Car parts the importance of wheels

We’ve all noted at some point or another that a particular thing is the best invention since that of the wheel. Or perhaps we’ve laughed as someone has tried to make a simple process unnecessarily difficult for themselves by ‘reinventing the wheel’. Though man had made and implemented a wide variety of tools before the invention of this one, the wheel has assumed an iconic place in the way we look at the world. And unlike many historic inventions which, though important at the time of their genesis, have since fallen by the wayside, the wheel continues to remain an important part of our lives today, forming an essential linchpin upon which one of the most important tools of modern life is built. These days, it is easy to take for granted the great mobility we enjoy, choosing as we do from a multitude of ways to travel. One of the most frequently used methods of transport remains the car, from its humble beginnings as a self propelled vehicle in the eighteenth century to the vast array of shapes and makes we find today. Like several other modes of transit, the principle of the car is based upon that of the wheel, which, combined with an axle, allows for the forward motion that is such an intrinsic part of the human condition. As has occurred with other elements of the car, a combination of technology and a preference for the finer things in life has resulted in a choice of wheels and tyres that is quite astounding. Different types of tyres have created greater diversity in the terrains upon which cars may be used, and made use of increased technological knowledge to ensure the safety of a car’s passengers. Meanwhile, such accessories as hubcaps have been added to this important car part to personalize them to both car manufacturer and the driver. While historians cannot agree entirely upon the exact point at which this important tool was invented, there is little doubt that this remains unimportant to today’s modern motorist. We rarely give our wheels a second thought, but without them, our cars would be entirely useless, and we would be left sitting on the road, in a pointless metal cage.

Specialty motor oil protects cars from effects of ethanol

Since President Bush announced an agenda for weaning the country from dependency on foreign oil, new ethanol plants have been popping up across the nation. Ethanol demand is rising. If you fuel your car in the U. S., you are putting ethanol in your gas tank because regular gasoline now contains at least 10 percent ethanol. And many gas stations are replacing their mid-grade gasoline with E85, which is 85 percent ethanol. The strategy seems to be working. According to Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the U. S. has already reduced its fuel consumption considerably. The increased use of ethanol is good news in terms of energy independence and environmental friendliness. However, its use can form acids and lead to oxidation of internal engine parts if you do not use the right motor oil. Lubrilon, a specialty automotive oil, was specifically formulated for use with all ethanol-blended fuels. Lubrilon multi-viscosity motor oils are SAE and API licensed for use in all gasoline engines, and are engineered to help combat the acids formed when burning any modern ethanol fuel blend, including gasoline and E85. While the name Lubrilon may be new to the average consumer, it is recognized by specialty shops, racing fans and aircraft mechanics across the U. S. Throughout its 30-year history, the Lubrilon name has been known for its lubrication products for the automotive, racing and aviation industries. The original formula, an engine protection treatment, is still available today. That formula has been determined by university and government testing laboratories to be a one-time, permanent engine protection that virtually eliminates wear. It's the only product of its kind on the market.

Famous ford flops

: American automakers sometimes take the brunt of the criticism for producing models that are ugly, useless, or even downright dangerous. Ford has had its share of beasts through the years in addition to several winners including the current Mustang for which demand cannot be met. For the fun of it let’s take a look at some of the Ford models that have been derided down through the years. Model T – What?! How can the car that introduced mass production make the list? Well, the car was fine, but Mr. Henry Ford’s statement, “…you can have any color you want as long as it is black” has been attributed with the rise of General Motors [who gave its customers a choice in colors] which eventually dethroned Ford as the top automaker in the world. No, the Model T was fine, but Mr. Ford’s marketing strategy was not. Edsel – In September 1957, Ford launched a new division – Edsel – and introduced to America one of the weirdest looking cars. Sporting a “horse-collar” shaped grille – some equated it with a toilet seat – the Edsel line was hyped by Ford and rejected by consumers wholeheartedly.

Expecting to build 200,000 Edsels in its first year of production, only 63,000 were built. Other “radical” aspects of the Edsel included a “floating” speedometer that glowed upon reaching a particular speed and an awkward push button transmission with controls attached to the hub of the steering wheel. Even with a quick makeover completed in time for the next model year, the Edsel limped along only to be pulled one month after the third model year vehicles were released.

Pinto – Hey, even I owned one! With a 2.3L inline four cylinder paired with a 4 speed manny tranny, the Pinto was Ford’s answer during the 1970s to the onslaught of Japanese cars flooding the market. The compact rear wheel drive coupe, three door hatchback, or wagon sold fairly well until disaster hit: the revelation that the Pinto’s gas tank was capable of exploding during a rear impact scared buyers away. Mercifully pulled after the 1980 model year; replaced by the popular Escort.

Mustang II – Ford tarnished the Mustang name during the 1970s with this forgettable and ugly model. Resembling a bloated and stretched Pinto, the Mustang II was weak, poorly made, and a terrible competitor against its arch rival, the Camaro. All was forgiven by the early 1980s with the return of a newly designed Mustang. Today’s Mustang, on the other hand, is a sold-out success story as it took its styling cues from a Mustang of another era: the fastback cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Before you point your finger at Ford, don’t forget to recall some truly forgettable models, foreign and domestic.

The Toyota Van was panned for its ugly styling and for having an engine that had to be dropped from the engine bay in order to do a tune up; the Chevy Vega – a Pinto wannabe; AMC’s Pacer – the Jetson’s car; the Suzuki Samurai and Isuzu Rodeo – flip over specialists; the Yugo – a thinly redone 1960s era Fiat; and countless other cars not worth the mention. You hope that automakers learn from their mistakes, but don’t count on it. Maybe in another generation we will see a truly forgettable Ford show up, but for now there isn’t one in the line up...hooray for that!

Take the information superhighway to driving safely

Whether you're thinking of buying a new car or just doing some research on your current one, the U. S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a Web site that can help in several ways. Easy Access to Safety Ratings One of the site's most convenient features is the 5 Star Crash Test and Rollover Ratings search engine. This online database lets you look up a vehicle by make, model and year to quickly access its safety rating. Ratings are based on a one - to five-star scale, with five being the highest. Since online test results go all the way back to 1990, this can also be the "go-to" place for those seeking information on used vehicles. The ratings are determined by: 1. Frontal crash test: Crash-test dummies representing an average-sized adult are placed in driver and front passenger seats and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. Vehicles are crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, which is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles each moving at 35 mph. 2. Side crash test: Crash-test dummies representing an average-sized adult are placed in the driver and rear passenger seats (driver's side) and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. The side crash test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015-pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. 3. Rollover ratings test: Rollover ratings starting with the 2004 model year include the results of a recently implemented tipping test. Dubbed the "fishhook" for its serpentine design, this rigorous on-the-road safety test measures your chance of rollover and is the first of its kind to be conducted by a government agency. Rollover ratings for previous model years are based solely on a stationary test that measures how "top heavy" a vehicle is. Defects and Recalls In case you think your current car or truck has a defect, the site has a section where you can file a safety complaint, research ongoing investigations and check for recalls. Your online complaint submissions help lead to recalls and increase highway safety for everyone. In addition to reporting complaints about vehicles, vehicle equipment or tires, you can use this to file a complaint about a child safety seat. The site also provides useful information on rollover prevention, air bag safety and tire ratings.