by MIKAL JHONSON
Automotive repair and maintenance is one of the most important aspects that a car owner needs to be familiar with. Having ample knowledge on these key topics will help you determine your automobile’s durability, performance and reliability.
But while this contention is necessarily true for all automobile drivers, majority of them apparently ignore such car owner guidebook, believing that what they don’t know regarding automotive maintenance won’t hurt them. If you value your car as much as you have painstakingly saved the money to buy such investment, then it is imperative for you to take care of your car like you take care of your body.
In automotive repair Atlanta, for example, where a lot of maintenance and repair garages flourish, an Atlanta automotive can be expected to get a complete makeover after being put into such high-end engine repair. There are, likewise, several tips being given to automotive owners regarding the maintenance and possible repair of their automobile.
A shop for German auto repair Atlanta may advise one customer that his car’s wheel position should be within the manufacturer’s stipulation and that the tire pressures are constantly verified to sustain the tire’s longevity period. There are several automotive repair Atlanta shops that also check the car’s steering and suspension and perform any possible repairs if needed.
To avoid belt breakdowns, an Atlanta automotive owner might also be educated regarding modern cars having just one serpentine belt, which drives the car’s alternator, power steering, air conditioning and other automotive accessories. If you are not satisfied with the way your automotive belts and hoses function, however, you can always bring your car to an automotive repair Atlanta garage that will be able customize the replacement units you want and even exceed the original equipment manufacturer’s requirements.
Although, at times, not knowing can be a good thing, in today’s fast-paced environment where each new piece of knowledge learned is an advantage, we recommend you to at least acquaint yourself with basic automotive knowledge and training in repairing your own car. Several automotive repair Atlanta shops will happily assist you regarding the basic training. If your car is a vintage model, German auto repair Atlanta service centers will be able to help you.
More than keeping your car clean and shiny, it is likewise important to have a backgrounder on the engine that it’s built upon. And as such, it’s never too late to learn new automotive repair tips and how-to’s from your local Atlanta automotive professional!
source: amazines.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Understanding the Fuel System In Your Car
by DIRK GIBSON
Some of us drive very cautiously. Others of us drive with the proverbial lead foot. Regardless of your style, few of us have a clue how fuel is delivered to our engine and used once we step on the gas pedal. In this article, we aim to rectify that!
There are many variations of modern vehicles. From diesel to electric cars to the incredibly popular hybrid vehicles, the fuel delivery system is designed a bit differently or not at all as occurs with an electric car. We are going to ignore those variations for the purposes of this article and focus on the fuel system in the basic gasoline car – the most driven car these days.
The fuel system starts in the most common of places – the fuel tank. Tank sizes are highly dependent upon the type of vehicle you are driving, but all work the same way. The fuel in input from the pump hose and then settles in the tank. It will remain in the tank until the computer system in the car sends a signal demanding the fuel be forwarded to the engine.
The fuel pump is a vital part of the fuel system. Most people think it is located under their hood somewhere, but it is not. The pump in most cars is now actually in the gas tank. Designs vary, but the general appearance is of a pole sitting on a slightly lifted platform. The platform is actually a filter. The pump pulls the fuel up through the filter and then up into the fuel tube. The tube then leads to the fuel line that carries the gasoline to the engine.
At this point, the fuel is run through another fuel filter closer to the moving parts of the engine. The cleaner the fuel is of particulates and debris, the better the engine will fire. Thus the need for a second filter. At this point, the fuel is sent up to a fuel rail. The rail runs across the top of the engine. Lines then run off this rail down to your fuel injectors. The fuel is run through the injectors and sprayed into the combustion chamber where the magic happens.
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
The fuel system described above has remained the same for pretty much the full existence of the internal combustion engine. The filters have improved and the flow of the system is now controlled by computers to increase efficiency, but the process is nearly the same as it was 40 years ago. This is one area of the car that they got right the first time!
source: amazines.com
Some of us drive very cautiously. Others of us drive with the proverbial lead foot. Regardless of your style, few of us have a clue how fuel is delivered to our engine and used once we step on the gas pedal. In this article, we aim to rectify that!
There are many variations of modern vehicles. From diesel to electric cars to the incredibly popular hybrid vehicles, the fuel delivery system is designed a bit differently or not at all as occurs with an electric car. We are going to ignore those variations for the purposes of this article and focus on the fuel system in the basic gasoline car – the most driven car these days.
The fuel system starts in the most common of places – the fuel tank. Tank sizes are highly dependent upon the type of vehicle you are driving, but all work the same way. The fuel in input from the pump hose and then settles in the tank. It will remain in the tank until the computer system in the car sends a signal demanding the fuel be forwarded to the engine.
The fuel pump is a vital part of the fuel system. Most people think it is located under their hood somewhere, but it is not. The pump in most cars is now actually in the gas tank. Designs vary, but the general appearance is of a pole sitting on a slightly lifted platform. The platform is actually a filter. The pump pulls the fuel up through the filter and then up into the fuel tube. The tube then leads to the fuel line that carries the gasoline to the engine.
At this point, the fuel is run through another fuel filter closer to the moving parts of the engine. The cleaner the fuel is of particulates and debris, the better the engine will fire. Thus the need for a second filter. At this point, the fuel is sent up to a fuel rail. The rail runs across the top of the engine. Lines then run off this rail down to your fuel injectors. The fuel is run through the injectors and sprayed into the combustion chamber where the magic happens.
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
The fuel system described above has remained the same for pretty much the full existence of the internal combustion engine. The filters have improved and the flow of the system is now controlled by computers to increase efficiency, but the process is nearly the same as it was 40 years ago. This is one area of the car that they got right the first time!
source: amazines.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Doctor! Doctor! My Benz Is Sick!
by MIKAL JHONSON
German cars are known for their superior durability, class, and workmanship. In Atlanta, GA, there are quite a number of automotive repair and maintenance specialists. However, nothing beats getting certified or highly experienced mechanics if you want your car to receive only the best maintenance services. In this article, we'll quickly point out some of the more notable service centers for each German car company.
Audi - Do you own any of the A3 to A8 models? How about the Q5, Q7, and TT Roadster or Coupe? When in Atlanta, GA, you probably only have one choice: Jim Ellis along Peachtree Industrial. However, there are a few other Audi experts scattered across the state Georgia. You can check out Nalley Audi Services in Roswell, Fayette Import in Fayetteville, and European Classics in Doraville.
BMW - The complete BMW line is composed of the 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, X3, X5, X6, Z4, and M series. There are 3 great service centers in Atlanta: Global Imports BMW, Frair Motors and the Braxton Automotive Group. Mercedez-Benz - If you own a model under any of the elite SLK-Class, S-Class, or E-Class series, there's only one place to go in Atlanta, GA. Mercedez-Benz of Buckhead along Piedmont Road is the most reliable service center in this state. Trust no one else when it comes to performing high-precision jobs on your car. Expect to receive a confirmation of your appointment request from this Atlanta car repair specialist within 12 hours.
Volkswagen - Whether you own a luxurious Passat Wagon, relatively inexpensive Jetta, or the iconic Beetle, there are a few places where you can have your Volkswagen car serviced. You can get highly efficient car repair in Atlanta at Jim Ellis or Ringtec. Elsewhere in Georgia, you can go to Gerald Jones at Martinez, Motorcars International at Smyrma, or Volkswagen Service at Woodstock.
source: amazines.com
German cars are known for their superior durability, class, and workmanship. In Atlanta, GA, there are quite a number of automotive repair and maintenance specialists. However, nothing beats getting certified or highly experienced mechanics if you want your car to receive only the best maintenance services. In this article, we'll quickly point out some of the more notable service centers for each German car company.
Audi - Do you own any of the A3 to A8 models? How about the Q5, Q7, and TT Roadster or Coupe? When in Atlanta, GA, you probably only have one choice: Jim Ellis along Peachtree Industrial. However, there are a few other Audi experts scattered across the state Georgia. You can check out Nalley Audi Services in Roswell, Fayette Import in Fayetteville, and European Classics in Doraville.
BMW - The complete BMW line is composed of the 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, X3, X5, X6, Z4, and M series. There are 3 great service centers in Atlanta: Global Imports BMW, Frair Motors and the Braxton Automotive Group. Mercedez-Benz - If you own a model under any of the elite SLK-Class, S-Class, or E-Class series, there's only one place to go in Atlanta, GA. Mercedez-Benz of Buckhead along Piedmont Road is the most reliable service center in this state. Trust no one else when it comes to performing high-precision jobs on your car. Expect to receive a confirmation of your appointment request from this Atlanta car repair specialist within 12 hours.
Volkswagen - Whether you own a luxurious Passat Wagon, relatively inexpensive Jetta, or the iconic Beetle, there are a few places where you can have your Volkswagen car serviced. You can get highly efficient car repair in Atlanta at Jim Ellis or Ringtec. Elsewhere in Georgia, you can go to Gerald Jones at Martinez, Motorcars International at Smyrma, or Volkswagen Service at Woodstock.
source: amazines.com
Increasing Gas Mileage Products
By Scott Palat
Increasing Gas Mileage Products
With the steady increase in gasoline prices, everybody is looking for a way to save money at the pump. Some will drive miles out of their way to save 3 cents on the gallon--about a 1% savings for today's prices. Still others try to walk, bike, or take public transportation more--but that isn't an option for everybody. So, people are looking at increasing gas mileage products as a means of saving money.
What are some of the increasing gas mileage products and how can you use them? Some of the products are air filters that go into the car's air flow system to make your engine work more efficiently. Some popular products are the Fuel Genie and the Tornado Fuel Saver. These increasing gas mileage products claim to work by improving the air circulation in the engine and thereby making a better fuel air mixture. Their up to 28% savings in gas is backed by a 120 day money back guarantee.
Other fuel saving products are chemicals that go right into the engine's fuel tank. Some products work by cleaning the fuel system and others work by altering the fuel's chemical mixture. STP, for example, has a complete line of engine cleaning systems to clean and maintain the engine. These products prevent deposits from building up on the fuel injectors, carburetors, and combustion chambers, thus increasing efficiency and cutting back on loss of power. Some products, such as GTA Fuel Enhancer, alter the fuel in order to make the fuel burn more efficiently. Whatever the reasoning behind the different products, their main goal is the same: to burn fuel more efficiently to save money, and incidentally, reduce emissions and pollution.
These products are easy to use. Simply add the increasing gas mileage products into your tank before you fill it up. If using on consecutive tanks, of gas, just make sure to run the tank almost to empty, as the products are designed for a specific number of gallons of gasoline. Many of the additives require 1 or more fuel tank fill ups to reach their maximum potential, though you could start seeing payback in fuel costs immediately.
So, the next time you're at the auto parts store, consider picking up some increasing gas mileage products. They're easy to use, many will also help you prevent excessive pollution from chemical waste, and they could pay for themselves in gas money!
Articlewriter makes it easy to learn about gas mileage.
source: articleworld.net
Increasing Gas Mileage Products
With the steady increase in gasoline prices, everybody is looking for a way to save money at the pump. Some will drive miles out of their way to save 3 cents on the gallon--about a 1% savings for today's prices. Still others try to walk, bike, or take public transportation more--but that isn't an option for everybody. So, people are looking at increasing gas mileage products as a means of saving money.
What are some of the increasing gas mileage products and how can you use them? Some of the products are air filters that go into the car's air flow system to make your engine work more efficiently. Some popular products are the Fuel Genie and the Tornado Fuel Saver. These increasing gas mileage products claim to work by improving the air circulation in the engine and thereby making a better fuel air mixture. Their up to 28% savings in gas is backed by a 120 day money back guarantee.
Other fuel saving products are chemicals that go right into the engine's fuel tank. Some products work by cleaning the fuel system and others work by altering the fuel's chemical mixture. STP, for example, has a complete line of engine cleaning systems to clean and maintain the engine. These products prevent deposits from building up on the fuel injectors, carburetors, and combustion chambers, thus increasing efficiency and cutting back on loss of power. Some products, such as GTA Fuel Enhancer, alter the fuel in order to make the fuel burn more efficiently. Whatever the reasoning behind the different products, their main goal is the same: to burn fuel more efficiently to save money, and incidentally, reduce emissions and pollution.
These products are easy to use. Simply add the increasing gas mileage products into your tank before you fill it up. If using on consecutive tanks, of gas, just make sure to run the tank almost to empty, as the products are designed for a specific number of gallons of gasoline. Many of the additives require 1 or more fuel tank fill ups to reach their maximum potential, though you could start seeing payback in fuel costs immediately.
So, the next time you're at the auto parts store, consider picking up some increasing gas mileage products. They're easy to use, many will also help you prevent excessive pollution from chemical waste, and they could pay for themselves in gas money!
Articlewriter makes it easy to learn about gas mileage.
source: articleworld.net
Compare and Find Affordable Car Insurance
by JOHN PIRRO
Most people make the mistake of not taking the time to comparison shop when buying new policies and this is especially true when it comes to renewing a policy. The reason most people ignore this step in the shopping process is because they have been with the same company for a number of years, have an agent or broker that they are comfortable working with or maybe they just think that they are getting a great deal.
Whatever the case may be it can still pay off to compare auto insurance quotes for several reasons. If a person is with insurer and keeps renewing without comparing their options they will never know if there is a more affordable car insurance company out there. Same goes for the person who is certain that they are getting a great deal. Shopping around can ensure them that they are getting the best price around and who knows they may not be and be glad that they did.
Many new drivers will be referred to a broker or agent and go ahead and become insured with them. Many will not even take the time to view a second option because this person came highly recommended but they can end up overpaying. For any situation mentioned above, the best approach is to get a quote from the person who they are currently doing business with and take that and start comparing it to the other competitors. If the quote in hand is the best then great if not take the cheapest one found and see if the current provider can match it if not beat it. If they can’t at least a person knows their options and can make a decision which will satisfy them.
source: amazines.com
Most people make the mistake of not taking the time to comparison shop when buying new policies and this is especially true when it comes to renewing a policy. The reason most people ignore this step in the shopping process is because they have been with the same company for a number of years, have an agent or broker that they are comfortable working with or maybe they just think that they are getting a great deal.
Whatever the case may be it can still pay off to compare auto insurance quotes for several reasons. If a person is with insurer and keeps renewing without comparing their options they will never know if there is a more affordable car insurance company out there. Same goes for the person who is certain that they are getting a great deal. Shopping around can ensure them that they are getting the best price around and who knows they may not be and be glad that they did.
Many new drivers will be referred to a broker or agent and go ahead and become insured with them. Many will not even take the time to view a second option because this person came highly recommended but they can end up overpaying. For any situation mentioned above, the best approach is to get a quote from the person who they are currently doing business with and take that and start comparing it to the other competitors. If the quote in hand is the best then great if not take the cheapest one found and see if the current provider can match it if not beat it. If they can’t at least a person knows their options and can make a decision which will satisfy them.
source: amazines.com
Choosing a Car Stereo
By Amy Barson
Choosing a Car Stereo
Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:
Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.
Amplifiers Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.
Speakers Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.
Subwoofers Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.Amy Barson works as a contributing editor for http://www.carstereos101.com a site that offers information on car stereos and car stereo installation.
source: articleworld.net
Choosing a Car Stereo
Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:
Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.
Amplifiers Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.
Speakers Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.
Subwoofers Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.Amy Barson works as a contributing editor for http://www.carstereos101.com a site that offers information on car stereos and car stereo installation.
source: articleworld.net
Driving in the Dark
By Brenda Williams
What can't be said about driving in the dark? It's inherently more dangerous than driving during the day because there is less light to illuminate our pathways. Years and years ago, people didn't bother going out at night because they didn't have cars. They had horses and buggies and kerosene lamps: hardly the equipment that you'd want for a midnight run to the coffee shop! Nowadays, however, and with the invention and progression of technology, we live in a much more mobile society. Living in this lap of luxury affords us the opportunity to get up in the middle of the night and drive across the country if we want to. However, driving in the dark is still just as dangerous- if not more dangerous- than it was all those years ago.
If you are comparing and contrasting driving today with traveling years ago, you have to take at least one thing into consideration: there were a lot less people back then. Today, we live in a society where there are massive cities jammed with millions of people, and most of these people own cars. It certainly doesn't take a genius- just the keen observer- to notice that each and every day between the hours of 7am to 9am and between 3pm to 6pm, we cram ourselves onto the highways to get to and from work. It's simply a fact of life now. If there were a way to magically reduce the number of people on the roads so that we could coast along as we liked, I'm sure someone would have already thought it up. All of this is suffice to say that driving during the day is dangerous in and of itself because there are so many people now. As an alternative, many people who are going on long road trips or who need to get somewhere other than work will opt to leave at night because they know that most people are sleeping versus behind the wheel of a car.
Driving at night is dangerous in and of itself because a) there are still more people now than there were years ago, b) it's dark and c) because it is dark, your reaction time is significantly decreased since you can't see something until it comes into your field of vision provided by your headlights- which in the case of a deer or wild animal- is often too late. It is for these reasons as well as others that we need to exercise vigilance and due caution when we are traveling by car in the dark. An additional threat that we have been dealing with and continue to deal with are people who use drugs or consume alcohol only to get behind the wheel of a car. It doesn't take an expert to figure out that anyone who is even remotely impaired and behind the wheel of a car at night poses a great threat to the safety of others as well as their own safety.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times while driving- especially at night. If at all possible, try to run the majority of your errands during the day or in an area that is well lit if you must drive at night.
What can't be said about driving in the dark? It's inherently more dangerous than driving during the day because there is less light to illuminate our pathways. Years and years ago, people didn't bother going out at night because they didn't have cars. They had horses and buggies and kerosene lamps: hardly the equipment that you'd want for a midnight run to the coffee shop! Nowadays, however, and with the invention and progression of technology, we live in a much more mobile society. Living in this lap of luxury affords us the opportunity to get up in the middle of the night and drive across the country if we want to. However, driving in the dark is still just as dangerous- if not more dangerous- than it was all those years ago.
If you are comparing and contrasting driving today with traveling years ago, you have to take at least one thing into consideration: there were a lot less people back then. Today, we live in a society where there are massive cities jammed with millions of people, and most of these people own cars. It certainly doesn't take a genius- just the keen observer- to notice that each and every day between the hours of 7am to 9am and between 3pm to 6pm, we cram ourselves onto the highways to get to and from work. It's simply a fact of life now. If there were a way to magically reduce the number of people on the roads so that we could coast along as we liked, I'm sure someone would have already thought it up. All of this is suffice to say that driving during the day is dangerous in and of itself because there are so many people now. As an alternative, many people who are going on long road trips or who need to get somewhere other than work will opt to leave at night because they know that most people are sleeping versus behind the wheel of a car.
Driving at night is dangerous in and of itself because a) there are still more people now than there were years ago, b) it's dark and c) because it is dark, your reaction time is significantly decreased since you can't see something until it comes into your field of vision provided by your headlights- which in the case of a deer or wild animal- is often too late. It is for these reasons as well as others that we need to exercise vigilance and due caution when we are traveling by car in the dark. An additional threat that we have been dealing with and continue to deal with are people who use drugs or consume alcohol only to get behind the wheel of a car. It doesn't take an expert to figure out that anyone who is even remotely impaired and behind the wheel of a car at night poses a great threat to the safety of others as well as their own safety.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times while driving- especially at night. If at all possible, try to run the majority of your errands during the day or in an area that is well lit if you must drive at night.
The History of Volvo
by PHIL TANNER
Volvo was first incorporated in 1915 as a subsidiary of a Swedish ball-bearing manufacturer, AB SKF. The name, which means “I roll” in Latin was first registered in 1911 for use with a special ball-bearing product. Eventually, however, the Swedish company elected to use SKF for all ball-bearing product and release use of the Volvo brand for engines, automobiles, etc. Serious efforts to develop an automobile using Swedish steel that could withstand the rigors of winter in Sweden. SKF Sales Manager Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, an engineer are generally acknowledged to creators of the brand. Their first cars rolled off the assembly line in 1927. The Volvo OV4 takes its name from the open carriage design of the car and its 4 cylinder engine. Although the car was scheduled to make its debut on April 13, 1927 the launch was delayed one day when an engineer working on the project put the first car in gear only to have it drive in reverse. The problem was traced to incorrect fit of a differential gear in the rear axle, the issue was corrected and Volvo was born for marketing purposes on April 14, 1927. Initial plans called for 500 of the open carriage OV4 to be built. Sales were slower than expected, however, so Volvo quickly switched its focus to a closed carriage version known as the PV4. By 1929 the brand had added a t 6 cylinder engine. Taxis and 1.5 ton trucks were added to the line in the late 1920’s. By 1932 the company was profitable, producing over 900 cars each year from its own factory. By 1930, trucks were being exported from Sweden to other parts of Europe but economic conditions slowed growth of the brand overall. Since Sweden was perceived as neutral during WWII, Volvo was able to continue producing vehicles. However, volumes dropped significantly from nearly 2,900 cars in 1939 to a low of only 99 in 1942. Trucks continued to outsell cars and Volvo cars were not really known outside of Sweden until after conclusion of the war. Volvo developed an image as a conservative vehicle, which the company tried to counter during the late 1950s and into the 1960s. For example, the P1800 coupe was initially designed by Italian automakers. The cars were original made of pressed steel in England but demand eventually justified a shift back to Sweden. This same P1800 became the vehicle used in The Saint detective movies, and their connection with lead actor Roger Moore gave the brand a more contemporary, cool image. The Swedish government backed a new factory which opened in 1964. During the 1960’s Volvo saw cars being produced in Sweden, Canada and Belgium. The millionth car was produced and by 1974 diesel and turbocharged engines were offered. By 1983, output grew to five million cars and Volvo’s vehicles were generally known as angular, durable, somewhat luxurious vehicles with above average safety features. In 1999, Volvo was purchased by Ford Motor Corp and it is unclear how the brand will be managed as Ford emerges from bankruptcy. Today the Volvo line continues to be known for its outstanding safety features, but the blocky look has been replaced with smoothly curving lines, and even convertibles. The cars also carry a reputation for reliability, but in general it may be best to take your vehicle to a Volvo specialist for major mechanical work.
source: amazines.com
Volvo was first incorporated in 1915 as a subsidiary of a Swedish ball-bearing manufacturer, AB SKF. The name, which means “I roll” in Latin was first registered in 1911 for use with a special ball-bearing product. Eventually, however, the Swedish company elected to use SKF for all ball-bearing product and release use of the Volvo brand for engines, automobiles, etc. Serious efforts to develop an automobile using Swedish steel that could withstand the rigors of winter in Sweden. SKF Sales Manager Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, an engineer are generally acknowledged to creators of the brand. Their first cars rolled off the assembly line in 1927. The Volvo OV4 takes its name from the open carriage design of the car and its 4 cylinder engine. Although the car was scheduled to make its debut on April 13, 1927 the launch was delayed one day when an engineer working on the project put the first car in gear only to have it drive in reverse. The problem was traced to incorrect fit of a differential gear in the rear axle, the issue was corrected and Volvo was born for marketing purposes on April 14, 1927. Initial plans called for 500 of the open carriage OV4 to be built. Sales were slower than expected, however, so Volvo quickly switched its focus to a closed carriage version known as the PV4. By 1929 the brand had added a t 6 cylinder engine. Taxis and 1.5 ton trucks were added to the line in the late 1920’s. By 1932 the company was profitable, producing over 900 cars each year from its own factory. By 1930, trucks were being exported from Sweden to other parts of Europe but economic conditions slowed growth of the brand overall. Since Sweden was perceived as neutral during WWII, Volvo was able to continue producing vehicles. However, volumes dropped significantly from nearly 2,900 cars in 1939 to a low of only 99 in 1942. Trucks continued to outsell cars and Volvo cars were not really known outside of Sweden until after conclusion of the war. Volvo developed an image as a conservative vehicle, which the company tried to counter during the late 1950s and into the 1960s. For example, the P1800 coupe was initially designed by Italian automakers. The cars were original made of pressed steel in England but demand eventually justified a shift back to Sweden. This same P1800 became the vehicle used in The Saint detective movies, and their connection with lead actor Roger Moore gave the brand a more contemporary, cool image. The Swedish government backed a new factory which opened in 1964. During the 1960’s Volvo saw cars being produced in Sweden, Canada and Belgium. The millionth car was produced and by 1974 diesel and turbocharged engines were offered. By 1983, output grew to five million cars and Volvo’s vehicles were generally known as angular, durable, somewhat luxurious vehicles with above average safety features. In 1999, Volvo was purchased by Ford Motor Corp and it is unclear how the brand will be managed as Ford emerges from bankruptcy. Today the Volvo line continues to be known for its outstanding safety features, but the blocky look has been replaced with smoothly curving lines, and even convertibles. The cars also carry a reputation for reliability, but in general it may be best to take your vehicle to a Volvo specialist for major mechanical work.
source: amazines.com
Mazda Accessories Fever Gets Even Hotter
By Tom Bailey
Mazda maintains its strong and meticulous selection of vehicle accessories to come up with not just something hot and new but exciting and functional as well. In regard to this endeavor, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported a 20 percent increase of sales of Mazda accessories through the first half this year. This figure is in comparison to that of the 2005 sales record.
Mazda’s new offerings include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, remote-start systems, plus a full line of accessories for the new CX-7 crossover SUV. Consequently, the accessory fever continues as the automaker adds one great accessory to enjoy. Genuine Mazda Accessories launched an exclusive iPod Integration Module, which allows customers to connect, charge, and operate their iPod through their vehicle’s audio system. It can be recalled that Mazda was the first to offer iPod® Integration Module in all its 2007 cars and SUVs around the world.
To assess the performance of Genuine Mazda Accessories, sales of MAZDASPEED Performance Accessories is getting better and better. Sales have almost doubled each year since its introduction to the market. To boost the sales further, Mazda introduced its key offerings for this year which include upgraded suspension systems and cat-back performance exhaust systems for MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-8 and MX-5. MAZDASPEED, on the other hand, offers OEM-quality “cold air” induction systems with full warranty. Said system is used to augment horsepower without weakening emissions.
The overwhelming sales are proofs to overall customer satisfaction. According to Jack Stavana, director of accessory operations for MNAO, “Our objective with the Mazda Accessories program is to provide products that actually enhance the driving experience for Mazda customers. Mazda drivers are young and passionate, and Mazda accessories provide them with the means of expressing their enthusiasm on their vehicle.”
Mazda’s comprehensive accessories program also include in-dash single and six-disc CD changers, cassette players, MiniDisc players and the newly introduced PhatBox ® Digital Media Player. They are available at over 200 specific Mazda dealers across the country.
source: articleworld.net
Mazda maintains its strong and meticulous selection of vehicle accessories to come up with not just something hot and new but exciting and functional as well. In regard to this endeavor, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported a 20 percent increase of sales of Mazda accessories through the first half this year. This figure is in comparison to that of the 2005 sales record.
Mazda’s new offerings include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, remote-start systems, plus a full line of accessories for the new CX-7 crossover SUV. Consequently, the accessory fever continues as the automaker adds one great accessory to enjoy. Genuine Mazda Accessories launched an exclusive iPod Integration Module, which allows customers to connect, charge, and operate their iPod through their vehicle’s audio system. It can be recalled that Mazda was the first to offer iPod® Integration Module in all its 2007 cars and SUVs around the world.
To assess the performance of Genuine Mazda Accessories, sales of MAZDASPEED Performance Accessories is getting better and better. Sales have almost doubled each year since its introduction to the market. To boost the sales further, Mazda introduced its key offerings for this year which include upgraded suspension systems and cat-back performance exhaust systems for MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-8 and MX-5. MAZDASPEED, on the other hand, offers OEM-quality “cold air” induction systems with full warranty. Said system is used to augment horsepower without weakening emissions.
The overwhelming sales are proofs to overall customer satisfaction. According to Jack Stavana, director of accessory operations for MNAO, “Our objective with the Mazda Accessories program is to provide products that actually enhance the driving experience for Mazda customers. Mazda drivers are young and passionate, and Mazda accessories provide them with the means of expressing their enthusiasm on their vehicle.”
Mazda’s comprehensive accessories program also include in-dash single and six-disc CD changers, cassette players, MiniDisc players and the newly introduced PhatBox ® Digital Media Player. They are available at over 200 specific Mazda dealers across the country.
source: articleworld.net
Checking Your Tires Properly
By Brenda Williams
If there is one thing about cars that makes me paranoid, it's the tires. With the last car that I owned, I must have had to change a flat tire on it at least once every few months. To this day, I have no idea what the problem was, but every single time the culprit was a nail. After a while, I was convinced that there was a criminal going around targeting Nissan Altimas simply so they could hammer a nail into one of the tires at random. But I digress.
Checking your tires is one of the basic safety checks that you can (and should) do prior to stepping foot in your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds to go around and check each tire quick for any malfunctions or wear and tear, and it can end up saving you a lot of headache down the line. One of the first things that I learned how to do before I was even allowed to sit down behind the wheel of my dad's company car was how to change a flat tire. I still remember that summer where I was crouched down beside him in our driveway as he guided me through where to find the tire jack as well as instructions on how to properly prop up the car and remove each of the lug nuts from the affected wheel. It seemed relatively easy...on that car.
What drivers need to remember is that with each car, the instructions may be slightly different. Not all cars carry their spare tire in the same place, and some vehicles have an actual tire in place of a spare. For example, a Jeep carries an actual, full-sized tire on the back of the vehicle where it is easily accessible by the driver versus Ford Explorers, which carry their full size spare tires on the underside of the vehicle, making it more difficult to access (especially if you find yourself stranded with a flat on the side of a highway). Meanwhile, most four-door sedans carry their spare tire in the trunk, hidden underneath a thing piece of the trunk flooring.
Knowing how to check your tires for wear can actually save your life. Know what the tread on your tires are supposed to look like, this way you'll be aware of when it's time to get new tires. Also, you'll want to be cautious about over inflating or under inflating your tires, which may contribute to you getting into an accident as it may reduce the amount of traction that your vehicle has with the road surface (especially during inclement weather). But there is yet another reason why it is good to know how to change your own tires: it save you both time and money. If you don't know how to change a tire and don't have much luck finding a neighbor who is willing to change it for you, you'll have to call up someone who does know such as Triple A. However, companies like Triple A are typically busy which means that you'll be stuck waiting and paying in the end!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams
If there is one thing about cars that makes me paranoid, it's the tires. With the last car that I owned, I must have had to change a flat tire on it at least once every few months. To this day, I have no idea what the problem was, but every single time the culprit was a nail. After a while, I was convinced that there was a criminal going around targeting Nissan Altimas simply so they could hammer a nail into one of the tires at random. But I digress.
Checking your tires is one of the basic safety checks that you can (and should) do prior to stepping foot in your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds to go around and check each tire quick for any malfunctions or wear and tear, and it can end up saving you a lot of headache down the line. One of the first things that I learned how to do before I was even allowed to sit down behind the wheel of my dad's company car was how to change a flat tire. I still remember that summer where I was crouched down beside him in our driveway as he guided me through where to find the tire jack as well as instructions on how to properly prop up the car and remove each of the lug nuts from the affected wheel. It seemed relatively easy...on that car.
What drivers need to remember is that with each car, the instructions may be slightly different. Not all cars carry their spare tire in the same place, and some vehicles have an actual tire in place of a spare. For example, a Jeep carries an actual, full-sized tire on the back of the vehicle where it is easily accessible by the driver versus Ford Explorers, which carry their full size spare tires on the underside of the vehicle, making it more difficult to access (especially if you find yourself stranded with a flat on the side of a highway). Meanwhile, most four-door sedans carry their spare tire in the trunk, hidden underneath a thing piece of the trunk flooring.
Knowing how to check your tires for wear can actually save your life. Know what the tread on your tires are supposed to look like, this way you'll be aware of when it's time to get new tires. Also, you'll want to be cautious about over inflating or under inflating your tires, which may contribute to you getting into an accident as it may reduce the amount of traction that your vehicle has with the road surface (especially during inclement weather). But there is yet another reason why it is good to know how to change your own tires: it save you both time and money. If you don't know how to change a tire and don't have much luck finding a neighbor who is willing to change it for you, you'll have to call up someone who does know such as Triple A. However, companies like Triple A are typically busy which means that you'll be stuck waiting and paying in the end!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams
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