Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Auto Repair, Maintenance and Ownership



If you drive a car that's European, auto repair is a bit different for you than for someone who owns an American vehicle. Some of the most popular cars driven in the U.S. are of European origin. Many of these foreign brands are well-made, elegant and sporty. Some examples are the BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo and Mercedes. Some popular American manufacturers are Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. Japanese manufacturers also produce quality vehicles such as Nissan, Toyota and Honda. There is a variety of different factors that go into the decision of what kind of car to purchase.

Some of the features sought by consumers around the globe include gas mileage, reliability, performance, safety and resale value. It is also important to learn which makes and models break down more often and what it costs to repair them.

Gas mileage: With the planet's dwindling resources and rising costs of gasoline, many consumers are intent on driving a vehicle that gets as many miles per gallon as possible. Hybrids and smart cars have been developed for just this reason. Many of the large gas hogs of yesteryear are being traded in for greener models that go further on less. Some European cars, such as Volvo, have much stricter emissions standards than those made in the US.

Reliability: Everyone wants a vehicle that is reliable on the road. A car that is low-maintenance and durable enough to bump along dirt roads or travel uphill in the snow. It's also desirable to have a vehicle that starts up with minimal fuss and takes off down the street on a dime.

Performance: A vehicle with high performance capabilities is a must have. No one wants to drive an old bomb that barely makes it up inclines. High performance is a good thing, but it can come at the cost of increased gas consumption and emissions.

Safety: All cars have safety features built in, no matter how tiny and vulnerable they may appear externally. Sturdy externals that will hold up in a crash, air bags, strong metallic surfaces, tough bumpers and shatter proof windshields are all important safety features. Be sure to check out the specific features of the car you are considering, as these requirements vary by country.

Resale value: Some cars depreciate in value faster than others. That's because they will likely need to be repaired more often or wear out more quickly. An online perusal of used car prices on a site such as Kelly Blue Book will give a person the stats they are looking for in terms of resale value. Owning a car that holds its value is like saving money in the bank, even if the initial cost outlay is a little higher.

Repair costs: The pricier the vehicle, the more it will probably cost to repair it. That's because the parts needed for replacement are more expensive, just like the car, and many foreign parts are difficult to obtain in the US. Before purchasing a European, Japanese, or American car, it's a wise idea to check out repair costs, records and probabilities.

If a person is looking for a mechanic to restore, replace or perform maintenance on their automobile, it is important to shop around. Word-of-mouth referrals are one way to find someone competent and skilled. If a person owns a foreign car, he or she may want to take it to a shop that specializes in the make and model of their vehicle. Some shops only work on imports or American cars, while others cover the spectrum. Find out by asking around, looking on the Internet and calling the shops directly. A bit of research will turn up the appropriate American, Japanese, or European car repair shop and get you back on your way in style.

Are you on the lookout for European auto repair in Raleigh? You need to look around to find a shop with friendly service, easy access to foreign parts and smart, competent mechanics. Read more here: http://www.peak-auto.com/.
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Saturday, April 25, 2015

BMW at the Auto Shanghai 2015.



BMW takes to the stand at the 16th Auto Shanghai in China from 22 – 29 April 2015 with one world premiere (BMW X5 xDrive40e Sports Activity Vehicle, the first plug-in hybrid production model from the BMW core brand), four Asian premieres and two Chinese premieres. Held every other year since 1985, Auto Shanghai ranks as one of Asia’s leading motor shows.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Joys of a Fresh Oil Change


When most people think of joy, they usually think what you might expect them to: warm beaches, gatherings of friends, marital bliss, or for the adventurous, the rush that comes from parachuting from an airplane or reaching a mountain peak. All of that is fine and can really bring anybody a great deal of happiness. However, for us gear heads and motor vehicle enthusiasts, joy hides in places most people wouldn't really expect: the feeling of driving a stick shift, the slight drag you feel as your tires momentarily slip on an off road dirt patch, and the fresh feel of a car right after an oil change.

That's not to say that an oil change will make a car feel noticeably different to everybody; that's a joy reserved for the real aficionados. However, it's undeniable that there are a myriad of benefits to getting your oil changed regularly. So, for the people who are not as up to speed, here's a quick list of the ways this vital procedure will benefit your vehicle when performed regularly.

1. Performance

A fresh change of oil in your vehicle has a tremendous effect on your car's performance. A vehicle's engine consists of a wide variety of moving parts. Oil is the lubricant that keeps all of these parts from harshly grinding against one another, which over time causes the whole system to run more slowly. With a fresh coat, you'll see a great increase in horsepower and a much smoother, quieter operation.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Once again, when an engine's lubrication is not up to par, all of these moving parts start to grind against each other. This not only damages the component parts, but it also requires a great deal more energy to operate. When everything is running smoothly, the parts move with less resistance, and you'll find that you spend much less on gas than you were before.

3. Less Debris

In the course of the normal operation of an engine, a certain amount of dirt and debris begins to develop. All of that extra stuff ends up floating around in the oil, and if you allow it to sit for long enough without a change, you'll find a great deal of random particles that can cause damage. A fresh oil change flushes all of that stuff out.

4. Longer Life

Like everything in a motor vehicle, engines die after some time. This is going to happen eventually, no matter what you do for your car. Keeping everything fresh on a regular basis mitigates all of that damage, and though you won't completely eliminate wear and tear, you'll find that it will last far longer than it would otherwise.

So you see, regular oil changes are essential to the overall health of your car or truck. Check with your mechanic for recommendations on how frequently it should be done.

When considering an oil change, Livonia, MI residents visit Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Bill Brown Ford. Learn more about this procedure at http://billbrownford.net/Service.aspx.
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Sunday, April 19, 2015

Mobil 1 - When a Second Matters, Science Matters



For more than 40 years, we've poured energy and technology into Mobil 1™. That's why Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, and more than half of NASCAR drivers trust Mobil 1 in their cars.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

BMW Auto Repair and Services


Some of the most complex and technological cars on the market today are BMWs. They are also some of the most popular cars for consumers to buy. Making sure you are going to a auto shop for repairs and services that specialize in maintaining and fixing complex European cars such as BMW is very important to ensure your car will work properly and last as long as it should. The electrical components alone on cars like these take a expert to figure out, so don't cut any corners when it comes to taking car of your means of transportation, or maybe even your passion.

Gone are the days of working on your car, in your garage, all by yourself. Cars today have been very modernized, and they are extremely hard to work on for someone who isn't specifically trained to work on these advance cars. It is also very important to regularly service your BMW, and service it right. If you take car of your car, it will be very reliable for you and work for you day in and day out. It's very hard to find a shop you can trust your car with, so making sure you pick a true professional can be the difference of how well your car performs for you.

BMWs are known as the ultimate driving machine, and owners take pride in this. It only makes sense to take care of your prized possession as best as you can, and ensure proper hands are doing all required service, maintenance, and repairs on your BMW. Not only can you void your warranty by not choosing certified mechanics, but you are simply hurting the life of your car if you aren't ensuring the best care is being provided.

BMW Repair Raleigh Auto Repair Raleigh
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Monday, April 13, 2015

Mercedes-Benz TV: The new GLE premieres at the 2015 New York Auto Show.



On the 2015 International Auto Show in New York, Mercedes-Benz Reporter Douglas attends the world premiere of the new GLE and does not miss to take a closer look: High efficiency and outstanding handling both on the road and in terrain are among the strengths of the revised best-seller in the SUV segment.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Car Maintenance Tips To Make Your Car Run Better


It's always nice to have a smooth running and reliable car. However, cars age and will need maintenance over time to keep on running like the day it rolled from the showroom floor. Just putting gas and kicking the tires will not do it. Maintaining a smooth-running car takes care from the owner, and the mechanic or dealer, if you are not mechanically inclined.

All cars have a maintenance schedule set by the manufacturer when they designed the car. Some cars have simple maintenance schedules while other cars need more specialized equipment and parts to keep them in tiptop shape. In general, Japanese cars are cheaper to operate and maintain. However, luxury European brands have a cachet and status all their own. There will be times when budget or work will prevent you from performing needed maintenance. Just follow the maintenance schedule as close as you can because neglecting maintenance may result in a breakdown sometime and emergency repairs are always more expensive than scheduled maintenance. Whatever your choice of car, be aware that there are operating and maintenance costs that are part of owning a vehicle.

With today's modern engines, very little can be done by the owner, except to maybe change the oil and check/replace the air and fuel filters. Consult the owner's manual on when to change the oil. Depending on whether synthetic oil is used or not, the maintenance period will vary. Whatever the figure is, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. And don't scrimp on the oil. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and the top oil companies do have engine oils that offer better performance and protection.

Do check you air filter regularly. This item is easy to forget because it is under a cover and a clogged filter doesn't act up immediately but rather degrades performance over time. When it is time to replace your air filter, consider buying an aftermarket reusable filter. These have the benefit of better performance and much longer life because they can be cleaned.

Also check your car's other fluids regularly, like the power steering fluid, engine oil level, coolant level and even the washer fluids. A faster than average rate of depletion can be an indicator of a developing problem which can be taken care of before it worsens.

Generally, you can worry less about your suspension until clunks or rattling indicate worn parts. A car that pulls to one side is also an indicator of upcoming suspension work that will need to be done. However, you do need to check your tire pressure and tire wear regularly. Uneven tire wear is a good indicator of the state of your suspension and its alignment. Again, consult your owner's manual on when to rotate your tires so that you prolong their life.

The other side of the equation in owning a car is the owner's driving habits. Good or bad habits can lengthen or shorten the service life of your car considerably.

One of the good habits you can form, if you don't have it yet, is to keep a steady foot on the gas pedal. Don't treat it like an on/off switch. Accelerate slowly but steadily from stops. Anticipate upcoming intersections or traffic buildups by easing off the accelerator. A side benefit of learning how to feather the throttle is improved gas mileage. Same goes for braking. Don't jam on the brakes. Instead, apply steady pressure to come to a stop. Of course, in an emergency situation, you would have to apply a lot of braking pressure but also remember to try to steer away from danger at the same time. Remember that if your brakes lock up, you will also lose steering control.

As we use our cars, we start to accumulate junk. In the trunk, the back seats, etc. Every so often, remove that accumulated debris that you don't really need from your car. The more unnecessary weight you carry, the more fuel you will use. Speaking of fuel use, an engine that is well-maintained always uses less fuel than a sloppily maintained one. With fuel prices more often on the way up, that alone is enough motivation to keep your car well maintained.

For more useful tips on automotive related topics visit our James Toyota dealership blog. We have wide selection of new Toyota cars, certified used cars and Toyota accessories.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The Story of Volvo Cars



In 1924, two visionary Swedes decided it was time for a new kind of car. Three years later, their first production car rolled out onto Swedish roads, and the company now known as Volvo was born.

An innate Swedish focus on social well-being has defined the Volvo brand and been the soul of our philosophy ever since. Today Volvo remains as uniquely human-focused as ever, with a dedication to safety and quality that is underwriting the development of ground-breaking technologies for a safer, more sustainable society.

Now, as then, Volvo Cars is designed around you.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

How To Maintain Car Engines For Fuel Efficiency


Fuel efficiency of car engines is considered as an imperative and essential factor when buying a new car, all thanks to the high fuel prices. Most car makers have taken action to provide more fuel efficient cars that return more than 80mpg of economy however, there are millions of old cars that people use for their daily commute, by following the simple guidelines below, they can also achieve maximum fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions from their car engines.

1. Keep the Engine Appropriately Tuned

It is very important to follow the maintenance schedule of the engine, for instance, replacement of air filter, spark plug and oxygen sensors, also keep an eye on any on-board diagnostics malfunctions in the Engine Control Module. The most important is to change the engine oil as instructed in your car's manual.

 2. Fuel Evaporation

Fuel evaporation is another parameter that needs to be attended by tightly closing the fuel tank lids and by parking in shades, believe it or not, can improve your mileage by as much as 10 percent.

3. Use the Recommended Grade Engine Oil

The most important factor to keep your car engine at fuel efficient state is proper engine oil with low-kinematic thickness that is also referred to as low "weight" engine oil. You can get better mileage by 1-2 percent by using the recommended grade of vehicle engine oil. For instance, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine intended to use 5W-30 can worsen your fuel efficiency by 1-2 percent. Contemporary engines have such accurate tolerance that very trivial oil is often required, thicker oil, such as 10W30 or 10W40, may not lubricate as well, because it won't pour as swiftly into key oil ways and fractures. You must check the owner's manual for suggested viscosity and ask for it exclusively when oil is changed.

4. Minimise the Idling

Your engine wastes fuel when car is in idle state, simply because you are burning fuel while going nowhere. If you are waiting for someone and you know that it will take more than 30 seconds, switch your engine off because you are just burning money.

5. Keep Tyres Appropriately Inflated

You can get up to 3.3 percent better mileage by keeping your car tyres inflated to the suitable pressure, this reduces the resistance so less power is required to move the car. Under-inflated tyres can lower your engine efficiency through more fuel consumption. The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is generally found on a sticky label in the driver's side door jamb and/or in your owner's manual. Do not use the utmost pressure printed on the tyre's sidewall.

6. Smooth Driving

The way you drive your car also plays a huge role in fuel consumption, by driving fast, you might save 5-10 minutes, however by smoothing down you can improve the fuel consumption of your car's engine, if you normally drive on a motorway at 70mph, try changing it to 60mph can increase the fuel economy by up to 4 miles per gallon. Avoid as much as you can from putting your foot down on the throttle and from stomping on the brake paddle, this will not only save you on fuel costs but also money on wear and tear of brakes.

Callum Wright is an auto engine expert working for Replacement Engines UK, go to Car Engines For Sale to buy or get any advice, call on 0044 (0) 20 8596 9961.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The All-New Jaguar XF | Exterior Design



Get acquainted with the sleek exterior lines of the All-New Jaguar XF, here for 2015. A true Jaguar to its core, get a unique insight into its creation as Ian Callum, Director of Design, talks about his excitement and the challenges faced with bringing this incredibly special car to life.