Posts Tagged ‘automotive’

Windscreen Wiper Blades: A Clearer Windshield May Save You From Having An Accident

September 1st, 2009

by Jim Samposzi

Clear visibility is indispensable when driving so good, well-maintained windshield wiper blades are a must for your and your family’s safety.

Though a car’s motor, tires, bodywork and other features often receive plenty of attention, wiper blades can often be ignored at our peril. Good motoring depends on good visibility and rain, snow, insects and dirt all work to decrease the quality of our vision. Worn wiper blades simply do not clear our windshields of debris.

In general, wiper blades are made from rubber and therefore are prone to wear and tear. The sun, freezing conditions, dust, time, oil and a lot of other forces contribute to their deterioration. Even if they are not used often, windshield wiper blades must be replaced frequently.

Windshield wiper blades must be replaced every twice a year or every six thousand. Failure to do so puts you at a serious risk. The most economical option is to only change the squeegees – the rubber sections which actually clean your windshield. A pair should only set you back a few dollars, but you might need to cut the squeegee to fit your exact type of wiper blade.

Alternatively you can replace the whole windshield wiper blade. This is the complete windshield wiper which includes the metal arm as well as the squeegee. These are a bit costlier but should be done at least every couple of years. The metal arm needs good tension to ensure the rubber makes good contact with your windshield.

Although they are a relatively small car part, it is essential to fit quality windshield wiper blades. Different sizes, slopes and shapes of windshields can all dictate the kind of wiper blades you require and some models require more tension than others. Also, the frame should have a number of ‘claws’ that ensure the rubber is pressed firmly against the windscreen.

The squeegees are normally made out of rubber. More expensive squeegees often have softer rubber against the windshield, with tougher rubber at the back for increased support and durability. Again, in the interest safe motoring, it is worth spending that little bit extra on decent quality.

Considering your wiper blades are replaced twice a year, this should coincide with your vehicle’s service schedule. On the other hand, if you like to service your own car or want to save some money, windshield wiper replacement is a fairly easy task.

To examine the condition of your wiper blades just pull the blade back from the windscreen and closely examine the rubber edge. It needs to be perfectly straight, without any distortions or brittle areas.

Jim is a columnist with more than 15 years of writing experience. Jim is currently engaged as a reporter with our b2b site and has become the resident authority on automotive products. Visit our useful website for more information on Windscreen Wipers and Wiper Blade.

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Posted in Automotive Products, Transportation

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Put The Brakes On Car Criminals With A Car Steering Lock

August 17th, 2009

by: Jim Samposzi

For many of us, our car is one of the biggest purchases we make in our lives so there is nothing worse than having it stolen.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways in which we can protect our vehicles and stop potential criminals. While many cars available today have modern security systems, car thieves always seem to find a way around them.

Therefore, it is important to deter them in any way possible and a good car steering wheel lock is a good way to begin. A good wheel lock might just be what it takes to discourage thieves, who may go seek easier prey.

As mentioned, no vehicle security device can protect your car one hundred percent and cheaper car steering wheel locks will not pose too many problems for robbers. However, if you are willing to buy a more expensive model it can slow them down dramatically.

Car steering wheel locks come in in a few different varieties. Basic models usually consist of a metal pole that is locked to the steering wheel and stops any would-be criminal from turning the wheel properly. These cheaper models can be purchased for around $20.

As you go up in expense steering wheel locks become more intricate and present more problems to criminals. Some steering wheel locks are round, and so prevent their removal by simply cutting through the steering wheel, while others kinds also lock the gear stick, making theft even tougher.

Car steering wheel locks are just one of many vehicle security products for sale in shops and online, but they are certainly among the most affordable. Other car security products you might want to investigate include fuel pump and battery disconnects, wheel clamps and cameras. Your vehicle will most likely already have an alarm and an immobilizer. Quality insurance, of course, is also essential.

Though these car safety devices will all help you stop the theft of your car, how you behave is also a factor. Use your head when you park your car anywhere. For example, only park on bright, busy streets and make sure that your doors are locked and the vehicle is fully secure.

In addition, never leave things in your vehicle. If possible, take everything of value with you, and if you must leave something in your car make sure it is completely hidden.

Be careful of your keys. If they are mislaid or you suspect they have been stolen, call the police immediately and return to where you left your vehicle. In addition, never leave spare keys in your car.

Finally, if your vehicle is stolen call the police immediately with as many details about the car to hand as possible. It is also wise to contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Car theft is a fact of life, but with the proper gear and a bit of savvy you can avoid becoming yet another car theft statistic.

Jim is a columnist with over ten years of writing experience. Jim is currently working as a publicist for many well-known b2b portals and is considered the in house authority on car security. Be sure to visit our very useful web portal for additional information on Steering Wheel Lock and Car Steering Locks.

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Think Safety Before Your Next Road Trip: Check Your Car’s Tire Pressures With A Tire Gauge

July 22nd, 2009

Tire pressure gauges are valuable monitor used in the safe operation of your car. These diagnostic tools let you know how much air pressure is sitting in your tire. The air pressure of your tire is very crucial for any deficiency or overage of air, inside the rubber, can throw of a multitude of normal car operations.

Too little air pressure, or too much in a vehicle’s tire, can hurt you badly. When the tires are low, the car or truck will lean to the side that has more tire pressure. And, overfilling it can create a drag of the vehicle’s steering to the side with less air. With this issue, it is very important to make sure the tire is filled to its specified PSI (pressure per square inch), and the exact pressure for all four tires. So, if you are filling them 5 PSI, then all get filled to 5 PSI.

Not only is it dangerous to have not enough pressure or a lot of pressure, its equally as hazardous when filling the tire pressure. When checking the pressure of a tire, follow the steps below:

1. Read the manufacturer’s listed PSI you must inflate the tires to. This listing is typically written on the side wall of the tire. It is safe to inflate the tires a maximum of5 PSI less than what is suggested. But, it is not safe to fill them any more than the specified PSI. Typical car tires usually take approximately 35 PSI. Though, to reduce the risk of being injured, it is suggested that you read the tire to make sure.

2. Look away from the tire while fitting the gauge to the air stem on the tire. Hold the tool to the lip of the tire. Rearrange it until you do not hear any air escaping. Look at the gauge and read the results.

3. If there is no reading, then it should you are riding on very low tires. If this is the case, inflate until the maximum PSI.

4. Check the pressure a second time with the gauge. It should give an accurate reading once it gets passed about 10 PSI.

5. Then, fill until you achieve the maximum PSI specified by the manufacturer. Again, you do not want to go over the maximum recommended PSI as calculated by the tire manufacturer.

Not following the above suggestions when checking your tires air pressure with a gauge can be very harmful. If a tire is overinflated, it can burst, sending pieces of tire and metal at the speed of a bullet. Most tires today are fabricated with steel belts to hold the rubber together. This steel can become a lethal weapon that can injure you if you are not careful. People have been killed from over inflating automobile tires.Ensure you do not risk injury by protecting yourself and those around you.

Xavier is a national correspondent with more than twelve years writing experience. Xavier is currently consulting as a columnist for fuzing.com and has become the in house guru on car accessories. Take the time to visit our useful website for additional information on Tire Pressure Gauge and Digital Tire Gauges.

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Transform Your Car With A New Set Of Custom Rims

July 15th, 2009

by Michael Skatoli

All of us enjoy a little tender loving care now and then, and so do our cars. A nice spray job, new suspension, or a little under-rail lighting can really spruce up your ride. But there are few additions as classy, easy and cost-effective as changing your old car wheels for a set of custom wheels.

So if you want to ‘pimp that ride’, custom rims and car wheels are ideal. They are not too costly, a basic set of 18 inch wheels can be found for about the hundred dollar mark, though you will probably have to fork out much more than that for top-of the range wheels.

The first thing you need to do is to do your homework. Visit a few different tire shops and custom rim websites to see what they have to offer, and check out what styles are available. Custom car wheels come in numerous attractive styles and do not require wheel covers or paint.

Not only do they look great, quality custom wheels will improve the speed and steering of your ride because they are normally lighter than the equivalent size of standard steel wheels.

You can get two main types of custom wheels – cast and forged. A lot of custom wheels you see on the roads are cast. These are normally of good quality and are reasonably priced. Forged custom wheels are of higher quality, and they are lighter and stronger than cast rims. That said, the are significantly more expensive and are most popular among enthusiasts and the rich.

Whichever option you decide on, there are a few things you should consider before you part with your hard-earned cash. First, you should make sure that the wheel will fit your vehicle. Custom wheels generally range in size from 18″ to twenty-four inch, so you need to choose a size that fits your vehicle. Also, bear in mind that custom wheels can vary in width.

It is also a good idea to confirm the weight of your new custom wheels, the lighter the better. If they are very heavy they may significantly reduce the speed, performance and steering ability of your car.

Other factors you ought to be aware of are whether your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive; the variety of tires you want to use; and the finish you would like on your new custom rims – plated, polished, anodized, etc.

While it pays to do your research, any quality custom rim dealer on the internet or on the high street should be able to help you select the right product. If you provide them with the make, model and specifications of your vehicle, along with your preferences and your budget, they should come back to you with some suitable options.

Michael Skatoli is a publicist with over 15 years writing experience. Michael is currently employed as a reporter for our b2b site and has become the in house specialist on car wheels. Be sure to visit our useful web portal for additional information on Rims and Car Rims.

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