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Car Repairs You Should Never Pay For

We all love our cars, but it is not hard to hate car repairs and the inevitable cost that comes with them. However, there are certain car repairs that you should never pay for and which are very easy to do on your own. After all, who wants to pay the price that comes with expensive labor and some of the other “add-ons” that are attached to taking your car to a service station or garage?

One car repair that you should never pay for is replacing a car battery. Sure, this is one of those parts that if it is not installed right means you are not going to be going anywhere until it is. A car battery is actually very easy to install yourself. First, remove the negative terminal followed by the positive. Undo any tie-downs that are holding the battery in place and then pull the battery out. Using a wire brush, clean the terminals removing residue, build up and other materials and simply put the new battery in by reversing what was just discussed. Remember not to throw away the old battery and search for a disposal or recycling center that accepts this type of material.

Another repair that you shouldn’t ever feel like you have to pay for is an oil change. While it may sound like something that is dirty, time consuming and easier done in a shop, an oil change is actually quite easy to perform in your own garage. The only three parts you have to know is the oil filler cap, oil filter and drain plug. All you do is unscrew these three parts to do an oil change and then screw the tops back on. It’s as simple as that. Remember though, do not dispose of the old oil by dumping it in a drain or a sewer. Find a company that disposes of oil and make sure it is handled properly.

Finally, another easy repair to make is the replacing of your air filter. Usually, you will be charged anywhere from $10 to $30 dollars for this to be done in five minutes in a shop. For less money and time you can handle it yourself. The air filter is integral to the good operating of your car and your engine needs clean air for optimal performance. To change the air filter simply open the hood of your car, locate the filter by unclasping the hooks on the big plastic box in front of you (this will be the only big plastic box under the hood of your car). The air filter is in the box, so once you open it up you will see a paper-like device that is probably going to be filthy. Take it out, put a clean one in, then close the box and your hood. Done!

Ultimately, with a little education you will find that the majority of car maintenance is relatively easy and inexpensive to do yourself. Furthermore, it will save you time and headaches at the repair shop. Learn more about what maintenance you can do yourself and keep your wallet happy and your car healthy.

Do you have teenagers in your household? If they’re at or near driving age you’re well aware that affordable auto insurance may seem nearly impossible to find. So before you buy or renew your coverage, compare rates and look for discounts to find that cheap car insurance for young drivers.

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Posted on December 10, 2010 by , Reply

Installing Aftermarket Car Speakers In Your Vehicle

Every modern car comes with a “stock” audio system that the manufacturer decided was an adequate sound package for that particular vehicle. However, people who love listening to music in their cars or simply like to modify their vehicles will often seek aftermarket car speakers and audio units to make the sound louder and of better quality. When installing a new system, it’s important to know the facts.

Speakers should be placed to get the maximum sound quality. Thus, imaging is important. Imaging is strategically deciding which sounds will come from which places. In most cases, the vocals of the music will come from the units in the center of the car. Melodic instruments, on the other hand, normally come from the sides of the vehicle. Having the same sound come from different places in the car will lessen the sound quality.

Staging goes hand-in-hand with imaging. It helps to make the music sound similar to that of a concert. It should sound like the singer is standing up front while the bass and guitar are coming from behind the vocalist. They should all seem to be coming from the front, though technically they are coming from all over. Essentially, the placement of the speakers and what comes from where will “fool” your brain.

As if imaging and staging aren’t difficult enough to master, one must then get proper directivity. It is related to the science of frequency – by overlapping middle and low frequencies, directivity will “bring” sounds to the front. Midbases should be played as low as possible without getting distortion while subs should be at a higher frequency. The bass coming from the front and back will then be mixed, making it seem as though the bass is coming from the front.

There are several different types of speakers. Coaxials, or three-ways, are two or more units built in the same frame. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Separate speakers are tweeters, woofers, and an external crossover which can be used experimentally for perfect staging. Horns are a type of speaker that are great for directing sound and are very efficient. Midbases and subwoofers add to the low frequencies of the system.

It is best to mount them in the front of the car to give the best sound while reducing the delay. Rear speakers should be used to create a sense of depth in the music, but should definitely not overpower the directness of the front units. Center channels, in addition, help give the sense that the vocals are coming from the front of the car. They are subtle and should never be too loud – they are simply for spacing purposes.

There is in fact an exact science to installing car speakers. It relies heavily on the physics of sound to give the best quality. If they are not placed correctly or if the imaging is off, it will sound like the voices and instruments are coming from all over the place and will sound low-quality and unrealistic. The idea is to get the music sounding as much like a concert as possible, and it will probably require the help of a professional to do so.

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Posted on December 9, 2010 by , Reply

The Future of the Backup Camera System

Backup camera systems were first introduced in the late 90’s and for a long time have been considered a “luxury item” for a car. It wasn’t often you saw a Kia decked out with a massive stereo system, GPS navigation, and a backup camera installed. Now it’s not unusual to find cheaper cars with the option of all these features. We’re not at the stage yet when a backup camera system automatically comes installed in your car, but we’re not too far off either.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, backup camera systems have become the most sought after products for cars. A consumer interest survey by J.D. Power showed that it ranked number five. The more people want it, the more widely used it becomes. It’s hard not to find a lower-end model offering the system for 2011 cars. However, the main disadvantage of its widespread use is that expensive, more advanced systems are being offered. More advanced systems are definitely not a bad thing, but no one wants to pay a high price tag.

In 2008, Nissan had released the Around View Monitor which uses four cameras to create a 360 degree view. The cameras are located on the front and rear of the car, as well as the sides. The four images are then converted to show an image of a virtual angle. Watching the videos of this system is nothing short of impressive. Unfortunately, it’s only available on select Nissan models.

Multiple cameras are only the beginning. Delphi Automotive is currently making a system called Parking Guidance. Using multiple cameras, the system will give the driver instructions how to park the car. For those who fear parallel parking as much as I do, this is an innovative device. Being able to see through cameras is immensely helpful, but having step-by-step instructions is absolutely amazing. The system will tell you exactly when to turn your steering wheel so there is no room for error. Delphi Automotive is aiming at a 2012 release date.

Since Parking Guidance uses a computer to analyze the data from the cameras, I can only imagine how much this system will cost. It will most likely be a hefty add-on for luxury cars. I don’t doubt that within another decade it will become a standard feature. There are already systems that will actually park the car for you. Most consumers, myself included, are a little wary about this technology. Drivers still want to be in control of the car, not to mention the cost of such a feature is high.

One idea that’s still in its infant concept stage is a wide-screen monitor located on the top of the windshield. Current backup camera systems require you to look at an in-dash screen or at your rear view mirror. Designer Ho-Tzu Cheng believes it’s safer to simply look slightly up. The monitor will also show you what’s in your blind spots as well. There are a lot of issues and problems that can arise, such as using the monitor at night and if it will impair the driver’s vision. Cheng has his work cut out for him. It’s only a matter of time before cars start driving themselves, but for now, we can all benefit from a backup camera system installed in every car.

RearViewSafety.com is your source for commercial truck, trailer, and RV back up camera systems — we even do boats! Our vehicle backup camera technology has already helped thousands of autos reverse safely, including school buses, emergency vehicles, charter buses, cargo trucks, houseboats, and forklifts.

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Posted on November 23, 2010 by , Reply

24-Hours Locksmiths – Ready to Serve You

We all lose or misplace things, even worse, they get stolen. Keys are no exception. There are some that own homes, apartments, trucks, cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or boats. Some even own lockers or safes. All these things require keys to operate and lock them safely and securely. No matter how careful we are about where we place our keys, there will always be a time wherein you can’t find them. Imagine the frustration when you can’t find your keys when you need them the most. The good news is that you never have to fear of being locked out of your car or home for a long period of time. A 24-hour locksmith is the answer to any lockout dilemma. They provide emergency lockout service for you at work, home, or your vehicle. Their services are something that you can count on at any given time.

Because they operate 7 days week and 24 hours a day, an emergency locksmith come to you with no delay. Once on site, they expertly assess the situation and get the job done quickly. One of the best things about 24-hour locksmiths is that their services come at an affordable price. Auto locksmiths are trained and fully equipped to get you back into your vehicle, extract broken keys, open car trunks, and most locksmiths can even provide on the spot precision-cut replacement ignition keys for almost all types and models of cars.

One of the first things you should do if you discover that your home has been broken into is to call the police. The next step is to call a reputable locksmith. Locksmiths can easily repair or replace most locks on the scene. They may even provide you new keys or re-key the existing locks in your home. Protecting your family and keeping intruders out of your home should be a priority. Safety and security is important for everyone. Locksmiths can provide you added security by installing peepholes, door closers, deadbolts, and iron gates. These services all come at a reasonable price.

Locksmiths are there you when you need them the most. They are highly skilled and trained and their goal is to provide you quality service and to make you happy and secure. No matter the situation, we all want to receive fast, quality, and affordable services. Finding a reliable and reputable 24-hour locksmith is essential because you never know when you will need their services.

Many Oxford locksmiths have experienced and highly trained technicians ready to serve you without delay. Auto locksmith oxford provides you on time and professional service at the most affordable rates.

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Posted on November 21, 2010 by , Reply

Turned Components from a Reliable Source

There are quite a wide range of companies out there at the moment offering precision and turned components at great value prices along with excellent customer care. These turned components can be used for almost any purpose such as automotive, medical and security and therefore always need to be of the highest standards possible to ensure safety and good structure at all times.

When looking to purchase turned components, you should always be treated well by the company you are dealing with whether you are buying in a batch of 3000 or 100000. This is why it is so important that you check out all reviews and ratings on websites and companies before you go through with any sale.

There are a lot of websites out there that offer aluminium, brass and plastic turned components. However, when searching for these turned components you need to ensure that they are all up to the industry standards and specifications. This will ensure that you are always covered by the products that you are using and that nothing will fail for you. There are of course, many other things that you should look for in a company like this also and not just the price!

The quality of the products is of course the main issue at hand that needs to be verified. Along with this, as with any product the client, you, wants good customer service and a speedy delivery. There are selected companies out there that offer this type of service and once you find the one that works for you, there is absolutely no point in changing providers at this point. Staying with the same company will entitle you to service as a long lasting, repeat customer that will be valued and taken care of.

You will occasionally find a company out there that offer not only a great line of products and a quick delivery service. Also, when you find a company that can deal with your needs as and when you want to place an order you may also have them help you with your order. Certain companies can help you to get your products finished from an initial drawing of turned components to a finished product and work with you like a business partner and not a supplier. You need to ascertain that you have a good working relationship with any company that you choose to supply you with tuned components as this way you will always have a good working relationship with your clients too.

Turned components at competitive prices with excellent service at Apt Leicester!
http://aptleicester.co.uk/

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Posted on November 18, 2010 by , Reply
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