The Garage

TUTOR - Combined bus and truck driving simulator

2007-07-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Drift Presentation

2007-05-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Moving people better, Faster and Safer.

2007-01-27T03:07:00.000-08:00

Bus and Car Performance, do they have any differences?

You can't just imagine the difference between these two or what they have in store. Yes, car had the reputation of the highest quality in most of the vehicles in the road, probably about 70 percent of the consumers bought a car rather than any automobiles. But with the new addition regarding with the engine performance, its surely make the riding in a public transportation the most of it. Huge vehicles such as buses, move people on to their destination near or far. Those vehicles are really tested on all road conditions and also give passengers the comfort of riding especially on a long travel. Just like cars, buses also improve when it comes to technology; from the engine performance, the process of riding comfort and even the safety of the passenger. However could it be ultimately end up into the idea of the primary controller of nearly all engines? Perhaps. Howcome? With these new advances people can start to see the fast and safety finally will be bridged.

Performance

Powered by huge diesel engine, which produces a massive power and torque though they have a low RPM. Although most of the cars uses petrol fuel than diesel. Still these engines provides the power and It also comes with a 6-speed or 5 speed transmission. Automatic or electronic type of transmission is now available on bus.

Riding and Comfort

Air suspension makes the ride more comfortable and stable. Steering is not a problem with the help of power steering, so you can easily manipulate the wheels.

Drive Layout

They have two types of drive layout, Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive (FR) and Rear Engine Rear Wheel Drive (RR).

Brake Systems

Nowadays ABS or anti-lock braking system is now applied, the only difference is cars don't use air brakes like the buses do and a full set of drum brakes (front and rear), passengers now could feel safety even in a fast driving.

Despite a long list of ideological enthusiasm for developing a new transportation, it ought to be maintained that Engineers and Manufactures in technology civilization has ultimately been an economic endeavour. Without their ingenuity, perhaps riding a bus would be still stressful for those commuters. Hopefully with these new improvements and features with the public buses, there is no denial that in the mere future the success rate for this new generation of vehicles will definitely tremendous.

Another Creation by : eXtrme Driver

(image source :http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/products/index.html)

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES - – (Part Two)

2007-01-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES

– (Part Two)

If you have two cars and need to move the child seat between cars regularly, then get a seat that is light and easy to install. Or better yet, get two safety car seats to spare you the trouble of constant transferring.

Always check if the seat belt is firm and the straps are not twisted and fit snugly. Adjust the harness and the shoulder straps as the child grows. Do not continue to use this restraint if your child has outgrown the seat. Make sure you purchase a child car restraint or car seat that complies accordingly to Australian Safety Standards. When fitted correctly, only then can good parents like you have peace of mind while traveling with your kid.

Additional Resources

au.shopping.com, online shopping site in Australia where you can find quality child restraints.
secure.racq.com.au
OzFreeOnline.com, free used car classifieds where you can find the best value, child-friendly automobiles in Australia
betterhealth.vic.gov.au, has guidelines from the Australian Safety Standards for child safety seats.

Booster Seat

This is for children who have outgrown their safety car seat. Children who are 14-26 kg or from 2 years to 7 years are ready for the booster seat.

A general guideline in buying a booster seat is to check if your child's eyes are at the same level as the vehicle's headrest.

Also, the sash part must only cross your child's shoulder and must not run across his or her neck. If this occurs, then your child is still not tall enough to use a booster seat.

Types of Booster Seats

Booster Seats with Back and Side Wings

The side wings protect the child's head and neck against impact collisions and at the same time offer comfort as your child sleeps.

Child Car Seat/Booster Seat Combination

This combination may be used as a car seat until your child reaches approximately 18 kg. This booster seat raises the height of your child so that an adult seat belt fits properly. Then the harness straps can be tucked away inside the seat when it becomes a booster with a lap/sash belt.

Booster Cushions

Not recommended since there is no back, neck, or head support. In a collision, they do not offer any real protection for your child, unlike the first two types with back support.

Many other quality sites which offer advice are bubhub.com.au/infocarseats. Another thing to remember is that should you buy a used car online, make sure it has a child seat fitted. Check OzFreeOnline.com's auto classifieds, where you can find the right combination of motor vehicle and safety seat for your child.

___________________________________

Is Your Used Car Child-Friendly?

Come to OzFreeOnline Cars. Sign up, post your ad, and browse the best child-friendly Australian used cars today! All for free!

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES – (Part One)

2007-01-09T23:49:00.000-08:00

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES

– (Part One)

By law, all adults, children, infants and toddlers, must wear a seat belt at all times when traveling in a motor car in Australia.

But let's not just use a seat belt because the law says so; seat belts and car seats are made for our safety, so let's do ourselves and our loved ones that priceless favor.

Anxious caring parents will often get the most expensive safety car seat for their darling baby, but the truth is no one car seat is the best or the safest.

When choosing a car seat, the best one has the right fit for your vehicle, for your baby, and for your budget. Of course, a car seat is only as good as how you use it, so make sure you follow the instructions in buckling up your infant properly.

Child restraints are very important especially for older styles of used cars. Sites like 247babyAds.com.au and OzFreeOnline.com offer information on suitable infant restraints for your vehicle, as well as car safety features for your child.

Important safety rules

Always use a car safety seat appropriate for your child's age and weight.
Start early by using the car seat for your baby on her first ride home from the hospital.
Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
Set a good example for your child. If they see you buckling up before you drive, they'll get the habit.
Read and strictly follow the instructions of your car safety seat.
Get an licensed technician to install your car safety seat.

There are four basic types of car seats and restraints for babies and children.

Infant restraint
Child car seats
Booster seats

Child harness

Infant Restraint

Infant restraints are for babies from birth up to six months of age, or babies at least 9 kg.

Infant restraints are designed to have your baby face rearward. This means that the baby must lie down, as this is the safest way to travel. Moreover, this supports the back and neck of the infant in the event of a collision or during heavy braking.

Convertible or Dual-Purpose Infant Restraint

These are specifically designed to be used in the rearward facing position until a baby weighs 8-9 kg, at which time it can then be used as a child car seat in the forward facing position.

Convertible restraints can be used as your child grows, but experts still suggest you use a single-purpose infant restraint that is specifically fitted for your baby.

Safety Procedures When Using an Infant Seat

Do not fold a baby’s napkin too thickly at the back because the baby’s back will not be supported evenly and will cause discomfort.
If there is an airbag in a position where an infant restraint is to be used, check the car owner's manual for advice in this instance.
Keep the Velcro strap of the restrain free from lint so that they sticks tightly.
Adjusted the harness's fit on the baby as snugly as possible, making sure that they are not slack and the straps are not twisted.

Additional Resources

howsafeisyourcar.com.au, for safety features your car should have right now.
OzFreeOnline.com car classifieds, where you can find details about various infant restraints suitable for your motor vehicle's make.

For Toddlers/Small Children

Babies should only move into a child car seat once they weigh around 8-9 kg and can hold they head up easily on their own. For toddlers six months to four years (8 to18kg), use a forward-facing child car seat. Because these car seats are forward-facing, do not use them with vehicle seats that face sidewards or rearwards. Most good online sites like kidsafe.com.au, and OzFreeOnline.com offer information in their classifieds about child car restraints, as well as products you can purchase online.

___________________________________

Is Your Used Car Child-Friendly?

Come to OzFreeOnline Cars. Sign up, post your ad, and browse the best child-friendly Australian used cars today! All for free!

PURCHASE A DIESEL SUV INSTEAD OF PETROL

2006-12-14T00:08:00.000-08:00

SUV's are getting to be a favourite among car buyers nowadays. Whether it is because of the equation of speed and power with size, more and more SUV's are dashing past our beloved highways. Sure, they've got excellent traction and performance, and they really are family-oriented. But unfortunately so, most of the SUV's on the road today run on petrol.

Gas or petrol is one of the biggest culprit in air pollution. Ironically enough, for something that destroys the environment, the price of petrol is perpetually on a steady increase.

Over the past four years, Australia's petrol prices have increased by 63%. If this trend persists, motorists will soon be looking at as much as $1.47 a litre.

Not only this, but our dependence/addiction on petrol is conversely making us dependent as well on foreign oil monopolies and their policies. Thus, the answer is to explore alternative fuels which are far safer for the planet, as well as for our pockets and freedom. And yes, we should also start with our choice of SUVs.

Obviously the answer is in favour of SUVs which run on diesel. For starters, conventional petrol engines aren’t designed to manage the excessive weight of SUVs. And we all know SUV's keep getting larger every year. Diesel engines, on the other hand, provide the necessary power, but with greater fuel economy, and at the same time, much cleaner fuel burning.

Diesel SUVs have more power precisely because diesel fuel itself has more energy than petrol. In addition to better mileage, diesel SUVs have more pulling power than their petrol counterparts, which is why they are popular for hauling camping gear, towing boats, caravans, and horse trailers.

But why hasn't diesel captured the hearts of the Australian driving population. Lack of informed choices on alternative fuels, lack of government funding for the development of these choices, the general public's misconceptions about diesel engines.

Not to worry though because car manufacturers nowadays are researching and refining the technology of diesel engines ever more dedicatedly. Reinstalling diesel engines in SUVs and other cars might make them more expensive. In the long run though, fuel economy and engine durability, and needless to say, environment-friendliness, are the priceless benefits we get for diesel SUVs.

Petrol prices are indeed seriously harming the budgets of most Australian households. The average household uses 43 litres of petrol a week and steep petrol prices mean reduced purchase power in other basic necessities.

If you are considering buying an SUV, you know what you have to do.

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE - PART FIVE

2006-11-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

OzFreeOnline.com – Classifieds is Australia’s largest free online classifieds and has the most comprehensive selection of used automobiles and cars for sale n Australia and New Zealand. Just visit our free car listings—we have hundreds of great and wise buys in used cars. Should you need finance to buy your ideal car, you can go to the Classifieds of www.ozfreeonline.com and look up the Finance section.

This week OzFreeOnline offers you suggestions for taking care of your tyres.

TYRE CARE

Buy a decent tyre gauge and keep it in the car. Improper tyre pressure can affect tyre wear as well as ride and handling. You should always check your tyres when they are cold. Use the manufacturers recommended tyre pressures. Tyre pressure tends to rise as you drive due to heat build-up. Manufacturers have this in mind when they set the recommended cold pressures so do not let air out when the tyre gets hot. Check the tyre again when it cools off and you will find that the pressure is back to where it was. Tyre pressure will change with the seasons, so in winter months make sure they are not under inflated. Remember; always check them when they are cold.

TYRE ROTATION

On front wheel drive cars, it is especially important to rotate your tyres periodically because the front tyres wear faster than the rear. Uneven tyre tread thickness, front to rear, will give you uneven braking and poor handling, especially in the rain. If you don't rotate the tyres, you'll wind up replacing them two at the time, which means you'll always have uneven tread thickness. Replacing tyres in a matched set of four will keep the handling and braking traction of the car balanced.

If you notice a humming noise, check the rear tyres for a ‘saw-tooth’ wear pattern on the inside and outside shoulder of the tyre. You can detect this by running your hand back and forth along the edges of the tyre tread. Be careful not to cut yourself on debris or exposed steel belt wire. If it feels smooth in one direction, but jagged in the other, you may have found some of your noise. This condition happens on some front wheel drive vehicles, with tyres that have tread blocks on the shoulder of the tyre. Rotating this tyre to the other side of the car should even out this type of wear and quiet down the humming. Check your owner's manual for the proper rotation method. Most front wheel drive cars require the following rotation method:

Front wheel drive tyre rotation

Warning: If you have directional tyres they must never be crossed over to the other side of the car. You can tell by the fact that they will have a clearly marked arrow on the sidewall showing the direction of rotation.

If you have a matching spare, include it in the rotation.

You’ve got a car to sell? List your ad on the OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. It’s just so easy, and it’s FREE.

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE - PART FOUR

2006-11-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

To keep your car looking good and performing well, this week OzFreeOnline offers you suggestions in changing oil in your car and checking the transmission fluid.

OIL CHANGE

Oil change is one of the few maintenance steps that automobile manufacturers have not found a way to eliminate yet. Regular oil changes are the best way to ensure longer engine life. If you frequently take short trips where the car doesn't always completely warm up, then oil changes are even more important because acid and moisture build-up does not have a chance to burn off.

Some new engines normally run very hot and are very hard on oil. Even missing a single oil change on these cars can cause an engine to develop sludge, which can cause engine damage in a car with as little as 15,000 kilometres on the odometer. Today's modern oils contain detergents and additives that are designed to protect against sludge formation, but if you regularly do a lot of stop-and-go driving, like rush hour driving, engine heat will eventually break down these additives so that they stop protecting your engine.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Most automatic transmissions should be checked while the engine is running. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. Also, make sure the car is on a level surface and fully warmed up. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe off the end, and note the markings on the end of the stick. The usual markings are ‘Full’ and ‘Add.’ Push the stick into the tube until it seats, then immediately pull it out to see the fluid level. Transmission fluid should be pink or red in colour with the look and consistency of cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is a muddy brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked by a mechanic. As with the engine, never add fluid unless it is below the ‘Add’ mark and never bring it above the ‘Full’ mark. Make sure you use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle. If you plan to add Transmission fluid yourself, you should know that fluid usually comes in prepared sizes, but the level may not be low enough to take the full amount. In addition, you will need a special funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of. Check your owner’s manual for the type of fluid and do not substitute anything else. Any noticeable transmission oil consumption should be checked out at your service station.

We will bring you more tips next week. In the meantime remember the best source to buy a used car today is OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. To sell your car, you can use our free car listings – It costs you nothing!

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE – Part THREE

2006-10-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

To keep your car looking good and performing well, this week OzFreeOnline offers you suggestions for taking care of the Filters and Power Steering fluid in your car.

FILTERS

There are a number of replaceable filters in a car. They are listed in your owner’s manual along with recommended replacement intervals. If you live in a dusty area or in a big city, then that's all the more reason for you to replace them more frequently. The following filters are common to most cars.

Air filter: used to filter the air going into an engine. This filter is usually easy to replace yourself.

Fuel filter: found either in the engine compartment or near the gas tank. This filter is best left to your motor mechanic to change.
Breather: works with the PCV valve to allow clean air to be drawn into the crankcase to purge moisture and acids from the engine.
PCV valve: works with engine vacuum to draw fumes from the crankcase and burns them in the combustion chamber.
Cabin filter: on a number of late model cars since the early ‘90s; there is a filter in your air conditioning system that cleans the air before allowing it into the passenger compartment.

These filters are usually somewhere under the dash. Your owner's manual will tell you if you have one and where it is. Check your owner's manual for any other filters requiring servicing.

POWER STEERING FLUID

The power steering fluid reservoir usually has a small dipstick attached to the cap. Remove the cap and check the fluid level. The level should not change more than the normal range on the stick. If you have to add fluid more than once or twice a year, then have the system checked for leaks. These systems are easily damaged if you drive while the fluid is very low. Another warning of low power steering fluid is a buzzing noise when you turn the steering wheel at slow speeds.

We will bring you more tips next week. In the meantime remember the best source to buy a used car today is OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. To sell your car , just visit our free car listings – It costs you nothing!

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE – Part TWO

2006-10-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

To keep your car looking good and performing well, OzFreeOnline offers you suggestions on checking the Coolant (Antifreeze) level as well as the engine oil level.

COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE) LEVEL

Never open the radiator of a car that has just been running. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure with fluid that is usually hotter than boiling water. Look for the cooling system reserve tank, somewhere near the radiator. It is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it. (Do not confuse it with the windshield washer tank). The reserve tank will have two marks on the side of it. ‘FULL HOT’ and ‘FULL COLD.’ If the level frequently goes below ‘full cold’ after adding fluid, you probably have a leak, which should be checked as soon as possible. Today's engines are much more susceptible to damage from overheating, so do not neglect this important system.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

An engine cannot run without oil; oil is what prevents serious engine damage or total destruction! To check the oil level, make sure that the engine is turned off, then find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or rag, wipe off the end of the stick and notice the markings on it. You will usually see a mark for ‘Full’ and another mark for ‘Add.’

Check your owner’s manual to be sure. Push the stick back into the tube until it sets, then immediately pull it out to see the oil level. You should not add oil unless the level is below the ‘Add’ mark and NEVER add oil to bring the level above the ‘Full’ mark. Your main concern with this check is that oil consumption is not rapidly increasing. If it is, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible and have it checked out. It is acceptable for the oil to be dark as long as you change it at the recommended intervals. However, it should never be foamy and should never have a strong petrol smell. If either of these conditions exists, have it checked out soon.

We will bring you more tips next week. In the meantime remember the best source to buy a used car today is from the OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. To sell your car, you can use our free car listings – We promise: it costs you nothing.

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE - PART ONE

2006-10-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE - PART ONE

OzFreeOnline.com – Classifieds is Australia’s largest free online classifieds and has the most comprehensive selection of used automobiles and cars for sale n Australia and New Zealand. Just visit our free car listings—we have hundreds of great and wise buys in used cars. Should you need finance to buy your ideal car, you can go to the Classifieds of www.ozfreeonline.com and look up the Finance section.

To keep your car looking good and performing well, OzFreeOnline offers some simple guidelines that will give you all the information you need to know. Each week we will offer you some excellent suggestions in taking optimum care of your car.

UNDER THE BONNET

Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it used to be, periodically checking under the hood can head off problems before they become costly. Today, with self-service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get it done is for you to do it yourself.

Start by reading your car owner’s manual. There will always be a section on under bonnet checks. A word about safety though: read the safety warnings in your owner’s manual and any safety warning stickers under the hood. Also, it's advisable that you keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the boot.

If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off. If the engine is running, do not put your hands near any belts or fans.

BATTERY

Most batteries today are "maintenance free", which simply means that you can't check the water level. This doesn't mean however, that there is nothing to check. The main things to check are the top of the battery, which should be clean and dry, and the terminal connections, which should be clean and tight. If the top of the battery continuously becomes damp or corroded soon after cleaning, then have the charging system and battery checked by your mechanic.

Happy motoring – and remember the best source to buy a used car today is OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. To sell your car, you can use our free car listings – We promise, it'll cost you nothing.

How to Love Your Car Without Your Wife Getting Jealous

2006-09-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

First things first: Cars don't intentionally inspire jealousy in wives. They can't help it if they're shiny, sleek, has amazing torque, and lots of horsepower. But we know cars can be very demanding too. They don't necessarily want pampering, but they'd like it if you'd give them attention on a regular basis. The trick is not to spend more time loving your car than you do loving your wife.

Tell your wife, you just have to read your car's owner's manual because it's your best guide to maintaining the car in tip-top shape. She might frown, but she'll give in. It's just a manual after all. Next, tell your wife, you just have to follow the maintenance schedule. And by God, do follow it. Also, make sure you keep the maintenance records. Your wife will let out a disapproving grunt at this, what with the costs, but she'll give in eventually.

Next, inform your wife that from now on you will have to 1. regularly inspect your car's emission control system, 2. use a high-quality gas cap, 3. always keep tires properly inflated, 4. check belts and hoses, 5. check the air conditioning system for leaks, 6. regularly change fuel filters and air filters, 7.change oil and oil filters as scheduled, 8. always check oil, transmission fluid, and radiator coolant, and 9. replace the PCV valve and breather elements as needed. By the time you’re done, you would have been too busy to notice your wife packing her bag, ready to leave you. Anyway, she's left a post-it on the fridge telling you to just reheat leftover for dinner.

Here comes your redemption. Tell your wife, all the things you've been doing for the car is for her as well. Not only are you prolonging your car's life and maintaining its peak performance and market value, not only are cutting down on would-be expensive car repair bills, not only are you saving the environment from pollution--not only these-but you are also loving her and the kids, and want only the best. After all, a well-taken car IS a safe car to ride.

She might not probably believe you, but don't just stand there and let her get out of the door. Take your wife for a ride out of town, or to somewhere nice and special. Like the place where you first met. She'll love you again, and hopefully your car too.

Neoli write articles and press releases for http://www.ozfreeonline.com - this piece he made served as an article exclusive for http://cars.ozfreeonline.com - which offers buy or sell used cars, motorcycles, trucks vans and other vehicles. Oz Free Cars also provides free car listings

Braking Moments – Maintenance and some driving tips

2006-07-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

The brakes are used to slow down or stop the car. This is one of the most important parts of the car. Any brake failures can cause accident which may lead to serious property damage. A proper maintenance of the brakes is a must to avoid any accidents.

Everyday before using your car it is important to check your brakes especially the level of the fluid. It is necessary to clean your brakes weekly and check also the brake pads if they are still in good condition. Try also checking those hoses and other linings of your brakes for leaks. When driving always bring a bottle of brake fluid just in case of emergency and try to check your gauge panel to see if the brake warning light is lit. Always test your brakes when driving once in a while.

The first thing to consider while driving especially at high speed is your brakes; since brakes are mechanical it is prone to any failures especially when it is not maintained. If everything is too complicated especially brake repairs or adjustments try consulting your trusted mechanic to fix those problems, these may prevent you from spending too much for repairs.

If your brakes are malfunctioning like sudden loss of pressure on the pedal while driving, try to pull over and don’t hesitate to continue driving, try to pull your parking brake slowly; this may help reduce the speed of the vehicle. Use engine brake to slow you down. It may damage the gears in the transmission but you’re safe. Never turn off your engine instead try to pump the pedal because it might build some pressure. If you don’t have any choice try to hit the bushes or sacrifice your vehicle by letting the side of the vehicle hit the wall to stop.

Alvin D. Agomaa For Free Classifieds online visit Oz Free Cars
July 14, 2006

The Gears – A Small Overview of the Automotive Transmission

2006-06-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

The transmission is an automotive part where the power is transferred from the engine to a driving axle making the car move. Sometimes it is also known as the gear box because set of gears are found inside the transmission.

The manual transmission is commonly used by car manufacturers and it has various numbers of forward gears and one reverse gear, it is usually comes in “H” pattern. The driver can select any gear depending on the speed of the car. In order to select a gear the driver must step on the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch disk from the engine and release the pedal after selecting the desired gear.

Unlike the manual transmission, the automatic transmission doesn’t need and doesn’t have a clutch pedal to disengage the clutch disk when shifting gear. The automatic transmission shifts gear automatically and makes the car much easier to drive. Usually automatic transmissions have several selections such as the “P” for Park, "N” for Neutral, “D” for Drive, “R” for Reverse and “L” for Low. The overdrive button at the automatic transmission lever is used to maximize the output when driving at high speed. Most of the modern automatic transmission has the CVT (continuously variable transmission); it is different from the traditional automatic transmission because CVT uses pulley and belt instead of the gears.

The sequential transmission or semi automatic transmission doesn’t have any “H” pattern like the manual transmission because the movement of the lever is in two directions only. Through the help of CPU and electronic sensors installed in the car the clutch itself is controlled which synchronizes the timing and torque needed to make gear shifts fast and smooth. .

Some transmission have a so called dual clutch, it uses two clutches but has no clutch pedal. The advanced electronics and hydraulics control the clutches just like the standard automatic transmission. The two clutches work independent, the first clutch controls the odd gears (first, third, fifth and reverse), while the second controls the even gears (second, fourth and sixth).

Alvin Agomaa

June 6, 2006

For Free Car Classifieds online visit OZ Free Cars

Car Racing - The Many Types

2006-04-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

There are many types of racing and can be categorized as follows:

(1) Rally Racing: Rallying involves racing in off-road areas where general people don’t drive their vehicles. The drivers and the co-drivers rally at some point and then leave the place at regular intervals to reach a particular point. The drivers and their co-drivers can explore the track beforehand in order to have a better idea of the roads. The co-drivers help the drivers to choose the best possible way to reach the destination. World Rally Championship is the most popular championship in this type of race.

(2) Single-seater Racing: This is one of the most famous motor sports and involves a lot of specially designed high-speed cars. These are open-wheels cars and generally the cars have aerofoil wings in the front and as well as rear to have a better adhesion to the track. Formula One is a World Championship that is now known to every motor sport enthusiast. This championship is the highest level of motor sport and every car racer wants to participate in this competition.

(3) Ice Racing: This type of racing takes place in snow or on frozen lakes. Obvious requirement for such race is extreme weather conditions and this motor sport generally takes place in high latitudes. These cars involve full rubber and studded tires for a better adhesion.

(4) Touring Car Racing: This type of race involves highly modified production cars and it is comparatively slower than the sports car racing or the single-seater racing. The most popular championship is the World Touring Car Championship.

(5) Stock Car Racing: This type of car racing is similar to Touring car racing and is an American version of the same. The car racing series popular in this type of racing is the NASCAR. This is generally conducted on ovals and the cars used in racing are similar to production cars but are specifically built for racing.

(6) Drag Racing: Drag racing involves completing a particular distance in the shortest possible time. Generally this distance is 400 m and the range of cars participating in this race can be everyday car to high class racing cars. It depends on which type of car is being used for drag racing as a street racing car can cover 400m in 15 sec and the same distance can be covered by a specially designed fuel dragster car in 4.5 sec.

(7) Sports Car Racing: Sports car racing takes place in a closed circuit and in this race, purpose-built cars and sports cars production versions compete with each other. This race is particularly for long distances like 1000km and that is why this race involves more than one driver switching between them.

(8) Off-road Racing: The name tells it all, the racing of some modified cars takes place off road i.e. away from city traffic. Off road famous championship series is CORR.

(9) Hill Climbing: This type of race involves racing for the best time completion. The cars have to climb the extremely steep hills and the car with the best completion time is the winner.

(10) Kart Racing: Generally, most motor sport enthusiasts start their career from Kart racing. The racing tracks are quite small and the karts used in the race are quite different from the normal cars that run on roads.

About the Author:

Written By Scotty Johnson

This article provided by ModernImage.net

For auto graphics and decals visit ModernImage. Your Source for body graphics with over 5000 combinations of patterns and colors. Custom graphics and race logos also available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scotty_Johnson

Diesel Engines: Tap the Advantage!

2006-04-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine's weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let's take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.

Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel's 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline.

Diesel engines have the following advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

Diesels use air compression to create combustion versus the air/fuel mixture required by gasoline powered cars. This attribute means that diesel engines do not require spark plugs and thus do not have to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a higher fuel density than gasoline resulting in fuel economy increases of 20-30% over comparable gasoline powered models.

Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain as they have less parts vs. a gasoline engine. The lifespan of a diesel engine is also significantly longer.

If it is torque you need, particularly for pulling a boat, camper, or equipment, than a diesel engine has the advantage. A diesel engine is definitely slower especially when starting from a dead stop, but when climbing hills or going over bridges, your diesel powered vehicle can definitely handle the challenge.

So, why aren't more vehicles built in North America diesel powered? A few reasons including:

Stricter emissions control standards. Diesel engines pollute more, so not many manufacturers have improved upon the technology to produce an engine that is environmentally friendly. However, several upcoming engines from VW and others may change all of that.

Not enough power. Yes, a common complaint, even with turbo diesels, is that the engines are not powerful enough. North American drivers are accustomed to getting on the highway with a minimum amount of effort. With a diesel engine, it can take as much as twice as long to get up to full speed.

Fortunately, several aftermarket product developers are helping motorists squeeze out more power from their diesel engines. Performance programmers, made for specific diesel engines, are helping motorists see a nice spike in horsepower as well as increases in torque. The beauty of some of these aftermarket parts is that they don't harm fuel economy. In fact, some claim to help improve it.

Yes, the number of diesel powered passenger vehicles presently on North American highways is presently very small; however with newer, cleaner and stronger engines on the way, you may soon find yourself opting for a diesel powered vehicle too.

About the Autor

Article Source :http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=129475

Audi Shows Diesels Are Ready For Prime Time.

2006-04-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

Although most people in North America believe diesel engines are slow, rough and decidedly unsporty, Audi has proved them wrong by winning The Twelve Hours of Sebring this past weekend in their Audi R10 TDI. In case you're wondering, this 650hp racecar is a diesel. It went up against the best from Porsche, Aston Martin, Lola and others to win by 4 laps at the famed endurance race in Florida. Although this is a critical victory, Audi has its sights set on winning The 24 Hours of Le Mans in June and making automotive history.

Audi has spent much time and energy building a diesel racecar. The main advantage is that because diesels are inherently more fuel efficient, they'll make fewer pit stops than the competition. This strategy clearly worked out.

Just like most automotive technologies, the lessons learned on the racetrack might some day be applied to production cars. As more and more consumers look for more fuel-efficient cars, diesel technology is hitting its stride. As of June 2006 North America will finally have Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel meaning European manufacturers can bring over more diesel engine variants if they want too. They were unable before due to the poor diesel fuel quality here in North America. The new regulations mean the sulfur content in diesel fuel will be reduced to 15ppm from 500ppm.

Although hybrids emit less pollution, new diesel particulate traps are helping to make diesel emissions cleaner than ever. Unlike hybrids, diesels have a long-standing reputation as being reliable and built to last. A battery pack for hybrids can cost upwards of $8000 and there's not yet a sufficient amount of data to determine how often they need to be replaced.

Victories like the one this past weekend by Audi are not just important in the race world, but also in the public relations world. Should the 650hp Audi R10 TDI win at Le Mans in June, this will help to fuel North America's appetite for high performance diesel technology.

About the Autor

Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com

Article Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=156390

Taking Good Care Of Your Precious Car

2006-04-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

Maintenance is one of the most serious tasks as a car owner. It determines the performance and durability of the vehicle you drive. Checking your vehicle includes more than taking care of its external paint job and keeping it shiny.

This means taking care of all the parts, even under the hood. These are the ones that concern the performance of your vehicle. To have a good idea about the vehicle's routine maintenance is to go through the owner's manual. A little knowledge about mechanics may help you to maintain your vehicle. Some most important things to be checked regularly are the engine, electrical system, brake system and the tires.

The Engine

The engine is the one that makes the car move. Proper maintenance is a must to obtain a smooth run, less fuel consumption and extend the life of the engine. In this area it is necessary to check if there’s a leak in your engine, worn out fan belts, dirty spark plug and the air filter. You may also include checking the transmission fluid level, power steering fluid level and coolant level.

The Brakes

The life of the driver depends on the brake, it is necessary to check your brake system from the lines, brake fluid level, handbrake cables and the brake pads. While driving always check the pressure build by the brakes, because sometimes it is unexpected that brakes would fail while you’re on the road.

The Tires

The tire wears especially when the car is used every day. It is necessary to check the tire pressure and the thread of the tires, do not forget to also check the condition of the spare tire. Any foreign object from the road may puncture the tires such as nails and other pointed object so always check for those things.

The Electrical System

This would include the bulbs of the car’s headlight, parking lights, fuses, and the battery terminals and its connection. Sometimes the cars don’t run because the problem is not in the engine but in the electrical system. Be careful when checking especially the battery terminals because of some hazardous element such as acid deposits.

The screws and bolts must be checked if they are still in good condition or tightened well. Also check the wiper blades if the rubber blades need to be replaced to avoid damaging your windshield. Visiting your most trusted mechanic or any quality service station is not a bad idea, besides they have all the tools and expert mechanics to fix any car problem.

The car can be maintained while driving; a proper driving style may help to maintain the car. A poor driving style can wreck the car anytime like over revving the engine etc. No matter how much time and money you spend just to check your car’s engine and other parts everyday for maintenance, with a poor driving style this can be meaningless.

Alvin D. Agomaa

Oz Free Cars Online

April 25, 2006

Understanding the Drive Layouts

2006-02-21T02:02:00.000-08:00

Understanding the Drive Layouts

The drive layout is the arrangement of the engine, transmission, and driven axles. The types of drive layouts are Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/ FWD), Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/RWD), Mid engine Rear wheel drive(MR), Rear engine Rear wheel drive(RR), Four wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) and the All Wheel Drive(AWD). Each of these layouts has their own performance, advantages and disadvantages.

Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/FWD) – The Engine and the two driven axles are placed in front, where the power from the engine is transferred straight to the front wheels. This layout increases the interior space especially in small cars because there is no central tunnel needed for the driveshaft. FF layout has advantage when it comes on low grip surfaces, and its tendency to understeer reduces the risk of losing control. The disadvantage is the load placed on the front tires. The front tires must transfer all acceleration, steering, cornering, and braking forces to the road. This kind of tasks gives a lot of stress in front tires which may lead to wear and tear, while the rear tires have very little load on them.

Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/ RWD) - This is the complement of FF layout, where the engine is placed longitudinally at the front but the two driven axles are placed at the rear connected through the driveshaft. With this kind of layout, installation of more powerful engine such as V8, V10 and V12 is not a problem. Since the FR has a driveshaft, central tunnel is present in this layout a little interior space is sacrificed. All of the disadvantages of the FF layout are the advantages of FR layout.

Mid Engine Rear wheel drive (MR) – The drive layout that consumes a lot of interior space of the car especially the seating capacity, the engine is placed in the middle of the chassis and the driven axles are at the rear. Although it has more weight at the rear, entering a corner makes it more difficult because the front tires have less traction resulting to understeer and since the rear is heavy, the car tends to oversteer when exiting a corner. This kind of layout is commonly used in racing cars and sports cars because of weight distribution focused in the center of the car.

Rear engine Rear wheel drive (RR) - This layout places both engine and the driven axle at the rear of the vehicle, even though the rear wheels benefit from the additional grip due to the added weight given by the engine, the front wheels still need grip in order to steer the car effectively. That’s why RR layout car can also be prone to understeer.

Four Wheel Drive (4WD or 4X4) / All Wheel Drive (AWD) – It is a term usually used to describe a car where the four wheels receive power from the engine simultaneously. This can be found in an off-road vehicle. A well distributed power to the four wheels improves the grip of the vehicle. The terms 4WD and 4X4 are used in jeeps and other off-road vehicles that require the driver to switch from 2WD used in street driving (two wheel drive) to 4WD to improve the grip depending on the road condition like mud, snow, etc. and it has a high and low gear selection. The AWD term was invented to identify the vehicle capable of driving all the wheels on any road condition without selecting high and low gear selection because the power is distributed on all the wheels. Unlike the 4WD with gear selection, you don’t have to select the appropriate gear to match the road condition. Most of the modern cars use AWD system for more traction and better handling.

Alvin D. Agomaa
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