Monthly Archives: January 2010

Author : Mark Etinger

The “perfect” car audio system, doesn’t always have to be the most expensive one In fact, it’s simply one that meets your needs and includes all the stuff you want – or, can afford to want There are a few basic facets you need to consider when it comes to your car audio system because it includes a few basic components First off you should consider the source – this is essentially the most important part of the car audio unit You need to first get a good head unit from a manufacture – this doesn’t necessarily HAVE to be a top brand name that everyone knows about

Also, look for a guarantee and avert companies that tell you “we’re the best in the business” Chances are someone else is the best too and they are probably cheaper than the initial business is Be sure to always look around at different stores Usually I like to keep a few different tabs open to compare prices, and if one out-beats the other one, that’s the one I’ll go with Common sense If you don’t have a lot of money to waste – forget about visuals and all the colorful displays that are available on the market right now Simply get a head that performs well, got good reviews, and will have a long lasting value

I’ve had some head units that were MORE than I could afford and they lasted me for a year tops Then, I’ve also bought on a budget, and these head units lasted for a MUCH longer time You can also get mobile video as well – this is a back seat product as well as passenger dash that allows people to watch videos and movies, television and even play video games The second component is the speakers and I find this to be the second most important part of the system! You have several different options available when it comes to sizes, power, shapes and quality Never buy a speaker system by depending on the power rating such as Peak Power, Max Power, PMPO, etc Instead, make sure you follow the Root Mean Square rating (RMS) This is going to be the equivalent of the actual power of the speakers Nothing else matters, JUST the RMS rating Next on the list is amplifiers, these are going to multiply the signals from the head unit and send a powerful and much more quality signal through the speakers in turn the amplifiers make the system sound better so this is definitely not something you want to skimp out on!

It’s important to remember that sub woofers will demand the most power out of your amps – more power should go to your sub woofers than the compounded power to your other speakers Obviously for ALL these components you are going to need a powerful power supply cord as a fundamental part of any car audio system Most of the time you can get away with a 12V DC, if you find that the car audio company you bought from includes a lower Voltage – you simply need to buy a different DC plug for your system – especially important if you have even more gadgets than the ones we listed here

A lot of people really like putting their own systems together Firstly, it allows you to really learn ALL you can about a car How it’s made, how it works, how to install stuff, it’s like one giant puzzle Second off, there is a lot of pride in installing your own car audio components It’s just a nice boost of confidence, it doesn’t matter if you are installing mobile video or car audio, I can guarantee that if you do it on your own you are going to feel much better about the situation and the time and money you spent on it!

At
www.PyleAudio.com
you can find state-of-the-art
car audio
, car stereo equipment and mobile video that will make your car go bling bling.

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Author : Mike Selvon

If you have been looking at electric scooters and trying to decide which one would be right for you, then there are a few questions you may want to consider Are you going to use it for leisure or to commute to and from work? How far are you going to be traveling? When faced with the many different models of electric scooters, these questions will help you decide which one is right for you

So basically you need to consider the range of the electric scooters mobility, the rider’s weight, the terrain of the area where it will be used, its portability as well as the climate it will be used in You also want to try a few out to make sure as you can have a choice of stand-up or sit down ones and of course, you need to know what your budget will allow

When talking about range, it refers to how far the batteries will take you on a single charge, as most electric scooters, under ideal conditions on flat land, no wind, etc , have a standard range of approximately 8 miles However, it is more likely that a few less miles will be closer to the average

As well, a rider who weights between 180 and 250 lbs will be able to ride most of the different powered scooters A heavier person will be a little more limited as to the types of such devices available to them

The terrain is also a consideration when choosing powered scooters, obviously the flatter the land the better If there is going to be hill climbing involved, then you may want to consider making sure that you purchase one of the 350 watt electric motor scooters

You also need to consider portability, meaning how much will you need to carry the electric scooter around? Most are small enough but some are also fairly heavy and not as easy to fold

Another thing to consider before you purchase an electric scooter is the climate If it is sunny and warm pretty much any one of the electric scooters would work for you If you are stranded in the rain, then most manufactures say it is fine to go ahead and ride the scooter back home if you have no other option

Most of the motors are sealed and a little rain should not hurt them but stay out of the rain if possible Also keep in mind that both extreme heat and extreme cold may reduce the scooters range

Find out more about the electric scooters from Mike Selvon informative collection of articles and learn more at the cheap scooters blog.

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Author : John Myre

After a summer of vigorous off-road adventures, one headlight beam on Stan’s SUV strayed across to the shoulder of the far lane The other beam lit up the tree line on the right shoulder Which didn’t present much of a problem in the summer, but the days were getting shorter now and Stan spent more time driving at night

But who has time to have his headlights aligned? Other cars could see him coming, and he had enough light to see almost anything in his path except maybe that shadowy animal crossing the road at dusk on rain slick pavement After Stan ran off the road dodging the animal, Stan finally took the time to get his headlights aligned

Fall driving presents a variety of obstacles, and more drivers die from September through November than during the winter months of December through February Slick roads, foggy mornings, and roaming wildlife are just some of the increased hazards

You must also contend with less daylight and morning and evening sun glare

Driving In The Dark

Everyone sees less well at night In fact, you are three times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash at night as during daylight hours Keep these tips in mind as the seasons change

* Less light means slow down Drive below the speed limit and increase your following distance

* Take curves slower, and never overdrive your headlights Be sure you can stop if something suddenly appears in the roadway

* Use high beams as much as possible on highways and unlighted streets Remember, though, low beams are mandatory if you’re within 500 feet of another vehicle or in fog Note: Low beams lose their efficiency at speeds above 40 mph

* One of the greatest dangers of night driving is sudden light from street lights, neon signs, wet pavements and approaching cars Try to look away from glare Use the lines or edge of the pavement on your right side to help guide you

* Don’t try to “out-glare” a vehicle that does not switch to low beams Be the first to be courteous Retaliation for bad manners only results in two blinded drivers

* Take special care on poorly lit, rural roads

Preventive Maintenance

* Clean and check your headlights regularly Headlight dirt or misalignment can reduce the distance a driver can detect objects at night by about thirty percent

* Get your headlights aligned during a regular maintenance stop If you can’t get to a technician, the National Safety Council suggests the following steps:

-You need 35-40 feet of flat or constantly sloped driveway

-Shine your low beams on a garage door two to three feet away

-Outline the bright spots with a soft pencil or tape

-Back the car about 25 feet from the door The top of the low beams should shine no higher than the top of the marks on the door or lower than the center of the marked circle If you have two headlights, the high beams are also aimed

-If you have four headlights, aim the low beams first Adjust the high beams until the center of the high is at the top of the low beam

Seasonal Hazards

* To minimize the glare problems at sunrise and sunset, use your visor, and wear sunglasses if necessary Never wear sunglasses or tinted glasses at night

* Be wary of drivers who are driving into a glare at your back Give yourself plenty of room to come to a controlled stop

* Turn on your headlights whenever you wonder if it’s dark enough to use headlights It will help you see and be seen

* Clean your windshield inside and out, especially if you are a smoker Smoke can cloud your windows and diffuse light

* Keep paper towels or a rag handy in the interior of your car

* Keep your wipers clean and new Streaks make glare worse Check the washing fluid often

* To avoid skids in rainy weather, slow down If you do skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go

* As soon as temperatures start diving into the 30s, slow down before crossing a bridge

* Deer and other wildlife are active in the fall If a collision is unavoidable, slow down to reduce the impact Stay under control

John Myre is the author of the award-winning book, Live Safely in a Dangerous World, and the publisher of the Safety Times Reproducible Articles..

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Author : Steven Magill

For many people, there is simply nothing worse than climbing into a scorching hot car in the middle of summer But what happens when the air conditioning isn’t blowing cold either? Not only are you miserable, now you’re wondering what it’s going to take to get the air fixed There are a number of different reasons why a vehicle’s air conditioning may not be working properly

When the refrigerant levels in your vehicles air conditioning system get low, it will not produce cold air There are a couple of reasons why it may be low, such as a leaking compressor or a break in the O-ring There could also be a leak in the condenser or evaporator lines The air conditioner may shut itself down as a way to prevent damage to the compressor due to lack of refrigerant

Recharging the refrigerant, which is also known as air con regas, will need to be done when the leak is repaired If you have an older vehicle, you may need to have the air con regas done simply because the refrigerant is not producing as much cold air as it used to

The compressor is usually the most common problem with a vehicle’s air conditioning system It’s like the central hub of the whole cooling system In some cases, the compressor clutch may not be engaging, which means that the unit is not going to function properly This is often signified by a high pitched noise when you turn the air on This is often going to mean a replacement and not a repair

A lack of lubrication can also cause the compressor to fail Low coolant or oil can be the culprit Sometimes, failing to add oil or using the wrong oil can be the cause of compressor failure

There are two types of air conditioning compressor units The R-12 uses mineral oil and the R-134a requires POE oil If you add the wrong type of oil to the unit, then it will not work right and will require replacement

These are only a few of the reasons why an air conditioner unit will fail You don’t want to attempt the repair yourself, so make sure you have it fixed by an experienced technician If an air con regas is all that is needed, you can be back on the road in no time with a cooler, more comfortable car!

Finally, one place for answers to your vehicle’s air conditioning problems. Find out what air con regas is and why it’s so important, as well as important info on when your compressor needs repair or replacement. You can also get some good tips on bumper repair too.

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Author : Thomas Pretty

With a slowdown in consumer spending those who can afford a brand new car are dwindling, not only can you expect to lose thousands in the first year of ownership, but the premium for having the newest model is huge Ultimately it is a waste of money; a more advisable course of action is to buy used cars from manufacturer approved dealers Used dealerships for companies such a BMW, Audi, Citroen and Vauxhall all put a guarantee on their used cars to ensure that customers always receive a car that is good working order

When you are looking for a new car, and by new I mean used, it is vital to compare the options and study the market in detail By comparing different models in a particular range you can be presented with cars that all meet your needs meaning that your only decision is on brand name and the features For instance an executive may want to consider cars such as the Audi A6, the BMW 6 Series or even something a little different like the Citroen C6 While the Audi has a better record with fuel economy, the Citroen has better safety features; the customer may even consider this and decide to go for the BMW purely out of badge snobbery

Approved used cars make more sense when you consider the depreciation rates for many vehicles, especially when bought new A recent motoring report found that new cars can depreciate by as much as thirty five percent in its first year of being driven, if a car costs fifty thousand pounds, which is over a seventeen thousand pound loss in one year; any accountant will tell you that is bad idea Approved cars that are around five years old are normally the best option considering that deprecation continues for the four years after the first year drop at a rate of thirty percent Cars made by Audi, BMW and Mercedes are especially susceptible to this drop because of their premium nature, making used varieties an unmitigated bargain

Fuel costs are increasingly becoming an important consideration for car owners and this should definitely influence the decision you make when buying While models such as the BMW X5, a huge 4×4 were popular in the past, more advisable is to get a car that suits your needs, if you are a small to large family a car like the Audi A3 or the Toyota Corolla make perfect financial sense If the environment is large consideration in the buying process, cars of the hybrid variety such as the Prius are becoming a popular option, not only are they more eco-friendly they will keep those fuel bills low

Even with approved used car dealers it is an essential part of the buying to take the vehicle out for a test drive By doing this you can get an idea of the car’s handling and performance whilst also picking up on any foibles the car may have If you are buying a car that can be considered high performance such as an Audi S8 or a BMW M5 it is important to keep a level head; while driving fast may be fun, the premium you must pay for it is considerable Remaining realistic to your finances is essential at all times

Whenever you are buying a used car it is always advisable to take a person with you that has knowledge of cars By doing this it is possible to minimise the chances of getting stuck with a car that will have problems after six months

Whether buying new or used the choice is ultimately the customers Some may just like the new car smell and purely want the prestige of having the newest model However for those who have a financial incentive to their way of thinking, going along the approved used route is highly advisable

Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks into why approved used Audi dealers can be considered a more affordable buying option.

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Author : Christine Harrell

Americans are concerned about fuel efficiency more than ever and car manufacturers are listening For instance, Ford made big changes to their 2008 vehicle line and came out with a series of vehicles that are noticeably more fuel efficient — even in the SUV marketplace Here is a look at the top five:

Fuel Efficient Vehicle #5: Mazda 5

Although mileage does vary slightly depending on the model you choose, the 5-speed automatic, 4 cylinder SUV will get you approximately 22mpg in the city and 28mpg on the open road The independent suspension, electronic brakeforce distribution, and other unique features make this minivan look and feel more like a sport sedan rather than the big family beasts of yester-year If you talk to any of the Virginia Beach auto dealers, they will tell you these little machines have plenty of pep even with the higher gas mileage

Fuel Efficient Vehicle #4: Mazda 3

Available in a touring, grand touring, and sport models as well as in a hatchback or sedan style, the Mazda 3s have a fuel rating of approximately 24mpg while city driving and 32mpg on the highway They range from 144-151 horsepower with either a 2 0L or a 2 3L engine Although handling is what sets these beautiful machines apart from the rest, says many Virginia Beach auto dealers, MazdaSpeed3 is the most popular model in the group because of its 2 3L 4 cylinder motor and 6-speed transmission

Fuel Efficient Vehicle #3: Ford Focus

The 2008 Ford Focus has the look and feel of the Fusion sedan with better gas mileage At 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the car’s improved efficiency is attributed mostly to its lighter weight overall and more aerodynamic design Although it is available in both automatic and manual transmission, the automatic does have a slightly lower fuel mileage on the highway Ford has also altered the braking and suspension systems to give this car better capability and comfort that its predecessors

Fuel Efficient Vehicle #2: Mariner Hybrid

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrids introduced a less expensive FWD model in addition to the all-wheel-drive version already available The Mariner has a fuel rating of 34/30 mpg, which is equivalent to the Escape Hybrid Where the Mariner really shines is in its luxurious options and chic design

Fuel Efficient Vehicle #1: Escape Hybrid

Virginia Beach auto dealers prefer the Escape Hybrid to the Mariner because it costs less while still getting you 34mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the open road This SUV has the same engine and chassis as both the Tribute and the Escape The motor is a 2 3L Atkinson-cycle 14 that has 133 horsepower The Escape also features electric drive as well as features such as regenerative breaking technology and a CVT automatic system

This may not sound like a whole lot of savings until you look at the big picture If you average out the fuel efficiency of all the SUVs available from Virginia Beach auto dealers, you will find they run at approximately 15-20mpg With the Escape and Mariner, you can get twice the miles out of a tank of fuel and still enjoy the convenience and comfort of an SUV

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Virginia Beach Auto Dealers
please, visit http://www.beachford.com.

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Author : Alexander West

The James Bond film industry has regularly used an Aston Martin in its motion pictures What will being seen in an Aston Martin do for you?

The engine of the Aston Martin DB9 is a 6 0L V12 engine, just as the DBS This engine is fitted near the central part of the car, which balances the weight of the car Thanks to this there is a perfect half and half weight distribution from the front to the rear As a result the car works at a superior level by being more stable on the road The engine has a power level of nearly 470 horsepower and can go up to 190 miles per hour The car can also go from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than five seconds

The DB9 features nineteen inch alloy wheels that are controlled through a Servotronic system This is a system that helps with controlling the car by adjusting the power of the steering according to speed The braking quality of the car is enhanced because it features Electronic Brakeforce Distribution that works to keep a balance between the front and rear braking system The Emergency Brake Assist feature works to adjust brake force levels in instances where higher levels of braking are needed

The DB9 is elegant, luxurious and supremely comfortable Its cabin is hand-trimmed in beautiful, natural materials primarily wood and leather and incorporates the latest in modern technology There is a minimum of distraction for the driver, even the satellite navigation screen folds discreetly away when not in use But when in use, the satellite navigation system is powered by a hard disk drive program that works for much of North America and Europe Automatic temperature controls are also used in this car that help adjust heating and cooling to make the interior of the car comfortable at any time of the year

The DB9 was designed from the beginning as both a coupe and a convertible, which means that additions or changes weren’t retrospectively fitted The DB9 Volante is therefore one of the most structurally rigid and best-handling convertibles in the world It is also one of the fastest and quietest

The DB9 offers superior safety by using a rigid aluminium structure designed to provide passenger protection Occupants are further safe guarded by extruded aluminium crumple zones at the front and rear of the car Crash and safety testing was conducted at the world-renowned Volvo Safety Centre in Sweden

The magnificent exterior styling of the DB9 gives way to a comprehensively equipped cabin, trimmed in the finest materials Every element is perfectly conceived, from the 6 0-litre V12, to the hand-stitched seats and carefully selected interior woods Nothing is out of place Imagine the feeling of driving such a work of art

Alex West is luxury and performance car enthusiast. Currently I drive a Mercedes C-Class, and I’m slowly working my way up. You can find out more about the Aston Martin experience at Click Here

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Author : Tony Hill

Alfa Romeo have contributed yet another good-looking car to their already popular collection of stylish cars

Alfa Romeo has recently introduced their first-ever supermini to the market The sporty and stylish new Alfa Romeo MiTo is a clear rival for the likes of the BMW mini and the Fiat 500

The MiTo was designed in the fashion capital of Italy – Milan which explains its modern, trendy and dynamic exterior It was built in Turin, or Torino – in Italian, which also explains the name too (Milan = Mi, Torino = To)

The inspiration for this stylish supermini came from Alfa’s sporty 8C Competizione which also helps to explain the MiTo’s cool exterior, the MiTo will certainly turn heads as you cruise past

The MiTo only comes with the option of three-doors which is supposed to emphasise its sportiness – as does the unique front grille and cool alloy wheels In terms of style the MiTo certainly provides good competition to the mini and has a much sportier feel to it

Quality materials have been used in the interior which will ensure that you will have a comfortable drive The MiTo’s low driving position adds to the sporty feel and makes you feel as though you are driving a sports car The cabin is also packed with ‘techy’ gadgets to give you a comfortable and exciting ride

The basic model will set you back around 11,000 which is fairly reasonable as the BMW mini and the Fiat 500 both cost around the same – if not a bit more So what will make you decide between them?

Firstly – if you love Minis for their styling then you will probably go for a Mini – if you prefer the sporty look then you will prefer the MiTo Both the MiTo and Mini win hands down against the Fiat 500 though – which is taller, less aerodynamic and nowhere near as attractive and it doesn’t offer much in the way of performance either

In terms of practicality neither of the cars offers much in the way of space – but then superminis aren’t usually renowned for their ‘space’ anyway

The MiTo has a lively engine and you can choose from three petrol and two diesel engines to suit your driving needs It has excellent safety too after it achieved a perfect 5-star Euro NCAP rating

If I had to choose I would definitely go for the MiTo – not only does it offer you distinctive sporty looks and good performance – it is also excellent value for money

Tony is an online marketer and researcher, currently researching the new MiTo and new Alfa Romeo cars

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