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Car Moving
If you are planning on relocating, one consideration will be what to do with your vehicle. For many people that are relocating long distances, whether to a new region or cross country, a long car drive is not the answer-especially if you have a family. While car moving is considered to be a pain in the neck for many families, there are several easy ways to accomplish this task.
Auto Transport by Truck
For those that are moving their entire family including household belongings, one strategy is to simply ship your vehicle(s) along with everything else. Most moving companies offer this service, while based on distance, the cost of moving your vehicle(s) is usually reasonable. In most cases, auto transport works by having either a truck transporter carry several vehicles at a time or a smaller flatbed carrying one vehicle at a time. The price is usually affordable and the process usually takes less than two weeks (for instance transporting your vehicle cross country.
Auto Transport by Rail
Another option is to have your vehicle transported by rail. This option is also very affordable, usually costing only a few hundred dollars. The convenience factor is great due to the fact that you don’t have to wait to take delivery of your vehicle and in many cases your family can ride on the same train that your car is being transported on.
Driveaway Service
One of the cheapest ways to accomplish car moving is Driveaway service. Driveaway service is when you hire a company to find you a responsible driver to deliver your vehicle to your new destination. The driver is usually a person that would like to travel on a very low budget. They receive the free vehicle to drive to the new destination and only have to worry about fuel charges. For instance, if you are moving from New York City to Los Angeles, you can contact a Driveaway company to find a driver. The company usually charges you a small fee (for instance $300 to find a responsible driver). The driver receives use of the vehicle for free and only has to pay for fuel. You receive your vehicle in a short period of time for about 1/3 to 1/5 the cost of a typical truck transport.
No matter where you intend to move, you can easily bring your car along. While it usually isn’t practical to drive your vehicle cross country with your family when relocating, the above services make it easy, convenient and relatively affordable to bring your car along to your new home.
Tags: Car Maintenance, Car Services
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Automotive Tools - Finding the Right Ones
Automotive tools is a term that encompasses a variety of quality instruments which are used to repair or modify vehicles. With the emergence of sophisticated vehicles, the demand for specialized automotive tools has increased tremendously. These tools have an incredible ability to repair, maintain and ensure the proper working and functioning of a vehicle. Every tool has its own unique features. Some are used for cleaning and polishing tasks while others are used for welding, tuning, engine overhauling or gripping purposes. Each tool carries with it a unique personality of its own, a testament that any automotive mechanic will readily admit.
Various pneumatic tools which are driven by compressed air are used in automotive works as well. These tools include air compressors, spray guns for painting purposes, pressure gauges, air valves, and air pressure regulators for maintaining air pressure in tires. Automotive tools are generally made of non oxidizing materials such as stainless steel, acetal polymers, etc. Knowing of the different functions of the tools, automotive tools can be divided into sub categories on the basis of task that they accomplish.
Automotive garage equipment consists of all those devices and spare parts which are required for proper functioning of the vehicle. These tools are used for replacing damaged parts, servicing vehicles, painting and polishing purposes. A number of tools come under this category of automotive tools. A mechanical jack is used to lift heavy equipment such as vehicles to a short distance above the ground. Similarly, jacks based on hydraulic power provide greater force to lift objects over greater heights with relative ease. Battery chargers are also used as garage equipment to restore the charge of discharged batteries so as to ensure proper starting of the vehicle.
Automotive wrenches are comprised of those flexible tools which are used to accomplish different tasks such as tuning, holding parts, and the twisting and tightening nuts, bolts and pipes which are found in vehicles. These tasks are necessary to ensure that the vehicle functions correctly and smoothly, as well as to maintain the safety of vehicle operation. Each type of wrench has its own unique features designed to handle different duties. For example, a torque wrench is used to measure the rotational force which is applied to the sockets or a tube wrench which is used to tighten bolts while a double opened wrench is the common wrench which is used to alter nuts.
Hand held tools are the most common instruments which are found in almost all workshops. These are used for drilling, cutting or fastening purposes. Some of the hand held tools include impact drivers, socket sets, holders and screw drivers. These tools are either made out of iron, steel or aluminum. They are driven either by hand, pneumatic or electric sources.
Car care tools consist of those tools which are used to smoothen or clean the vehicle. Cleaning sponges, polishing cloths and water blades are some of the tools used for washing and maintaining the vehicle and its parts. Meanwhile, electric testing tools are used to ensure that all the key electrical components of vehicles are functioning properly. Multimeters measure voltage and current of the battery whereas the ignition timing is set by the tool known as timing lights.
Jumper cables are wires used for transmitting electrical current to the battery. One end of the cable is connected to a power source while the other end is connected to the dead or discharged battery. In this setup, the current is transmitted from the power source to the discharged battery so as to restore its charge. These cables are pair of heavy wires which are connected with alligator clips at each end for the positive and negative charges.
Power tools, which are driven by electric motors, accomplish tasks such as sanding, shaping and polishing. These tools can either be fixed or moveable depending on their size and specific task. Hole saws are used to cut materials in circular shapes. These tools are shaped like cylinders and have sharp teeth on their edges which make their task easier. Large diameter holes can be drilled with the help of thin wooden boards. This tool is available in different sizes depending upon the need of the user. It consists of a sharp grub screw and a drill bit.
Tire pressure gauges are devices which are used to check air pressure in automotive tires. This gauge contains a needle, pointer, indicator and a tube. The pressure of the air present in the tire is indicated with the help of a pointer which indicates the quantity of air pressure. The pressure can be increased or decreased according to the reading displayed by the indicator. Engine bags, storage cabinets, tool trays and storage cases are used for various functions like storing the automotive tools. Wheeled vehicle can be transported safely with the help of tools like tie downs. The most common tie downs are wire crimping tools, truck trailers and tie downs ratchets.
As can be seen, the variety of automotive tools on the market is simply immense. Obtaining the right tools for your own needs is very important, be those needs of personal nature or for business use, such as running your own shop. In any case, given the specialization of the tools, be sure to always be careful and shop around to ensure that you are buying the exact tool to suit your needs.
Tags: Car Maintenance, Car Parts
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Increase your Automobile Gas Mileage
With fuel prices rising seemingly every day, anything you can do to increase the gas mileage your car gets is usually welcomed with open arms. The money saved can go towards necessary car maintenance or other family expenses. Saving money on gas will be easier for some motorists than others based on both their lifestyle and driving habits, but there are things that can be done by everyone to improve their gas mileage.
Its A Car, Not A Storage Unit
The added weight of unnecessary items in a car, whether they are kept under the seats, in the back seat, or in the trunk, all add to the overall weight of the vehicle and a heavier vehicle requires more fuel to propel it down the road.
Giving The Ankle A Break
Excess revving of the engine and quickly accelerating are both ways in which gas gets used at a faster rate. One of the biggest reasons for suddenly increasing the speed of a car is aggressive driving, aggressive driving can lead to far worse results than bad gas mileage and is something that should be deterred or stopped.
Out With The Old, In With The New
One of the best ways to increase gas mileage is by replacing a dirty air filter. If a vehicle has an extremely dirty air filter, changing it can lead to upwards of 10% better gas mileage.
Cool It
When traveling on highways and freeways, rolling up windows and utilizing a vehicle’s air conditioning system can actually improve gas mileage. At faster speeds, the extra drag created by windows that are rolled down can actually negatively affect gas mileage more than the air conditioner. Temperature permitting, the best gas mileage can be achieved by keeping the windows rolled up and not using the air conditioner.
Increase The Pressure
Making sure that the tires of a car are inflated to their recommended levels, and maybe slightly over inflated, can also improve the gas mileage of most vehicles. Tire pressure gauges can be purchased affordably and a car’s tire pressure should be checked every time the gas tank is filled.
Maintain, Maintain, Maintain
Keeping a car running at its best can be accomplished best by staying on top of the necessary routine maintenance. Making sure oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, and more are all done when they are supposed to be is a great way to insure that a car runs at its overall best. A car running at its overall best will achieve a better gas mileage than the same car that remains in need of regular maintenance.
There are ways that the general population can improve the gas mileage that their cars achieve without having to do something drastic like a modified engine or buying a completely different car. When the gas mileage of a car is improved, it allows more money to stay in the pocket of the driver and their family. Families have many more important things to spend this money on than continually inserting it directly into their gas tanks.
Tags: Car Maintenance, Gas
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Car Computer
Today, computers are a part of almost all aspects of our daily life and this includes cars. Technology has changed the ways drivers operate their cars. Generally speaking, there are two types of car computers. The first are categorized as ECU (electronic control units). These small computers run many parts of our engine and other major components of vehicles. They are used to control the amount of fuel to air mixture, the changing of gears, emissions, electronics in the cabin, report problems and many more important functions. The second major category of car computers are the ones in the vehicle that individuals directly interact with. These can be media devices, GPS devices, etc.
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
Many tuning enthusiasts that try to get their vehicles to achieve ultimate performance are well aware of the important part that the ECU plays in a vehicle. Today, there can be several different modules in a vehicle; however the ECU usually plays a huge role in the way your vehicle performs. Most vehicles are designed to perform optimally. Parameters for the ECU are usually set at the factory ensuring that your car gets good gas mileage, releases a low amount of emissions and offers plenty of horsepower and torque when needed. However, for those looking to achieve the highest level of performance, you can easily access the ECU or change the car computer altogether-enhancing performance such as horsepower and fuel mileage. Replacing an ECU module is normally inexpensive, costing as little as $10 and it could take only a couple of minutes to swap.
OBD (On Board Diagnostics)
Another module considered by many as a car computer is called an OBD (on board diagnostics). This computer constantly monitors your vehicle and if it detects a problem, it alerts the driver (usually via the check engine light on your dashboard). When your vehicle shows a check engine light, you usually take it to a mechanic that reads the error code with an OBD II computer reader. A simple code can help a mechanic know what is malfunctioning and fix your vehicle quickly and conveniently.
Media Car Computers
Many people that think of car computers think of media devices that are integrated into their vehicle. With the advent of cheaper and faster performing computers, more car manufacturers are offering car computers in new vehicles. In addition, car computer after market products are available for only a few hundred dollars that can be added to almost any vehicle on the road. Here are just some of the car computers found in today’s vehicles.
Audio/MP3 Players
One of the most popular options in a car today is a good audio system and since today’s music is mostly digital this includes mp3 players, adapters and integrated audio systems that use computer chips. Whether your car has an mp3 player built in that can read digital music off a CD, an iPod port or a USB port/adapter, digital music made possible by car computers are a popular feature.
Video Players
Since the 1950’s people dreamed about the possibility of watching TV while they ride in their car. Well, today this option is not only a possibility, but one of the most popular options in vehicles. Today’s vehicles can include a car computer that is able to play DVD video, games or even TV.
GPS
Getting around is easier than ever with car computer GPS systems. With a small screen and usually audio cues in the form of a voice, you can easily choose a starting point and destination and be told turn by turn how to get their. GPS car computers can be integrated within a media player or sold as an after market product.
Communications
Another technology that has benefited from car computers is communications. Today, many vehicles have integrated car computers that handle telephone calls. Either integrated or available after market products come with Bluetooth technology or other digital technologies that enable voice communication, SMS, email, etc.
Vehicle Information
While media car computers are extremely popular, with extremely high gas prices, efficiency is important as well. Many car manufacturers integrate car computers that offer vehicle information regarding fuel mileage, tire pressure, trip odometer, etc.
Tags: Car Audio, Car Electronics, Car Gadgets, Car Maintenance, Car Parts, Car Video
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How Air Bags In Automobiles Came To Be
When it comes to car safety, much attention is focused on seat belts and air bags. Air bags are pretty much commonplace automobile safety equipment right now, but they do seem like a more recent introduction into the auto industry. It doesn’t seem that long ago that air bags were considered a new and modern piece of safety equipment. But air bags have taken a long road to get to where they are now.
Air bags were first invented by for Navy engineer John Hetrick. The new device was patented in 1953 and was set upon almost immediately to be revised and improved upon. By the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors were all including air bags in some of their vehicles on a very limited and somewhat experimental basis.
The 1970’s was still a time where seat belt use was largely seen as optional. Most laws requiring the wearing of seat belts would not be passed and begin to be enforced until the late 1970’s through the mid 1980’s. Air bags were seen as a non-invasive alternative to seat belts during the 1970’s, but once government began legislating vehicle safety devices more thoroughly, more attention was placed on seat belt requirements and continued interest in air bag technology slowly deflated.
Interest in air bags was revived in the late 1980’s when they were looked at in cars as a supplemental restraint system, something to work with a seat belt, instead of as a seat belt replacement option. The first car manufactured any where in the world to have both driver and passenger air bags included as standard equipment was the Porsche 944 turbo. The late 1980’s and early 1990’s saw air bags become common in most car models. While Ford and General Motors were including air bags in most of their models beginning in the late 1980’s, air bags would not become standard in European car models until the mid 1990’s.
In 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated that dual front air bags should be included on all vehicles made for distribution in the United States. They also altered the power requirements for air bags, lowering them to what is known as a de-powered unit or second generation air bag. Air bags that were originally designed as a replacement to the seat belt exhibited a great deal of force when they were deployed, this would sometimes cause injury or even death to the occupant that the air bag was designed to save. A de-powered or second generation unit is designed to provide impact resistant safety to a passenger who is assumed to be wearing a required seat belt. The common inclusion of side impact air bags and air bags designed to protect passengers in the rear of the vehicle would follow in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
Today air bags are common components in every car. They are rarely even thought of any more and are just an assumed safety restraint. Air bags have gone from an exciting new invention, to a replacement idea for seat belts, to discarded technology, and finally brought back as a safety idea that can supplement the protection offered by a seat belt. Air bag technology will continue to evolve in the future and drivers and passengers of automobiles every where will be the beneficiaries.
Tags: Car Maintenance, Car Parts, Car Safety
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