Autosavings

As summer winds down and fall begins in earnest, auto-care experts say that getting your vehicle serviced for cold-weather driving should be high on your list of things to do.

Here are some tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) – the nonprofit group that certifies automotive technicians – on preparing your car for winter weather.

* Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. Do this more often – every 3,000 miles or so – if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

* Get problems such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling and diminished power corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse.

* Replace all dirty filters.

* Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Keep your gas tank filled to help prevent moisture from forming.

* Have the cooling system flushed and refilled as recommended. Periodically check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant.

* Have a certified auto technician check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses.

* Make sure that the heater and defroster are in good working condition.

* As part of routine battery care, scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces, then re-tighten all connections. If the battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.

Note that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data on some newer vehicles, so check your manual. Also, be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid; wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

* Examine the exhaust system for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes.

* Examine the tires’ tread and look for uneven wearing and cupping. Also, check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Rotate the tires as recommended.

* Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking them. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

* Prepare for emergencies. Stock your car with gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or cat litter, tire chains, a flashlight and a cell phone. Put a few “high energy” snacks in your glove box, too.

The story of Porsche could begin in 1950 with the introduction of the Porsche 356 to the United States by Max Hoffman. It could begin in 1948, when the first auto bearing the name of Porsche came out. However, to get a real grip on the heritage of Porsche, you must go back as far as 1875. In September of that year, Ferdinand Porsche was born in the bohemian village of Haffersdorf.

Ferdinand Porsche showed indications of his technical genius at the age of 18 when he wired the family home for electricity. His only formal education was received when he was a part-time engineering student in Vienna, although the title Doctor is often appended to his name. By the time he was 25, Porsche had gone into automotive design. The Viennese firm of Loyner & Co. accepted his first car design. Over the next twenty years, he successfully associated himself with every major car manufacturer in Germany, and he designed about a dozen of the most technically important automobiles in history at the same time.

When he worked for Mercedes-Benz, he helped to create the SSK series, while for NSU, he designed the Auto Union Wandered and the Type 32, which as an ancestor of the Volkswagen Beetle. His disagreements with Mercedes-Benz over the companys engineering policies prompted him to establish his own engineering group, which became Porsche A.G. He collected a premier group of engineers to work under the name of Doctor of Engineering Ferdinand Porsche, Inc. Construction Facility for Land, Air, and Sea Transportation in Stuttgart. His son, Ferry, was one of his employees, and his major interest was in sport and racing cars.

The elder Porsche and his engineers were busy. They developed for Steyr, a luxury sedan in Austria, but this vehicle did not make it out of the prototype stage. They also worked for Auto Union, which is now Audi, the firm that created the Front, the first front-drive economy car in the world. They also created the mid-engine Grand Prix cars and supercharged V-12 and V-16 engines. These, along with the racers from Mercedes-Benz, dominated European auto racetracks for almost ten years.

The company created its most well-known designs for NSU and Zundapp. Prototypes were characterized by Porsches torsion-bar suspension and rear-mounted engine. Neither of the firms manufactured the designs, so Porsche sold the idea to the German government. He then provided the oversight on the construction of a plant in Wolfsburg to build the design. He called it the Type 60, but the world knows it as the Volkswagen Beetle.

After World War II, the Porsche Company began to create the vehicles that now bear the name of Porsche. Almost one hundred years later, Porsche became the marque, and the family that developed the unique and lasting contributions to automotive design and engineering has gone down in history.

We aim to give some insight into the financial and economical cost to society as a direct result of exhaust emissions from Petrol, Diesel and LPG engines. The financial costs are calculated based on city population sizes in the UK, and grams of pollutants emitted per 1000km travelled by each automotive vehicle fuel type. These figures relate directly to the economical costs in terms of health care expenditure. The results show the benefits that alternative fuels can offer to society as a whole, helping to reduce health problems such as Congestive heart failure, Respiratory problems and Bronchitis, which all relate to poor air quality. The report is based on findings from various sources including The Norfolk County Council alternative fuel trials, and the BeTa database report on social costs published by Netcen (AEA).

Automotive fuels are constantly taking blame and criticism from the Government as the main cause of poor air quality conditions in the UK. The levels of harmful gases in the environment are costing society financially, economically and physically. Most people are aware of the damaging effects that exhaust emissions have on air quality conditions, but what do these emissions cost to society in monetary terms?

Our analysis showed that the social cost of driving a vehicle varies significantly with the fuel type used. In a small town, Diesel results in social costs of 3.84 per 1,000km, petrol 1.04 and LPG 0.55p. In a large city, Diesel costs 32.70 per 1,000km, petrol 6.08 and LPG 2.33.

The cost of running alternative vehicles such as LPG cars is dramatically less than standard petrol and diesel vehicles and does not require higher maintenance levels. Further benefits include reduced engine noise, smoother vehicle running, exempt from congestion charges and low duty taxes. Having more vehicles running on LPG engine in the UK would assist in reducing emission costs to society while improving air quality.

Individuals and organisations that adopt the environmentally-friendly alternative automotive fuels and technologies are not only generating cost savings for themselves but also for the larger society.

As publisher of Celeb-rity car magazine, I see the specs for some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. The celebrities that appear in the magazine know how to be seen, and nothing grabs attention like a high-powered vehicle. But owning a cutting-edge vehicle does more than add another accessory to a portfolio of luxurious items. It inducts you into an elite club, complete with the privileges and responsibilities of maintaining a vehicle that needs “special attention.”

For celebrities and amateurs alike, here are a few expert tips to keep these beauties purring for years to come:

1. Preventive Maintenance.

Every month, check key fluids such as oil, coolant, power steering and transmission. Use high-quality products as recommended by the manufacturer for any top-up or fluid replacement. Also, make sure to follow proper OEM recommendations and visit a specialist for a tune-up, replacing spark plugs, changing oil and lubricating your engine as needed. Don’t forget to regularly change your wiper blades, too. If Mother Nature rains down on your joyride, you want to be ready and safe.

2. Build a Relationship with a Good Mechanic.

You own a specialty car-it’s time to find a specialty auto mechanic. Don’t be afraid to ask your specialist about the causes of problems you notice, either. It makes you a better owner and helps build rapport.

Owners of classic cars especially need to do this. When parts that operate perfectly for 40 years begin to break down, it’s vital that your mechanic is familiar with your golden oldie.

3. Use Top Tier, High-Octane Fuel.

Pay attention to the gasoline your high-performance engine is burning. All gasoline available today should meet minimum detergency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency, but according to some automakers, that is not enough to keep critical engine parts free of carbon deposits. Recognizing that a cleaner engine performs better, BMW, GM, Honda and Toyota developed a Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard that exceeds the EPA standard and raises the bar on fuel quality. Fuels meeting this standard can enhance your engine’s performance because they’re designed to keep intake valves and fuel injectors free of deposits. Shell V-Power actually surpasses that standard with two times the amount of detergency required by the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard. These cleaning agents actively clean carbon deposits that low-quality fuels leave behind, giving your car better performance.

4. Invest in Quality Tires.

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the ground, so they’re one of the best ways to give your car added performance. Every product has a class, from engines to gasoline, and tires are no different. Make sure your wheels have an optimum strength-to-weight ratio and minimal rotational inertia. Find a tire brand you trust and make sure the speed rating gives you freedom on the open road. Also, be sure you check the tire pressure on a regular basis in order to get the best performance and mileage. Improperly inflated tires can be dangerous. To find the proper pressure for your tires, check the number on the inside of the gas door or on the inside of the side door, not the number that appears on the tires themselves. Remember, your vehicle manufacturer always knows best.

5. Detail on a Regular Basis.

Last, but certainly not least, maintain the form of your car as well as its function. Having your beauty detailed regularly by an expert is a no-brainer. Like at the pump, the car wash is not the place to start being frugal. Protect your dashboard from sun damage with a sun shield or a protective polish, like Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant. Other motorists are watching, so make sure to give your car a good cleaning at least once every two months.

Whether you’re a first-time high-end owner or a sharp-eyed collector, treat your ride right, because your high-performance automobile is a powerful machine that makes driving more adventurous and luxurious.

Auto accessories play a key role in smartening up a vehicle and keeping it looking top notch. These accessories are supplementary components that improve the capability of a vehicle, and in fact play a cardinal role in the entire process of auto care.

Car Care:

Car care involves comprehensive care and attention to interior and exterior accessories, body, tires, engine and other mechanical parts. This is necessary to keep the vehicle in top performance and appearance.

Interior car accessories may include dash covers, car seat covers, mirrors, shifter knobs, aftermarket steering wheels, steering wheel covers, fuel consumption meters, window tint film, stereo system, mobile video or DVD players, floor mats, and air fresheners.

Car seat covers can be purchased in various materials and designs, depending on ones preference. These include leather seat covers, sheepskin seat covers, custom car seat covers and infant car seat covers.

Exterior accessories may consist of styling body kits, spoilers, sports mirrors, head and tail light covers, car hood shields, car bras, window visors, car covers, a sunroof, wiper blades, hood scoops, window graphics and wheel caps.

Truck or SUV care:

Undertaking regular care of ones truck or SUV is naturally very important to keep it in top form. This may also involve sourcing and storing various new or second hand truck accessories, depending on the significance or rarity of the parts required.

Some specialized truck accessories include customized truck covers, novelty hitch covers, pickup truck bed covers, and tonneau covers.

Benefits of Auto Accessories:

Auto accessories provide smart looks to a vehicle. If they are of good quality and taste they provide embellishment to a point where a vehicle would look plain and incomplete without them.

The roles of auto accessories are twofold; not only do they smarten up a vehicle, but also help protect the vehicles parts from wear and tear. A good example would be how seat covers protect the seats of a vehicle from body wear and the sun, and how a steering wheel cover not only protects the steering wheel from wear, but provides a good grip for the driver.

Buying Auto Accessories:

Today with the internet, auto accessories can easily be purchased or ordered online. With such a vast array of online auto accessory stores, you can be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

The Auto Blog: Bringing Important Auto News to Auto Parts Trains Customers

Auto Parts Train has been providing top quality aftermarket and replacement parts and accessories for over 25 years now. In all those years, Parts Train has exemplified high quality products and services. Now, Auto Parts Train provides not only best quality parts and accessories as well as fast and efficient service, it now provides relevant and useful information on all things automotive through its newest venture The Auto Blog. Conceptualized early this year, Parts Trains Auto Blog offers a wide array of automotive topics, news articles, car reviews, car care and maintenance articles, and informative vignettes that Parts Train customers will find interesting, helpful and relevant.

Ever since Parts Trains the Auto Blog as launched, it has discussed and talked about a huge variety of topics under several categories such as Automotive News, Car Reviews, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Car Care and Maintenance, Auto Parts Train News, Automotive Events, Auto Parts, Automotive Trends and Innovations and Automotive Technology. The Auto Blog has also reported a number of important news from the worlds automakers, from Acura to Volvo. Important automotive events such as the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Chicago Auto Show and the Geneva Auto Show have also been featured in the blog.

The Auto Blog is just another expression of Auto Parts Trains commitment to giving the best parts, accessories, discount deals and resources to its current and future customers. Visitors to Parts Train can freely browse through the Auto Blogs different interesting articles ranging from straight news to commentaries and reviews. The Auto Blog is also interactive, since readers can post a comment, question, suggestion or simply add related information to a particular blog entry. Now on its fourth month, the Auto Blog is just a newbie compared to the other more established auto blogs and resources. Yet, the Auto Blog definitely provides interesting, informative articles in an appealing layout that most car owners and lovers will surely appreciate.

When needing a replacement part for you car, where do you shop? Like many motorists you may head down to the big box retailer for all of your needs. A good choice both for value and for selection. Still, mostly any retailer is limited as to what they can stock. This especially holds true if you drive a rare or uncommon vehicle. Try finding a window regulator for your 69 Torino at the parts store; theyll get it for you but it will have to be back ordered. So, where should you shop? Thats up to you, but lets goes over the options that you have.

The Salvage Yard. Lets admit it: there isnt anything wrong with going to the junkyard to find the part you need. My 78 VW Rabbits window handle broke and I snagged one off of a junker for just a few bucks. Still, if you are looking for a radiator, engine, exhaust stuff, or anything else that actually runs, you risk that the part will fail soon after you place it in your car. Naturally, the price you pay through the junkyard should be the lowest price going.

Your Dealer. On the other side of the spectrum is your car dealer. If they dont have it in stock, they can get if for you. Service with a smile and a price that will make you frown! Yes, you will pay dearly for some parts, as middleman mark ups kick in.

Your Retail Store. Retail auto supply chains typically have the broadest selection and the lowest prices of any of the brick and mortar retailers. Your best option for a good buy is when something is on sale; stock items will cost you the prevailing retail rate, but that is the price you pay for convenience. Overhead [buildings, labor] is high even with most national retailers.

Shop Online. Wholesale providers of automobile replacement parts and accessories are springing up all over the internet. Some stores are good, some are not. What to look for: available customer service agents; a toll free number where you can call someone to talk with directly; a store that never closes and has a secured payment site; and clearly understood shipment, payment, and return policies. Generally, an online retailer should be a great option as low overhead and purchasing directly from the manufacturer is what sets these wholesalers apart from the rest. Still, do your homework and make sure that the site is what it says it is.

One special warning: the growth of the counterfeit parts industry is causing fits for retailers and consumers. If you suspect that you have purchased a bogus part, return it to the retailer for a full return. One more good reason to learn what a companys return policy is before you do business with them.