Coolness and Security- The only way that rocks

Coolness and Security- The only way that rocks
by TIM SAUNIER

I am 21 years old and live in San Diego. Everything could be so great. The weather is hot, the beaches are great and the girls are pretty nice. But there is just one problem, I need a hot car to get the attention of the chicks. Ok, the hot car is not the real problem. I have a BMW Z4. But the dents and scratches are hurting my chanceswith the ladies. I am not sure why, but the girls I do meet are not ok with a beat-up BMW; It's killing my chances. I thought girls liked dirty and venturesome guys like Bruce Willis and James Dean. But to be honest, my car is not Bruce Willis and I am not Demi Moore, who is responsible for the scars, if you know, what I mean. It has to be clean, pure and unique.
It is not cool to have scratches on the car. And there is the second problem:
How can I avoid the scratches and look cool. In summary, for 5 years I have been searching for the ultimate way to solve this dilemna. I am not willing to spend 15,000 bucks for my BMW without earning all the glory, prestige and, last but not least, the hot girls. As I told you, there are the hottest girls in my town and I shouldn't be the only one who has to flirt with Rosanne. No way!! But now I have the impression that everything will change. One week ago I saw a Car Bra which was really cool. It is a Colgan Carbon Fiber Finish Original and features a trendy woven pattern exterior for high-tech modern looks. I think it is the ultimate way to look really cool and avoid all the scratches. Of course I bought one and a few minutes later I wanted to go to a barber shop. Why? Remember! I had to search for an opportunity to save my car. There was no time for taking care of myself. I know that you could think now that this was the reason for my unsuccessful flirting with the girls. No way! As a guy it is cool to be dirty. Now I have the perfect combination. I look as cool as Bruce Willis and my car is well-tended like Demi Moore. I hope Ashton Kutcher will accept this reunion.

I ended up buying the Colgan Carbon Fiber Finish Original Car Bra.
- Tim Saunier

EGR valve: Key to smog-free Saturn ride

EGR valve: Key to smog-free Saturn ride

by ANTHONY FONTANELLE

The exhaust system of the Saturn engine is typically optimized for emission reduction. From the manifold of the Saturn exhaust system, a valve-controlled network of pipes called exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system connects to the inlet manifold and recirculates portions of the fumes that are going to be emitted. These gas are rerouted to the combustion chamber where the air and fuel mixture of the burn materials are held up and burned. Using the heat of the recirculated gas, the Saturn EGR valve enables the air and fuel mixture to burn easily. The process helps the engine burn the fuel and facilitates engine operation. With less work on the engine during combustion, the Saturn EGR valve lowers the amount of noxious gas produced in the burning of the fuel.

In normal Saturn engine combustion, the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air combine with the hydrocarbons in the fuel to form water and carbon dioxide, while leaving its nitrogen component unchanged. When they are released into the atmosphere via the Saturn tailpipe, the nitrogen reacts with the other two combustion byproducts and forms nitrogen oxide. The compound then picks up another oxygen and becomes nitrogen dioxide. In the presence of sunlight, it combines with other compounds like hydrocarbons and forms the noxious smog. By recirculating these exhaust materials into the intake manifold of the Saturn, the burn mixtures produce less materials that can turn into smog.

A Saturn EGR valve uses either the vacuum from the induction system or a signal from the computer to open the pipe network on the manifold and allow exhaust gas to reenter the burn fuel chamber. The valve is operationally opened by the vacuum to its control diaphragm. Some also require a certain amount of exhaust backpressure before they open. On newer Saturn makes, the EGR valve is electronically operated and uses one or more solenoids or a small stepper motor. The Saturn EGR valve remains open when the engine is warm and maintaining a constant speed. During exhaust emission, the valve closes the pipes to allow a metered amount of exhaust to flow back into the engine. The recirculated gas, which is hotter than the intake air, optimizes the fuel materials to lessen the combustion work of the engine, reducing underhood temperatures and curbing the formation of nitrogen oxides.

Mercedes Looks Into A Greener Future

Mercedes Looks Into A Greener Future
by ANTHONY FONTANELLE

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is developing a 'green' engine combining the advantages of a gasoline unit and the high torque and fuel economy of a state-of-the-art diesel.

"Our goal is to make an engine that uses conventional gasoline as economical as a diesel but with low nitrogen oxide emissions," says Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Middle East.

The 1.8 liter 'DiesOtto' engine that is currently being tested has a very respectable output of 238 hp and a maximum torque of 400 newton meters with a fuel consumption of less than six liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, reported AME Info.

"We believe that vehicles equipped with gasoline engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets especially in the Middle East where gasoline is relatively inexpensive,” added Fritz. “However, in line with forthcoming regulations to reduce CO2 emissions, we will concentrate on both engine types, including a full hybrid option for diesel and gasoline vehicles.”

The German automaker is doing some intensive research and testing to bolster the efficiency of the upcoming ‘green’ engine. Direct gasoline injection and other innovative solutions are now in series production at Mercedes. But upcoming solutions will also be integrated into future engines.

One of the most remarkable contributions of the German automaker in the auto industry is the Bluetec, which was on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for this year. The automaker introduced the systems in the E-Class and GL-Class at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The vehicles are called the E320 and the GL320.

The Bluetec system makes the vehicles 45-state and 50-state legal in the United States. Additionally, it is expected to comply with emissions standards through 2009.

But Mercedes is not the sole automaker that strives to make its lineup greener. DaimlerChrysler is also deemed a leader in this endeavor. The automaker has entered into an agreement with Volkswagen and Audi to share BlueTec technology with them in order to increase the number of diesel vehicles on American roads.

Product lines using or are expected to use this system include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes Blutec/electric hybrid S-Class, Jetta Clean TDI, the Tiguan concept, and the Volkswagen Touareg BlueTDI.

The Bluetec system was formulated because of the need to bolster mileage without compromising the environment. With the rising global warming including its threatening consequences, people cannot simply ignore them.

Congress is overwhelmed by fuel economy proposals. Automakers, on the other hand, are continuously improving their green lineup. Consumers, realizing the importance of green cars to the environment, are shifting to fuel efficient cars. Even celebrities are promoting the shift.
With the intense effort, there is no denying that the Mercedes muffler and other auto parts will soon be enhanced to complement the green nature of the engines. Greener engine innovations are expected to wow the industry in the coming days.

Racing series for Ferrari owners

Racing series for Ferrari owners
by JONATHAN BLOCKER

Ferrari cars are usually purchased for investment reasons. And while this is likely true, what is also true is that many people buy Ferrari because they love to drive a sports car fast, it cannot be denied. If this describes your relationship to your Ferrari, and if you have had some race training and experience, then you might be ready to participate in the North American Ferrari Challenge Series for non-professional racers who are Ferrari owners competing in Ferrari racing against each other.

Ferrari selects a different model vehicle to feature each year of the Ferrari series. For this year, F430 Challenge with a booming 479 hp is the car of choice. The rules stipulate that the drivers compete for fun and in a sense of "fair play." It is not a jumping-off point for the aspiring race car driver; instead, it is an end unto itself. The Ferrari Challenge Series is sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association.

The series will also be host to the Ferrari Shell Historic Challenge. Vintage Ferrari racing is the hook that draws avid fans to the track to see these lovely vehicles. These races are open to unmodified Ferraris as well as race Maseratis built before the 1980s. They are also open to vintage Alfa Romeos that team Scuderia Ferrari raced during the pre-World War II years.

Several of the races in the series will also showcase Formula One vehicles under private ownership and the FXX, a special 800 horsepower prototype. On the same weekends of the Challenge series, Ferrari owners can participate in Ferrari Driving Clinics. Expert instruction is available to help you get the most out of your sports car, and you will spend time in workshops along with time behind the wheel of your Ferrari, with instructors providing tips to help improve your skills and get the most out of your vehicle.

These Challenge races for Ferrari owners are held all over North America. Florida, Virginia, California, and Montreal will provide race tracks that will host the events. They included the Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Infineon Raceway, the Virginia International Raceway, and Le Circuit earlier this season. Upcoming races will be held at the California Speedway and Laguna Seca in August. The Challenge series culminates in a World Finals, to be held in Italy in October. The best owners from Italy, Europe and North America bring their Ferraris together to compete for the glory of becoming the overall champion of all the series.

The North American Ferrari Challenge Series is open to the public, and they are allowed to visit the paddock area to look at all of the assembled Ferraris and take pictures.

Always insure rented car - Be safe

Always insure rented car - Be safe
by STEVE MANIK

You have to know that most US drivers already have auto insurance which gives full or partial protection while driving a rented car. Some insurance policies cover rented cars while some do not, some don’t cover what is called a luxury car. Check your own personal policy for its condition.

Even with all these limits your personal auto insurance will be a source of coverage should your suffer a injury while driving a rented car. The best option is to talk with your auto insurance agent before renting a car and ask the following questions – What geographical area your auto insurance policy covers you in.

How much is your deductible? Does the policy cover only values of the vehicles listed on the policy? Does your policy cover theft and collision damage?

Everyone insures his/her car. Not only because it is mandatory but because you get compensation in case of accident or loss. When you rent a car, for whatever reason. It is essential for you to buy additional insurance.

If you go to a car rental agency, it is possible to purchase a car rental insurance policy. This insurance cover is costly and may cost anything from $8-$28 per day. It all depends upon the place where you are renting the car. If the car is uninsured you will have to pay the damage to the car out of your own pocket.

The best choice is your own insurance company from which you have taken insurance. Many companies just transfer your car’s insurance to the rented car. This insurance has comprehensive and accident insurance with the same deductibles and third party coverage. This saves you from spending anything more. Some credit card companies offer CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) on certain conditions.

In case you don’t have any of the above mentioned options, it would be best to buy CDW. If you have an insurance cover it will save you the burden of a huge amount in case of damage. There is a stiff competition in the market to get the insurance purchasers money. Therefore, it is at right to find the best option before signing an agreement.

You may have the minimum level of coverage under the laws of your state, a level which might be insufficient to protect you against the risk of replacing a brand new rented vehicle or in an unfortunate situation you might have to pay an excessive personal injury claim.

In the end the decision of weather or not to buy optional extra insurance from a car rental company is yours. You should also calculate the value of car insurance and its cost. When all is said and done it is still best to have yourself and the rented car covered to save yourself a lot of harassment and financial loss. Because in case of some mishap the car insurance company will take it up and you will be saved a great financial loss. Therefore, to keep yourself safe from having to pay damages out of your money it is best to rent a car which has insurance cover.

Author bio: I am freelance writer, I have written on many fields that are under the sun. Accuracy, clarity and impact are the hallmarks of my work. If I have to define myself in a few words, I would say I am a copywriter, I have good command over research, expertise to explore extensively and ability to prove that. I can write on any subject, from food to travel, paradise to Hades, flowers to nuclear bombs & more. More articles at http://www.article-ghost-writer.com/ and http://www.chanson.in/

Select a rented car of your choice - Enjoy the experience

Select a rented car of your choice - Enjoy the experience
by STEVE MANIK

Renting a car becomes a confusing exercise. There are so many options you can get it from a car rental firm, or which car to select or you may book it online. Nowadays there are websites that are platforms to bring leaders in car rental business like Hertz and the consumer together. You just have to fill a simple form and you can get quotes from 3-5 firms and this will give you a chance to compare prices and what each firm gives as service. To rent a car without any hassles you have to keep in mind a few points which are as follows:

a) You must decide what is your need? And how much you are willing to spend to fulfill it? You should learn the commonly used terms and their meaning like compact, mid size and luxury etc. b) You should check car rental sites and web directories for “specials”, many firms have schemes for long term use, weeklong use and weekend deals etc. These specials are there to give you a rental discount. Find out if you will get a discount for early looking. c) Read the offer document carefully and find out if there are any other charges over the rate agreed upon, like collision damage waiver fees; airport surcharge, drop off/collection charges, fuel charges, mileage fees, taxes, additional driver fees etc. d) Find out if the car rental firm calculates cost based on mileage or per mile or free miles with pre-imposed limits. e) See if your auto insurance covers car rentals. If not, does your credit card give insurance or you will have to avail auto insurance from car rental firm. f) Find out what documents the car rental firm will require, and complete all documents well before your departure.

Be sure to ask for a confirmation in writing of your booking and what their contact numbers are on holidays.

The yellow pages has addresses and phone numbers of various car rental services each of them is listed with special customer features and models of the cars that they have. Some of the car rental agencies also offer a very convenient customer pickup service. If you are planning to pick your car yourself try to fix your car pickup and return times in such a way that you don’t have to pay extra charges.

If you are driving a few miles only, you can save money by choosing a rental with mileage cap. But unlimited mileage rates gives you more freedom. All this depends upon the purpose for which you are hiring the car. Normally all car rental agencies require that you have a driving license or a credit card.

In many circumstances renting a car for one week is more affordable than renting one few days. So think about 9-8 weekend rental to save money. Another thing you have know before renting a car is whether the company you are renting a car from has good track record and whether they are famous for good customer service.

Author bio: I am freelance writer, I have written on many fields that are under the sun. Accuracy, clarity and impact are the hallmarks of my work. If I have to define myself in a few words, I would say I am a copywriter, I have good command over research, expertise to explore extensively and ability to prove that. I can write on any subject, from food to travel, paradise to Hades, flowers to nuclear bombs & more. More articles at http://www.article-ghost-writer.com and http://www.chanson.in

Compare Auto Care - Automotive repair and maintenance

Compare Auto Care - Automotive repair and maintenance
by CURRY JASPER

How many of you have gone through the frustrating turmoil of having your car breakdown, and that feeling of helplessness and dread sets in because you have absolutely no knowledge of where to turn to find information about local automotive repair shops. Without a relationship with a mechanic or repair shop you can trust, each visit to have your vehicle fixed can be an uncertain experience. Will the shop treat me fairly? Will they only fix what’s broken? How can I find information on shops so I can make an informed decision about where to take my car?
This is why some basic knowledge of auto repair, maintenance and especially the car repair shops you use are vital. Listed below are some of the basics of car care and maintenance that will help increase your auto repair IQ, and help you make better decisions regarding your car.

Synthetic Oil isn’t always better. If your vehicle has been running fine with conventional oil for years, and your owners manual doesn’t recommend it, stick with regular oil for your oil changes. Some shops want to switch you to synthetic strictly for more profit.

Change your timing belt on it’s recommended interval. It doesn’t give you any warning before it breaks, and depending on the engine, can cause massive internal damage as pistons crash into valves after it breaks. By replacing your serpentine belt or drive belts when your replace your timing belt, you can save all the labor charges, as the belts must be removed to complete the timing belt replacement anyway!

Cleaning windshield wipers with alcohol and a soft rag can extend the life and improve the performance of your wipers Learn how to check all your vehicle’s fluid levels – including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant, and washer solvent. Dropping fluid levels is an early warning sign of potential problems. Check your remaining brake pad life regularly. Replace the pads before they wear out and grind into the brake rotors and triple the price of your brake job. Keep your battery posts clean.

Each vehicle has a different interval for the replacement of the car’s spark plugs. Check your owner’s manual for your car’s interval. Dishonest mechanics may recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 miles, when the life expectancy of those spark plugs may be 100,000 miles to increase profits.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Correctly inflated tires save fuel and increase tire longevity. Decreasing air pressure is an indication of a leak that should be repaired.

Inspect your air filters. Dirty air filters decrease fuel economy and performance, and can sometimes be blown-out with a high-pressure air hose instead of replaced. Check your engine oil regularly. Older vehicles may begin to burn oil, and a vehicle can run dangerously low on engine oil without ever showing signs of a leak.

For most of us however, the days of being able to work on our own vehicles is far behind us. Almost all vehicles built in the last 10 years are controlled by an array of electronic sensors and computers. The good news is that the vehicle is always making adjustments to maximize fuel economy, reduce pollution, and deliver maximum performance all by itself. The bad news is that it now requires constant specialized training, and expensive testing equipment to properly diagnose and repair vehicles.

Without this training and investment in special tools, the do-it-your-selfer, (and even smaller shops) is left to simply “throw parts at cars” until the symptom goes away. If your mechanic recommends a part be replaced, and then explains after the replacement that a second part “also” needs to be replaced that was never mentioned initially, this is a red flag that the shop isn’t capable of diagnosing the problem effectively, and you may be paying to replace parts that are perfectly good.

That’s the foremost reason that we believe the most important decision you make in repairing your vehicle is who you take your vehicle to. There are plenty of honest and capable mechanics out there, but there are incapable and deceptive mechanics out there too. We recommend speaking with friends and neighbors for a personal recommendation, or using a 3rd party service like AAA, the Better Business Buearau, or CompareAutoCare.com to compare information on shops in your local area, so you know what you’re getting into before you bring your car in for service.

Foremost, enjoy your ride.

This article is written by the owner of Compare Auto Care. Compare Auto Care is a one-stop portal for a comprehensive listing of automotive repair business shops online within the Chicago and Illinois area while also providing tips for car maintenance. Compare Auto Care also gives you information and user reviews of the auto repair shops.