The Hummer off-road legacy is soaring high in both military and civilian use. After 14 years of making Hummer with a record of 12,000 units made, the production of the famous H1 Hummer finally ceased. The assembly plant manufacturing the H1 was converted into a facility that concentrates on the production of military grade High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles or HUMVEEs. Despite the closure, the company proudly announced that not a single employee lost a job.
Hummer is a large 4x4 off-road vehicle considered in some countries like New Zealand and Australia as a truck because its high fuel consumption do not pass the standard set for normal Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Originally built by AM General (the merger of American Motors and Jeep), General Motors continued to use the Hummer brand after it acquired the rights over the brand name from the former in 1999. Hummer shares that distinguished 7-slot front grill with Jeep, also a leading 4x4 off-road automobile maker. AM General continued to produce the Hummer in South Bend, Indiana. Hummer is now officially a division of General Motors.
The Hummer was featured in ESPN in 1990 for a documented off-road trek from London to Beijing, passing by the rough terrain of the former Soviet Union. Its reputation as a reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle reached its peak after its noted performance in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Today the H2 and H3 2008 models, the civilian versions of the Hummer, are widely sought after in the large- and mid-size SUV market. Arnold Schwarzenegger became so delighted by a parade of HUMVEEs during the filming of the Kindergarten Cop in 1990 that he became one of those who called on AM General to produce a civilian version of the Hummer.
The 2008 H2 is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and its variant, the H2 SUT is a Sport Utility Truck with a six-foot pick-up extension that extends the flexibility of your H2. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine, the H2 can deliver 393 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to its 6-speed Hydra Matic 6L80 automatic transmission.
It has a 9.7-inch high ground clearance and traction is managed by an automatic Traction Control System capable of applying brakes selectively to individual wheels. The Panic Break Assist is a unique feature that makes this vehicle an outstanding off-road companion.
The new 2008 H3, meanwhile, is a mid-sized SUV with variants such as the ordinary H3, H3 Alpha and the H3x. H3 is basically a smaller Hummer, more nimble and fuel efficient, easier to drive than the original H1. H3 Alpha is mounted with a more powerful Vortec 5.3-Liter V8 cast Aluminum block and cylinder head engine, capable of delivering 300 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. The ordinary H3 has a Vortec 3700 3.7-Liter cast Aluminum engine.
The H3x is a city version of the H3, a mix of generous chrome accent in the body and the wheels, a roof rack crossbar and more comfortable accessories. The H3 is available in 5-speed manual and 4-speed Hydra Matic 4L60 Transmission. The H3 Alpha is only available in 4-speed automatic transmission.
Hummer committed to embrace bio-fuel technology in developing its future models. Schwarzenegger has converted his own Hummer to bio-fuel capable engine. Join the Hummer caravan and let everyone know you are traveling tough yet in business class comfort. Show them you own one with your Hummer Keychains. Flawless metal designs are engraved with the “Hummer H2” or “Hummer H3” text. Join Baja 1000 race champ Rod Hall in driving Hummer and celebrating his 40-years in off-road racing.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Minor Change Of Bmw 3 Series Coupe And Cabriolet
The BMW 3 Series coupe and cabriolet was firstly introduced at the end of the year 1999 to 2000. The present model has the vehicle body code E46. It uses the same hood structure and the front body as the previous model. The most difference from the previous model is the front headlight and front bumper which can be divided into 3 models, sedan and station wagon models, coupe and cabriolet models and the compact models.
From the information above, you can see that the minor change for the BMW 3 Series is mostly independent from the fact that there are many models for it. They don’t need to minor change all 3 groups at the same time. The first minor change is for the sedan and station wagon since the end of the year 2001 and come along with the minor change for coupe and cabriolet in the end of 2002 but the actual release date was around March in 2003.
The minor change for coupe and cabriolet models can be easily seen by the front head lights. It includes all high, low beam and turn signal in the same frame and changes the color of the turn signal from yellow to transparent white. The turn signal on the side of the cars moved upward and change to blurry white instead of yellow.
The front hood keeps the same style but the size of the grill was increased 300 millimeters from the previous version, which gives the uniqueness for the 3 Series.
Other than the above, there are other optional accessories such as the Bi-xenon headlights with the angle control system. The headlights will turn as you turn the steering wheel to increase the safety while you driving at night.
The tail lights still use the same style but change the turn signal from yellow to white and the parking light from a big long row was reduce to a smaller size and the break light was changed to LED which is brighter and better compare to the older one.
Rear bumper bas remade by removing the long hole in it and added a black stripe to connect both lights on the bumper.
The dimension for the cabriolet is 4488 millimeters wide 1757 millimeters long 1369 millimeters tall and 2725 millimeters for the wheel base length. The coupe model has the same dimension as the cabriolet except from the 1372 millimeters tall
The interior inside keeps the same common features such as big gauge, RPM needle, speed, gasoline level and temperature arrange the same way as they did in the first 3 Series which we know under the code E21.
From the information above, you can see that the minor change for the BMW 3 Series is mostly independent from the fact that there are many models for it. They don’t need to minor change all 3 groups at the same time. The first minor change is for the sedan and station wagon since the end of the year 2001 and come along with the minor change for coupe and cabriolet in the end of 2002 but the actual release date was around March in 2003.
The minor change for coupe and cabriolet models can be easily seen by the front head lights. It includes all high, low beam and turn signal in the same frame and changes the color of the turn signal from yellow to transparent white. The turn signal on the side of the cars moved upward and change to blurry white instead of yellow.
The front hood keeps the same style but the size of the grill was increased 300 millimeters from the previous version, which gives the uniqueness for the 3 Series.
Other than the above, there are other optional accessories such as the Bi-xenon headlights with the angle control system. The headlights will turn as you turn the steering wheel to increase the safety while you driving at night.
The tail lights still use the same style but change the turn signal from yellow to white and the parking light from a big long row was reduce to a smaller size and the break light was changed to LED which is brighter and better compare to the older one.
Rear bumper bas remade by removing the long hole in it and added a black stripe to connect both lights on the bumper.
The dimension for the cabriolet is 4488 millimeters wide 1757 millimeters long 1369 millimeters tall and 2725 millimeters for the wheel base length. The coupe model has the same dimension as the cabriolet except from the 1372 millimeters tall
The interior inside keeps the same common features such as big gauge, RPM needle, speed, gasoline level and temperature arrange the same way as they did in the first 3 Series which we know under the code E21.
Mobile Lifts - What You Should Know
Don't compromise your quality of life. You can remain mobile through wonderful mobility aids. Check out the following tips and links below for a wonderful time during vacations with no problems with mobility by ensuring that you can use an automobile wheelchair lift.
Perhaps some mobility equipment are too large of an investment to make if in case you do decide to purchase one. But if you don’t really travel much anyway but do want to take an occasional vacation or trip, you will find the links below helpful if you are looking mobility aids to rent specifically only during your trips and jaunts with family and friends.
Accessible Vans
As its name suggests, this website will link you accessibly to the nation’s largest and best Automotive Mobility Dealers. If you’re planning a trip with your friends or family, consider checking out Accessible Vans at http://www.accessiblevans.com.
Here you can find the best deals for service, sale and rent of mobility aids including vehicles that are equipped with automobile wheelchair lifts. By using the service of Accessible Vans, you can be assured that you are dealing only with professionals who are determined and committed to giving you the best value and service. Check the site out to find out where the nearest dealer is in your area.
Action Disability Resources
You have come to the right place if you point your browser to http://www.actiondisabilityresources.com Here you will find a truly rich resource on everything and anything about mobility devices for rent, automobile wheelchair lifts, car dealers and many, many more.
With Action Disability Resources you can be sure that being mobility impaired is not a disability. With their rich resource on the subject of mobility you can always count on continuous action with their wide range of mobility aids like automobile wheelchair lifts, and services available to you.
Florida’s Friend
If you are in the Florida area and are considering a vacation or trip and because of this, you inadvertently will be needing mobility aids to ensure a fun and stress free jaunt, then check out Alpha Mobility Centers at http://www.amigoflorida.com
This site has mobility aids for rent as well as a rich resource for automobile wheelchair lifts to help you make your vacation or trip a truly stress free and memorable one. They are an authorized dealer and distributor of the top brands for mobility aids especially for automobile wheelchair lifts.
Perhaps some mobility equipment are too large of an investment to make if in case you do decide to purchase one. But if you don’t really travel much anyway but do want to take an occasional vacation or trip, you will find the links below helpful if you are looking mobility aids to rent specifically only during your trips and jaunts with family and friends.
Accessible Vans
As its name suggests, this website will link you accessibly to the nation’s largest and best Automotive Mobility Dealers. If you’re planning a trip with your friends or family, consider checking out Accessible Vans at http://www.accessiblevans.com.
Here you can find the best deals for service, sale and rent of mobility aids including vehicles that are equipped with automobile wheelchair lifts. By using the service of Accessible Vans, you can be assured that you are dealing only with professionals who are determined and committed to giving you the best value and service. Check the site out to find out where the nearest dealer is in your area.
Action Disability Resources
You have come to the right place if you point your browser to http://www.actiondisabilityresources.com Here you will find a truly rich resource on everything and anything about mobility devices for rent, automobile wheelchair lifts, car dealers and many, many more.
With Action Disability Resources you can be sure that being mobility impaired is not a disability. With their rich resource on the subject of mobility you can always count on continuous action with their wide range of mobility aids like automobile wheelchair lifts, and services available to you.
Florida’s Friend
If you are in the Florida area and are considering a vacation or trip and because of this, you inadvertently will be needing mobility aids to ensure a fun and stress free jaunt, then check out Alpha Mobility Centers at http://www.amigoflorida.com
This site has mobility aids for rent as well as a rich resource for automobile wheelchair lifts to help you make your vacation or trip a truly stress free and memorable one. They are an authorized dealer and distributor of the top brands for mobility aids especially for automobile wheelchair lifts.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Modding A Ford Mustang V6
So you just got a stock V6 Mustang and you want to make it faster. Well there are a few things you will or should know before you concider this. As im sure a few older gents on here would back me up on this post so here we go.
1. What are your long term goals for this new car?
2. What is your current budget to spend on this car?
3. Do you want to make it a daily driver? Trailer queen? or road course?
4. What is you basic knowledge of vehicles and electrical systems?
5. Do you have the time?
Alot of people want the fastest car, the best looking car or the loudest car. That is becuase everyone who owns a mustang gets the itch. And im not talking about down there, im talking about the power itch, the speed itch, the ability to take that corner at 55 and come out running.
With most major bolt on mods, you can do them yourself with some specialty tools and a good set of hand tools. Some require welding, which most places can do for a flat rate of "X" amount of dollars where "X" is the hourly shop rate.
Now were going to get into the specific mods.
CAI- Cold Air intake.
There are many different type of CAI availible on the market. The fenderwell CAI places the air filter in the fenderwell to get cool air as it rushes under the passenger headlight. This is an excellent first mod, becuase all you need are some hand tools and the intructions.
Plastic vs. Metal
These are the two types of materials CAI come in. Some people like the metal chrome brushed ones becuase it adds a nice look under the hood. Unfortunately Metal heats up from outside sources(ie., engine bay) and internal friction of the air passing through it. Plastic on the other hand stays cool becuase it is not a conductor of heat. the engine bay heat or air friction will not cuase this intake to heat up.
Mass Air Sensor and Housing
This is the peice that is inside your stock air box, and is, in my opinion, one of the bottle necks on the intakes today. The Mass Air Sensor, or MAS, measures the amount of air comming into the engine and sends that information to the ECU, where the ECU does its thing and tell Mr. Fuel Injector's how much fuel to dump in accordance to the Air Fuel mixture. Lets say you have a 3" (76.1mm) CAI and a stock MAS. Youll be pulling in alot of air fairly quickly @ Wide open Throttle, or WOT.
Lets do a in home test, if you have a cylindrical container about 6-12" long get it. If it is open on both ends, blow threw it, and what happened? The air came out the otherside with no problems, right? Now cover up 1/3rd of the other end and try again, little harder? Same concept on your intake. Still need convincing? Have you ever tried to vaccum up something to big for the vaccum? kinda struggled didnt it? exactly.
Throttle Body
This is one of those black sheep parts where bigger isnt better. 99+ Stock I think has a 65mm Throttle Body, or TB from now on. If your not turbo, supered or No2'ed this mod shouldn't be in the future until after a Power Adder, or PA.
Headers
Well, once again this is another mod that doesn't really do anything for your vehicle unless you have significant mods and are going for a PA in the future, otherwise, youll get some hourse of "Fun"
Exhaust
The second mod most people will do if not the first on their mustang. When concidering an exhaust you have to take into account that a V6 will never sound like a V8, its impossible unless you buy 2 more cylinders. The stock V6 exhaust comes out of each exhaust manifold and "Y"'s into on right after the catalytic converters. When buying a kit, you can either look for one that is complete, meaning comes with the Y adapter and passenger side hangers for the muffler and tailpipe. Or you can piece together one for a few bucks cheaper and hope it all fits. My advice, dont go cheap, becuase you get what you pay for. Which brings me to backpressure. When your choosing your exhaust make sure you dont go over 2.5" or else youll lose backpressure. without backpressure the V6 will hate you and will not run right at all. You can go bigger then 2.5" if your Turboed or Supercharged, other then that I wouldnt recommend it.
Exhaust Tips
We can get this one from our axis the ricers. Exhaust tips dont add HP they add noise, it is more of a placebo effect when you add 3.5" tips on your 2.5" exhaust, you think it is faster becuase the box says "adds upto 5 RWHP!!!" well it doesnt. But when you get in your car sounds louder then it did before, so you think its faster.
Under Drive Pulleys
There are a few out there some are cheap and some are expensive. What to look for when buying a set is the harware they come with, instructions and a package deal. RPM-Outlet has 42% MotoBlue Underdrive Pulleys, or UDP from now on, for around $208 shipped. If you have a big stereo in your car, I would say 2000-5000Watts, you really want to be carefull of the UDP's. They will slow your accessories a certain %, and could affect your cooling, charging and Air Condition. They wont affect everycar, but there is a possibility. Steeda and ARP have some 25% UDP which are a little more expensive and, well your paying for the name mostly. Installation is about a 1-2 hour job depending on your mechanical level. Hint: A pulley Puller helps installation.
1. What are your long term goals for this new car?
2. What is your current budget to spend on this car?
3. Do you want to make it a daily driver? Trailer queen? or road course?
4. What is you basic knowledge of vehicles and electrical systems?
5. Do you have the time?
Alot of people want the fastest car, the best looking car or the loudest car. That is becuase everyone who owns a mustang gets the itch. And im not talking about down there, im talking about the power itch, the speed itch, the ability to take that corner at 55 and come out running.
With most major bolt on mods, you can do them yourself with some specialty tools and a good set of hand tools. Some require welding, which most places can do for a flat rate of "X" amount of dollars where "X" is the hourly shop rate.
Now were going to get into the specific mods.
CAI- Cold Air intake.
There are many different type of CAI availible on the market. The fenderwell CAI places the air filter in the fenderwell to get cool air as it rushes under the passenger headlight. This is an excellent first mod, becuase all you need are some hand tools and the intructions.
Plastic vs. Metal
These are the two types of materials CAI come in. Some people like the metal chrome brushed ones becuase it adds a nice look under the hood. Unfortunately Metal heats up from outside sources(ie., engine bay) and internal friction of the air passing through it. Plastic on the other hand stays cool becuase it is not a conductor of heat. the engine bay heat or air friction will not cuase this intake to heat up.
Mass Air Sensor and Housing
This is the peice that is inside your stock air box, and is, in my opinion, one of the bottle necks on the intakes today. The Mass Air Sensor, or MAS, measures the amount of air comming into the engine and sends that information to the ECU, where the ECU does its thing and tell Mr. Fuel Injector's how much fuel to dump in accordance to the Air Fuel mixture. Lets say you have a 3" (76.1mm) CAI and a stock MAS. Youll be pulling in alot of air fairly quickly @ Wide open Throttle, or WOT.
Lets do a in home test, if you have a cylindrical container about 6-12" long get it. If it is open on both ends, blow threw it, and what happened? The air came out the otherside with no problems, right? Now cover up 1/3rd of the other end and try again, little harder? Same concept on your intake. Still need convincing? Have you ever tried to vaccum up something to big for the vaccum? kinda struggled didnt it? exactly.
Throttle Body
This is one of those black sheep parts where bigger isnt better. 99+ Stock I think has a 65mm Throttle Body, or TB from now on. If your not turbo, supered or No2'ed this mod shouldn't be in the future until after a Power Adder, or PA.
Headers
Well, once again this is another mod that doesn't really do anything for your vehicle unless you have significant mods and are going for a PA in the future, otherwise, youll get some hourse of "Fun"
Exhaust
The second mod most people will do if not the first on their mustang. When concidering an exhaust you have to take into account that a V6 will never sound like a V8, its impossible unless you buy 2 more cylinders. The stock V6 exhaust comes out of each exhaust manifold and "Y"'s into on right after the catalytic converters. When buying a kit, you can either look for one that is complete, meaning comes with the Y adapter and passenger side hangers for the muffler and tailpipe. Or you can piece together one for a few bucks cheaper and hope it all fits. My advice, dont go cheap, becuase you get what you pay for. Which brings me to backpressure. When your choosing your exhaust make sure you dont go over 2.5" or else youll lose backpressure. without backpressure the V6 will hate you and will not run right at all. You can go bigger then 2.5" if your Turboed or Supercharged, other then that I wouldnt recommend it.
Exhaust Tips
We can get this one from our axis the ricers. Exhaust tips dont add HP they add noise, it is more of a placebo effect when you add 3.5" tips on your 2.5" exhaust, you think it is faster becuase the box says "adds upto 5 RWHP!!!" well it doesnt. But when you get in your car sounds louder then it did before, so you think its faster.
Under Drive Pulleys
There are a few out there some are cheap and some are expensive. What to look for when buying a set is the harware they come with, instructions and a package deal. RPM-Outlet has 42% MotoBlue Underdrive Pulleys, or UDP from now on, for around $208 shipped. If you have a big stereo in your car, I would say 2000-5000Watts, you really want to be carefull of the UDP's. They will slow your accessories a certain %, and could affect your cooling, charging and Air Condition. They wont affect everycar, but there is a possibility. Steeda and ARP have some 25% UDP which are a little more expensive and, well your paying for the name mostly. Installation is about a 1-2 hour job depending on your mechanical level. Hint: A pulley Puller helps installation.
Model Cars For Car Model Collection
Collecting…what a passion! People collect the most varied of items and the most collected are undoubtedly model cars. The reproduction of cars of any kind and era, ranging from the most desiderable Ferrari and Porsche to the means of transport used by police. However, this collection includes all the models put on the market over the years, with a particular interest in Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Citroen, Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Carmodel is a company dealing with model cars of new and obsolete production. It has a huge availability of products, covering different manufacturers, that can easily be observed on the home page.
Model cars from Minichamps to Schuco
The most requested brands and models for model car collecting are:DIECAST CARS, MINICHAMPS,NOREV, SCHUCO, LOOKSMART, AUTOART, IXO, SPARK MODEL, KYOSHO, POLICE, AMBULANCE, FERRARI, RALLYE, BRUMM.
But there is also a high demand of the Tuning versions, taxis, construction vehicles, military transport, trucks and buses.
Carmodel specialises in everything to do with modelling and car models and many reproduction boxes from the 50s, 60s and 70s from the most important brands are available: DIECAST CARS, MINICHAMPS,NOREV, SCHUCO, LOOKSMART, AUTOART, IXO, SPARK MODEL, KYOSHO, POLICE, AMBULANCE, FERRARI, RALLYE, BRUMM, PORSCHE, MERCEDES, AUDI, FIAT, ALFA ROMEO, LANCIA, LE MANS, F1, MILITARY, BMW.
Carmodel is always interested in buying important collections, especially obsolete models cars such as 1/43 Corgi, Dinky, Politoys, Mebetoys, Mercury, Spot-on, Ediltoys, Tekno and other less important brands, also Ferrari, F1 collections and 1/24 obsolete models.
Many lovers of modelling rely on Carmodel’s reliability to find very rare models and also to send them with accurate packaging using the best materials currently available on the market. In particular, Carmodel uses special boxes, made with a very resistant double carton with special protective films and spheres of polystyrene in order to guarantee that the model cars are in perfect condition when delivered to the collector’s house.
An encyclopaedia of 30.000 models.
The online encyclopaedia, made available by Carmodels on its web site, is a very useful tool! If you want to search the encyclopaedia, you first have to click on the link "encyclopaedia” and then wait for the loading of the page and then it is possible to make any kind of research through the search box.
More than 30.000 items can be found on the encyclopaedia!
For any further information, you can directly contact Carmodels: CARMODEL
Model cars from Minichamps to Schuco
The most requested brands and models for model car collecting are:DIECAST CARS, MINICHAMPS,NOREV, SCHUCO, LOOKSMART, AUTOART, IXO, SPARK MODEL, KYOSHO, POLICE, AMBULANCE, FERRARI, RALLYE, BRUMM.
But there is also a high demand of the Tuning versions, taxis, construction vehicles, military transport, trucks and buses.
Carmodel specialises in everything to do with modelling and car models and many reproduction boxes from the 50s, 60s and 70s from the most important brands are available: DIECAST CARS, MINICHAMPS,NOREV, SCHUCO, LOOKSMART, AUTOART, IXO, SPARK MODEL, KYOSHO, POLICE, AMBULANCE, FERRARI, RALLYE, BRUMM, PORSCHE, MERCEDES, AUDI, FIAT, ALFA ROMEO, LANCIA, LE MANS, F1, MILITARY, BMW.
Carmodel is always interested in buying important collections, especially obsolete models cars such as 1/43 Corgi, Dinky, Politoys, Mebetoys, Mercury, Spot-on, Ediltoys, Tekno and other less important brands, also Ferrari, F1 collections and 1/24 obsolete models.
Many lovers of modelling rely on Carmodel’s reliability to find very rare models and also to send them with accurate packaging using the best materials currently available on the market. In particular, Carmodel uses special boxes, made with a very resistant double carton with special protective films and spheres of polystyrene in order to guarantee that the model cars are in perfect condition when delivered to the collector’s house.
An encyclopaedia of 30.000 models.
The online encyclopaedia, made available by Carmodels on its web site, is a very useful tool! If you want to search the encyclopaedia, you first have to click on the link "encyclopaedia” and then wait for the loading of the page and then it is possible to make any kind of research through the search box.
More than 30.000 items can be found on the encyclopaedia!
For any further information, you can directly contact Carmodels: CARMODEL
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Modern Technology; Useful In A Car Breakdown Situation!
The wonders of modern technology; whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit it can be very convenient at times. Let’s take the mobile phone, for instance; it’s not so many years ago that they were the size of a brick and were seen as a ‘yuppie’ status symbol.
How times have changed. Now, most of the adult population, and the younger generation too, have at least one mobile phone. One for business and one for personal calls.
So, how does this help in a vehicle breakdown situation? Well, these days, if you find yourself in this position, it’s so easy to call for roadside assistance. What would we have done prior to mobile phones? We’d have had to walk a few miles to a telephone box or knock on somebody’s door for help! Who would want to do that nowadays?
Having said that, it doesn’t pay to be complacent – it’s still possible to break down on a country road in the middle of nowhere, leaving you completely stranded. While you might be familiar with your location, could you explain to someone over the phone exactly where you are, if indeed you had a vehicle breakdown and needed roadside assistance?
Would you know the name or number of the road you were on? Maybe not, especially if you’d taken a ‘B’ road or a minor road. And things might be worse if this happened in the middle of the night. In fact, any time after 5pm through the winter in the UK, and you might start panicking - it will be dark!
And if you’ve got the family with you, imagine how difficult it could become; you’re not dealing with an ordinary breakdown anymore, it’s become more than that – you’re now concerned about the safety of your family.
Well, this is where technology comes in handy. When you call RAC rescue services, that little mobile phone kicks-in as soon as you make the call, and enables satellite technology to locate your position to within a metre! You don’t even need to know where you are!
Just imagine that for one moment; sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment orbiting our planet, possibly hundred of miles above our heads, being used to communicate information back down to earth so that RAC can locate your position.
Every rescue patrol vehicle has Global Satellite System on board which is used to pinpoint your location using your mobile phone signal. This works to such a degree that they will be able to find you and your family at the click of a finger.
That’s the power of modern technology.
This system, used in conjunction with the latest mapping software, also allows the nearest available patrol to work out the best route to get to you. This means that the rescue patrol can be more efficient in their response, and save on fuel as well!
So, when it comes to a breakdown situation, it’s ‘thumbs up’ for modern technology! Thank goodness for RAC rescue.
How times have changed. Now, most of the adult population, and the younger generation too, have at least one mobile phone. One for business and one for personal calls.
So, how does this help in a vehicle breakdown situation? Well, these days, if you find yourself in this position, it’s so easy to call for roadside assistance. What would we have done prior to mobile phones? We’d have had to walk a few miles to a telephone box or knock on somebody’s door for help! Who would want to do that nowadays?
Having said that, it doesn’t pay to be complacent – it’s still possible to break down on a country road in the middle of nowhere, leaving you completely stranded. While you might be familiar with your location, could you explain to someone over the phone exactly where you are, if indeed you had a vehicle breakdown and needed roadside assistance?
Would you know the name or number of the road you were on? Maybe not, especially if you’d taken a ‘B’ road or a minor road. And things might be worse if this happened in the middle of the night. In fact, any time after 5pm through the winter in the UK, and you might start panicking - it will be dark!
And if you’ve got the family with you, imagine how difficult it could become; you’re not dealing with an ordinary breakdown anymore, it’s become more than that – you’re now concerned about the safety of your family.
Well, this is where technology comes in handy. When you call RAC rescue services, that little mobile phone kicks-in as soon as you make the call, and enables satellite technology to locate your position to within a metre! You don’t even need to know where you are!
Just imagine that for one moment; sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment orbiting our planet, possibly hundred of miles above our heads, being used to communicate information back down to earth so that RAC can locate your position.
Every rescue patrol vehicle has Global Satellite System on board which is used to pinpoint your location using your mobile phone signal. This works to such a degree that they will be able to find you and your family at the click of a finger.
That’s the power of modern technology.
This system, used in conjunction with the latest mapping software, also allows the nearest available patrol to work out the best route to get to you. This means that the rescue patrol can be more efficient in their response, and save on fuel as well!
So, when it comes to a breakdown situation, it’s ‘thumbs up’ for modern technology! Thank goodness for RAC rescue.
Modified Cars
Drivers of modified cars are finding it more and more difficult to show off their artistic masterpieces on streets all across the US. California may have led the way in cracking down on what the state terms as traffic offenses, but other states are following suit. No one can argue that the modifications in these modified cars have gone way beyond what was being done to the original hot rods, but should these modifications really be illegal? Are they really hurting anybody?
While it is true that some enthusiasts have juiced up their engines using illegal means, it is also true that most of those modified cars that have been singled out were not initially pulled over for speeding infractions. In fact, the crackdown on modified cars seems to stem more from an aesthetic problem than anything else.
Many of the violators have been ticketed for exceeding the noise pollution laws. Drivers of modified cars counter that they are being singled out because of unfair comparisons to the drivers in such movies as The Fast and Furious. They claim that the portrayal of modified car enthusiasts in that movie series has caused a backlash against real life owners.
The police forces of not only California, but various other states deny that charge, however. They say that the new breed of modified cars presents a safety risk at high speeds whether it involves racing or not. They point to the increased level of accidents involving modified cars sporting darkly tinted windows, custom rims and wheels, and exhaust pipes. California has, of course, long been the center of the hot rod and modified car universe in America, but the crackdown is spreading all across the country.
But owners of modified cars don’t appear ready to roll over and play dead. In addition to flooding the internet to increase support for their side of the argument via blogs, forums and web sites, they are also attacking the problem via America’s greatest legacy: dissent.
For instance, modified car owners are attacking the crackdown in the state of Virginia with an online petition. The petition identifies the problem as stemming from the vague terminology in Virginia’s laws for modifying exhaust systems and suspension.
Modified cars have been targeted by law enforcement officers for decades. And it is certainly true that drivers of modified cars may be more tempted to engage in high speed racing than the rest of us.
The debate is sure to rage for some time as owners of modified cars feel unfairly singled out and as law enforcement officials feel compelled to make the streets as safe as possible for everyone. The divide between car enthusiasts and the police is likely to grow wider, however, as new and more exciting modifications are discovered.
While it is true that some enthusiasts have juiced up their engines using illegal means, it is also true that most of those modified cars that have been singled out were not initially pulled over for speeding infractions. In fact, the crackdown on modified cars seems to stem more from an aesthetic problem than anything else.
Many of the violators have been ticketed for exceeding the noise pollution laws. Drivers of modified cars counter that they are being singled out because of unfair comparisons to the drivers in such movies as The Fast and Furious. They claim that the portrayal of modified car enthusiasts in that movie series has caused a backlash against real life owners.
The police forces of not only California, but various other states deny that charge, however. They say that the new breed of modified cars presents a safety risk at high speeds whether it involves racing or not. They point to the increased level of accidents involving modified cars sporting darkly tinted windows, custom rims and wheels, and exhaust pipes. California has, of course, long been the center of the hot rod and modified car universe in America, but the crackdown is spreading all across the country.
But owners of modified cars don’t appear ready to roll over and play dead. In addition to flooding the internet to increase support for their side of the argument via blogs, forums and web sites, they are also attacking the problem via America’s greatest legacy: dissent.
For instance, modified car owners are attacking the crackdown in the state of Virginia with an online petition. The petition identifies the problem as stemming from the vague terminology in Virginia’s laws for modifying exhaust systems and suspension.
Modified cars have been targeted by law enforcement officers for decades. And it is certainly true that drivers of modified cars may be more tempted to engage in high speed racing than the rest of us.
The debate is sure to rage for some time as owners of modified cars feel unfairly singled out and as law enforcement officials feel compelled to make the streets as safe as possible for everyone. The divide between car enthusiasts and the police is likely to grow wider, however, as new and more exciting modifications are discovered.
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