Automotive Lifts

One of the most important tools in an automotive repair shop is the auto lift. Providing access to the under belly of a car or truck, automotive lifts make the job of car repair much easier for the home garage or auto shop. Choosing a lift that meets your needs is the key to profitability in time and money.

Auto Lifts for the Home User

The convenience of owning a home auto lift not only increases the productivity of repairs, but also increases the amount of storage space available. Home automotive lifts usually involve a group of four posts, pneumatically controlled to lift an automobile safely.

These lifts provide a safe means to raise one’s vehicle for access to the car’s undercarriage for transmission and oil work. Automotive lifts also provide increased storage space, by allowing the consumer to lift their car out of the way and to open up the garage floor space. Then, you can park your own vehicle underneath the lifted platform. Automotive lifts are great for people who collect cars.

Auto Shop Automotive Lifts – Features to Consider

For more serious garages and commercial operations, there are heavy-duty automotive lifts available. Standard equipment usually involves one, two, or four post lifts. The final choice involves the balance of lift capability, lift stability, and available additional space for the lift equipment. These heavier lifts usually require additional maintenance.

One post lifts are the most economical in terms of space. The two varieties of one post lifts are centered lifts and offset lifts. Centered one post auto lifts have a lot more strength than offset one post auto lifts. Offset lifts provide space for a vehicle to be placed underneath a lifted object, providing space economy. The upside to a four post lift is a greatly increased power output (four times that of a single post). Automotive lifts give a home user full access to their vehicle from different sides.

Read more

The Best Hybrid Car

It would be easy to figure out which of the current automobiles today were ranked with the best energy efficiency ratings in gasoline powered car engines, model design, and those rated with the best safety features per car class.

It would probably be difficult, if not impossible to find same rankings for the dual-powered hybrid automobile that is emerging like gangbusters on the automobile market today. It would also be near impossible to figure out which of these models would be considered or ranked as the best hybrid car available on the market today because with the energy saving features that save people money at the gas pumps, all of these hybrid car models are a winner.

The best hybrid car would provide versatility and style to the consumer. With mild hybrid and full hybrid car models available, there is a good selection of features that consumers can choose that will meet their individual driving needs and styles. Some of these hybrid car varieties have the capability of driving from a dead start on electrical power, while others require the gas powered motor feature to engage first to perform this part of the drive train operation.

There are three components in all of the hybrid cars that are manufactured today. To be considered a hybrid car, the automobile must have a gas powered automobile engine, an electrical motor and a car battery or battery pack underneath the hood. The best hybrid car would be one that used all three, but if that is not typical of your driving style, you will receive better fuel usage through the mild hybrid style which would render the car more economical.

All hybrid cars that have this feature built into their consoles will definitely be considered on the best hybrid cars list that anyone creates.

Another feature that would be hard to vote on, in this best hybrid dual-powered car list would be the hybrids that give you a touch screen with interactive displays that give you a realm of information at your fingertips. The simplistic pampering that these hybrid cars offer can give car owners back the control that they have in their cars.

Read more

Audi R8 – Audi Sport Cars

The car has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and costs $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.

The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered.

Interior

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable Audi sport cars entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather.

The drive train

At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun.

The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis

The chassis features forged aluminium double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used — in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The mid-engined sports car’s long wheelbase and extremely low centre of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Equipment and trim

Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to manoeuvre into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format colour monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

Read more

Hydrogen Hybrid Cars

Hydrogen Hybrid Cars – Overview

Hydrogen technology and hybrid technology are two different innovations that are used to save gas, increase your vehicle’s power and most of all, make your car more environmental friendly in contrast to conventionally fuelled vehicles. Well, here’s the good news, manufacturers have been working on hydrogen hybrid cars and they have finally come up with vehicles that support both of the said technologies! So, here are the essentials on what you should know about hydrogen powered hybrid cars.

Hydrogen hybrid cars actually make use of fuel cells. Major carmakers, focus on fuel cells, since they say it’s more clean and efficient than mere hydrogen internal combustion engines alone. Rather than burning fuel inside the engine, fuel cells would act more like batteries, where they would use electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity.

One company that is known to develop fuel cells would be Anuvu, which is actually almost prepared to produce large cargo vans and Nissan Frontier pickups that run on hydrogen and fuel cells.

What the company is selling are actually hybrid fuel cell vehicles. The car is quite similar to gas-electric hybrids, which are currently on the market. However, this time, the vehicle makes use of fuel cells rather than internal combustion engines.

The stack of fuel cells has the ability to recharge the hybrid battery. Experts consider it to be an electric car that has all advantages that a car of its kind could have minus the disadvantages.

You wouldn’t have to worry about hydrogen leaks either. If ever one occurs, hydrogen hybrid car censors would shut down your fuel cell stack. Nevertheless, there’s no need to worry since you could still drive your vehicle for another 30 miles simply by using your vehicle’s hybrid battery.

On the other hand, Mazda also has their mixed hybrid and hydrogen car to offer. It is a hydrogen minivan in style. They say that it was based on RX-8 Hydrogen RE car. Mazda 5 is a rotary mild-hybrid bi-fuel which is considered to be the first mass-marketed car of its kind.

This car actually runs using both compressed hydrogen gas and gasoline. It introduces a gasoline / bi-fuel hydrogen internal combustion engine. This solves one of the major infrastructure issues circling around where users could buy hydrogen when fuel stations still dominate the main scene.

This hydrogen hybrid car’s rotary engine and hybrid unit are transversely mounted in front of the car having a layout for a front-wheel drive. The gasoline tank is also near the high-voltage battery, while you can find the hydrogen tank next to the back seats.

Read more

Automotive Security Systems

There are various types of automotive security systems out there, each of them possessing their own good qualities and features. Finding the right one for your vehicle protection needs will take some time and research but like buying any product, it is worth it. Never buy the first security system that a salesperson throws at you.

The first thing that you must do is establish what type of automotive security systems you need. A car that is older and has little value may not need the same kind of protection that a fancy new car will need. Look into the various types of alarm systems to see what fits for you. Price will play a big part in this too since a higher end system will have more features but will also cost more.

A basic alarm system is the audible type that sets off a loud alarm when the vehicle is tampered with. This type of automotive security systems is great for those that just want a little extra protection without all of the additional features available. There are other systems that will immobilize your ignition so that the car itself cannot be stolen. This is quickly becoming a popular choice.

If you prefer, you can get a combination of the three different types of alarm but this can get expensive. Get all of this information in writing, including prices quoted to you for different automotive security systems.

You must keep in mind that certain things can make your car a target for thieves. If you have a heavily customized ride with fancy tires, rims and other accessories, an alarm system may not be enough. These kinds of cars simply get targeted more because thieves can sell off parts like rims very quickly. If you have a customized car, the safest bet is to keep it in a garage out of sight.

Ask around about certain security products and services before choosing one. Word of mouth advertising remains the best form. Automotive security systems for your car are important and should be done right the first time.

There are various types of automotive security systems out there, each of them possessing their own good qualities and features. Finding the right one for your vehicle protection needs will take some time and research but like buying any product, it is worth it. Never buy the first security system that a salesperson throws at you.

The first thing that you must do is establish what type of automotive security systems you need. A car that is older and has little value may not need the same kind of protection that a fancy new car will need. Look into the various types of alarm systems to see what fits for you. Price will play a big part in this too since a higher end system will have more features but will also cost more.

A basic alarm system is the audible type that sets off a loud alarm when the vehicle is tampered with. This type of automotive security systems is great for those that just want a little extra protection without all of the additional features available. There are other systems that will immobilize your ignition so that the car itself cannot be stolen. This is quickly becoming a popular choice.

If you prefer, you can get a combination of the three different types of alarm but this can get expensive. Get all of this information in writing, including prices quoted to you for different automotive security systems.

You must keep in mind that certain things can make your car a target for thieves. If you have a heavily customized ride with fancy tires, rims and other accessories, an alarm system may not be enough. These kinds of cars simply get targeted more because thieves can sell off parts like rims very quickly. If you have a customized car, the safest bet is to keep it in a garage out of sight.

Ask around about certain security products and services before choosing one. Word of mouth advertising remains the best form. Automotive security systems for your car are important and should be done right the first time.

Read more

Cheapest Small Car

In the world of Automobile, Tata Group’s again set a benchmark by made the car name TATA NANO, The cheapest small car of rupees 1 lacs. Tata Motors nano gave a very stout example in front of their competitors. However, as the expectations from the Indian middle classes soared, the opinions resonated with global sentiments on the need for an affordable car that would carry the common people. The light has ultimately shone with Tata Motors realizing the dream into reality.

Tata Motors unveiled the Tata Nano, the cheapest small car in the world at the Delhi Auto Expo its price is only Rs. 1 Lacs so peoples are calling it Rs. 1 lacs car, which was held recently in the Indian Capital city. There were mixed reactions among the global manufacturers with some looking at it with envy and some dismissing it to be yet another gimmick only to say, “Let’s see how long it lasts”. International Automobile giant Volkswagen was all praises for the car. All emotions taken into account, it was a red-letter day for Tata Motors nano, which entered the annals of history for having released the cheapest small car.

The Tata Nano Car is also much lighter than comparable models as a result of efforts to reduce the amount of steel in the car (including the use of an aluminium engine) and the use of lightweight steel where possible. The car currently meets all Indian emission, pollution, and safety standards, though it only attains a maximum speed of about 65 mph. The fuel efficiency is attractive – 50 miles to the gallon.

Hearing all this, many Western executives doubt that this new car represents real innovation. Too often, when they think of innovation, they focus on product innovation using breakthrough technologies; often, specifically, on patents.

Measuring progress solely by nano Tata patent creation misses a key dimension of innovation: Some of the most valuable innovations take existing, patented components and remix them in ways that more effectively serve the needs of large numbers of customers.

Read more

Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers

cheap car insurance for young drivers

It is the dream of every young teenager to get his first car as it signifies a big step of independence in his life. Now he or she no longer has to depend on their parents to drive them to school or any other place such as a high school football game or the prom. It also gives them the independence to progress in their social life and start dating, but along with the car comes responsibility and your job as a parent is to make sure that they are protected as much as possible and part of that protection is being sure that they are fully insured on their vehicle, but what are the best ways to get them the cheap car insurance for young drivers.

One of the most overlooked factors to get cheap car insurance for young drivers is how well they do in school. Believe it or not, a high school student’s grades are considered very important when they are trying to get insured. The broker will ask to take a look at your grades and if he sees a good grade point average he will know that you have already learned some responsibility in your life and are more inclined to drive with the same responsibility on the road.

Another way they can get cheap car insurance for young drivers is for the parents get their teen insured under their own car insurance policy. This way for your son or daughter will get a better deal as part of a group discount. Just make sure that when you do get insured for the very first time that you keep driving safely and responsibly so that you build a good record which will come in very handy in the future just in case you want to get insured again under another company’s policy.

Read more

Personalized Car Mats Guide

personalized car floor mats

Car mats are used so that the car floor does not get dirty with use, as the driver might have to get into the car in all kinds of weather slush, mud and dirt can spoil the interior. Car mats are very useful particularly during rains and in dusty places when cleaning the car interior otherwise becomes a difficult task. Personalized car mats can just be removed and dusted at ones convenience and they do not spoil the carpet flooring.

Car mats come in a variety of materials, the most common being rubber. Individuals owning expensive and luxurious cars such as the BMW, Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, might prefer to go for a custom-designed car mat instead. Such personalized car mats can be made of materials such as sheepskin and leather instead of plain heavy-duty rubber. Also, a custom fit gives an exotic and expensive look to the car interior.

Car owners can also opt for decorative polyester car mats available in a wide range of designs. Nature lovers can choose for personalized car mats from among those printed with animals, flowers and natural paintings to lend that special touch to the cars interior. Others can get the car fitted with a muted colored car mat for a soft look that goes with the carpet coloring.

Personalized car mats designed according to the owners requirements can also be manufactured on order. Also, an individual can get a car mat done so that it fits perfectly with the car flooring.

Personalized car mats are usually made of materials other than rubber such as leather, polyester and fake leather to provide a different look. A car mat that is cut to the correct car measurements can blend in with interiors perfectly and will not stand out. Although standard sized car mats that fit into most cars are widely available in the market, custom defined car mats make a lot of difference in the final look and feel of the car.

Personalized car mats are more expensive than regular car mats, and hence also require more care.

Read more

How Automotive GPS System Work

automotive gps navigation system

In simple words a GPS receiver is just an electronic device which will tell you where you are located at a given time. This satellite based navigational system was originally and initially used by the US military but with time became available to the common man.

Since its use became officially available to everyone, the GPS has improved tremendously in regards to its accuracy. The automotive GPS system will tell you your current position and your position in relation to other places. The GPS uses 24 satellites orbiting in outer space and when automotive GPS system in your car is activated you will be able to receive signal or a transmission telling the exact location where you are at a given time.

The satellite technology is amazingly wonderful. Navigation systems not only find way in unknown or unfamiliar places but also help save a lot of time. With the help of automotive GPS system you can avoid heavy and congested traffic to save lot of your time. They can be a significant time saver by helping you avoid congested traffic. If you need gas, it will help you find gas station or even a restaurant for that matter if you are hungry or any other point of interest that you may have missed while driving.

In any emergency situation the automotive GPS system is truly helpful. In case your car was stolen and if the system was activated then the satellites can easily trace the location of the vehicle and it can be retrieved. In case of any accident, with the help of GPS (Global Positioning System) you can send the information and can be rescued.

GPS technology uses trail alteration which determines the position by measuring the distance and indicating where one is both horizontally and vertically on the surface of earth. There are different components of an automotive GPS device. It uses maps and the aerial view of the map will change accordingly as the vehicle moves. Automotive GPS system is now highly advanced helping not only in determining the location but also offering other services.

Read more