Thursday, January 30, 2014

VW Golf MK7 - A Hatchback for the Next Generation



The all-new Volkswagen Golf brings performance to a whole new level. Dynamic and sporty has been the hallmark of the Golf since its introduction in the U.S. market as the Golf TDI. Now, with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights and Bi-xenon headlights.

Displayed at the North American International Auto Show, the all-new Golf MK7 is a vehicle for enthusiasts, a car that combines performance and style down to the accents on its grill. From windows to gauges, headlights to front angles, the MK7 enhances the Golf. Lending style to performance, the MK7 is a new standard for the Golf.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Mobil 1 & eHow: Science of Combustion



Mobil 1 and eHow team up with Automotive Improvement expert Chris Duke to talk about the science of combustion.

Friday, January 24, 2014

All-new Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 at 2014 NAIAS



Daniel Shapiro, product manager for Jetta at Volkswagen of America presents the all-new Jetta GLI Edition 30. For this 30th anniversary GLI, Volkswagen wanted to pay homage to the original GLI, which first hit the market back in 1984. The Edition 30 is equipped with a host of unique features including red accent trims, 18' Laguna alloy wheels, leather seats with red accents and much more.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Everything You Could Ever Want To Know About Tire Pressure

With the rising cost of gasoline and no end in sight, people are looking for ways to maximize fuel efficiency to make their dollars go farther. One easy way to increase fuel economy and your car's overall performance is to maintain correct tire pressure. Every car comes with a manufacturer's recommendation on which tires should be used for that vehicle, and what pressure should be your target range.

Inflating your car's tires to the proper psi (pounds per square inch) maximizes driving comfort, tire durability and performance designed to match the needs of their vehicle. Proper tire inflation pressure also maintains the tire's structure through responsiveness, traction and handling. Proper pressure is not usually visible to the naked eye, therefore a gauge is recommended as a standard tool to keep in your glove compartment at all times.

Underinflation

If you tire is leaking air, or is just not inflated as much as needed the life of your tread could be dramatically reduced. Underinflated tires will cause the tire to bend as it rolls, building up internal heat and increasing resistance. This can translate into lower fuel efficiency and a significant loss of steering precision and stability.

Overinflation

Overinflated tires are stiff and less forgiving in nature. Potholes and road debris are more damaging to an overinflated tire. On the other hand, higher inflation offers an improvement in steering precision and stability.

Checking Tire Pressure

The proper time to check tire pressure is first thing in the morning before the tires have been driven on for the day. The manufacturer's recommended pressure is usually a cold tire pressure level, a reading that should be done before the day's rising temperatures.

If you are unable to check your tire pressure before driving for the day, there is a way to figure what your adjusted pressure would be for whatever your circumstance may be. Here are some suggestions:
Afternoon tire check: Try inflating to 2 psi above recommended levels if you are checking the pressure later in the day.

Indoor vs. Outdoor temps: If you store your car indoors overnight, try inflating 1 psi higher than recommended levels for every 10 degrees difference in indoor temperature vs. outdoor temperature.
Driven for short periods: If you have driven a short distance, or have driven less than 45 mph before checking the pressure, set your pressure 4 psi over the recommended level.

A longer drive: For a longer trip or driving at speeds higher than 45 mph before checking your tire pressure, add 6 psi to your recommended level.

One time you should not rely on an accurate pressure reading is after your car has been parked in direct sunlight. Your tires will appear to be overinflated due to the heat absorption from the sun, and pressure cannot be accurately gauged until the car has been out of the sunlight for a while.

In the Winter

Winter tire pressure can be higher than summer tire pressure. A typical recommendation is for tire pressure to be between three and five psi higher than normal tire pressure during the winter months. Winter tires tend to have more aggressive tread designs, softer tread compounds and deeper tread depths so they can be more pliable in the colder winter temperatures. This allows the tires to provide more traction on slippery, snowy roads. Increasing the tire pressure will allow more tire stability and performance responsiveness.

In the Summer

Summertime driving offers fewer weather hazards than winter driving. Therefore, your tires have a different operational performance in the summer. The tread doesn't need to be as deep and it's better for more of the tire to come in contact with the road, allowing more traction. It's not a good idea to overinflate your tires in the warm weather, as that detracts from their traction and fuel efficiency. Remember to measure your pressure first thing in the morning, if you can, so you can get an accurate cold pressure reading.

The best way to keep your tires performing at their best is to use the manufacturer's recommended psi rating located on the vehicle's tire placard or in your owner's manual. Minor adjustments can be made due to circumstances and weather conditions, but is mindful because even just a few psi can make a big difference to your tires and your fuel economy.

by Jason J Junge! http://www.junge.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_J_Junge

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Saturday, January 18, 2014

Highlights of Mercedes-Benz at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show



Enjoy this interactive video featuring head of Mercedes-Benz Design Gorden Wagener, as he gives you a personal tour of the newly revealed C-Class, an exclusive interview with Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dr. Dieter Zetsche, as well as an up close behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to present these luxury brand vehicles for global press. Sandra Kier, precision driver and manager of global brand platforms Dirk Kielhorn give us front row seats.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Mobil 1 & eHow: Where Wear Occurs



Mobil 1 and eHow started this new Auto Center series to help you keep your car looking great and your engine running like new.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Thursday, January 9, 2014

How to Stay Safe Driving in Fog



When you run into fog on the road, keep your head and follow these simple tips to stay safe.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Friday, January 3, 2014

The Top Eight Check Engine Light Issues

According to CarMD's 2013 Vehicle Health Index, the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this year. Putting off car repairs is a bad idea because unfixed problems often lead to repairs that are more expensive. If the check engine light comes on in your car, take the car to a qualified mechanic immediately. Here are the top eight most frequent reasons for the check engine light activation.

1. Oxygen sensor failing

Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.

2. Ignition coil problems

Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car's engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car's electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.

3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires

Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car's catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.

4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions

The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.

5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system

The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty

The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car's emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.

7. Catalytic converter failures

Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.

8. Dead battery and charging system problems

Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen

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