Author : Tyrone O. Lindsay
Fix It Yourself Automotive people are basically common sense people. They don't mind the dirt and the grime that comes with fixing their own automobile.As a matter of fact, they enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment when they have fixed their vehicle and it's purring down the highway with no problems.They always take a common sense approach because you can get seriously hurt working on your vehicle, especially if you don't obey the safety rules. These are some of the work-on-your-own-car safety rules.• The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide. A poisonous gas. Your working space must be well ventilated.• Working on your car battery? It contains sulfuric acid. It burns and can explode. Please, no smoking around car batteries. Disconnect them also, you can get a nasty shock. Remove the ground cable to disconnect (-).• Watch out for the hot parts. Know them well. Exhaust pipes, manifolds and mufflers will burn you badly.• Absolutely no loose clothing around moving parts. Take your jewelry off. Do you have long hair? Tie it up. Do not work in sandals, they're for the beach. Put your work boots on.• Use proper equipment for hoisting and for holding up the car. Are you going under the car? Use the appropriate equipment to stabilize the car while in an upright position. The equipment must be able to support the weight of your car.• Wipe up oil spills immediately. You'll avoid slipping and hurting yourself later.These are a few of the safety rules. There are so many more to observe. If you're going to fix it yourself, let's be sensible about it.Fix It Yourself Automotive people do it for the feelings of self-accomplishment. Are you ready to fix your own car? Grab some great tips here: Fix It Yourself Automotive Automotive Fix It Yourself
Keyword : Fix It Yourself Automotive
วันเสาร์ที่ 1 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Using Limousine Services in Corporate Transportation
Author : Earl Juanico
Corporations are usually most concerned about team building, leadership quality, and various management skills. Motivated to maximize the output from the employees, corporate events are planned to unleash and hone these skills of their employees. Corporate events, be they outdoor or indoor, are strategically designed not only for entertainment but for enriching learning experiences as well. Corporations do not take their entertainment part lightly. Human resource managers typically prepare to accommodate corporate event entertainments in their portfolios. A crucial area of concern for these managers is arranging for the perfect corporate transportation. This is where corporate limousine services apply their fitting role in providing the most appropriate type of corporate transportation among the choices available. Corporate settings deserve some degree of luxury in all accommodations as possible, and only limousine services are capable of offering such necessity.The choice of transportation is highly important, which goes hand in hand with the choice of location. For a company that puts a premium on ideas, an open, natural and relaxed setting is preferred to stimulate creative ideas. Horseback riding, trekking, mountain climbing, parachute jumping, canoeing and river rafting are some outdoor events, which aim at improving team spirit among corporate clients. Corporate limousine services not only provide enough space for a laid back environment, but it also provides an atmosphere of camaraderie among employees while in transit. It is essential that the momentum acquired from each event happens continuously even while moving from one place to another.Music has always been the life of any event and corporate events are no exception. Corporate limousine services provide amenities for enjoying music while on transit. A manager who is known for his tough exterior can lead his executives to have a glimpse of his humane side by the choice of songs to be played inside the limousine. This sets the right mood for everyone as they arrive at the party place where music entertainment sure to be a prime component. Music can really loosen up people to relate better with each other.Many companies have also begun using corporate limousine services to transport executives who previously just flew. What makes flying less preferable than corporate limousine service is that besides boarding on a plane and going, executives are also sitting at the airports often not getting anything done. Inside limousines, executives can set off and start a meeting right there while on their way towards their destination. This realization created a boom in the corporate limousine business, which has also led to the customization of many vehicles to fit the specific needs of corporate travelers.It is fair to say that due to conditions of the economy as well as the reduction of travel budgets, companies are looking at the short-haul market from the standpoint of being more cost effective than flying. Albeit the shift from flying to driving has not been a radical change, there has been some momentum in the decision to drive rather than fly.Corporate limousine services are certainly at the top of the list when it comes to choice for corporate transportation. Limos do not only provide comfort and luxury to business executives and employees alike, but also the ideal environment for making the most out of travel time. Time is of the essence and companies are gearing up towards an economical optimization not only on the costs of travel but also towards capitalizing on travel times to benefit business interests.Earl Juanico
www.browardlimousine.com
Keyword : Limousine Services, Corporate Transportation,team building,events,business,outdoor,indoor
Corporations are usually most concerned about team building, leadership quality, and various management skills. Motivated to maximize the output from the employees, corporate events are planned to unleash and hone these skills of their employees. Corporate events, be they outdoor or indoor, are strategically designed not only for entertainment but for enriching learning experiences as well. Corporations do not take their entertainment part lightly. Human resource managers typically prepare to accommodate corporate event entertainments in their portfolios. A crucial area of concern for these managers is arranging for the perfect corporate transportation. This is where corporate limousine services apply their fitting role in providing the most appropriate type of corporate transportation among the choices available. Corporate settings deserve some degree of luxury in all accommodations as possible, and only limousine services are capable of offering such necessity.The choice of transportation is highly important, which goes hand in hand with the choice of location. For a company that puts a premium on ideas, an open, natural and relaxed setting is preferred to stimulate creative ideas. Horseback riding, trekking, mountain climbing, parachute jumping, canoeing and river rafting are some outdoor events, which aim at improving team spirit among corporate clients. Corporate limousine services not only provide enough space for a laid back environment, but it also provides an atmosphere of camaraderie among employees while in transit. It is essential that the momentum acquired from each event happens continuously even while moving from one place to another.Music has always been the life of any event and corporate events are no exception. Corporate limousine services provide amenities for enjoying music while on transit. A manager who is known for his tough exterior can lead his executives to have a glimpse of his humane side by the choice of songs to be played inside the limousine. This sets the right mood for everyone as they arrive at the party place where music entertainment sure to be a prime component. Music can really loosen up people to relate better with each other.Many companies have also begun using corporate limousine services to transport executives who previously just flew. What makes flying less preferable than corporate limousine service is that besides boarding on a plane and going, executives are also sitting at the airports often not getting anything done. Inside limousines, executives can set off and start a meeting right there while on their way towards their destination. This realization created a boom in the corporate limousine business, which has also led to the customization of many vehicles to fit the specific needs of corporate travelers.It is fair to say that due to conditions of the economy as well as the reduction of travel budgets, companies are looking at the short-haul market from the standpoint of being more cost effective than flying. Albeit the shift from flying to driving has not been a radical change, there has been some momentum in the decision to drive rather than fly.Corporate limousine services are certainly at the top of the list when it comes to choice for corporate transportation. Limos do not only provide comfort and luxury to business executives and employees alike, but also the ideal environment for making the most out of travel time. Time is of the essence and companies are gearing up towards an economical optimization not only on the costs of travel but also towards capitalizing on travel times to benefit business interests.Earl Juanico
www.browardlimousine.com
Keyword : Limousine Services, Corporate Transportation,team building,events,business,outdoor,indoor
Fuel Efficient School Bus Ready Soon
Author : Sarah McBride
Soon enough, students would be brought to school and would be traveling home in a bus that is fuel efficient. And this new kind of school bus would be working on batteries from Valence Technology, Inc.What is behind such an innovation?It seemed like Valence is the very brain behind creations and contraptions like the U-Charge® XP Power systems which uses technology from Saphion® phosphate. And from this, Enova Systems, while working with the IC Corporation, has met with a deal so as to create such a fuel efficient school bus. Enova is one supplier of Hybrid Electric power systems that are efficient and very friendly to the environment. On the other hand, IC Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of school buses and it has won the bid so much so that it will now be the provider of some twenty one hybrid school buses which would be distributed and used in eleven different states in the US.These new hybrid school buses would not be quite unique and extraordinary once you take a look at it outside. Sure, those parts that make up the vehicle seem to be just like those ones you saw when you were buying those Dodge truck body parts your father needed. But underneath the hood is where you do find the difference.According to John Dexter, "We selected Valence's Saphion® phosphate batteries for their inherent safety, which addresses the limitations of traditional lithium-ion chemistries particularly in large batteries like those needed for hybrid vehicles. In addition to safety, Saphion technology delivers the power and energy that these buses demand. We are excited to offer school districts clean running, safe and cost effective transportation." Dexter is the current director of operations and planning for Enova.Such a move would actually be quite beneficial not only to school districts but it would also prove to be an advantage to the environment. Primarily, this is so because of the reduced amount of emissions that such vehicles have. And when those school systems have heard about such a change in their transportation, they were indeed elated to say at the very least.As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast. Check out Dodge truck body parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, Dodge truck body parts, Dodge truck parts, Dodge Ram truck parts, Dodge truck replacemen
Soon enough, students would be brought to school and would be traveling home in a bus that is fuel efficient. And this new kind of school bus would be working on batteries from Valence Technology, Inc.What is behind such an innovation?It seemed like Valence is the very brain behind creations and contraptions like the U-Charge® XP Power systems which uses technology from Saphion® phosphate. And from this, Enova Systems, while working with the IC Corporation, has met with a deal so as to create such a fuel efficient school bus. Enova is one supplier of Hybrid Electric power systems that are efficient and very friendly to the environment. On the other hand, IC Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of school buses and it has won the bid so much so that it will now be the provider of some twenty one hybrid school buses which would be distributed and used in eleven different states in the US.These new hybrid school buses would not be quite unique and extraordinary once you take a look at it outside. Sure, those parts that make up the vehicle seem to be just like those ones you saw when you were buying those Dodge truck body parts your father needed. But underneath the hood is where you do find the difference.According to John Dexter, "We selected Valence's Saphion® phosphate batteries for their inherent safety, which addresses the limitations of traditional lithium-ion chemistries particularly in large batteries like those needed for hybrid vehicles. In addition to safety, Saphion technology delivers the power and energy that these buses demand. We are excited to offer school districts clean running, safe and cost effective transportation." Dexter is the current director of operations and planning for Enova.Such a move would actually be quite beneficial not only to school districts but it would also prove to be an advantage to the environment. Primarily, this is so because of the reduced amount of emissions that such vehicles have. And when those school systems have heard about such a change in their transportation, they were indeed elated to say at the very least.As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast. Check out Dodge truck body parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, Dodge truck body parts, Dodge truck parts, Dodge Ram truck parts, Dodge truck replacemen
What is Paintless Dent Repair?
Author : David Maillie
The auto repair and restoration business has blossomed in recent years especially in auto body repair. Along with the rising demand costs have greatly increased. A small dent repair at a local body shop can cost around $600 or more easily to fix. Multiply that by 6 (the average number of parking lot dings, gouges and dents per car) and you can pay over $2000 to just fix all the dents and dings on your car.In comes paintless dent repair. Paintless dent repair has been around for over ten years and was first started at local car dealerships for fixing used cars and increasing used car revenues (like headlight restoration). Paintless dent removal is the repairing of small dents and dings by massaging them out.Paintless dent technicians are trained with tools similar to pry bars, mirrors and special lights to gently return the bent and stretched metal to its former shape. This may seem difficult, but actually most repairs can be done in 20 -30 minutes and the results are nothing short of amazing. Unless the dent is on a door edge or a difficult crease, the result will be like the dent or ding was never there. It is completely removed.The average cost is around $50 per ding or dent. Obviously a used car dealership with a lot of inventory will have lower volume prices around $30 per dent. Paintless dent removal, like headlight restoration, is a high profit margin business that any automotive business can use to add to their bottom line. Many businesses actually pay their entire lease or rent from these add-on businesses alone.As lives become more hectic and unless you always want to park far away you will get dings and dents. There is no way out of it. They could even come as hail damage from a bad thunderstorm, a ding from the neighborhood kids soccer ball, etc… It will happen, but you don't have to pay through the nose to have them fixed. Paintless dent removal is the best solution.Article provided by MDWholesale.com Headlight Restoration, a website devoted to automotive safety.
Keyword : paintless dent removal, paintless dent repair, dent removal, dent repair, headlight restoration
The auto repair and restoration business has blossomed in recent years especially in auto body repair. Along with the rising demand costs have greatly increased. A small dent repair at a local body shop can cost around $600 or more easily to fix. Multiply that by 6 (the average number of parking lot dings, gouges and dents per car) and you can pay over $2000 to just fix all the dents and dings on your car.In comes paintless dent repair. Paintless dent repair has been around for over ten years and was first started at local car dealerships for fixing used cars and increasing used car revenues (like headlight restoration). Paintless dent removal is the repairing of small dents and dings by massaging them out.Paintless dent technicians are trained with tools similar to pry bars, mirrors and special lights to gently return the bent and stretched metal to its former shape. This may seem difficult, but actually most repairs can be done in 20 -30 minutes and the results are nothing short of amazing. Unless the dent is on a door edge or a difficult crease, the result will be like the dent or ding was never there. It is completely removed.The average cost is around $50 per ding or dent. Obviously a used car dealership with a lot of inventory will have lower volume prices around $30 per dent. Paintless dent removal, like headlight restoration, is a high profit margin business that any automotive business can use to add to their bottom line. Many businesses actually pay their entire lease or rent from these add-on businesses alone.As lives become more hectic and unless you always want to park far away you will get dings and dents. There is no way out of it. They could even come as hail damage from a bad thunderstorm, a ding from the neighborhood kids soccer ball, etc… It will happen, but you don't have to pay through the nose to have them fixed. Paintless dent removal is the best solution.Article provided by MDWholesale.com Headlight Restoration, a website devoted to automotive safety.
Keyword : paintless dent removal, paintless dent repair, dent removal, dent repair, headlight restoration
Some Tips To Help You Keep Your Vehicle Looking Like New
Author : Gregg Hall
When you decide to make a long term commitment such as buying a new vehicle, it is important to consider how you are going to care for it. Keeping the beautiful paint and finish in perfect condition is simple if you purchase a vehicle car cover. Car covers can provide various levels of protection based on the level of protection you need in your area.If you have a garage at your home you may think a car cover will be of no use to you, however that is very untrue. You may have a garage to store your vehicle in most of the time but there are always times when for one reason or another the garage cannot be used for your vehicle. There are also the times when your car is away from home at a store or park or possibly on a trip somewhere. If you truly want the best protection for your vehicle then you need a car cover.Any person who has been to a public parking lot in recent years has probably noticed the vast amount of vehicles in the lot. Sometimes you may drive around for ten minutes trying to find a parking spot. This would be an excellent time to have a car cover for your vehicle, providing extra protection against reckless people, who may bump into your vehicle with a door, cart or occasionally a car. Oftentimes in parking areas, people will not report damaging another vehicle because they look at the area and may not see any damage. If you have a cover on your car there will be no more door dings or cart bumps that can damage your vehicle. Car covers can provide enough protection for your vehicle that some of the minor bumps by parking vehicles may not cause damage.Another reason you should invest in a car cover is the protection it may provide against damaging weather. Hail damage is the number one non accident cause of damage often reported on insurance claims. In the best of storms you may end up with pea size hail causing a few thousand dollars in damage to your unprotected vehicle. If you should use a cover for your car, the same storm is not going to cause any damage because the cover may protect your car from the hail. Another cause of damage in storms that can be prevented with a cover is falling twigs and small tree branches and debris. The small branches are often enough to damage a new paint job on your vehicle.Regardless of whether you have a garage or not, investing in a cover for your vehicle is smart. You may save a lot of money from minor repairs needed on your car due to parking mishaps and stormy weather.Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a car care accessories at http://www.5starshine.com
Keyword : car accessories, car covers
When you decide to make a long term commitment such as buying a new vehicle, it is important to consider how you are going to care for it. Keeping the beautiful paint and finish in perfect condition is simple if you purchase a vehicle car cover. Car covers can provide various levels of protection based on the level of protection you need in your area.If you have a garage at your home you may think a car cover will be of no use to you, however that is very untrue. You may have a garage to store your vehicle in most of the time but there are always times when for one reason or another the garage cannot be used for your vehicle. There are also the times when your car is away from home at a store or park or possibly on a trip somewhere. If you truly want the best protection for your vehicle then you need a car cover.Any person who has been to a public parking lot in recent years has probably noticed the vast amount of vehicles in the lot. Sometimes you may drive around for ten minutes trying to find a parking spot. This would be an excellent time to have a car cover for your vehicle, providing extra protection against reckless people, who may bump into your vehicle with a door, cart or occasionally a car. Oftentimes in parking areas, people will not report damaging another vehicle because they look at the area and may not see any damage. If you have a cover on your car there will be no more door dings or cart bumps that can damage your vehicle. Car covers can provide enough protection for your vehicle that some of the minor bumps by parking vehicles may not cause damage.Another reason you should invest in a car cover is the protection it may provide against damaging weather. Hail damage is the number one non accident cause of damage often reported on insurance claims. In the best of storms you may end up with pea size hail causing a few thousand dollars in damage to your unprotected vehicle. If you should use a cover for your car, the same storm is not going to cause any damage because the cover may protect your car from the hail. Another cause of damage in storms that can be prevented with a cover is falling twigs and small tree branches and debris. The small branches are often enough to damage a new paint job on your vehicle.Regardless of whether you have a garage or not, investing in a cover for your vehicle is smart. You may save a lot of money from minor repairs needed on your car due to parking mishaps and stormy weather.Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a car care accessories at http://www.5starshine.com
Keyword : car accessories, car covers
2007 Ford Expedition Promises Powerful Capability
Author : Jay Stevens
Ford has many things to do in order to recover from the past doom. It also takes swift and tough moves to prevent further sales loss and company damage. Moreover, Ford is taking every step seriously. In fact, it has enhanced and upgraded its vehicles to draw more customers. One of the vehicles that benefited from the modification is the 2007 Ford Expedition, which is designed to give greater capability.Many customers demand to have the kind of capability that delivers better hauling and performance. Hence, its new full size SUV was given extra capability in terms of power and functionality without compromising the comfort of the occupants."Full-size SUV buyers are, perhaps, the most demanding customers of all," says Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "They want uncompromised capability and unquestioned toughness, along with interior flexibility and refinement. The new Expedition has been designed with unique customer appeal that makes it stand out in a competitive market."Basically, the design of the new Expedition is inspired Ford's best-selling F-Series truck. In fact, several Ford F-Series pickup parts are incorporated to Ford Expedition custom parts to come up with a powerful version of an SUV. This big improvement in Expedition's toughness and capability is the pushes it to another level of proving its worth. Aside from the capability, Ford also refined the vehicle's interior to boost quietness, flexibility and comfort.All-new Expedition is lengthened by 14.8 inches to deliver more cargo space for improved cargo-carrying capability. The wheelbase is also extended by 12 inches. "We lengthened the wheelbase on the Expedition EL to add all that extra cargo capacity without compromising driving dynamics," says John Viera, Expedition chief engineer.With regards to Expedition's new design, the vehicle heals the ruggedness by utilizing expressive lines that suggest confidence and elegance. "The crisply defined surfaces and chiseled good looks exemplify the feeling of athleticism," says Chelsia Lau, Expedition chief designer. "Expedition's unique design proudly displays its Ford SUV heritage while creating its own unique personality and character."The bigger version of Expedition with improved engine, dynamics, and elegance creates a bunch of promises that the automaker is positive to satisfy.Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry. You can visit Ford F-Series pickup parts or Ford Expedition custom parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, Ford F-Series pickup parts, Ford pickup parts, Ford pickup truck parts, Ford truck
Ford has many things to do in order to recover from the past doom. It also takes swift and tough moves to prevent further sales loss and company damage. Moreover, Ford is taking every step seriously. In fact, it has enhanced and upgraded its vehicles to draw more customers. One of the vehicles that benefited from the modification is the 2007 Ford Expedition, which is designed to give greater capability.Many customers demand to have the kind of capability that delivers better hauling and performance. Hence, its new full size SUV was given extra capability in terms of power and functionality without compromising the comfort of the occupants."Full-size SUV buyers are, perhaps, the most demanding customers of all," says Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "They want uncompromised capability and unquestioned toughness, along with interior flexibility and refinement. The new Expedition has been designed with unique customer appeal that makes it stand out in a competitive market."Basically, the design of the new Expedition is inspired Ford's best-selling F-Series truck. In fact, several Ford F-Series pickup parts are incorporated to Ford Expedition custom parts to come up with a powerful version of an SUV. This big improvement in Expedition's toughness and capability is the pushes it to another level of proving its worth. Aside from the capability, Ford also refined the vehicle's interior to boost quietness, flexibility and comfort.All-new Expedition is lengthened by 14.8 inches to deliver more cargo space for improved cargo-carrying capability. The wheelbase is also extended by 12 inches. "We lengthened the wheelbase on the Expedition EL to add all that extra cargo capacity without compromising driving dynamics," says John Viera, Expedition chief engineer.With regards to Expedition's new design, the vehicle heals the ruggedness by utilizing expressive lines that suggest confidence and elegance. "The crisply defined surfaces and chiseled good looks exemplify the feeling of athleticism," says Chelsia Lau, Expedition chief designer. "Expedition's unique design proudly displays its Ford SUV heritage while creating its own unique personality and character."The bigger version of Expedition with improved engine, dynamics, and elegance creates a bunch of promises that the automaker is positive to satisfy.Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry. You can visit Ford F-Series pickup parts or Ford Expedition custom parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, Ford F-Series pickup parts, Ford pickup parts, Ford pickup truck parts, Ford truck
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Leathers: A Buyer's Guide to Leather Motorcycle Apparel
Author : Michael Talbert
When pondering the purchase of motorcycle leathers, there are several issues that one must consider. While one would think that style would be first and foremost, in actuality, it is the protection that a good set of motorcycle leathers affords the skin that is of the utmost priority for any serious biker. Leather has over the years been proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing, due to its resistance to tear, its natural warmth, and its acting as a first layer of defense by coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather has often literally saved the skin of many bikers.All leather is not the same. In this article, I will attempt to address the choices that a biker faces when purchasing motorcycle leathers. We will explore the different types of hides available, the different tanning processes, and how to tell the differences.There are basically three hides that you will run across when looking for motorcycle leathers: Pigskin, Buffalo, and Cowhide. You may at times find such hides as Lamb skin, sheepskin etc. Just make a note that these hides are inferior and should not be considered riding grade leather.PigskinSometimes called "Soft Leather", pigskin is very thick and soft to the touch. It will keep you warm in the winter and looks very nice. There is nothing wrong with soft leather (pigskin or lambs skin) except that it has a tendency to tear, is not very durable, and is not considered riding grade leather. If you are looking for the "Biker Look" but do not ride, Pigskin is the way to go! Also, for garments that are not necessarily worn for protection, (such as leather vests) pigskin and lambs skin are excellent choices due to their suppleness and pliability. There are many fine styles available in soft leather and it is the least expensive leather out there. If you ride, stay away from Pigskin for protection; spend the extra money to protect yourself with some true riding grade motorcycle leathers.Buffalo HideAnother high quality leather, Buffalo Hide is not from the North American Buffalo, but the Water Buffalo, a native of India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Buffalo hide is also very thick (ca 1.2mm) and can be tanned in both top grain and naked leather processes. Durable and not easily torn, Buffalo Hide, though not as common as cowhide, is considered to be riding grade leather.CowhideThe most common material used for motorcycle leathers is Cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. It is anywhere from 1-1.3mm thick, depending on the tanning process, is naturally warm, and will afford the utmost protection against road rash. The ultimate in riding grade leather, Cowhide is the choice of Bikers everywhere.Whichever type of hide you choose, you need to also understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather. Leather was once the skin of an animal, and therefore must go through a tanning process to strengthen it, and to keep it from decomposing. Tanning makes the skin stable and rot proof without sacrificing its structure and strength. The tanning process involves several stages, including the removal of the hair and the outer layer of skin, as well as the fatty part of the flesh. The hide is then stabilized by one of several methods using animal oils, alum, chrome salts or vegetable tanning. How it is actually finished determines the quality, or riding grade, for our purposes.To fully understand choices available, one must first understand the term "grain". The grain is the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal's skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist, the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.Finished Split LeatherThe middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.Top Grain LeatherTop grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is probably the most common material found in motorcycle leathers. It is not the best leather available, but with a medium price range, and thicknesses of 1 to1.2mm, top grain leather is considered to be a strong and durable riding grade material.Naked LeatherAlso known as Full-Grain Leather, this tanning process uses only the finest of hand picked hides. Full Grain leather has only the hair removed and is not sanded to remove imperfections, thus the epidermis remains in tact. Naked (without embellishment) Leather has nothing other than the dye added. Full grain naked leather requires no breaking in period and is soft to the touch from the very beginning. Hides are typically 1.3+mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.How to Tell the DifferenceFinished Split will be thin. Most riding grade leather is at least 1mm thick. Top Grain leather is the top of the skin and has small bumps all over where the hair follicles used to be. Top grain garments are somewhat stiff when new, and require a breaking in period. On the other hand, naked leather, or full grain leather is very smooth and does not exhibit the small bumps that are present in top grain. Nor is the garment stiff when new. Naked leather is soft to the touch from the beginning and requires no breaking in period.Pigskin or Pig Napa most resembles naked leather, in that it is a soft and supple hide, and can also be very thick. Not to say that it happens often, but beware of unscrupulous retailers that try to pass pigskin for full grain cowhide. If it's cheap, it's probably pigskin. Lamb skin is also very soft and pliable, though not as thick as pigskin. Lambskin also has a smooth surface.Things to keep in mind are that most leather garments are manufactured overseas in India, Pakistan, and China. The "Made in America" garments are going to be the most expensive on the market, and the quality of the hide and the workmanship is not going to be that much better. Many motorcycle leathers are designed in America and made in Pakistan. As mentioned previously, Pakistan is world renown for its leather expertise, and you should be able to trust their labeling. Pakistan exports both Buffalo hide and Cowhide garments. Leather garments manufactured in China are usually made from pigskin. This is not to say that it's always the case, but you should be able to tell by price.Remember, if you ride - Don't skimp on the Motorcycle Leathers, they could someday save your hide!Michael Talbert is an online retailer of leather and textile motorcycle apparel. For more information you can visit his websites at http://NakedLeatherBiker.com and http://ExtremeBikerGear.com .
Keyword : Motorcycle leathers, motorcycle accessories, motorcycle apparel, biker leather
When pondering the purchase of motorcycle leathers, there are several issues that one must consider. While one would think that style would be first and foremost, in actuality, it is the protection that a good set of motorcycle leathers affords the skin that is of the utmost priority for any serious biker. Leather has over the years been proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing, due to its resistance to tear, its natural warmth, and its acting as a first layer of defense by coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather has often literally saved the skin of many bikers.All leather is not the same. In this article, I will attempt to address the choices that a biker faces when purchasing motorcycle leathers. We will explore the different types of hides available, the different tanning processes, and how to tell the differences.There are basically three hides that you will run across when looking for motorcycle leathers: Pigskin, Buffalo, and Cowhide. You may at times find such hides as Lamb skin, sheepskin etc. Just make a note that these hides are inferior and should not be considered riding grade leather.PigskinSometimes called "Soft Leather", pigskin is very thick and soft to the touch. It will keep you warm in the winter and looks very nice. There is nothing wrong with soft leather (pigskin or lambs skin) except that it has a tendency to tear, is not very durable, and is not considered riding grade leather. If you are looking for the "Biker Look" but do not ride, Pigskin is the way to go! Also, for garments that are not necessarily worn for protection, (such as leather vests) pigskin and lambs skin are excellent choices due to their suppleness and pliability. There are many fine styles available in soft leather and it is the least expensive leather out there. If you ride, stay away from Pigskin for protection; spend the extra money to protect yourself with some true riding grade motorcycle leathers.Buffalo HideAnother high quality leather, Buffalo Hide is not from the North American Buffalo, but the Water Buffalo, a native of India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Buffalo hide is also very thick (ca 1.2mm) and can be tanned in both top grain and naked leather processes. Durable and not easily torn, Buffalo Hide, though not as common as cowhide, is considered to be riding grade leather.CowhideThe most common material used for motorcycle leathers is Cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. It is anywhere from 1-1.3mm thick, depending on the tanning process, is naturally warm, and will afford the utmost protection against road rash. The ultimate in riding grade leather, Cowhide is the choice of Bikers everywhere.Whichever type of hide you choose, you need to also understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather. Leather was once the skin of an animal, and therefore must go through a tanning process to strengthen it, and to keep it from decomposing. Tanning makes the skin stable and rot proof without sacrificing its structure and strength. The tanning process involves several stages, including the removal of the hair and the outer layer of skin, as well as the fatty part of the flesh. The hide is then stabilized by one of several methods using animal oils, alum, chrome salts or vegetable tanning. How it is actually finished determines the quality, or riding grade, for our purposes.To fully understand choices available, one must first understand the term "grain". The grain is the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal's skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist, the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.Finished Split LeatherThe middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.Top Grain LeatherTop grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is probably the most common material found in motorcycle leathers. It is not the best leather available, but with a medium price range, and thicknesses of 1 to1.2mm, top grain leather is considered to be a strong and durable riding grade material.Naked LeatherAlso known as Full-Grain Leather, this tanning process uses only the finest of hand picked hides. Full Grain leather has only the hair removed and is not sanded to remove imperfections, thus the epidermis remains in tact. Naked (without embellishment) Leather has nothing other than the dye added. Full grain naked leather requires no breaking in period and is soft to the touch from the very beginning. Hides are typically 1.3+mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.How to Tell the DifferenceFinished Split will be thin. Most riding grade leather is at least 1mm thick. Top Grain leather is the top of the skin and has small bumps all over where the hair follicles used to be. Top grain garments are somewhat stiff when new, and require a breaking in period. On the other hand, naked leather, or full grain leather is very smooth and does not exhibit the small bumps that are present in top grain. Nor is the garment stiff when new. Naked leather is soft to the touch from the beginning and requires no breaking in period.Pigskin or Pig Napa most resembles naked leather, in that it is a soft and supple hide, and can also be very thick. Not to say that it happens often, but beware of unscrupulous retailers that try to pass pigskin for full grain cowhide. If it's cheap, it's probably pigskin. Lamb skin is also very soft and pliable, though not as thick as pigskin. Lambskin also has a smooth surface.Things to keep in mind are that most leather garments are manufactured overseas in India, Pakistan, and China. The "Made in America" garments are going to be the most expensive on the market, and the quality of the hide and the workmanship is not going to be that much better. Many motorcycle leathers are designed in America and made in Pakistan. As mentioned previously, Pakistan is world renown for its leather expertise, and you should be able to trust their labeling. Pakistan exports both Buffalo hide and Cowhide garments. Leather garments manufactured in China are usually made from pigskin. This is not to say that it's always the case, but you should be able to tell by price.Remember, if you ride - Don't skimp on the Motorcycle Leathers, they could someday save your hide!Michael Talbert is an online retailer of leather and textile motorcycle apparel. For more information you can visit his websites at http://NakedLeatherBiker.com and http://ExtremeBikerGear.com .
Keyword : Motorcycle leathers, motorcycle accessories, motorcycle apparel, biker leather
Another Huge Recall Done By Ford
Author : Jason Moore
It looks like the ailing Ford Motor Company is in for more trouble. And when they do encounter trouble, it seems like the company only goes deeper and deeper in the financial pit that they are currently in.The 1970 Ford Maverick parts creator has just currently made another big mistake and this time, it is to actually recall another huge amount of vehicles that were sent and marketed in the United States auto market. How huge, you may ask? Well, let us just simply say that the company has recalled back to its arms 145,000 vehicles. The number may not be that huge compared to the 1.2 million vehicle recall one but this recent recall is still going to mean that the company is going to spend a huge amount of cash and funds just to get every little wrongly produced part right.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these 145,000 vehicles that the company is recalling in the United States market would be actually holding various problems and defects. The list even ranges from defective latches to the much greater drivetrains that have more serious faults.So now you are thinking if the Ford Maverick that you own is included in the vehicles to be recalled. Well, the company has spoken and according to them, they would be recalling units of 2005 model year produced Ford Five Hundreds. The list also does include units of Mercury Montego produced for the same model year. Aside from these, the company is also recalling their Ford Freestar minivans which were created for the model years 2005 and 2006.If you go rushing online and checking on the NHTSA website for more information on such a recall, you would then know that these vehicles are going to be recalled for the fact that the side door latches that were used has been known to let in water. Such a situation has made owners go through more problems especially during cold weather. Because the latches of the door let water in, the water freezes during cold times and the door could not be opened because of that.Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. You can visit 1970 Ford Maverick parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, 1970 Ford Maverick parts, Ford Maverick parts, Ford parts, Ford car parts
It looks like the ailing Ford Motor Company is in for more trouble. And when they do encounter trouble, it seems like the company only goes deeper and deeper in the financial pit that they are currently in.The 1970 Ford Maverick parts creator has just currently made another big mistake and this time, it is to actually recall another huge amount of vehicles that were sent and marketed in the United States auto market. How huge, you may ask? Well, let us just simply say that the company has recalled back to its arms 145,000 vehicles. The number may not be that huge compared to the 1.2 million vehicle recall one but this recent recall is still going to mean that the company is going to spend a huge amount of cash and funds just to get every little wrongly produced part right.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these 145,000 vehicles that the company is recalling in the United States market would be actually holding various problems and defects. The list even ranges from defective latches to the much greater drivetrains that have more serious faults.So now you are thinking if the Ford Maverick that you own is included in the vehicles to be recalled. Well, the company has spoken and according to them, they would be recalling units of 2005 model year produced Ford Five Hundreds. The list also does include units of Mercury Montego produced for the same model year. Aside from these, the company is also recalling their Ford Freestar minivans which were created for the model years 2005 and 2006.If you go rushing online and checking on the NHTSA website for more information on such a recall, you would then know that these vehicles are going to be recalled for the fact that the side door latches that were used has been known to let in water. Such a situation has made owners go through more problems especially during cold weather. Because the latches of the door let water in, the water freezes during cold times and the door could not be opened because of that.Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. You can visit 1970 Ford Maverick parts for more information.
Keyword : auto parts, 1970 Ford Maverick parts, Ford Maverick parts, Ford parts, Ford car parts
Your Worst Driving Nightmare! Driving Instructor in Ireland Reveals the Secrets of Gallic Charm
Author : Robin Piggott
One of the first articles we published in 2005 commenced the story of a little Gallic number and the horrors of being on the receiving end of a Monday Morning car, or perhaps it was a Friday afternoon example and Les Français were about to demonstrate their Rugby prowess by annihilating their favourite enemy thereby emptying the Factory in record time.Either way it didn't make much difference because in all the years of Automotive History there has never been such a car! However if anyone after reading this current chapter can beat the list of faults and eclipse the dissatisfaction rating, we will be glad to hear from them. We might even publish it on our Garage Horror Stories Archive on the Web Site! You are going to have to come up with something the equal of Frankenstein meets Alien or you are simply not at the races! Actually we never got to the races because with just 70 miles on the clock on day two the car went into self destruct mode and refused to take us any further!Sadly, the Main Dealer who supplied this poorly constructed example of Automotive construction at its worst, had not been attending the Classes for Irate Customer Retrieval which are run regularly throughout the Autumn and Winter months when Car sales are a little slow and well, the Certificate of Attendance looks good on a C.V. ! We are talking here about the little list of accomplishments that accompany Job applications and Career advancement not the enigmatic and thoroughly charming Car of the same name by a certain French Car maker! Perhaps if we had purchased a little C.V. (although few examples existed at that time) we wouldn't be writing this current chapter of the saga!Still Life is full of Surprises and even fuller when it comes to parting with hard earned cash for those money eating, brain numbing, heartbreaking bits of Technology with the four little black bits that go round and round. (Phrase courtesy of Gary Anderson who for those of you not familiar with Motor Sport is a Formula One Designer and now fascinating Commentator) Classes in dealing with all kinds of upset Car customers should be mandatory for all Car Sales Personnel and should be paid for by the Manufacturers. After all, without the Car Salesman, the Manufacturers would have a helluva lot of inventory to shift and since they created the problems in the first place it seems only fair that they should solve them don't you think?After the first few return visits to the said Dealership as parts imploded, shut down or just plain fell off, it was obvious that an early warning alarm system had been hurriedly cobbled together to announce our proximity! When someone did have the unfortunate experience of facing us head on, there were the usual expressions of incredulity and amazement that such a car could possibly be giving trouble. "Oh we never have any problems with this model" or "You have been spectacularly unfortunate with this Car" and so on…As anyone will tell you, the fact (disputable!) that no one else is having problems with a particular car or that you have been unlucky, doesn't do anything at all to ease your own particular pain. In fact I think it makes things worse if anything!What was sadly lacking but all too common was the need to appreciate that when things go wrong… Hell… they gotta get fixed and Pronto AND with a smile AND some suitable apologies. Then and maybe only then a Customer might be saved for another day. But what the heck we don't need to bother with customers OR their problems… we've got a never ending queue of victims waiting to part with their cash for the latest model that's been well advertised on T.V. so why worry?I think this must be the derivation of the commonly used phrase now "No Worries" Picture the Car salesman viewing the queue of Customers waiting at the door come opening time…all he has to do is chant the personal mantra quietly to himself "No Worries" and all will be well . Did you ever hear of a Car Salesman being lynched?The gruesome details would make a grown man weep…I should know I was there! Do you want the shortened version or the Directors Cut? The fully unexpurgated version will be available shortly on the web site but it is being digitally enhanced as we speak… so here are just a few titbits to keep you amused:Week One … All Electrics Down …No Can fix! Temporary replacement for booked holiday!Month One… Front Shock Absorber ceases to Absorb! Head Mechanic says there is no problem. Delighted when after insistence by customer that car be looked at there is a problem after all! Customers don't know squat about Cars! That's what you think!Month Six… Steering Rack decides not to Steer any more! Why should the Shocks have all the fun? Obviously didn't like the way I took our local corner every day on two wheels! No Part available in Ireland …so Coffee and Croissants for four days while car waits patiently on the rack! It's a bit like the Spanish inquisition only French! Driving skills becoming atrophied through lack of use!Month Eight…Accelerator Cable decides all this speed is just too much for comfort and …just like that …Snaps. Bank Holiday weekend ends in confrontation with Lady Friend and a Taxi home and complete misery.I think that's enough to be getting on with don't you?…keep your ear to the ground for further instalments!Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed Driving School web site can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.ieHere you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver with some hard hitting facts and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car. If you are in the Lead up to the Driving Test then pick up the free Mini Course "Passing the Driving Test First Time" and give yourself a better than average chance at success!
Keyword : Driving,Driving Instructor,Ireland,Car Salesman, Dealership,Irate Customer,Gallic Charm,
One of the first articles we published in 2005 commenced the story of a little Gallic number and the horrors of being on the receiving end of a Monday Morning car, or perhaps it was a Friday afternoon example and Les Français were about to demonstrate their Rugby prowess by annihilating their favourite enemy thereby emptying the Factory in record time.Either way it didn't make much difference because in all the years of Automotive History there has never been such a car! However if anyone after reading this current chapter can beat the list of faults and eclipse the dissatisfaction rating, we will be glad to hear from them. We might even publish it on our Garage Horror Stories Archive on the Web Site! You are going to have to come up with something the equal of Frankenstein meets Alien or you are simply not at the races! Actually we never got to the races because with just 70 miles on the clock on day two the car went into self destruct mode and refused to take us any further!Sadly, the Main Dealer who supplied this poorly constructed example of Automotive construction at its worst, had not been attending the Classes for Irate Customer Retrieval which are run regularly throughout the Autumn and Winter months when Car sales are a little slow and well, the Certificate of Attendance looks good on a C.V. ! We are talking here about the little list of accomplishments that accompany Job applications and Career advancement not the enigmatic and thoroughly charming Car of the same name by a certain French Car maker! Perhaps if we had purchased a little C.V. (although few examples existed at that time) we wouldn't be writing this current chapter of the saga!Still Life is full of Surprises and even fuller when it comes to parting with hard earned cash for those money eating, brain numbing, heartbreaking bits of Technology with the four little black bits that go round and round. (Phrase courtesy of Gary Anderson who for those of you not familiar with Motor Sport is a Formula One Designer and now fascinating Commentator) Classes in dealing with all kinds of upset Car customers should be mandatory for all Car Sales Personnel and should be paid for by the Manufacturers. After all, without the Car Salesman, the Manufacturers would have a helluva lot of inventory to shift and since they created the problems in the first place it seems only fair that they should solve them don't you think?After the first few return visits to the said Dealership as parts imploded, shut down or just plain fell off, it was obvious that an early warning alarm system had been hurriedly cobbled together to announce our proximity! When someone did have the unfortunate experience of facing us head on, there were the usual expressions of incredulity and amazement that such a car could possibly be giving trouble. "Oh we never have any problems with this model" or "You have been spectacularly unfortunate with this Car" and so on…As anyone will tell you, the fact (disputable!) that no one else is having problems with a particular car or that you have been unlucky, doesn't do anything at all to ease your own particular pain. In fact I think it makes things worse if anything!What was sadly lacking but all too common was the need to appreciate that when things go wrong… Hell… they gotta get fixed and Pronto AND with a smile AND some suitable apologies. Then and maybe only then a Customer might be saved for another day. But what the heck we don't need to bother with customers OR their problems… we've got a never ending queue of victims waiting to part with their cash for the latest model that's been well advertised on T.V. so why worry?I think this must be the derivation of the commonly used phrase now "No Worries" Picture the Car salesman viewing the queue of Customers waiting at the door come opening time…all he has to do is chant the personal mantra quietly to himself "No Worries" and all will be well . Did you ever hear of a Car Salesman being lynched?The gruesome details would make a grown man weep…I should know I was there! Do you want the shortened version or the Directors Cut? The fully unexpurgated version will be available shortly on the web site but it is being digitally enhanced as we speak… so here are just a few titbits to keep you amused:Week One … All Electrics Down …No Can fix! Temporary replacement for booked holiday!Month One… Front Shock Absorber ceases to Absorb! Head Mechanic says there is no problem. Delighted when after insistence by customer that car be looked at there is a problem after all! Customers don't know squat about Cars! That's what you think!Month Six… Steering Rack decides not to Steer any more! Why should the Shocks have all the fun? Obviously didn't like the way I took our local corner every day on two wheels! No Part available in Ireland …so Coffee and Croissants for four days while car waits patiently on the rack! It's a bit like the Spanish inquisition only French! Driving skills becoming atrophied through lack of use!Month Eight…Accelerator Cable decides all this speed is just too much for comfort and …just like that …Snaps. Bank Holiday weekend ends in confrontation with Lady Friend and a Taxi home and complete misery.I think that's enough to be getting on with don't you?…keep your ear to the ground for further instalments!Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed Driving School web site can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.ieHere you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver with some hard hitting facts and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car. If you are in the Lead up to the Driving Test then pick up the free Mini Course "Passing the Driving Test First Time" and give yourself a better than average chance at success!
Keyword : Driving,Driving Instructor,Ireland,Car Salesman, Dealership,Irate Customer,Gallic Charm,
Safety Motorcycle Helmets
Author : Low Jeremy
Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Motorcycle Helmets, please visit http://motorcycle-helmet.articlekeep.com
Keyword : Safety Motorcycle Helmets. Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Motorcycle Helmets, please visit http://motorcycle-helmet.articlekeep.com
Keyword : Safety Motorcycle Helmets. Motorcycle Helmets
Wearing Harley Davidson Helmet is Worth the Fuss
Author : Low Jeremy
Like the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson helmet has its distinct look that compliments the total effects of riding a Harley. Although the purpose remains the same like any other helmets in the market, the Harley-Davidson in effect projects style that makes the Harley rider feel what should be felt. But, many would still ask: is a Harley-Davidson helmet worth wearing?Year after year, many motorcycle accidents have been reported all over the country. These resulted to severe head injuries to the people involved. Or worse, these accidents claim lives. Why? Majority of people involve in motorcycle accidents do not wear helmets. And some would say that if these people only wear helmets, their fate may have been different or the damage created may have been minimized.Just recall the motorcycle accident of the football star "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. (Oh, for those who do not know Big Ben, he is the star quarterback of the Pittsburg Steelers.) Many say that if only Big Ben wore a helmet, would only walk away with minor bruises.It was said and will be said over and over again: Helmets protect you.For people who think that wearing helmet while riding their Harley-Davidson would mean removing their freedom that the motorcycle projects, they might disregard its importance. But the fact still remains, in case of accident, a helmet would come in handy.Here's the statistics: In the State of California, study shows that out of 900 accidents involving motorcycles, 980 necks have been injured. Most of them are not wearing helmets. Here's another fact. In Canada, nobody can ride motorcycle without wearing helmet. Sadly (well, it may not be sad at all to most riders), here in the United States, many states would let riders to exercise their freedom whether to wear helmet or not.It is a given fact that helmet is the most important accessory to buy after buying Harley-Davidson motorcycle. And it must be worn when riding a motorcycle at all times. So, thinking of skipping a Harley-Davidson should not be on the list of things to do.To wrap up, owning a Harley-Davidson takes a lot of responsibility. Unlike 4-wheel vehicles, when your ride motorcycle, you are exposed and more prone to injuries during accidents. And the best way to protect yourself from any damage that can be resulted from this accident is to wear a helmet.This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Harley Davidson, please visit http://harley-davidson.articlekeep.com.
Keyword : Harley Davidson
Like the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson helmet has its distinct look that compliments the total effects of riding a Harley. Although the purpose remains the same like any other helmets in the market, the Harley-Davidson in effect projects style that makes the Harley rider feel what should be felt. But, many would still ask: is a Harley-Davidson helmet worth wearing?Year after year, many motorcycle accidents have been reported all over the country. These resulted to severe head injuries to the people involved. Or worse, these accidents claim lives. Why? Majority of people involve in motorcycle accidents do not wear helmets. And some would say that if these people only wear helmets, their fate may have been different or the damage created may have been minimized.Just recall the motorcycle accident of the football star "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. (Oh, for those who do not know Big Ben, he is the star quarterback of the Pittsburg Steelers.) Many say that if only Big Ben wore a helmet, would only walk away with minor bruises.It was said and will be said over and over again: Helmets protect you.For people who think that wearing helmet while riding their Harley-Davidson would mean removing their freedom that the motorcycle projects, they might disregard its importance. But the fact still remains, in case of accident, a helmet would come in handy.Here's the statistics: In the State of California, study shows that out of 900 accidents involving motorcycles, 980 necks have been injured. Most of them are not wearing helmets. Here's another fact. In Canada, nobody can ride motorcycle without wearing helmet. Sadly (well, it may not be sad at all to most riders), here in the United States, many states would let riders to exercise their freedom whether to wear helmet or not.It is a given fact that helmet is the most important accessory to buy after buying Harley-Davidson motorcycle. And it must be worn when riding a motorcycle at all times. So, thinking of skipping a Harley-Davidson should not be on the list of things to do.To wrap up, owning a Harley-Davidson takes a lot of responsibility. Unlike 4-wheel vehicles, when your ride motorcycle, you are exposed and more prone to injuries during accidents. And the best way to protect yourself from any damage that can be resulted from this accident is to wear a helmet.This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Harley Davidson, please visit http://harley-davidson.articlekeep.com.
Keyword : Harley Davidson
Extended Car Warranty Buying Tips
Author : Jerry Rowan
One of the BEST warranty buying tips is to buy your warranty directly from the seller of the warranty. The car dealer does not originate any warranties. They only resell other warranties that you can buy from the original company directly. For providing this service the dealer will make between $500 and $1,500! Buy direct after you buy your car.Use the new car rebate to buy your extended warranty! When you receive your rebate on your new car, use it to buy an auto warranty from an online warranty seller cheaper than the dealer. Many online extended warranties are 45% cheaper than your car dealers and have broader wear and tear coverage.Only deal with a financially solid warranty company. Your warranty administrator should be one who will still be in business when you need them!When you buy an extended warranty, you deal with two companies. One is the seller of the auto warranty contract; the other company administers your claims. The best choice is the well funded company. A company that sells as well as administers thier auto warranty.Understand what your auto warranty covers before you buy it. The only way to do this is to read the warranty before you buy it. If you cannot do this, be aware that ALL warranties can be canceled within 30 days.Be sure to read it as soon as you receive it. Be absolutely sure to read it before needing to file a claim. Many people hear "extended warranty" and think this is coverage of every thing that can go wrong with their car. These are the people who fail to read the contract, fail to perform to proper car maintenance schedules, fail to comprehend coverage. They then wonder why their car warranty claim was rejected.Some people buy any old used car without inspecting it. They then buy an extended auto warranty, thinking that the warranty covers any repair to the car and make it like new. They then file complaints against the company when repairs are denied. This sounds funny, but the agreement is what the contract says, not what the buyer thinks it says.This article is buy Jerry Rowan. Jerry provides information about car buying, selling. About to buy a new or used car? About to sell a used car? You will find information on how to make the transaction as painless as possible Here.
Keyword : Extended car warranty
One of the BEST warranty buying tips is to buy your warranty directly from the seller of the warranty. The car dealer does not originate any warranties. They only resell other warranties that you can buy from the original company directly. For providing this service the dealer will make between $500 and $1,500! Buy direct after you buy your car.Use the new car rebate to buy your extended warranty! When you receive your rebate on your new car, use it to buy an auto warranty from an online warranty seller cheaper than the dealer. Many online extended warranties are 45% cheaper than your car dealers and have broader wear and tear coverage.Only deal with a financially solid warranty company. Your warranty administrator should be one who will still be in business when you need them!When you buy an extended warranty, you deal with two companies. One is the seller of the auto warranty contract; the other company administers your claims. The best choice is the well funded company. A company that sells as well as administers thier auto warranty.Understand what your auto warranty covers before you buy it. The only way to do this is to read the warranty before you buy it. If you cannot do this, be aware that ALL warranties can be canceled within 30 days.Be sure to read it as soon as you receive it. Be absolutely sure to read it before needing to file a claim. Many people hear "extended warranty" and think this is coverage of every thing that can go wrong with their car. These are the people who fail to read the contract, fail to perform to proper car maintenance schedules, fail to comprehend coverage. They then wonder why their car warranty claim was rejected.Some people buy any old used car without inspecting it. They then buy an extended auto warranty, thinking that the warranty covers any repair to the car and make it like new. They then file complaints against the company when repairs are denied. This sounds funny, but the agreement is what the contract says, not what the buyer thinks it says.This article is buy Jerry Rowan. Jerry provides information about car buying, selling. About to buy a new or used car? About to sell a used car? You will find information on how to make the transaction as painless as possible Here.
Keyword : Extended car warranty
Designer Car Interiors -- Car Seats & Covers
Author : Vicki Churchill
Custom Seat CoversWhy choose to use a seat cover? Designer seat covers are available from various suppliers, they all have significant modifications in fit, construction, style and priceCaring for your car seats by using a cover is probably the most overlooked aspect of maintaining your cars appearance, not to mention the value.Most of us will simply run the hoover over the interior once a month if that, and before long the wear and tear will undoubtedly begin to show. This will rapidly devalue the vehicles worth.Applying seat covers will keep your seats in mint condition, saving them from unnecessary accidental damage and long term wear.Many companies offer designer car interiors which incorporate bespoke seat covers.You can choose from a huge range of materials including denim, sheep skin & silk. The ideal seat cover will fit so well to the vehicles original seats it will be mistaken for the original upholstery.Not only is the seat cover used as protection, but it can be modified for comfort and style. Furthermore there are companies that will offer designer embroidery enabling you to promote your business, dedicate to your loved one, or create your own wacky art design!If you are an intrepid outdoors man you can purchase heavy duty waterproof seat covers and boot liners to protect your upholstery so those fishing and camping trips wont end with you spending the whole of the next day scrubbing your seats clean. Simply pull the covers off and throw them into the washing machine.Many seat covers are stain resistance, machine washable and waterproof and also make allowances for arm rests and recliner wheels, what ever your requirement or style is you will be able to find a car seat cover for your needs.Making the right choice when buying a child seatThe first thing to consider when buying a baby car seat is safety! The seat must be appropriate for your babies size and weight. It must also fit correctly into your car. Most retailers are more than happy to give a demonstration and test the seat in your car before you buy.Even children up to the age of eleven who are not five feet tall must use a child seat of some sort.Once you have decided on a particular car seat make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Always allow enough time as fitting a child seat can be very frustrating. Also when it comes to strapping your child in the straps are tight enough to stop the child wriggling free but not too tight to cause the child injury or discomfort. Always give the straps a tug to make sure the seatbelt has locked.Child Seat Age and Weight GuideBaby SeatsBabies weighing up to 13kgs and from birth up to one year should be fitted with a baby seat. Baby seats must face backwards and can be installed in either the front or back seats providing the front is not fitted with an airbag.Child Car SeatsChild car seats are for children aged 9 months to four years. The child must be able to support their own head and weigh between 9 and 18kgs. They face forward and are normally fitted in the back seat of the car.Booster Seats and CushionsThese types of seats are for children weighing 15 to 36kgs aged approximately 4 to 11 years old. They are primarily designed to elevate the child in order they can safely use an adult seat belt.Finally and one of the most important aspects to remember is not to get distracted by your child whilst driving. Many accidents are caused from the parent turning round to deal with a child whilst continuing to drive. In the event the child needs attention pull over to a safe location before dealing with the situation.Vicki Churchill is the owner of http://www.designer-car-interiors.com, a site that specializes in designer car interiors and information on car seat safety
Keyword : Car seats, car seat covers,car,seat,car interior,designer car interior,car interiors,cars,car items
Custom Seat CoversWhy choose to use a seat cover? Designer seat covers are available from various suppliers, they all have significant modifications in fit, construction, style and priceCaring for your car seats by using a cover is probably the most overlooked aspect of maintaining your cars appearance, not to mention the value.Most of us will simply run the hoover over the interior once a month if that, and before long the wear and tear will undoubtedly begin to show. This will rapidly devalue the vehicles worth.Applying seat covers will keep your seats in mint condition, saving them from unnecessary accidental damage and long term wear.Many companies offer designer car interiors which incorporate bespoke seat covers.You can choose from a huge range of materials including denim, sheep skin & silk. The ideal seat cover will fit so well to the vehicles original seats it will be mistaken for the original upholstery.Not only is the seat cover used as protection, but it can be modified for comfort and style. Furthermore there are companies that will offer designer embroidery enabling you to promote your business, dedicate to your loved one, or create your own wacky art design!If you are an intrepid outdoors man you can purchase heavy duty waterproof seat covers and boot liners to protect your upholstery so those fishing and camping trips wont end with you spending the whole of the next day scrubbing your seats clean. Simply pull the covers off and throw them into the washing machine.Many seat covers are stain resistance, machine washable and waterproof and also make allowances for arm rests and recliner wheels, what ever your requirement or style is you will be able to find a car seat cover for your needs.Making the right choice when buying a child seatThe first thing to consider when buying a baby car seat is safety! The seat must be appropriate for your babies size and weight. It must also fit correctly into your car. Most retailers are more than happy to give a demonstration and test the seat in your car before you buy.Even children up to the age of eleven who are not five feet tall must use a child seat of some sort.Once you have decided on a particular car seat make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Always allow enough time as fitting a child seat can be very frustrating. Also when it comes to strapping your child in the straps are tight enough to stop the child wriggling free but not too tight to cause the child injury or discomfort. Always give the straps a tug to make sure the seatbelt has locked.Child Seat Age and Weight GuideBaby SeatsBabies weighing up to 13kgs and from birth up to one year should be fitted with a baby seat. Baby seats must face backwards and can be installed in either the front or back seats providing the front is not fitted with an airbag.Child Car SeatsChild car seats are for children aged 9 months to four years. The child must be able to support their own head and weigh between 9 and 18kgs. They face forward and are normally fitted in the back seat of the car.Booster Seats and CushionsThese types of seats are for children weighing 15 to 36kgs aged approximately 4 to 11 years old. They are primarily designed to elevate the child in order they can safely use an adult seat belt.Finally and one of the most important aspects to remember is not to get distracted by your child whilst driving. Many accidents are caused from the parent turning round to deal with a child whilst continuing to drive. In the event the child needs attention pull over to a safe location before dealing with the situation.Vicki Churchill is the owner of http://www.designer-car-interiors.com, a site that specializes in designer car interiors and information on car seat safety
Keyword : Car seats, car seat covers,car,seat,car interior,designer car interior,car interiors,cars,car items
The Top 10 Rarely Voiced Justifications Mechanics Use When Ripping You Off
Author : Theodore Olson
The following is a list of ten excuses that mechanics use to justify excessive car repair prices. This list is the result of numerous interviews and question and answer sessions with a variety of automotive technicians, shop owners, and managers across the world. A bit of humor is used to highlight the insanity of it all.Number 1: The costs of doing business are outrageous!
The number one rationalization mechanics use to charge excessive car repair prices is their own costs. When the bills roll in for them, they roll them out to the service customer. Don't get your car fixed during tax season.Number 2: It's not easy, you know!
After mechanics are done crying about how much it costs them to rip you off in the first place, they lament about how hard their jobs are. It's dirty AND there's so much technical mumbo jumbo to keep up with.Number 3: Industry pricing guidelines are unfair!
Not satisfied with the industry experts, mechanics emphasize the "guide" in guidelines to justify their prices, and to guide them to ever increasing profits.Number 4: The car's rusty!
This unfortunate characteristic of metal is commonly used to defend a host of charges. Those pesky nuts and bolts accumulate a lot of rust, you know!Number 5: The repair didn't include that!
Mechanics frequently use this "hazy ignorance" when justifying multiple charges on a repair that was supposed to include the multiple charges.Number 6: The guy's a jerk!
There's an old adage in the industry: Never Piss-off a tech!Number 7: I can get away with it!
No remorse here.Number 8: I screwed up!
Charging the client for mechanic errors…it's like paid training!Number 9: Somebody else screwed up!
I'm not paying for the wasted time! Damn parts guys, delivery guy, machine shop guy, owner guy….Number 10: Everyone else is doing it!
Finally! The TRUTH!98% of ALL Repair Shops Are Ripping You Off!-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Fair Car Repair PricesTed holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
The following is a list of ten excuses that mechanics use to justify excessive car repair prices. This list is the result of numerous interviews and question and answer sessions with a variety of automotive technicians, shop owners, and managers across the world. A bit of humor is used to highlight the insanity of it all.Number 1: The costs of doing business are outrageous!
The number one rationalization mechanics use to charge excessive car repair prices is their own costs. When the bills roll in for them, they roll them out to the service customer. Don't get your car fixed during tax season.Number 2: It's not easy, you know!
After mechanics are done crying about how much it costs them to rip you off in the first place, they lament about how hard their jobs are. It's dirty AND there's so much technical mumbo jumbo to keep up with.Number 3: Industry pricing guidelines are unfair!
Not satisfied with the industry experts, mechanics emphasize the "guide" in guidelines to justify their prices, and to guide them to ever increasing profits.Number 4: The car's rusty!
This unfortunate characteristic of metal is commonly used to defend a host of charges. Those pesky nuts and bolts accumulate a lot of rust, you know!Number 5: The repair didn't include that!
Mechanics frequently use this "hazy ignorance" when justifying multiple charges on a repair that was supposed to include the multiple charges.Number 6: The guy's a jerk!
There's an old adage in the industry: Never Piss-off a tech!Number 7: I can get away with it!
No remorse here.Number 8: I screwed up!
Charging the client for mechanic errors…it's like paid training!Number 9: Somebody else screwed up!
I'm not paying for the wasted time! Damn parts guys, delivery guy, machine shop guy, owner guy….Number 10: Everyone else is doing it!
Finally! The TRUTH!98% of ALL Repair Shops Are Ripping You Off!-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Fair Car Repair PricesTed holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
Chrysler Joins Paris Motor Show With New Wrangler And Avenger
Author : Joe Thompson
The Paris Motor Show is soon going to open and all people interested in meeting the best of the best vehicles there is would sure be running towards that mentioned grand event. And the manufacturer of superb Chrysler parts has announced its own share of vehicles that would be gracing the mentioned auto show.According to the Chrysler Group, they would be sending out two new vehicles for the Paris Motor Show. One would be the all new Jeep Wrangler while the other one would be the Dodge Avenger. And as per the latter, Chrysler even further says that this new vehicle actually is soon going to be marketed as a brand new saloon vehicle and it would be coming to the United Kingdom's market come the middle of 2007.During the mentioned auto show that will be held in the European region, it would also be the very first time that the newly revamped and upgraded Jeep Wrangler would be shown in the continent. According to Chrysler, they would be showing off the Jeep Wrangler in two versions. One would be the one that holds two doors while the other one would be the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition and this would be holding four doors. Come the month of April next year, the United Kingdom auto maker would be able to purchase the vehicle. And as per the kind of power this vehicle has? Well, let us simply say that the new Jeep Wrangler would be sold mounted with the new 2.8 liter engine that runs on diesel fuel. But Chrysler further informs that there would be a couple of units that would be coming in with a 3.8 liter engine that would be running on petrol fuel.The Dodge Avenger, on the other hand, is a vehicle that sure would be holding the interest of many of the auto show's goers. It sure does look like a muscle car and with that you would also know that it would be holding a really good amount of power. Chrysler also informed the public that this vehicle would be really friendly to the family and it also has got a good fuel economy and would be a very efficient vehicle at that.Chrysler partsJoe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
Keyword : auto parts,Chrysler,Chrysler parts,Chrysler accessories
The Paris Motor Show is soon going to open and all people interested in meeting the best of the best vehicles there is would sure be running towards that mentioned grand event. And the manufacturer of superb Chrysler parts has announced its own share of vehicles that would be gracing the mentioned auto show.According to the Chrysler Group, they would be sending out two new vehicles for the Paris Motor Show. One would be the all new Jeep Wrangler while the other one would be the Dodge Avenger. And as per the latter, Chrysler even further says that this new vehicle actually is soon going to be marketed as a brand new saloon vehicle and it would be coming to the United Kingdom's market come the middle of 2007.During the mentioned auto show that will be held in the European region, it would also be the very first time that the newly revamped and upgraded Jeep Wrangler would be shown in the continent. According to Chrysler, they would be showing off the Jeep Wrangler in two versions. One would be the one that holds two doors while the other one would be the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition and this would be holding four doors. Come the month of April next year, the United Kingdom auto maker would be able to purchase the vehicle. And as per the kind of power this vehicle has? Well, let us simply say that the new Jeep Wrangler would be sold mounted with the new 2.8 liter engine that runs on diesel fuel. But Chrysler further informs that there would be a couple of units that would be coming in with a 3.8 liter engine that would be running on petrol fuel.The Dodge Avenger, on the other hand, is a vehicle that sure would be holding the interest of many of the auto show's goers. It sure does look like a muscle car and with that you would also know that it would be holding a really good amount of power. Chrysler also informed the public that this vehicle would be really friendly to the family and it also has got a good fuel economy and would be a very efficient vehicle at that.Chrysler partsJoe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
Keyword : auto parts,Chrysler,Chrysler parts,Chrysler accessories
Limerick Driving Schools - An Instructor's Perspective
Author : Robin Piggott
Driving Schools in Limerick are much the same as those elsewhere; a mix of full time Professionals; some part time Instructors; some occasional Instructors and the usual crop of drivers who masquerade as Instructors. The lack of any formal Driving Instructor Examinations and ongoing monitoring has meant that anyone with a Driving license can stick a sign on the roof of his car and call himself an Instructor. There is plenty of this type of example throughout the country and Limerick is no exception. Sadly the level of skill being displayed by most Learner Drivers in Limerick is a reflection on the lack of commitment by successive governments to tackle head-on, the various issues surrounding driving and learning to drive. If there is no culture of Professional Driving Lessons only a lemming-like fascination with passing the Driving Test and nothing more; then it is hardly surprising we have one of the worst equipped Driving Populations in Europe!Currently the newly established Road Safety Authority is processing the proposed setting up of an official Register of Driving Instructors. The new Register will come into being in the summer of 2007 and will finally bring some semblance of order to the Profession, and with it the long awaited improvement in Driver Standards which one day will reduce the horrific accident statistics that are common in Ireland at present. A three part Examination process, together with further checks of Teaching Ability and vehicle Inspections will no doubt remove all those who are not committed to achieving the highest of Standards and continuing with further Professional Development.The format of the Examinations and ongoing monitoring of Instructors is due to be modelled on the European Standard; in line with the continual striving of Brussels to bring all 25 E.U.States into a common standard of Tuition principles and Driving Test parameters.Ireland is one of only a couple of countries within the E.U. community that has no long established regulation and monitoring of Driving School standards. There is also no current mandatory tuition of Learner Drivers which has lead to a virtual free- for- all on the roads throughout the country for many years. This has lead to pitiful Driving Standards throughout the whole driving population; a waiting list for the Driving Test that is probably the worst in Europe at approximately 11 months as we speak and a cost to the State of around 1.5 Billion Euro per Annum in coping with the horrendous accident fall-out.The Driving Test results in the Limerick and Mid-west area generally have been at the higher end of the scale for several years in contrast with other parts of the country that haven't fared so well in pass rates. Probably the huge increase in the population locally has contributed to an awareness of Driving Schools and their visibility. Perhaps more Learner Drivers have been persuaded to take professional lessons than many of those residents of more rural areas where practise with Parents or in the confines of the nearest field seems to be recognised as the rite of passage!Many fatal accidents have taken place on rural roads which will always remain the most dangerous of driving environments particularly in the autumn and winter months which is why all Learner Drivers should be given tuition and tutoring on these roads as a matter of course. Far too many Driving Instructors focus entirely on the Driving Test and entirely on City Roads when a broader scope of lessons which includes high speed carriageway driving and rural roads should be an essential part of the curriculum. This type of training would undoubtedly save lives and reduce the accident statistics.For Limerick Learner Drivers the choice is clear …take sufficient professional lessons and gain advanced skills from a suitably qualified Instructor before venturing into your own car and into the blue yonder. Just buying a car and hoping to pick up a few skills along the way will not keep you alive and will not enable you to pass the Driving Test in Limerick. The volume of traffic in and around the city and county now is very substantial as the University and other Colleges continue to expand and companies are attracted to the region. Dealing with this growth in traffic as a learner driver needs a good deal of practise if you are going to stay safe and out of trouble!Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed web site can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.ie Here you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car.
Stop by and pick up a free Mini Course on "Passing the Driving Test First Time"
Keyword : Limerick Driving Schools,driving Lessons,Driving Instructor,driving test,learner drivers,
Driving Schools in Limerick are much the same as those elsewhere; a mix of full time Professionals; some part time Instructors; some occasional Instructors and the usual crop of drivers who masquerade as Instructors. The lack of any formal Driving Instructor Examinations and ongoing monitoring has meant that anyone with a Driving license can stick a sign on the roof of his car and call himself an Instructor. There is plenty of this type of example throughout the country and Limerick is no exception. Sadly the level of skill being displayed by most Learner Drivers in Limerick is a reflection on the lack of commitment by successive governments to tackle head-on, the various issues surrounding driving and learning to drive. If there is no culture of Professional Driving Lessons only a lemming-like fascination with passing the Driving Test and nothing more; then it is hardly surprising we have one of the worst equipped Driving Populations in Europe!Currently the newly established Road Safety Authority is processing the proposed setting up of an official Register of Driving Instructors. The new Register will come into being in the summer of 2007 and will finally bring some semblance of order to the Profession, and with it the long awaited improvement in Driver Standards which one day will reduce the horrific accident statistics that are common in Ireland at present. A three part Examination process, together with further checks of Teaching Ability and vehicle Inspections will no doubt remove all those who are not committed to achieving the highest of Standards and continuing with further Professional Development.The format of the Examinations and ongoing monitoring of Instructors is due to be modelled on the European Standard; in line with the continual striving of Brussels to bring all 25 E.U.States into a common standard of Tuition principles and Driving Test parameters.Ireland is one of only a couple of countries within the E.U. community that has no long established regulation and monitoring of Driving School standards. There is also no current mandatory tuition of Learner Drivers which has lead to a virtual free- for- all on the roads throughout the country for many years. This has lead to pitiful Driving Standards throughout the whole driving population; a waiting list for the Driving Test that is probably the worst in Europe at approximately 11 months as we speak and a cost to the State of around 1.5 Billion Euro per Annum in coping with the horrendous accident fall-out.The Driving Test results in the Limerick and Mid-west area generally have been at the higher end of the scale for several years in contrast with other parts of the country that haven't fared so well in pass rates. Probably the huge increase in the population locally has contributed to an awareness of Driving Schools and their visibility. Perhaps more Learner Drivers have been persuaded to take professional lessons than many of those residents of more rural areas where practise with Parents or in the confines of the nearest field seems to be recognised as the rite of passage!Many fatal accidents have taken place on rural roads which will always remain the most dangerous of driving environments particularly in the autumn and winter months which is why all Learner Drivers should be given tuition and tutoring on these roads as a matter of course. Far too many Driving Instructors focus entirely on the Driving Test and entirely on City Roads when a broader scope of lessons which includes high speed carriageway driving and rural roads should be an essential part of the curriculum. This type of training would undoubtedly save lives and reduce the accident statistics.For Limerick Learner Drivers the choice is clear …take sufficient professional lessons and gain advanced skills from a suitably qualified Instructor before venturing into your own car and into the blue yonder. Just buying a car and hoping to pick up a few skills along the way will not keep you alive and will not enable you to pass the Driving Test in Limerick. The volume of traffic in and around the city and county now is very substantial as the University and other Colleges continue to expand and companies are attracted to the region. Dealing with this growth in traffic as a learner driver needs a good deal of practise if you are going to stay safe and out of trouble!Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed web site can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.ie Here you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car.
Stop by and pick up a free Mini Course on "Passing the Driving Test First Time"
Keyword : Limerick Driving Schools,driving Lessons,Driving Instructor,driving test,learner drivers,
Skip the Chicken Sandwich - Get Reliable Auto Roadside Assistance
Author : Brent Werner
Have you ever been driving and seen those people stranded on the side of the road trying to change a flat tire while wearing dress slacks and a white button up? About a year and a half ago I was that guy, and that's what prompted me to join a roadside assistance club.If you have never locked your keys in your car, run out of gas, gotten a flat tire or needed to be towed, you deserve a pat on the back. When that happens all you really want is fast, reliable emergency Roadside Aid that does not cost an arm and a leg.There is absolutely no reason why anyone should not have this luxury. Costing less than a grilled chicken at Wendy's you can get the following services from a number of qualified companies.Finding yourself with a dead battery, a wrecker will come and jumps start your car or if unable to get it started they will tow your vehicle to the nearest service facility.If you have never received a call from a wife, girlfriend, or kid that is stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire needing to be rescued, just wait. Would you not love 24 hour service that is able to attend to your family even when you can't?Some things are just out of our control, however there are those embarrassing instances where you run out of gas or lock your keys in your car and you don't want to call a friend and have to listen to the laugh they have on your behalf. Don't beat yourself up about it, it's completely normal and that is why it's included in your roadside assistance membership.With so many companies out there offering these great services it does not make sense for anyone to skip the chicken sandwich once a month and get reliable roadside assistance. Not only will you thank yourself but your family will thank you as well.About the Author:
Brent Werner is a Road Side Assistance consultant. He recommends using The Auto Club for all your roadside assistance needs. You can visit their site at www.theautoclub.com.
Keyword : Roadside assistance, roadside service, fix a flat tire, emergency car help, reliable road side help
Have you ever been driving and seen those people stranded on the side of the road trying to change a flat tire while wearing dress slacks and a white button up? About a year and a half ago I was that guy, and that's what prompted me to join a roadside assistance club.If you have never locked your keys in your car, run out of gas, gotten a flat tire or needed to be towed, you deserve a pat on the back. When that happens all you really want is fast, reliable emergency Roadside Aid that does not cost an arm and a leg.There is absolutely no reason why anyone should not have this luxury. Costing less than a grilled chicken at Wendy's you can get the following services from a number of qualified companies.Finding yourself with a dead battery, a wrecker will come and jumps start your car or if unable to get it started they will tow your vehicle to the nearest service facility.If you have never received a call from a wife, girlfriend, or kid that is stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire needing to be rescued, just wait. Would you not love 24 hour service that is able to attend to your family even when you can't?Some things are just out of our control, however there are those embarrassing instances where you run out of gas or lock your keys in your car and you don't want to call a friend and have to listen to the laugh they have on your behalf. Don't beat yourself up about it, it's completely normal and that is why it's included in your roadside assistance membership.With so many companies out there offering these great services it does not make sense for anyone to skip the chicken sandwich once a month and get reliable roadside assistance. Not only will you thank yourself but your family will thank you as well.About the Author:
Brent Werner is a Road Side Assistance consultant. He recommends using The Auto Club for all your roadside assistance needs. You can visit their site at www.theautoclub.com.
Keyword : Roadside assistance, roadside service, fix a flat tire, emergency car help, reliable road side help
The Three Basic Methods of Car Pinstriping
Author : Marc Deschamps
Before we talk about the different auto pinstriping methods we need to cover a couple of basic points :
Before we talk about the different auto pinstriping methods we need to cover a couple of basic points :
1) Pinstripes are usually done in two colors: one that compliments the body color, and another, thin line, which contrasts to make the stripe stand out. There are no rules: color choice is a matter of personal preference .... andimagination !!!
2) Make sure the surface to pinstripe is absolutely clean. Get rid of all residue with a good pre-surface preparation product
OK, now to the different auto pinstriping techniques :
Mechanical Pinstriping
A mechanical auto pinstriping is the best for striping long areas like trucks, vans, or station wagons. The main advantage is that it puts down stripes of consistent width, letting you concentrate more on keeping the contour of the stripe aligned along your work surface. The Buegler pinstriper and accessories are one of the preferred by body shops and pinstripers for their high quality construction and consistent operation. The easiest way to use a Buegler striper is to set up your stripe line using a magnetic auto pinstriping strip. It adheres firmly to steel surfaces, forms mild curves, and has a center groove designed with the Buegler's guide arm in mind. The strip can also act as a guide for your hand.
Striping with Stencil Tape
There are several different stencil tapes that are suitable for almost any auto pinstriping application. Stencil tapes let you lay down stripes of different colors without waiting for the other stripes to dry.
Stencil tape striping requires brushes: the pinstriping brush is the most important element for an excellent final result.
Freehand Striping
This auto pinstriping method is the most advanced one and requires the most practice to master, but offers unlimited flexibility. The easiest method for the freehand striping novice is to lay down a strip of masking tape about ¼ inch from where you would like the line to be. Use the tape as a visual guide for your stripes. Do not use standard masking tape for edging pinstripes. the pinstriping paint will seep and bleed under the edge of standard masking tape. The pinstriping can be as plain or as fancy as your patience and level of skill allows.
Regardless of the design, pinstriping is one of the best ways to make your vehicle very unique. Like anything worth doing right, practice will make worthwhile results .... and having the best possible supplies is critical too. Marc Deschamps is the editor of CarAccessoriesMagazine, a free online publication dedicated to automotive accessories, car care and related topics. Other articles full of information, tips and advice can be found athttp://www.car-accessories-magazine.com.
Keyword : car pinstriping, auto pinstriping
Acura TSX 2004: The Weekly Driver Review
Author : James Raia
As a new offering this year, the Acura TSX is defined as a near-luxury
vehicle. By some definitions, that means it costs less than $30,000 and
does not feature the refined quietness of vehicles described as
luxurious.Yet, however fine the line may be between near-luxurious and
luxurious, the TSX does little to further define those boundaries. In fact,
the reverse is true. It's a luxury car for less than $30,000, and it offers a
lot more than some of its higher-priced automotive cousins.My test drive for the week was TSX four-door with a six-speed manual
transmission. (The five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate is the
only other option.)With an easy-to-use navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon
headlights and heated front seats among the car's features, the TSX
priced out at $28,900, including the $500 destination charge.But for under $30,000, the vehicle has superior handling, simple yet
classy intrumentation and cabin design and particularly good front seat
space. So what's not luxury about the TSX?In my instance, my weekly test included a 400-mile round-trip adventure
from Northern California to the Monterey Peninsula. The journey
included myriad driving conditions, high-speed expansive sections of
Interstate 5 to the winding, narrow intrastate roads that weave through
farmlands and foothills, sometimes on tight, two-lane roads.But where I first noticed the agile steering and firmly controlled ride of
the TSX was maneuvering up and down the hills of Laguna Seca
Raceway. Several sections of the road include steep inclines and
descents, some with more than 15 percent grades.While shifting up or down through the gears, the Acura's competitor
against the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35 performed with
impressive responsiveness on each of the four trips I made to and from
the recreation area.In other driving situations, lane changes, for example, the TSX
maneuvered with surprising confidence. Likewise, while in lower-speed,
city traffic circumstances, the new Acura's gear shifting is precise and
void of any lunging or hesitation.With only one front-seat passenger during my trip, the average rating for
rear seat room the car has received, wasn't test. But for front-seat
occupants, the TSX had cozy-but-spacious feeling throughout the
journey.The vehicle's leather seats, the efficient and easy-to-operate navigation
system, sharply configured metal audio and cruise controls on the
steering wheel and high-intensity headlights all added to the vehicle's
fine performance and its comfort appeal.The six-speed manual transmission TSX has mileage ratings of 22 mph
and 29 mph respectively in city and freeway driving. Those seems fair
considering the car's 2.4-liter, 16-valve, 200-horsepower engine.The one concern is that premium fuel is required. And that, of course,
will add to the vehicle's operating costs.2004 Acura TSXSafety features -- driver's and front passenger's dual stage and side
airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS brakesFuel Mileage (estimates) -- 22 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).Warranty -- 4 years/50,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper), 5 years/unlimited
miles (corrosion), 4 years/50,000 miles (roadside assistance)Base price range -- $26,490-$28,490.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, Calif., who writes
about sports, fitness and business topics as well as the free electronic
newsletters Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times and The
Weekly Driver, a car review column.Samples of Raia's writing can be viewed on his web site: ByJamesRaia.com.His car reviews and newsletters can be viewed at The
Weekly Driver and
Endurance Sports News and Tour
de France Times
Keyword : 2004 Acura, Acura TSX, Acura, TSX, Acura Car Reviews
As a new offering this year, the Acura TSX is defined as a near-luxury
vehicle. By some definitions, that means it costs less than $30,000 and
does not feature the refined quietness of vehicles described as
luxurious.Yet, however fine the line may be between near-luxurious and
luxurious, the TSX does little to further define those boundaries. In fact,
the reverse is true. It's a luxury car for less than $30,000, and it offers a
lot more than some of its higher-priced automotive cousins.My test drive for the week was TSX four-door with a six-speed manual
transmission. (The five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate is the
only other option.)With an easy-to-use navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon
headlights and heated front seats among the car's features, the TSX
priced out at $28,900, including the $500 destination charge.But for under $30,000, the vehicle has superior handling, simple yet
classy intrumentation and cabin design and particularly good front seat
space. So what's not luxury about the TSX?In my instance, my weekly test included a 400-mile round-trip adventure
from Northern California to the Monterey Peninsula. The journey
included myriad driving conditions, high-speed expansive sections of
Interstate 5 to the winding, narrow intrastate roads that weave through
farmlands and foothills, sometimes on tight, two-lane roads.But where I first noticed the agile steering and firmly controlled ride of
the TSX was maneuvering up and down the hills of Laguna Seca
Raceway. Several sections of the road include steep inclines and
descents, some with more than 15 percent grades.While shifting up or down through the gears, the Acura's competitor
against the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35 performed with
impressive responsiveness on each of the four trips I made to and from
the recreation area.In other driving situations, lane changes, for example, the TSX
maneuvered with surprising confidence. Likewise, while in lower-speed,
city traffic circumstances, the new Acura's gear shifting is precise and
void of any lunging or hesitation.With only one front-seat passenger during my trip, the average rating for
rear seat room the car has received, wasn't test. But for front-seat
occupants, the TSX had cozy-but-spacious feeling throughout the
journey.The vehicle's leather seats, the efficient and easy-to-operate navigation
system, sharply configured metal audio and cruise controls on the
steering wheel and high-intensity headlights all added to the vehicle's
fine performance and its comfort appeal.The six-speed manual transmission TSX has mileage ratings of 22 mph
and 29 mph respectively in city and freeway driving. Those seems fair
considering the car's 2.4-liter, 16-valve, 200-horsepower engine.The one concern is that premium fuel is required. And that, of course,
will add to the vehicle's operating costs.2004 Acura TSXSafety features -- driver's and front passenger's dual stage and side
airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS brakesFuel Mileage (estimates) -- 22 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).Warranty -- 4 years/50,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper), 5 years/unlimited
miles (corrosion), 4 years/50,000 miles (roadside assistance)Base price range -- $26,490-$28,490.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, Calif., who writes
about sports, fitness and business topics as well as the free electronic
newsletters Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times and The
Weekly Driver, a car review column.Samples of Raia's writing can be viewed on his web site: ByJamesRaia.com.His car reviews and newsletters can be viewed at The
Weekly Driver and
Endurance Sports News and Tour
de France Times
Keyword : 2004 Acura, Acura TSX, Acura, TSX, Acura Car Reviews
Honda Pilot 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
Author : James Raia
Like its brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and new Element, the Pilot
completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And like any of those
offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard to find serious
fault with the Pilot.Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot replaced the Passport and it shares the
same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the complementary
choice from Honda's upscale Acura division.My test drive for the week was the top of the line's EX L 4-door wagon
that includes both a navigation system and second seat DVD
entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot further enhances
its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the
Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired
only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP total represents an
increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further adding to the
vehicle's status among the quicker midsize SUVs. It has a 0-60 mph test
rating of 7.9 seconds.Further performance areas for the Pilot are all ranked at least average or
above. The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering and handling are
fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken for anything other
than a SUV with cornering limitations.Braking is strong and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well-
suited for trails and in inclement weather conditions.Like other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as well as styling and
indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The automatic shift lever
is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and doesn't block
access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift in and out of
transmission settings.The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The
second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers.
Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat
passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from the
second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory
compartment behind the driver's seat.All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering
wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power
mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD
player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc
changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and
allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and
heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L model only.Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does have two less-than-
spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on
any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use
is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously
designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family known not only
performance and reliability, but for a strong position in the resale market.2005 Honda PilotSafety features -- Front side airbags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc
brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure monitor, rearview
camera.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles;
Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.Base price range -- $34,120.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver
Keyword : Honda Pilot, Honda, 2005 Honda Pilot, Honda Reviews, ByJamesRaia, The Weekly Driiver
Like its brethren, the CR-V, Odyssey and new Element, the Pilot
completes Honda's best-buy SUV and van line. And like any of those
offerings or anything else in Honda's arsenal, it's hard to find serious
fault with the Pilot.Introduced in late 2003, the Pilot replaced the Passport and it shares the
same basic chassis and powertrain as the MDX, the complementary
choice from Honda's upscale Acura division.My test drive for the week was the top of the line's EX L 4-door wagon
that includes both a navigation system and second seat DVD
entertainment system. With those additions, the Pilot further enhances
its position at the forefront of the midsize SUV ranks that include the
Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.The three Pilot models all offer a V6, 255-horsepower engine paired
only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The HP total represents an
increase of six percent from the 2004 model, further adding to the
vehicle's status among the quicker midsize SUVs. It has a 0-60 mph test
rating of 7.9 seconds.Further performance areas for the Pilot are all ranked at least average or
above. The driver sits "tall" in the vehicle, so steering and handling are
fine for the car's type. But it should never be mistaken for anything other
than a SUV with cornering limitations.Braking is strong and the standard all-wheel-drive system seems well-
suited for trails and in inclement weather conditions.Like other Hondas, controls and instrumentation as well as styling and
indoor space are thoughtful and styled simply. The automatic shift lever
is located behind the right side of the steering wheel and doesn't block
access to other controls. But it's also too easy to shift in and out of
transmission settings.The pilot is an eight-passenger vehicle, with little compromise. The
second and third-row seats each comfortably seat three passengers.
Although unused during my test week, second and third-seat
passengers can view DVDs from a screen that pops down from the
second-seat ceiling. Headphones are stored in a map/accessory
compartment behind the driver's seat.All three Pilot models have a long list of standard features: tilt steering
wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split folding second and third seats, power
mirrors, windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD
player, among other items. The EX and EX-L models include a six-disc
changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic-off headlights and
allow wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof and
heated power mirrors are standard on the EX-L model only.Despite its best-buy status, the Pilot does have two less-than-
spectacular considerations: curtain side airbags are not available on
any model, and its fuel rating of 17 in city driving and 22 in highway use
is fine for its category but hardly an economical plus.Nevertheless, the Pilot overall is an ideal family vehicle. It's spaciously
designed, practical and fits well in the Honda family known not only
performance and reliability, but for a strong position in the resale market.2005 Honda PilotSafety features -- Front side airbags, anti-lock 4-wheel disc
brakes, rear-obstacle detection system. tire pressure monitor, rearview
camera.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles;
Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.Base price range -- $34,120.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver
Keyword : Honda Pilot, Honda, 2005 Honda Pilot, Honda Reviews, ByJamesRaia, The Weekly Driiver
Inside Knowledge about Diesel Engines
Author : Thomas Yoon
One of the most reliable internal combustion engines around
is the diesel engine. In many industrial installations, diesel
engines are used as prime movers for the generation of
electricity and for emergency air compressors.It's true that they are rugged, but one of the most important
advantages of these engines is the fact that they can be
started by manual cranking. In remote areas, diesel engines
can be counted upon for starting up from scratch.Once a small diesel engine is started, it can be used to drive
a small electrical generator that can then be used to produce
electrical supply for driving other machines like pumps,
compressors, and for lighting.How does a diesel engine work?First there must be combustion of fuel. As we have discussed
in our previous articles, combustion or burning of fuel occurs
whenever there is sufficient heat, fuel and oxygen. When
conditions are just right, combustion can be very rapid. Rapid
combustion causes an explosion in an enclosed area. This is
because of the rapid built-up of hot gases during the process.In an internal combustion engine like a diesel engine, this
rapid combustion, and built-up of hot gas pressure is used to
push a piston away from the enclosed combustion space.The piston is attached to a crankshaft through a connecting rod.
Because of this, the engine is able to convert the linear
movement of a piston to a rotating movement of a crankshaft.The outward movement of the piston turns the crankshaft. However,
the momentum of the turning crankshaft forces the piston back
again towards the engine combustion space in a reciprocating
movement.Once the piston moves away from the combustion space, the
pressure drops. The next stage of operation depends on the
design of the engine. These can be either 2-stroke or 4-stroke
designs.Regardless of the type of design, the spent exhaust gas is
first driven out, and then new fresh air is drawn back into
the combustion chamber.After this, the rotating crankshaft drives the piston to
compress the fresh air inside the combustion chamber. The
piston acts as a reciprocating compressor at this stage.The compression of the air causes the latter to become hot - hot
enough to ignite finely distributed fuel particles.At this moment, fuel is sprayed in at high pressure. The tiny
sprayed fuel particles form a mist inside the combustion chamber.What do think will happen when you have heat, fuel and oxygen?
A fire! Each tiny particle of the fuel burns rapidly, and an
explosion occurs.The cycle starts again, and the crankshaft turns continuously,
the pistons move continuously, and the engine runs.How does the engine know when to spray fuel, let in air, compress
the air, and exhaust the spent combustion product?Well folks, start your engines.Until next time…"The Next Best Thing To Dazzling Tricks"
Tune up, Recondition Your Autos, Bikes, Boats, Trucks, Tractors
Engines and Boost Your Power! Learn from Experts."As Easy As Blockbuster Guarantee"
Find the Best Tools for Garden, Garage, Industry and Home.
Widest Range of Quality Tools.Thomas Yoon's skill in illustration/writing has enabled him to produce
numerous ebooks on engineering subjects that can be downloaded at
Engineering E-books. He has also produced an ebook on
"50 Secrets of Truth and Life"
that is fully illustrated with cartoons in a humorous way.
Subscribe to facworld ezine
More information at Marine Engineer and M & E Engineer
Keyword : diesel, engine, compressor, generator, internal, combustion, fuel, power, burning, crankshaft, tools
One of the most reliable internal combustion engines around
is the diesel engine. In many industrial installations, diesel
engines are used as prime movers for the generation of
electricity and for emergency air compressors.It's true that they are rugged, but one of the most important
advantages of these engines is the fact that they can be
started by manual cranking. In remote areas, diesel engines
can be counted upon for starting up from scratch.Once a small diesel engine is started, it can be used to drive
a small electrical generator that can then be used to produce
electrical supply for driving other machines like pumps,
compressors, and for lighting.How does a diesel engine work?First there must be combustion of fuel. As we have discussed
in our previous articles, combustion or burning of fuel occurs
whenever there is sufficient heat, fuel and oxygen. When
conditions are just right, combustion can be very rapid. Rapid
combustion causes an explosion in an enclosed area. This is
because of the rapid built-up of hot gases during the process.In an internal combustion engine like a diesel engine, this
rapid combustion, and built-up of hot gas pressure is used to
push a piston away from the enclosed combustion space.The piston is attached to a crankshaft through a connecting rod.
Because of this, the engine is able to convert the linear
movement of a piston to a rotating movement of a crankshaft.The outward movement of the piston turns the crankshaft. However,
the momentum of the turning crankshaft forces the piston back
again towards the engine combustion space in a reciprocating
movement.Once the piston moves away from the combustion space, the
pressure drops. The next stage of operation depends on the
design of the engine. These can be either 2-stroke or 4-stroke
designs.Regardless of the type of design, the spent exhaust gas is
first driven out, and then new fresh air is drawn back into
the combustion chamber.After this, the rotating crankshaft drives the piston to
compress the fresh air inside the combustion chamber. The
piston acts as a reciprocating compressor at this stage.The compression of the air causes the latter to become hot - hot
enough to ignite finely distributed fuel particles.At this moment, fuel is sprayed in at high pressure. The tiny
sprayed fuel particles form a mist inside the combustion chamber.What do think will happen when you have heat, fuel and oxygen?
A fire! Each tiny particle of the fuel burns rapidly, and an
explosion occurs.The cycle starts again, and the crankshaft turns continuously,
the pistons move continuously, and the engine runs.How does the engine know when to spray fuel, let in air, compress
the air, and exhaust the spent combustion product?Well folks, start your engines.Until next time…"The Next Best Thing To Dazzling Tricks"
Tune up, Recondition Your Autos, Bikes, Boats, Trucks, Tractors
Engines and Boost Your Power! Learn from Experts."As Easy As Blockbuster Guarantee"
Find the Best Tools for Garden, Garage, Industry and Home.
Widest Range of Quality Tools.Thomas Yoon's skill in illustration/writing has enabled him to produce
numerous ebooks on engineering subjects that can be downloaded at
Engineering E-books. He has also produced an ebook on
"50 Secrets of Truth and Life"
that is fully illustrated with cartoons in a humorous way.
Subscribe to facworld ezine
More information at Marine Engineer and M & E Engineer
Keyword : diesel, engine, compressor, generator, internal, combustion, fuel, power, burning, crankshaft, tools
Do You Know What Your Body Shop Business Is Worth?
Author : Willard Michlin
Many smaller body shop owners have asked, "How do I appraise my body shop?" In the last month I have been asked to do two appraisals on body shops. The first appraisal was to assist in partnership dissolution; the second appraisal was for marriage dissolution. (That is what the attorneys call a divorce.) Would you like to know how to appraise the value of a body shop business?Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA's do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn't audit more businesses then they currently do.As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner's benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers' salaries and perks.Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.About The AuthorWillard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other article by Willard at http://www.kismetgroup.comkismetrei@earthlink.net
Keyword : automotive,body shop,auto repairs,body shop owners
Many smaller body shop owners have asked, "How do I appraise my body shop?" In the last month I have been asked to do two appraisals on body shops. The first appraisal was to assist in partnership dissolution; the second appraisal was for marriage dissolution. (That is what the attorneys call a divorce.) Would you like to know how to appraise the value of a body shop business?Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA's do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn't audit more businesses then they currently do.As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner's benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers' salaries and perks.Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.About The AuthorWillard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other article by Willard at http://www.kismetgroup.comkismetrei@earthlink.net
Keyword : automotive,body shop,auto repairs,body shop owners
OBD II 101
Author : Jason Helferich
February 2005OBD-II. I'm sure everyone has heard of the word or abbreviation. What exactly is it? What does it do? All cars currently being built use this system and today we will go into detail to show you what it is, how it works, and if it inhibits or promotes modifications to your car.OBD-II stands for on-board diagnostics and they are standard on all vehicles manufactured today. In the late 1970s, auto manufacturers began using electronics or computers to monitor and control powertrain functions. This was done as a way to control emissions on new cars to comply with government standards. OBD-II is a set of standards and practices created by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which was approved by the EPA and CARB for implementation by 1/1/1996. Every car built since 1/1/1996 has OBD-II and actually manufacturers began implementing it on certain models as early as 1994. Some of these vehicles were not 100% compliant, but it was a way for the manufacturers to begin getting acquainted with the new system.The computer reports to the driver if it encounters a "problem". The "problem" is relayed to the driver by way of a MIL. MIL stands for malfunction indicator light, commonly known to drivers as the "Check Engine" light. There are three types of signals the computer will send to notify the driver. The light will flash occasionally if a momentary problem occurs. If the light comes on and stays on, this is a more serious issue and most likely will affect the emissions or safety of the car. When the light starts flashing, this is evidence of a serious problem and the vehicle should be taken to a repair facility immediately. The powertrain control module, or computer, will store the conditions the vehicle was experiencing when the error occurred; this is known as a "freeze frame." The "freeze frame" will store the speed, tachometer speed and other data to help the technician see what type of driving the car was experiencing when the error occurred.The creation of OBD-II makes it easier on the technician and repair shop. Instead of needing multiple scan tools to diagnose vehicles, they are able to use one with multiple software. Older vehicles have the diagnostic connector in various locations such as under the hood, under the carpet, or under the dash. Reading the codes was different on older vehicles, on 80's Chrysler vehicles you had to cycle the key off-on-off-on-off-on and the Check Engine Light would blink to signify the codes. On Honda's, you had to lift up the passenger side carpet and watch the blinking LED on the computer to get the codes. With OBD-II, the diagnostic connector is the same and is always located on the driver side under the dash.In the early days of OBD-II, many performance enthusiasts were afraid that the OBD-II system would not allow for the modification of the engine to the specs and power that they desired. It may have been the case had it not been for the intervention of SEMA. SEMA worked with the manufacturers to develop the program, therefore protecting their industry. OBD-II is designed to allow cars to run cleaner and more efficient and it does just that. Newer cars emit less emissions and have more horsepower than cars before OBD-II.In the current market there are also products available through the aftermarket that will allow owners to check their own codes and view the data list themselves. These products were created to save the consumer money as repair shops charge a labor charge just to hook up the scan tool and view the diagnostic trouble codes. One such product is the AutoTap (www.autotap.com), which makes a program for Windows or for your Palm Pilot. This software allows the user to view sensor data in real-time to know what their car is doing at that moment.If my Check Engine light is lit, is my car losing power? The answer is no. Check Engine light will primarily light if the PCM recognizes an error that will cause an emissions problem. These errors will not alter the fuel, spark or boost of the vehicle; therefore you may not experience a drivability problem. OBD-II can also keep your vehicle drivable in problem situations known as limp-home mode. In the old days, if a misfire occurred, fuel being dumped in the exhaust and not being ignited would wreak havoc on the catalytic converter and cause it to overheat. With OBD-II, the PCM can recognize the misfire and shut off fuel to the injector to prevent damage to the converter. On OBD-II systems there is a data table that the PCM will use to determine fuel, spark, timing, etc. It uses inputs from various engine sensors to control this mixture. In this system, if one sensor goes bad the data table can eliminate its input from its formula and use a base setting to determine the fuel and spark settings.Aftermarket products can cause for Check Engine lights to light. This is only caused by products improperly installed or manufactured. We have heard stories about the Check Engine Light illuminating when swapping out exhausts or intakes, but these codes being set will not affect your power output. This is typically caused by the premature release of a product without the proper research and development.Let's take a look at how an actual OBD-II code breaks down. A sample OBD-II code is P0105. Each digit in this code means something. The first digit is the system: P for Powertrain, B for Body, C for Chassis and U for Network. The second digit is either a 0 or a 1. The zero is an OBD code, one is a proprietary code. The third digit is the subsystem of the main system, in this case the powertrain: 1 is for fuel/air metering, 2 is for fuel/air metering(injectors), 3 is for ignition system, 4 is auxiliary emission control, 5 is for computer output, and 6 and 7 are for transmission. The last two digits signify the fault code. Therefore, this code is a powertrain code, an OBD code, subsystem is fuel/air metering and the 05 is the fault code.Today, we have covered many of the basics related to the OBD-II system. Now you know how the diagnostic system in your vehicle operates. So next time your car has a Check Engine light on, you will know the story behind it and how to check and clear it if you so desire. If you have further interest in this system, please view www.obdii.com._________________Jason Helferich www.streetstylecustoms.com
Keyword : article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email
February 2005OBD-II. I'm sure everyone has heard of the word or abbreviation. What exactly is it? What does it do? All cars currently being built use this system and today we will go into detail to show you what it is, how it works, and if it inhibits or promotes modifications to your car.OBD-II stands for on-board diagnostics and they are standard on all vehicles manufactured today. In the late 1970s, auto manufacturers began using electronics or computers to monitor and control powertrain functions. This was done as a way to control emissions on new cars to comply with government standards. OBD-II is a set of standards and practices created by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which was approved by the EPA and CARB for implementation by 1/1/1996. Every car built since 1/1/1996 has OBD-II and actually manufacturers began implementing it on certain models as early as 1994. Some of these vehicles were not 100% compliant, but it was a way for the manufacturers to begin getting acquainted with the new system.The computer reports to the driver if it encounters a "problem". The "problem" is relayed to the driver by way of a MIL. MIL stands for malfunction indicator light, commonly known to drivers as the "Check Engine" light. There are three types of signals the computer will send to notify the driver. The light will flash occasionally if a momentary problem occurs. If the light comes on and stays on, this is a more serious issue and most likely will affect the emissions or safety of the car. When the light starts flashing, this is evidence of a serious problem and the vehicle should be taken to a repair facility immediately. The powertrain control module, or computer, will store the conditions the vehicle was experiencing when the error occurred; this is known as a "freeze frame." The "freeze frame" will store the speed, tachometer speed and other data to help the technician see what type of driving the car was experiencing when the error occurred.The creation of OBD-II makes it easier on the technician and repair shop. Instead of needing multiple scan tools to diagnose vehicles, they are able to use one with multiple software. Older vehicles have the diagnostic connector in various locations such as under the hood, under the carpet, or under the dash. Reading the codes was different on older vehicles, on 80's Chrysler vehicles you had to cycle the key off-on-off-on-off-on and the Check Engine Light would blink to signify the codes. On Honda's, you had to lift up the passenger side carpet and watch the blinking LED on the computer to get the codes. With OBD-II, the diagnostic connector is the same and is always located on the driver side under the dash.In the early days of OBD-II, many performance enthusiasts were afraid that the OBD-II system would not allow for the modification of the engine to the specs and power that they desired. It may have been the case had it not been for the intervention of SEMA. SEMA worked with the manufacturers to develop the program, therefore protecting their industry. OBD-II is designed to allow cars to run cleaner and more efficient and it does just that. Newer cars emit less emissions and have more horsepower than cars before OBD-II.In the current market there are also products available through the aftermarket that will allow owners to check their own codes and view the data list themselves. These products were created to save the consumer money as repair shops charge a labor charge just to hook up the scan tool and view the diagnostic trouble codes. One such product is the AutoTap (www.autotap.com), which makes a program for Windows or for your Palm Pilot. This software allows the user to view sensor data in real-time to know what their car is doing at that moment.If my Check Engine light is lit, is my car losing power? The answer is no. Check Engine light will primarily light if the PCM recognizes an error that will cause an emissions problem. These errors will not alter the fuel, spark or boost of the vehicle; therefore you may not experience a drivability problem. OBD-II can also keep your vehicle drivable in problem situations known as limp-home mode. In the old days, if a misfire occurred, fuel being dumped in the exhaust and not being ignited would wreak havoc on the catalytic converter and cause it to overheat. With OBD-II, the PCM can recognize the misfire and shut off fuel to the injector to prevent damage to the converter. On OBD-II systems there is a data table that the PCM will use to determine fuel, spark, timing, etc. It uses inputs from various engine sensors to control this mixture. In this system, if one sensor goes bad the data table can eliminate its input from its formula and use a base setting to determine the fuel and spark settings.Aftermarket products can cause for Check Engine lights to light. This is only caused by products improperly installed or manufactured. We have heard stories about the Check Engine Light illuminating when swapping out exhausts or intakes, but these codes being set will not affect your power output. This is typically caused by the premature release of a product without the proper research and development.Let's take a look at how an actual OBD-II code breaks down. A sample OBD-II code is P0105. Each digit in this code means something. The first digit is the system: P for Powertrain, B for Body, C for Chassis and U for Network. The second digit is either a 0 or a 1. The zero is an OBD code, one is a proprietary code. The third digit is the subsystem of the main system, in this case the powertrain: 1 is for fuel/air metering, 2 is for fuel/air metering(injectors), 3 is for ignition system, 4 is auxiliary emission control, 5 is for computer output, and 6 and 7 are for transmission. The last two digits signify the fault code. Therefore, this code is a powertrain code, an OBD code, subsystem is fuel/air metering and the 05 is the fault code.Today, we have covered many of the basics related to the OBD-II system. Now you know how the diagnostic system in your vehicle operates. So next time your car has a Check Engine light on, you will know the story behind it and how to check and clear it if you so desire. If you have further interest in this system, please view www.obdii.com._________________Jason Helferich www.streetstylecustoms.com
Keyword : article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email
Rethinking The Oil Change Business Venture
Author : Lance Winslow
Annual quick lube survey, is it still viable?I wish to comment on the Fast Lube Business and the annual survey done by Auto Laundry News, one of the few Industry Magazines for the car wash industry. In this 2001 survey, we see an increase on the number of locations out there. Yet the leader of the Industry is by far Jiffy Lube. We see variations on theme, but we can safely say that Jiffy Lube has adapted best to the American public and their desires when it comes to oil changes.This survey showed the average customer would drive 5.7 miles to get an oil change. If 50% of the customers would drive 5.7 miles and 80% of the customers usually come from a three-mile radius to get a car wash, I see additional synergy. These car washes with oil lube centers are getting a further reach than the industry average. This is great news for those carwashes adding oil lube bays, but also it takes up space and if not marketed correctly it will not work. The survey was quick to show that oil change facilities do best in middle class areas, not high-end areas. They do poorly in low-income areas. This all makes sense. Free standing car washes were the most likely to have oil lube facilities on there properties. Interesting too is that minimum wage was not prevailing, normally the companies pay $8.00-10.00 per hour. Makes realistic sense and I believe good help starts in this country at $10.00 per hour in most metros and $8.00 hour in rural.Only 23% of the fast lubes had a website. Only half had internet access in the locations. Average employees were 5 full time and 3 part timers. Luckily for the image of this industry 74% had specific uniforms. The average shop had 3 bays, not enough to do the volume if adequate blitz marketing and community based marketing were taking place. Average revenue was $32.00 per car. That is an awful lot of upselling since the average advertised price that I have noticed is around $19.99. Less than 30% were open on Sundays? Bad mistake since there is no time to change oil and wait in line for most Americans. Average monthly gross was $2,400.00 per month per bay?This is shit, this is not even a viable business, these people are wasting their time. Think about it, you have cost of oil and filter too and labor? Forget that news. I question the viability of the entire oil change industry. The largest Jiffy Lube franchisee in the country with 180 units was de-listed from NASDAQ and so was another prominent auto care and lube company recently. I like the Kwik-Lube Company and feel they are doing it right, but also question the ROI of such an endeavor seeing these results and the cost to build the building and time to build it. One good thing that the oil lube bays have going for them is the up-sell, but as the consumer dollar gets tighter and the credit card debt gets higher and the fall out rates increase where will this extra impulse revenue and up-sell cash be coming form?The Industry is still expanding and new entrants to the market place are hurting existing units and I question the saturation point, not on need, but on desire. No one wants to spend money on oil changes, they need to. People buy what they want, satellite TV and beer. Not what they need, so I see a frequency problem issue brewing and people waiting 5-6-7 thousand miles between changes. So I believe that if an oil lube bay is not already attached to another reason to frequent the facility it will soon be in desire straits. The survey also showed that 93% OF THE OIL LUBE BAYS USED ADVERTISING TO GET THEIR CUSTOEMRS? WHY? We do not advertise, word of mouth and happy customers advertise for us. There you go again more cost.Also 60% of the surveyed said that competition was discounting. HMMM? You have labor costs that are high, frequency is down, new car technology on the horizon, cost of oil going to the big guys and throw in a price war? I see problem as the non-savvy operators leave facilities for sale and exit the market place. By eliminating the facility and going mobile with the existing customer base of let's say a mobile truck repair business which can co-band and fleet services available you could beat these other companies since they running redline over saturations of mailer coupons and phone book ads and no web sites. Many companies are not watching the changing demographics at their locations and lease or property costs and unable to sell or borrow more due to their lousy profit margins. And what can you convert and Oil change bay into? Cover up the hole for a tire shop? What happens when Hydrogen cell comes and no one changes oil. Can you convert to filter type operation? Not really since often the tires and wheels are offset and will land the modular car into the lube bay hole. We have the solution and we can beat them in almost every aspect. Some consultants have said; "Bunch of dummies copying each other."Listen to this part of the survey, advertising dollars were spent on, here is where the respondents said they advertised; TV 15%, Direct Mail 51%, Radio 38%, Newspaper 35%, Bill Boards 18%, Yellow Pages 53%, other only 13%. Scary, all that costs money and everybody is running redline copying each other. This is what happens when people cannot think any longer and cannot adapt and do business at the speed of thought,http://www.speedofthought.com81% of respondents said they would honor competitor's coupons? Whatever, why print them then. Let everyone else spend the money and take theirs? 80% said they have tried to use discounting to lure customers from other lube places to theirs. Boy this sounds like the carpet cleaning industry to me.Breakdown in costs per job. 10% rent or property, 3% maintenance of facility, 26% labor, 30% materials, 4% utilities and many reported expecting that to double and some have already in the west experienced a tripling. Insurance 4% and that to expected to keep rising and some said 8%, Customer claims for damage 1%, this is in-excusable, Advertising 10%. Want to add those up for me. Why are they doing it?Average new facility costs were; Land $206,000, Improvements $505,000, New equipment $36,000. WOW all that for little or no return? Average number of competitors within 10-mile radius? 36% said 3, 19% said two, 19% said 5, 7% said 5 or more. How can anyone invest this kind of money per location when we can build a couple of units for a total of $65,000 and nearly equal the number of potential vehicles to service? Also with AAA building oil change facilities and Wal-Mart getting into things, the competition will be bloody and that is a lot of money to invest in a business with an uncertain future. Not a good bet, if you were a betting man.We are very much liking this Industry because we know things the Industry does not and we can slam them because they have missed the boat. We have seen a few companies which are looking into ways to change the oil on the water for yachts. What is even better is that they all missed the boat at the same time and are fighting on shore for a few little boats to get to the ship that is leaving the harbor. Who will survive this oil change war. The one who bests services the customer, they way the customer wishes to be serviced.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : oil change, mobile, changing, oil, automotive shop, business plan
Annual quick lube survey, is it still viable?I wish to comment on the Fast Lube Business and the annual survey done by Auto Laundry News, one of the few Industry Magazines for the car wash industry. In this 2001 survey, we see an increase on the number of locations out there. Yet the leader of the Industry is by far Jiffy Lube. We see variations on theme, but we can safely say that Jiffy Lube has adapted best to the American public and their desires when it comes to oil changes.This survey showed the average customer would drive 5.7 miles to get an oil change. If 50% of the customers would drive 5.7 miles and 80% of the customers usually come from a three-mile radius to get a car wash, I see additional synergy. These car washes with oil lube centers are getting a further reach than the industry average. This is great news for those carwashes adding oil lube bays, but also it takes up space and if not marketed correctly it will not work. The survey was quick to show that oil change facilities do best in middle class areas, not high-end areas. They do poorly in low-income areas. This all makes sense. Free standing car washes were the most likely to have oil lube facilities on there properties. Interesting too is that minimum wage was not prevailing, normally the companies pay $8.00-10.00 per hour. Makes realistic sense and I believe good help starts in this country at $10.00 per hour in most metros and $8.00 hour in rural.Only 23% of the fast lubes had a website. Only half had internet access in the locations. Average employees were 5 full time and 3 part timers. Luckily for the image of this industry 74% had specific uniforms. The average shop had 3 bays, not enough to do the volume if adequate blitz marketing and community based marketing were taking place. Average revenue was $32.00 per car. That is an awful lot of upselling since the average advertised price that I have noticed is around $19.99. Less than 30% were open on Sundays? Bad mistake since there is no time to change oil and wait in line for most Americans. Average monthly gross was $2,400.00 per month per bay?This is shit, this is not even a viable business, these people are wasting their time. Think about it, you have cost of oil and filter too and labor? Forget that news. I question the viability of the entire oil change industry. The largest Jiffy Lube franchisee in the country with 180 units was de-listed from NASDAQ and so was another prominent auto care and lube company recently. I like the Kwik-Lube Company and feel they are doing it right, but also question the ROI of such an endeavor seeing these results and the cost to build the building and time to build it. One good thing that the oil lube bays have going for them is the up-sell, but as the consumer dollar gets tighter and the credit card debt gets higher and the fall out rates increase where will this extra impulse revenue and up-sell cash be coming form?The Industry is still expanding and new entrants to the market place are hurting existing units and I question the saturation point, not on need, but on desire. No one wants to spend money on oil changes, they need to. People buy what they want, satellite TV and beer. Not what they need, so I see a frequency problem issue brewing and people waiting 5-6-7 thousand miles between changes. So I believe that if an oil lube bay is not already attached to another reason to frequent the facility it will soon be in desire straits. The survey also showed that 93% OF THE OIL LUBE BAYS USED ADVERTISING TO GET THEIR CUSTOEMRS? WHY? We do not advertise, word of mouth and happy customers advertise for us. There you go again more cost.Also 60% of the surveyed said that competition was discounting. HMMM? You have labor costs that are high, frequency is down, new car technology on the horizon, cost of oil going to the big guys and throw in a price war? I see problem as the non-savvy operators leave facilities for sale and exit the market place. By eliminating the facility and going mobile with the existing customer base of let's say a mobile truck repair business which can co-band and fleet services available you could beat these other companies since they running redline over saturations of mailer coupons and phone book ads and no web sites. Many companies are not watching the changing demographics at their locations and lease or property costs and unable to sell or borrow more due to their lousy profit margins. And what can you convert and Oil change bay into? Cover up the hole for a tire shop? What happens when Hydrogen cell comes and no one changes oil. Can you convert to filter type operation? Not really since often the tires and wheels are offset and will land the modular car into the lube bay hole. We have the solution and we can beat them in almost every aspect. Some consultants have said; "Bunch of dummies copying each other."Listen to this part of the survey, advertising dollars were spent on, here is where the respondents said they advertised; TV 15%, Direct Mail 51%, Radio 38%, Newspaper 35%, Bill Boards 18%, Yellow Pages 53%, other only 13%. Scary, all that costs money and everybody is running redline copying each other. This is what happens when people cannot think any longer and cannot adapt and do business at the speed of thought,http://www.speedofthought.com81% of respondents said they would honor competitor's coupons? Whatever, why print them then. Let everyone else spend the money and take theirs? 80% said they have tried to use discounting to lure customers from other lube places to theirs. Boy this sounds like the carpet cleaning industry to me.Breakdown in costs per job. 10% rent or property, 3% maintenance of facility, 26% labor, 30% materials, 4% utilities and many reported expecting that to double and some have already in the west experienced a tripling. Insurance 4% and that to expected to keep rising and some said 8%, Customer claims for damage 1%, this is in-excusable, Advertising 10%. Want to add those up for me. Why are they doing it?Average new facility costs were; Land $206,000, Improvements $505,000, New equipment $36,000. WOW all that for little or no return? Average number of competitors within 10-mile radius? 36% said 3, 19% said two, 19% said 5, 7% said 5 or more. How can anyone invest this kind of money per location when we can build a couple of units for a total of $65,000 and nearly equal the number of potential vehicles to service? Also with AAA building oil change facilities and Wal-Mart getting into things, the competition will be bloody and that is a lot of money to invest in a business with an uncertain future. Not a good bet, if you were a betting man.We are very much liking this Industry because we know things the Industry does not and we can slam them because they have missed the boat. We have seen a few companies which are looking into ways to change the oil on the water for yachts. What is even better is that they all missed the boat at the same time and are fighting on shore for a few little boats to get to the ship that is leaving the harbor. Who will survive this oil change war. The one who bests services the customer, they way the customer wishes to be serviced.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : oil change, mobile, changing, oil, automotive shop, business plan
Lost Revenues in Auto Industry and Un-Maintained Vehicles
Author : Lance Winslow
They say that the auto aftermarket industry grew at 3.7% in 2002. That 214 million cars are on the road, That 40% of those cars are over 10 years old.Source:
They say that the auto aftermarket industry grew at 3.7% in 2002. That 214 million cars are on the road, That 40% of those cars are over 10 years old.Source:
http://www.aftermarket.orgThe Automotive Week/green sheet shows 77 billion in un-used annual maintenance. Wal-Mart will do 1 billion in oil changes and with their latest program we figure 2 billion in car washes as they are establishing their own brand of car washes along side their Super Wal-Mart gas card fill-up stations. Well that sure sounds great but that still leaves 74 Billion annually on the table.In the latest survey during Car Care Aware program they found that 21% of all cars needed wiper blades. We have discussed wiper blades on this site before and we have all read articles in NOLN; National Oil and Lube News about this important add-on profit center. At the 2003 SEMA show and APEX Show in Las Vegas we saw many wiper blade wholesalers, manufacturers and knock offs, some stolen counterfeit parts issues and PTO problems. (the Department of Commerce estimated that it is a 12 Billion Dollar problem already doubling every year and that America could put 210,000 people back to work if we could stop it -- Ouch !!!).Back to the subject the Car Care Aware program to enlighten consumers also found that 46% of all cars needed washer fluid. That 38% were over 5500 miles since last oil change, 25% were low on power steering fluid, 15% low on coolant, 10% were low on brake fluid...Stop... Why is this happening? Could it be due to consumer confidence in the industry? That the consumer is tapped out? That the consumer buys a new car every 3.3 years on average? Maybe, but what about the 40%, which drives a car 10 years old or older, me included? What is their problem with not getting services done? After all if they have an old car which runs okay and they are fond of it, obviously it pays to keep it in working order and without the high insurance payments or car payments that the average consumer forks over each and every month shouldn't they be in to see you more often? Yes. The survey went on to show that 19% of the cars needed belts one or more, 16% had dirty air filters many quite disgusting. 12% had hoses ready to pop, and in the survey, which you can read online at; http://www.carcare.org, over 90% of the vehicles failed in two or more categories? What does this say? It says the consumer does not understand that simply putting the gas in and an oil change when ever they get around to it next year is not enough.It is not safe, not smart and potentially damaging the automobile permanently. But it also tells us that the consumer desires other things with their dollar, which they vote with more? Like what? Like an extra night at the movies, filling up their Starbucks card, a new Plasma TV on credit, cable TV, additional minutes on their cell phone, new shoes, nicer car meaning higher payments, etc. Then it is the industries fault for allowing the consumer to neglect their cars. It is the industries fault for failing to put customers at ease, developing report, making them confident in our abilities.Why is the industry failing? Consumers point to the price point and cost, they go in for a $19.99 oil change and then come out with a healthy whopping bill for $150.00 they were not expecting and were angry about? If they were angry then someone did not explain the full impact of the issues, which were serviced? Someone over charged them, sold them something they did not need or in the case of a woman, many women claim they treated me like an imbecile? Did your employees do this? It really makes them mad. The industry needs to wake up and think about the image they portray.Consumers remember those 60 Minute shows of behind the scenes dirty deeds of unscrupulous operators. I hate to tell you but I too sometimes think ill of the rest of you out there. And I am in the business. The industry can do a much better job. In the car wash industry less than 12% of the customers are regular weekly or bi-weekly customers. That is way too low, they let their cars get disgusting and this hurts the paint. We have done studies and can get the repeats up to over 40% by treating the customers with respect, explaining the services properly and babying their cars. That car represents in many cases the second largest investment they will ever make in their entire life, that car is an extension of self in our country. The great love of the American Automobile is well known in our society. It is time that the industry got with the program. We are. Service the customer, or we will."Doing your best is not enough, unless you are the best." My prediction is that there will be 980 new quick lubes in the US in 2004, will you have sufficient lines and volumes in order to justify being one or even afford another? Don't ask me, ask the customer if they are happy, they understand the importance of regular service and if they love you enough to refer their friends.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : auto business, lost revenue, unmaintained cars, consumers
Synthetic Lubricants Mean Less Dependence on Foreign Oil Consumption
Author : Steve Danielson
As big oil companies continue to grow bigger, foreigners are the ones who get most of the money. If you own a lot of oil stock you may be happy, but the rest of us can only grumble when we see prices jump higher at the pump. The gas station is the easiest way to see how the rising cost of oil affects us, but there are many hidden costs, too.Much of the world's oil now comes from the middle east. We are able to see on a daily basis the price of being dependent on another part of the world for the energy we have come to rely upon. The wars in that region may not be for oil specifically, but if there was no oil, there would be considerably less money to make war. Most of the oil money goes to a few people who are in control. The majority of the people in the oil rich countries remain poverty-stricken and greatly resent the way the cash flow does not improve their lives.For every dollar we spend on gasoline or oil, a significant portion goes to companies paying taxes in foreign countries. In much the same way that it hurts our country to lose jobs to foreign corporations, our economy suffers greatly when we buy foreign oil.The U.S. population consumes an incredible amount of energy. For most of us, mobility is necessary to live our daily lives. We drive to work each day; chauffer our children from place to place, and rely heavily upon rental and company cars for business travel. In a more perfect world, mass transit or bicycles would be much better, but with frequently changing jobs, nomadic lifestyles and hectic schedules, these options are hardly practical.Many people complain about the price of gas, the war and the terrorists who are funded by oil money. Instead of enabling the situation, let's make some changes for the better.Now is our chance to make a difference for our country and the future of our economy. How can you help? Exercise your American buying power!Boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles can dramatically reduce foreign oil consumption. We don't have to be as dependant on foreign oil as we might think. Just lessening our oil and fuel usage even a small amount will help. Buying products made in the USA can reduce our dependence and keep the money and jobs in our country.LessForeignOil.com is dedicated to helping reduce the amount of oil we use through the development of environmentally-friendly synthetic lubricants. What are some synthetic oil-based products that will prove economical for your cars, trucks and machinery parts while being kind to the environment?- synthetic engine oil
- synthetic racing oil
- synthetic motor oil
- biodegradable hydraulic oil
- transmission fluid
- synthetic polymer food-grade grease
- suspension fluid
- oil and air filters
- gas stabilizersAs we move into an economy that includes developing countries with needs that will soon exceed the USA, reducing oil use is even more important. If you're the kind of person that takes a great opportunity when it is offered, you can get started now. For more information on a full line of technologically-advanced, superior-performance synthetic oil products, visit www.lessforeignoil.com.
As big oil companies continue to grow bigger, foreigners are the ones who get most of the money. If you own a lot of oil stock you may be happy, but the rest of us can only grumble when we see prices jump higher at the pump. The gas station is the easiest way to see how the rising cost of oil affects us, but there are many hidden costs, too.Much of the world's oil now comes from the middle east. We are able to see on a daily basis the price of being dependent on another part of the world for the energy we have come to rely upon. The wars in that region may not be for oil specifically, but if there was no oil, there would be considerably less money to make war. Most of the oil money goes to a few people who are in control. The majority of the people in the oil rich countries remain poverty-stricken and greatly resent the way the cash flow does not improve their lives.For every dollar we spend on gasoline or oil, a significant portion goes to companies paying taxes in foreign countries. In much the same way that it hurts our country to lose jobs to foreign corporations, our economy suffers greatly when we buy foreign oil.The U.S. population consumes an incredible amount of energy. For most of us, mobility is necessary to live our daily lives. We drive to work each day; chauffer our children from place to place, and rely heavily upon rental and company cars for business travel. In a more perfect world, mass transit or bicycles would be much better, but with frequently changing jobs, nomadic lifestyles and hectic schedules, these options are hardly practical.Many people complain about the price of gas, the war and the terrorists who are funded by oil money. Instead of enabling the situation, let's make some changes for the better.Now is our chance to make a difference for our country and the future of our economy. How can you help? Exercise your American buying power!Boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles can dramatically reduce foreign oil consumption. We don't have to be as dependant on foreign oil as we might think. Just lessening our oil and fuel usage even a small amount will help. Buying products made in the USA can reduce our dependence and keep the money and jobs in our country.LessForeignOil.com is dedicated to helping reduce the amount of oil we use through the development of environmentally-friendly synthetic lubricants. What are some synthetic oil-based products that will prove economical for your cars, trucks and machinery parts while being kind to the environment?- synthetic engine oil
- synthetic racing oil
- synthetic motor oil
- biodegradable hydraulic oil
- transmission fluid
- synthetic polymer food-grade grease
- suspension fluid
- oil and air filters
- gas stabilizersAs we move into an economy that includes developing countries with needs that will soon exceed the USA, reducing oil use is even more important. If you're the kind of person that takes a great opportunity when it is offered, you can get started now. For more information on a full line of technologically-advanced, superior-performance synthetic oil products, visit www.lessforeignoil.com.
Buy American, and make a difference for your country's economy and for future generations to come.Copyright 2005 Steve Danielson. All rights reserved.Steve Danielson has over 35 years of experience designing, building, repairing, operating and owning machinery including autos, heavy trucks, RVs, construction, sawmills, concrete, mining systems and farm equipment. Learn more at http://www.lessforeignoil.com
Keyword : synthetic lubricants, synthetic oil, fuel economy, foreign oil, gas crisis, American products
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