Automotive Articles

Let’s face it! Oil depletion cannot be avoided. Soon, a lot of nations will be affected by the global oil crisis. According to some predictions, UK, as well as some of the countries in the North Sea, will receive the brunt of such an impact. As a matter of fact, signs of the emergence of this crisis have finally begun to show themselves in these areas. UK’s oil production, for example, has decreased by 9%.

The next two nations that would be greatly affected by this crisis are Mexico and Indonesia. Even though Mexico’s oil production has increased significantly because of nitrogen injection in 2004, it has begun dropping again. A significant decline can also be observed in the oil production in Indonesia.

At present, among the 98 oil-producing countries in the world, 64 countries have passed their geologically imposed production peak. In fact, 60 out of the 64 countries, are currently facing a significant decline in their oil production. Since most industries depend on oil, a lot of people have begun showing their distress at the rise of oil prices.

An Answer to NatureÂ’s Harsh Message

The symptoms of the coming oil crisis have begun to show. Perhaps itÂ’s time for us to heed NatureÂ’s urgent message. All of us should do our part in saving the world from this problem. Of course, not all of us can find alternative sources of energy or look for oil sources. We can do this by lessening our gas usage. One way of doing this is by using our legs instead of depending on gas when we have short trips. Purchasing a bike with low scooter mileage can also be a great idea.

Carrying a huge and bulky SUV can make us spend a lot on gas expense. A vehicle with low scooter mileage will definitely be our best bet if we hate walking. There are a lot of cheap scooters with low scooter mileage available in the market. These scooters can be a very good mode of transportation for errands and kids heading to school.

With the huge range of scooters in the market, it isnÂ’t difficult to find one with low scooter mileage. ItÂ’s amazing how cheap brands can provide us with a line of scooters with sleek designs and a fantastic scooter mileage. Not only do we save money on gas, we get to save some on the scooter itself. Even better, getting a scooter is not as complicated as getting a car. You donÂ’t have to worry about loans and monthly bills. Because scooters travel at a lower speed than cars, insurance companies donÂ’t really charge as much for insuring a scooter.

For as low as $850, you can get a scooter with a 50 cc engine and a very low mileage of 120 miles per gallon. This scooter has a huge gas tank capacity of 1.5 gallons. At $2,000, you can get a 250 cc scooter that can travel up to the speed of 85 miles per hour. With such wonderful deals, getting a scooter and saving some gas can be a very tempting thought. LetÂ’s do our part in saving the world from the coming oil crisis by saving on gas.

Alpine car audio U.S.A incorporated in 1978 has over the years met the electronic needs of customers all over the world. Among these needs are the car audio systems. They have continually invested in modern technologies to make sure their dreams come true. They have engaged in digital technologies to transform multimedia systems by producing excellent sounds. The company has been involved in pioneering projects where they, together with Honda created the world’s first navigation system. It has also excelled in alpine car audio systems which are rated among the best in the world. From speakers to amplifiers and head units, alpine car audio USA has provided an array of quality choices. Multimedia and other accessories have made the world of car audio have a complete turn around.

In the head units category, one can find CD players, DVD players, in dash video and others. With increasing demand in the United States of America and the world, the company is keeping up with the pace to deliver sensational products. If you normally seat at the rear back seat, do not think that there is no fun for you. The alpine PKG RSE2 is full of features to ensure you are entertained. It comes with an inbuilt DVD mechanism. All your FM frequencies are delivered in high quality. Above that, it is easy to control. There is no shortage of entertainment gadgets with alpine car audio USA. For the rear back seat, quality alpine headphones will give excellent sound. Among the many head units to choose from include 6 CD and MP3 changer, versatile link terminals, interface adapter for iPod to mention just a few.

Among the multi channel solutions is the theater amplifiers. The company has endeavored to personalize gadgets to bring a much closer feel. They have also invested in research and development. With their research facilities in Asia, U.S.A and Europe, they have emerged as global leaders in the mobile multimedia sector. They also have an environmental policy in which they take the subject very seriously. As a customer, you need to look for alpine car audio that will suit your budget. On their web sites, they quote various prices and it is always a good thing to compare various brands and their prices. Some of the products do not come cheap. Quality is not cheap but, it can be affordable. Going through the various possibilities and options will land you on something you are comfortable with.

Terms of sale matter a lot when buying products. It will be helpful if you familiarize yourself with the general conditions that can come up if something goes wrong. Mostly, no one is too quick to do this because cases of inconvenience are quite rare. They may be rare but they are there. Know what you would do if the product suddenly does not work and it is only one week old. You can also compare these terms and conditions and see which dealers have the fair deals. Fitting alpine car audio is not a problem. Just look for a guide on the internet. Alpine car audio USA is a huge market and it is growing by the day thanks to the dedication of Alpine company over the years. You will have so much fun finding the car audio accessories that you need.

For those of us who have been around the trucking industry for a while often we think we might like to own a business of our own rather than working for someone else. Often, folks will buy their own truck and become independent operators, while others will set up shops to work on trucks, sell accessories or service equipment. Unfortunately, it is not always so easy to set up a truck maintenance shop, as the costs can run well into the millions and there is still no guarantee of success.

Many truck drivers who had been on the road for a number of years are tired of driving a truck and they want to do something else. Of course being a truck driver does not pay enough money to start such a large business. There are some alternatives that would allow starting a business without that much money and still dealing in the trucking industry. Consider if you will, starting a Mobile Truck Wash Business; the capital costs needed are not that much and you already know everyone in the industry in the local area.

For almost 3 decades our company; The Truck Wash Guys (www.TruckWashGuys.com) has been in the mobile fleet cleaning business and we have taken our knowledge and written it all down into this book. As you read this article you should consider it an operations manual supplement and also a thinking tool in developing your business plan, marketing plan and route scheduling strategy. Most of the ideas and concepts in this article cannot be found anywhere else, as they are things that our company learned the hard way.

Although this is my article in 2007 on the subject of Mobile Truck Washing, I am sure it will not be my last. In fact, I have previously created 500 pages worth of manuals for our own company and will condense it into many more articles. If you run a Mobile Truck Washing Business or fleet cleaning business then you should stick with it. Perhaps this article is of interest to propel thought in 2007?

I have always been an advocate for towing safety, whether it’s towing a trailer or towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. One of the most controversial topics I have run into is whether vehicles being towed behind motorhomes need to have a supplemental braking system. My argument is if the state that you reside in has laws requiring a trailer over a certain weight to have brakes; this would also apply to a vehicle being towed behind a motorhome. Another argument is that many state towing laws are antiquated and need to be updated. When some of these laws were written people weren’t towing vehicles behind motorhomes.

The brakes on a motorhome are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the additional weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely. And, even if the motorhome is capable of stopping the vehicle the added stress from the force on the tow bar and hitch, when the vehicle doesn’t have brakes, can result in damage to the tow bar or separation from the hitch. Some motor home chassis warranties are voided if you tow over a certain amount without a supplemental braking system.

I’ll go even one step further. I am not a big fan of the Federal government regulating things that individual states should have control over, but when it comes to trailer towing laws I do believe the laws should be the same for every state. Trailers need safety chains, lights, proper hitchwork and if it weighs over a certain amount it needs brakes, period! It makes no sense that a trailer would need brakes in one state but not in another state. Why do we need 50 different sets of guidelines and laws regulating the operation of a trailer?

After analyzing a five year history of data collected through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations General Estimates System I discovered that on average there were 68,358 accidents involving passenger vehicles towing trailers per year. The average fatalities from accidents involving trailers are 446 per year. The average numbers of injuries from these accidents are 24,506 per year and the average instances of property damage resulting from these accidents are 43,405 per year. To me this is unacceptable.

It would be my guess that the majority of these trailer related accidents involve smaller utility trailers that the average homeowner might have, trailers used in construction and other businesses, horse trailers and of course boat and RV trailers too. The bottom line is there is no excuse for these kinds of statistics. I see unsafe trailers on the road all the time, but the way I see it is in most cases it is a lack of education or understanding of what is involved to safely and properly tow a trailer, regardless of the size or type trailer it is.

I think a good start to educating the consumer would be to standardize the laws and regulations regarding the operation of all trailers and vehicles being towed. It would simplify the process and answer questions that people have like:

1) What is required to be on the trailer i.e., safety chains, lights, break-away switch (with a charged battery)?

2) How much can a trailer/vehicle weigh before it needs brakes?

3) What type of hitchwork do I need?

Half of the battle to safe towing is using the proper equipment. The other half is enforcement. Law enforcement officers need to be trained on what the laws and requirements are for safe trailer towing and then enforce the laws.

There is no reason for over 68,000 accidents and over 440 deaths a year involving vehicles towing trailers.

That’s how I see it, how about you?

Happy & Safe Travels,

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2009 by Mark J. Polk founder of RV Education 101

The Toyota Hilux engine has changed many times since 1968 when the Hilux first debuted. Back then, it was powered by a small, 1.5 litre 4-cylinder. It has since evolved many times over with some models maintaining a 4-cylinder engine although now they’re bigger, more powerful and even turbo or diesel powered (or both) while some models made a jump to larger displacement V6 engines. This article will provide a brief timeline into the history of the Toyota Hilux engine.

Toyota R Engine

The R engine was the first family of engines to grace the Toyota Hilux. The R engine was a 4-cylinder petrol (gasoline) that was used in various forms from 1968 to 1995. The 2R, 3R, 8R, 8R-C, 8R-E, 12R, 18R, 18R-C, 18R-E, 20R, 22R, 22R-E, and 22R-TE were all the variations of the R family of engines to be used in the Hilux. In the beginning, the 2R was a 1.5 litre that grew and had various factory modifications through the 2.4 litre 22R-E used in 1995. The 22R has a reputation as one of the best Toyota Hilux engine ever used for longevity and reliability of easily being able to clock 500,000 kilometers (300,000 miles).

Toyota VZ Engine

The VZ was the first family of V6 engines ever used in the Toyota Hilux. The VZ engine ran on petrol (gasoline) and all versions featured electronic fuel injection. The Hilux made use of the 3VZ from 1988 to 1995 at which point it used the 5VZ. Displacement increased from 3.0 to 3.4 litres and power jumped from 112 kW (150 hp) to 142 (190 hp). The 5VZ (or the 5VZ-FE to be exact) has been touted as the best V6 Toyota Hilux engine ever used for its reliability, light weight, and excellent fuel economy. Hilux owners with the 3VZ engine often seek out a 5VZ to install rather than rebuilding or replacing a 3VZ with problems or high kilometers.

Toyota RZ Engine

In 1996, some models of Hilux went back to 4-cylinders with the RZ. The RZ was a family of 4-cylinder engines that consisted of the 1RZ-E, 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE. Their displacements were 2.0 litres, 2.4 litres, and 2.7 litres respectively and they produced 78 kW (105 hp), 106 kW (142 hp), and 112 kW (150 hp) also respectively. The 1RZ saw limited production mostly in Japan and select parts of Asia. The 2RZ first came to life in 1995 and ceased production in 2004 (2004 being the last model year this engine was used in a Hilux). Like the 2RZ, the 3RZ also came to life in 1995 and it’s still in use to this day.

Failure to start falls into two categories:

1) The engine will not turn over - the starter motor will not run

Or

2) The engine turns over but will not fire and run.

This article will address the first cause. If you engine turns over but will not fire see my other article.

Start by checking the battery voltage. Most Jeeps have a voltage meter on the dash. If the voltage is low - below 10 volts, check the following:

1. Fist check to see if there is a cause for the battery to be discharged. Were the lights left on? Doors left open or other power draining accessory left on? If so, turn off the drain and use jumper cables to start using a charged battery from a different vehicle.

2. If there has been no excess power drain, check the condition of the battery cables. Remove the cables from the battery posts and clean the contacts. Also check the connection of the ground cable to the vehicle body.

3. If the battery cables are clean and making good contact and the voltage is still low, verify that the alternator is functioning properly.

4. If the battery continues to fail to start your Jeep, replace the battery.

If the battery voltage is normal but the engine still will not turn over, the most common cause is one of the safety interlocks. On an automatic transmission there is a Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) that only allows the engine to start in neutral or park. The contacts in the NSS can corrode and cause the switch to malfunction. Move the shifter back and forth while turning the key to start. Often the motion will cross a spot on the switch that still works. The NSS can be disassembled and cleaned or simply replaced with a new unit.

If the NSS is working properly but the starter still will not turn, you may have a defective starter or starter solenoid. The starter and solenoid are replaced as a unit on the XJ Cherokees. However before buying as replacement starter, check the wiring connection on the starter and the trigger wire to the solenoid. Often these connections can become loose or dirty due to the rigors of off road driving. Some people have reported that starters can be disassembled and cleaned to correct problems but I have not tried this procedure.

Recreational vehicles are multipurpose vehicles that are used for various purposes ranging from travelling and camping to full time living (for which they are parked in special trailer parks). Recreational vehicles are also widely known as mobile homes or motor homes. It is important to weigh both costs and benefits of owning and even renting a recreational vehicle because a rash or careless decision can cost you a substantial amount of money. Discounts recreational vehicles are available both for purchase and renting. Recreational vehicles, whether rented or owned offer various benefits some of which are; you don’t have to sit between two obese people in a plane, train or bus, you don’t have to unpack on reaching your destination, ignoring the initial costs recreational vehicles help you save both cost of travelling and lodging and you have ample space and privacy of a room along with a private bathroom.

Types of Recreational Vehicles

There are various types of recreational vehicles to choose from if you are thinking to rent or buy one. Some of the most common types are discussed below:

Pop up - Pop up is a type of recreational vehicle that can accommodate two to eight people and is basically a tent on wheels. Having a stove top and sink and storage compartments it is much more convenient than conventional tent camping. Most experts recommend a pop up if you are about to purchase your first recreational vehicle. Pop ups are affordable for most people with prices of new pop ups ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 and second hand pop ups ranging between $2,000 to $5,000, depending on condition and age.

Truck Camper - Truck camper is one of the most popular types of recreational vehicles that can be detached from a truck which can be your mode of transport on days on which you don’t plan on camping. Different models of truck campers are available varying in design, functionality and quality depend largely on your budget and needs. New truck campers cost somewhere between $8,000 to $22,000 (excluding the truck). Price of second hand truck campers range between $1,000 to $8,000 depending on age, quality and depreciation.

Class B - Class B is a type of recreational vehicles that includes fancy vans having full-sized motor homes that are more comfortable and luxurious the two types mentioned above. Most class B recreational vehicles include amenities such as shower (in some models), toilet, kitchen, TV, fridge, couches and beds. Prices of class B recreational vehicles range from $33,000 to $55,000 for new ones and $5,000 to $15,000 for used ones depending on age, mileage and depreciation.

Class C - Also known as the mini-motor homes class C recreational vehicles are smaller than full size motor homes yet offer most or all the advantages of motor homes. Accommodating between three to six people, class C recreational vehicles cost anywhere between $46,000 to $65,000 for new ones and $5,000 to $20,000 for used ones depending on depreciation, age, mileage, amenities and brand.

Class A - Class A recreational vehicles is a type of recreational vehicles that is ideal for serious RVers. Class A recreational vehicles are spacious, comfortable and luxurious and cost an arm and a leg. They are most popular with retired couples and cost between $50,000 to $500,000 and $8,000 to $200,000 for new and used class A recreational vehicles depending on make, size, amenities, age and depreciation.

Rollback trucks are now the standard of the auto recovery industry. Easier and less expensive to operate than boom type wreckers, buying a used rollback truck is a sound business decision.

Since very few used car and truck dealers will have used rollback trucks in their inventory, the internet has become a viable channel to locate the best deals and selections. Buying a vehicle from an online listing is not that much different than the conventional buying methods. The amount of vehicles available may be astounding to a first time internet shopper, but that simply opens the door to more bargains.

The first priority should be finding a truck within a reasonable distance from you. Naturally, not many buyers will be willing to drive cross country to look at a vehicle. Once one or more vehicles that fit your needs are located, begin the process of contacting the seller to get as much information on each vehicle as possible.

Many times a potential buyer can begin eliminating vehicles from consideration by simply asking the seller questions about the vehicle. Maybe the truck doesn’t have a particular option that the buyer needs. Or the buyer may have doubts as to whether the vehicle is in reasonably good condition.

The point is to not be afraid to ask questions. A reputable seller will be glad to answer questions from all potential buyers. Be leery of a seller who seems reluctant to answer your questions, or tries to shift the subject to something else. An honest seller will usually call attention to any known defects, and make sure buyers are aware there may be a problem with the vehicle.

The most trusted and respected sites have many ways to protect buyers. Never try to bypass the safeguards that these sites put in place to protect the buyer. Safe and secured transactions are the main priority for all parties involved.

Buying a used rollback truck online is a safe and viable method of getting the best selection and best price. But as in any buying decision, shop around for the best deals before buying any used rollback truck.

A lot of people would like to know how can I can gain horsepower from my bike without doing drastic engine work? It’s quit simple, actually it’s more simple than you think. What I’m about to tell you is so easy that even you can do all the work and not even pay anyone to do it unless you have no mechanical skills what so ever. What some people don’t realize is when you put a different exhaust on your bike you’re not only gaining horsepower just from your change of air to fuel ratio but you’re changing your power to weight ratio as well. We will come back to that in a bit. For the horse power section of this articles most people almost always start with a slip on exhaust of some sort.

To gain the most horsepower it all varies on the exhaust and what kind of bike it is. Different pipes give different bikes more power. As far as pipes are concerned it depends if you’re racing our just regular street riding and want sound or just a little more boost. When it comes to racing I would recommend a full exhaust system of some sort and preferably titanium. Titanium is the lightest of all exhaust systems is why I referred that particular one. Some Top of the line exhaust systems are Arrow, Akropovic, Termignoni, Arata, etc. Once you get whatever exhaust you’ve researched and makes you happy now would be a good time to purchase a power commander. A power commander is a fuel injection module, which is specifically designed to even out your air to fuel ratio which plays a huge factor in how lean or rich your bike will run. All power commanders come with a bunch of makes that you can pick from depending on the year, make, and model of your bike and the type of exhaust that you have that way you can get the most power and use from your map so your bike will run correctly.

To further your power gainings from these two items which just from these additions you should gain between 4-9hp. The next step you can easily take is getting your bike professionally mapped. Meaning taking your bike to a authorized power commander dyno in or around your local area and get it custom mapped. Peoples sometimes gain between 8-15hp depending on how good the dyno guys are. Those two little additions will help make a difference and and also help your bike run smoother. To the power to weight ratio. There are simple ways to take care of this. We just finished discussing one of them and that wast the after market exhaust which are all pounds lighter than the stock with is a power to weight ratio change. The average stock exhaust is about 14-18.5plbs. Most after market exhaust are around 8-9.5lbs. Doesn’t sound like much but every little bit helps. The biggest weight savings come from the wheels. Yes people the wheels. When you change your wheels with aftermarket wheels you save total about 15 pounds or so if not more. I say if not more because you have to factor in the rotational mass in the equation.

It doesn’t take as much force to stop or to get going. The power to weight ratio is very very important. I hope you guys and ladies learned a few things from this article and always remember to ride safe and have fun. F.T.W

If you are planning to shift to a new place, be it across the state or to a new country, you obviously would want to take all the pieces of furniture and stuff you had collected, which you hold special to you, instead of selling them off and buying new ones. Well then what better way to do that than to rent a truck! You can decide on the size of the truck depending on how much stuff you have.

Make enquiries about truck rental companies:

Finding a good rental company may be difficult, as there are so many these days. Here are some points that one should keep in mind while renting a truck:

• See if the rental company has branches in the same city you are moving to. This way you will only have to pay for a one way move. Many companies do accommodate that, but they ask for upfront payment, so this way you end up paying the company for the return journey as well. You may not be aware of this, as you may assume that you are paying extra for the service charge incase they do not have a branch there. Make enquiries before you book.

• It is always advisable to book the truck well in advance once you have decided on the rental company. Sometimes you may not get the truck on the day you want, especially during the peak season. So always call in advance to reserve a truck for yourself, preferably a week or two in advance.

• Make enquiries about the rental charges in different rental companies to find out which price suits you best. Some companies may also charge more for new and well maintained trucks, than they do for old trucks. You have to decide based on that, which one you want. Some truck rentals may also offer special services as compared to other companies. Find out the distance to be traveled, as they may charge according to distance, and for every extra mile you travel, you may be charged extra.

• The size of the truck will be based on the number of rooms to be moved. Generally, a 26 foot truck will accommodate a 4–plus bedroom house, and a cargo van or trailer can be used for shifting small offices. It is always better to book a larger truck, this way you can be sure all the goods will fit in.

• The rental companies may also offer optional insurance plans such as cargo insurance, accident insurance, and loss and damage insurance. Find out about all the coverage from all different companies, and then decide which one you think is best for you. Make sure that you call your credit card companies before signing the agreement.

Go for it!

Rental trucks are convenient, and the good part is you do not even have to shell out a lot of money for your shifting. They are a cost effective way to move your stuff to your new place. It’s as simple as renting a car to move about the city - you just have to decide on the rental company, and rent their truck to transport your belongings. The rental cost all depends on the size of the truck and the distance to be traveled. Some of the rental companies even have major branches in all the different cities, thus saving you money by just paying for the one way truck rental.