Why Unscrewing A Radiator Cap On A Hot Engine Can Put You In The Hospital

July 31, 2007

Why Unscrewing A Radiator Cap On A Hot Engine Can Put You In The Hospital
 by: Ralph Hoffmann

Never remove the radiator cap on a hot engine. Extreme danger is involved. Before explaining why, a little history is needed.

Many years ago engine water pumps ran full time, pumping the water through the engine block but not through the radiator. Thermostats in the top of the radiator contained a spring-loaded valve, the spring being made of two dissimilar metals (bi-metallic, just like the ones in your home) and when the temperature got to 180o, the metals would expand, open up the valve, and permit the water pump to start pumping the water though the radiator where the onrushing air due to the vehicle’s motion would cool the water and keep its temperate at 180o. That means the coolant water in the radiator was not boiling, and it was safe to take off the cap. The radiator, if vented to the atmosphere, was prevented from building up any internal pressure because no boiling took place.

Imagine this experiment

Take a glass of boiling water and set it on the sink top when the house is at 70o temperature. Time how long it takes to cool down.

Welcome To The World Of ?Upside Down? Motorcycle Loans!

July 30, 2007

With the depreciation on motorcycles being so enormous after they are driven off the showroom floor, the potential for a buyer owing more on their motorcycle loan than the bike is worth it quite high. Owing more on your bike than it is worth is often referred to as the world of "up side down".

Many people finding themselves in this situation discover that financial lessons are sometimes the hardest and most expensive to learn. Motorcycle loans of more than 48 months (especially without a down payment) put you in the position of owing more than the value of the bike.

Let’s take a look at this phenomenon.

First, the interest calculation your lender uses can make a big difference in your situation, especially in the first 18 months. There are two primary interest calculations, pre-computed (combined with rule of 78) and simple interest.

Pre-computed interest combined with Rule of 78, is typically the worst situation for a buyer because most of the interest is paid in the first 24 months. Therefore, in the first 24 months little of the monthly payment has gone towards paying down principal. If a buyer wishes to sell or trade in the motorcycle within this timeframe they will likely find themselves owing more than the bike is worth. Statistics show that the average owner trades in every 18-24 months.

2006 BMW Z4 Roadster: Meeting The Roadster Ethics

July 29, 2007

2006 BMW Z4 Roadster: Meeting The Roadster Ethics
 by: Joe Thompson

It has a long bonnet, a much lower waistline, a rear wheel drive system, and two seats set close to the floor. And this is the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster. And it has been said that this vehicle follows the unwritten rules of the roadster ethic because of its characteristics. It has a front axle aluminum spring strut configuration with a precise rank and pinion steering. Just made specifically for the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is the rear axle and this axle is very much able to withstand the forces that are applied by different things and factors that include the driver, the road, and the whole 368 pounds per foot of torque.

It is no surprise that the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster still has the power and ability to set car lovers and aficionados’ hearts racing. Yes, the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is exceptionally great and filled with passion. This vehicle sports two seats that is a tradition with BMW vehicles. It also contains an interior that is finely sculpted just like its exterior. It has eye-catching new touches that include the center console and steering wheel. Some parts have also been done in with finishes that are in the same color as its seat trim. The controls are mounted so as to provide an aesthetic finish. And BMW has once again done it. It has created the ultimate driving machine that is the modern yet interpretation of roadsters and has combined this with a beautiful combination of appeal, power, and performance.

Seat Covers, Different Types Offer a Perfect Fit

July 29, 2007

Seat Covers, Different Types Offer a Perfect Fit
 by: Rob Gordon

There are three different types seat covers, a custom fit, semi-custom fit and universal fit. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits you get with each style.

The following paragraphs summarize the work of seat cover experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of seat covers. Heed their advice to avoid any seat cover http://www.autoanything.com/department.aspx?c_id=50186&se=suv_truck_car_seat_covers surprises.

Custom Fit Seat Covers

Just as an Armani suit is properly measured, cut and stitched to fit the unique shapes and contours of the wearer, so too is a custom fit seat cover meticulously designed for a precise fit over your seats. No part of your particular vehicle’s seat is forgotten or overlooked - not the position of the head rest, nor the location of the seat’s ergonomic controls, nor even where your seatbelts are mounted. Everything is taken into consideration, and these made-to-measure seat covers will fit like they were factory-installed. Moreover, custom fit seat covers http://www.autoanything.com/category.aspx?c_id=10018&se=truck_car_seat_covers will not obstruct your seat’s side-impact airbags, so you’ll be just as secure as before, only with better looking and better protected upholstery.

Semi-Custom Fit Seat Covers

Exploring the Ford Explorer

July 28, 2007

Exploring the Ford Explorer
 by: Jay Stevens

From the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Explorer has been introduced to the automobile world in 1990 and is still in production at present. This is a midsize sport utility vehicle that is mostly sold in North America. Since its introduction, it has been the best selling midsize SUV in the United States. This vehicle has also been very much influential and instrumental in making and changing the view of the SUV from just a special interest vehicle to become one of the most popular vehicles types found in the whole world of cars and vehicles. It has also received a nomination for the North American Truck of the Year award for the year 2006.

For 2006, the Ford Explorer comes with a new frame. This newly restyled vehicle comes also with a new and stronger base. It also boasts of a new interior, a redesigned rear suspension, as well as third row seats that has a power folding feature. Standard for the vehicle is a tire pressure monitoring system and an electronic stability control. Like the Lincoln Navigator which is a distant relative of the Ford Explorer, the latter also has power running boards. These retract when the vehicle is in motion. This vehicle also comes with a 4.0 liter V6 base engine that has the capability to produce some 210 units of horsepower. This engine works with a six speed automatic transmission for a better performance.

Who are the Players in Setting up a New Car Lease? You’d be Surprised!

July 27, 2007

Who are the Players in Setting up a New Car Lease? You’d be Surprised!
 by: Ralph Hoffmann

Before a customer can lease an auto through a dealer, several parties are involved to determine the residual value and the interest rate of the proposed auto lease. And understanding how residual values and rates are determined will help in negotiating a lower price.

Where does the money come from to pay the manufacturer?

First, a bank, credit union, pension plan or automobile manufacturer’s leasing or lending subsidiary (commonly called a “Money source”) agrees to provide funds to pay the dealer the selling price of the auto. The Money source must then find someone to determine residual values for every auto it proposes to buy from a manufacturer.

Who Determines the auto residual value?

The largest manufacturers may determine residual values in-house. Others will turn to outside parties, such as Automotive Lease Guide for help. If the market is depressed at the end of a lease and the residual value is higher than the used car value, then huge losses result to the Money source. This is not a business for the squeamish.

Defensive Driving: The Basics

July 26, 2007

Defensive Driving: The Basics
 by: Robert Thatcher

It is a fact that though drives can control most of their actions most of the time, they are totally powerless when it comes to the actions of others drivers. They simply do not know what other drivers on the road are going tot do. This is why it is very important for drivers to learn the special skill called defensive driving. So if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from accident, then it is highly advisable that you take defensive driving courses. Such classes offer a wealth of information when it comes to preventing or fixing road mishaps.

What is defensive driving? Simply put, it is a way of driving where the driver takes every possible precautionary measure in order to prevent accidents or untoward incidents from occurring. Defensive driving is probably the best way to ensure the safety of a driver and his or her passengers,

Below are some of the basics of defensive driving:

Jeep Hurricane: The Total Performance Vehicle

July 25, 2007

Jeep Hurricane: The Total Performance Vehicle
 by: Terry Brown

The Jeep Hurricane made its way to the public’s knowledge through the 2005 North American International Auto Show. This vehicle is known to represent the continued success of valiant concept vehicles. This vehicle also reflects and demonstrates the Chrysler Group’s creative and mechanical expertise. It shows off and boasts a more powerful performance. It holds the HEMI® as its source of power. There are two 5.7 liter HEMI engines in this Jeep Hurricane. One is installed at its front end while the other is found at the back. Both of these provide 335 horsepower and some 370 pound feet of torque. Just multiply the numbers by two and you get the total figure.

Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler Group design, states, “Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable, and most powerful 4×4 ever built. It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts’ Jeep vehicles in form and off road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand.”

The Work Glove: A Forgotten Safety Tool

July 24, 2007

The Work Glove: A Forgotten Safety Tool
 by: Kimberly Roberts

Today, construction and industrial development is a way of life for a majority of the world’s population. Safety measures are continually improving for construction and industrial workers. One of the most important developments in safety equipment for these workers is job-specific work gloves.

Take a look at a few of the many types of gloves available for various industries:

Disposable Gloves - Available in many sizes and thicknesses, these gloves are typically found in the food service and medical industry. Polyethylene and vinyl gloves are commonly used in food service industries, offering comfort and breathe-ability in general purpose applications, such as food processing. Latex gloves are typically found in the medical industry, offering protection against chemical processing and the handling of acids and caustics. Disposable gloves are also used in industries requiring metal treatment, paint and varnish manufacturing, petrochemical and oil refining, the handling of rough castings and steel bars, the use of electronics, light assembly, inspection and quality control.

Heavy Utility Gloves - With a synthetic leather palm and reinforced thumbs and fingertips, these gloves are durable and comfortable. They can also be used in a variety of industries including light demolition, landscaping, and material handling. Heavy Utility Gloves are also great for any job requiring heavy machine operation.

How To Sell Your Collectible Automobile

July 24, 2007

How To Sell Your Collectible Automobile
 by: Shane Corliss

Selling your collectible automobile can be a difficult process. In today’s global marketplace traditional classifieds are starting to fall short when it comes to reaching good qualified buyers. Their broad approach will presents you with thousands of not-so-qualified buyers, picture collectors, test drivers and tire kickers. In many cases sellers give up their quest and keep their collectible another season. All that being said, with enough patience and lot of time returning phone calls and sending photos you can find a buyer.

Make the Decision

This may sound a bit silly butmake sure you truly want to sell your vehicle. I have heard many a story about seller’s remorse or a frustrated potential buyer who had his heart set on a vehicle and the seller backs out. They remember and word travels fast. You may very well muddy the water when you are later serious about selling.

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