Air Filters – Tuned Up Car Performance

Air filters, as far as automobiles are concerned, are used to prevents contaminants and particulates from entering the engine. Lack of an air filter or a bad one could cause in premature wear and tear as well as oil contamination, lowering engine performance and fuel efficiency greatly. Since the quality of air is important in internal combustion engines, air filters are vital in keeping the performance of any automotive vehicle.

Prior to the 1960s, oil bath filters were the industry standard for air filter application. It consist of a round bowl filled with oil and a round insert containing fiber, foam and other coarse materials. The idea is to make air flow go through a maze with large particles being unable to reach the engine due to the loss of momentum and fall into the oil, and smaller particles to get caught by the materials contained inside the round insert. While the setup actually works, maintenance is often messy and inconvenient, which led to the phasing out of the application, save for off road vehicles and engines. Other problems faced by oil bath filters is the increase in exhaust emissions, as well as the relative size needed for the device to be actually effective.

With the advent of fuel-injected engines, most cars use pleated paper filters shaped as a flat panel. Cars that still use carburetors or throttle body fuel injection configurations use a cylinder-shaped air filter, placed on top of the carburetor or throttle body and covered in either plastic or metal to regulate air temperature.

Pleated paper filters, are usually the stock air filter for most cars and eventually replaced oil bath setups. Of course, the misconception is that the paper in this case isn’t actually the same as the writing medium or material for books used. While cost-effective, efficient and easy to service, pleated paper filters will eventually need replacement, as air flow will be restricted once it gets excessively dirty.

Given the limitations of paper air filters, certain companies and tuner enthusiasts have looked to a more potent material or application in air filtration and cleaning. The aftermarket scene has many brands and companies that provide adequate alternatives, but also upgrades to stock filters. Some brands like True Flow air filters specialize in producing performance air filters and other True Flow performance parts, like their air intake systems, which are usually connected to air filtration.

Tips on Tune Up Your Car

Many drivers are not informed about the necessary and preventative care that should come with vehicle ownership. Did you know that a regular tune up helps to prevent the vehicle from rusting, increase gas mileage and keep your family safe? Regardless of how busy your life gets, it is crucial that we maintain good technique when taking care of our vehicles. For this reason, it is crucial that we develop good habits like regular oil changes and regular tune-ups for our vehicles.
How often should you get a tune up? Most vehicle experts recommend that a tune up be completed at least once a year. Of course, other times when the vehicle is given attention can shed light on problems, such as, when the vehicle is in for an oil change every 5,000 kilometers but a tune-up gives the vehicle mechanic a chance to examine the engine, the overall working of the vehicle, and, flush any fluids that are required to make the vehicle ride smooth and like new.
What exactly does a tune up cover when you take your vehicle into the shop? What does the mechanic look for? When you take your vehicle into the mechanic, he or she will have a look at the following aspects:
1. Fluids. When you take your vehicle into the mechanic for a tune up it is a chance to flush any fluids from the vehicle that are old and require changing. Did you know that old fluids become harmful to your vehicle and can cause the vehicle to run poorly? Many fluids in the vehicle run through the entire engine, isn’t it time that we made sure that these fluids were safe? Changing these fluids will mean that the engine will run at full capacity, increasing fuel mileage and reducing emissions.
2. Battery. The mechanic will test the battery within the vehicle to ensure that it is running, and charging properly. Many vehicle experts take the time to examine the outside of the battery and clean the terminals in which the battery attaches to the vehicle. Cleaning and checking the battery can assist in creating a longer lifetime. If a new battery is required, this can be determined with proper testing. Most batteries are relatively cheap and can be easily changed at home, without the use of a mechanic. Having a battery that no longer holds its charge could mean becoming stranded on that cold winter day.



3. Wheels are an important part of the vehicle. Did you know that tires are an essential part of vehicle safety and the running of the vehicle? Tires range in price from low to high, depending on the type chosen for the vehicle.
4. Brakes are examined during routine vehicle tune-ups, as this component stops the vehicle from moving it is essential that they are in working order. Replacing parts of or the entire system is completed on an annual basis to ensure that the brakes are in good working order.
Now you are aware of all of the components which are checked when bringing the vehicle in for a tune up. Often, a report will be given about the state of the vehicle and what has been checked. Follow up on any concerns with the mechanic and ensure that a good check up of the vehicle has been completed.

Fix Wheels with The Best Tyre Changers

With RAV tyre changers to assist you, you can get rid of the tiring and tedious process of fixing and aligning the wheels of your vehicle. In the automobile segment, wheel balancing, tyre changing and wheel alignment machines have a very important part in making sure that your drive is not hindered by a flat tire which can get tiresome to replace manually. When you decide to go in for one of tyre machines, be sure to purchase one of the best quality RAV tyre changers that have fully automatic facilities for changing your tyres.
Said to be among the best in branded tyre machines, the RAV tyre changers are available in plenty of of types offering a wide variety of utilities and come in 24", 26" and 30".
The 30" completely automatic tyre changers come with the auto touch option which works on the lower and upper beads and takes out the tyre from the wheel base very gently thus minimizing any scope for damage. These tyre machines help you to mount and dismount the most difficult of tyre types in a matter of a few seconds. The 30" also includes the self locking plate that controls the table rotation systematically. Other options that come with it comprise if a laser pointer as wells as a wheel sensor that assists in putting in place the tyre without inflicting any damage on the wheelbase.



The 24" RAV tyre changers are available in two models: quick release along with assist arm and quick release tool. The former provides you with a triple function arm rotation of microcast G steel that provides optimal efficiency. A few of the features of the RAV 500 cover wheel diameter of up to 40" and rim width of up to 12". The specifications for inner clamp are 11 inches and for outer clamp are 13 inches.
On the other hand, the model with the quick release tool includes a gearbox which is heavy duty and a construct that makes it a good quality product. It also assists in reducing the friction and fixes the wheel most perfectly. Specifications of this type of 24" RAV tyre changing machines cover wheel diameter of up to 40" and rim width of up to 12". The specifications for inner clamp are 11 inches and for outer clamp are 13 inches. The work pressure is in the range of 8 to 10 bars.
If one is in search of the latest and advanced type of RAV tyre machines based on recent technology, then once may check out the RAV's RAVSPIN 400; it comes with a backlit LCD screen and colored display. The specifications cover wheel weight of up to 65 kg, rim diameter of 26" and 10' for outer and inner respectively. Besides, the RAVSPIN 400 comes with a low rotational speed and some customized settings giving you good value for your money.
If you are in search of even more advanced tyre machines, then inspect the RAVSPIN 800 model that is equipped with a type optimizer as well as an external balancer but with a monochrome display.
Don't ever misjudge the need to invest in one of the tyre machines as without it, you can be prone to road accidents and several other problems and inconveniences and to ensure your safety while driving on the roads, RAV tyre changers take the top place where security is concerned.

Review The 2006 Nissan Titan - A Class Act

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.

Regular Tune-Ups Your Car Can Save You Money

Socket set, pliers and a screwdriver set. A regular tune-up along with your regular oil change will also increase the life of your auto. Your local parts store should carry a manual for your car which will aid you perform these tasks.
Regular tune-ups can help your auto obtain better gas milage which will save on gas. A yearly tune-up will consist of changing your air filter so your engine can have the maximum air flow. Every two years you should change your spark plugs, distributor cap and rotar. The distributor cap and rotar will have a build-up of corrision that will impeade the flow of electicity to the spark plugs. After a few yeear the electode on the spark piug will corrode and lengthen the gap which will result in less spark. Less spark leads to less combustion of the gasoline which leads to lose of horsepower and thus more gas will be needed to obtain the same ammount of horepower. Spark plug wires should be changed every four to five years. The average person should be able to perform the tasks with a few basic hand tools. With a basic socket set, pliers and a screwdriver set. A regular tune-up along with your regular oil change will also increase the life of your auto. Your local parts store should carry a manual for your car which will aid you perform these tasks.

Measure A Turbo Diesel Engines

When the performance of diesel-powered vehicles is made an issue, diesel engines would always be a paramount consideration. Diesel cars and trucks deliver great fuel economy. They are 20 to 30 per cent better than comparable vehicles with gasoline engines. And while today's diesels may not be impeccably-clean, they are most certainly a far cry from the noisy and smelly pollution hogs that they used to be.

Turbo diesel engines, for one, are made up of sophisticated parts that are engineered to blend horsepower and torque gains for the vehicle. According to auto experts, fuel savings on a turbo diesel is so impressive that owners make up the extra cost of the engine in just a few years. "People that own them love them and tend to spread the gospel about them,” said Tony Fouladpour, a spokesman for Volkswagen of America. "First and foremost, it's the fuel economy. On the New Beetle it's almost 50 miles per gallon. You can drive from Chicago to New York without stopping for fuel. They've got tremendous driving range."
In connection with Ford, its turbo diesel engines have established supremacy in performance. Any driver who likes to zip away from a stop sign would love the automaker’s diesel engine programmers’ pep. An auto expert said, "It will be noticeably peppier and more fun to drive. So not only do you have better fuel economy, you have better performance, more of a sporty kind of drive."
Diesel programmers contribute appreciably to make vehicles great at towing. This is the reason why “real truckers” choose diesel-powered Ford trucks. Diesel vehicles handle heavy loads a lot better than comparable gasoline vehicles. Larger, heavy-duty pickup trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge and Toyota are available with diesel engines to boost overall performance.
Some aficionados are hesitant to use diesel because of its annoying noise. However, according to recent studies modern diesel engines are a lot quieter than diesels 20 years ago. "The engine is slightly noisier than a gasoline engine but they're getting real close now. It's really tough to tell,” said Robert Larsen, director of the Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratories.
Another bother about diesel engines is fueling up. Finding a neighborhood service station that sells diesel fuel may be difficult to some drivers. According to Diesel Technology Forum, only 30 per cent of neighborhood retail service stations sell diesel fuel. Hence, in purchasing diesel, it would be reasonable to consider diesel fuel availability in a particular area.
Only few automakers offer diesel engine in their lineup. In fact, in the United States, there are only 3.6 per cent of diesel-powered passenger cars. The list includes the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, Mercedes E-320 sedan, Volkswagen Touareg and Chrysler Jeep Liberty.
However, the biggest downside of diesel vehicles has to do with emissions. They are dirtier than gasoline cars and a whole lot filthier than hybrids. "What you see and smell out of the tailpipe is typically worse than with a gasoline engine," said Larry Webster, technical editor at Car and Driver. Diesel cars emit more particulates like carbon (soot) and more oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which contribute to local smog.

Thorough Car Auto Tuning

Auto tuning is really important if you want to keep your car in its tip-top shape. This will also improve your car's handling as well as raise your car's value.If you own a car, you probably know the importance of auto tuning. There are people who do auto tuning as a hobby and there are people who actually do this for a living. When you subject your car to an auto tuning, you basically give someone the right to modify it, usually to improve its performance or its handling.Some people also have their cars tuned to fit their style. This is not as hard as you would think and all it takes is a little knowledge and skill.Understanding Auto TuningCars are pretty much generic. Yes, they can be worth millions of dollars but they are pretty much generic. They are not made specifically to suit your style or your needs.
This is why there are people who have their cars tuned.There are really many ways of tuning a car. You can have it sprayed with a different color. Does your car have a boring blue paintjob? Would you like to have it painted black with lightning streaks of red on the sides? You can place accessories that maybe unnecessary but could make your car look good. You could add in spoilers, side skirts, air vents, double exhausts and bumpers. You can spray symbols or other designs as well.One of the many popular tune-ups that cars usually have is the engine tune up. Aside from tuning up the engine, you can also do other things related to your engine's performance. You can adjust your fuel economy or you can modify your car's RPM. All these things are done not only to improve the aesthetic value of your car, but also to allow easier handling and better comfort.These days, auto tuning is not something that is taken lightly. In fact, there are events that you can join.
People actually hold events for car owners to meet and compete. The judges will usually pick out the car with the best tuning. You can even win prizes for having the best auto tuning.The Auto Tuning Your Car NeedsIt is advisable that your car should get a tune up every 30,000 miles. This is a good way to prevent permanent damage to your car. A thorough auto tuning includes replacement of fuel filter. Sparkplugs and sparkplug wires, distributor cap and rotor, valves, belts, air filter and positive crankcase ventilation. You may want to check your fluid levels as well. If your transmission or brake needs some fluids, provide it with some. Give your battery a thorough cleaning as well. While you are at it, check your brakes, lights, wiper blades and other car gauges.Auto tuning is important. This prevents damage to your car. This allows easy handling as well. With regular auto tuning, you will ensure that you will always have a clean and trustworthy ride.

Car Pulls - Alignment Problem Or Tires?

A car that pulls or drifts to one side may have a tire problem, an alignment problem or both. Sometimes the tires can show some uneven wear that can result in pulling. Other times the tires can look perfectly fine and the car will pull to the right or left. Yes, it is best to have the alignment checked if there is any doubt about the alignment being out of specification. But, if the tires are wearing nicely and you have a very hard pull at slow speeds, it could just be caused by a tire.
Radial Tires. Radial tires are designed to grip the road. If the tire belts are slightly off the tire can grip the road unevenly. The tire belts can be off slightly from the factory or can be altered by an impact from the road such as hitting a pothole or an object on the road. If any of the tires have any bulges in the tread area, known as separations or slipped belts, the tire must be replaced. Failure to replace a tire with a slipped belt will most likely result in a blow out and possible vehicle damage. Very slight bulges on the sidewall, small dimples are normal and can be found on any tire. The dimples are the seams where the tires have been put together at the factory.

Cross Rotating. Older consumers may remember back in the 80's when it was not recommended to rotate radial tires in any kind of cross rotation pattern. The truth is when this rumor was being spread, tire manufacturers were simply having problems with the design of radial tires and reversing the rotation was blamed as the cause of tires separating and blowing out. Reversing the direction of tires never really caused any blow-outs or tire failures. Now with that being said, if a tire pull is suspected rotate the front tires side to side and see if the pull is gone or reversed. Many times if a car pulls hard at slow speeds, it is just a tire pull. As stated before inspect the tires to make sure there are no unusual bulges, uneven wear or damage prior to just criss crossing the tires.
Alignment. Finally, if the pull is still there after cross rotating the front tires, a suspension and steering inspection is in order. Alignment may be necessary to remedy the pull. The alignment will consist of four alignment heads being attached to the wheels and all the angles checked and adjusted if necessary. Caster is the angle that most commonly causes an alignment pull. Camber and toe will also be checked and adjusted if necessary to insure even tire wear. The last step is to test drive the car after the alignment and verify the pull is gone, a slight drift to the right if only present on some roads may be normal due to the crown or slope to the road (the crown is necessary for road drainage). Make sure the steering wheel is centered, this is mainly cosmetic since the steering wheel can be off center and the car can be perfectly in alignment otherwise. A centered wheel allows the instrument panel to be seen easily and if the alignment changes in the future, especially the toe adjustment, the steering wheel will be off-center indicating that an alignment may be needed.

Giving Your Car a Thorough Auto Tuning

Auto tuning is really important if you want to keep your car in its tip-top shape. This will also improve your car's handling as well as raise your car's value.
If you own a car, you probably know the importance of auto tuning. There are people who do auto tuning as a hobby and there are people who actually do this for a living. When you subject your car to an auto tuning, you basically give someone the right to modify it, usually to improve its performance or its handling.
Some people also have their cars tuned to fit their style. This is not as hard as you would think and all it takes is a little knowledge and skill.
Understanding Auto Tuning

Cars are pretty much generic. Yes, they can be worth millions of dollars but they are pretty much generic. They are not made specifically to suit your style or your needs. This is why there are people who have their cars tuned.
There are really many ways of tuning a car. You can have it sprayed with a different color. Does your car have a boring blue paint job? Would you like to have it painted black with lightning streaks of red on the sides? You can place accessories that maybe unnecessary but could make your car look good. You could add in spoilers, side skirts, air vents, double exhausts and bumpers. You can spray symbols or other designs as well.
One of the many popular tune-ups that cars usually have is the engine tune up. Aside from tuning up the engine, you can also do other things related to your engine's performance. You can adjust your fuel economy or you can modify your car's RPM. All these things are done not only to improve the aesthetic value of your car, but also to allow easier handling and better comfort.
These days, auto tuning is not something that is taken lightly. In fact, there are events that you can join. People actually hold events for car owners to meet and compete. The judges will usually pick out the car with the best tuning. You can even win prizes for having the best auto tuning.
The Auto Tuning Your Car Needs
It is advisable that your car should get a tune up every 30,000 miles. This is a good way to prevent permanent damage to your car. A thorough auto tuning includes replacement of fuel filter. Spark plugs and spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, valves, belts, air filter and positive crankcase ventilation. You may want to check your fluid levels as well. If your transmission or brake needs some fluids, provide it with some. Give your battery a thorough cleaning as well. While you are at it, check your brakes, lights, wiper blades and other car gauges.
Auto tuning is important. This prevents damage to your car. This allows easy handling as well. With regular auto tuning, you will ensure that you will always have a clean and trustworthy ride.