My Perfect Automobile » Auto Parts

Experts Reveal Tire-Buying Secrets

Larry Bell — Tue, 28 May 2013 13:38:08 +0000

Car tires (pictured: Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric car)

A recent Consumer Reports story about how to locate the best car tires concluded that searching the Internet is the single most efficient way to find the right tires at the lowest price. The report also noted that in the world of tire buying, higher quality does not always mean a higher price. Besides adding to a vehicle’s overall safety rating, quality tires tend to last longer and deliver a smoother ride.

Car Tires: Video

One of the secrets about car tires is revealed in the video clip above, where the narrator advises consumers to learn the difference between regular and performance tires. The latter can cost quite a bit more. The bottom line is that car shoppers should ask before purchasing a new or used car. It is a valuable tip because not only do performance tires cost more, they wear down much faster than normal tires and usually cannot be patched. As the narrator warns, when you go car shopping, “keep an eye on the tires.”

Car Tires

Experts often remind consumers to recycle used tires. Most tire shops will accept worn tires for a small fee. If used tires are not overly worn, it is easy to sell them online via one of the many e-malls. Some tire stores offer a trade-in credit for good used tires.

The following information page provides a wealth of information about tires. The summary contains essential facts everyone should know about tires, including how to read codes on the side of new and used tires. Terms like “load range, load index, speed rating” and others are common parlance in the world of tires. Before buying or selling a car, it helps to learn the basics of wheel rim widths and tire geometry, as well as the national technical standards. All the important facts are summarized at the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Get Car Tires Ready for Summer Heat

Larry Bell — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:52:31 +0000

Tires make the car (pictured: a hybrid race car)

Car care experts recommend testing the tread depth of car tires before hot summer weather hits. Fall and winter give even the best car tires a hearty workout, having to negotiate frigid temperatures, slick roads and quick stops. Safety gurus say many car owners are lulled into a false sense of security when nice weather approaches, which is why now is the best time to check tread depth. For those who don’t know how to do the simple test, see the video clip below. When tires show too much wear or any defect whatsoever, replace them immediately.

Car Tires: Video

The above clip focuses on essential things car owners need to know for keeping tires in tiptop shape. Worn or defective tires can turn an otherwise perfect drive into a dangerous journey. The simple steps in the video demonstrate not only how to care for tires year round, but also how to inspect a set of tires on a car before purchase. Used tires are a billion dollar business so it is good to learn the basics of tire health and long-term care. Some of the newer, low-rolling-resistance tires can help increase fuel efficiency by as much as 8 percent. As the narrator points out, owners should think of car tires as an investment in both safety and fuel economy.

Car Tires

Besides keeping an eye on the tread, be certain to maintain the correct amount of air pressure in each tire, and rotate all four at regular intervals. When in doubt, ask your mechanic about rotation schedules and air pressure levels.

For tires and all other automotive-related products, see the MyPerfectAutomobile online shopping mall. After that, visit the classifieds and scroll through hundreds of thousands of car listings. Using the selection tools, anyone can quickly find their “perfect automobile.” The direct link to the shopping mall is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/online-shopping-mall.html

Larry Bell

Used Hybrid Cars: Repair Costs Down, Study Shows

Larry Bell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:49:45 +0000

Used hybrid cars for sale (pictured: 2010 Toyota Prius)

According to CarMD, one of the world’s largest providers of vehicle repair data, 2012 saw the first increase in car repair costs in the past six years. One notable exception to the trend was among hybrid vehicles, which enjoyed a continuing drop in annual repair costs and visits to shops. Among the most common repair, across all types of vehicles, is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can put a huge dent in fuel economy. The data was collected from a national network of ASE technicians and represents more than 161,000 auto repair incidents.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale: Video

Spend two-and-a-half minutes with the video clip above to learn the essential differences between hybrid and non-hybrid car repair. The short-form, text tutorial clearly explains why and how hybrid drivetrains differ from traditional ones, dispelling a few myths along the way. When it comes to repair, hybrids have much different needs than standard vehicles. If properly maintained, hybrids tend to last as long or longer than non-hybrid models.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale

Used hybrid cars for sale in the U.S. are among the best buys for consumers who need a reliable, fuel-efficient car for everyday tasks and routine commuting. Used and new hybrid cars continue to increase their share of the overall market on a year-to-year basis.

For more data about repair costs of automobiles, based on extensive survey data, visit the official site of CarMD, below. The company has built an enormous database of actual repair data by collecting statistics from thousands of vehicle techs all over North America. Broken down by diagnostic engine codes, the database is one of the most extensive listings of engine problems and their causes:
http://corp.carmd.com
To peruse over 2 million used listings that include every type of vehicle imaginable, visit MyPerfectAutomobile’s classifieds at the link below:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Used Cars: Five Secrets for Fast Sales

Larry Bell — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:02:57 +0000

Used cars (pictured: 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid)

To get the best price for a used car, experts say it all comes down to five factors: detailing, mat replacement, service, pricing and listing. Having the car detailed and replacing the mats are the top two items on the list. Those factors play a huge role in determining how fast a car will sell, and for how much. Remember to service a vehicle and fix any obvious defects before putting it up for sale. Then, do some basic Internet research to set a fair asking price, but always be willing to do a bit of negotiating. Last, and by no means least, be certain to place the car on a reputable classifieds list (see link at bottom of article).

Used Cars: Video

Cleaning a car’s leather upholstery is one of the trickiest tasks facing someone who wants to prep a vehicle for sale. Leather is gorgeous, no doubt, but certainly one of the most finicky of fabrics when it comes time to ready your ride for the classifieds. In the brief video clip above, an expert of the craft reveals his secrets about the safe and relatively simple ways to make a leather car interior look great. Contrary to what many owners think, cleaning a leather car seat is neither expensive nor difficult. By following the simple, three-step process outlined in the video, anyone can do the job in less than 30 minutes.

Used Cars

If you want to buy or sell a car, visit the classified pages of MyPerfectAutomobile. Those looking to buy are astounded at the sheer number of listings in every price and style category. There is even a parts section for those in search of a particular item. Sellers can list their for-sale vehicles within a searchable database that draws masses of interested car shoppers.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Airless Car Tires for Sale: Trend of the Decade?

Larry Bell — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:14:48 +0000

Car Tires for Sale (Pictured: Michelin’s ‘Tweel’ airless tire)

It is difficult to drive more than a mile through a large city without seeing at least a dozen signs advertising car tires for sale. Now, in what is shaping up to be one of this decade’s surprising scientific developments, several companies are selling airless tires. The latest offering comes from Polaris, an off-road vehicle specialist, who will begin selling an airless tire in early 2014. Using a plastic developed by Polaris engineers and chemists, the non-pneumatic tire contains a webbing system for support. The bottom line is that the new Polaris tire will not be susceptible to punctures or blowouts.

Car Tires for Sale: Video

For an up-close look at airless tires in action, see the short video clip above. Some non-pneumatic tires are filled with polymers while others use a non-filled honeycomb arrangement to absorb shock and release heat to the open air. Tests have shown non-pneumatic tires to be exceptionally strong, puncture-resistant, and agile. One challenge for designers and engineers is to find a way for airless tires to absorb as much road shock as traditional units. Research has progressed a lot in the past ten years. Experts say that airless tires could become commonplace in the retail auto market within this decade. The next time you see a ‘car tires for sale’ sign, airless units might be part of the inventory.

Car Tires for Sale

Large companies that offer car tires for sale are working hard to create non-pneumatic, also called airless, tires. Already used on small vehicles like lawnmowers and golf carts, airless tires never go flat, do not burst, and offer a longer life than conventional tires. Michelin, Polaris (see above) and Bridgestone are three corporations at the forefront of this new technology. Some airless systems use polymers to fill the inside of the unit. This allows the tire to dissipate heat that builds up during usage.

For more about Michelin and Polaris, see their corporate websites:
http://www.michelinman.com
http://www.polaris.com

Larry Bell

Top 4 Reasons You See the “Check Engine” Light

Larry Bell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:49:41 +0000

World’s smallest car show, featuring Peel P50 and Peel Trident

No one wants to see the check-engine light come on. If it does, experts say you should seek immediate diagnostic help. Stop driving as soon as possible, and then find out whether the problem is large or small. According to the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), the most common reason a check-engine light illuminates is a faulty oxygen sensor, which in most cases will cost less than $200 to fix. The second most common reason for the CE light to come on is a dirty, missing, or improperly affixed gas cap. This is actually good news because all you need to do is tighten or replace the cap, which will set you back about $10 at most.

The third and fourth most common CE light causes are more serious. Number three, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, could cost over $1,000. The fourth most common cause for the light is a faulty airflow sensor, a fix which will cost around $400 to set right.

Check Engine Light: Video

Modern car diagnostics are changing so quickly it is hard to pin down solid advice about even the simplest topics. Besides, each carmaker has its own diagnostic warnings and indicators that might not make sense when compared brand-to-brand. In any case, the venerable “check engine” light has been around for more than four decades and continues to appear on most vehicles in all world markets. The video clip above walks through the most common things that cause the light to come on, and shows why some are much more worrisome than others.

When you do see the CE light on your car’s display panel, there are some quick ways to know immediately if real trouble is in store, or if you just need an inexpensive part to take car of the job. The video clip offers some fast solutions, so you don’t have to lose sleep over an otherwise mundane car ailment.

For more about general car maintenance topics, and valuable tips on how to sell or buy a car, see the following link to insurance company USAA’s website.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_auto_main?wa_ref=pub_global_lifeevents_car

Larry Bell

Ford Recycling Process Leads Industry

Larry Bell — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:23:12 +0000

Ford Focus EV: Under the hood

Ford Motor Company is celebrating ten years of its massive recycling program, in which more than 120 million pounds of damaged parts have avoided going to landfills. The Ford Core Recovery Program began in 2003, as a way for the company to recycle damaged vehicle parts that otherwise would have ended up in junkyards or dumps. Since 2010, Ford has begun including headlights and bumpers on the list of components that are re-manufactured. About 26,000 headlights traipse through the program each calendar year, seeing new life via Ford’s recycling efforts.

Ford Recycling: Video

After viewing the clip below, you will never think of recycling as a boring topic, especially after a Ford marketing manager explains the process used to create carpeting for the 2013 Escape. Actually, the explaining is done via info-graphics as we examine video of the Escape’s interior. One of the more interesting factoids from the clip describes how an average person could easily recycle enough plastic soft drink bottles each year to provide carpeting for 15 new Ford Escapes. Extreme close-up shots of the carpet show that it looks great and perfectly matches the rest of the interior upholstery pieces. Keep in mind that many of the newer Ford cars and trucks contain huge amounts of recyclable material, from large body sections to entire seating and interior components.

Ford Recycling

The Core Recovery Project (CRP) collects, recycles, and re manufactures parts small and large. Most of the vehicles come into the program through Ford’s dealer repair network. Many of the parts can be refurbished and have years of life left. Even though the automaker has recycled parts since long before 2003, in that year executives decided to coordinate the company’s efforts and create a unified, more efficient recycling program.

For much more about Ford Motor Co. see the U.S. carmaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Winter Car Safety: Now is the Time

Larry Bell — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 20:09:18 +0000

Winter car safety: Leaf vs. Snow

With the thick of winter bearing down on most of the U.S., experts say all car owners should do a quick check of brakes, tires, wipers, heaters and defrosters. Both AAA and USAA, two of the largest car care organizations in the world, advise winter tune-ups because cold temperatures tend to magnify all sorts of car ailments. What might be a small problem during the summer, a broken or leaky hose for example, can turn into a major breakdown during a frigid December drive to work.

Winter Car Safety: Video

How do you make certain that your car is safe to drive all winter long? View the video clip below for tips from AAA, which might seem obvious at first, but cover some details most drivers might miss. Of course the “big six” things to check are the same as they have been for the past several decades, namely the battery, brakes, hoses, liquids, wipers, and tires. Depending what kind of weather you face on a daily basis, make sure you have the right kind of tires, and a working spare. For most car owners, all-weather tires suffice, but if you see snow on a regular basis, get snow tires. Wipers are one of those annoying things that many people ignore until they really need them. December is the month to make sure that your “big six” components are in decent working order so that even if harsh weather visits you’ll be prepared, and safe.

Winter Car Safety

Automotive designers and insurance industry experts say that the number one safety component on a vehicle is the braking system. If you have not had a brake inspection done this year, do not put it off any longer. Cold weather can affect you car’s ability to stop in an emergency. Check the USAA website (see below) for detailed driving safety information.

For a month-by-month listing of recommended car maintenance tasks, see industry leader USAA’s website:
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_auto_month_by_month_maintenance_guide

Larry Bell

Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf to Offer Wireless Charging

Larry Bell — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 02:28:45 +0000

Chevy Volt, 2013

Evatran, a maker of Plugless Power brand wireless car chargers, will begin offering the devices to buyers of the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt in March of 2013. Between now and then, SPX Service Solutions, which supplies chargers for the Volt, will work with Evatran to offer consumers wireless, home-charging units for their Volt hybrid-electric cars.

Chevy Volt: Video

You will learn the basics of wireless charging in the interesting video link below. Evatran staff prepared the brief clip to explain how the systems can be put into virtually any electric car, and are compatible with the standard J1772 adaptor. The convenience factor is given the most attention in the film, and general questions are addressed. Wireless charging for electric and hybrid vehicles has not become commonplace for individual car owners yet, but the technology is seeing wide appeal in commercial and municipal fleets, where cost savings are larger because of the number of cars that are fitted with the devices. With minimal weight addition and ease of alignment, look for wireless charging units to start turning up as an option on more electric and hybrid cars.

Volt, Leaf Going Wireless

Right now, the wireless units are about 90 percent efficient at transmitting electricity through the air and into the car’s battery, but the new devices for the Volt and Leaf will likely be even more effective at charging an EV or hybrid, according to Evatran’s CEO, Rebecca Hough. According to Hough, the unit is intended for perhaps 20 percent of hybrid and EV owners, who are searching for more convenience when it comes to daily charging of their automobiles.

For more about the Chevy Volt, see Chevrolet’s dedicated website for the car:
http://www.chevrolet.com/Volt

To learn more about the Nissan Leaf EV, see Nissan’s official corporate website, which features a special section for the Leaf:
http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car

Larry Bell

Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires: The MPG Question

Larry Bell — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:50:09 +0000

Low-Rolling-Resistance: 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

As more hybrid and electric car models come to U.S. showrooms, tire makers are bringing out additional sizes, and more varieties of low-rolling-resistance tires. These new tires, which help deliver better fuel economy, are building markets in the U.S. and Europe at a fast pace. What was once a product only for a handful of hybrid and electric vehicles is now spreading to the entire transportation sector. Some studies conclude that such tires will account for about one-third of all units sold in Europe within the next five years, and could dominate the market by 2020.

Low-Rolling-Resistance: Video

For a very short, but highly informative primer on low-rolling-resistance tires, spend three minutes with the following video clip. As the expert points out, each brand of tire has its own personality, and you should make purchases based on how you drive, where you live, and the type of car you have. All those factors, and actually many more, are part of the tire-buying decision.

Low-Rolling-Resistance

While low-rolling-resistance tires can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent, they tend to cost a bit more than conventional tires. As a rule, manufacturers say that low-resistance tires do produce higher mpg numbers, but also give up a bit of ground in the area of braking performance and durability.

As for the tires tested in the video, the final review shows exactly why this is so. The two with the best fuel economy had the least amount of wet traction, while the lower fuel economy tires were the best in the wet. Keep in mind that dry climate areas are ideal for low-rolling-resistance tires, since braking ability in the rain is not as much of a factor.

For more about low-rolling-resistance tires, how they are designed, and how they can save you money at the gas pump, see the following educational website on the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_rolling_resistance_tire

Larry Bell

Summer Car Secrets: Tires, Wipers, A/C, and More

Larry Bell — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:22:06 +0000

Year-round chore: Oil change

Many drivers ignore summer car maintenance, incorrectly assuming that winter car care is the one and only chore for keeping a vehicle in top shape. Not so, say experts, who recommend a host of summer fixes and tweaks that will do wonders for your car or truck. One of the best examples is tires. If you use all-season tires, then you can get by without having to switch them when summer comes. If you have a vehicle that uses performance tires during summer, it is best to get them before July hits the midway point.

Windshield wipers need to be replaced twice per year for optimum performance. Even if you live where there is not much summer rain, it is a good precaution to have a fresh set of wipers just in case.

When it comes to air conditioning, it is wise to have your mechanic inspect the system when warm weather arrives, or before. During hot months, it is also a prudent preventive measure to wash and wax your car every four to six weeks. This will lessen sun damage and keep environmental chemicals from doing long term harm to the paint.

As one example of modern car maintenance technology, the above video clip goes into detail about how to read and respond to the Chevy Volt’s maintenance mode prompts. Both the engine and fuel modes are explained.

If you have an older car, look at the manual and find out what type of oil you need for summer. Most older vehicles need different weights of oil for warm and cold months. As with any type of maintenance, keeping your car in working shape is well worth the time and expense. Regular maintenance will also let you find little problems before they become big, expensive ones.

For more information about do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance, see the excellent Wikipedia resource book at their site:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Car_maintenance

Larry Bell

Tires: Fact and Fiction

Larry Bell — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:43:03 +0000

In need of air?

As we head into vacation months, and one last big holiday before the end of summer, keep an eye on your tires. By that, tire experts mean that you should regularly check the pressure and tread wear to see if there are any obvious problems like leaks, cracks, or splits.

Two of the biggest myths in the world of car care are related to tires. First, many people who buy a pair of new tires put them on the front of the vehicle. Experts say you should put your best two tires on the rear of your car to increase stability and traction.

Second, the so-called “maximum” pressure listing on the tire itself is a huge misnomer. Tire gurus say the number is actually the pressure at which the tire can carry the greatest amount of weight, thus the best pressure for your car is likely higher or lower than the maximum pressure listed. Ask your car care professional for advice about the ideal pressure for your vehicle. The video link below discusses two other major tire safety tips.

The video clip specifically addresses the issues of summer driving and related heat damage to tires. Notice how the narrator mentions two key ingredients of safety for hot weather driving. First is pressure. This tip applies all year but is especially pertinent to those who live in the warmer states. Drivers can get away with incorrect pressure levels for quite a while, but eventually will pay the price of a blowout or just badly worn tires.

The positive side of the issue is the simplicity of doing the checkup yourself. You need not be an expert to keep tires at the right pressure and check the tread depth before a long road trip. In fact, it is a good idea to inspect your tires’ tread and pressure on the first day of each month.

For much more information about tire safety for summer, and year round, see the highly informative website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Besides info about tires, you will find useful articles about virtually every aspect of driving safety and accident prevention.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/

Larry Bell