Tuesday, March 29, 2016

New York International Auto Show - Four Mercedes-AMG World Premieres - Mercedes-Benz original



AMG showed four world premieres in New York. Besides the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, the all new AMG 63 C Convertible with its 4 litre eight cylinder biturbo engine was the eye-catcher in New York. The US is the largest market for the Mercedes-Benz sports brand. The AMG version of the all new E-Class the E 43 4MATIC with the 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine on board will represent the most powerful variant of the business limousine when it is introduced in September 2016. With two new turbochargers and corresponding software applications, the supercharged six-cylinder engine delivers an output of 295 kW (401 hp). The AMG presentations are completed with the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Professional Brake Service - When's The Last Time You Thought About It?


Brake service and repair is crucial for the safety of you and your family. This safety system is for all practical purposes the most important item on your vehicle. Without a properly maintained stopping system, you are betting on whether you will be able to stop quickly in an emergency situation. To avoid putting yourself in this situation, let's look at the components of a braking system.

Parts

In a vehicle stopping system, your main components are the drum or disc brakes as well as the lines, pedal, master cylinder (booster), calipers and combo valve, fluid (typically an oil type), and rotor.

How It Works

When you press on the pedal to stop, your car transfers this force to the system through a fluid. Since your car needs more force than you can apply with your leg, the vehicle must amplify your force. It does this in two ways: mechanical advantage and force multiplication. This means that when you press on the pedal, the force you apply is multiplied by as much as a factor of 36. That means if you apply a force of 10 pounds of stopping pressure, you will have a force of 360 pounds of stopping power.

How It Can Fail

There are two major ways this system can fail. One method occurs when the car is low on fluid, and the other is when there is air in the lines. Low fluid means you have a leak. If it's a slow leak, the pedal may feel "mushy" and less effective. If you have a tear in your lines, then the first time you press the pedal, all the fluid squirts out, and you have catastrophic brake failure. Air in the lines means you just need to have your lines bled, which is just as bad as having low fluid.

Worn Out Pads or Shoes

Most vehicles have disc brakes in the front and drum style in the rear. This type of system uses what are called pads and shoes. Pads are used in the front and shoes in the rear. Both of these items use a semi-rough exterior that presses against the rotor to bring the vehicle to a stop when you press the pedal.

Here are two ways you will be able to tell if you need to have a professional brake service performed.
Shrill Screeching Sound

When you come to a stop, do you have a harsh squealing or grinding noise coming from underneath your vehicle? That noise is coming from your completely worn out shoes or pads. If these worn pads become wet, you will in all probability not come to a stop if you need to and may be seriously injured.

Mushiness or Soft Feel to the Pedal

Worn pads or shoes, air in the lines, and low fluid will all give your pedal a mushy or soft feeling when you slow down or stop. This soft pedal means you need to have your system inspected as quickly as possible.

Check with your brake service professional today if you have any of the preceding problems.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ace_Abbey

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Jaguar XJ | Cat and Mouse Drone Challenge in Zhuhai



Witness true performance and agility as the XJ challenges one of the world’s best drone pilots in a unique ‘cat-and-mouse’ challenge. Filmed at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, and featuring leading movie stunt driver Mark Higgins, Jaguar's pinnacle luxury saloon explores the future technology that could influence car chase filming.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

6 Tips to Minimizing the Cost of Car Service Appointments


For most Americans we depend on our vehicles to get us from place to place. Yes, we can walk, take a train, bus or other form of public transportation but for many situations having a vehicle means the ability to get from one place to another. However, that mobility is seriously hindered if our vehicle is in need of repair or if proper maintenance is overlooked. Consequently, it is necessary to plan on frequent car service appointments to ensure that your vehicle is in top working condition.

Of course, it is not always needful to take the car to a shop to be serviced. There are many actions you can take to help maintain your vehicle's reliability. Here are a few to get you started.

· Don't ignore the check engine light. When the light first comes on, it can be easy to overlook it or think you will get to it later. However, whenever this light comes on, it is best to go ahead and see a mechanic. These lights are designed to come when there is a problem. Early discovery can mean spending a little vs. spending a lot.

· Check the tire pressure. Take time on a regular basis to see that your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and see that they stay at optimum levels in order to get better gas mileage and give you better traction.

· Get the oil changed. Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles - the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today's cars. However, just because the time frame is longer, it doesn't mean that you don't need to change the oil! If it is left too long, then it will affect the engine's performance.

· Check the fluid levels. Take time at least once every couple of weeks to check fluids such as transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid coolant and other fluids are topped off, as doing this will help your vehicle to run at its best.

· Don't drive if the vehicle is overheated. When the engine is overheated, it will affect how it performs. Pull off the road, turn it off, and call for a tow.

· Use the right filters. There are specific filters designed for your car's systems. Use the correct ones, and be sure to change them according to manufacturer's instructions.

Having your car serviced is an important part of extending the life and reliability of your vehicle. If you take the time to see that these and some other, vehicle maintenance steps are taken then you can depend on your vehicle to last for many years. If you have questions about car servicing talk to a local garage. But, whatever you do, don't ignore your vehicle! Being proactive is much better than having to be reactive.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janet_Slagell/285006

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Thursday, March 17, 2016

20 Million Stars – Mercedes Benz Original.



Three Mercedes-Benz G-Class models chase down a balloon with no obstacles ahead. A journey through unknown terrain starts now.

Combined fuel consumption: 13.8-12.3 l/100km; CO2 emission: 322-289 g/km.*

Monday, March 14, 2016

Auto Alignments And Repairs


Auto alignments and repairs as performed by a professional auto repair shop will ensure that your tires perform better and last longer. Otherwise referred to as tire alignments, these wheel alignments will also improve handling. Additionally, they keep your vehicle from vibrating strangely and/or pulling in a single direction.

About Tire Alignments

Auto alignments and repairs typically involve adjustments to the car's suspension. This suspension refers to the system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. Although most people assume that tire alignments involve adjusting the tires and wheels, this is not the case. Instead, the automotive repair technician will alter the angles of the wheels so that they make proper contact with the road.

Knowing If You Need an Auto Alignment

There are many ways to tell if your vehicle needs an alignment. In case you notice any of the following indicators, check your car in with a licensed auto alignment and repair service technician immediately:

a) Steering wheel vibration

b) Uneven tread wear

c) When the car pulls either to the right or to the left

d) If you notice that your steering wheel is off-center while you are driving straight

Camber, Caster, and Toe

Qualified auto alignment technicians are typically concerned with 3 main things, the camber, the caster and the toe.

1. Camber

Camber refers to the outward or inward angle of the wheels as viewed from the front of your car. Too much outward or inward tilt indicates improper alignment. If you notice either or both of these on your car, get an auto alignment.

2. Caster

Your vehicle's caster angle balances cornering, stability and steering. Caster is the angle of your car's steering axis as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Should you notice that your steering wheel is tilted towards you or towards the front of the car, get your vehicle aligned.

3. Toe

Toe alignment refers to the extent to which the wheels turn outward or inward from above. Both toe-out and toe-in alignments have to be adjusted.

The Importance of Auto Alignments and Repairs

Improper tire alignment will cause your wheels to wear out prematurely and unevenly. In the same way, your tires will feather, meaning that the tread will be sharp on one side and smooth on the other.
Similarly, tires that are not properly aligned are susceptible to camber wear and toe/heel wear. In both cases, your wheels (as well as your car) will not drive optimally.

In conclusion, you need to talk to an auto alignment and repairs expert. Make sure that the expert is a trained, experienced and licensed auto repair professional.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gary_Ward/2206373

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Friday, March 11, 2016

The Ideas Behind the BMW VISION NEXT 100



BMW celebrates its 100th anniversary. This isn't just an opportunity to celebrate the pioneering achievements of our past. But also to look forward to the exciting times ahead: with the BMW VISION NEXT 100. Experience the BMW VISION NEXT 100 interactively at http://www.next100.bmw . Sheer Driving Pleasure of the future – What will it look like? Over the coming years, mobility will become increasingly diverse. In the not-too-distant future, most vehicles will probably be completely self-driving – people will get around in robots on wheels. So, given these developments, how will we justify the existence of vehicles by BMW, a brand for whom the individual and Sheer Driving Pleasure are the focus of everything? And how will BMW’s brand values translate into the future?

In developing the BMW VISION NEXT 100, the main objective was to create not an anonymous vehicle but one that is highly personalised and fully geared to meet the driver’s every need – because the very emotional connection between a BMW and its driver is something we want to retain.

Drivers decide how they want to travel in future according to their needs: fully-automated driving with the opportunity to relax, work or be entertained – Ease Mode. Or drive themselves: in a vehicle fully customised to their preferences, where everything revolves around them as the “Ultimate Driver” – Boost Mode.

For the BMW VISION NEXT 100, the design team specifically took into account all the trends and technological developments that will be most relevant to BMW in the decades ahead. But they also took many of their cues from innovations and designs of the past.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Six Signs You Might Need A Professional Axle Repair


The drive axle of a vehicle is the shaft responsible for turning a vehicle's tires. The engine delivers rotational force to the wheels through the shaft. Because of this, any sort of problem you might have will need to be addressed quickly, otherwise the problem could become much worse. Typically, drive shafts do not suddenly fail, but instead, they gradually worsen. Catching a problem early can prevent costly repairs in the future. Before your car becomes inoperable, there are some telltale signs that you might be in need of axle repair.

Clicking or Crunching

You will hear this sign around your wheels when you are cornering. The sound will be something like a clicking until you straighten up the wheel. More specifically, this is likely a sign of a bad CV joint. That is much cheaper and easier to fix than the axle itself. There is no way of knowing the difference until you go to a mechanic. If it is a CV joint, you might not notice any symptoms while driving other than the noise. If it is a bad axle, driving problems are sure to follow, so it is important to see a mechanic as soon as possible.

2. Shaking

This can consist of shaking throughout the entire car or just in the steering wheel. It will be much more noticeable than the clicking noise and will likely follow it. This means that if you are experiencing vibrations in your steering wheel, the problem is likely worsening.

Much like the clicking noise, this could be an indicator of a CV joint problem as well. If it only happens while cornering, that is probably the case. Driving when in need of axle repair feels like driving with wheels that are no longer round.

3. Squeaking

This is more common at lower speeds. At highway speeds, this often turns into full-blown shaking. With a minor bend in your axle, the brake rotors will likely rub against the brake pads with every rotation. This often sounds like a whining or a squeaking.

4. Visible Wobble

This will require a second party. You might not notice any driving symptoms, but someone who is watching you drive might notice the tires wobbling.

5. Brake Trouble

When your axle is bent, your tires and brake rotors will likely be misaligned. This means that they will not be making strong, consistent contact with the brake pads for steady braking. If you notice new inconsistency or sensitivity with your brakes, you might need axle repair.

6. Problems Turning

These are slightly different from the clicking sound you might hear. As the problem progresses, you might notice that you are actually having problems physically turning your vehicle. The tires might hesitate after you turn the wheel. You might feel resistance when you try to make tight turns such as U-turns or navigating into a parking space.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ace_Abbey

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Saturday, March 5, 2016

The New C-Class Cabriolet - Aerodynamic Also Top Down - Mercedes-Benz Original



The new C-Class Cabriolet combines superb design with very good aerodynamics. Therefore the aerodynamics were carefully refined right down to the last detail in countless hours in the wind tunnel. Until the optimum aerodynamic shape has been combined with the optimum functionality. This pays off with an air resistance value of 0.28 and with low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions. The automatic wind deflector AIRCAP ensures more comfort in the interior, the neck-level heating AIRSCARF assures open-top motoring, 365 days of the year.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Top Five Most Commonly Replaced Car Parts


Every automobile owner will tell you that maintenance is critical. By taking care of your vehicle, you can dramatically increase its lifespan. There are some car parts that should be at the forefront of your mind during road trips or even your daily commute. Here are five automobile components that need to be replaced frequently.

Spark Plugs

Some manufacturers suggest you change your spark plugs every three years in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Engine idling, engine misfiring, high fuel consumption, engine surging, or a lack or acceleration all indicate that it's time for new spark plugs.

Headlights

In order to see properly and drive safely at night, you need working headlights. As technology changes, owners have seen a decrease in the frequency of replacing the car parts associated with headlights. That is because more manufacturers are using LED technology, which outlasts traditional lamps. Of course, these do cost more, so when the time comes to replace the bulbs, you probably will spend a little more money if you have a newer vehicle.

Tires

Depending on the brand of your tires, you could have to replace them after as little as 30,000 miles of travel. You should regularly check the tread for signs of wear. If you place a penny in between the treads of a tire and can see the head of Abraham Lincoln, then the rubber has worn down too much.

In addition, if you have a newer vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system, you will eventually need to replace this component. Over time, the sensor will wear out. This system offers significant benefits, as it warns drivers when the pressure is too low. Even though the replacement of this system adds to an automobile's maintenance pricetag, many choose to pay the extra price.

Brakes

Stopping your vehicle takes its toll. Brake pads eventually wear down and have to be replaced. In order to avoid incurring additional expenses, you should have your pads replaced at the first sign of wear. This could be a noise or noticing that it takes more pressure or time to come to a complete stop. If you wait too long, not only will you have to replace the pads, but you may also have to replace the rotors underneath.

Batteries

New technology is making it so that your vehicle's battery does not have to be replaced every three years. However, even if you have a five-, seven-, or ten-year battery, you should make sure the battery gets testing during your annual maintenance tune-up. By checking it annually, you can replace the battery before it dies, avoiding the hassle of finding your automobile dead one morning.

There are many different car parts that you will eventually have to replace. However, these five are the most common and will need to be changed more often than other components. If you perform regular maintenance on your automobile, it will last for years.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ace_Abbey/851844

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