Archive for July, 2011

Busting Myths About Tires

July 4th, 2011

People may know a lot about Cars but when it comes to tires, it’s a big zero. Today we will be busting some myths about tires.

Myth: Tires should be inflated according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
Fact: Indication on the sidewall is the tire’s maximum inflation pressure, not the recommended pressure. Follow inflation pressure recommendations in the Car owner’s manual or written on the door post.

Myth: A tread pattern is required for great traction on dry roads.
Fact: A tire without any tread provides the best results dry traction due to the maximum amount of rubber touching the road. A tread pattern, with its groove voids, actually lessens this traction on dry roads. The role of tread is to act as a squeegee in wet conditions and removes water from under the tire and channels it through the grooves for improved wet traction.

Myth: Performance tires wear out faster because of the sticky compounds.
Fact: Partly true but tread rubber polymers aren’t the reason. In fact, advancements like new polymers and ultra-tensile steel constructions make performance tires last longer now. Performance tires average about 45,000 miles in tread life, comparable to the figures for family-car passenger tires. Fast wear is usually due to high speeds and aggressive driving.

Myth: Wide tires provide better traction under all weather conditions. Installing oversize snow tires on a car delivers better snow traction.
Fact: Completely wrong. Wide tires have a tendency float on deep snow, and the tread lugs are unable to dig through to the road surface and gain traction. Narrow tires provide better traction in snow conditions. Narrow tire cut through the snow easier and provides traction.

Myth: All-season tires sufficient for even winter season.
Fact: Can be true for certain regions but in places where snow remains on the roads for days winter tires are the best.

Myth: Tires should not be rotated from side to side, only front to back.
Fact: Radial tires can be crossed from side to side in the rotation pattern unlike the bias ply tires. Regular tire rotation every 6000 to 8000 miles ensures uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle.

Myth: New tires should be put on the drive-wheel position to get the most traction.
Fact: True only on a rear-drive vehicle. Always, install new tires on the rear axle. Most tire buyers purchase new tires for the drive-wheel position to get the most traction. However, by doing so they transfer most of their traction capabilities from the rear. The vehicle is more prone to over steer.

Myth: The government tests tires for traction, temperature resistance, and treadwear and assigns grades molded onto the sidewall.
Fact: Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a federal law that makes it mandatory for tire manufacturers to grade their own tires for tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. Tire manufacturers test tires and assign their own grades and not some government authority.

Myth: An undulation on a tire sidewall is supposed to be a weak spot and can lead to tire failure.
Fact: An undulation is created where materials overlap each other in the tire carcass, and it actually is the strongest part of the tire.

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Electric Cars Are the Hottest Things in Auto Shows Across the Nation

July 4th, 2011

Thousands of people flocked to Detroit to witness the North American International Auto Show on Friday, January 14, 2011. Car admirers from across the globe walked around and gawked at fantastic specimens and rare birds. Information and brochures were handed out. It seemed like an ordinary day at an auto show, but the one thing that was unusual about this Detroit event was the lack of roars from V8 engines. SUV’s were not even allowed! There was no place for gas-guzzlers. The stars of this show were the electric and hybrid cars. So instead of roaring engines, there were quiet, whisper-soft purrs.

Carmakers displayed their newest and hottest electric cars to taunt the audience. These cars are in such high demand that the only way to get them is used. Every electric car that rolls out of the factory is snatched up. Companies are realizing that they need to up the production of these environmentally friendly vehicles. The concerns about the range and power of electric cars are slowly evaporating, and now the only problems are with the low inventory. Know that factories will begin moving these treasures out at a faster pace. Once production is boosted, expect to see more of these readily available and displayed in local showrooms. Relatively soon, carmakers hope, electric and hybrid cars will be in millions of driveways and parked in special, city supplied charging stations.

Once you are able to get your hands on a hybrid or electric car, the only issue you’ll have next is finding the right moving company that you can trust to transport your precious prize. Moving services are now developing equipment and specializing themselves in the transport of these magnificent machines. If you have an electric or hybrid car or are planning on getting one, be sure to contact your moving company of choice to see if they can accommodate your vehicle shipping needs.

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Honda And Hyundai – Finest Car Brands in The Market

July 4th, 2011

Cars have a lot of importance in our lifestyle. The 21st century cars are all about luxury, coziness, power, and stability. Automobile manufacturers like Hyundai and Honda are among the giants in the car industry. These two Japanese automobile brands have out muscled automobile manufacturer as Hyundai and Honda are renowned for manufacturing cost effective luxurious cars. However, exclusive cars targets exclusive consumers but these brands target the larger section of the society, that is, the common man. Cars like Honda civic and Hyundai i30 are among the cars which are cost effective but offers standard to quality service and performance.

Japanese automotive technology and brands are everywhere in the world. Both Honda and Hyundai have their dealers in Australia. Honda Australia and Hyundai Australia are the major dealers of these cars in Australia. The brand offers a lot of option to a person. First of all these cars are pollution effective as compared to American cars with sleek design increases its power ratio which makes it cost effective. Unlike muscle cars, these brand focus of the future. They have power but we all know power is not the only thing to expect from a car. Hyundai i30 and Honda accord euro offers class, comfortable sitting and slick control on roads. Driving these car models is completely different from other cars. The cars are manufactured for every class of people. Hyundai Australia and Honda Australia has the changed the concept of cars manufacturing in Australia as currently this two brands have become automobile power houses around the globe.

Honda civic is a sedan which offers class, power and is a cheaper version of cars such as Mercedes, BMW, and high end Toyota cars. Civic stands for all sedans and has in a way redefined its performance by adding sporty features to it. The design and interiors are completely classy and sporty while the performance is above par at the same time. Civic is an ideal example of a 21st century sedan. On the other hand Hyundai i30 is a hatchback car but possesses class, trendy look, and powerful engine.

In Australia, Privatefleet is a well known car dealer dealing in all famous new car or used car brands.

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Collision Vehicle: Restoration Is The Road to Safety

July 4th, 2011

When you hear of any road accident or read the news of tragic vehicle collisions you suddenly become cautious and start pondering about the safety and security of your own vehicle and your life. In the normal days, people seldom find time or try to ignore the repair needs of their vehicles. They are of the general opinion that their vehicles are in the working condition and taking them for check ups and maintenance is utter waste of money. But, they tend to forget that a small carelessness on their part can later on cause a fatal accident which will not only cost them much more than a normal maintenance cost of the vehicle but will also immensely increase their medical bills and cause them psychological damage.

There are times when despite your safety precautions and proper care you get engaged in an accident due to the carelessness on the part of the other driver. Even if you have been driving safely, wearing a seat belt and following all the traffic rules you can never predict the safety measures of the other drivers on the road. A simple neglect of the red signal can lead to a vehicle getting collided with your vehicle and causing damages to your precious automobile. In such situations taking the instant assistance of the automobile collision repair shop is imperative to save your vehicle from further damage or protect yourself and your family from any disastrous circumstance due to the deteriorated condition of your vehicle.

Always remember that your safety is your own hands and playing with it can be very dangerous which can cause irreparable damage. During a foggy weather or rainy condition your vision gets blurred and you can collide with the nearby pole or an object on the road. Taking the collision vehicle to a repair shop is the first step for any wise driver as the trained technicians of the repair shop will check the damages and will restore the vehicle to its former condition.

As being a novice you cannot judge for yourself the damages already done and the complexities involved. So, the experts of the collision repair shops with their years of experience and skills are your perfect companion in such conditions. Leaving your vehicle as they are can expose them to further damages which will keep on adding to the bills and will also give you headaches and tensions. Take the wise decision and consult a collision repair shop for best restoration services!

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All Electric Car For 2011

July 4th, 2011

From January 2011 in the UK, Mitsubishi will have nominated dealers who will be fully functioning Mitsubishi EV Sales Centres. The approved Mitsubishi London dealerships will have 2 fully trained sales personnel in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) and will also have a broader understanding of future Mitsubishi pure EV and plug-in hybrid technologies. All nominated EV Sales Centre personnel have had an extensive training programme so there is a very clear understanding of the demands and requirements of electric vehicles for consumers and that they understand the wider industry issues relating to the EV marketplace.

The after-sales departments will also have to comply with compulsory manufacturer training and require specialist tools to enable the service and maintenance of electric vehicles. All of Mitsubishi’s 118 UK dealerships were appointed as EV Service Centre’s as of 10th January 2010 giving national after-sales coverage. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car was released in January 2011, it is more expensive to buy than conventional superminis, the all electric car will cost 38,699. From 2011 there is a Government grant of 5,000 available, which buyers can use to pay towards the electric car. To fully charge the Mitsubishi i-MiEV it will cost just 1, Mitsubishi have estimated that it will cost just 115 to power the car over a distance of 12,000 miles. The i-MiEV owners will be exempt from the 10-a-day London congestion charge, owners will also benefit from the car being exempt from road tax. Servicing costs will also be low as the car has fewer moving parts, although no figures have yet been given. The manufacturer also hopes resale values will be high because demand will outstrip supply.

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The Second Phase of Life

July 4th, 2011

In 2009 Renault presented its new corporate identity that puts people at the forefront of its design concerns. Renault planned to design and build cars based around a normal person’s “life cycle”. The first of these concept models was the Dezir which translates to “falling in love” – when two people first meet. The second concept from Renault is the Captur which marks the stage in a couple’s life where they want to explore the world around them together. Romeo and Julie – eat your heart out! The Renault Captur will be on show at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, with its fluid curves the concept car evokes movement and a feeling of lightness. Just like the DeZir, the Captur’s angles, corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms while still maintain the look of power and masculinity.

It looks nothing like a typical Used Renault in St Albans. The light and airy theme has been carried over into the interior design and layout which features fluorescent highlights, picked out by a constant stream of light. The Captur’s colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe said, “My main sources of inspiration were the human body, outdoor sports and urban styling, I wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism.” The Renault Captur is powered by the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130 that will eventually replace the 1.9 dCi. The smaller engine compliments Renault’s strategy to meet its objective of being Europe’s leading automaker for low CO2 emissions. There will also be a range of electric models available along with the traditional combustion engine models.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed Sneak Preview

July 4th, 2011

Motoring news doesn’t come hotter than this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed line up. Starting as a small festival in Lord March’s sprawling West Sussex estate, the event has grown dramatically in the last 10 years, attracting the biggest players in the motoring world. With a new motor show event this year, the event is expected to attract in excess of 150,000 visitors.

Attending the show this year are world champions such as Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Sir Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ken Block, Derek Bell and Sir Stirling Moss to name drop just a few. As well as people, the latest in supercar muscle will be on display, with McLaren using the event for the world unveiling of their MP4-12C, alongside a breathtaking display reflecting the 20th birthday of their iconic F1 supercar.

Home to a dedicated Formula One paddock, the event is a must-see for F1 enthusiasts, with past and present drivers ready to show off the cars up the famous Goodwood hill climb. Other paddocks include the Cartier Style Et Luxe area, presenting the most elegant and innovative vehicles to be made. The Sunday Times in Gear Supercar Paddock is ideal for those who like to hear the roar of a finely tuned beast, housing the Bugatti Veyron and its latest rival, the Hennessey Venom. What better place to pit these two super-powers of the car world together?

With rally displays, racing, red arrows flyovers and the opportunity to sit in the most expensive cars in the world, the event is on every petrol-head’s calendar.

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Citroen Maidstone

July 4th, 2011

From 1st January 2011, Citroen welcomed the UK Government’s 5,000 grant for customers choosing plug-in electric vehicles; the grant was confirmed for nine plug-in and electric cars, including the new all-electric Citroen C-ZERO. Citroen Maidstone was one of the first European manufacturers to introduce a full-electric vehicle to the market, they are currently offering a comprehensive ‘peace-of-mind’ package in the UK for both business and private users for the Citroen C-ZERO to lease at 415 per month (excl. VAT) over 4 years/40,000 miles. Citroen UK’s Managing Director, Linda Jackson, commented: “We are delighted that our environmentally-considerate C-ZERO has been recognised for the 5,000 grant.

A comfortable, economical and practical mode of transport for town and city drivers, C-ZERO is one of the first truly viable solutions for the future of urban motoring. We look forward to its arrival on our roads early next year.” With the compact dimensions and rapid battery charge, the Citroen C-ZERO is designed to make battery-powered urban mobility easy for customers as well as delivering sufficient range (up to 93miles) for the majority of day-to-day car journeys. A high level specification and comfort enhancing features are available to ensure users enjoy the economic benefits of electric power without losing the equipment of conventionally powered vehicles. The Citroen C-ZERO also delivers enjoyable performance and handling at impressively low running costs. As a full-electric vehicle, Citroen C-ZERO is exempt from the London Congestion Charge from 4th January 2011, drivers will save around 2,500 a year based on 250 working days at the new 10 day rate, other financial benefits include free VED and free parking in a number of UK locations.

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Cars Have Ended Loneliness And Isolation All Over The World

July 4th, 2011

During our childhood, we have read a lot about flying chariots in may divine stories. Though we did not believe it, we now see people traveling by airplanes. Traveling has become so easy nowadays. The automobile industry has also undergone a lot of changes since the invention of steam engine vehicle. How many of you know that the Benz patent motor car of 1885 was a motorized tricycle? Today we find millions of automobiles on the roads, in different models, shapes, sizes, colors, and prices.

The automobile is a self-propelled vehicle which carries passengers or freights over the roadway. The different types of automobiles are cars, buses, vans and trucks with cars being considered the typical automobile. The automobile came of age between 1880 and 1900 and it then was a rich man’s novelty. It has become a necessary, and people found it as an easy means of transport. Cars have brought about drastic changes in man’s life, and it has ended loneliness and isolation. Today, it is difficult to find a house without a car. The increased demand for vehicles, lead to the evolution of various manufacturing factories, with automobile engineer’s experimenting with new engines and body designs. There are various car manufacturing companies and Lamborghini, Chevrolet, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, General Motors Corp, Honda, Hyundai and Ford are some of them. New cars are being introduced by the companies to meet the stiff competition in the market. The new cars are made taking into consideration the safety, comfort and convenience of the travelers and with the introduction of new accessories, cars has become quite expensive. If you are hesitant to go in for a new car, you can opt for used autos, which are in good condition and available at affordable prices.

Some of the new cars introduced are: The BMW X1, a brand new sports activity vehicle was introduced in Qatar; Lamborghini introduced Lamborghini Gallardo and Lamborghini Murcielago; Tata Motors, will introduce Tata Nano Plus in Indian markets; Peugeot 407 introduced in Malaysian market.

If you are a car lover, you should certainly take a look at some of the concept cars. These cars come in various categories like Concept Luxury Cars, Concept City Cars, Concept Roadsters, Concept Super Cars and Futuristic Concept cars. The Concept cars are cars that are given a new facelift and alterations, with new styling and technologies making it look different, while the basic structure of the car is not changed. 1938, Buick Y-Job is the first concept car. Some of the companies that make concept cars are Lamborghini, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Volvo, Volkswagen etc. There are so many auto shows conducted every year, and engineers are using their imagination to bring out new designs. To name some concept cars, we the Lamborghini Concept S, Audi e-tron Spyder, BMW Gina, Cadillac Aera, Ferrari FSX etc. These cars are used in auto shows to gauge the public opinion, but they never make to production because they don’t work and would never sell in the real world.

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Car Keys: First Hennessey Venom delivered

July 4th, 2011

In latest car news, the Veyron beating Hennessey Venom is en route to its new owner, after being produced at the company’s Silverstone plant.

Currently being transported to its lucky new owner in the Middle East, Venom chassis number one is the highest spec model, achieving an astonishing 1,200 bhp from a twin turbo 6.2 litre engine that can reach speeds of over 260 mph. Using the Lotus Elise as a base, the Venom has revamped the original Elise body, turning it into a carbon fibre, full bodied, muscular car – complete with a fully adjustable spoiler. It’s certainly faster than the Lotus, weighing just 1,220kg and propelling itself from 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds.

As well as the super-super car version, the Venom is to be made in an entry level format, boasting a smaller but perfectly manageable 725 bhp – perfect for those who can’t quite stand the hair-raising attributes of the full-bodied version. Whichever Venom one chooses, you can be assured that passers-by will stand gobsmacked at the sheer power of the Venom that surely blows the Bugatti Veyron off the racetrack.

With prices of the 1,200 bhp version standing at £680,00 the car certainly isn’t cheap – but with power like that, no-one will be able to catch up with you to tell you otherwise. Whilst the first incarnation of the Venom is being delivered to the UAE, fear not, other Venom’s are in production and with a little luck, being bought by UK car enthusiasts so that we can see this supercar in the flesh, and quiver.

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