Saturday, January 16, 2010

A Guide To Car Alarm Systems

In the United States alone, a car is either stolen or broken into every 20 seconds. It is therefore not surprising that car alarm system manufacturers are constantly finding ways to improve the theft deterrence abilities of their products. But while it’s amazing how car alarm systems have evolved form their simplest beginnings, it’s even more amazing how car thieves still manage to get around them. Are car alarm systems really too simple to provide any protection?

Basic car alarm systems work by using simple circuitry technology – if someone forces the car door open, the circuit is closed and a siren sounds off. More sophisticated car alarms have added more sensors to capture every possible threat by being more sensitive to light vibrations or pressures. Shock sensors cause the alarm to go off when someone or something hits or moves the vehicle. The alarm will go off in patterns dependent on how strong the shock is – the sounds go anywhere from a short beeping sound to a very loud, nonstop alarm. Because shock sensors are very sensitive to any movement in and around the car, it often goes off accidentally; when someone leans on your car while waiting for a cab, for example, or when a huge truck passes by and causes the ground on which your car is parked to vibrate.

Whether they effectively deter thieves or not is subject to debate. Some experts say that shock sensors make car alarms go off unduly, and that this has caused people to become immune to them. Studies show that car alarm sounds have become so ordinary that almost nobody notices them anymore.

Manufacturers of car alarm systems are going full speed on their development of new and more innovative alarms that are more proactive. These alarms have the power to stop a stolen vehicle or send signals by themselves so that the owner and the police can track its location.

A Forward Look At Rearview Mirrors

A new, patented vehicle mirror that provides 260-degree peripheral vision without head movement is making driving easier, safer and less stressful for people with a variety of vision and other impairments-including its inventor.

Brad Sawyer, a 100 percent-disabled, Vietnam-era veteran, designed the mirror as a driving aid for himself. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has fused Sawyer's spine, neck and rib cage, leaving him unable to turn his neck. With his safety mirror, Sawyer says he can look straight ahead and work the left and right hinges to look in either direction, clearly seeing when it is safe to turn left or right.

Easily See If Cars Are Coming

"When I've angled the visor correctly, I no longer have to ask other people if cars are coming," Sawyer says.

His condition is just one of many disabilities that the MultiFlex Adjust-A-View Safety Mirror helps people overcome, Sawyer says. He describes a 33-year-old mother of two who has had her driver's license for 16 years. She drives herself and others, including her children, safely and securely even though she lost an eye to retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, when she was only 18 months old.

"I no longer have to turn my head as far to check blind spots," she says. "This tool increases peripheral vision on both sides, the left especially. Dangerous, four-corner intersections are no longer a safety concern for me."

No More Blind Spots

Drivers affected by arthritis and those who suffer from back pain, stiff neck or impaired vision all enjoy the added safety that comes from being able to see easily what had once remained hidden in traditional blind spots, Sawyer says. The MultiFlex Adjust-A-View Safety Mirror (U.S. Patent No. 6926416) provides for tool-free attachment to the driver-side sun visor for distortion-free image reflection in left-side and right-side blind spots, as well as a vehicle's rear seating compartment.

Measuring 123/4 inches wide by 33/4 inches high, and with left and right mirrors each measuring 51/2 inches wide by 3 inches high, the safety mirror attaches to a conventional driver-side window visor. The driver works hinges to adjust each mirror as needed and, in that way, views proximate left- and right-side traffic.

Friday, January 15, 2010

A Car Needs New Upholstery Too

Upholstery refers to the work done so as to provide seats of your vehicle with padding, springs, webbing, fabric covers, or leather covers. It actually comes from the Middle English words of “up” and “holden”. When put together, these words mean “to hold up”.

When you purchased your vehicle, you surely have noticed that it already came with upholstery. There was nothing you can do with it but to drive around in it and relax. However, time really does bear its mark. Your car’s upholstery would have either started to crumble or you would have had to feel each bump and pothole your car runs over for the comfort and relaxing feel of your car seats have gone and said goodbye. When this happens, it simply means that it is the right time to do some reupholstering. And automobile experts say that reupholstering your car’s interior is one of the ways to make your machine look like you just bought it from the car dealer.

To have your vehicle reupholstered, start by finding the right shop to do that kind of service. You can ask your car dealer to recommend good upholstery shops. You can also ask car audio specialty shops. Or, you can ask around and ask car owners. Sometimes, the best way to find a good upholstery shop is to go to those that have been recommended by car owners.

When you have a list of upholstery shops in hand, call them and find out about what kind of upholstery they offer. That way, you can check out if they have the right kind of service that you would like your vehicle to receive. Also, ask around for prices and see if it fits your budget.

Once you have chosen your shop, visit it and see what materials they have in stock. That way, you would know your options and your choices. You would be also able to check which materials could work best for your car’s interior. With one of the upholstery shop’s personnel, discuss your budget. Ask his or her help regarding the amount you are willing to pay and the kind of work that your car could receive in exchange. The cost of materials for upholstery could actually range from $6 a yard to a whopping $75.

These shops also have some photographs of the work they have already done. You can request the shop’s personnel for them. That way, you can see what kind you would like your vehicle to have. You should also ask the personnel to explain to you the process of reupholstering your car.

While at it, you can also choose to spruce up your vehicle. Carpets, grilles, and fenders are available at Auto Parts Go at low prices. They specialize in Nissan parts and they also do offer auto parts for various vehicle models and makes as well.

A Forward Look At Rearview Mirrors

A new, patented vehicle mirror that provides 260-degree peripheral vision without head movement is making driving easier, safer and less stressful for people with a variety of vision and other impairments-including its inventor.

Brad Sawyer, a 100 percent-disabled, Vietnam-era veteran, designed the mirror as a driving aid for himself. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has fused Sawyer's spine, neck and rib cage, leaving him unable to turn his neck. With his safety mirror, Sawyer says he can look straight ahead and work the left and right hinges to look in either direction, clearly seeing when it is safe to turn left or right.

Easily See If Cars Are Coming

"When I've angled the visor correctly, I no longer have to ask other people if cars are coming," Sawyer says.

His condition is just one of many disabilities that the MultiFlex Adjust-A-View Safety Mirror helps people overcome, Sawyer says. He describes a 33-year-old mother of two who has had her driver's license for 16 years. She drives herself and others, including her children, safely and securely even though she lost an eye to retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, when she was only 18 months old.

"I no longer have to turn my head as far to check blind spots," she says. "This tool increases peripheral vision on both sides, the left especially. Dangerous, four-corner intersections are no longer a safety concern for me."

No More Blind Spots

Drivers affected by arthritis and those who suffer from back pain, stiff neck or impaired vision all enjoy the added safety that comes from being able to see easily what had once remained hidden in traditional blind spots, Sawyer says. The MultiFlex Adjust-A-View Safety Mirror (U.S. Patent No. 6926416) provides for tool-free attachment to the driver-side sun visor for distortion-free image reflection in left-side and right-side blind spots, as well as a vehicle's rear seating compartment.

Measuring 123/4 inches wide by 33/4 inches high, and with left and right mirrors each measuring 51/2 inches wide by 3 inches high, the safety mirror attaches to a conventional driver-side window visor. The driver works hinges to adjust each mirror as needed and, in that way, views proximate left- and right-side traffic.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A 30-Year Saga

A full-size luxury car manufactured by Mazda, the Mazda 929 is also sold as the Efini MS-9. For thirty years, this vehicle was continuously manufactured and produced. At times, the Mazda 929 shared its chassis with the Mazda Luce, which it eventually replaced in 1973 – the very same year that the Mazda 929 was introduced to the public. What replaced this vehicle after its production was halted was the Mazda 9.

For Japan, where this vehicle was crafted, this vehicle was quite large as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line held a 1.8 liter incline 4 Mazda 1800 engine. This engine was capable of an 83 hp output. The Mazda 929 held a 98.9 inch wheelbase, a front track that measure 54.3 inches, its rear track having 53.9 inches, a length of 173.4 inches, measuring 65.6 inches was its width, and had a total of 2414 pounds of weight. Upon its introduction the first generation Mazda 929s sported five different engines from 1973 up until 1981.

In 1981, the second generation of Mazda 929s emerged from its manufacturing plant. It was still the export version of the Mazda Luce. It was sold a large front-engine rear-wheel drive sedan that was using the new HB platform as its base and this was also shared with the Mazda Cosmo. Three engines were used in the life span of the second generation Mazda 929s. The third generation came into view after a couple of years. This time, the vehicle modeled a pillared four-door sedan along with a slightly larger Hardtop with four doors and no pillars. Its engine was upgraded to a Double Overhead Cam type that had 24 valves, thus slightly increasing its fuel economy, performance and reliability. It also used an anti-lock braking system, and an electric antenna, and a few changes were likewise done to its exterior.

As for the final generation of Mazda 929s, this remained as Mazda’s luxury flagship premium sedan. It held a redesigned and more-rounded flowing body that was 5 ½ inches longer in its wheelbase. Dual airbags had been also added. The engine gained five horsepower. A glass moonroof replaced the former metal unit and the Premium Package included a wood console trim and a rear-armrest storage compartment. It also held front shoulder belts that were adjustable to users’ height. Added up were leather upholstery, a remote keyless entry system, and a wood interior trim. This vehicle has become generally well-controlled. It held a tight and responsive steering and has a braking prowess that ranks highest among its class. Low interior noise levels could be heard and the slim roof pillars provide a good visibility. Large and clear analog gauges and controls are mounted on its attractive dashboard and are conveniently positioned for easy access.

Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts’ high quality Mazda 929 parts can maintain all of the impressive qualities that Mazda vehicles offer. Years of delivering superior product lines have made Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts a favorite among car enthusiasts.

In a nutshell, the Mazda 929 could suffer from a somewhat uncomfortable driving position, a cramped passenger and cargo room, and a weak weather traction during wet days. However, these are completely covered up by its strong anti-lock braking system, a perfect steering and handling, pure quietness, and a maximum braking ability.

A Brief History Of Porsche

Ferdinand Porsche was an automobile engineer with more than a thousand patents to his name, and played an important role in the development of airplanes and the construction of tanks for the Wehrmacht as well. In the 1920s he was appointed chief engineer at Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart and later set up his own engineering workshop. There he designed, among other things, the Volkswagen. He acted as chief of operations at the plant where the Volkswagen was made, Wolfsburg, and at the end of the war he was interned by the Allies.

He was released a few years later and immediately went to work building his first car with his son, Ferry Porsche. This car was named the Porsche 356, after Ferry, and was a sports car with styling reminiscent of the Volkswagen. In fact it had the same four-cylinder boxer engine, and wore it rear-mounted, just as the VW did. This meant that it was far from being a powerful sports car, boasting a mere 40 bhp and a maximum speed of 87 mph (140 km/h). Distinguished by its elegant and innovative body, the Porsche 356 was first produced as a convertible and then as a hard top. Father and son developed it in the workshop of Erwin Komenda, a master of restrained streamlining who had been in charge of sheet metal and design techniques for Ferdinand Porsche since the VW Beetle. This new style of closed coupe designed by Komenda soon became the embodiment of the sports car, due in part to its "fastback".

Erwin Komenda and Ferdinand "Butzi" Porsche, the founder's grandson, continued this tradition with the 911.

The 911 became instantly recognizable: it had an attractive sloping bonnet reminiscent of the 356, what later became characterized as "frog eye" headlights, curves running from the top edge of the windscreen to the rear bumper, and a straight waistline. From a functional and technical point of view it shared more in common with a BMW 1500, but it retained the distinctive stylistic features of the original Porsche. The new 911 became the keystone of Porsche's identity, even though the design was not always fully appreciated. During the 1970's and 1980's, many Porsche designers attempted to distance Porsche from its legendary design and nearly brought the company to the edge of disaster. The more modern 924 model, "a people's Porsche", developed with Volkswagen, as well as the 928 fell short fulfilling expectations, and failed to allow the company to branch out in new directions and styles.

However, in the 1990's the company seemed to realize that what some perceived as a stylistic straitjacket was in fact a market advantage. During this period Porsche embraced the timeless nature of classic styling to become highly profitable. Nearly forty people now worked in the design department solely dedicated to further improvement of the long running 911. Such developments included the 911 GTI, put forward by the in-house designer Anthony R. Hatter as a powerful combination of sports and racing car. In 1999, Porsche's chief designer proudly unveiled the new Boxster, enabling Porsche to establish a second independent range of successful models.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

~~ 6 Steps To Making Your Own e85 Ethanol ~~

Step One: . . . The Conversion Process

We have to break down carbohydrate sugars, such as the starch from corn. Create it into "Mash". Grind or crush the feedstock (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc...). Then dilute and add an enzyme (alpha amylase) to turn the mixture into a liquid. Once liquified a second enzyme is added(glucoamylase) to convert the starch into sugar. (If the source is mainly sugar, i.e...rotten fruit, molasses, etc..., the conversion step can be skipped.

Step Two: . . . Fermentation

Add yeast and make it into a beer (wine) type solution.

Step Three: . . . Distillation

The beer (wine) type solution needs to be run through a still to extract the alcohol from the solution.

Step Four: . . . Filtration

The ethanol now needs to be filtered to get rid of excess organic volatiles.

Step Five: . . . Dehydration

The ethanol needs to be "dried". After the distillation process there will be a certain amount of water in the ethanol you have just created - this can be dried running the ethanol through Zeolite a readily available product for drying ethanol.

Step Six: . . . Ethanol Into e85

Now simply convert the pure ethanol into e85 by adding 15% unleaded gasoline to your ethanol. e85 is nothing more than 85% ethanol mixed with 15% gasoline.

Making your own ethanol will require some initial investment, but the rewards will be very, very beneficial. You can make your own e85 for right around a $1.00 a gallon if you buy the corn and for about $.60 a gallon if you grow your own corn.

e85 Flex Fuel Vehicles are becoming more and more popular as the gas prices continue to rise. e85 is defiantly going to be a major relief for the United States fuel problem.

You may even be driving a flex fuel vehicle now. Many newer models are equipped to handle both gasoline as well as e85 ethanol. The best way to check is to look in your owners manuel, check in the fuel door for the e85 sticker or contact your dealer and have them run your vin number to see if you vehicle is compatable. I suggest that you do all three, to be on the safe side.Now simply convert the pure ethanol into e85 by adding 15% unleaded gasoline to your ethanol. e85 is nothing more than 85% ethanol mixed with 15% gasoline.