วันเสาร์ที่ 1 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Driving Safely in the Dark

Author : Terry Brown
Safety is a primary concern for all drivers, especially at night. Although there are fewer cars on the road, most fatal car accidents happen at night than any other time of the day. Our ability to see the road ahead is seriously impaired at night. Darkness can dramatically alter the driver's ability to cope with even the most normal driving conditions. As we are more vulnerable to dangerous road situations at night or in low visibility, we should double our preparedness, alertness and common sense when driving at night. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from potentially dangerous situations on the road. Here are some of the most important points to consider when driving in the dark.The most important difference in night driving is visibility. At night, we become completely dependent on artificial sources of light to help us see and show us where we are going. Highway signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles are more difficult to see at night. Thus, lights, mirrors, and windows are doubly important at night. We should maintain clear, clean and scratch-free mirrors and windows. They should not be clouded by steam, frost, water droplets or tarnished by cracks or scratches.Your entire car's lighting equipments must be in good condition to ensure safety when driving in the dark. Headlights, Tail Lights, Corner Lights, signal lamps, license plate lights and others all play a big role in your safety when driving at night. Your lights should be turned on during the night especially during periods of rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog. Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Have it checked by a professional to make sure that all the lights work. Keep your headlights and your windshields clean. Remember that your lights are your only communication with other drivers on the road. Make sure that your windshield is clean, clear and unobstructed so that you can see what's ahead of you. One of the most hazardous habits that that drivers do during the night is "overdriving" the headlights of their vehicles.Headlights as well as other lights, mirrors, windows, windshields all play an important role in keeping you safe when driving at night. Thus, these auto parts must be maintained in good condition or replaced as soon as they get damaged or defective. Fortunately, you can easily get replacement GMC Parts including GMC Headlights, GMC Mirrors, GMC Window regulators and others. However, you should carefully choose the auto parts you are going to purchase. A good tip is to stick with a reliable and trusted auto parts store. If you want to shop for GMC auto parts the fast and easy way, then online auto parts stores are an excellent choice.Inner Auto Parts is known as an excellent source of quality, relevant auto information. Now, Inner Auto Parts offers high quality and affordable replacement parts that are manufactured by the best auto parts makers in the industry. GMC Parts from Inner Auto Parts are guaranteed to be durable, high quality and comes at very affordable prices. GMC Parts such as GMC Fenders, GMC Fog Lights, GMC Radiators, GMC Spoilers and others are readily available. You can surely find the best GMC Headlights, taillights and other GMC lights here at Inner Auto Parts.Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
Keyword : GMC,GMC parts,Auto parts,headlights,taillights

Manhole Covers Made of Composite with Built in Sensors

Author : Lance Winslow
Manhole covers are generally made of steel and are quite heavy. In fact each year many American Utility Workers are injured due to the heavy covers. Fingers are crushed, heads banged and backs sent out of alignment. Today some cities have gone to replacing the manhole covers with synthetic or composite covers which can take the same amount of weight without cracking, do not rust, weigh considerably less and are not stolen to turn in for scrap metal. Some larger cities lose some 100-300 manhole covers per year from theft, many of these manhole covers turn up at metal recycling yards. Iron manhole covers often rust sending orange-ish mud and debris into underground utility holes and cause damage to components and contamination of ground water and urban run off storm drains with iron oxides.There are a couple of innovative companies already making these manhole covers from composite materials and many cities are opting for the stronger, lighter and more durable materials. Here are a couple of websites to learn more:http://www.ebw.com/products/ust-ast/pdf/FRC_30_36_42_Manholes.pdfhttp://www.hermelock.com/One thing which has not been discussed is that since composite it made in layers, sensors can be contained within these units or covers. Sensors to detect underground gases alerting crews of toxicity or bad air, which is another killer amongst ground utility workers, can be easily molded into the covers. Sensors such as traffic counters with satellite relays can tell us of congestion, weight of vehicles and other important road maintenance upgrades needed. Sensors can also alert us of forced entry into our underground utility systems to protect against international Terrorism attacks. The new innovations in materials is well known in many industries such as aerospace, but we should also be looking at its uses underground because the sky is not the limit for these new composite polymer based materials. Think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : manhole covers, composite, polymer, steel, iron

Honda Civic and Accord

Author : Matthew Keegan
There are two names that define Honda cars more than any other: Civic and Accord. Sure, newer models have sprung up including the CR-V, Element, Insight, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and more. Yet, it is these two heralded models that continue to make up the backbone of the famed Japanese automaker even to this day. Let's look at the history of the Civic and Accord and how these models have brought Honda to where it is today: a seller of vehicles espousing world class quality and affordability.The Honda Civic has graced American roads since the early 1970s. For years it attracted quiet notice as it was truly a "mini" amongst giants. Consumers had pet names for the car including –- "pregnant roller skate" –- yet the car began to quickly attract a loyal following. Indeed, with two fuel shortages popping up in the 1970s the gas sipping Civic caught on for its economy as well as for its reliability. To this day, 30 year old plus Civics can still be seen around town as owners carefully maintain their vehicles with the highest quality Honda Civic parts. Today's Civics, although larger than their predecessors continue to receive accolades including receiving an all around five star safety rating from the NHTSA.In the early 1980s Honda introduced the Accord, a five passenger sedan. With the opening of Honda's first US automotive plant in 1982, the Accord quickly established itself as a segment darling with consumers. By 2001, the Accord became the best selling car in the US, bypassing the ever popular Toyota Camry. Since then, the two cars have been the top sellers in the U.S. Well crafted Honda Accord parts are keeping even the most classic Accord on the road today. Indeed, it is this level of quality and reliability which continues to make Honda cars a world leader in value as well as dependability.So, whether you own an older Accord or Civic or one of Honda's many newer models you can keep your car running for years by purchasing reliable Honda Civic radiators and other parts as needed. Honda reliability and dependability are trademarks of this esteemed Japanese automaker and all of their models are certain to continue to be world class performers for many more years.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.
Keyword : Honda Accord parts, Honda Civic parts, Honda Civic radiators, Honda Prelude, Honda Element, CR-V

Cordless Radar Detectors

Author : Jennifer Bailey
The demand for convenience has lead to an impressive market of cordless radar detectors. A cordless unit does not have to mean a less impressive gadget, as manufacturers continue to develop new technology that rids drivers of the hassle of cords while still giving them superb radar detection.One of the most popular cordless radar detectors under $200 is the BEL Express Model 946. A clip-on, 90-degree deflector and earphone come standard on this model, which can deflect both incoming radar and laser beams. Further, the Express has proved exceptional in many tests; it is often the only detector tested that can reliably detect Ka band radar. It is equally proficient in detecting lasers. A drawback to this unit is its audio quality, which is less distinct than many might prefer.For anyone interested in paying more than $200 on a cordless radar detector, the Escort Solo S2 is a good option. It has a low-profile compact case and features all but one of its controls on the front. As for radar detection, this style detects X, K, Ka, and laser bands, and announces their strength via a highly perceptible audio alert and flashing bar graph.More and more companies are adding cordless models to their radar detector line-up. As this feature increases in popularity, the increase in models should create a competitive market, resulting in higher-quality cordless devices that continue to offer excellent radar and laser detection.Radar Detectors Info provides comprehensive information on best wholesale and retail motorcycle and cordless radar detectors. Radar Detectors Info is the sister site of Defensive Driving Web.
Keyword : radar detectors, best radar detectors, wholesale radar detectors

Selecting the Correct Hitch for Your Vehicle

Author : Burke Jones
If you are towing a trailer for the first time you will want to have everything going for you. Changing from a single vehicle to what is essentially double that, is not a step to be taken casually. The hitch you use to link your tow vehicle to your trailer is a key element in your safety and the safety of other motorists on the road.A great deal hinges on the choice of hitch in the world of towing. There are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration when making the decision. Before doing anything else, you will need to consult your vehicle owner's manual. This comprehensive source of information will give you valuable information regarding the towing specifications of your vehicle.You will want to stay well within the parameters outlined in the manual, being ever cautious not to place the rig under more pressure than it can safely handle. Remember that what you can tow under ideal towing conditions and what you can tow under challenging conditions are two completely different things.The tow combination that you put together needs to have capacity to spare in order to handle these challenges when they arise. Both the tow vehicle and the hitching system have weight capacities that impact the safety of the whole rig.Once you have determined the tow vehicle's maximum towing capacity you will be able to choose the trailer and hitch that is the best fit. Tow hitches come in varying classes to match the weight capacities of the vehicle and the gross trailer weight, known as the GTW.Trailer hitches are specific to each vehicle so you need to find the exact hitch for your vehicle model and year. Most online websites will have you key in these details before coming up with the hitch for your vehicle.The most common hitches are receivers. They are the ones that you see on most SUVs, trucks, vans and RVs. They come in Classes specific to their weight carrying capacity. Class I hitches have a GTW of anything up to 2,000lbs. They are the best option for light duty tow vehicles and commonly allow for the towing of smaller loads like bike racks and utility trailers.Class II hitches, with a GTW of 3,500lbs, are commonly used on passenger vans and the less powerful SUVs. Class II hitches are capable of towing smaller, lighter travel trailers safely. Some class II hitches can have their tow capacities expanded in combination with a good weight distribution system. Details on this option should be available in your vehicle owner's manual.Class III hitches have a more generous tow capacity of up to 5,000lbs. They are the most common hitch for the more powerful SUVs and trucks and allow for heavier duty towing and a broader range of weight distribution systems that balance out the trailer load between the wheels of the tow vehicle and those of the trailer. The addition of this kind of hitch system offers enhanced safety in the form of improved steering and brake control.Once you have selected the correct hitch for your vehicle and trailer and you have had it shipped to your door you will be faced with a mysterious bundle of odds and ends that bolts onto your vehicle frame without welding. Installation times vary from 30 minutes to an hour so don't rush. If you have doubts about the finished product of your work you might want to invest in a second opinion from a professional before heading out onto the highway.Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to the Trailer Hitch Depot, an online resource for Trailer Jacks and Hitch Accessories.
Keyword : trailer hitches, trucks, cars

Trailer Hitch Bike Racks

Author : Elizabeth Morgan
People can't ride their bikes everywhere and it is often necessary to transport bikes from one place to another. Until recently, people would have to put the bike inside their vehicle when transporting it, but now there are bike racks that can secure the bike above the ground outside of the vehicle. Trailer hitch bike racks fit into the trailer hitch receiver opening and provide metal racks specifically designed to hold and transport bikes.Trailer hitches fit into the same trailer hitch receiver opening that is used to secure the hitch ball mount. On most models, the trailer hitch bike rack sticks up vertically behind the rear of the vehicle. The vertical metal pole that holds the bikes up is usually a few feet long. There are two horizontal bars at the top of the vertical pole where the bikes are secured. One wheel of the bike is put between the bars and then strapped in. The bike hangs down between the bars and can be transported in this position. These bike racks provide enough ground clearance that the bike is not in danger of being dragged along the ground.Other types of trailer hitch bike racks fit horizontally on the back of the vehicle. The wheels of the bike fit into two openings on the rack. The bike is fastened and held upright in these racks.There are models of both of these types of trailer hitch bike racks that can hold several bikes. Some can transport up to five bikes at once. These racks are larger and more cumbersome than smaller racks, but they can be useful, especially when transporting several bikers to a biking destination.Bike racks are great for people going on long mountain biking trips. The racks can accommodate several bikes at once, leaving room in the vehicle for the riders.Trailer Hitches Info provides detailed information on motorcycle, U Haul, and gooseneck trailer hitches, as well as trailer hitch accessories like trailer hitch covers and bike racks, and advice on trailer hitch installation. Trailer Hitches Info is the sister site of Tire Chains Web.
Keyword : trailer hitches, trailer hitch covers, trailer hitch accessories

Clean Car for Good Gas Mileage

Author : Marilyn Pokorney
In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips
into one there are many more ways you can increase gas
mileage by simply taking good care of your vehicle.Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a
car to use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.Maintain a clean catalytic converter.Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as
40 percent.Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and
replace them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas
efficiency.Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The
wind drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency
by 5 percent.Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every
100 pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a
bed cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas
mileage by as much as 15 percent.When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud
under the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or
nail polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas
tank. In tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of
the fuel line went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone,
if spilled, will also eat the paint and finish on your
vehicle.For more information on keeping your car clean visit:http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm*****************************************

Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Keyword : gas, car, auto, money, save, mileage, care, gasoline, price, cost, improve, increase, clean, motor