Archive for the ‘Autos’ Category
The ethanol revolution: Fueling up with corn instead of just oil
Ethanol is the most common bio fuel in the Americas, and corn is the most common ethanol feedstock in North America, while sugar cane powers the fuel industry in South America – but things are changing. It’s true that corn is not the answer. It’s not true however that corn requires more energy to produce than it yields. People who quote that tired statistic probably don’t realize that it was formulated by scientists in the pay of Exxon Mobile who incorporated the amount of solar energy required to grow the corn into the equation. As the sun’s heat is still free on planet Earth it should be left out of the math.
Cellulosic ethanol is mankind’s next fuel source – this Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsTips for finding a good brake mechanic
Finding a mechanic isn’t to hard. But finding a certified auto mechanic is. A certified mechanic is one that has kept up with his schooling thus keeping up with the new technology in the automotive industries. And most of the automotive dealerships that charge the big bucks for hourly repairs require all their mechanics to be certified and that they maintain their certification.
Now for those on a low income budget and those wanting to save a few dollars on auto repairs you can check into Joe’s Garage or Mac’s Auto Service for example and get a price and see if they can give you a reference. And if not then it is up to you. I would check with the Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsDIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil – Part 2
Don’t Be a Dipstick: Be a Man and Change Your Own Oil
Hey, you, it’s that time again, isn’t it? You know the time when you take your vehicle to your local mechanic; the mechanic who salivates every four-months and reeks of bad diesel when you hand over your hard earned money and tell him: “Leroy – Give her another lube job, please.”
Yes, you know the mechanic – the one who dons a slimy, transmission flecked blue or gray jumpsuit and loves to show his caked, motor oiled butt crack each time he claims something is wrong with your vehicle.
Come on now – Are you a man or a wuss? Why pay Leroy or any other old greaser to Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsDetermining which accessories are most useful for the car
Oh joy of all joys. You have that new (or new to you) car! Or, you have the credit to finally by the car of your dreams. A car is so much more than just a car! It’s an extension of our egos. My car makes a statement about me. And a car is not just a car. A car is… also its accessories!
What kind of accessories to I want? Well…maybe I should ask what kind of accessories can I afford!
To start we need to ask what kind of car we are getting, how will it be used and who will be using it? Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsHow to reduce the potential for expensive brake repairs
Reduce The Potential For Expensive Brake Repairs
You pull your car into the brake shop ready to take advantage of the $99.00 brake special advertised on TV. You think maybe the brakes need replaced because your trick of turning up the radio louder to drown out and ignore the high pitched noise coming from under your car as you drive down the road isn’t working. Now, you can feel the vibration of the grind traveling through the body of the car as well as through your own body as you cruise down the road. Today, you decided it might be time to get your brakes repaired.
Hearing that it will take a couple of hours to get to your Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsOil changes: Comparing quick
Changing your oil on a regular basis is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car. Check your owner’s manual to determine how often it should be done.
Many people prefer to take their car to a trusted mechanic for an oil change. A mechanic will check your car for other potential problems before they become major problems. He will inspect the condition of your brakes, tires, suspension, and exhaust. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your car in safe working condition.
Today most car dealers offer oil change specials that cost less than the quick-change oil places. They have qualified mechanics, use better parts and do a better job. When having your oil Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsTips for getting the best deal when buying a car
Automotive consumers often do not know how to evaluate car purchase and lease deals. To many, a good deal is simply one that they can afford, even though more knowledgeable customers are getting much better deals on the same vehicles. A little knowledge can save thousands of dollars.
Most new cars are sold at prices that are discounted from the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown on the window sticker – unless the vehicle is a hot seller and in limited supply.
Discounts can come from two sources: dealer and manufacturer. Dealers can discount prices because there’s a percentage margin between the wholesale price (invoice price) they pay the manufacturer and the MSRP. The percentage can be as low as 4% Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsOil changes: Comparing quick – Part 3
Not to digress off of the subject here, but changing your own oil in your vehicles is a much more economic way to go.
First, the cost savings. On average, the price of an oil change at a facility that specializes in that is roughly 25.00 dollars and doesn’t take that much time. The cost for you to do it yourself, and in the same time frame is roughly 12.00, do the math.
You may think that changing your own oil is such a hastle. But, going to any automotive oil department at any store and buying the recommended oil and amount of oil that your car requires, and purchasing the correct oil filter, Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsHow to change the oil filter in a car – Part 1
As a car runs, the oil heats up greatly, then cools when the engine is shut off and allowed to return to air temperature. This may be common knowledge, however the problem is that the repeated heating and cooling of the oil breaks down the viscosity of the oil, which means that it gradually stops lubricating the engine as it should. Not only does this cause engine wear and tear, it can actually cause increased gas consumption.
Making matters worse, the oil also picks up contaminants from the engine, such as varnish, unburned fuel, water, dirt, and other particles. As the oil circulates in the system, it is pushed through the oil filter, which has the task of cleaning the contaminants Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsWhat the numbers on your tire mean
Do you realize that just about everything you need to know about your tire is recorded in the numbers located on the sidewalls? I didn’t! Oh, I knew the tire size information, but not what it actually meant. The rest of that stuff was just gibberish as far as I was concerned and only meaningful for “tire guys”. This just goes to show how wrong a gal can be! All of us responsible for the maintenance of a car and the replacement of our tires should know what this information signifies. Those little numbers contain specific information about the tire, its width, height and even how it is constructed, its relative tread wear potential and speed rating. When I Read the rest of this entry »
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