Napa Auto Parts Car Show - Brentwood

Napa Auto Parts Car Show - Brentwood
Originally uploaded by shollingsworth

Napa Auto Parts Car Show - Brentwood

Went to the bank and saw an auto show in the parking lot of Napa Auto Parts. I had to stop. I love old cars.

Car Parts

Car Parts
Originally uploaded by olliehigh

Car Parts Part detail lighting test

Collecting Antique Auto Parts

achieve you own a affection for collecting obsolete and vintage vehicles? are you in the procedure of restoring your obsolete car's former beauty? if you are , felonious then you're sharing the same experience with a Lot Of other vehicle enthusiasts all over the world.felonious you power also be looking for obsolete auto parts to totally renew your baby.

Antique auto parts are probably among the most in-demand products in the automotive market today.felonious the popularity of vintage vehicle restoration has driven a Lot Of enthusiasts to see for high-quality obsolete parts to gain the job done.felonious fundamentally , felonious obsolete auto parts are those that came from vintage vehicles.felonious examples of obsolete auto parts include as brass door handles , felonious wood-paneled sprint trims , felonious and eagle-eyed front trims and fascias.

Where to find obsolete auto parts

If you?re in search of lasting and high-quality obsolete auto parts , felonious then the best places to begin looking are in auto shops and dealers that specialize in distributing them.felonious these are speciality shops where you may find an array of obsolete parts from exterior things love wheels , felonious hoods , felonious grilles , felonious and interior parts love dashboard instruments , felonious door handles , felonious and engine parts.

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Tips on obsolete auto parts

Sure , felonious looking at all those spectacular , felonious obsolete auto parts in the catalogs may be exciting.felonious they could abet you in finally finishing your vehicle.felonious but how may you be justifiably certain that these parts are authentic? as always , felonious circumspect inquiry is the key.felonious equip yourself with the right knowledge approximately obsolete auto parts justifiably that no one may vend hoax products to you.felonious also determine the reliability of the shop.felonious find persons who own bought parts from them and ask them how convinced they are with their purchase.

Pull Junkyards for Used Auto Parts

when a Heap Of vehicle owners poverty car , felonious truck , felonious van , felonious rv , felonious or jeep parts , felonious they normally revolve to their local junkyard.felonious a lot of of these junk yards have a choose and draw policy.felonious significance , felonious you may buy the subdivision for cheap , felonious but you must find that subdivision yourself and remove it from the vehicle in quiz.felonious though it sounds love a doom of drudgery , felonious it is a bulky way to find cheap auto parts.felonious another way is visiting craigslist.org.felonious in fact , felonious which is the best approach?

Unfortunately , felonious not all junkyards in the cohesive states sell applied car parts.felonious this is unfortunate , felonious as these choose and draw yards have shown us that flat the oldest cars and those in the worst conformation placid have salvageable parts.felonious provided you perform not have access to one of these auto establishments , felonious it is best to visit craigslist.org.felonious to earn started , felonious choose your declare and then the nearest city.felonious browse or search the website to find car , felonious truck , felonious van , felonious rv , felonious or jeep parts.

One of the a Heap Of benefits to using craigslist to find cheap car accessories is the search function.felonious you don't have to expend hours sifting through a junkyard to find what you poverty.felonious instead , felonious you sit at domestic upon your computer and perform a search.felonious to find the best deals and what you poverty , felonious search with purposed phrases.felonious search with the forge , felonious mannequin , felonious or subdivision you poverty.felonious for sample , felonious honda civic fenders , felonious mercedes hubcaps , felonious geo tracker door , felonious falsify ram tailgate , felonious and as Is Right forth.

At most choose and draw auto yards , felonious you are charged a sit value for each subdivision.felonious this is good provided you ostensibly poverty one or two items.felonious nevertheless , felonious a Heap Of buyers want to have an entire junk car upon hand for parts in the future.felonious at an traditionalistic auto yard , felonious this may value you thousands of dollars or supplementary.felonious upon craigslist.org you are likely to find better prices.felonious you may earn a junk car for as little as $100! these cars don't run and the vender doesn't want to bother with needed repairs , felonious as Is Right they sell the vehicle as a junk car and sell it for next to nothing.felonious the ostensibly downside is you may poverty to crack or borrow a car trailer to draw it domestic.

As you may see , felonious both car subdivision yards and craigslist.org have their benefits.felonious provided you want to find car , felonious van , felonious truck , felonious motor domestic , felonious or jeep parts upon craigslist , felonious download the craigslist reader at motiont.com to try free.felonious you may search all of craigslist , felonious entire states , felonious or multiple cities at once.felonious don't expend time finding applied car parts; search quickly and with comfort to find the best deals.

Japane Auto Part $48.7 Million Facility in Bardstown, Kentucky

Japanese Auto Parts Manufacturer Opens New $48.7 Million Facility in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Governor Steve Beshear joined company and community officials to celebrate the grand opening of NPR Manufacturing Kentucky in Bardstown, Kentucky. The $48.7 million Japanese investment is NPR’s first manufacturing facility in the state and the company expects to reach 150 employees.

Parent company Nippon Piston Ring Co., Ltd., headquartered in Saitama City, Japan, announced in May 2006, it would locate its newest manufacturing facility in Kentucky. The 200,000 square-foot plant, named NPR Manufacturing Kentucky, will produce steel piston rings, a key automotive engine component.

"I deeply appreciate everyone who has supported us in opening our new business in Bardstown,” said Yasuyoshi Egami, president of NPR Manufacturing Kentucky, LLC.

NPR Manufacturing Kentucky, located in the Wilson Industrial Park, is Bardstown’s ninth Japanese company. Production at the Bardstown operation is expected to reach 18 million pieces annually.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved NPR Manufacturing Kentucky for up to $4 million in tax benefits under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act. Additionally, the company was approved for $297,912 in benefits under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, a program that allows approved companies to recoup sales and use tax costs related to construction materials, building fixtures and equipment used for research and development.

The company will also utilize funds from the state’s Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, the workforce training arm of the Cabinet for Economic Development, to train new employees.

U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. Announces Acquisition

CARSON, Calif., Sept. 30, 2008 - 2008 U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. , a leading online provider of aftermarket auto parts and accessories, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase certain assets of SmartTrac, Inc. related to a website providing a broad range of information on the purchase, care and repair of automobiles.

The website, which generates over 250,000 unique visitors monthly, will enhance the scope of information, advice and guidance that U.S. Auto Parts provides its customers.

The deep vertical content provided on the site includes basic education: from "how an engine works" to car care advice, maintenance and repair information. Automobile trends and vehicle reviews based on actual driver experience will also assist the consumer in making informed decisions when purchasing a car. U.S. Auto Parts plans to integrate its parts catalogue into the site to provide users with quick and easy access to solutions for their auto repair part needs.

"U.S. Auto Parts has grown and will continue to grow our business, in part, through acquiring relevant online content, and integrating it into our world class e-commerce platform," said Shane Evangelist, CEO of U.S. Auto Parts. "This acquisition is in line with that strategy but is also a first step in a move to arm customers with information about how to best service and repair their vehicle. Once informed, we believe U.S. Auto Parts is uniquely positioned to offer the broadest range of reliable and inexpensive parts for those repairs."

fuel-efficient cars to the U.S

On a winding test track in a dense pine forest near the Dutch border, a new generation of Fords is being put through its paces. The vehicles are small, stylish and fuel-efficient — everything Ford's current North American lineup is not.

Whether Ford thrives — or even survives — depends on what is happening here, at its European proving ground, as much as in its Dearborn, Mich., boardroom. The automaker, still struggling to stop a market-share decline that began more than a decade ago, is betting that this new lineup of small cars from Europe will win American consumers back from its Asian rivals.

Ford tried a similar strategy before, albeit on a smaller scale, and largely failed. It cannot afford a repeat. The automaker has lost $23 billion since the end of 2005, including $8.7 billion in the second quarter this year. Year-over-year sales for September were down 34 percent.

Ford was caught by surprise when U.S. consumers abandoned its profitable pickups and SUVs. It needs these European cars to fill the gap.

Hoping to learn from its past to avoid repeating it, Ford is overhauling everything about how it develops new models, from executing a design to choosing parts suppliers to considering the needs of drivers around the world.

"We all have the scars on our fingertips from the last 15 or 20 years," said Andreas Ostendorf, Ford of Europe's chief engineer for product development. "Now is the time to do it right."

The poster child for Ford's earlier failures is the first-generation Focus — a critical success in Europe that was stripped down for the U.S. market, where it became a lackluster economy model.

Ford of Europe used the success of the Focus as a springboard to become a small car leader. Engineers created some of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the road, while designers sketched out a new look that put Ford on the cutting edge of automotive design.

But there was little impact on Ford's U.S. showrooms.

It was the sort of narrow strategy that has typified Ford for decades: each region narrowly focused on producing vehicles for its own markets — a costly anachronism in the era of globalization.

"One Ford"

Two years ago, new CEO Alan Mulally (formerly of Boeing) walked in the door shaking his head at Ford's divided global structure. He quickly outlined a plan for uniting the company and using its global scale to turn the tide.

Under his "One Ford" plan, each region has global responsibility for doing what it does best.

Designers and engineers in Dearborn continue to work on trucks and crossovers. But the Europeans are in charge of small cars for the world.

And those European small cars are about to become a big part of the U.S. lineup.

As gasoline prices hit record highs this summer, Ford unveiled an unprecedented plan to retool truck and SUV factories in North America to produce these fuel-efficient cars for the domestic market. Ford's new Fiesta, which just debuted to rave reviews in Europe, will lead the charge.

By this time next year, workers who are today building F-150s will be training to build this sporty subcompact.

Ford's critics wonder what will be lost in translation this time. Even if the new Euro Fords that begin hitting U.S. showrooms in 2010 are as good as the ones racing through the dark pines of Belgium today, Wall Street wonders whether they can ever garner the big profits Ford's big trucks and SUVs did.

A global Focus

Making sure Ford meets vehicle performance and profitability goals means taking an entirely different approach to vehicle development, says Gunnar Hermann, the head of Ford's compact car program.

He is in charge of developing the next-generation Focus that, in 2010, will replace the two different cars that are currently called Focus in Europe and the United States.

This time, he says, the car is being designed to be sold around the world from the start by a team that includes designers and engineers from each region.

"This is the real difference now," he said. "From the first minute on, you operate really globally. And you make sure each region has a say."

Suppliers are another important part of the equation. When Ford brought the first Focus to the United States, it parceled out important components to companies that were not part of the product's development.

That introduced all sorts of quality problems. Focus buyers in the United States reported parts falling off in their driveways.

This time, Ford says global parts contracts will translate into lower components prices, a key element of its strategy to sell the vehicles profitably.

A key cost reduction

Another piece of the profit puzzle is the contract Ford signed last year with the United Auto Workers. The deal transferred responsibility for retiree health care from the company to the union, dramatically reducing the cost of producing cars in the U.S.

"The UAW contract was a game-changer," said Jim Farley, Ford's global head of marketing, sales and service. "Before that, the numbers would never have worked."

Small is big

Consumer tastes also have changed, he said, creating new opportunities for Ford.

High gas prices and economic uncertainty have soured American consumers on big vehicles. Even if gas prices come down, most people realize they are likely to go back up. And tight credit has forced many to economize.

In Europe, small cars are the norm, and consumers are willing to pay big prices for ones that deliver quality and comfort. In the United States, the base price for a Focus runs from less than $14,500 to just under $17,000. In Britain, a newer — and nicer — version starts at just under $22,000 and can go well over $35,000.

The original Focus was too expensive for Americans to even consider, so Ford stripped away many features. The new Focus is being designed from the start to sell for what Americans can afford and is being built up to give Europeans what they expect.

But Farley believes many Americans are also ready to pay top dollar for a premium small car.

So, Ford will offer inexpensive entry-level versions of its new small cars along with more expensive — and more profitable — versions.

BMW has proven Farley's point with its popular and pricey Mini Cooper, which can command well over $25,000. It remains to be seen whether fashion-forward drivers will respond to a Ford with as much an enthusiasm.

Billy Boat Catback Exhaust

Manufacturer: Billy Boat Performance

Status: Built to Order, Ships 2-10 days

Model Detail: Ford Excursion

Application: 5.25 in. oval tip with rolled edge-Built to Order, Ships 2-10 days

Billy Boat Performance Exhaust is the first manufacturer to offer a 100% T-304 stainless steel exhaust system.

Installation is simplified with this completely bolt-on system. Absolutely no cutting, welding or modifications are needed for installation! This true-dual system is TIG welded and completely mandrel bent resulting in a precision fit and even exhaust flow. Each muffler by Billy Boat Performance Exhaust is custom-tuned to match its application providing the perfect combination of performance and sound quality.

This Kit Includes:

-All T-304 Stainless Steel Muffler.

-All T-304 Stainless Steel Mandrel Bent Tubing.

-All necessary Bolts & Hardware.

-Step-by-step, fully illustrated Installation Manual.

Phantom El Camino Hot Rod (1957)

This unique Chevy car-truck hybrid embodies the spirit of the phantom movement, while its lowered stance, bad boy attitude, and bright magenta paint color scream “hot rod” and demand that it be noticed.

From the nosed and decked body, to the large diameter rims with low profile rubber and the four-wheel vented disk brakes, everything has been executed to perfection.

Prepare for your jaw to drop when you lift open the hood. The engine bay is packed with a small block V-8 with dual carbs on a high-rise manifold. An electric radiator fan keeps things cool, dual-circuit power brakes provide the “whoa” to match the “go,” and a chromed power steering pump and valve covers provide some tasty eye candy.

The fastest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time

Ultima GTR - The fastest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time and multiple world speed record holder.

The exciting Ultima GTR road car is the result of over 20 years of extensive research and development and is a product that takes the Ultima marque to sensational levels of fit, finish and performance. The world renowned GTR really is a supercar in every sense of the word which has officially humbled every last mainstream car on the planet bar none. In 2006 the GTR was crowned as the fastest production car in the world, beating the likes of the Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1 to a plethora of world speed acceleration and deceleration records.

Aerodynamic efficiency and balance has been of paramount importance on a car that is capable of over 200mph. Attention has centred around the length the rear of the car to help clean up the airflow and thus improve down force, whilst maintaining a short front and rear overhang has ensured that the Ultima performs perfectly on normal roads taking speed bumps and ferry ramps in it’s stride. These developments have been comprehensively tested at MIRA (the Motor Industry Research Association) where the group was so impressed by the results that it sought an Ultima GTR as the centrepiece for many exhibition appearances publicising the extensive facilities that they have available for car manufacturers.

The ultra clean look of the GTR and the faultless self-coloured gel coat bodywork has not been achieved through luck, but rather by design. The production car feel of the Ultima is immediately apparent, from the specially moulded headlight housings and covers to the immaculate panel fit and lack of any external body catches. Huge wheels front and back fill the wheel arches declaring it’s performance potential while items such as the purpose-made electric wing mirrors combine to create the complete picture. The sensational appearance of the car has been applauded by designers and connoisseurs alike.



Whilst the GTR can be ordered as a turnkey supercar, it is also available in component form, for assembly by the home enthusiast which is how the majority of our customers prefer to purchase their GTR. As part of the GTR's gestation period, a great deal of time was spent to ensure that this is one of the easiest cars in the world to construct by somebody with no previous mechanical or car building experience.

For an Ultima owner, having an involvement in the cars construction and thus knowledge of every nut, bolt and component on the car makes every journey in the Ultima not merely an experience but an event. The shear road presence that an Ultima commands has to be seen to be believed.

In short the Ultima is the weapon of choice for the car enthusiast that not only wants to own the fastest car on the planet but also wants to experience the intimate knowledge of the car of his desire.

The end result is a car that's causing a real sensation wherever it's seen. Journalists worldwide have been clambering to get a seat in the car and have waxed lyrical about the GTR’s unique mind blowing attributes. See our Press Quotes and Press Articles section for a summary of some of these unbiased journalist comments we have collated for your perusal.

We hope that you enjoy browsing through our comprehensive site to learn more about what we truly believe to be the greatest affordable supercar currently available worldwide, and one, which offers a truly unique experience of a lifetime.

Auto Part Tips - Car Battery Maintaining

You seldom think about your car battery until you are in a deserted parking garage late at night and your car won't start. Then it becomes very important in your life. Car batteries require simple and routine maintenance in order to work properly over their lives. If you can open your hood and use a wire brush, you can maintain a car battery. First thing is to pop open your hood and locate your battery. Don't worry, it won't bite. The 2 posts that the battery cables are connected to must be clean and free of corrosion. Corrosion can prevent the cables from getting a charge from the battery and prevent your car from starting. Simply keeping your terminals clean can keep those troubles away. Get a wire brush and scrub the contacts clean. If you are really motivated, you can remove the cables and scrub the inside of connector and the terminal post. You should have a good contact after you complete this little chore. You also need to check your water level, especially when it is hot outside. If the water level drops too low, the battery will have a difficult time holding a charge. Next time you fill up, ask the guy at the service station to check it for you. Don't wait until your car is slow to crank up. If your battery is not putting out enough juice, it may be too late to save it. The time to save your car battery is before these symptoms show up and always have a pair of jumper cables or a battery booster in your truck. You never know if that old battery has cranked for the last time.

Auto Reviews - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

One of the finest coupes on the road today, the CL is an artful blend of performance, technology and classic luxury that rarely fails to impress.

Pros
Superbly refined in every respect, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling, impressive performance.

Cons
Complex navigation and audio systems, cramped rear seat.

What's New for 2006
The AMG Sport package, with AMG-designed bumpers, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels, is now standard. The CL600 loses its integrated cell phone but picks up some former options as standard equipment, among these Keyless Go, an electronic trunk closer and a heated steering wheel.

Introduction:
Based on the flagship S-Class sedan, the CL-Class' naming might confuse some folks into thinking it shares components with the C-Class or CLK-Class. Well, it doesn't. Regardless of its quirky nomenclature, this stylish and swoopy version of the company's top-of-the-line coupe debuted in 2000, replacing the more squarish and upright 1993 to 1999 version. The CL500 is the standard eight-cylinder model, while the CL600 adds a formidable 12-cylinder power plant. Both deliver exceptional performance that makes them exhilarating to drive, yet their capabilities are never intrusive when they're not wanted, as the CL is a calm and quiet cruiser. An active suspension system, called Active Body Control (ABC), helps these big coupes handle like much smaller sports cars. The system helps to minimize or eliminate unsettling movements, such as body roll while cornering and squat and dive under acceleration and braking. Another high-tech feature is the Pre-Safe system, which can anticipate an imminent accident, and automatically tighten the seatbelts and position the power seats to afford the best protection for the occupants. Beautiful to look at, ride in and drive, the CL has the grand touring coupe segment virtually all to itself, with only BMW's 6 Series coming close in terms of offering all-out supercar levels of performance along with seating for four adults.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The CL is a two-door coupe available in two trim levels: CL500 and CL600. Both feature nearly all the luxury amenities you would expect in a flagship coupe including high-intensity discharge headlamps, a DVD-based navigation system, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, 14-way power-adjustable seats and generous amounts of leather and wood trim. Options include ventilated seats with built-in fans to keep one's backside cool on sultry days and a power lumbar support that also inflates and deflates twice a minute, providing a slow massage to keep fatigue at bay on a long trip. Also available is adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and special designo packages for a more customized interior look.

Powertrains and Performance:
The CL500 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 rated for 302 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque that delivers power through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Not to be outdone, the CL600 has a 5.5-liter V12 fed by twin turbochargers that produces an astounding 493 hp and 590 lb-ft or torque. Mercedes claims that these staggering numbers allow the CL600 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. A five-speed automatic is standard on the CL600.

Safety:
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes; electronic traction and stability control; seat- and headliner-mounted side airbags; and emergency braking assist. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters are used at all four passenger positions.

Interior Design and Special Features:
Virtually every luxury and convenience item, including a navigation system and power door-closing assist, is standard on every CL. Specific wood trim is fitted as well, with dark interiors having burled walnut, while lighter cabins are graced with chestnut timber. Most of the controls come straight from the S-Class, but the quality of materials is even better in the CL, with a leather-trimmed dash, less plastic and even more beautiful wood highlights. Particularly impressive are the CL's unique stainless steel doorsills and outer-edge door trim.

Driving Impressions:
Step on the throttle, and the Mercedes gathers itself up on a wave of torque, seemingly accelerating just as fast from 30 to 90 as it does from zero to 60. No matter which model you drive, the power delivery is the same, seamless and unflustered, the only variable being the rapidity of acceleration. In spite of a curb weight of over 2 tons, the CL handles the curves like a much smaller, lighter car, a sensation brought about chiefly by the Active Body Control (ABC) system that quells body roll as well as squat and dive while the car is being driven aggressively. In normal driving, the suspension soaks up the bumps as well as any luxury car, but when you're ready to make time on a twisty road, the CL tightens up, rising to the challenge.

Word Class Truck - Nissan Titan 2006

The 2006 Nissan Titan is a world-class truck. This full size pickup is at the top of its class with 379 lb-ft of torque. I had an opportunity to test drive and look at the Titan's when looking to purchase a full size truck. I looked at the Tundra, too. The Toyota is no slacker by any means, but this Titan is sharp.

Let's just start with the big silver 5.6 numbers you see on the back of the truck. That means it has the 305 hp V8 engine - strong enough to tow 9500 lbs. It does have a fully boxed frame, so give up on those Ford commercials. Notice they only compare the Ford to the Dodge and Chevrolet pickups? Wonder why? No, I don't.

Closest comparison I can find to the Titan's power is the F150 with the larger 5.4-liter engine. It has 300 hp and can tow as much as the Titan. But the tow package on the Titan comes with a lower final gear ratio to act more like a 4 speed automatic instead of a 5 speed. It also has a transmission temperature gauge and trailer brake controller prewired under the dash.

Now if you are more the off-roading type, you'll like the electronic locking rear differential and the Rancho off-road shocks. It also has fog lights and skid plates which are a must have.

The Titan boasts most modern conveniences as the Tundra like braking distribution and shifting on the fly 4wd.

In my inspection of the 2005 and 2006 models, I did notice a neat feature. The tailgate weighs a ton, but on the 2006 model, it appears weightless. Nissan added gas shocks to aid in lowering and raising the tailgate. Pretty slick. The other really neat feature I found in this truck was the locking outside toolbox. It's a lockbox under the left rear tire, up under the fender. There's a door and a locking latch to store other things, like tools and such. It's pretty cool. That has me on a bias towards the Nissan as if the other features didn't.

In the bed is a factory sprayed on bed liner and this neat utility track to hold stuff in place. Rather, it allows me to position ropes and tie downs where I need them. But inside, the interior has something to be desired. Looks like a 350Z nightmare. The steering wheel and gauge cluster is nice, but move over to the right of that and, I dunno, just not my taste.

There are 3 trim levels, XE, SE, and LE. The SE seems to be the most common and it's nice. Not much difference as I can tell between an SE and LE. It is a nice truck and should be considered if you are shopping around as I am and have been.

Choosing the Right Car the Key to Fall Adventure

Driving, across the country or merely a state line or two, is the quintessential sport. Our cars transport us to destinations like family reunions, vacations and honeymoons. You won't find it on the front page of the sports section, but driving, windows down, music blaring and sunshine hot on your face has become a tradition that's getting more popular every year.

Like lemonade stands and drive-in movies replaced by today's mega-theatres and air-conditioned malls, cruising has evolved to include not only today's safer convertibles, but other vehicles that lend themselves to the particular tastes of the driver.

They say getting there is half the fun, and if you're driving one of this year's newer vehicles to your vacation destination that really will be the case, says John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek, a weekly automotive magazine show produced by Maryland Public Television.

Davis says you'll be seeing a lot of pickups, SUVs and convertibles out there; and unlike in past years when people might rent fun cars specifically to drive on vacation, the latest trend is for people to travel in their own vehicles. It's a comfort thing as well as being more economical, says Davis.

Besides, you can almost customize what you drive these days. People are buying vehicles that are good for more than just getting to and from work and running errands, they're buying cars that have a lot of storage space and are also fun to drive, says Davis, whose show tracks trends in the automotive industry.

So-called cross over vehicles, which combine the features of a car with those of a sedan, minivan or sport utility vehicle, are really gaining in popularity. They are the widest, most imaginative group of vehicles to enjoy in the history of the industry, says Davis.

Vehicles that fall into this category include the Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Baja, Honda Element, Scion xB, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Matrix, and Chevrolet Avalanche. They cover a broad range of prices from under $15,000 to well over $40,000.

*Safety Issues

They are very versatile, there's no doubt about that, says Davis. But like the traditional SUV, they tend to be tall, and taller vehicles by their very nature can roll over easier, so you still need to be extra careful when taking corners.

Rollovers can also be a worry for another popular summertime car: convertibles. They tend to be slower to respond to driver inputs because they are heavier than your average sedan, but Davis points out, they have come a long way. Convertibles used to be flimsily made and clumsy to drive, and really rattled over rough roads. Now they are better built, with better suspensions, and are much safer. Along with front airbags, many convertibles can be ordered with side impact airbags, while a few have pop-up roll-over bars that automatically provide extra protection for occupants. Most also offer electronic driving aids like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability systems.

Cruising still has the devotion of the American driver as it has for years, but with some 210 million registered drivers on the road, it does require us to be more conscious. Not just about safety, but other drivers, and local laws as they relate to aggressive driving and cell phone use. So, toss the cell phone in the glove compartment, strap on your seat belt and enjoy your next road trip.

Go for Two Strokes for Bigger Power

What is a 2-stroke diesel engine?

As the name suggests, these engines work on reciprocating actions of pistons. One stroke means one linear motion of the piston in one direction. When the piston moves in the opposite direction, that is counted as another stroke.

For a 2-stroke engine, the piston has to move up, and then down to complete one cycle of the engine. In those 2 strokes of the piston, the crankshaft will have turned 1 revolution.

The 2 strokes of the piston is to complete 4 stages of the combustion cycle - air intake, compression, combustion and exhaust. As you might have known, in order for a fire (or explosion) to occur to power the engine, we need a fuel, a heat source, and oxygen coming together at the same time.

Remember how the crankshaft and the piston moves in a cylinder? The reciprocating movement of the piston is converted to rotary motion by means of a crankshaft. The piston reciprocates between Top Dead Center and Bottom Dead Center inside the cylinder liner.

One of the most prominent feature of a 2-stroke engine is the presence of air intake ports on the cylinder liner that will enable fresh air to be led in for combustion.

These air inlet ports are cut into the cylinder liner somewhere at the lower end of the latter. In a typical design, the air inlet port are located about 35 degrees from the Bottom Dead Center (BDC).

In many designs, the fresh air that is introduced into the cylinder is also used to drive out the spent exhaust gases inside it. Many designs make use of scavenging air fans like electric blowers or turbochargers to slightly pressurize the intake air before the latter is introduced into the cylinder.

In order to allow the exhaust gases to be expelled from the cylinder, exhaust ports are often cut into the cylinder just like the air intake ports. A typical design will have the exhaust port located about 50 degrees from Bottom Dead Center.

So, let's describe our engine stages at the combustion space between the piston top and the cylinder head.

From Bottom Dead Center (BDC), the piston, full of fresh air, moves up the cylinder liner until it covers up the air intake port. The air intake process stops.

The piston moves further up. It then covers up the exhaust port on the cylinder liner. The exhaust process stops.

The piston moves further up. The air inside the combustion space is compressed and becomes hot. The piston has nearly reached Top Dead Center at this point.

Highly atomized fuel is then injected into the combustion space. The fuel burns rapidly causing an explosion inside the combustion space. The explosion causes a tremendous rise in pressure and the piston is pushed down towards BDC.

As the piston moves down, the exhaust ports uncover about 50 degrees from BDC. Exhaust gases are thus led out from the cylinder. The pressure inside the cylinder drops immediately.

The piston moves further down. At 35 degrees from BDC, it uncovers the air intake port. Fresh air is then led into the cylinder.

The piston then reaches BDC. Because of the momentum created from the force of the explosion, the piston reverses in direction and moves upwards towards Top Dead Center (TDC).

The process then repeats itself.

In some designs, the exhaust gases are removed through an exhaust valve, located at the cylinder head and very similar to the 4-stroke engines. This type of scavenging is called uniflow scavenging. The timing of the valve opening and closing will be controlled by a camshaft, push rods, rocker arms or other similar devices.

Well folks, why do we want to squeeze all the strokes into 2 cycles? That could be discussed further...

"PRODUCE YOUR BEST WITH THE BEST!" Hard-to-find tools become easy-to-find.

Mercedes Car Technology Updated

Automobiles have become normal fixtures in our lives, and they will continue to be our daily companions in the decades to come. Since its earlier days, innovations on automobile technology have been continuous. Engineers and manufacturers have sought to give the public improved performance, more comfortable features and safer cars. And this goal continues up to now and the process has even become more meticulous as car buyers have started to become more specific about what they want from their cars.

In this high-tech, computer-driven world car makers are striving to produce the best technologies to make their cars safer and more enjoyable to drive. Mercedes leads the pack in engineering technology as it has managed to feature in its vehicles some of the most precise, up-to-date and excellent quality car parts, accessories, safety features and entertainment systems. But not to be outdone, Mercedes still continues on its quest to give its patrons nothing but the best. Below is a list of the up and coming state of the art features engineered by Mercedes.

Latest Mercedes technology that will be used in its future cars:

1) Safety systems with radar and cameras that watch out for danger as you drive. These safety equipment will be able to warn you of imminent danger by using advance mathematics to calculate the possibilities and the chances of danger occurring. This will be the future's way of fortune telling!

2) Keyless entry is already being used on other vehicles like the Cadillac, Infinity and BMW models, Mercedes on the other hand is on its way to using a credit card style system which will replace car keys in the near tomorrow. That will make for lighter pockets!

3) Highly improved navigation console systems that includes computer-like screens on the dash, global positioning satellite and on board DVD's which can easily flash directions, maps, vital information on businesses like hotels, hospitals etc will be installed in every Mercedes. Getting lost will be a lot harder with these in your car!

4) Wi-Fi hook-ups in almost every vehicle will provide weather, news, and other information. Long trips won't be the same with these kinds of entertainment on board!

5) Various parts of the vehicle will be connected to a computer program which will be able to store relevant data to aid dealers, manufacturers and your mechanic in diagnosing the problem. With a handy cellular phone or laptop, you can transfer the data to the Internet and get a long-distance troubleshoot for your Mercedes. New technologies such as these, nothing IS impossible!

6) 40 Volt Electrical Systems will be a standard feature on the Mercedes which will allow for more electrical equipments to be brought into the vehicle.

7) Voice prompts allows you to talk to your car and command it to operate various basic functions such as locating a radios station. This technology is already used in certain BMW's, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes models and will continue to be used and adapted as standard features on all trims and models.

8) Electronically controlled pedals, already used by Mercedes, will be installed in more of its vehicles. It sends an electronic signal rather than set the brake or accelerator in motion through physical contact which allows a split-second action.

9) Programmable Mercedes vehicles will arrive in the foreseeable future. It allows the driver to choose the type of vehicle to drive and uses electronics to adjust his Mercedes according to his personal preference like lowering or raising ground clearance for varied ground effects. The choice between sporty and luxurious, stylish and chic has never been easier!

With these technological breakthroughs, you need an auto parts store that updates its stocks along with the non-stop evolution of the vehicles in the market. Most importantly, you need an auto parts store that is reliable yet affordable. At Auto Parts Train, you will find prime quality, genuine Mercedes parts at very reasonable rates. To browse through the most complete and comprehensive catalogue of superior quality Mercedes parts, click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ and experience how shopping for car parts online should be like.

Replacement Parts for Mazda5

The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine shared with the popular MAZDA3 subcompact, producing 157-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) provides brisk throttle response and plenty of torque both under acceleration and at cruising speeds. Transmission options are a five-speed manual or four-speed Sport AT automatic with manual shift mode. The MAZDA5 will be available in either Sport or Touring trim levels. The Sport trim level includes an AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows and locks as well as cruise control. Touring trim includes all of the amenities of the Sport level and adds climate control, front fog lamps, attractive rear spoiler, sleek side skirts, an in-dash six-disc AM/FM/CD changer and a power moon roof. Striking 17-inch alloy rims and a comprehensive airbag safety system are standard on both models. To suppress body roll, Mazda 5 has MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The high-performance suspension combination limits the natural body-lean effects of the relatively tall height when cornering, yielding predictable, neutral handling.

Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) combine with Mazda's own Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system ensures stability and control under braking, regardless of load or weight distribution. EBD with ABS minimize stopping distances. Mechanical brake assistance boosts braking force to ensure a shorter stopping distance in emergencies. Mazda has Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System. Other safety features designed to protect vehicle occupants include an airbag-supported supplemental restraint system, front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and airbag curtains large enough to protect all three rows of seats.

Active safety measures include a driving position oriented for safety with minimal blind spots and maximum visibility through the side windows and an extremely capable braking system. Mazda firmly believes that a responsive, easy-to-drive vehicle makes it easier to avoid accidents, and minimizes the chance of occupant injury. Mazda's commitment to safety reflects its efforts to protect both driver and passengers through both active and passive measures. Partstrain has a vast array of well crafted Mazda Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts and accessories to choose from its online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MAZDA available 24 hours a day to serve your most demanding auto parts needs. It has in its stock highest quality Mazda body parts that will retain the Mazda's driving dynamics bundled-in technology and its design. Excellence is synonymous to service for all of Parts train's customer service staff in dealing with all of your auto parts inquiries.

How to make sure your parking lots

If you are considering the option of opening a parking lot, you should always think about the security measures and their costs, of course. Security measures don't seem like a big thing, but they are extremely important. If an aggressive incident takes place in your parking lot, people will soon start looking for other places to park their cars. This mean loss of income, business may face the risk of losing the clients. So, always pay attention to good parking lot security measures.

In order to decide on the best security measures, you should first identify the risks involved. The emergency issue is very important. Strict security problems or severe medical emergencies should be quickly located and solved in your parking lot. You should think of ways of letting the parking services' providers know of the critical situation which is occurring. A visual signal, a light, a strong sound would be a good measure for informing the parking security staff that a sensitive situation needs to be handled.

Another important problem is finding a fast way of servicing a driver that is facing a technical problem like a flat tyre or a dead battery. Or how to give assistance to a driver that has confused the place where he/she has parked the car in a huge, multi-story parking lot. Therefore, the parking services should be very friendly and helpful.

The best way of combating situation of any origin in your parking lot is to have a video surveillance system, access control and an intercom. Actually, combining these three systems and adding a good lighting system is the best measure. For better results, these systems shouldn't be limited only to the inside of the parking lot; they should be extended to the outside of the parking lot.

You should also equip your parking lot premises with emergency phones, for a better communication between your security staff and the driver in distress.

And remember to always train your security staff on issues about how to react properly and efficiently to a critical situation or an emergency.

All these measures should ensure a better security for your parking lot. But keep in mind that fast and accurate reaction is the element that is making the difference between a severe, violent incident and a minor happening!

How To Getting The Best Automotive Service

Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body, communicating carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car!

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals. If something doesn't feel quite right, get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way:

Preventative Medicine

Follow the recommended service schedules.

Keep a log of all repairs and service.

Check your car for:

unusual sounds odors drips leaks smoke warning lights changes in acceleration changes in engine performance changes in gas mileage changes in fluid levels worn tires, belts, hoses. difficulty in handling, braking, steering unusual vibrations

When there is a problem…

Write the information/symptoms down to give to your repairman. When did the problem first start? Exactly when does the problem occur? Is it constant or does it occur now and again? Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up? Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake? At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, it's important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what's really going on.

Stay involved. And don't be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson. Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you're not familiar with.

It's hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs BEFORE work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

Your auto insurance.

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