Advantage Of Disc Brakes

Advantage Of Disc Brakes

by: Elli Potrelli


Whether you drive a Mercedes, a motorbike or a pickup truck, you probably have disc brakes on your vehicle. And even though you probably never think about their function, they are the single most important function on your vehicle. Though there are several types of motor brakes, the drum and the disk, the disk brakes are more commonly used. Disc brakes are far better than drum brakes because of their powerful stopping ability. Disc brakes handle substantially better in wet weather conditions. Why chance anything but the best?

What are Disc Brakes?

Put simply, disc brakes consist of two pads that grasp a rotating disk. The disk, or rotor, connects to the wheels by an axle. You control the grasping power. When you pull on the brake, the clamps come together on the disk, forcing it to stop spinning and causing your vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.

How Do You Control Disk Breaks?

In a car, controlling your disk brakes is as simple as pressing the brake pedal or pulling up on the emergency brake. For motorbikes, however, there are two ways to slow it down. You can use the right hand lever or the rear left foot lever. They actually work better when you use them together to better the efficiency and lengthen the life of the disc brakes and pads.

How To Maintain Disk Brakes?

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, you will probably need to consider break maintenance or replacement at some point. It is important to check the thickness of your brake pads. If these pads are bare they can cause pricey damage to your disc brakes.

You should also keep an eye on your vehicle’s brake fluid. Your vehicle will run more efficiently with the occasional dose of fresh break fluid.

Replacing the break pads and the disc brakes fairly easily on your own. Don’t hesitate to get help if you are unsure though. A simple mistake like a poorly fitted brake pad can cause scarring to your disk brake.

What Type of Damage is Possible To Your Disc Brakes?

There are several ways your break disks can show damage. They can warp, scar or crack. It’s best if you can catch these signs of damage early on and repair them as quickly as possible to limit further damage to your disk breaks. Unfortunately, once they crack, the disc brakes are not repairable. It also helps to get the help of a certified professional when it comes to making repairs to your disc brakes.

How Are Disc Brakes Designed?

These days, the designs of the disc brakes vary greatly. Some are made in classic solid steel, but others have special hallowed out sections that allow the extra built up heat to escape. These slotted steel wheels may help prolong the life of the discs because they reduce built-up heat and cut back on the possibility of warping. The creative designs are endless and each design has a different effect on the performance of your braking system.

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How To Choose A Body Shop To Repair Your Car

How To Choose A Body Shop To Repair Your Car

by: Mark Freeman


Having been involved in an accident when my truck was only three months old, and then having re-painting done while restoring a ten year old vehicle, I've had some experience with body repair shops.

There are different types of body shops out there as we're all not looking for the same quality of work. The first rule I'll give you is that you get what you pay for. If you want to pay $599.00 to have your entire car painted, that's fine. It may be a huge improvement over how your car looked initially, but it wouldn't have suited me in either case mentioned above. I wanted that three month old truck to look like it looked the day I purchased it, and the paint on the hood of that ten year old sports car had to match the rest of the car perfectly.

The best way to find a body repair shop is the probably the same way you found your auto mechanic, word of mouth. Talk with friends and work associates, ask your mechanic. Talk to your neighbors and get their opinions. Everyone knows someone who's had a good, or bad experience. Listen when people talk about their cars and experiences they've had. I called the dealership where I had purchased my truck for a referral.

When you think that you've narrowed it down to a particular shop, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged. Remember that you may find they have a few, but no business can keep everyone happy. Talk with the shop manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Take a look around the shop. Is is kept clean? It won't be sparkling clean due to the type of work, but you shouldn't see dust and filth and chemicals spilled on floors.

Ask to see their work. They should have before and after pictures of their work and will also have cars they are currently working on. Do they have letters of recommendation? A lot of business keep letters from happy customers.

Do they give any type of warranty? Some body shops offer a limited warranty.

Finally, use your gut. How are they interacting with you? Are they taking the time to answer your questions completely or do they seem put off by them? If they seem put off, it's time to look elsewhere.

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Where To Find Classic Car Parts

Where To Find Classic Car Parts

by: Joel Noah


Classic car parts are not easy to come by. But if you have finally been able to purchase the classic car you’ve always dreamed of, finding the classic car parts to restore and accessorize it may be a high on your priority list.

Whether you have a muscle car, an antique or a vintage model, you will inevitably find the need to replace and restore some of your car parts. Classic car parts are not as readily available as for the cars that are still in production. You can’t just walk into a dealership and place your order because the parts are no longer being made. But with a little digging, they can be found.

Some places to start your search include:

Online Auctions

Online auction sites, such as Ebay, are probably the easiest place to begin your search for classic car parts. If you’ve seen the ads that Ebay has “It,” you know this is true. Ebay Motors has many listings for hard to find vehicles and classic car parts. You’ll have to cover the shipping charges, so that is something to consider when purchasing larger items.

Swap Meets

Finding a local swap meet may be just the thing you need to locate the classic car parts you need. They are great places to find older model accessories and other outdated items.

Classic Car Part Dealer Publications

Often times you can find the parts you are looking for in car part dealer magazines. The only drawback here is that you will probably have to spend top dollar. This option could be used as a last resort though if you are unable to find a specific part anywhere else. Exhaust all other possibilities first if money is tight.

Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and organizations exist for as many hobbies that people can think up. Certainly, there are a fair number of clubs and organizations geared toward car enthusiasts. Locating and joining one such club may prove beneficial in your hunt for classic car parts. You will be able to make connections with other people who share your interest.

In the Internet age, it is also possible to find a club or organization centered on classic car parts by doing an online search. Try searching Yahoo groups and you are likely to find a list of clubs you could join. Again, making connections with people who share your interest in classic car parts may lead you to a dealer or another source from which you can purchase classic car parts.

Junkyards

Maybe you don’t picture yourself hanging around a junkyard to find used classic car parts, but you may be able to find a diamond in the rough. If you have never used this type of service before, it could be worthwhile to check it out. Everything is computerized and usually a visit or a phone call is all you need to check and see if they have the part or accessory that you need for your precious investment.

Of course you will want to take good care of your classic car to limit the number of parts that you will need to search for. The less time you spend tracking down parts, the more time you can spend enjoying the car of your dreams.

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Car Insurance - Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes

Car Insurance - Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes

by: Tywford Lamai

Cheap Auto Insurance quotes are designed in many different ways to cover your specific insurance needs. One needs to analyze these quotes in detail before making a decision. It also helps if you have basic knowledge on all or at least some aspects of cheap Auto Insurance. You can find literally hundreds of online resources offering you thousands of attractive cheap Auto Insurance quotes. But should you opt for them, just because they are cheap? It depends. When it comes to insurance, sometimes the cheapest policy is not the best way to go.

Attention! Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher Car Insurance rates.

You need to know the rules, which govern your state, with regard to Auto Insurance. Certain states, for example, may require you to have comprehensive liability coverage, which is also known as third party liability in some countries. This covers you in case you are at a fault during an accident, whereas in other states, you are simply required to carry a ‘no-fault' policy.

Attention! Policy Period – This is the specific time period that the policy is effective. Some Car Insurance policies have an annual renewal and others have a six-month renewal.

Once you have chosen the cheap insurance quote that works for you, go through the entire policy in detail. Find out more about the coverage levels. You have to carefully study the general policy options. Next comes choosing your policy period. This is an important criterion, because your insurance coverage is only in effect during the period specified by the insurer in your policy. Most Auto Insurance policies cover a span from six months to one year. It is, however, possible to get Auto Insurance for a longer or shorter span of time. Generally speaking, the longer the time specified, the lower the premium you need to pay and vice-versa. Ultimately, the choice is left to you.

Attention! Find a good online discount Car Insurance broker before renewing. The Internet is a fabulous resource.

Always try to find out whether you can cancel your policy before the expiry date, and if so, what are the procedures that one must follow. You can get this information directly from your insurer. Based on the cheap Auto Insurance quote, you can decide whether you want to pay an annual or semi-annual premium upfront, a down payment on the premium and the reminder in several equal monthly installments, or you want to pay an equal monthly amount spread out over a period of 10 to 12 months. Also ask whether or not you insurer charges any interest on the premium. Once you have this basic information, it is easy to see what the best Auto Insurance for you will be - and you should go ahead and take that policy.

Attention! Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your Car Insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile.

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Haggling: Give Yourself A Raise

Haggling: Give Yourself A Raise

by: David Wilding

Haggling was a way of life for Mr. B. I knew Mr. B because his son was one of my friends. His haggling greatly embarrassed my friend, but it didn't bother Mr. B. He was saving money.

Mr. B was a wonder. His distaste for paying retail was so ingrained he would bargain at the local fast food restaurant. Not attached to this man by blood, I felt no embarrassment, so I would watch with interest as he worked his magic with a retail price.

If you were there, this is what Mr. B would have taught you:

Be in command. Feel comfortable in the negotiation process. This will take practice. Start in an arena where haggling is a common and accepted practice. Go to a flea market or swap meet. Have some fun learning to haggle with the people you find there. After you have honed your skill you can have confidence as you move to haggling where the practice is less common.

Never be satisfied with the price marked. You are looking for a compromise. Any compromise leaves money in your pocket. A decent haggler can increase his purchasing power by 10-20%. That is like getting a 15-25% raise in your pay.

Always negotiate up. This may seem obvious but many a negotiator has paid too much. Choose a low price to begin with. You do not start at the price you are willing to pay. If you do, once you mention a price you are done. Start with a low, even ridiculous, amount. (This can be the most difficult part, but forget the embarrassment. Your goal and only goal is to get them engaged.)

As you haggle make your increases in price small. You never know when he or she will accept. There is no sense in placing money on the table you could have left in your pocket.

Never give up. Keep at it. Be sure to go into the negotiation fresh. Don’t fool yourself by thinking you are the first person to match wits with this seller and so he has no experience. You must not even give a hint you are weakening. A good seller can smell reticence and fatigue.

Dress the part. There are clothes to wear to work, to wear to church, and then there are clothes to wear when you shop. You want to be comfortable and you do not want to appear to have money. You can be far more effective if you look like the price you offer is truly all you can afford.

Never downplay the quality or desirability of the item you want. If the item is no good why do you want it? You need to downplay the price of the item. You want the item, just not at the price they are asking. It can be a good idea to mention you have seen it elsewhere for less. However, this can backfire if the item is truly one of a kind. Be careful, only a totally uninformed seller will not be aware of the scarcity of his item.

Make the haggling a two way negotiation only. You don’t want to enter a bidding war with a third individual. This can only cause the final price to be higher.

Select a point to stop. Since you had a price in mind before you began, you should never pay more for an item than the price you have set for yourself. You must be prepared to walk away if the negotiation cannot get you the price you want. Almost nothing is more effective than walking away from a protracted negotiation in which the seller has so much time invested. You will be surprised how often you will be called back for another round of haggling.

Now go make Mr. B proud. Get to work saving yourself some money and use it to pay down your debt.

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Selling A Used Car in Los Angeles the Successful Actor's Way

Selling A Used Car in Los Angeles the Successful Actor's Way

by: Jaime Mintun

Our city's reputation runs the spectrum from the "used actor" to the "used car Los Angeles." This bustling metropolis is as much defined by its dependence on vehicles and the entire vehicle industry as it is on Hollywood and the actors who man our restaurants and bars. In fact, there is 1 vehicle in LA for every 1.8 people. That's over 5 million cars, vans, trucks, and SUVs in the greater Los Angeles area!

Go to virtually any other major city and enjoy rich cultural encounters with the locals on subways, crowded streets, and buses. But come to Los Angeles, and you get to sit in traffic. So how is it that if LA is so densely populated with vehicles and people who need them, it's darn near impossible to get a good price for a used car?!

Perhaps it's because we spend more time in our vehicles than we do in our homes - and hence they have become our status symbols. And like an actor who gets his fifteen minutes of fame, only to be discarded and forgotten the next minute, our used vehicles simply have no place in the discerning spotlight.

But in my experience working with actors and other professionals to market themselves better, I'm convinced that marketing a used car isn't so different. Both are diamonds in the rough that just need to be polished and placed into the right hands - in front of the right pair of eyeballs. In this city, it's never about who you are, but who you know. Or who you can get in front of.

Get Your Used Car the Proper Representation

It's the rare exception to see an unknown actor hit the big screen, or land a huge gig, without representation. An agent, and sometimes a manager, are always a welcome necessity. Why? Because this city is run on connections. Like our bustling freeways, our careers and our cars can't get anywhere without following the right paths. Six degrees of separation here, four there.

It's a strange concept, but successfully and easily selling a used car in Los Angeles is almost entirely about securing the proper representative to appraise your vehicle and connect it with his or her network of interested buyers.

But What About Traditional Modes of Selling Your Used Car?

Well, you can try the classified ads, the auctions, the show and tell. But consider this: is the actor's dream to go on exhausting audition after audition, or to land the star agent who walks her right into Spielberg's next blockbuster? If you're serious about selling your used car, and doing so quickly without a lot of hassle, time, and money spent - well why would you pick the neverending hoopla of "auditions" with barely-interested sellers when you could get walked right into the top buyer's office?

How Much Will Used Car Representation Cost Me?

Well here's the great part. I mean, this is used cars we're talking about - not the next Brad Pitt. So there's no agent fee or expensive royalties. You can get your car representation for free. And have cash in your hand for that vehicle in less than 24 hours. I doubt you'd get such a great deal going to auctions or running expensive advertising alongside dozens of other cars that match your exact make and model.

How?

Well it's called an Auto Buying Service. These car experts meet with you to appraise your vehicle's worth and will then consult with their network of buyers. Within 30 minutes of your appraisal, they'll provide you a cash offer. Some services guarantee you'll get an offer higher than any dealer could offer you. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

So there you have it. Selling your used car in Los Angeles the actor's way may just be the sanest thing you've done for your vehicle and your own piece of mind.

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Tricking Out Your Dodge Ram SRT-10

Tricking Out Your Dodge Ram SRT-10

by: Matthew C. Keegan

Dodge's Ram SRT-10 is one heck of a powerful truck. Add in some nifty aftermarket features and the Viper is within its reach.

There are pick up trucks on the road and then there is the Dodge Ram SRT-10. Take one already powerful truck and add in a Viper engine and you come away with a vehicle that is truly the king of its class. DaimlerChrysler got it right when they decided to morph its popular Ram into a true road warrior able to haul people, stuff, and beat just about any car on the road. If you own a Ram SRT-10 you already know what I mean as you spend your time tricking out your truck for even more performance and enhanced looks. Before we go on, please note that there are two versions of the Ram SRT-10: one is the “standard” two door cab and the other is the quad cab. For argument’s sake, we’ll look at both Ram SRT-10 models as one.

Without exception the 510 horsepower 8.3L V10 is one powerful engine. For the faint of heart, the Ram SRT-10 just isn’t for you, but for the Dodge aficionado this steroid enhanced Ram more than meets your every fantasy. Or does it?

As it is with every performance oriented vehicle, a host of aftermarket parts have come along to enhance the driving experience. What, isn’t the Ram SRT-10 enough of a performance statement? For some drivers that answer is yes, but for others that answer is clearly no.

Passionate Ram SRT-10 owners are enhancing their rides with a variety of popular aftermarket products including:

Air Intake Systems – A cool air intake system such as the Volant Air Intake for the Ram SRT-10 is a hot selling item. Volant claims that you will receive a horsepower boost of 28 while adding 42 lbs. of torque to the rear wheels. Working with your truck’s engine, an air intake system helps to free up trapped air to allow the engine to operate more efficiently without adversely impacting fuel mileage. Enjoy more power and take in that awesome intake tone!

Cat-back Exhaust Systems – Another area where power is inhibited is through your vehicle’s exhaust system. A catalyst back [or cat-back] system such as one developed by Magnaflow Exhaust will boost horsepower and free up torque with its dual rear exit 3" mandrel bent stainless steel system and 4" slash cut polished stainless steel tips. The racecar rumble you hear coming from underneath the truck is truly a welcome bonus!

Computer Enhancements – The factory settings for your Ram SRT-10 are good, but they could be better. A Custom Computer Flash ECU can replace the stock computer with one that has been aftermarket enhanced. What that means is a simple swap out of your current computer with a new one which will result in more horsepower, better torque, and improved throttle timing for your truck. All you have to do is submit your SRT-10’s VIN #, modifications, and mileage and a custom designed ECU will be shipped to you.

If these aftermarket parts aren’t enough then there are always lowering kits, performance air filters, exhaust headers, and traction bars to consider, so why settle for less? Indeed, there is little to stop you from customizing your Dodge Ram SRT-10 to perform the way you want it to run even among other enhanced trucks in its class.

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