is true that if you make sure that the engine in your car gets access to clean air, then it will function optimally. This suggests that you won't need the service of the mechanics again.

Unlike the air cleaner for the passengers in the car that can be easily acquired anywhere, the car's engine is not that simple. This is because there is no one product that fits all cars' engine. In other words, the Mercedes Benz car is different from a Volkswagen. So, you must get air cleaner that is proposed for your car's model or brand. This suggests that you cannot just get any product out there and install it in your car's engine.

How can you get the air cleaner for your car or automobile? It is worthwhile to check it out at the manufacturer's web page. The web page will surely contain all the information you need for your specific car. If you can't, there are other online pages devoted to selling car engine's air cleaners. But make sure, as it was mentioned in the first part, that this is a protected web page. Stop spending all your hard earned money on fixing your car's engine by purchasing the right product.

No matter how much you feel you are aware regarding air cleaners information like information about Purolator air filter,or even fram air filters, visit Ras Reed's site to be entertained with very revealing information.

Finding a Car at an Auto Auction

If you are looking for a deal on a new or used car, you can't do much better than the auto auction. There are two types of auto auctions: those that are open to the public and those that are dealer-only auctions. Typically you can find a better deal on a vehicle if you can attend a dealer-only auction. However, since it is only open to dealers, you either need to have your dealer's license or be friends with one.

One option for you if you aren't a dealer is to find one that will search out a vehicle for you. This works better if you know what vehicle you are looking for and are able to give them some parameters to work with. Some important items to consider when you are having someone look for a vehicle for you may include: budget, make, model, mileage on the vehicle, color (interior and exterior), interior fabric (leather or upholstery), and any options you definitely want (DVD player, GPS, etc). The more you know about the vehicle you want, the easier it will be for someone to bid on one for you successfully.

Auto auctions can be found around the United States and around the world. One of the largest auction houses for vehicles in the United States is the Manheim Auto Auction. The have five separate locations and each one has thousands and thousands of different vehicles, both new and used. Another popular car auction house is the Adessa Car Auction. They have locations in Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, California and Florida.

If you decide to go to a public auction, all you need to do is to go early so you can register, and bring a checkbook. Again, you will want to know what you are looking for before you go and know what the maximum amount is you are willing to spend (and stick with it!). It would be beneficial to take along someone who is mechanically inclined to have them check out any car you are interested in. At many auctions, all sales are final.

Dean Novosat writes for Giant Auto Auction.com. Here you'll find research and articles about car and vehicle auctions.

Bull Bars For Extra Protection

A bull bar is a device that is attached to the front of the vehicle which can protect the vehicle and its passengers from a collision with an animal. Depending upon the country, it may also be called a "roo" bar in Australia. The initial name came from the need to protect against hitting cattle, and in Australia from kangaroos.

Early devices were installed only for protection, typically on four-wheel drive vehicles. Now however, these are sometimes used as accessories to give an off the road look to SUVs, trucks and even some sedans.

There is some controversy about their use. While they can offer protection to a vehicle, they can also pose a danger to pedestrians. A number of pedestrian deaths by collisions with bull bar equipped vehicles led to the European Union banning them on new cars made after January 2002. Later ridged bull bars were banned as an aftermarket accessory by the Union.

However, in the United States and Australia they are still a common accessory. Australia has passed some laws regarding the design of this type of equipment. Some manufactures use plastic in their products which would deform and is considered safer for pedestrians and the vehicle in the event of a collision.

There are two basic designs of bull bars. One design replaces the front bumper and is the heaviest and most durable style. The other design acts as an addition to the front end. Either style may block out lights, so it is common to find light mounting points on aftermarket products.

In the United States many of these products are made from highly polished stainless steel, and are designed to look attractive along with goal of additional protection. Some manufactures offer 2 1/2 inch tubing that is powder coating in black which may enhance the look of the bars.

Another style is a combination bull bar and skid plate. This combination is designed for off road driving and offers more protection to the front end of the vehicle than the earlier bull bar designs. Typical products are now made so that they can be bolted on rather than the earlier ones, which required cutting and sometimes welding for a proper fit.

If you are interested in adding a bull bar to your vehicle, you now have a variety of styles from manufactures such as Aries, Weston, Ionic, Romic, Steelcraft, and ARB. Your choices are 3 inch tubing for heavy duty use, 2 and a half for lighter use, and other products for a cosmetic look. If you are going to be going through heavy brush and possible encounters with animals, the heavier systems with skid plates are the ones you should be evaluating.

Dennis Dater has been involved with cars for over 50 years. His first love was sports cars when he drove a 1952 MG to high school.

He has produced over 60 articles for EzineArticles on cars, and almost a hundred on his web sites.

He has several web sites offering aftermarket auto accessories and performance parts.

If you are interested in bull bars please visit him at:

http://www.autogrillcraft.com

Grillcraft Grills

The Return of the Tuner Car! The Toyota FT-86!

Back in the late 90's car companies normally associated with utilitarian vehicles started realizing the cars that they thought were run of the mill were becoming popular. Cars like the Honda Civic and the Acura Integras were being tuned by their owners to run with Corvettes and cars like the Toyota Supra were being compared to super cars. This trend to tuning was picked up by the media, Internet Forums, and there were even a few movies made about it.  Eventually the car companies got wind of this and started releasing tuner vehicles of their own.

What ended up happening was watered down economy cars carrying the brands and badges of what were once fierce tuning companies, or genuine tuner cars that were approaching luxury car prices. The generic run of the mill car that could be tuned to a track monster without breaking the bank was seemingly gone.

Honda now offers only the Civic Si with not much more power than it had 10 years ago and the Acura Integra/RSX...not even made anymore. Toyota, well there is nothing really exciting unless you step up to the IS-F. Then along came Hyundai, trying to shake things up a bit, releasing their Genesis coupe. A sporty RWD car that offers a manual transmission. A recipe that made the word Toyota a once powerful performance word,when it could be associated with the Supra Turbo. Now it seems that Toyota will enter that arena again, and not with the super car that they have had in development for many years.

Toyota has announced the new FT-86 Sports Car. The name is based upon the legendary Toyota Corolla from the mid 80s, which is a drifting legend. The FT-86 will be Rear Wheel Drive and power will be fed to those wheels via Subarus Boxer motor. This is the normally aspirated version of the motor that appears in the WRX.

So now once again, we have a potentially affordable car that carries the name and reliability of one of the top car companies, but with the potential to be a track animal once again. Most people already know the potential of the Subaru boxer and pairing with a Toyota RWD chassis (remember that Supra again), sounds like a hit. Already Toyota FT-86 forums are appearing on the web in wait of this new vehicle. Now the waiting begins for it to hit the showroom floors.

The author is a a performance car enthusiast.

High-Intensity-Discharge Lights (HID's) AKA Xenon Bulbs Or Lights - Which One is Right For You?

In the quest of customizing our rides, as well as getting better night driving visibility (and being noticed by onlookers), the most common aftermarket upgrade that auto enthusiasts do to their rides is replacing the halogen bulbs of the headlights for xenon bulbs, or to be more precise, High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID's).

The term "Xenon Headlight" is actually is a misnomer. There are several types of HID lamps, and those without xenon follow this sequence when turned on: A sudden bright flash of light, followed by the lamp turning dim, then slowly becomes bright as it reaches its normal operating condition. The xenon gas is only used to speed up this process and provide instant light upon ignition of the lamp.

Upon purchasing HID's, there are a multitude of Kelvin temperatures to choose from, usually starting from 3000K, all the way up to 12000K or even higher. Be wary of this as it is a common misconception that the higher the Kelvin temperature, the brighter the light. This is NOT TRUE.

The Kelvin temperature is also known as color temperature. Simply put, the color temperature, measured in degrees Kelvin, determines the color of the light output, not the brightness. The lowest color temperatures used in HID lights usually have yellowish hues, and as you go up the color temperature chart, it goes from white, to blue, to purple. The stock halogen bulbs are around the 3200K range.

So if you are to choose which one is right for you, well you first have to determine your application. Are you installing this for show, or are you looking to get the HID lights which can provide the most useable light output? If you are using this for show, then go ahead and purchase any color temperature you'd like to get to produce the desired look. But if you're looking for brightness and usable light output, then you're limited to a small range.

To give you an idea, manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz use 4300K to 5000K HID lights on the models they release which have HID's as stock options. These are the models which usually come with the "Bi-Xenon Headlamps" or "Xenon Adaptive Headlights" tags. Why do they stick with this range? Because it is this these color temperatures which produce the greatest useable light output.

If you'd still want to mix "show" with "function", for safety reasons, HID's with color temperatures above 8000K should not be used as the main headlights but instead, as an accent to be used as foglights. Higher color temperatures tend to reflect off fog and rain, and therefore do a bad job in illuminating the road in poor conditions.

And going back to the example of Bimmers and Mercs, the reason why they come with halogen auxiliary fog or driving lights is because lower color temperatures are known to be better at penetrating water molecules. These compliment the HID's in poor road conditions. Low color temperature HIDs (yellow hue) should be able to do work the same way if used as fog lights.

4300K HID's have about 3100 lumens of output, which is more than 3x the light output of halogen bulbs. This is the color temperature which give the most output. The light is fairly white, with a slight hint of yellow when reflected off the road surface. OEM HID's come in color temperatures from 4300K to 5000K.

6000K HID's have about 2900 lumens of output, which is about 3x the light output of halogen bubs. The light output is white, with a slight hint of blue.

8000K HID's have about 2500 lumens of output, about 3x the light output of halogens. The light output is blueish white. The most popular aftermarket HID conversions are from 6000K to 8000K color temperatures.

10000K HID's have about 2300 lumens of output, which is more than 2x the light output of halogens. The light output is blue and approaching violet.

12000K HID's have about 2000 lumens of output, which is more than 2x the light output of halogens. The light output is blueish purple.

Though you should be warned about retrofitting HID's into headlamps meant for Halogen bulbs. These are not without fallbacks due to the scientific differences between HIDs and Halogens. But there are many different HID headlamp units available for various vehicle makes and models, making this upgrade very doable for almost any of your rides.

References: unique-coatings.com, hidextreme.com

http://CustomPinoyRides.com

The 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Heads will turn and hair will blow when the 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR struts by.  Capable of an impressive rate of 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, this exotic car is among the most prestigious and powerful in its class, and it can be yours for a mere $500,000 USD.

Specs of this beautifully designed luxury Porsche include a six-cylinder boxer 4.0-liter engine, delivering approximately 450 horsepower at 7,800 revs per minute.  Maximum torque for the Porsche GT3 RSR is 430 Nm at 7,250 revolutions per minute. 

The luxury car brand pulled out all stops, and optimized torque curve to offer enhanced drivability.  Top speeds for this sexy roadster are around 205 miles per hour.  Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Porsche 911 GT3 is the revamped front end, with bigger air outlets located on the hood.  These air outlets deliver air to the radiators, allowing it to rapidly cool the motor.

Other components that have been revamped since the Porsche GT2 include the aerodynamics under the rear, which contain a wider adjustment range.  The weight-enhanced braking system and light wiring harness are in place to improve handling and increase driver satisfaction. 

The most attractive feature of this exotic car may well be the body, with clean lines and that classic and tasty Porsche shape that we have all grown to love.  If your wallet isn't exactly bulging at the seams with eagerness to own this pristine piece of machinery, remember you always have the freedom to enjoy a Porsche rental, because a luxury car rental Miami style is where it is at!

You only live once is my motto. Sounds cheesy but it holds true to my personality. From private jets to fast Lamborghini's I enjoy all type of luxurious things. Follow me to Dubai or drive with me in a brand new red Ferrari. Let me show you behind the ropes of the VIP sections where the elite gather. Take a look and you can see some of my luxurious toys. http://www.imaginelifestyles.com/

How to Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter Operation

Get ready winter is coming, so now's the time to tackle the following simple maintenance and detailing tasks that can keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. Timely maintenance does more than keep your vehicle running smoothly. It can help increase your car's trade-in value, improve its gas mileage and save you time from costly repairs down the road.

Remember to also consider the importance of preparing your vehicle's external surfaces to protect paintwork against harsh Winter snow, ice, salt and slurry. You'll never have to wax your car again after using the unique protective qualities of NASA inspired PPS Technology incorporated in our products .

Learn More Here.

- Belts.

With your engine off, check your car's belts for cracks, missing pieces and worn edges. Also, make sure your belts are tightened properly. If they are too tight, they will stretch and break. If they are too loose, they won't work efficiently. We recommend having your belts checked every 6 months.

- Hoses.

When your car is cold, feel your car's hoses for bulges, soft spots, cracks or brittleness. With the engine running, look for (but do not touch) bulges or leaks. If you see any, have the hose(s) replaced. Note: If you work on your own car, avoid replacing air conditioning hoses yourself unless you're experienced. Pressurized gases can result in serious injury.

- Coolant.

Check the level of coolant in your coolant over- flow tank. Maintaining a 50/50 mix of antifreeze will keep your engine cool in hot weather and prevent damage when temperatures fall well below zero.

- Engine Oil.

Depending on your driving conditions, change your oil and filter as recommended in your Owner's Manual. Also, be sure and use the manufacturer's recommended oil grade to match your anticipated Winter climate conditions.

- Power Steering Fluid.

To check, pull out the power steering dipstick, wipe clean and insert it again. Pull it out again and check the level. If it is below the HOT level, add the recommended steering fluid up to the upper level mark.

- Brake Fluid.

Check the fluid level on the outside of the tank using the lines on the reservoir as your guide. If the level is below MIN, add brake fluid from a sealed container to bring it up to MAX. You'll notice a significant drop in fluid levels when there's a leak. Note: Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. If you have to keep refilling your brake fluid tank regularly, odds are you have a leak. Contact your repair shop immediately.

- Air Filter.

Again, depending on your driving conditions, routinely check your air filter for accumulated dust and debris. Dirty air filters can result in loss of power and poor fuel mileage.

- Battery.

Cold weather places heavier cranking demands on your battery. Check your battery terminals regularly for cleanliness and make sure the clamps are tight. Remove any corrosion build-up on the terminals with an old toothbrush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Remove the battery caps to check fluid level and top-up if necessary. This one simple step can help you avoid the embarrassment of winter break-downs.

- Tires.

Check your tire pressure (with tires cold) at least once a month. Keep tires inflated to your manufacturer's recommended pressure and check for any uneven wear patterns. Under-inflated tires can also adversely affect your vehicle's gas mileage. Time now to also locate and check the condition of your snow chains. Prior preparation can save you a lot of unnecessary grief.

- Wiper Blades.

Finally, cracked, split or worn wiper blades can cause skipping or poor contact with your windshield causing poor visibility. Tip: try our 303 Wiper Treatment which can save you on the cost of replacing your old wiper blades.

We hope these tips will help you prepare and protect your vehicle for trouble-free motoring in the upcoming winter months ahead.

Want to maintain your vehicle's showroom look and shine with as little time and effort as possible? If so, you really need to check out some of the awesome car care products in our Catalog. The products are fun, easy-to-use and will have your vehicle looking better than the day you bought it.

Robert Kemp invites you to visit http://www.ShineBrightAuto.com for more information on vehicle care and the unique NASA inspired PPF technology incorporated in our products, our 100% Money Back Guarantee, and to view our full catalog.