Helmets For Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers who are not very careful about choosing their mountain bike helmets often suffer more injuries compared to those bikers who are very religious when it comes to choosing the right kind of helmets. According to experts, bikers who do not wear the right kind of mountain bike helmets are more likely to suffer from severe head injuries and trauma during accidents compared to those bikers who are wearing the right type of protective gear.

To minimize head injuries when riding your bike into the mountains, you need to choose the right type of helmets. There are plenty of bike helmets that you can choose from so make sure that you choose well. Do not scrimp on your budget when it comes to buying mountain bike helmets. There is really no point of compromising your safety just because you want to save a few dollars.

When buying mountain bike helmets, the first thing that you need to look into is the durability of the materials used. Durable materials are less likely to break at impact. Furthermore, helmets that have soft inner lining are not only comfortable, they also offer cushion to your head in case of accidents. Aside from durability of the materials used, you need to check the overall craftsmanship of the helmet. Make sure that the helmet is comfortable to wear.

Wearing your mountain bike helmet properly will probably save your life. To wear your helmet, slide the helmet forward on your head until it rest just about ½ inch above your eyebrows. Take care not to cover your eyes on the process. To secure the helmet in place, adjust the straps. The straps should form a “Y” around your ears. Once the mountain bike helmet is perched on your head, adjust the straps on your chin. The straps should fit snugly on your chin. Try not to pull the straps too tightly to avoid hurting your skin.

Once the mountain bike helmet is securely fastened on your head, test the fit of the helmet by moving the helmet back and forth. If the skin on your forehead moves together with the helmet that means that the helmet is securely fastened on your head. However, if you feet uncomfortable or if you notice a pinch on your skin when you move your helmet back and forth, check the helmet again. Loose the helmet straps a little to make it more comfortable.

For buying and selling used or new (second hand) bikes and motorcycles check the link http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/motorcycles-s2_0.html

Helpful Advice And Tips To Fight Traffic Tickets.

Last year I rear-ended a car while on a freeway in stop and go traffic; he had slammed on his brakes and I wasn’t able to stop in time. We hit bumper-to-bumper, and though the front of my car wasn’t damaged and neither was the back of his car, the impact pushed the front of his car into a truck and banged up his front end. The police were called and an accident report was filed, and finally we all drove away. A few weeks later I received a letter in the mail from the State Patrol; in it was a traffic ticket for inattentive driving. Sure, I definitely shouldn’t have hit the guy, but I wasn’t distracted. I decided to fight it.

Fortunately, I learned that it wasn’t particularly difficult to fight traffic tickets. In fact, the ticket gave me the option to sign admittance and pay my fee or to report to the specific county office to talk to a traffic officer to fight the ticket. I did a quick Google search and learned that lacking concentration driving was a strict liability offense, meaning that the trooper who cited me would have to prove that I was driving inattentively in order for the ticket to stick. Feeling pleased with myself, I went in to see the traffic officer but was told that I needed a police report in order to properly fight the ticket.

That took another couple weeks to obtain, but eventually I returned. I showed up in a shirt and tie, with a few notes written down to allow me to argue the charge. The traffic officer looked over the police report, looked at the ticket, and then said “all right, the charge is dismissed. After a few clicks on her keyboard I was free to go and free of the ticket and its $100 fine.

Though it wasn’t very tough for me, sometimes it’s a little tougher to fight traffic tickets. One of the reasons I had an easy time of it was because of the strict liability nature of my ticket. It’s not so easy to fight traffic tickets which aren’t in this category like speeding tickets. If the traffic officer wouldn’t have dismissed the ticket it would have been sent to traffic court, where I would have argued my case in front of a judge. Now, if the State Trooper wouldn’t have shown up I would have won automatically (though some states allow the State Patrol to send any agent, regardless of whether or not that particular trooper wrote the ticket. If this is the case my odds would have been pretty bad).

If the trooper would have show up things probably wouldn’t have gone in my favor, as judges are usually likely to take a trooper’s word over someone else’s.The best way to fight traffic tickets is to be respectfuland to play by the rules; if you work within the system and appear to be fighting a ticket that was given unjustly you’ve got a chance but if you’re aggressive or disrespectful you don’t have a chance.

Here Is A Method That Is Helping Automobile Enthusiasts Connect With The World

For decades we have seen the national auto shows, where the major manufacturers roll out their new models and a few flashy "prototypes" that will never see an assembly line. Then there are the rod and custom shows, populated thirty years ago by twenty- and thirty-somethings and filled these days with middle aged and older auto enthusiasts who still love classic American cars, both stock and in all the different permutations of customization they have gone through over the years.

And of course there's the Concourse D'Elegance crowd, oohing and aahing at priceless Ferraris from the fifties and sixties as well as the older exotics such as Packards and, going even further back, Hispano-Suizas and Auburns.

For those who lived American Graffiti and those who live for the foreign classics, if you're involved at all in building, maintaining or participating in the fellowship that has built around classics and exotics, you should consider utilizing a website.

First of all, it's a great way to show off your car or cars, whatever you've got in the garage that is carefully driven once a week and towed, gleaming, to car shows. Secondly, it's a communications device for like-minded collectors or builders that may be interested in your specialty - whether old Corvettes or sixties Alfa Romeos. There are current web sites for national and regional organizations as well as a number of sites that specialize as classified advertising for scarce auto parts.

A personal site, however, is going to give you a far different type of interaction with your fellow wrench addicts. Instead of searching impersonal national websites for parts or people with similar interests, you can use your site to bring them to you. Proper use of keywords and perhaps a classified ad or two online will bring potential contacts to you personally, and there they will find a site with photos of your car(s), your shop and a little history about your involvement.

You don't have to find contacts like that at shows or in pulp publications for parts and project cars. A properly designed site for a car enthusiast that elaborates on his area of interest and the history of his cars will give that person a potentially national social role in the company of his peers, just as the kids are using MySpace to communicate.

You can advertise for parts, show vehicles for sale - with unlimited photos and videos, if you wish - and put the word out for a car you might be seeking for your next project. This approach will also limit your needs for entering ads in national locations. All you need to do is mention "55 Chevy for sale at www.old55.com" or whatever your site address is, and the interested parties will come to you. No more details listed in long paragraphs done in tiny print - and no more photos of your car on a page or in a lineup of dozens of other vehicles.

Here It Comes, The Cheap Electric Scooter

The Little Giants

An electric scooter gives a low purring sound, does not feed on gasoline, and is easy to maneuver. A high end or cheap electric scooter relies on batteries for its power. True, it does not gorge on gas but eats much electricity. Truth to tell, there is not much difference when the issue is about conserving natural resources and saving the environment.

Ironically, the rise in the popularity of the cheap electric scooter was spurred by cost-cutting alternatives, and lessening the reliance on imported gas. With skyrocketing gas prices, smaller vehicles are now the trend. They consume less gas. The stars of the show are the little colorful mopeds that are perennially on diet.

These are powered on less gas yet gives satisfying mpg or miles per gas. Compared to four wheeled drives and other means of conveyances, these bikes are cheap. Electric scooter or not, the little iron horse is the latest addition to the dizzying array of speed on wheels.

Running on Battery Lives

A cheap electric scooter has battery chargers to go. This may be built into the scooter, or may have removable batteries. Built-in batteries are convenient, while the separate charger is heavy to lug around. The catch with built-in batteries? You cannot use the electric scooter when the batteries conk out. With separate batteries, you can use the scooter while the batteries are being fixed, since there are extra battery packs available.

It is true that with a cheap electric scooter you no longer need to gas up regularly. Instead, you have to look for an electrical outlet and charge your scooter for hours. This will cost about 10% of the price of gas used for gas powered scooters; and you do not need any oil changed regularly. Compared to gas scooters, this is cheap. Electric scooter models also have zero direct emissions, and therefore are environment friendly little road runners.

Electric scooters only perform well on flat and even surfaces. Riding it on rough terrain, strains the batteries. Consider this angle when choosing a cheap electric scooter, and get a scooter with a motor level of 300 watts. If you really want a cheap electric scooter with more range, get one that can go over 15 miles, or have a custom battery made for extra range.

Planning the Big Buy

Getting a cheap electric scooter requires careful planning too. Considering the climatic conditions will also help in the choice of a cheap electric scooter. Do not forget to assess the load the scooter can carry because the right choice for your lifestyle will give you real value for your hard earned money.

An unbranded but cheap electric scooter may not have an extended warranty period. And if it comes real cheap, skip it. There might be something wrong with the scooter. Nobody must compromise safety just because of real bargains. So take the time to look for reputable dealers before you decide on one.

Also, look up customer product reviews online. You can start from there before heading to the nearest supplier. At least you will know what questions to ask by then. So, have you decided on a cheap electric scooter?

Highlights On A Few Reputable Biodiesel Makers

Biodiesel has recently been recognized as a viable alternative energy source and fuel additive by several international groups. Its many advantages over conventional petroleum based diesels include being environmentally friendly due to causing no harmful emissions, as well as being readily biodegradable. Biodiesel also enjoys a certain amount of sponsorship from environmental groups because certain types of biodiesel are made from waste cooking oils, allowing easy recycling of something that would otherwise go to waste after use.

Furthermore, it's performance specs initially show as much efficiency as normal diesel fuels, but it also gives the added advantage of increasing the lubrication of the engine parts it runs through, improving engine efficiency in the long run by as much as 30% as well as cleaning out the engines, making them run smoother, and prolonging their lifespan.

Several firms in recent years have placed research into producing biodiesel, and with funding from various investors and even government sponsors, these firms have come up with safe and effective fuels. Some reliable names in the biodiesel industry include the following companies:

NBB

This is not a manufacturing company per se, but merits first mention because it is the National Biodiesel Board. Its main goal is to promote the overall production, trade, and development of biodiesel in the United States. NBB subsidiaries and sponsored corporations have to pass strict standards, so they can assure the public of safe and effective forms of biodiesel.

Pacific Biodiesel

Situated in Hawaii, Pacific biodiesel specializes in the creation of fuel from cooking oil byproducts. Their approach is extremely environmentally friendly, employing used vegetable and animal cooking oils as their source of fuel production. Their manufacturing plant takes these used materials that would normally simply be discarded, and processes them into useable biodiesel. The unused portions of the oil are also used, and are converted in another facility into soap and detergent products.

Footprint Recycling

These manufacturers also specialize in the recycling of cooking oil into biodiesel. They make a distinction between conventional biodiesel and WVO, or Waste Vegetable Oil. Their definition of biodiesel is that is processed directly from soybeans and coconut oil, while waste vegetable oil (WVO) diesels are made especially from recycled vegetable-based cooking oils.

Minnesota Soybean Processors

Minnesota, together with its famous adjoining city St Paul, form the economic engine that drives the Upper Midwest of the United States. The Minnesota Soybean Processors are a conglomerate that specializes in the production of soybean related products. One of their main products is soybean-based biodiesel, and one of the strengths of this group is that they have tie-ins with other Minnesota based institutions to further their research and development, including the state sponsored University of Minnesota.

Biofuel Industries

Based in Texas, this company eschews the usual approach of other biodiesel manufacturers. Instead of utilizing waste vegetable oil or soybeans as a fuel source, they convert other plant oil into biodiesel. Actually, they originally focused on vegetable oil biodiesel, but as time went by this particular group made a point of branching out. Their specialty is in finding sources aside from WVO and soybeans to use as a base material for creating biodiesel. Currently, their research includes using coconut oil and palm oil, and they are continuously exploring other oilseed plants as viable options for alternative fuel.


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History Of Honda

Honda is the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines in the world, with more than 14 million engines built each year; Honda has established a name for itself in the automobile industry. Known for its immensely popular bikes, the Honda CBR is one of the most popular sports bikes in history. However Honda has not just restricted its market to bikes alone, today Honda has an impressive collection of cars, SUVs and trucks to its name, and the Honda Accord is perhaps one of the most popular cars in its class today. This article will discuss the various models of Honda cars and SUVs and their history.

Honda Cars

The first car that established Honda in America and the UK was the Civic, the 1974 Civic was an ideal blend of power and looks, and was an instant success with American and British car owners. The problem with the Civic was that although it was fuel efficient and had looks, it was still not big enough for the average American and British car owner. However, what clinched the deal for the Civic was that they actually modified their engine to meet US emission laws, whereas other cars now required a catalytic converter the Honda Civics’ engine was already compliant with American and European emission laws.

By 1976, Honda launched the Accord that was bigger than the Civic and sported a powerful engine, and compared to other mid-sized cars it was far more fuel efficient. Just like the Civic the Honda was an instant success and Honda became the first ever Japanese automobile company to establish a manufacturing plant in the US in the year was 1982. Today nearly 30 years later the Civic and the Accord are one of the most popular cars from the stables of Honda. In addition to the Civic and Accord, Honda also has its own luxury segment cars, and one of the most popular luxury cars is the Honda Acura.

Apart from manufacturing quality cars, Honda has made a name for itself in the market by coming up with innovations like improved VTECH engines, and the first car with 4 wheel drive was also from Honda (the Honda Prelude). Today Honda has a firm hold on the American and UK market, and more and more people are buying Honda cars for their fuel efficiency and environmental friendly emissions.

Honda SUVs

The first ever SUV launched by Honda was the Isuzu built Passport, the Honda passport was not immediately successful but with the introduction of other SUVs like the Acura and CR-V, Honda has now made its presence felt in the SUV market. The biggest advantage that Honda SUVs has over other SUVs is their engine, Honda engines are known for being powerful yet fuel efficient at the same time.

Today Honda has a definite presence in the automobile industry and more and more automobile owners have started buying Honda Cars and SUVs. If you are looking for a car that is powerful yet at the same time fuel efficient, then a look at a catalogue of Honda products is a must.

History Of Hybrid Cars

Considering all the excitement of hybrid energy vehicles, HEVs, the first such vehicle was actually developed by the Greeks for use in their warships. It was a sailing vessel that included oars for use when the wind wasn’t favorable to moving the ship. In more recent times, the history of hybrid power encompasses the moped and electric bicycles that used either gas or electric motors coupled with muscle power to move the vehicles. However, in modern times, the history of hybrid cars didn’t begin until around 1905.

Although the concept of combining an electric motor with a gasoline engine dates back to 1905, the abundance of oil and the more powerful gasoline engines put the idea in storage. During the oil shortages of the 1970s the history of hybrid cars received a boost as the United States started looking for ways to save gasoline. As oil again became more plentiful, the idea was shelved once more. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Toyota looked at the $3 per gallon price of gasoline in Japan and got serious about developing a true hybrid energy vehicle, unveiling the Prius in Japan in 1995. Its aggressive approach to development of the Prius made it the first production vehicle to hit the market in 1997 and within three years secured its place in the history of hybrid cars with over 50,000 units sold.

In 2000, Toyota had sold 12,500 hybrids in Japan and another 6,500 to overseas markets and by 2005 sold another 49,000 in Japan with an additional 145,000 to its overseas markets. Hitting sales approaching 200,000 units in the 10 short years of its technological breakthrough, the history of hybrid cars began to speed up with the development of HEVs in larger wheel-based vehicles, trucks and buses.

Saving money of gasoline as well as offering less of an environmental impact became the selling points during the history of hybrid cars and as people began to realize they were not losing as much power as they initially believed, the popularity of hybrid vehicles began to grow. With cars with many of the popular options available on larger cars such as power windows and door locks, air conditioning and without the need to plug the car into an outlet to recharge its batteries, hybrid vehicle sales went ballistic. While the Toyota Prius may be listed as the first production hybrid vehicle and has a permanent place in the history of hybrid cars, it is by no means the end of technological advances. As more companies continue their work on hybrid energy vehicles, more offerings are on the drawing board as well as on their way to production.

For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php

Home Mobility

Don’t be a prisoner in your own home. If you or a household member happens to be mobility impaired, don’t allow this to stop one from continuing to enjoy a mobile quality of life.

There are a lot of helpful mobility aids available in the market such as power scooters and wheelchairs to aid mobility but this is not enough. To be able to empower the mobility impaired to maintain a certain independence in terms of mobility, it is important to consider adding a residential wheelchair lift.

With a residential wheelchair lift, one can get around the house much easier and faster without having to be overly dependent on other individuals for aid. Installing a residential wheelchair lift will also solve the problem of deciding whether to move homes or not.

If you or someone in your family has recently been impaired in terms of mobility, you may have been thinking of looking for home that is friendlier to mobility aids like power scooters and wheelchairs. Perhaps you are thinking of getting a flat or a one-story place for easy navigation indoors.

Save yourself the hassle of trying to find a new home and having to go through the extremely tedious and taxing effort of moving homes. Just fit your existing home with a safe, secure and dependable residential wheelchair lift.

Handy Ramp

What’s better than having a Handiramp at home? Nothing comes close to ease and convenience of having Handiramp installed in your home. This patent product was specifically designed and engineered as a wheelchair lift for use inside the home. It is extremely easy to install and use and remains virtually maintenance free.

More than all that, Handiramp is flexible and can be modified according to your individual needs and circumstances. Check Handiramp out at http://www.handiramp.com and talk to them about your specific needs.

Auto Mobility, Inc

Check out Auto Mobility Inc at http://www.automobilityinc.com and learn for yourself how this company is dedicated to helping and servicing mobility impaired individuals and families with a mobility impaired member. They provide sales, service and installation of mobility aids with a personal touch.

Check them out and allow them to tell you about how they can help you with making necessary revisions to your present home to make it friendly and easy to use by members of the household who may be mobility impaired. They do several home access needs and services and will be able to help you with your need for a residential wheelchair lift.

Honda Customers Seeing A Whole New Generation Of Vehicles

If you have been following what's going on in the news these days, it's easy to see that a lot of great things have been happening for Honda customers. It seems like Honda has been quite busy lately thinking up new ways to introduce some new high volume vehicles. For people who were looking for more fuel efficency, the Honda Fit was introduced to North American not that long ago. This was Honda's way of providing city dwellers with a fuel efficient commuter that also has plenty of cargo space.

With the arrival of the all-new 2008 Accord, there is cause for celebration. If we Look at the all new redesigned vehicle, we see that it is a very practical and unassuming car. For more than three decades, we baby boomers have matured, along with the Honda Accord. This shows us that these latest Hondas prove that maturity can also mean excellence. Equipped with a V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of extras the Accord actually becomes fun to drive.

With the introduction of the all new CR-Z concept car, Honda is pushing the limits on bringing true sport and the latest technology together. This new breed of vejicle is poised to set Honda apart from it's competitors in the Hybrid market. Honda calls the CR-Z a lightweight sports car, indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks. The interior design of the CR-Z has the look and feel of a Hi-tech and Sporty vehicle, which has been achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.

Next we see the Honda SUT Concept which is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. It combines a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths. This includes refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.

The truck market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers, so the Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability.

And finally, Honda has recently confirmed it's plans to bring the exciting "green" cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built - with a production version of the FCX making its debut next month. ear And next, based on the FCX concept, the all-new FCV will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in both the U.S. and Japan. The Honda FCV will provide all the creature comforts and safety most expect while the undisclosed specifications of the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack will provide performance equivalent to most modern day sedans while producing zero emissions other than water and heat.

So as you can see, Honda customers have a lot to look forward to as Honda continues to look at the future of vehicle engineering for a whole new generation of drivers.

Honda Ridgeline: The Truck That Works

Of course, most vehicles that are produced and manufactured around the globe work well. However, upon meeting the Honda Ridgeline, the views have changed and people have started proclaiming this vehicle as the truck that actually works. This is based on the premise that most of the trucks that roam the streets and country roads are built to perform. However, these trucks are not very much capable of doing all types of work and have not been specifically built to take in various types of cargo without much hassle. This missing link has already been created and it comes in the form of the Honda Ridgeline.

What the new Honda Ridgeline has are the essentials that a truck must have. It could do rough road duties that just shows off just how durable this vehicle could be. It is constructed with a certain rigidity so as to withstand the various pressures of being a truck. Its cargo room is quite plentiful and it is entirely versatile so much so that any kind of cargo could be loaded and transported using the Honda Ridgeline. Honda prides itself for the Honda Ridgeline for they have been able to create and design a truck that is the very first and at present the only pick up truck that has received the government crash rating test of five stars for frontal impact tests as well as for side impact tests. This mainly proves that the truck is not only excellent in its duties and responsibilities but it also is outstanding when it comes to providing safety for its passengers which is very important. The chances of this truck doing a rollover are also minute as tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

5000 pounds is the Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity. Its payload capacity reaches some 1550 pounds. The power comes from a very efficient V6 engine that produces 247 units of horsepower. Agile, efficient, and durable are just a few of the adjectives that describes this remarkable truck.

Honda SUV's Like The Honda CR-V Can Be Traced Back To The Honda Civic Platform

One of the most popular Honda SUV’s on the market is the Honda CR-V, which is considered to be what is called a ‘crossover’ SUV. This Honda SUV is a car that has an SUV or sport utility vehicle look but is assembled on a more economical construction. The Honda SUV, CR-V, was ‘copied’ from the extremely popular Honda Civic in order to meet a growing demand for a SUV made by Honda. The letters CR-V stand for “comfortable runabout vehicle” and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The very first Honda SUV that was planned ‘in house’ by Honda was the CR-V in 1996. While there was considerable uncertainty as to whether or not this type of Honda SUV could sell as well as it’s forerunner, the Honda Passport, the CR-V was introduced to the US market in 1997. The CR-V has consistently maintained exceptional sales ever since.

The first CR-V was designed and produced from 1996 through 1998 known as the LX model trim. Attractive features included rear-folding seats, a picnic table stored in the rear floor and plastic covered front and rear bumpers as well as fender wells. The next model CR-V was on the market from 1998 to 2001 and didn’t change the body style but increased the engine power from the original and was changed to an engine that produces 146-horse power and additional torsion. The beauty of this increase was that it did not affect the fuel consumption or price of the car.

The next line of Honda CR-V’s was from 2002 through 2005 and the build of this Honda SUV was given a complete restyling based on the most recent Civic model. The new CR-V was also given a more powerful engine with 106-horse power and increased torsion. This new engine still offered the same fuel economy as the previous Honda CR-V models. This Honda SUV was awarded the Car and Driver magazine’s award for best small SUV of 2002 and 2003.

In 2005, the CR-V received only a minor model change with 16-inch wheels instead of 15 inch, which has been on the earlier models. The taillights were also changes from the color amber to red and white. The 2005 CR-V was also equipped with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. While the next CR-V model has not yet been unveiled, many are guessing that the new model will have more power in addition to the option of having an onboard navigation system.

Make sure you check out the exciting new 2006 Honda CR-V at Honda dealers now!

Hot Car Accessories

There was a time when the hottest car accessories consisted of eight-track players and stick-on compasses. Those days are long gone.

The typical automobile has evolved from a simple means of transportation. Today, they serve as mass transit systems for carpooling entire departments, recreational centers for road-weary children, and portable offices for mobile executives. With these changing times has come the demand for more gadgets and gizmos to ensure comfortable and productive travel: from coffee cup warmers and shiatsu seat covers, to DVD players and video game portals. One of the best examples of modern accessorizing is the GPS or Global Positioning System, which allows users to view local maps and receive accurate directions. These gadgets are of particular value to fast-moving professionals trying to navigate urban city streets.

Since automobiles have taken the leap from luxury to necessity, manufacturers have worked hard to meet the growing demands by offering a selection of accessories suited to car owners of all budgets. The market has been flooded with accessories and it's hard to know what's best, or even what's necessary.

* Research
They key to making any successful purchase is in the research. Find out what you need, and then shop around for the best price. The Internet is a great resource, with countless online articles, user forums and product comparisons available. You can also purchase everything you need online. Internet auctions are great spots to find quality products at low prices. Internet marketers are able to sell their products at a lower price because they have lower overhead. There are no retail rental fees or expenses so they can, in turn, offer lower prices.

* Shop Around
Once you know exactly what you want or need, it does pay to shop around. Because of the huge demand for quality automotive accessories, there is also an ever-growing market. Check prices at several outlets, and don't be afraid to haggle for the best deal.

* Ask Around
Some retailers simply want the biggest possible profit, and may try to overwhelm you with their vast knowledge and brand name repertoire, only to sell you something you really don't need. Arm yourself with information before you visit the store, and don't fall for pushy sales tactics. Ask other car owners about the car accessories they've purchased, or read about them online and in industry magazines. Shop around to compare prices. A little comparative information today can save you a lot of money down the road.

* Beware the Add-Ons
Trying to force buyers to take additional accessories is one of the oldest marketing tricks in the book. It's like being forced to buy a belt when you pick up a new pair of pants. The same holds true in the car accessories market. Just because a retailer tells you that you really need a neon GPS cover, it's not necessarily true. Ask a friend or trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories and get a reliable opinion on what you should -- and shouldn't -- buy.

* Warranty
As with any product, you need to know the warranty details before making the purchase. Understand the retailer's return or replacement policy in the event that the item doesn't work in your car, fails to meet your expectations, or malfunctions.

* Inspection
You should have the opportunity to inspect the product before agreeing to purchase it. Of course, this is not an option with Internet purchases, so make sure you're dealing with a reputable online dealer. Many retail stores ask that you sign a receipt stating that the product is in good condition upon receipt, and doing so may mean waving your rights to return the product if it is indeed damaged.

* Auto Recyclers
Whenever possible, opt for Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) car accessories. You can usually be certain that the quality is first-rate and the warranty will protect your purchase.

Car accessories not only make driving more convenient, they can also impact your safety while on the road. Being prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to shop can ultimately save your life, so don't make price your first priority. Safety should always come first, so don't compromise quality just to get a good deal.

Hot Fuels For Fast Cars

Men have been experimenting with weird fuel concoctions since man tamed fire. Even from the beginnings of fire it was obvious that the hotter fuel would give the best results. This more than translates the right fuel would mean top speeds for racing cars. After all the best burning fuel would give the faster camshafts to win the race. Eve with the technologically advanced fuels we still do not know what the upper limits of performance potential might be with the most potent fuels.

The conventional automotive piston engine was designed to run on straight gasoline fuels. The major problems in this case was to get sufficient fuel octane ratings to prevent excessive detonation , or knock , to prevent excessive detonation, Detonation of course is a sudden , uncontrolled explosion of the last part of the gas-oil mixture. This uncontrolled explosion of gas in your engine, not only reduces power, but can easily cause engine damage, breaking piston rings and even the pistons themselves. Simply put if you have enough octane to prevent detonation there is not much else that can be done to get additional power out of gasoline.

It is a different story when you are free to use fuels other than gasoline. These potent non gasoline fuels can boost the power in the engine in three general ways 1) They give you a much higher octane than you get with your conventional commercial gas that you buy at the pump 2) they can give you much more cooling effect when they evaporate in the manifold , which contracts the fuel-air charge so that your draws in a much greater of weight of mixture on each action stroke 3) by using fuels containing releasable oxygen you can get combustion without a corresponding amount of air prevent – which means that you can literally pour on the horsepower in your racing engine with as liquid fuel that can possibly be poured into your engine. The sky is the limit on the last trick. This is because it is much harder to get air in and out of a cylinder than it is liquid fuel, because of the large volume per pound of air/ anytime we can get some additional oxygen into the cylinder in high density liquid form, horsepower is bound to skyrocket. This in essence is the secret of Nitro fuels.

Among the more popular “hot fuels “are Methanol, Benzoil, Acetone and Nitromethane. Each of these “hot fuels “have its advantages and disadvantages as well as its groups of proponents and detractors.

Methanol is the chemical name for simple wood alcohol. Methanol has advantages that when used as a motor fuel it has an extremely high octane value. In addition methanol absorbs a great deal of heat when it evaporates in the manifold cooling down the front end of the engine – allowing for more concentrated fuel that is wonderful for horsepower. Methanol’s disadvantage as a fuel are that it contains a lot less heat value per pound than gasoline , so miles per a gallon are about cut in half.

Benzoil or Benzene is a coal tar derivative, and weighs about 7.3 lbs. per gallon, whereas gasoline weighs about 6 lbs. Benzene’s chief advantage lies in its very high heat value, for good tank mileage, with reasonable octane ratings.

Acetone is a solvent distilled from calcium acetate. Acetone has a very high octane rating (150 in a rich mixture). Acetone’s main use is as a blending agent for mixing gasoline and alcohol. The ability of alcohol in dissolved gas falls off as the purity of the alcohol decreases. In addition the two will separate over time, if left alone.
So acetone is generally added in 5 to 10 % amounts to stabilize the alcohol / gasoline mixture. It works wonderfully well m and is not too expensive in these small amounts. Simply put blending blend gasoline and alcohol together is a good compromise between horsepower and tank mileage.

Lastly Nitromethane or “nitroparaffin” compounds contain a substantial amount of oxygen that is released in combustion so they are technically explosives. In simpler terms this means that you can burn nitro without a corresponding amount of air present – hence power can be increased up to point, by merely richening the fuel/ air ratio. Holy cow! Even though Nitro is fairly expensive, engines have to be set up exactly to handle the heat, mileage is not that great, and Nitro as well has an unwarranted safety concern. The biggest concern with Nitro is that the engine has to be set up exactly exactly right. Otherwise the engine can actually blow up on the first full throttle. In addition if the engine is not set up exactly the extra heat and pressure on the engine can make it difficult to maintain engines over time. Engines running on 90 % or more Nitromethane have shown more than twice as much horsepower as similar settings on gasoline. When blended with methanol power increases of 30 and 40 % are common.

In the end it’s all about the boys and their toys. Those with these odd fuel concoctions are usually the winners in the race.

How A Swamp Cooler Works

Swamp coolers are a great and inexpensive way to cool off your automotive shop in the summer.

A swamp cooler is essentially a large fan with water-moistened pads in front of it. The fan draws warm outside air through the pads and blows the now-cooled air throughout the house. The pads can be made of wood shavings - wood from aspen trees is a traditional choice - or other materials that absorb and hold moisture while resisting mildew. Aspen wood pads, also called excelsior, need to be replaced every season or two, and generally cost $20 to $40 for a set.

Small distribution lines supply water to the top of the pads. Water soaks the pads and, thanks to gravity, trickles through them to collect in a sump at the bottom of the cooler. A small water pump circulates the collected water back to the top of the pads. Then the process begins over again.

Since water is continually lost through evaporation, a float valve - much like the one that controls the water in a toilet tank - adds water to the sump when the level gets low. Under normal conditions, a swamp cooler can use between 3 to 15 gallons of water a day.

A large fan draws air through the pads, where evaporation drops the temperature approximately 20 degrees. The fan then blows this cooled air into the house. Small units can be installed in a window, blowing cooled air directly into a room. Larger units can blow air into a central location, or the air can travel through ductwork to individual rooms.

Normal air conditioning is a closed system, taking air from inside a house and recycling it. For air conditioning to function properly, doors and windows should be closed. Swamp coolers, however, take air from outside the house. For a swamp cooler to work properly, the cooled outside air must be allowed to escape. By choosing which doors or windows in your home you leave open, you can to help direct the flow of cooled air to areas where it is needed.

How About A Gps System For Your Car?

Can you remember taking trips by car trying to read those directions while trying to drive? Or perhaps you carried a bulky atlas or relied on your own intuition to get you where you wanted to go. Fortunately, your driving experience can be better now. Times have changed and GPS automobile navigation systems are readily available and perfectly capable of taking you wherever you want to go. Newer automobiles come complete with GPS systems built in but you can purchase a system separately for any vehicle you own.

Before even pricing a system, you’ll want to look into how easy a system is to use. If you find a system that’s too complicated to use, you’ll never be able to operate it within your vehicle, especially when driving. Nothing is more dangerous than trying to program your GPS system while on the fly. Try to find one you can use easily and that can be programmed with just a few touches of the buttons. A GPS system with a big display is important, too. If you find that the display is too small or the directions too complicated, this won’t be a user-friendly GPS system and you’ll want to look for another one.

GPS systems vary in the degree of precision they offer. You’ll want to find a system that gives precise directions that will take you where you want to go and that will update itself whenever new roads are built or when construction will change your driving route. Check to make sure that your system is capable of receiving regular updates and turn down one that isn’t capable of updating changes over time. You may find a system that receives regular updates or choose one that updates manually – such as before you start your trip.

GPS navigations systems are available at specialty stores, electronic stores and online. Make sure you shop around for a price you can afford and ask questions about your new system before you actually buy one. In some cases, there may be a monthly or yearly fee for updates and other services and you’ll want to know about those kinds of things in advance. Some models have extras, including mp3 players and the like. Look to see if the model you’re interested in has any of these types of extras. Check out how accessible the directions are and whether the GPS system you’re evaluating gives voice directions as well as visual directions. Often the screen is not visible in direct sunlight so the voice directions may be all you have to work with. Some models have different screen modes for daylight and nighttime viewing.

Some cell phone services offer the option of getting directions to wherever you want to go right on your phone and you may not choose to spend your money on a separate GPS system you don’t really need. The cell phone service often costs extra but it may be your best option if you don’t do a lot of traveling and only need to find your way occasionally.

How Breakdown Cover Is Helpful When Purchasing A ‘Used Car’!

After buying a house, buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s important to get it right.

The problem is, however, very few of us are qualified to check the condition of the car when we’re looking for a replacement. We are more likely to use first impressions as a basis for our decision; how tidy the car looks, the colour, etc.

That’s why dealers put effort into keeping the cars clean and polished.

Obviously, it’s a good idea to take someone along with you, someone with a knowledge of cars and who is able to advise on things that you know nothing about. You may also be referred to a trustworthy dealer by a friend and some dealers will have vehicles pre-inspected by the RAC. Just ask to see the report.

By the way, having a good breakdown cover package, and being able to call on roadside assistance, is common sense, especially if you purchase a used car which could have problems that you know little about. This can be even more important if you buy privately, from someone you don’t know.

There are things you can do to help yourself, such as validate the ownership of the vehicle - by checking the log book or registration details, accuracy of the mileage and age.

You could look for signs of poor colour matching or non-original welding. These could be tell-tale signs of the vehicles’ involvement in an accident. Check under the bonnet and look for engine leaks, look on the ground for oil leaks and for blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.

Ask to see the service history - is it close to another service? Is the mileage correct? What’s the condition of the seat upholstery? It’s also a good idea to take the car for a spin - check the steering, brakes, gears, clutch, etc. How does it handle in general?

All these things can add up to help you make the right decision. If you’re looking for real peace of mind, however, there is the option to get the experts to check it out for you. Considering the fact that you could be spending a few thousand pounds, the cost of an RAC Vehicle Inspection is well worthwhile. And you can get a good discount if you already have RAC breakdown cover (even if it’s only roadside assistance).

For only a fiver, massively reduced from £24.99, you can also get an RAC car data check. This will tell you whether or not the car is stolen, if it’s an insurance write off, if there’s any outstanding finance on it or even if it’s had previous plates.

The last thing you want to do is to buy a vehicle, find out later that it’s not roadworthy and end up paying a small fortune to get it through the MOT. More importantly though, your life and the lives of others may rest on the condition of the vehicle you purchase, so if in doubt, get a qualified second opinion before you buy.

How Can Truck Bed Covers Help Save Gas And Transform Your Truck

Truck bed covers are attachments to the pickup truck bed and serve as protection against all weathers and of course from theft. Such protection allows you to store items in the bed away from the damage of weather and from the prying eyes of thieves. Unlike truck attachments such as camper shells, bed covers do not provide additional vertical cargo space.

Bed covers are most useful when you want your truck to maintain a low profile or when you wish for your truck to have be able to move the cover for its beds easily.

Truck bed cover helps save gas! As air flows over the front end of your vehicle, it careens into the hollow bowl of your bed and produces opposite force to your truck moving direction. This could easily save several miles from your gas mileage every time you use your truck. These types of covers also provide extra gas mileage by reducing the air drag that is exacerbated by the truck bed - an aerodynamic nightmare. You could easily save about 10% on your gas with a good truck cover!

There are many types of bed covers - Strong, rigid canopy covers. These type of cover protect your transport items. Where some are detachable. Such cover is easy to install.

So who invented truck bed covers? Well, no one can really claim to because it has evolved from a number of versions that was designed for different uses. Soft covers gained popularity on major speedways. Sport truck racers used soft truck covers to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag to increase speed. Hard top truck covers rose in prominence as an alternative to the traditional camper shells. These highly-customized truck bed lids has evolved to suit the various needs of the truck drivers.

When you need to transport items ranging from groceries, to some heavy furniture, the truck cover can help. The cover shields your items from view of public, from the weather and from damage. In some instances, truck covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that can channel the moisture away from the covers. With such equipment, truck owners have a greater peace of mind when transporting items that is sensitive to such moisture. With most models currently, installation requires no drilling into the truck bed. Black is the standard color offered by most manufacturers, but many do offer a variety of other more exotic colors.

When purchasing a truck bed cover, you need to decide whether a hard cover (solid fiberglass) or a soft cover (vinyl) is the more appropriate one. The differences between the two are that the hard covers are firmly attached, they do not get blow off even at highway speeds. They are available with hinge systems to allow an easier lifting of cover to put or get the cargo. It is also secure and lockable. These hard covers weigh about 100 lbs. Hard covers are also much more expensive, durable and weatherproof than vinyl covers. The soft covers on the other hand, are easy to remove and install. They often just snap on to the truck rails and are ready to go immediately. Although they may not be as tough as the hard covers, they are still strong enough to provide protection for 1 to 2 people. If you are hauling large cargo, these covers come off easily to accommodate the extra space needed.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

People have a tendency to make up their minds as to whether or not to purchase hybrid cars without truly examining the answer to the question “how do hybrid cars work?” By not truly understanding the process of how hybrid cars work, people have a tendency to look at the cars as if they are something exotic and can be put off to purchasing. This is silly as simply examining the basics of the car’s operative process will remove any preconceived notions as to them being exotic are removed and the cars can be seen as part of the natural, evolutionary process of advancements in the realm of alternative energy.

When it comes to the benefits of a hybrid car, one of the main benefits is that these cars will get significantly more miles to the gallon that a ‘traditional’ gasoline car can achieve. When it comes to a simple matter of dollars and cents, a hybrid car can gain an additional 40 miles to a gallon. That is an enormous cost saving benefit and such savings have led to the expanded interest in the purchasing of hybrid cars. Now, while most people are familiar with the savings that these hybrid cars can provide, they are not entirely sure how the engines of a hybrid car can actually work. Because of this lack of knowledge in terms of the actual operation of the car, some people may be somewhat put off fro actually purchasing hybrid cars. This is a shame as a simple explanation as to how do hybrid cars work would put aside a number of concerns people may have that preclude them from making the actual purchase of the cars.

So, how do hybrid cars work? The way in which hybrid cars work is based upon the type of hybrid car one is using. If the hybrid car is an ethanol hybrid car, then a percentage of the fuel of the car will be derive from ethanol. In some cases, the percentage of ethanol that is used is roughly 10% of the fuel. While this may seem like a small amount, it actually reduces emissions significantly. Answering how do hybrid cars work in regards to electronic hybrids is as follows: an electronic engine “splits” the work with the gasoline fuel source. Currently, on the American market, electronic imports remain the most popular of the hybrid releases namely due to the fact that ethanol is a difficult fuel to find in certain areas.

For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php

How do you find a moving company?

Moving is a very tense and costly experience, and if you don't take safety measures it can quickly turn into a nightmare. So how do you find a moving company that you can confidence with everything that you own and feel safe in your decision?

The first thing that you should do is put down your keyboard and step away from your computer. While there are some reputable moving companies that have web sites, nearly all of the victims that contact us found their moving company on the Internet.

Your next step is to pick up your phone book, or call your local real estate agents and find at least three moving companies that have offices in your area. Try to find moving companies that have been in business at least ten years, and do not hire a moving broker. Current consumer protection laws related to the movement of household goods only apply to Motor Carriers and not to Household Goods Brokers.

Set up appointments for them to come to your house and do an in-home estimate in the order of your least favorite to your most favorite company. If they won't come to your house to do an in-home estimate, hang up and find another company. Find out up front if the company will be doing the move themselves, or if they will be sub-contracting out the job. If they won't be moving you, then move on. You should also visit their office and make sure that the company is who they say they are. Check out their trucks and storage facility. Make sure that their trucks are permanently marked with the company’s name.

As each moving company gives you an estimate based on what they see in your home, leave the paperwork out where the next moving company can easily see it. Ask questions about the difference in pricing since it may have to do with what services one company provides that another doesn’t the amount of insurance included, or valuation of your belongings. Never hire a mover who gives you a quote based on cubic feet. Never, ever sign blank paperwork, and know what you're signing. Read the document, understand it and don't worry about making the moving company wait.

You should know that every moving company is required by law to provide you with a "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet. If they don't provide you with this, send them packing (so to speak).

Also, while you have the sales rep's attention, get as much information about the company that you can such as:

* Full company name and any DBA names (doing business as)
* How long they have been in business
* Company address
* Phone numbers (local and toll-free)
* DOT and MC license numbers
* Company web site address
* Email addresses
* Get references (and call them)

Now that you have your three estimates, it's time to get back online. This is where the Internet is a powerful tool for the consumer, and where all of that information that you gathered pays off.

Many states make it easy to search for corporate information online. We've made it easy to find each state's corporation search. Just select the state on our Links page that your moving company is based. If you can't search online, then call your secretary of state's office and ask for the articles of incorporation. You can use the Articles of Incorporation that you find to verify how long your moving company has been in business, as well as the company's address and owner's name.

Remember those DOT and MC license numbers that you wrote down? Well, it's time to make sure that your moving company not only has the license authority to perform your move, but if they have the insurance to make it legal! Let's start with SaferSys.org.

SaferSys is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) web site to search for motor carrier license information. First click on Company Snapshot in the center of the page. In the center of the next web page, you'll see a search area. Put in your company's DOT license number, and click 'Search'. If the DOT number that they gave you is accurate (which it better be or it's time to move on again) you'll be presented with a screen with lots of information. Here are some key elements to the SaferSys report

How Does A Power Inverter Work?

People always ask us “exactly how does a power inverter work?” The answer to this question often surprises our customers. Car power inverters work much more simply than mysteriously, and the learning curve required to understand them requires no more than a very basic knowledge of electricity. Essentially, there are two forms of electrical power in the Universe: Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC). Direct current flows continuously from the positive electrical pole to the negative electrical pole. Alternating current flows back and forth between the two poles. DC current occurs in Nature and batteries, while AC current is man-made and supplies power through the public utility grid that supports human industry and infrastructure. Car batteries presented a problem in the past when people realized they needed to operate traditionally AC-powered devices in their cars but could not do so because of incompatible current requirements. Manufacturers like Vector stepped up to solve this dilemma by working to design car power inverters that would safely and efficiently convert DC to AC. Their successful engineering has resulted in a wide range of compact, rectangular devices that connect to batteries and output the resulting alternating current safely through one or more standard electrical plugs.

Two factors determine how a power inverter works: wave output and wattage output. Wave output describes the physical appearance of electrical signals as they move across an oscilloscope. Square waves appear exactly as their name specifies: like squares on a grid. Pure sine waves, also called true sine waves, appear as visible waves on the screen. Sine wave car power inverters work better than square wave power inverters when uninterrupted power flow is a critical issue. In fact, true sine output is sometimes slightly superior to that of public utility power grids! Because of this, they are also the most expensive devices of their kind on the market. Recent advances in technology have accommodated users on a budget with a hybrid design generally referred to as either a modified square or modified sine wave power inverter. The technical differences that determine how a true sine car power inverter works and how a modified sine power inverter works are too minor to produce any noticeable effects with standard electronics. Only the most high-end equipment requires true sine output, and the cost of these devices may justify the additional investment in pure sine technology to deliver maximum quality and reliable performance.

Another new development that allows car power inverters to work with even more reliability than ever before is the sophisticated Soft Start Technology, branded “SST” by manufacturers such as Vector. SST is the next step in the evolution of how power inverters work. The very first power inverters for cars would only work intermittently during cold engine starts. Because they could not pull enough power from the battery, they would shut down from current underload and require a manual restart. SST resolves this issue by gradually increasing voltage ramp up during engine startup. If the output dips for any reason, SST makes instant adjustments to compensate and will prevent most shutdowns. If in the rare event a shutdown does occur, the newer car power inverters work automatically to restart themselves without distracting the driver from the road.

Red Hill Supply delivers only the best and most reliable power inverters that will work in virtually any situation requiring DC-AC conversion. Learn more about how power inverters work in our Resources section, and browse our online catalogue to obtain the most hihttp://www.blogger.com/gh end and specialized devices through our simple, convenient online order process.

How Does NOS Work?

[Introduction]

Nitrous Oxide injection is a popular performance modification that offers maximum returns on spending. The direct outcome of using Nitrous Oxide injection is additional power to your vehicle. This results into better garnering of energy from combustion of fuel, revved up engine and eventual boost in over all performance of the vehicle.

Nitrous oxide is more popular than other performance modifications as besides better performance per unit of money spent, Nitrous installations are easier to accomplish. These installations can be used as and when the need arises. The Nitrous oxide injections are available to meet any magnitude of power need from 25 HP to over 500 extra HP. This performance option caters to the computer controlled fuel injected engines. The Nitrous systems are portable enough to be easily removed or transferred to another vehicle. In comparison to other performance options, Nitrous Oxide systems are feasible, as they cost least and install without much difficulty. To install NOS, all you need are some common hand tools and barely three to four hours time. There is no other performance option that can buy you more performance for lesser money than Nitrous.

Nitrous oxide is colorless, non-flammable and a slightly sweet smelling gas. Also known as laughing gas because of its euphoric effects, Nitrous is also known as NOS after the famous trademark catering Nitrous Oxide injection systems.

[How Does It Work?]

Nitrous oxides functions along identical principle as followed by sodium chlorate upon heating. It constitutes of two parts of Nitrogen and one part of Oxygen (N2O). When Nitrous Oxide is heated to a temperature of about 570 degrees F (~300 degree C), it splits into oxygen and nitrogen. So, injection of Nitrous oxide into the engine results into more oxygen available during combustion. As there is more oxygen available during combustion, the engine can also intake more fuel, and consequently generate more power. Thus, Nitrous oxide is one of the simplest manners to give a substantial horsepower boost to any gasoline engine.

Secondly, when pressurized Nitrous oxide is injected into the intake manifold, it boils and vaporizes. As a result, Nitrous oxide provides significant cooling effect on the intake air. With the cooling effect, the temperature of the intake air reduces by 60-75 degrees F. This in turn, increases air density and subsequent higher concentration of oxygen inside the cylinder. Thus additional power is generated. As per standard rule, every 10 degrees F reduction in intake charge temperature causes 1% increase in power. For example, a 350 HP engine with an intake temperature drop of 70 degrees F shall gain around 25HP on the cooling affect alone.

Thirdly, the nitrogen released during the process of heating also supports the performance aspect. As Nitrogen dampens down the increased cylinder pressure, it controls the combustion process eventually.

Nitrous oxide is colossal just like any other gas. Even its liquid form does not excuse the bulky nature of the gas. The engine requires a huge quantity of Nitrous Oxide to keep the 5-liter engine running at 4,000 rotations per minute (RPM). The speed of 4,000-RPM rate is secured by combustion of 10,000 liters of air every minute. In sharp contrast, the engine consumes only 0.2 liters of gasoline. In nutshell, the engine shall require magnanimous quantity of Nitrous oxide to run your vehicle continuously. Therefore, a car normally carries limited amount of nitrous oxide, which is used very selectively by the driver, by pushing a button.

Nitrous system offers improvement of 1 to 3 full seconds and 10 to 15 MPH in the quarter mile. Other factors viz. engine size, tires, jetting, gearing etc. determine the final results. It is best used with a wide-open throttle, unless a progressive controller is used. It can be safely applied above 2,500 rotations per minute (RPM) under full throttle conditions.

Forged aluminum pistons are one of the best modifications to complement NOS. Other important modifications may be a forged crankshaft, a high quality race type connecting rod, a high output fuel pump dedicated to feeding the additional fuel demands of Nitrous system and a racing fuel with high specific gravity and an octane rating of 110 or more.

For effective performance through Nitrous Oxide, it is important to choose the correct Horse Power for a given application. To elaborate, as the energy will be released in the cylinder, the load on various components to perform will also increase proportionately. If the energy released is greater than the ability to handle the energy, it will amount to wear and tear of the machinery. While 4 cyl. engines allow an extra 40-60 HP, 6 cyl. engines allow 75-100 extra HP only. On identical lines, while small blocks V8’s (302/350/400cid) typically allow up to 140 extra HP, big blocks V8’s (427/454) accept from 125–200 extra HP.

As Nitrous looses the optimal flow rate at very cold temperatures, NOS kit has a nitrous pressure gauge that allows you to monitor the pressure to approximately 800-900 psi. In colder climates, it is always advisable to purchase a bottle heater kit, part # 14161 to keep the ambient temperature to 70-90 degrees F.

Further, the condition of the engine is important to keep in mind while choosing NOS kit for your vehicle. A worn out and poorly tuned up vehicle will not be able to sustain NOS pressure and will be instead harmed by abnormal wear.

Though the button triggering on Nitrous oxide may be held pressed until the bottle containing it is rendered empty, it is recommended that Nitrous Oxide may be used for 15 continuous seconds or lesser. The Nitrous bottle can be easily refilled from any NOS certified distributor. The NOS bottle must not be overfilled as overfilling and/ or too much heat can result into excessive bottle pressures, following a blown out safety seal and eventual release of all the contents out of the bottle.

[Summary]

To wrap up, Nitrous Oxide magnifies the output of any engine – be it stock engine or modified engine, to lend more power and better performance. However, it is important to keep the condition and horsepower of the engine in mind before introducing particular NOS to it to secure positive results only.

How Green Are Green Cars?

With the issue of global warming taking on international importance in recent years, unsurprisingly the focus has fallen on car drivers, with cars seen as one of the major contributors towards global warming. Green cars have been held up as a potential solution, one that motorists should be embracing.

But are green cars actually 'green'?

Firstly, let’s take pure electric cars. Unfortunately these electric cars are anything but good for the environment. The electricity that they run on is produced in power stations, where only 30-40% of the energy is converted into electricity. Transferring this electricity along electric cables then results in a further 30% being lost to heat energy. So by the time this electricity reaches an electric car a huge amount of the energy has already been lost. Good for cutting down inner city pollution but efficient it certainly isn’t.

Recently hybrid cars have been preferred, cars that contain both an electric motor and a petrol engine. The battery for the motor is powered by the energy generated from braking. When it comes to being ‘green’ these cars in theory offer many more environmental benefits.

In practice this isn’t necessarily the case. Consumer magazine Which? tested four hybrid cars by driving them throughout London. The results were disappointing, as mentioned by George Marshall-Thornhill, senior researcher for Which?, “Some of these should have performed much better.” And this is all without mentioning how to dispose of troublesome electric batteries.

Then there’s the cost of hybrid cars. The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid car and can be purchased for around £17,000. However, with fuel economy claims in doubt and 55% of people believing that green cars are too expensive, there is still some way to go before green cars arrive on a large scale.

The facts are that green cars use more energy to produce, are harder to dispose of, their fuel economy claims have been doubted, and they are simply too expensive. The age of the green car has not arrived yet.

How Motorcycle Exhausts Cut Off Sound

If you have are in love with your bike, chances are you will be very, very particular about what sort of exhaust pipes you use. The right ones can make your machine look and feel like a million dollar baby or make it a design nightmare.

The motorcycle exhaust pipe has a very definite role to play in the dynamics of a bike. It directs the gases that come out of the combustion chamber, away from the machine and therefore the rider. Where do these gases come from and why is it important that they be directed away?

The combustion engine in a motorcycle creates a series of explosions that propel the bike forward. Since we are talking of explosive combustion, we are talking of noise and exhaust gases. Now if these gases were thrown out straight from the exhaust port, you would have a problem on your hands. The front tyres would gradually melt under the heat and what’s more, your machine would sound like a disgruntled missile.

That is why bike manufacturers design the exhaust pipes carefully. These pipes take the emitted gas away from the exhaust port, pass them through what we call a muffler or a silencer and then throw them away behind the bike, away from the rider. By the time the gases pass out of the exhaust, they have already cooled off and there is little chance of any unwanted combustion.

The technology used to silence the explosive gases is simple. The gases flow at a great speed into the motorcycle exhaust pipes, which are narrow. Then they enter the muffler, which has more space. As the gases expand into the body of the muffler, they slow down and lose some of the sound energy. There are perforated baffles in the muffler that reduce the noise further. So, by the time the gases emerge from the motorcycle exhaust pipes, the noise has been cut down to a reasonable level. It is also important to remember that a good exhaust design can increase the usable power generated by your bike’s engine.

Typically, motorcycle exhausts are of two kinds: the full exhaust system and the slip-on system. The full exhaust system connects the pipes to the head of the engine while the slip-on exhaust connects them to the opening where the muffler is. The former is ideal for those who run their machine at full throttle over long distance. The slip on exhaust system is usually used for street bikes. This allows a little more acceleration from the bike.

How Much Car Should You Try To Afford?

You’ve been bitten by the new car bug. Or perhaps you’re just so tired of your current car; you can hardly stand to drive it anymore.

You’re about to embark on the research phase of the car buying experience (which is the right course of action). But, before you even begin pointing, clicking, and eyeballing these shiny new toys; take a step back and determine just how much car you can afford to own and operate.

The conventional wisdom is not more than 20% of your monthly income… your net (take home) pay… not your gross pay. And by the way, while you’re doing your figuring on this 20% monthly cash outlay; make sure you include all the cars you own.

Regardless of whether you don’t even pay rent or own your home outright, stand firm on the 20% rule.

On your way to calculating your 20% budget, in addition to the purchase price, be sure to factor in any down payment and/or your trade-in value. The bottom line you’ll finance is the bottom line.

Of course, the more money you put down the more car you can buy and still be under the 20% rule. Keep in mind, the more money you put down doesn’t affect how much you actually pay and cars are severely depreciating assets… not investments.

Once you get close to determining your 20% number, you’ll need to know the going interest rates you’ll be paying on your borrowed money. And since we’ve now broached borrowing money and interest rates… you should also plan on getting a copy of your credit report while you’re at it.

Another important aspect to consider is the costs of ownership involved with the car. Things such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance premiums can run up some hefty numbers on you in addition to your monthly payment.

Maintenance and insurance costs are somewhat related, because insurance companies take into account the cost to repair a vehicle as part of their premium calculation. So, if you are looking at a car that is expensive or difficult to repair, you’re probably also looking at higher insurance premiums as well.

So, even though you should keep the 20% rule firmly in mind as your are crunching your numbers, don’t overlook all the other monthly expenses associated with the car you are considering.

Taking the time to get all of your financial and budget numbers in place before you seriously begin looking at your intended makes and models will serve as a good financial rudder for you during the car buying process and make for much wiser purchase.

How Repowering Golf Course Mowers Saves Money

Golf course managers know that having well trimmed and well cared for greenways is one of the marks of having a successful course. There are many things that a golf course or facilities manager is going to have to be responsible for as they maintain the facilities for the golf course, and some of the main aspects are making sure that golfers enjoy the time there, the course is pretty, kept up and well maintained, and that all of the facilities look the same. As golf course equipment undergoes normal wear and tear, it might be tempting to get rid of older truckster, mower and cart equipment when the small engine’s productivity deteriorates. Though it may seem that getting rid of these things and buying new ones is the right solution for the good of the course, repowering the small engine using an engine rebuild kit may save you money and time in the long-run.

Golf course facilities manager know that funding for new grounds equipment can be hard to come by at times. Investing in new equipment that is heavily worked may not be an option for smaller courses. It is unlikely that a golf cart or truckster used for hauling equipment can be easily replaced with a brand new piece of equipment with without much discussion and consideration. By repowering the equipment (using a rebuild kit to replace a faulty engine with a newer, better suited small engine) managers are able to improve the productivity of their existing carts and mowers while not needing to request large amounts of funds to keep the course in perfect shape.

The rebuild and re-power kits that you can find online can help you do many things. First of all, they are both repair and upgrade kits for golf cart small engines and the golf course trucksters small engines. The small engine rebuild kit can also help you do something as equally important, which is improve the performance of these engines. By fixing the ones that break and improving the performance of the ones that are not broken but are in need of performance repair, you can help make sure that you never have to replace a small engine again. It may seem like a large undertaking to replace the small engine in one of these vehicles. With a proper repower rebuild kit, the instructions are very clear and concise and the necessary parts are included and spelled out in detail, making the process much easier than one would anticipate.

Why is it important to make sure that you never have to purchase another golf cart or course mower in the next twenty years? First of all, these are expensive items that are a significant investment to simply replace. Also, as a golf cart or other golf course equipment begin to experience engine problems, their fuel efficiency and productivity waivers. This can cost more in the long-run.

There are rebuild kits that are available to you online and along with detailed information on installation, benefits and features. Repowering these small engines is a great way to extend the life of course equipment without breaking the bank.

~Ben Anton, 2007

How To Avoid Extra Costs At The End Of Your Lease

$250 to dispose of your vehicle, $1000 for extra miles you put on the clock and $200 to replace the light bulb and the worn tyres—lease agents constantly nickel-and-dime consumers when their lease runs out. Here’s a rundown of what can trigger those fees, and some steps to take in self-defense.

Disposition fee: leasing companies charge you if you choose not to buy the vehicle at the end of your lease. This fee is set as compensation for the expenses of selling, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle. It typically includes administrative charges; the dealer’s cost to prepare the car for resale and any other penalties. Make sure this fee is stated clearly in the contract and is agreeable by you before signing on the dotted line. At lease-end, you are left in no position to negotiate as the dealer can apply your refundable security deposit towards this fee.

Excess mileage charges: Almost all leasing companies will charge a premium for each mile over the agreed upon mileage stated in your contract. This penalty can be as high as 25 cents per mile and can add up quickly. To avoid the risk of running thousands of dollars in excess mileage penalties at the end of your lease, always check the “per mile” charges in your contract and be realistic about your mileage before you sign any contract. If you think the limit is unrealistic given your commutation needs, then negotiate with the dealer to get a higher mileage or contract for additional miles.

Excess tear-and-wear charges: Another potential cost at the end of the lease is any incidental damage done to the car during the lease. This is deemed any excessive damage done to the normal tear and wear of the vehicle. Notice the use of the terms “deemed”, “excessive” and “normal”. There is no standard formula to define what’s “excessive” and “normal” and it’s up to the leasing company to assess – or deem – the damage and determine what they are going to charge. This leaves you at the mercy of unscrupulous leasing agents who set stringent tear-and-wear standards. Make sure you read the description of these standards, understand them and agree to them. If your leased vehicle is damaged prior to the end of the lease, you may find it cheaper to repair the damage yourself than pay the excessive charges of the leasing agent. In the event of a dispute over the charges at the end of your lease, get an independent third party to do a professional appraisal detailing the amount required to repair any damaged parts or the amount by which tear-and-wear reduces the value of the vehicle.

How To Avoid These 5 Car Dealership Scams

When you're going in for your next car purchase keep your eyes peeled for the following scams.

1. The VIN# Window Etching Scam - Some dealers will charge you $300-$900 for window VIN# etching and tell you that you have to pay the money to get the loan because the bank insists on it. Don't go for it.

Some dealers might tell you that the etching is free but will add on the etch money to your monthly payments to make up for it. Anytime a dealer says something is free, get it in writing and check your monthly fee. The best way to avoid this scam is to force the dealer to put it in writing if they say that the etching is free or simply etch the car yourself.

You can get an etch-it-yourself kit from http://www.CarEtch.com for $30 or just don’t buy the car. Remember a lender doesn’t require that you purchase any extras on a car. All the lender cares about is that you can make your regular payments on time.

2. The Financing Scam - You trade in your old car in and the finance manager signs you up at the agreed interest rate and gives you the car. After a week or two passes and he/she calls saying that you didn’t qualify for the interest rates that they gave you when the deal was made.

Every new purchase has a clause in the contract that usually states that the deal is “subject to loan approval.” This gives the finance manager an opening to get more money out of you. All that this clause means in the contract is that the deal is not finished yet even if you already have possession of the car and have signed the contract. The dealer can then charge you $1000 more in finance fees and up your monthly payments by $50. This scam is generally pulled on people with bad credit because it is more believable.

You can avoid this scam by not financing the car with the dealer if you know that you have bad credit. You are better off going to a credit union and financing the car yourself. When you buy a new car the deal should be made on the price of the car, not on the monthly payments.

3. The Credit Score Scam - This is desperation in action. This is when the finance manager tells you that your credit score is lower than it really is so that they can get you for higher interest rates. This scam is pulled on everyone; good or bad credit. This scam is easy to avoid. Just get your own copy of your credit report from Equifax.com, and bring it with you.

It's pretty hard to lie to you about your credit score if you have your own copy of it. If your paper and theirs doesn’t say the same thing, you might want to shop elsewhere because that dealership is sleazy. Don’t hesitate to let them know it too because it’ll be nice to watch them try to back out of that one.

4. The Forced Warranty Scam - This is when the finance manager tells you that you are not eligible for the loan by the bank unless you pay an extra $2000 for a 2-3 year extended warranty. It's hard to believe they even try this. Why would the bank trust you to pay a $22,000 loan for the car, but they will not trust you to pay for a $20,000 loan?? That’s just insane.

You can avoid this scam by forcing them to put it in writing that you “have” to pay the extended warranty in order to get the loan. Just let them know you'd like to check with the contract your local State’s Attorney’s office for validity and they'll drop the extended warranty in a heartbeat.

5. The Dealer Preparation Scam - Unfortunately, this is legal and very much common practice. I still refer to it as a scam because it is just another way to get more money from you for nothing. The dealer will tell you that you have to pay an extra $500 to cover the labor costs of the dealership’s 5-point inspection.

This alleged check up that you are paying so much money for, is for the dealership to remove plastic from the seats, vacuum the car, maybe, and make sure all of the fuses and fluids are ready to go. When factories deliver the new cars to the dealerships the cost of delivery and preparation is already covered, so basically you are paying the dealership for work that they haven’t really done.

You can avoid this scam by simply asking the dealership to add an extra $500 credit to the deal to make sure you do not have to pay the money. If they refuse, the choice is yours. If you think it's fine buy the car, if not; try another dealer that will remove the dealer preparation costs.

If you can avoid these 5 car dealership scams when buying your next new car, you'll be way ahead of the game.

How To Build Your Own Sports Car

Cars have long since been held as a fascinating piece of engineering and the vehicle has come a long way since the invention of the wheel. Boys and to some extent girls are into playing with cars from a young age and for many this fascination goes on to become a hobby. Some collect, others learn to drive and drive as much as they can, yet others turn their driving passion towards racing and other car oriented sports. In the sporting arena we have the sports car enthusiasts who will do anything to be with their cars.

Another category is the sports car fan and drivers who have graduated to actual production of these cars. They will go on to build cars from scratch to resemble some of the most valuable and rare cars in the history of cars. These are called kit car owners who go the distance to make quality replicas of the original vehicle. Now the end product looks almost indistinguishable from the original. Take the famous Cobra - it has a lot of takers.

There is something to be said about getting the tool box out and building your own replicar. Some actually revel in the challenge that this hobby brings with it. You also get to create your dream car without spending a fortune on it. Replicars facilitate building your own car ground upwards using a kit body along with a common mainstream automotive base and other parts. In itself the world of replicars is a different world altogether which comprises builders and fans. They hold rallies and get togethers where there is a lot of interaction and a lot of ideas are exchanged and most tend to find parts that they need and another does not. Not only does this hobby encourage more socializing with like minded people it also brings with it a heady mix of people from different walks of life and one gets a chance to learn about different aspects of replicars and others’ experiences.

A personally-built car means you have a very clear idea of your car’s capability and limitations. So the success of your car depends on your ability to have understood what you have made and to use it to its optimum strength. Of course there is always the option of buying your favorite classic model and driving it around but to build a replicar and then use what you have put together is a feeling only true enthusiasts can understand. These classic cars models sure make heads turn and they come with interesting stories too. Replicar enthusiasts and kit car builders are the ones who really know what driving is all about as they are both the creators and the users.

How To Buy A Motorcycle Helmet

A helmet is not an accessory, it a life saving gear. You must therefore spend considerable time in finding out how to buy a motorcycle helmet. Some of the points that you need to check are:

1. DOT Certification: The helmet that you buy must have a Department of Transportation certification. This is a guarantee that the helmet meets the basic safety requirements.

2. Retention: Do a roll off test before you buy a helmet. This test is simple. All that you need to do is to secure the straps, grab the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. Don't stop if it hurts. A helmet should stay on your head at the moment of impact. If the helmet comes off, then don’t buy it. There is no point having a fractured head and an intact helmet lying a few feet away.

3. Fit: The fit decides the retention factor of a helmet. The fit should be snug and the helmet should stay stable. A full-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head. When you move the helmet your skin must move as well.

4. Comfort: Comfort is a sum total of many things: the fit, the feel, the weight, the soundproofing. When trying on a helmet keep it on for at least 20 minutes. Then check to see what are the areas of discomfort.

5. Coverage: A full helmet is better than a half helmet and a full-face helmet (with a chin bar) gives more protection than an open-face style.

6. Face shield: If you are buying a helmet with a face shield go for Snell-certified helmets. The shield should be easy to operate and stay in position when raised. Also check for optical distortions. They can be dangerous.

7. Convenience features: Along with an extra shield and a quick-change face shield mechanism, a storage bag is a useful feature to look for. You can use it to carry helmets.

8. Comfort features: Vents, padded straps and, interchangeable padding shapes to fit your head shape are comfort features. But remember vents can cause wind noise and can also get damaged easily.

9. Appearance: Appearance is largely a personal choice. The only advantage that a florescent helmet has is that it will stand out more during the day.

10. Cost: Go for the helmet that meets all the criteria outlined above, even if it is cheaper than other helmets. Price is not always an absolute indicator of quality.

How To Buy Motorcycle Boots

Motorcycle boots have the unenviable task of living up to multiple expectations.
They have to be comfortable for long rides and walks, yet sturdy enough to protect your feet in case of a fall. They should also provide superior traction without wearing out easily. What’s more they should be able to weather the elements, and look sleek and handsome. The question is: how should you buy motorcycle boots if you want them to perform so many functions?

Here are 11 points that you should keep in mind while searching for that perfect boot.

1. Slip-on boots are more likely to slip-off during a spill. So, avoid them. Go for boots with laces.

2. Many boots claim that they have sophisticated, waterproof breathable membranes. Many work well in moderate conditions but fail when truly challenged.

3. Boots that close at the top or along the entire length with large swatches of hook-and-loop fastener are ideal for small and large calves respectively. Uncovered zippers let in wind and water.

4. Boots must be flexible. Look for boots that have a flexible ankle panel. This is a great plus.

5. Sport boots are different from all-around touring or cruising boots. The uppers in a touring boot are usually at a right angle. In sports boots, the uppers cock forward to mimic the leg's angle while riding. Touring boots are easier to walk in.

6. Some ankle protection is essential. You should prefer those boots that offer reinforcements in the upper front of the ankle, in the form of plastic or soft cups or pads around the anklebones.

7. Reflective inserts set low on the back of the boot where your pants cannot cover them is a good idea. They can be noticed by the drivers behind you at night – thus avoiding accidents.

8. Booths that have a shifter pad are particularly useful. They save both your boot and your foot from undue stress.

9. The region where the uppers meet the sole should be welded or sewn. Welded soles cost less and add to water protection. Stitched uppers are easier to replace but are expensive.

10. A1.5 inches to 3.5 inches heel is ideal. Taller heels lock your feet into a single position and don’t allow instantaneous coverage of the brake.

11. Thick meaty tread patterns on oil-resistant rubber soles are a good choice. They provide good ground traction and control.

Tread carefully when it comes to choosing the right motorcycle boots. It can make all the difference between a comfortable ride and an uncomfortable one.

How To Buy Winter Motorcycle Gloves

If you’ve been out riding on the streets on a cold winter night, you will know why no rider should venture out without gloves. They protect your fingers, which can otherwise grow numb making it very difficult for you to control the bike. However, it is important that you should know how to buy winter motorcycle gloves. Otherwise, you may end up getting the wrong pair of gloves.

Here are seven points that you must keep in mind while buying a pair of gloves:

1. The gloves should have a long and wide hook-and-loop closure lock. This will not only lock out the chill but also keep the glove on in case you skid. You will thus avoid scratched knuckles or bruised palms that you so often see in the case of careless riders.

2. Circulation deteriorates when the body is cold, so it's important that your glove fits properly and doesn't hamper the blood flow. Streamlined gloves made from high-tech material are a good option. If a glove feels tight, it is best to move to the next size.

3. You can opt for a variety of gloves instead of a single one. This way you can have gloves of different thickness that offer varying degrees of comfort and warmth, and can be used under different weather conditions.

4. Insulation is a very important part of the glove. Look for a high-efficiency lining made of material like 3M Thinsulate. It should line the inside completely. A thinner insulation in the palm area is good because it gives you better grip on the controls.

5. Good gloves have pre-curved fingers to give better flexibility and comfort. While trying a pair curl your fingers tightly and see if you feel comfortable or if the fabric bunches up. Try to grip and throttle with the gloves on to see how it would actually feel.

6. Now, a look at the fabric. The ideal winter glove should be made of a tightly woven synthetic fabric like Cordura. Compared to leather, nylon is lighter, more flexible and has a superior lever feel.

7. Finally, remember that the body prioritises the vital organs over the extremities when it comes to heating. If you keep your vital organs warm by wearing an electric vest then the body will distribute blood to your hands and feet as well instead of keeping it in circulation in the torso region only.

How To Calculate Your Lease Payment

Understanding how to calculate your monthly lease payment makes it easier for you to make an informed decision. Yet, most of us shy away from the “complicated” math on our lease contract, leaving it up to the dealer to do the payment formula.

Actually, it’s not that difficult! Once you understand all the figures involved in calculating your monthly payments, everything else falls into place. These key figures are:

MSRP (short for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): This is the list price of the vehicle or the window sticker price. Money Factor: This determines the interest rate on your lease. Insist on your dealer to disclose this rate before entering into a lease. Lease Term: The number of months the dealer rents the vehicle. Residual Value: The value of the vehicle at the end of the lease. Again, you can get this figure from the dealer.

Now, let us calculate a sample lease payment based on a vehicle with an MSRP (sticker price) value of $25,000 and a money factor of 0.0034 (this is usually quoted as 3.4%). The scheduled-lease is over 3 years and the estimated residual percentage is 55%.

The first step is to calculate the residual value of the car. You multiply the MSRP by the residual percentage:

$20,000 X .55 = $11,000.

The car will be worth $13,750 at the end of the lease, so you'll be using:

$20,000 – $11,000 = $9,000

This amount of $9,000 will be used over a 36 month lease period giving us a monthly payment of:

$9,000 / 36 = $250.

This is the first part of the monthly payment, called the monthly depreciation charge. The second part of the monthly payment, called the money factor payment, factors the interest charge. It is calculated by adding the MSRP figure to the residual value and multiplying this by the money factor:

($20,000 + $11,000) * 0.0034 = $105.4

Finally, we get the approximate monthly payment by adding the two figures together:

$250 + $105.4 = $355.4

To recapitulate, the sample formula looks like this:

1- Monthly Depreciation Charge:

MSRP X Depreciation Percentage = Residual Value MSRP – Residual Value = Depreciation over lease term Depreciation over lease term / lease term (number of months in the lease) = monthly depreciation charge

2- Monthly factor money charge

(MSRP + Residual value) X Money factor = money factor payment

3- Sample Monthly Payment:

depreciation charge + money factor payment = monthly payment

Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation that does not take into account taxes, fees, rebates or any other incentives. The calculation gives you a ballpark figure or a rough idea of what your lease payments for the vehicle in question should be.

How To Change Your Car's Motor Oil In 3 Easy Steps

Ideally, you should change your motor oil every three months or after every 3,000 miles. If you often drive around in hot or dusty conditions, you might even want to change oil more often than that.

The process is pretty simple, and as easy as one-two-three. Step one is getting ready, step two is draining the oil and changing the oil filter while step three is installing the new oil.

(1) Getting Ready

When getting ready, it is important to have the right tools and materials on hand, such as jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan. Let your car engine run for 10 minutes before you drain the oil since warm oil is easier to drain than cold. Make sure you park on a level surface or, if your car has a low clearance, jack it up or drive it onto a ramp. If youre jacking up the car, use two jack stands instead of one. (An additional jack costs about $20 and that is a small price to pay to spare your face from being squished by a badly balanced car.) You might want to check your cars manual about the weight of oil and type of oil filter you need to use.

(2) Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter

To drain the oil, crawl under the car and look for the oil drain plug under the engine near the front of the car. Position your pan beneath the plug then use a socket wrench to loosen the plug, turning counterclockwise. Once loosened, you can use your hand to remove the plug and the hot oil starts pouring out. Make sure all the old oil is drained into the pan. Once its completely drained, wipe the drain plug and the plug opening. Now replace the drain plug gasket and use a wrench to reinstall the plug but dont make it too tight.

Next, look for the oil filter. They are usually at the side of the engine. Place the oil pan beneath the filter in case any oil remains. Unscrew the oil filter (use gloves if it is too hot) and wipe the filter area clean, especially where it mounts to the engine. Dab a bit of your new oil on the rubber seal of the new filter and then screw it in by hand. You dont have to use a wrench to tighten the oil filter.

(3) Installing New Oil

Remove the oil filler cap thats located at the top of the engine. Position the funnel at the opening and slowly start pouring in the new oil You might want to check your manual for the proper oil capacity but, typically, you will need four or five quarts of oil. Once youre done, put back the oil filler cap. Start the engine, let it run for a minute and then check the dipstick. If you need to, add more oil. Now check for any leaks near the oil drain plug and the filter. If you do find leaks, simply tighten the plug or oil filter.

Youre done. But dont forget to clean up. Carefully wipe away any excess oil and put the old oil into a plastic container then dispose of it. Dont just pour it anywhere, though. Better to take it to the recycle center or other authorized locations.