1989 Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz commercial from 1989

Audi Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is designed to continuously monitor your tire pressure to detect underinflated tires and by that avoiding hazards that may be encountered with underinflated tires. Properly inflated tires insure best fuel economy, best handling/stopping capability and will also provide superior ride comfort for your Audi.

Winter Car Care and Maintenance Tips

With the long cold days of winter about to start, you may be thinking that with nobody looking to travel long distances now is the time that both you and the car can rest. Guess again! Winter requires as much and perhaps even more car care than summer time because winter could just worsen whatever technical problem your car was showing in summer. The following tips will show you how to avoid some common winter problems.

Engine

Note down problems like stalling or difficult starts, less power, rough idling and try to get your hands dirty and fix them. Else, get a technician at a repair shop to look at them. These problems might well have existed during summer but winter always tends to make them worse.

Oil

It is important that during winter times, you use oil that can handle the cold weather and manage to flow quickly to critical engine parts, even during severe winter conditions. The frequency of oil changes will depend on the kind of driving you do in the winter - the Owner's Manual will suggest to you how often you need to change the oil for various driving types. Usually it is suggested that oil be changed every 3-5,000 miles.

Battery

It is again important to check on the battery. The battery's power comes down significantly in severe cold weather. This is made worse in older batteries. They tend to work fine in summer but fail as soon as the temperature drops. It is therefore essential that a technician check your battery, especially if it is at least four years old. Of course, despite all this it is better to be prepared at all times, with a set of good jumper cables. It might also be a good idea to have a portable power pack in the car, which can again be used in emergencies.

Heater/Defroster

A properly working heater/defroster not only helps passengers stay comfortable but also helps the driver's visibility, as to drive safely you need to be able to see clearly through the windshield. Keeping a full gas tank helps in being ready but also reduces the chances of any moisture forming in the lines that carry the fuel, which can freeze up and cause problems.

Tire Care

Maintaining proper inflation in tires during winter is also essential. During cold weather, air contracts and so air in the tires also contracts. Highly inflated tires will increase the wear and tear on tires and also increase the fuel consumption. On the other hand, under inflated tires will just reduce traction. You could also consider going in for special tires, which are designed to grip slippery roads when snow and ice can be a problem.

Lights and Wipers

Always make sure that lights are inspected regularly to ensure that bulbs can be lit and headlights be aimed properly. Also, even wiper blades have to be taken care of. Replace them regularly and even consider special snow blades if you are going to be driving in severe weather.

Warm Up

During winter, when you start the engine, just wait for a few seconds so that a proper flow of oil has been started and there is adequate lubrication before driving off. However, waiting for too long is also not good, as that will just waste gas.

Take care of your car for the winter and your car will ensure your safety even during the worst of winter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1462204

911 carrera 3.2 cabrio 1989 v2.wmv

Adrian Crawford shows you around his beautiful 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 with just 41000 miles.

Your Car's Alternator - How Long Will it Last?

The alternator is arguably the hardest-working component under the hood of your vehicle. It produces a current and then transfers that current to the battery. This, in turn, powers the electrical features of your car while your alternator makes sure the battery remains alive. If the battery goes, so too, will your radio, headlights, and other features that depend on the juice.

If you have ever turned the key in your car's ignition and heard a clicking noise, you'll already be familiar with the sound of a dying alternator. The noise indicates the component needs to be replaced. For most drivers, the question is, how long can the part be expected to last?

We're going to explore this question in more detail below. Because your alternator is so important to the smooth operation of your vehicle, it's worth examining the factors that can shorten its life. You'll discover that its longevity depends largely on the quality of its design.

Slow Deterioration Over Thousands Of Miles

One of the most common reasons an alternator fails is because it was built poorly in the first place. New components are rarely an issue. You can expect them to last up to 100,000 miles. Replacement parts, however, are another matter entirely. Often, a poorly-designed rebuilt is used to replace an original unit that has died. Unfortunately, if the craftsmanship of the rebuilt is lacking, the replacement can fail within months due to the load placed upon it.

Another reason this component can fail is due to normal wear and tear. Over time, the diodes can wear down, the stator windings may become ineffective, or the needle bearing on which the part's rotor spins can deteriorate.

The wear and tear suffered by the alternator may be accelerated by other circumstances. For example, extreme heat generated by the engine can slowly take a toll; the battery may lose its charge, taxing the component more than normal; dirt may infiltrate the part. It's often difficult to know these things are occurring, especially because they happen gradually. However, you can - and should - periodically test the component to make sure it is in good condition.

Testing And Maintaining The Component

In order to test the alternator, you'll need to purchase a voltmeter. They normally cost less than $20 and can be found at most auto supply stores. This device tests output level. To use it, turn your car's engine over and allow it to idle for a minute. Make sure your radio, DVD player, headlights, and similar features are turned off.

Then, attach the voltmeter's positive and negative connections to the positive and negative posts on your battery. The device should display a reading between 13.8 and 15.3 volts. Next, turn on your headlights and look at the reading again; turn on your radio and take another look; turn your vehicle's heater on. The voltmeter's reading should never dip below 12 volts. If it does, there's a good chance your alternator is faulty or failing. In both cases, you'll need to have it replaced.

Thoughts On Replacing The Part

Even though alternators are commonly rebuilt, they are rarely repaired. The diodes, bearings, rotor, and other pieces that wear down with time are usually replaced. That means if the component fails, the replacement - whether a new unit or a rebuilt - will have new pieces fitted.

As mentioned earlier, the quality of a rebuilt varies by the rebuilder. For this reason, replacing a failing alternator with an OEM-certified unit is always recommended; it should come with a warranty that covers it for at least a year. Don't be tempted to save a few dollars by purchasing a cheap substitute. You'll find this is one component where the investment in higher quality is worthwhile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4264740

Star Tech European in Vacaville uses OEM parts! We specialize in European Automotive service and repairs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

Original BMW Parts. Oil filter.

There's a big difference, between a BMW Genuine Oil Filter and a counterfeit, although they sometimes look very similar...watch the test.

Mercedes-Benz.tv: The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

Every car tells its own story. This is what makes restoring old automobiles so exciting for the employees at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Colder morning temperatures are a sure sign that the seasons are transitioning, with winter weather not too far away. That means your car needs to be ready to handle winter's worst, including snow, ice and frigid mornings.

Let's take a look at some steps you can take now to ensure that your car can handle any winter whollop:

Inspect tires - Your tires must be up to the task to handle whatever road conditions you face. This means having adequate tread left to manage ice and snow. For drivers living in snowy climates, investing in a pair of snow tires is important too. Buy a new pair of snow tires if the old tires have aged or show signs of wear. Check the spare tire too.

Check your lights - Inspect head lamps, tail lights, turn signal indicators and fog lamps for proper operation. Replace burnt out bulbs and clean off light covers. Check the third brake light too.

Top off or replace your antifreeze - When was the last time you inspected your antifreeze? When was it drained and replaced? If the antifreeze is still fresh, then top it off according to manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, flush and refill.

Inspect wires and hoses - Your car may be in excellent running condition, but a frayed wire or split hose can render your vehicle inoperable. Check wires, hoses and belts - replace as needed. Extreme temperatures will magnify any problem with your car. Avoid getting stranded over a cheap replacement part.

Perform a brake inspection - Are your car's brake pads up to the job? If not, replace same. Check the master cylinder for proper levels, discs and calipers for signs of wear and your car's suspension system including struts and shocks. Many garages provide a free inspection which is ideal for the person who is not familiar with this work.

Change your oil - Fall and spring are ideal times to schedule oil changes, just before the extreme temperatures of winter and summer set in. Change the oil and oil filter; if a tune up is due, then get that done now.

Make an emergency kit - Winter traveling means having emergency supplies at the ready in the event that you get stranded. Bring along a fully charged cell phone and cell phone recharger. Your kit should also include food, a blanket, water, jumper cables, flat repair, flares, fresh batteries and a first aid kit.

Even new cars can be severely tested when a cold snap sets in. If the check engine light comes on or your car has trouble starting, don't ignore the problem. Importantly, ensure that your road club plan is active and up to date - keep that number handy too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6601273

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in European Automotive service and reapirs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870