Thursday, February 28, 2013

BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo Engine.



381 HP. 740 NM. 6.3 L/100km fuel consumption (in the BMW M550d xDrive).

With the M Performance TwinPower Turbo straight 6-cylinder diesel engine, BMW has created an engine with sheer endless power on the one hand, but still extremely low fuel consumption and Co2 emissions on the other hand. So to say: A monster without the bad habits. BMW EfficientDynamics.

Monday, February 25, 2013

5 Other Car Services to Consider When You Get Your Oil Changed

Everyone knows that changing your oil is necessary to keep your engine running properly which prevents you from having to have expensive repairs. But did you know that there are many other basic maintenance services you should consider undergoing whenever you get your oil changed?
Taking care of one or more of these items every time you have it changes will keep your car in good condition.

1. Rotate Tires and Check Pressure

Most car and tire manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Depending on how often you have your oil changes, you will want to have your tires rotated either every time or every second time. Rotating the tires helps them wear more evenly, which in turn makes them last longer. Even if the tires don't need to be rotated, at least having the air pressure checked and corrected if necessary will help them last longer as well.

 2. Change Cabin Air Filters

The air that spews out of your air conditioning and heating vents goes through filters to remove all sorts of dust, and these filters eventually get full. By changing the filters every 30,000 miles or so it helps to keep the air flowing into the interior of your car fresher and removes pollen and allergens as well.

3. Change Wiper Blades

A typical set of windshield wiper blades only lasts about a year, after which point they begin to leave serious streaks on the windshield, which can be a potential hazard because it impairs your visibility. Consider asking the technician changing your oil to install new windshield wiper blades once every year.

4. Check the Coolant

A radiator overheating can be dangerous, and if the ratio of antifreeze to coolant is too far off in a cold climate, you could end up with a major problem. When you're changing your oil during the fall, you should have them check the levels to ensure there is enough antifreeze to keep your car safe through the winter.

5. Visual Inspection

Many oil change businesses perform a courtesy visual inspection to look for major issues that require service. They will take a look at the hoses and belts on the engine, can check the thickness of your brake pads and can take a look at other areas of your car for leaks or problems. When they make service recommendations, ask how critical each one is to decide whether to have the service done.
It's vitally important to have technicians take a look at all areas of your car for maintenance issues when you get your oil changed so you can feel confident your car is in great shape.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7043107

Friday, February 22, 2013

VOLVO UNVEILS SIX NEW MODELS


Volvo just unveiled six renewed models, the most significant product launch in our history. The unveiling included our new look 60s, 70s and 80s models -- all with changes based on feedback from the people that matter, our customers. Each of the new models also includes the City Safety system and Connected Touch technology.
Motoring journalists from across Europe were invited to see the models unveiled at an exclusive event in Gothenburg, Sweden. The new cars will be officially revealed to the public at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tips To Maintain The Value Of A Vehicle


Keeping a vehicle operating in top condition helps the owner to enjoy operating it longer and may improve the value at the time of trade-in or resale. By taking advantage of a few simple and affordable strategies, it is possible to preserve the auto's value. Regular maintenance, cleaning upholstery, repairing damage from accidents and avoiding aggressive driving can help to preserve the value of the beautiful new vehicle.

Maintain the engine of the vehicle in order to ensure it last longer and provides greater efficiency. Have the oil and filter changed frequently, in accordance with the maintenance schedule published in the owner's manual. In addition, take time to have the tires rotated and a multi-point inspection each time the oil is changed. If there are questions about the when service should be required, check with the dealership.

Accidents happen to the best of drivers. If involved in an accident, it is important to file the claim promptly and use the money to repair damage as quickly as possible. The longer one waits to have the repairs made, the more likely that the metal will begin to rust and cause more serious problems.

Aggressive driving can cause damage to the automobile resulting in a decrease in resale value. Avoid fast stops, jackrabbit starts, weaving through traffic and speeding. These recommendations help to keep the tires, engine, suspension and brakes from premature wear. It also helps to reduce operating expenses by improving the fuel economy.

Be sure to keep complete records as to when maintenance and service are completed, as well as other receipts for accessories and parts to show prospective buyers that the vehicle has been well maintained. Such records can provide needed support for the selling price, assuring buyers that the vehicle has been kept in optimal condition. Some manufacturers allow owners to access service done at the dealership through a website.

Keep the vehicle clean, both inside and out. Dirt on the exterior can lead to scratches in the finish of the vehicle that decrease its value. Inside, dirt can cut through carpet fibers and cause staining of upholstery. Wash the vehicle at least once per month and vacuum thoroughly. Car covers are useful in preventing damage to the finish when a garage or other covered parking is not available. Inside the garage, they can keep dust and grime from the air building up on the surface of the automobile.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7503114

Saturday, February 16, 2013

BMW Driving Simulator.


Before BMW´s driving assistance systems become reality in the various models, they have to be tested. With the dynamic driving simulator experts can create virtual situations in daily life to check the functionality of these systems. This high-tech testing is necessary to guarantee the passenger´s safety on the road.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

When Should I Replace My Tires?


Any responsible vehicle owner is always mindful of every component that may - and will - need periodic maintenance and eventually, a replacement. This is not just a task to be remembered, but it is a simple means to ensure that the vehicle will always be in its best running condition - not to mention at its safest. This holds especially true for the vehicle's tires; this is because the tires are the most exposed and prone to wear and tear. Needless to say, without ensuring its usability and proper condition, it can lead to mishaps and catastrophes.

So how will you know when it's time to change your tires?

It is a well-known fact that not all vehicle owners are well versed when it comes to identifying key factors in car part maintenance. Not everyone has received professional training; and quite frankly - though vital, not everyone has the time and resources to get that kind of education. Fret not! The following will help you know if you should still be driving around using them or if it is high time that you start shopping for replacements.

Chips and Cracks will do you harm - personally inspect each tire for signs of cracks or chipping. Take them to the shop if they can still be repaired.

The Penny Test - over time, it is only expected that the tires' treads will eventually run thin. After all, it is always exposed to the road and spins hundreds of times in every trip you make. With the help of a penny, you can determine if the treads are no longer suitable for use. What you'll need to do is to simply turn Lincoln's head upside down. Insert the coin as far as it can go in between the treads and note what you see is left of Abraham Lincoln's head.

If you cannot see anything beyond the nose or the forehead, then your tires are still good enough to use. However, if you can see some of his hair but not all the way to the top of the head, then it is time for you to do some tire shopping. While you can still use them as you seek for a replacement set, it would be best not to decide to do the necessary replacement at a much later date; a month from the time of the test would be acceptable, but do not go beyond it. Ultimately, if you can see the very top of Lincoln's head with the coin practically exposed, then you should not waste time lolling around anymore. It is the utmost importance to change it.

Time is of the essence. Regardless if you use your vehicle a lot or not, no set of tires must be kept in use for over ten years from the time of purchase. At the very least, six years should be enough and a maximum of ten years worth of use is acceptable. However, you should also note that each manufacturer and State has its own set of regulations that allows the maximum timeframe that tires can be safely used without replacing.

What should you be looking for when shopping for new tires? Before you start grabbing tires off the racks, you have to consider a few factors. Keep in mind that not every single tire available in the market will be suitable for your vehicle. Each vehicle will require specific measurements that will fit. Otherwise, just slapping them with any available tire you see may cause more harm than what you intended to be good.

The first thing that you need to do is to check your old tire's specifications. You will see the outer rim is embossed with alphanumeric characters. Take note of the whole thing to make it easier for you to search for replacements. The numbers beside the P (that stands for passenger vehicle) in the series indicates the width of the tire, measured in millimeters. It is followed by a slash that indicates the actual height's ratio to the width. Immediately follows is the Radial diameter (R) of the wheel that will fit the vehicle, as measured in inches. Finally, you'll find the load index and speed symbol.

Now that you know how to identify the kind of tires that will fit your vehicle, you will now have to answer one question to determine your next move. Are you happy with the old tires or would you like to try a new set?

If you are very satisfied with the old ones, then it would make the whole shopping process easier for you. This is simply because you already have a specific brand and model to look for.

However, if you decided that it is time for you to try something different, the process may not be as simple but could just be very rewarding in the end. As many already know, there are various brands for tires that are widely available in the market nowadays. Likewise, their prices vary as well. Therefore, if you are considering changing brands and sizes, then you should do a little bit of research on your ideal candidates. Make a shortlist of the brands and sizes and learn about them through reviews. You could also consult your local mechanic for recommendations to make this task easier for you. It is important to keep in mind that it is never advisable to make an uninformed decision especially when it comes to buying tires. You may be after savings, but you should also prioritize quality and safety.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7485703

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Volvo Backseat Drivers


When shopping for a car, does it ever cross your mind to ask your kids' opinion? At Volvo, we design our cars around families, with children's comfort and safety in mind. Since children are the designated "Backseat Drivers", we thought it would be interesting to look at our cars from their perspective. See what they had to say!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Tips To Preserve An Automobile Dashboard


The dashboard of a vehicle is subject to a great deal of sunlight, solar heat and radiation. As a result, the vinyl tends to deteriorate or break down causing cracks and peeling. Since most vehicles are parked for at least part of the day in the sun, the interior literally bakes due to the heat. It can be over 150 degrees inside the typical auto.

When the dashboard is cracked, it may be repaired if caught early enough. However, once the cracks begin to spread, the only option may be to replace it. The task can be labor intensive and fairly expensive. A better option is to prevent the cracks in the first place.

A sunshade placed in the window can prevent much of the damage. In addition to providing protection for the vinyl dash, the screen keeps the entire vehicle cooler. In addition, the shade can also keep metal buckles from seat belts from becoming hot enough to cause immediate burns when they touch bare skin.

A second way to protect the dash is to keep the vinyl protected using a vinyl conditioner. The heat from the sun bakes the moisture out and oils that keep the vinyl supple from the material. A good conditioner replaces these oils and allows it to stretch and flex with temperature changes. Avoid use of tire shine products for this purpose. They include cleaning agents that will dissolve the color coat from the material.

Adding a window tint can also help the interior of the vehicle looking good for many years. In some locations, there are laws that regulate the amount of tinting that can be added to the windows. In addition, it is important to consider driving in all types of conditions. If the tint gets too dark, it can make night driving difficult, even though the vehicle will remain nice and cool on the hottest of days. An added benefit of the window tint is that the vehicle will stay cooler when driving on those 100 degree days when the air conditioning is being pressed to the max.

Car covers can provide the same function as the window shade, but for the entire vehicle. The cover not only protects the dashboard and the interior of the vehicle but the exterior as well. Since it is portable, it can be placed over the vehicle in the parking lot at work as well as at home.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7489449

Monday, February 4, 2013

Mercedes-Benz TV: Performance, Dynamics and Efficiency: The New E 63 AMG


Mercedes-AMG continues to champion performance, dynamism and efficiency: the new E 63 AMG is now available as a particularly powerful S-Model with an output of 430 kW (585 hp), 800 Newton metres of torque and featuring a newly developed performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Safe Night Driving Starts With Clear Headlights!


If your headlights could talk, they would probably say something like this: "Hello driver, can you please clear me up, I can't seem to light up the road for you very well anymore due to my poor condition, please help me!"

Have you checked your vehicle's headlight condition lately? Chances are there is something wrong with your headlight lens. If your headlights are cloudy or dull looking, you will need to get this fixed soon, as the condition will get much worse in time if you wait. A faded headlight lens is blocking the light output that you desperately need to safely see the road ahead. Simply put, you may not be able to see a dog or cat or other animal in time, as the light output can be cut in half in some cases. This is very unsafe!

We used a professional light meter and measured the light output of both faded and clear headlight lenses and the numbers are downright scary! So scary in fact that some states are starting to crack down on this as a night driving safety issue. Some of the tests showed the headlight beam only reaching 50 feet! This is simply not far enough to properly see the road ahead. When the headlight beam only shines 50 feet, the drivers reaction time is greatly compromised! A properly working headlight beam will easily project light 150 feet or more, giving the driver two thirds more reaction time if something were to cross your path.

If your headlights need restored, you are not alone. We checked huge parking lots full of cars and every time we check, more than half of the vehicles had some sort of fading or cloudiness going on with the headlight lens. Start looking for yourself, you will see what we are talking about. Headlight lens damage due to UV exposure is everywhere!

The good news is that the cloudy lens can be restored to like new condition in approximately one hour. Most shops charge around $75 for both headlights. Headlight restoration is becoming more popular as more and more vehicles will be needing this service. You can also purchase a do it yourself kit, however we recommend using a professional headlight restoration service for much better results.

Safety is the main reason you should restore your headlights, however, your vehicle's appearance and re-sell value are also compromised with faded, ugly headlights. Don't let you vehicle's poor headlight condition cost you money when trading in or selling your ride. In other words, if the headlights look old and tired, it will be much harder to get top dollar.

Please ask your friends and family to check their vehicle's headlights for UV damage by looking for cloudiness or dull looking yellowing or browning. Just ask them to take a closer look at their headlights, (they will appreciate you looking out for their safety).

Don't let the sun win the game, fight back and get your headlights restored soon! There are many professional headlight restoration services out there waiting to repair your dim headlights, so you can see the road much better at night. After-all, your family and friends are worth it!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7415554