Automotive News and Tips

Archive for July 13th, 2010

Jeremy visits a japanese car accessories warehouse to see the variety of kit you can buy for your car. Funny video from BBC motor show classic, Jeremy Clarkson’s Motorworld. Click beneath the video to watch in high quality, and visit www. TopGear. com for all the latest news and car reviews.

Automotive training used to be a more common part of our society. Shop class was a commonly offered elective in high schools nationwide, ensuring that most boys knew their way around a car’s engine bay. Additionally, cars relied more on mechanical principles, rather than computerized systems. As a result, when a car broke down, the owner was much more likely to know how to fix it themselves, or at least have a friend or a family member who could fix it for them.

The situation has changed dramatically over the years. Today’s cars are much more complex, and their owners are much less likely to have had any automotive training. As a result, dealerships and garages are repairing a higher percentage of cars than ever before, and mechanics’ rates have risen in accordance with the increased necessity of their services.

Those who dislike the situation have another option. With a little automotive training, most people can perform more of the routine maintenance on their cars, reducing the expenses associated with car maintenance and allowing them the satisfaction of a job well done.

An oil change is an example of routine maintenance that frequently costs car owners far more than they need to spend. An oil change is a fairly simple procedure in most cars, requiring only enough automotive training for the individual to know the location of the oil filter and drain plug. A basic car care class should teach car owners how to locate major components under the hood and perform simple maintenance tasks, as well as imparting valuable tips for beginning do-it-yourselfers. For example, a good introductory class should warn students to beware of screwing a bolt or screw in crooked, known as crossing the threads.

A basic tune up is another routine maintenance task that do-it-yourselfers should be able to handle with a little automotive training. A basic tune up usually consists of changing the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, and positive crankcase valve (PCV). Depending on the car and the mileage recommendations on the components, a basic tune up can also include replacing the fuel filter and/or the oxygen sensor. Rubber parts, such as drive belts and radiator hoses, may also be checked and replaced during a tune up. On most cars, these parts are easily accessed and require only a basic understanding of automotive functions.

A do-it-yourselfer who has had basic automotive training can also replace his or her own brakes. Changing the brake pads on a car is typically a dirty but simple job, requiring only a basic understanding of the braking components on a car. Additionally, there are numerous routine maintenance and repair jobs that an intermediate level amateur mechanic can usually handle on his or her own, such as replacing a battery, alternator, starter, timing belt, and many other components.

Of course, a significant advantage of having automotive training is that dealerships and garages cannot take advantage of you by recommending maintenance that may not actually need to be done. A basic understanding of auto mechanics will enable you to intelligently discuss any problems with your mechanic, understand what he or she is talking about, and recognize when his or her recommendations are exaggerated or downright unnecessary.

Obviously, knowing the basics of how a car operates can be extremely beneficial, saving you money in more ways than one. Beginning automotive training classes are usually offered at your local auto tech school or community college. Whether you intend to venture a few repairs on your own, or you simply want to be able to hold your own with your mechanic, taking a car care class ensures that you will not be a victim of your own ignorance.

Why do you need to buy car accessories to compliment your car? Many people buy car accessories so as to make their car look great. Some of them buy car accessories to personalize and add some style to their cars. Whatever your reason may be for buying accessories, I believe that you absolutely enjoy the process of shopping for one.

Most of the car accessories that are out in the market are expensive. If you are on a shoestring budget, you can consider starting off with buying some cheaper car accessories first. A cheap accessory that many people enjoy is sticker. The sticker can show a funny statement or a message for social cause. These are always funny to look at and you can seriously consider getting some to stick on your car.

Sometimes, car accessories can be necessary things like floor mats. You can either get a plain floor mat or one that has a catchy design. Another necessary car accessory is air fresheners. Without air fresheners, it is very hard to convince your friends to stay long inside your car.

The above are some examples of very affordable car accessories. Now, let us move on to the more expensive ones. Expensive car accessories are usually electronic in nature. Some examples are neon headlights, CD player, DVD player or a sound woofer. Some cars even install a mini television unit and add a PlayStation or an Xbox to it for more entertainment.

One of the most expensive car accessories is a GPS system. A GPS system is a Global Positioning System. By installing a GPS system in your car, it can help you to get to and from various locations easily. A system like this can cost you about $1000; therefore you must decide whether you really need it before you install this system into your car.

One very interesting car accessories is the radar detection system. This system helps you to know when a police officer may be nearby looking for speeding cars. If you have installed a radar detection system in your car, it will alert you so that you can slow down and avoid getting a speeding ticket.

There are tons of car accessories for you to choose from. Whether you want to buy one to compliment your car or to help you avoid getting speeding tickets, you are spoilt for choices. Take your time to look for the one that best suits your car.