Monday, February 28, 2011

Electrical Clothing Is Not Dangerous

The first electric motorcycle vests made an appearance in 1971. But they are yet to become a rage because most riders suffer from electrocution fears. They would rather brave the cold than put on electrical clothing. This is a most unfortunate psychology. The riders must realize that the electrical clothing is wired by 12-volt charge. It is not strong enough to give them a shock, far less a fatal one.

There are some riders who fear that the electrical apparel will drain away too much amperage. This too is a misconception because electrical apparel uses too little power to affect any of the normal motorcycle functions.

These two are the main reasons why most riders avoid using electrical apparel. But there are some who take pride in their physical well being. To them it is an anathema to wear artificially heated clothes. They love to ride out in the cold in normal winter wear.

There is nothing wrong in such an attitude. You can surely avoid electrical clothing if you feel that your body is strong enough to resist even the bitterest cold weather. However, you must remember that electrical clothing can surely improve your riding experience by keeping your torso warm.

Today, manufacturers not only sell electrical vests but also jackets that have an electrical lining on the sleeves and the inside. The heat generated by such clothing increases the body temperature not only in the torso region where the vital organs are located but also keeps the fingers and toes warm.

Almost every rider knows how difficult it is to control a bike once the fingers go numb. Even the best of winter gloves can’t stop the chill creeping into the fingers, and slowing down a rider’s responses. This is where electrical clothing can prove very useful.

A good practice when wearing electrical vests is to wear it on top of a full-sleeved cotton shirt. This will ensure that the electrical vest does not touch the body. Also, the heat that is generated is retained by the cotton liner, and does not get dissipated.

The only danger of electrical clothing is that you may get too used to it. Even in moderate conditions you would like to put on your electrical vest. This is not a good practice. Like warm clothes, electrical clothing should be used to ward off cold. The body should not be made dependent on artificial heat sources.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Electrical Wheelchair Lift For The Automobile

When someone is on a wheelchair, special care must be given when the person needs to ride in automobile. This is because the individual is not able to get in or out of the vehicle like normal people.

The person can lift the disabled individual into the car and when getting out which will take a long time or make this happen faster by installing an electrical wheelchair lift on the automobile.

There are two types of wheelchair lifts. The first is powered by hydraulics and the other using electricity. More people prefer the electric type because this can be wired to the battery of the vehicle. This saves a few dollars from buying fluid, which has to be placed periodically to keep it functioning.

The person can check out the nearby store for the kinds of lifts available. The extended lift is the most convenient because the individual will just push a button for this to come out making it easy to push the wheelchair in. The same thing will be done when exiting the vehicle.

There are also variations in the type of exits used on the electric lift. People who entered in the lift may also exit the same way or enter through the center then leave either on the right or the left. The type of vehicle the person has will determine which is applicable.

The cost in on an electric or hydraulic wheelchair lift is very expensive. The cheapest one is a little over $10,000, which is not covered by Medicare or by an insurance firm. The person may be able though to get a thousand dollar discount from the manufacturer of the van if this is new or borrowed.

Electric wheelchair lifts have been around for some time. Even if the store has models available for various vans, it is still advisable to bring this in for the technician to get the right measurements.

When this has been completed, the customer can bring the vehicle back in for the installation of the lift. This could take a day or two if there are many customers who are also having this done.

The individual should check if this works properly before leaving the shop with and without the one on the wheelchair.

All electric wheelchair lifts are ADA compliant. This should be checked from time to time to make sure there wouldn’t be any problems for the one who is on the wheelchair.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Electronic Model Railroad Scenery: Make Your Railroad Complete

Anybody that has a model railroad will know just how exciting it can be to actually maintain it and use it. However, without one thing, the railroad would not be half as much fun! The scenery that is placed around the train tracks is often quite simply breathtaking, especially if it is highly detailed and very lifelike. Of course then you have your electronic model railroad scenery, which just takes it to the next level.

Electronic model railroad scenery is extremely popular with the railroad modelling fanatics. Of course, the trains and the tracks are both electronic but the electronic model railroad scenery simply blows the trains out of the water! There are model figures, tunnels and buildings for individuals to use at their own discretion to enhance the trains and tracks immensely as well as give you the feeling that you really are there with them! Obviously, all of the electronic model railroad scenery is scaled down to size, although they are made to represent all full sized features accurately. This is a practice well honed by architects, movie directors and other similar individuals that want to create an accurate representation of what their eventual structures would look like.

Model railroading became popular in the 1960s, but back then it was literally just the trains and tracks. Electronic model railroad scenery was not as popular then and would rarely be found on an enthusiast’s track! However, as it was gradually introduced later, it caught the imagination of children and adults alike because it made the tracks look more realistic and sent their imaginations running wild! It is till extremely popular now, all these years on, as a result of the electronic model railroad scenery. As a result of technological innovations, it just keeps getting better and better.

Electronic model railroad scenery can be bought for all shapes and sizes of track, from the minute to the quite realistic and an eight life sizes ones that you find in major toy stores. The latter is the biggest you can possibly get and is commonly called the G scale amongst enthusiasts. No matter what size your particular model railroad, I guarantee that there is electronic model railroad scenery out there for you! It can work out expensive though if you buy it all at once and fail to effectively shop around first!. For more info see http://www.modelrailroadshelp.com on Model Rail Road.

Electronic model railroad scenery has captured the hearts and minds of many individuals over the years and will continue to do so well into the future. The models are simply gorgeous, whatever scale you have them on. You can let your imagination run riot and really experience the railroad, which is what it is all about!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Emergency Hybrid Response Vehicles

Quite often when people have not yet shown an overwhelming interest in something, the government will provide a little push to get them started. For example, to get a program rolling, the government buys a million emergency hybrid response vehicles. Now, every city in America gets to participate in the experiment. Next, the manufacturer generates a promotional campaign based on their product and a strong concern for safety. Where better to present this than to the huge post 911 forum of emergency responders? With a little luck this campaign takes on homeland security proportions and becomes a great success. It’s all about putting the idea out in the public eye.

The term emergency hybrid response vehicle is already a hodgepodge. You can bet that to the corporate geniuses who put the buzz words together, they are worth billions of dollars, but what do they really mean? Webster says ‘Hybrid’ means “an offspring of genetically different parents” – fair enough. That explains the strangeness of terminology. Of course, to respond to something is to take appropriate action, the point being just that – a response rather than knee-jerk reaction.

Emergency responders have a hundred years of experience dealing with accidents pertaining to internal combustion. Accidents within the hybrid arena can involve high voltage, potential explosions and hydrogen handling issues. This gives them a practical heads-up on dealing with the new technology and points to the future trends being promoted.

But why choose the emergency vehicle to promote hybrid response? Well, petro-chemical fueled vehicles, emergency generators and alternate electric powered devices, still need a fuel source and are subject to supply limitations whenever disruptions to the distribution chain occur. This happened after hurricane Katrina and threatens to happen whenever Middle East unrest stirs world market fears. Hydrogen fuel is easily produced. We’re now another step closer to understanding emergency hybrid response vehicles.

The crystal ball says that emergency hybrid response vehicles are here to stay. The technology still has major glitches but it must be getting close. As a side note, you can bet the military budgets will soon allocate funds for a whole bunch of emergency hybrid response vehicles. Let’s see what happens when the gas prices soar and oil supply lines ultimately dry up. At least the emergency hybrid response vehicles will be out on the roadways!

Engine Know-how: Cylinders, Torque, And Pistons

Everyone knows that if you want to pack a punch, the 8-cylinder engine is the way to go. You know it, I know it, the car dealer knows it, and if you check with your insurance agent to see if your premiums will increase when you trade in that 4- for an 8-, you can be sure he/she knows it too. But it's not quite that simple. Which engines really do perform the best? Well, to answer that, we need to look at a few engine basics.

In an engine, pistons (which thrust the fuel into forward motion so to speak) travel down cylinder sleeves allowing valves in the engine to open. These valves are called "intake valves" because once in the open position, they let fuel and air enter the cylinders. When the pistons rise, the amount of space inside the cylinder decreases, causing the fuel and air to compress. As we all know, compressed gases are more flammable. A spark, thanks to the spark plug, ignites the gases in the cylinder causing explosions that send the pistons back down. What goes down, must come back up, right? So when the pistons push back up the second time, a different valve opens — the exhaust valve — which pushes the combusted fuel/air mixture out of the chamber. The pistons in an engine come in even numbers (hence, the 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and 8-cylinder options). The reason for this is because for every piston that's up, there's a partnering piston that's down. These pistons are connected to rocker arms that turn the crankshaft, which causes the wheels to turn. The constant switching of up-and-down pistons (two up while the other two are down in a 4-cylinder engine) is what causes fluid, forward motion of the vehicle.

Once we understand the function of the pistons, it's easy to see how a 6-cylinder engine produces more power than a 4-cylinder engine. Two extra cylinders, two extra pistons. More fuel being burned with each turn of the crankshaft, more money spent on replacing the amount of fuel you burn.

For the most part, 4-cylinder engines provide adequate power for small, light cars. However, the 6-cylinder engines are more responsive and fairly standard on small trucks, mid-size cars, and SUVs. Larger, heavier SUVs and larger trucks, designed for towing or hauling, often feature the 8-cylinder engine. But is bigger always better?

This is where 'torque' comes into play. Take for example, the Isuzu Ascender, the popular five-passenger SUV. Designed to be able to haul your whole family, plus tow those wave runners you bought with last year's Christmas bonus, the Ascender only features a 6-cylinder engine. Why not eight? The answer: torque. The design of the Ascender's 4.2-liter Inline 6-cylinder engine actually generates 285 horsepower and 276 lbs.-foot of torque — more power than some 8-cylinder engines.

Torque and horsepower are significantly more complicated than simply understanding how pistons and cylinders affect power. But the basic principle is that every car's drive train (the system that converts the fuel to power and the method of getting that power to the vehicle's
wheels) is slightly different, and some are more efficient than others. So a 6-cylinder engine which operates more efficiently can, in reality, provide more horsepower while burning less fuel than an 8-cylinder engine with a less stellar design.

Enjoying A Snowmobile At Full

A snowmobile, sometimes referred to as a snow scooter, a sled, or as a snow machine, can be defined as a land vehicle that is propelled by rubber tracks or belts, equipped with skis for steering. Snowmobiles are meant to be driven on ice and snow, without a road or trail being necessary.

The first ever snowmobile can be traced back to 1923, when a man by the name of Carl Eliason made modifications to a Ford Model T by replacing the undercarriage with tracks and skis. These earliest snowmobiles were used to deliver the mail through sleet and snow in the wintry Midwest area. The snowmobiles appearance and function has changed quite a bit over the years.

Today, there are a variety of reasons why people enjoy snowmobiles; recreation, remote travel, racing, as well as being used in rescue efforts. Snowmobiles are also made in a variety of styles, with some being produced for the single rider, with others being made for two passengers. Many riders of snowmobiles also utilize their snowmobiles to gain access to wilderness areas that are too remote to be accessed by a normal motor vehicle.

Snowmobiles have become so popular that there are now specific events centered on them! There is the Snowcross Racing Series, Snowmobile Skipping Races, as well as the Grass Drags, which are held in the absence of snow, right after Labor Day in Minnesota. While not all snowmobiles are manufactured the same, the average recreational snowmobile can reach speeds of 120 miles per hour, and the snowmobiles made for racing can reach speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour.

Not only are snowmobiles popular in the United States and Canada, Russia has their very own version of the snowmobile, which can be seen in the aerosan. Aerosan, when translated, means “aero sled.” The Russians use this propeller-powered snowmobile for delivering the mail, patrolling the borders, as well as for recreational purposes.

The aerosan has a very colorful past, and their use by the military can be traced back to the 1920’s. They were used in the Second World War, and were outfitted with a machine gun mount that was attached to the roof of the aerosan. During wartime, these particular snowmobiles were also used for medical evacuation in deep snow.

No matter what your reason for riding a snowmobile, you should always practice a bit of snowmobile safety. When operating, or riding as a passenger on a snowmobile, you should never be under the influence of alcohol. You should always carry a first aid kit, always wear protective headgear, monitor your speed, and never travel alone. There are also snowmobile safety courses that are available from a variety of sources, and these safety courses are always a good idea for the younger riders. Staying safe should always be the first priority when enjoying a snowmobile!

Ensuring Safety Around The Helicopter

What you know and you don’t know about safety around helicopter could make a big difference.

Here are some important information you must know in order to be safe around the helicopter at all times:

Approaching the helicopter – For some, especially the first timers, the sound of the rotor can be so intimidating at the same time exciting. These two are the main cause of absent-mindedness. And somehow, they tend to neglect the importance on knowing how to approach the helicopter.

What you should do is to keep calm and be aware of everything that is happening around you. Do not approach the helicopter if the pilot has not yet given you the signal to do so. Also never approach the helicopter where the pilot cannot see you. Approach the helicopter either from the side or front.

Approach the helicopter while keeping your head down. The rotor turns fast that could cause severe or fatal damage if you were hit. Also, in case you wear something that might fly off like hat, hold on to them carefully. If you are carrying long rod or tools, hold them horizontally. This would prevent the chance that this would hit the rotor.

On uneven grounds, make sure that you approach on the downhill side. This will keep you from the danger that you might hit the rotor. Remember this so that you stay out of danger.

While on the helicopter – Like riding a plane, there is a strict rule to follow to ensure that you have a safe ride. And it will all begin at the closing and opening of the door.

Once you have approached the helicopter safely, open the door slowly and be gentle on closing. Remember that helicopters are made to fly thus they are made from light materials so be very light on the doors. Just pull it slowly and close the latch handle gently. Wear seatbelt at all times and follow everything the pilot has said. The pilot knows about helicopters more than you do.

Departing from the helicopter – Departing from the helicopter is as critical as approaching it so make sure you follow the safety guidelines.

Wait for the pilot’s signal that it is safe to depart. Never disobey this or else suffer the consequence. On uneven grounds, depart on the downhill side. This would prevent you from hitting the rotor blade. And, keep your head down until you are clear with the rotor.

These things may be simple and very basic that is why not everyone follows it. If you don’t want to get hit by the rotor or fall off in mid-air, you have a very good reason to follow everything mentioned.

Equipment Needed To Change A Tire

Changing a tire is easy if you have the right equipment. Flat tires can occur for many reasons and at any time while you are driving. Sharp rocks, pot holes, pressure, or old tires can cause leaks to occur. Many times, you will be able to get the car home, but sometimes you may have to change the tire in a parking lot or on the side of the road. You should always be prepared when this happens. You should have a smaller tire called a donut that will get you to the tire repair shop so that a new tire can be put on the car. You should also have a tire jack and lug wrench that will loosen the lugs that keep the tire on the car.

Depending on the type of car that you have, you may be able to buy discount ties. Smaller cars can usually be fit with smaller, less expensive tires because they are standard issue from the manufacturer. Unless you own a sports car or other type of speciality car, you will be able to save money by purchasing discount wheels. After changing the tire, you will have to make an appointment with a tire repair service that will change your tire. Unless you have tires at home, you will have to take the car to one of these places.

If the tire repair shop has the tire in stock, then it can be changed in an hour or less depending on the number of people that are in front of you. If the tire is not in stock, you will be sent to another repair shop. Many times, repair shops that have a few stores also have computerized inventories that can be accessed by employees. Discount tire stores will be able to refer to other stores within their network. They will be able to look up tires online to see which stores have the ones for your car in stock.

Custom wheels cost more and may be more difficult to find depending on which tire the repair shop has in stock and how it will take for them to find a speciality tire. If you want to save money, you can purchase discount rims from online stores and junk yards. Car rims and truck rims can be found at a discount if you know where to look. While this may mean that your car cannot be driven for a few days, you will be able to save a lot of money and still keep your car looking the way you want it to. For many people, having a car that looks good is very important. Details such as rims and tires mean a lot to those who love their car.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Establishing Your Truck Insurance Rate

Finding your car insurance rate involves factoring in the variables involved in rate calculation and employing the information you collect about your own driving habits and, surprisingly, the driving habits of your peers. Depending on the area in which you live, you may find the premiums on your car insurance dictated by government or comprised of information based on your own personal use. Traditionally, the latter option is the most commonly employed standard, but there are exceptions in factoring car insurance rates that exist in many states.

When your car insurance rate and the premiums involved are not calculated by the government, they tend to involve an actuary. An actuary is a professional business person that deals in the fiscal impact of risk and uncertainty. They are employed by car insurance companies and by the department of motor vehicle and safety regulatory committees to establish a foundation for the rates involved in insurance policies and the rates of any other issues as pertains to traffic issues. Often, actuaries work with the department of motor vehicle and safety regulations to determine these rates based on the safety of the roads in the area and on driving records.

Actuaries often look to the volume of traffic in a particular area. One can expect lower rates if they spend time driving in a low traffic area because of the lower risk. Conversely, one can expect higher rates if they live in a high traffic area because of the increase in risk and uncertainty. The decision on the rate includes this information along with other pieces of driver history and road status.

Gender, surprisingly, is also a variable that is considered when establishing your car insurance rate. Because, according to most statistics in most areas of the world, men drive more miles per year than women, the rates for male drivers tend to be higher than those for female drivers. Men also have a significantly higher accident involvement than females do, creating more risk for male drivers and raising premiums. Females tend to keep the car insurance low and tend to end up with lower premium rates because they tend to be safer drivers. This tendency, however, in terms of car insurance low rates can be argued by proving general accident histories from your own personal experience.

Other issues greatly affect car insurance rates. Driver age and distance driven on average are just some of these issues, but there are many factors that can influence your car insurance rate. Insurance companies take all of the information they have into account to give you a rate that best protects you and other drivers from any incidents on the road. Your car insurance rate may remain fixed for quite some time, but that rate can change with years of first-rate driving.

An extra service you can get from your Truck insurance company is getting your truck wrapped.

Truck vinyl graphics and truck wrap are the ideal way to get your products known to the customers you want.

They are moving billboards and you can't miss message while the trucks are rolling down the street.

Lately there are many insurance companies that co operate with the major truck wrap companies and give you the customer a benefit while you establish your truck Insurance.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Ethanol Distillation And Ethanol Uses

Ethanol is becoming a very clear option for the alternative fuel market, as more and more countries start using and studying the ways to make ethanol use more popular, this is one kind of revolution that will change the fuel industry forever.

To have a better understanding of what ethanol distillation is, let’s get into the basics of ethanol.

Ethanol fast Facts

•Systematic Name: Ethanol
•Other Names: Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, hydroxyethane, EtOH
•Molecular Formula: E2H6O
•Physically, ethanol may be described as a colorless, flammable, slightly toxic chemical compound that has a distinctive perfume-like smell.
•It is produced from sugar cane and used as automotive fuel in Brazil. Ethanol made out of corn, on the other hand, is being used widely as a gasoline additive and direct fuel in the United States. Straw, meanwhile, is being used to manufacture ethanol as well.
•Ethanol is currently the leading biofuel provider in Europe.

Ethanol Distillation

Most of us already have an idea on how distillation happens. Let’s have the production of distilled water as an example. When water is subjected to heat, it is expected that steam would conduct away from a tube. A tube looped and oriented downward and allowed to cool would yield condensed vapor and eventually, water.

For ethanol, simple distillation will not be enough. Fractional distillation would be the best choice. The latter is used for separating mixtures of liquids with varying boiling points - like water and alcohol.

To start the distillation of ethanol, consider the following steps:

1.Prepare a small beaker and/or a simple glass half-filled with the rather miscible mixture of water and alcohol.

2.Cover the beaker or the simple glass jug with a funnel or something similar, so that a balloon can be placed to suck air out of the beaker.

3.After some time, the alcohol vapor and the steam in the mixture just above the liquid in the beaker or glass will reach a state of equilibrium. This should be relative of temperature and even pressure of the environment.

4.With regard to equilibrium, change can no longer be observed in the vapor to liquid ratio in the water to alcohol ratio within either the vapor or liquid mixture.

5.However, because of alcohol’s higher volatility, the ratio of water to alcohol in the vapor state is greater than that of the ratio in liquid state.

6.The occurrence of liquid-against-vapor-states permits the distillation from an escalating concentration of alcohol from the water and alcohol mixture.

And finally, by having sequences of repeated evaporation as well as condensation, a higher alcohol concentration is achieved from the re-condensation of recent vapor state.

This is since the alcohol inside the vapor mixture is at a greater concentration than it was from the liquid mixture from which it was changed into a vapor state.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Euro Tail Buying Guide

Stopping with Style
A custom truck or SUV just isn’t complete without a set of custom taillights. Taillights are like a fine wine – well, okay, they’re not really like wine. Custom tail lights aren’t anything but custom tail lights and if your truck doesn’t have them, you might as well be ridin’ around in a horse and buggy.

Clear Tail Lights + Police = Ticket
Not too long ago, clear tail lenses were the big thing. Manufacturers couldn’t make them fast enough to keep up with demand. But there was a problem; they weren’t street legal. State DOT offices started cracking down and the police responded. Tickets started to pile up, manufacturers were fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for making clear tail lights, and production stopped. Everyone looked for a new alternative.

Hello Altezza!
Nobody knows where the term “Euro Taillights” actually came from. The design actually came from a production Japanese car; the Toyota Altezza (In America, we call this the Lexus IS 300). Altezza tail lights feature the styling that we’re familiar with today; a chrome interior with red reflectors and a clear housing. At some point, somebody called them euro tail lights and the name just stuck.

Euro taillights are DOT approved. They have the one key element that was missing from clear tail lights - red reflectors. Without that red reflector you can, and will, get pulled over.

Many Styles, Many Names
The name “Euro Tail Lights” actually applies to most custom taillights on the market. As you read before, the original design had a chrome interior with red reflectors and a clear housing. The range of available styles has expanded in many ways. Some have a carbon fiber designed interior, and are often called Carbon Fiber Tail Lenses or Carbon Fiber Tail Lights. Some are black inside. These are commonly called black tail lenses. Some euro tail lenses have a smoked housing instead of clear, some have flames on them. Some of the newest on the market use LEDs instead of traditional bulbs. They are much brighter than anything currently on the market and the LEDs practically last forever!

The point of all this is to educate you on the history and some of the different styles of custom tail lights on the market. So whether you are looking for Altezza Tail Lights, Euro Tail Lights, or Clear Tail Lights, you’ll know what you’re talking about when it comes down to it.

For more information, please visit Stylin Concepts.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Everything's Bigger In Texas: San Antonio's 39th Annual International

Got plans for November? Why not head down south to the country's second largest state (in both land mass – behind Alaska, and population – behind California) and check out some authentic Tex-Mex eats as you peruse the impressive International Auto & Truck Show? Did we mention it's big???

From November 8 – 11, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will sport over 350 new trucks, SUVs, automobiles, and concept cars. It's been an annual event for 39 years drawing thousands of car and truck enthusiasts from all over the world.

What can you anticipate seeing? Well, starting at the East Hall, you'll walk past 2008 models from Mercedes-Benz, Scion, and Suzuki. Isuzu will be right there in the mix with its high-performance pickup trucks and SUV model (the Ascender). Audi will display its newest TT and Lexus will show off its future lineup as well. Continue into the West Hall and check out the Lotus display, and those by Cadillac and Hyundai.

If car shows are your thing, Texas is the place to be. The state offers over two hundred truck and auto shows each year, ranging from the San Antonio Autorama at the Autodome to the Texas Heatwave Show at the Travis County Expo Center in Austin.

If speed is what gets your blood pumping, Texas delivers in that area as well. Racing is popular in Texas as proven by the Texas Speedzone, Twin Cities Speedway in Odessa, Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle, Bad Boyz Speedorama in Austin, and Houston Motorsports Park in… you guessed it – Houston.

While we love the great state of Texas, finding an auto show in your vicinity shouldn't be too difficult. There are literally hundreds of auto shows every year, in every state and that's not counting the big international shows overseas. France, Germany, Britain, Japan, even China puts on amazing auto shows – a car lover's dream.

And car shows aren't what they used to be. These are major productions with food, entertainment, booths from all kinds of automobile industry reps, and of course, a glimpse into the future of cars (both immediate and long term). Many offer events for the entire family, making it a great destination for a family vacation. For example, San Antonio's car show takes place near Riverwalk – a hot spot for restaurants, hotels, and theme parks (San Antonio's Six Flags Fiesta Texas is only a hop, skip, and a jump away). Other local attractions include golf courses, Natural Bridge Caverns, the San Antonio Zoo, and Ripley's Haunted Adventure.

So the next time you're down south where bigger is better, check out the San Antonio Annual International Auto and Truck Show. You might just be surprised at what you find – these aren't your parents' auto shows. They're more than that. They're destinations. And they are truly the only place where so many different vehicle manufacturers come together to give you a glimpse of what the future holds for the auto industry.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Everything You Need To Know About Car Auction In Chicago

Everyone needs a car. This is a very well known fact. If you want to have the ability to travel fast and in good conditions, not depending on anyone else, the personal car is the right solution for you. And where can you buy your car? Well, there are a lot of answers to this question. One of them, and maybe the best one, is from a car auction.

The car auction can really help you when looking for a car to buy. At a car auction you can choose from a large range of cars, of all shapes and sizes, and with varying prices.

You probably already know that all the major cities and not only them have car auctions. This means that you won’t have to spend a lot of time searching for one.

The city of Chicago makes no exception. The car auction in Chicago is one of the largest in the U.S. So, if you live in Chicago this means that you will have access to one of the largest car auctions in the country, the car auction in Chicago. But don’t worry if you don’t live there, you can always make a trip to this city.

Reasons Why You Should Choose the Car Auction in Chicago

One of the best places where you can buy your car is the car auction. And one of the best car auctions is the car auction in Chicago. But we already said that. What you need to know when going to a car auction is that here you can find almost any kind of car that you want. With a little luck you will probably find your dream car.

Why waste time searching in other places when you can just go to a car auction and look at all the models and brands, and then pick the one you want. At the car auction in Chicago, as well as in other car auctions, you can see the cars, analyze their performance and technical sheet, look at the design, see how well they were maintained, talk to the owners about them, compare the prices and then decide which one to buy.

Remember that the final decision is always yours to make.

The tradition and size of a car auction can also be a reason for choosing the car auction in Chicago. Here you will have the guarantee that you will be able to choose from a large number of cars. And you will also be certain that in case something goes wrong you will have the possibility of always going back to the place where you bought the car, because the car auction in Chicago will always be there.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Everything You Wanted To Know About Boat Lifts

How many people know about boat lifts? Just the ones who own a boat, probably. Boat lifts used to be called davits, and while most of us may have heard of those contraptions, we visualize them on large ocean liners.

Before the 1970's, most boats were lifted with a davit system, or pair of davits that contained a fore and aft (front and rear) cable system that were in turn connected to holes, or eyes, on a boat. The arms of davits were connected to something solid, whether on the deck of a large ship, or on a pier or a mooring dock.

When a winch was turned, the cables, attached to the boat and the davits, lifted the boat from the water. Small majorities of people today still use davits to lift their boats out of the water, but by far, the majority of boaters and those in the boating construction industry use boat lifts for this purpose.

Boat lifts support the boat from underneath, contrary to the cables used on a davit system, which could put strain on the rib construction of smaller boats. With boat lifts, the keel of a boat is cradled with boards that are connected to a lifting platform or other type of cradling system.

Boat lifts experienced a major design change in the 1980's and the switch from a davit system to boat lifts took the country, and the world, by storm. Galvanized steel davits were replaced by aluminum. While aluminum is a little more expensive, it's also resistant to corrosion and keeps its appearance longer, without the rust stains common on most davit systems.

Since the 1980's, boat lifts have gone through several additional design changes, and numerous techniques to improve the cradling system on boat lifts have been experimented with. Hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic flotation and cables have been tried and improved, though hydraulic methods are cost prohibitive and are difficult to maintain around salt water and its effects on parts. The preferred boat lifts along coastal waters are cable lines attached to sea walls or mounted supports.

This system allows boats to be lifted out of the water with a minimal amount of space and effort, and three methods are the most popular. With the cable boat lifts used today, shafted beam lifts, elevator lifts and beamless lifts are the most popular and cost effective. While these designs are based on systems that have been used for decades, the materials used to construct such boat lifts these days improve on both effectiveness and cost.

As with most industries, the boating industry has seen large advancements in technology in the past couple of decades, and boat lifts are no exception. New methods, materials and designs continue to improve the ease through which boats can be protected, painted and repaired out of water with minimal damage to structure or surfaces that were prevalent in the past. If you own a boat, or are considering purchasing one, make sure that you have access to boat lifts, as well as all the equipment you'll need to keep your boat in tip-top shape.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Exhaust Systems For The Hobbyist

There are exhaust systems and then there are exhaust systems. Your vehicle’s exhaust system does everything that it needs to do to keep your car performing properly as well as to protect the environment safe from harmful pollutants. When it is working properly, that is. Not every owner is satisfied with stock exhaust systems, particularly the hobbyist or recreationalist who uses his or her vehicle for leisurely pursuits. If you are a hobbyist and you want a system that performs well beyond what a stock exhaust system has to offer, then please read on for some important information.

So, what is your sound preference? Say, what?! Yes, one of the attributes of a high quality performance exhaust system is finding one that brings out the sound that you want it to make. Generally, there are three types of exhaust systems sounds you can choose from. Gibson Exhaust, a popular manufacturer of performance exhaust systems breaks it down as follows:

High: Produces a sound of high volume and intensity. Expect resonance with the cab.

Moderate: “Big Block” powerful exhaust tone with minimal resonance inside of the cab.

Low: Produces a mellow tone while it maintains a stock sound within the cabin.

Are you not sure which type of system that you want? Then, simply stop by the Gibson Exhaust site for sample sounds of the exhaust system for your truck or SUV.

Beyond sound, there are several other characteristics of any performance exhaust system that should be noted. They include:

More power. Stock mufflers can restrict engine power by as much as one third. With a properly specified and fitted performance muffler in place, air flow restriction can be reduced significantly. The result will be borne out every time you pull something or when you climb a hill as torque is freed up to bring out additional power.

Improved fuel economy. An efficiently working engine burns less fuel. With a performance exhaust system in place, your engine has a friend and not a foe that works in conjunction with the engine to achieve higher fuel mileage.

Longer lasting. What good is paying extra money for a performance exhaust system if it doesn’t last longer? Made from aircraft quality stainless steel, your performance exhaust system can easily outlast the life of your vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, warranties as long as one million miles can assure that the exhaust system you place on your vehicle not only avoids corrosion but is also the last one it will ever need.

Certainly, performance exhaust systems can cost a lot more than stock systems. For the hobbyist who enjoys the throatier sound, stronger torque, and improved fuel economy, a performance exhaust system makes perfect sense.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Extang RT Tonneau Cover Review

Let me start with a brief description:

The RT Tonneau Cover by Extang is a low profile tonneau cover that sits nearly flush to your truck box. The tarp is made from an industrial vinyl. The bows are not so pronounced as other soft tonneaus. There is what they call a “perfect fit control” at the cab end to keep your cover adjusted to suit the different hot and cold climate conditions. This adjusting is done manually. The rear rail locks at the rear and you must open it with the tailgate down from underneath the tarp. The bows roll up with the tarp. The tarp seals with an industrial Velcro sealing system. There are buckles to secure the tarp when it is rolled up to the cab. This tonneau cover also comes in a tool box edition.

Benefits:

The Rt sits almost flush with your truck box.

The bows roll up with the tarp to give you quick easy access to your truck bed.

Lock on rear for added security.

Protects your cargo from weather, winds from higher speeds and keeps your cargo out of sight from thieves.

Great new look on your pickup truck.

As most tonneau covers it saves on fuel consumption.

Easy installation with no drilling required.

Customer Woes:

Many say this cover is nice and snug but some say the tarp does flap a little at higher speeds. Some do admit they may have to play around with the adjuster.

Some say they get a little water.

Although the stake holes are usable some did not like the fact the tarp did not cover these.

Make sure the rails are straight for the lock mechanism to work properly.

Although the tarp locks at back but even with a tailgate lock it would not be hard for thieves to get in.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Extreme Mountain Biking

Extreme mountain biking is a physically taxing sport and is not suitable for those people who have chronic ailments like asthma, hypertension and other types of diseases that can hinder the physical endurance of a person. If you are one of those people who are suffering from any type of ailments that affect your stamina and overall physical condition, it would be better for you to forget about extreme mountain biking and switch to a type of sport that is less taxing. On the other hand, if you are one of those people who are at the peak of their health and think that they can conquer severe physical challenges, extreme mountain biking is something that you can enjoy doing.

To make sure that you are physically fit to handle to extreme mountain biking challenges, you need to physically and mentally prepare yourself to tackle all these challenges. Build your strength before you go out there and try to conquer a difficult mountain trail. To help build your strength and your resistance, you can enroll in one of those strength training classes. You may also practice doing long distance biking to build your stamina.

There are at least three basic styles of extreme mountain biking. First, you have the downhill or the free ride where the biking where the biker gets to do anything from jumping, downhill racing and others. According to experts, this type of extreme mountain biking is one of the most dangerous types of sports and will require a great deal of skills on the part of the biker. A little slip in the wheels while going downhill at top speed could cause severe injuries on the riders and may even result to fatalities. If you want to try this type of extreme mountain biking, make sure that you are in top shape. Never try this type of extreme mountain biking if you have doubts when it comes to controlling your bike or keeping your balance. You need to be physically and mentally tough to engage in an extreme downhill ride.

The second type of extreme mountain biking is the mountain climbing or uphill ride. Although this type of extreme activity is not as dangerous as the downhill ride, this can be very physically and emotionally taxing. The third type of extreme mountain biking is the cross country racing. Of the three types of extreme mountain biking, the cross country racing is considered as safer.

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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Exude Brilliance With An HID Bulb

HID bulbs have revolutionized the world of automotive driving. Install an HID kit now and get superior lighting even in the worst driving condition. Trust your HID bulb to give you unparalleled illumination for the rest of your car’s life.

The Product of Brilliance

Thomas Edison was a genius. So was Carl Benz. Edison literally lit up the world while Benz (excuse the pun) mobilized it. Whoever thought of putting incandescent bulbs into automobiles was not too bad himself. Headlights revolutionized the world of driving. It allowed for 24-hour driving and made the road safer for motorists.

But incandescent bulbs have its share of disadvantages. For one thing, it causes glare that can be discomforting and dangerous. And since incandescent bulbs work on the concept of heat transmission, they can also be very inefficient. Another downside is that incandescent bulbs will only run for about 1,000 hours.

For years, engineers and technicians have been working on creating the perfect headlights for your car. As a result, a variety of lighting systems have been developed. These include halogen headlights and High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs. Among these automotive lighting systems, the HID bulb has proven to be the most efficient.

How the HID Bulb Works its Genius

The HID bulb produces intense bright light that’s perfect for the most distressing driving conditions. Install this in your car and drive through the thickest fog without the worry. An HID bulb uses xenon. Unlike the incandescent light and halogen light, this does not have a filament and does not work with heat. Instead, it sends large amounts of electricity through gas which creates an electric arc that emits the light.

Halogen lights have been around for a long time and will probably still be around for the years to come. However, people are beginning to realize the edge of installing an HID kit. The yellowish beams produced by the conventional halogen bulb does not compare to the bright white light of the HID bulb. HID bulbs also consume less power than halogen lamps.

Why Halogen Headlamps Must Leave Your Car

Still not convinced? Compare the life span of your old halogen lamp to that of an HID bulb. You’ll be amazed to find out that while your halogen lamp has a limited lifetime, a top-of the-line HID bulb will last the lifetime of your car. Before you trade in your old headlights, check out your options. Hundreds of manufacturers and distributors have popped up due to the incredible demand for the product, thus, you’ll have to do some window-shopping or site hopping.

If your budget is your concern, look around for HID automotive lighting kits within your range. Just a friendly reminder: whatever budget you’re working on, never settle for cheap, aftermarket HID kits. These kits may be easier on your bank account but they won’t last long.

Do customer service research, especially when considering unknown vendors. Look around and compare offers. Be sure to ask for product warrantees when purchasing your very own HID conversion kit. The rule of thumb when buying your HID bulb and lighting system is that you get what you pay for. Don’t worry if you find that you’re spending a little more than you would on halogen lamps. You can count on your HID kits to be worth every penny.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fast Cars – The American Muscle

In the 1960s there was a class of cars introduced to the world known as muscle cars. These cars were sleek and sporty and contained a powerful engine. Most of these cars boasted a V8 engine which was geared for speed. As these cars were produced the manufacturers were in stiff competition with each other. As each manufacturer tried to out do the other, we were led into an era of some of the fastest cars of our time. With no thought to gas and fuel efficiency, Americans seemed to be having the time of their lives. Their cars were fast and eye-catching, both on the road and on the race track. Racing stripes and flashy decals made a statement about both the car and the driver. It seemed the flashier the car the more desirable.

At a time when the luxury automobile was the king of the road for the married set, the younger crowd wanted something smaller, faster, and sportier. The Shelby Mustang and the 440 Roadrunner are two of the fast cars which were built to satisfy the desire for high performance and speed. There were many more fast cars to come. Camaros, Chargers, GTOs, and Firebirds all tried to pack as much punch under the hood as was possible. Corvettes offered speed and sleek style, but they also had a high price tag. Most of the other high performance cars offered a price that was affordable to the average working class people.

The Fuel Effect

During the 1960s and 70s auto manufacturers were riding high on a wave of speed and performance. Then we entered an era where we were told gas was in short supply and we were destroying the ozone with our extravagant auto emissions. We reluctantly let go of our fast and sporty cars and took to the streets with a V6 and even a V4. Gas mileage and cheaper insurance costs forced the fast cars onto the race track and off the roadways.

The desire for speed will be with us always. We will probably never again see a time when speed and high performance engines are sold for the every day street car but we can get a glimpse of these cars at the raceway or at vintage car shows. The baby boomers were around to see these cars at their inception and they still carry a torch for them today. Many will spend a small fortune to restore one of these original fast cars back to their former splendor.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Fast Cars, Sports Cars – British Performance

At the end of World War II there was a surge of high performance, fast and sporty cars that began to emerge. The soldiers who were returning home from war were instantly attracted to these fast sports cars, many which were exported by Britain. At that time the British were building high quality sports cars at a price many could afford. The British sports cars were superbly engineered and quickly began taking the sports car world by storm. Their sleek and sporty design made them highly desirable.

The fast and sporty British cars began to really take off when the Triumph came out with the TR2 in 1953. At the time Triumph produced some of the most sought after cars in the world. The United States fell in love with it and soon began seeking other British sports cars.

Taking A Look At The Cars

The Jaguar is probably the most popular fast, sport car the British offer. Many people see the Jaguar as the top of the line automobile. The brand new Portfolio which is being unveiled in March 2007 brags of a speed of 155 mph and can reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds. The Portfolio features a 4.2 liter engine and the car will be offered worldwide.

BMW is also offering a new coupe and convertible in their 3 series. These are supposed to be the most appealing BMW fast and sporty cars to date. These come with aerodynamic styling and lower suspension which offers a sportier look and ride. These sport modes are offered in Silver, Black, Blue, Graphite, White, and Red.

Aston Martin is announcing improvements to their famous Vanquish S. This automobile is famous for its luxury and unique style. It was also made famous by James Bond in the movie “Die Another Day”. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will showcase many of the features of the Vanquish s that many Britons love. With only 40 being built, these cars will be offered as a limited edition and predictions say they will all be sold in only a few weeks.

This edition will be produced in Ultimate Black and this will be the only car available in this color. The interior will be trimmed in leather and stylish black chrome. It will offer a top speed of 200 mph. This car is the result of customer research and request and contains the features most sought after by the public. It comes with a high price tag but will be considered an investment since the car will likely maintain or increase in value.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Fast Cars, Super Cars – Paying For Horse Power

For the rich and famous it seems to be a statement of success when they own the very expensive fast and super cars. These fast, super cars will usually be found in areas such as Hollywood, Las Vegas, or New York since these are the places where the rich and famous usually work and live. In other countries you might find royalty and upper members of government sporting these cars but few members of the working class will ever have the money to buy one.

Fast Cars, Super Cars – Looking At The Models

The exotic Ferrari Modena is a popular Ferrari model which offers a six speed transmission, a V8 engine, and will get about 11 to 16 mpg. With a price tag of $152,000, this car is capable of doing 189 mph and reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

One of the top of the line super cars, which is also a fast car, is the Lamborghini. The current Sypder is considered to be one of the most popular super cars available. Voted as the most beautiful car in the world, the Spyder sports a V10 which reaches a speed of 195 mph with the roof up and 191 mph with the roof down. It comes with a price tag of $195,000. Its lightweight aluminum frame allows the car to reach faster speeds and it can do a quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, reaching a speed of 122 mph.

If you want to come down a little closer to earth you might want to take a look at the Dodge Viper. It also offers a V10 which can reach speeds of 190 mph, will do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and a quarter mile in 11.9 seconds. The Viper is rated for 10 to 20 mpg and comes with a price tag of $80,000. This makes the Viper a super car which is a fast car with a more affordable price tag.

A never-ending classic super car is the Corvette which is put out by none other than Chevrolet. This American icon has been around for several years and continues to improve with age. Available in a coupe or convertible, you can choose from several color combinations. You also have the choice of a 6 or 7 liter engine, and the starting price is about $66,000. These cars have withstood the test of time and continue to be one of the most popular sport cars on the market today.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Fast Cars And The Weight Issue

Weight is one of the most important issues to consider when building a fast car for road or track. Putting a car on a serious diet is pretty much free horsepower, as any attempt to lighten a car improves the power to weight ratio, this seriously improves acceleration.

The gains on a lightening a car are huge and not just limited to gains in acceleration either. Once you have lightened a fast car you will find the car performs better in the corners and under braking, parts such as brakes and tires will last longer on the car also.

The potential gains are huge but it must be done correctly, you would not want to lighten a rear wheel drive car too much on the rear or you may find traction a problem particularly with a high power output.

The truth is your fast car could be made a great deal faster cheaply and easily just by shaving a few pounds off the body.

How do we remove weight from the fast car?

This bit is as easy as you want it to be, but as with most forms of car modification it depends on how far you want to go. I know a guy who races a BMW and he decided to go all out on weight saving, he even scraped every bit of under-seal from the floors of the car, extreme perhaps but he managed to remove nearly 2 stone of under-seal, not a bad effort.

The obvious place to start saving weight on your fast car is by removing the interior, and anything else that you do not need, the fronhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1556708069461774298t seats can be replaced with light weight racing items, the unused wiring removed, carpets and sound deadening, pretty much all of the unnecessary parts, my car has just a driver seat and a cage with much of the unnecessary wiring removed. This makes for a car with very impressive performance.

Many other components can be replaced with lighter parts, gear box casings, axle covers etc. It is worth noting that a stainless steel exhaust is lighter than the same in mild steel, so this constitutes a worthwhile investment.

It is also important to reduce the unsprung weight on the car also, by this I mean wheels, brakes and anything else before the suspension mounts, this provides a very good increase in the handling of the car.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Fear Of Driving Tests

Fear of driving tests is a normal thing that affects different people in different ways. Anybody who has come through young life has had to deal with the stresses of learning to drive. It is one of those rights of passage that each person must go through in order to have a successful life. Some folks just can’t get past their fear of driving tests, though. This is a mental problem that deals with issues of self confidence within a person’s subconscious. If you don’t do something about it, it could impact your ability to gain a driver’s license.

Even if a person is a great driver who would have no problem passing a driver’s test, they can still fear the driving tests. Even if they have been schooled on some of the skills that will be tested during the driving test, they might still hold a sort of apprehension when it comes to actually performing in the test. This is not unusual in any way. When people have a healthy fear of the driving test, it can affect their ability to perform during that test, though. Like with any other sort of fear, this fear is somewhat crippling in the way that it can limit a person’s ability.

Psychological issues and subconscious thoughts have a lot to do with why a person might fear a driving test. Perhaps that person has thoughts that won’t leave their head about their ability to perform. Maybe the person just doesn’t have the ability to stand up to the stress associated with a driving test. Whatever the case, it’s essential to get over this most basic fear and conquer the driving test. One way to do this is through hypnosis.

I have been a hypnotherapist for many years and I’ve seen lots of people come through my clinic looking for help. Some of them come for more serious issues like smoking or addiction issues. Still, others come because they want help getting over their fear of the driving test. They realize that hypnosis is not just something found in magic shows. After going through hypnotherapy treatment, they understand that sometimes, the most important thing is just changing your mindset.

If you are suffering from fear of the driving test, then get some information about hypnosis and find out what it can do for you. You might discover that it’s just the boost you need to help you conquer your fear of a driving test.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Features Of Roadmaster Mountain Bike

You don’t have to be a bike pro to realize that the Roadmaster mountain bike is cheap and is ideally suited for the biker not wanting a whole lot of features other than its thumb shifters that are present instead of levers or twists. You may also not know much about what Sach’s Power Chains are and whether you should have opted for a mountain bike with Viking Titanium Chain or whether you need to know how good or bad are Campagnolo as compared with SRAM derailleur. But, once you have begun to ride your Roadmaster mountain bike, you may very well find that you need to learn more than just how comfortable or not the bike is to ride.

Before buying your Roadmaster mountain bike, you need to also consider a few basic things that will help you get the best from your purchase. Look for comfort of ride; weight of the bike and of course its price. Once you realize that you are getting good value for money and an affordable mountain bike, you will even forgive your Roadmaster mountain bike for its rather cheap and somewhat painful seat. And, it is also ideally suited for anyone on a tight budget. Other than that, anyone that is in need of a reliable mountain bike that allows him or her to even commute on it, this bike has a few advantages and those that have used the Roadmaster mountain bike have generally stuck with their bike for quite a few years.

The Mountain Fury is one of the Roadmaster mountain bike models that you may find a bit heavy to cart about, and if you need to carry it up a few floors to store it in your apartment high up in a building, you will certainly find it rather unsettling. However, once you get it on the trail, the story is quite different and there is no problem with the ride as changing gears is not a problem and you can even attain speeds of about twelve miles per hour in windless conditions, which means you are getting good value for your money.

The trouble with this roadmaster mountain bike is that riding it can be painful to your backside and so you may need to spend a few more dollars and get a cushion to get a more comfortable ride. Another worry for you about the roadmaster mountain bike is that the tires may not last too long, though, for a fifty dollar bike you should not expect more. So, if you don’t mind the weight and like the cheap price, the Mountain Fury Roadmaster mountain bike may be quite a good option.

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