Friday, June 29, 2012

Audi R18 e-tron quattro - "The evolution of racing"


A new era of racing at Le Mans is upon us
and Audi is leading the field once again through new technology
in the form of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

Audi has won races around the world utilizing groundbreaking technologies such as quattro, turbocharged direct injection (TFSI) and turbo diesel (TDI) engines. Each of these found their way into very successful production vehicles such as the original quattro, the iconic Audi R8 and everything from an A3 to an Q7 TDI.

Now it is time for a new era of racing technology through the R18 e-tron quattro which uses brake regeneration to power the front wheels while the V6 TDI engine powers the rear.

Watch the Audi Sport team explain the philosophy of developing technologies for the track that then find their way to the streets in this video.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Why Changing the Oil in Your Car Is So Important


Most people realize that changing the oil in their car is a maintenance that must be done. There are some that don't bother or have no clue as to why changing the oil in your car is so important. The engine can't survive without it, and when the engine runs on the same old stuff after a few thousand miles, it gets dirty and thick.

Think of it like the arteries in your body. People get blood clots because the blood thickens in a certain spot and moves around thus stopping blood flow to the heart and other organs.

It's the same way with your car. Your engine is the heart to your car. It lubricates the lifters and other parts of the engine making it viable so the engine can run smoothly and not get clogged up.

When the old oil clogs up the engine, it causes damage to the engine making it difficult to function properly. Therefore, the lifters start knocking, you're losing enormous amounts of oil and the engine starts smoking and making weird little sounds.

Most people get coupons in the mail and take their car to the nearest car-x. The problem with these places is they hire young kids with no experience that don't know what they're doing or care about the customer. They put the wrong oil in the car and over-fill it. That can be as bad as the old oil.

You need to take it to a reliable auto repair shop with trained technicians. Their prices are reasonable because they are not a franchise, they do good work and care about their customers. They also stand behind their guarantee. Although you're just getting a cheap oil change, if it's not done properly it can still damage your engine.

Do your homework and find a qualified mechanic that has been in the auto repair business for at least 5 years. He has the experience and knowledge to keep your car running like a champ.

Ask your friends or family where they've taken their car or truck and did they do a good job. They are your best resource for a good oil change or any other auto service needs. It's best to get it changed where the shop offers different services, such as brakes, engine rebuilding, muffler, shocks, etc.

You will get to know them and how well their service is. Chances are, when you come in to have something else fixed on your vehicle, they will give you a discount and you already know they do excellent work. They will also take their time to explain in detail why changing the oil in your car is so important.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7106157

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Mercedes-Benz TV: The new A-Class - Highlight Film


The new A-Class has been completely redesigned from the ground up and sets standards in the compact class. Its sporty and dynamic design along with its innovative multimedia systems address precisely the needs of the new generation of drivers. Experience the highlights here.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Prevent The Most Common Auto Repair Problems


Your car breaking down while you are on the road is never a good thing and it never happens at a time that is good for you. Most of the common problems that may cause your break down can be prevented; however, by having the right maintenance done on your vehicle to keep it in good shape.

Engine Misfire: Because spark plugs run your engine, your engine is powered by them and if they are not set right, your engine will not be able to operate with enough power. A misfire occurs when the engine does not fire right. This could happen if the one or more spark plugs have blown, the wires are bad, or there is a leak in the system. This problem can be avoided by getting your engine tuned up according to your vehicle's instruction manual.

Evaporative Emissions Failure: This occurs when fumes have become trapped in the gas tank due to leaks in the system caused by corrosion. This often happens because the purge valve is not working properly and fresh air cannot get in to help the engine burn the fumes, as it should. This problem can usually be fixed by finding the leaks, which can be expensive. This problem can be avoided by making sure you put the gas cap back on tight after filling up and by having your mechanic put on some anti-rust coating to minimize the possibility of rust and corrosion in the engine.

Lean System: This means that there is likely a vacuum leak, an injector problem, or possibly old software. Your car's computer checks the air and coolant as it goes in and out of the system, the vehicle's temperatures, and the throttle's position. When the mechanic at your auto repair shop is determining the problem with your vehicle he will connect it to the vehicle's computer, which lets the mechanic know what is wrong so that it can be fixed. This problem can be avoided if you have your oil changed and tune-ups performed on a regular basis.

Catalytic converter: leaks from converter corrosion or carbon plugging up the engine can cause problems in the catalytic converter. Because not all gas can be processed in the engine, the rest of it is burned by the converter, which cannot perform properly if there is something wrong with it. Often it leads to replacing it, which can be quite costly. This is usually solved by flushing the system, but may be able to be avoided if you have the recommended tune ups performed by your auto repair technician.

An auto repair specialist can usually help you prevent any of these problems by inspecting your vehicle on a regular basis and performing tune-ups and oil changes regularly.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7123968

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Volkswagen Chattanooga Plant


Behind the scenes video from the Volkswagen facilities in Chattanooga, TN, including plant machines transforming 4,700 welds into a car, vehicles being started for the very first time, and a clip from inside the monsoon weather simulator that tests for paint and seal quality.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Will Your Brakes Stop You Safely Every Time?


Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Without them, you have no way of stopping. Brakes allow you to lock down your car and keep it from moving, especially the emergency brake. Brakes are found on just about anything with wheels, including vehicles, trains, airplanes, and even non-motorized devices like wheel chairs, walkers and shopping carts.

Most people know what brakes are and how important they are... but many have no idea how brakes actually work. While the concept is fairly simple, the actual science behind brakes is quite interesting.

Basically, brakes dissipate the kinetic energy built up by your vehicle's forward motion. The faster your car is going, the more energy the brakes have to use to stop it. This isn't a simple formula, either-twice the speed doesn't equal twice the power. Instead it's 4 times the power.

Higher speeds also increase the distance it takes for your vehicle to stop. The faster you're driving, the more space you need to come to a complete stop. This is one of the many reasons for speed limits.

In most braking systems, the energy of your vehicle's forward motion is lost when you brake-it is transformed into heat from the friction of your tires against the pavement.

However, there is a type of braking called regenerative braking. This system actually takes the energy and stores it in a capacitor or other device. It's then changed into a current by the alternator and stored in the battery. This type of braking can keep batteries powered for much longer than normal.

So how do car brakes actually work? Well, when you press on the brake pedal, a fluid carries the force of your foot down to the actual brakes on your car. This fluid also multiples the force from your foot to make it strong enough to stop the car. Without multiplying the force, there's no way you could stop a fast-moving car-even standing on the brake pedal with all of your weight wouldn't be enough to do it.

The force from the liquid is then sent down to the brake pads, which are inside the wheel. The pads squeeze against the wheel, causing friction and slowing the wheel's rotation. This is the point at which the kinetic energy is transformed into heat and lost. This also means that there must be some sort of vent around the brake pad in order to keep the heat from building up.

Over time, of course, your brake pads are going to wear down. That is how they are designed. When they do, you'll start to hear a screeching sound that is the actual metal of the pad pressing against the metal of the wheel. When you hear this, it's important to get your brake pads replaced as soon as possible since this can actually cause your car to not stop as quickly - or not at all!

It's so important to have your brakes checked regularly. Your life and the lives of your loved ones and others depend on properly working brakes.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7100116

Monday, June 11, 2012

The A3 e-tron Pilot Project


As part of the global testing program of Audi's e-tron electric vehicle technology, we recently put A3 e-trons into the hands of a team of Audi of America employees. These e-Pilots, as they're now known, will beta test the zero-emission, all-electric prototype version of the A3 in their day-to-day lives. Their real-world experiences will directly translate into the production Audi e-tron plug-in vehicles that will hit American roads in the not-to-distant future. Check in regularly to see their reports on what it's like to live with an electrified Audi!

Friday, June 8, 2012

The Power of M


BMW M has always been the model of driving performance. 40 years of work has led to the all-new BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. Generating 560 HP and 500 lb. ft. of torque, these vehicles provide the most distilled driving performance ever and set a new standard for BMW M.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Luxury of Owning a Classic Car



Classic Cars - which of us would not have given them a second glance when on the road or in a car show? There's something about a well-kept classic car that appeals to most car enthusiasts, but owning one is not something all of us can aspire to.

According to the some associations like the Classic Car Club of America, a car must be between 20 and 40 years old to be considered a "Classic". But for the spirit of this article, let us assume that I am referring to any car that is older than 20 years, whether Classic, Vintage or Antique. It is not only about spending money to acquire one, but also the specific care and maintenance that a vehicle like this requires that is forbidding for most people. If you want to own one of these, you have to be really serious about maintaining it well, else it is really a crime to possess it!

Some tips when you are thinking of buying a classic car:

- Make sure you have it appraised and examined by an expert in classic cars. A current-day mechanic may not have the expertise for this, and may miss out on some vital points.

- Ensure that you have a covered, ideally indoor area to park the vehicle to be able to keep it shielded from the elements such as rain or snow or even excessively high temperatures.

- Check the papers of the vehicle you plan to buy, and stick to a single-owner vehicle as much as possible. If you are able to check on the history of the vehicle to know if it's been in any accidents or needed body work, make sure what impact it has had on the car's interior gadgetry. Also ascertain how this would impact the price of the vehicle.

- Keep your insurance cover details handy, as this is necessary to go into action as soon as you take possession of the vehicle.

One of the best (and easiest) ways to maintain a classic car would be by taking it for a drive, as this would keep all the parts lubricated and in good condition. It may be that you are hesitant to take it out on the roads into traffic, but even if it is lying in your garage most of the time it still needs the regular tuning and maintenance as you would for any running vehicle. There are many maintenance issues that can come up with owning a classic or vintage car. From engine issues to an annoying oil leak, it's a good idea to decide your servicing plan before you purchase such a vehicle. Even after this, do be prepared for some hefty bills due to difficult-to-source vehicle parts and expert personnel costs.

I think you can understand from some of the points mentioned above that owning a classic car is definitely a luxury from the point of view of money spent. A somewhat hidden aspect is that you also have to be prepared to devote a lot of time to this activity, and to most of us - Time is nearly as much of a luxury as money is!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7004566

Saturday, June 2, 2012

BMW Zagato Coupé


The venerable Milanese coachbuilder Zagato and BMW have unveiled a unique driving experience in the luxury class: The BMW Zagato Coupé.