Author : Low Jeremy
When we talk about bikes, especially the touring class, there is one model that would leave everything behind: the Harley Davidson Sportster.From its first release in 1957 until today, everyone would agree that the Sportster is undoubtedly the best touring bike ever created. Not to be very flaunting about it, whether you are a Harley fanatic or not, you, in one way or another, you would want to have a Sportster in your garage.Why?Here are the reasons…Versatile – Imagine a bike that could be added with sport windshield, Harley's flush mount leather saddlebags, overnight rack bag, sport rack, a tank bag, and low sissy bar with passenger back rest, and will have a unique and sport-looking touring Harley-Davidson Sportster. Worried about the effect? No problem at all. The Harley-Davidson Sportster will definitely look great with all these accessories.Ride – Sportster is at its best when moving, while you are on it of course. With a low center of gravity, suspension geometry, and excellent basic frame, coupled with the infamous V-twin engine, the Harley-Davidson Sportster will bring you wherever you want to go with great comfort and stability. Steering is superb on a Sportster without requiring you to lean from side to side like you normally do on a sports bike. What about the sound? Distinct to every Harley is the sound the engine produces. While riding a Sportster, each mile is a proud ride.The final touches – There are several thousand Harley-Davidson Sportsters and other Harley models out there. You may see several of them but you will never see 2 Harleys that look exactly alike. Why? It is because each owner adds a little something out of his personal taste to dress up his Harley. And with all the accessories ranging from appearance accessories, comfort and convenience accessories, general performance and safety accessories, to engine performance modifications, each Sportster will remain unique for as long as it can hit the road.It's a Harley – Well, there is no question about it; a Sportster is a true-blooded Harley-Davidson with unique qualities and special features, no other motorcycle can imitate. Each Sportster is unique of its own. Each Sportster is crafted by history and heritage of a company.The Harley-Davidson Sportster has been in the factory line for almost 50 years. Designs, parts and displacements have been changed, but the true legacy of the original Sportster remains on each Sportster.This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Harley Davidson, please visit http://harley-davidson.articlekeep.com
Keyword : Harley Davidson
วันเสาร์ที่ 1 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2551
The Importance Of Using Regulation Compliant Brakes
Author : MarindaM Stuiver
The following headlines are extracted from articles and news sites, and serve as a couple of examples where brake failure has been identified as the major cause of accidents and potential deaths on South African roads. Taxis and buses are however not the only culprits. Every vehicle owner that service their own vehicle, using counterfeit brake pads in order to save a couple of Rand, risk not only their own lives but also those of their families and other drivers on the road.
"January 2004 – Bad brakes make trucks death traps"
Seventy percent of trucks inspected by road traffic police during a blitz operation on KwaZulu-Natal roads last week were found to have defective brakes….
"November 2004 - 'Death-trap taxis have no place on our roads' (2004)"
The traffic officers thought it was a can of cooldrink on the minibus taxi's dashboard - but they were about to be stunned. They found there was a pipe attached to the can that led to the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. The driver was continuously pouring brake fluid into the can while driving. This was just one of the horrifying defects found by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers conducting raids on taxis as part of their 500-day Operation Token Days, which includes the blitzing of taxis at ranks… (Ref. IOL.co.za, 5 November 2004)
"Radebe blames brake failure in bus accidents (2006)"
Brake failure was a major factor in a recent spate of bus accidents, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Thursday. "Buses involved in these accidents are clearly old and not roadworthy," he told a SA Bus Operators Association (Saboa) conference in Pretoria. In some instances, buses were fitted with new parts to pass roadworthy tests, after which they were removed. Operators whose buses crashed because of negligence, recklessness and unroadworthiness would be held responsible, he warned. Radebe said all bus operators receiving state subsidies will have to renew their fleets and undergo regular testing at authorised facilities…
When should I replace my brakes?
Symptoms of brake failure:
Noises
Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common are squeaks and grinding.
Squeaks
Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.
Grinding
Metallic grinding sounds indicate your brake pads are worn through. Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.
Low or Fading Brake Pedal
Do your brakes require pumping to stop the car? Does the pedal sink to the floorboard when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.
Pulling to one side or brake drag
Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid can cause brakes to drag.
Brake testing and the importance of brake pad certification – ECE R 90 and VC8053
ECE R90 is a European standard for brake components that requires brake manufacturers to conform and guarantee to the original equipment standards as far as performance and quality is concerned. Products complying to these standard carry an "E" mark on products and packaging. In Europe brake pads cannot be used or sold unless they carry this mark proving that they performance and quality standards compliant.
Most countries around the world are following suit by setting standards to which brake pads have to comply.
Regulation VC8053 is minimum specification published in the Government gazette No. 22014 of 2 February 2001, to which brake lining assemblies in South Africa has to comply and this specification is regulated by the SABS.
The tests for both these regulations consist of laboratory and road tests – we will not go into detail about it but rather summarize the requirements:
Brake pad road tests:
A series of 0-type standardisation tests – braking suddenly under different conditions of vehicle speed and load with the aim to test the correct response in emergencies, parking and different braking situations.
Loss of efficiency when warmed up – In the first test the brake is used 15 times in succession to test its performance under different conditions. In the process, the brake warms up. In the last instance its performance is measured and checked for correct operation after which the results are compared to brake performance when the brakes are cold.
Speed-sensitivity test – The pressure is identified in the previous test to obtain a deceleration of 5m/s2. The same kind of test is repeated at 65 km/h, 90km/h and 135km/h in order to check that the brake's deceleration is maintained irrespective of the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
Brake pad laboratory tests:
Once the road tests are completed, mechanical laboratory tests are done:
Compressibility test – the compressibility of the brake pad should not exceed 5% of its thickness at 400 deg. C.
Resistance to brake seizure – this test simply determines the adherence of the friction material to the metal support.
Once the tests are completed an approval number is issued and it is compulsory that the brake pads and packaging contain the specific number – example: E1 XXXXX. Packaging should be tamper proof and contain instructions in the local language where the product will be sold.
Standards compliant brake pads will not only ensure roadworthy vehicles but also ensure safety for both the driver and their passengers when it is needed most. So all vehicle owners are urged to ensure that the replacement brake pads they purchase complies to industry requirements and standards.About ECE90:
ECE90 Brake testing (Pty) Ltd certification service for replacement brake lining assemblies laboratory is based in South Africa and provides local and International brake testing facilities. =>Add your comments
Keyword : brake testing,ECE90 accredited laboratory,South Africa,brake lining tests,certification service brak
The following headlines are extracted from articles and news sites, and serve as a couple of examples where brake failure has been identified as the major cause of accidents and potential deaths on South African roads. Taxis and buses are however not the only culprits. Every vehicle owner that service their own vehicle, using counterfeit brake pads in order to save a couple of Rand, risk not only their own lives but also those of their families and other drivers on the road.
"January 2004 – Bad brakes make trucks death traps"
Seventy percent of trucks inspected by road traffic police during a blitz operation on KwaZulu-Natal roads last week were found to have defective brakes….
"November 2004 - 'Death-trap taxis have no place on our roads' (2004)"
The traffic officers thought it was a can of cooldrink on the minibus taxi's dashboard - but they were about to be stunned. They found there was a pipe attached to the can that led to the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. The driver was continuously pouring brake fluid into the can while driving. This was just one of the horrifying defects found by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers conducting raids on taxis as part of their 500-day Operation Token Days, which includes the blitzing of taxis at ranks… (Ref. IOL.co.za, 5 November 2004)
"Radebe blames brake failure in bus accidents (2006)"
Brake failure was a major factor in a recent spate of bus accidents, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Thursday. "Buses involved in these accidents are clearly old and not roadworthy," he told a SA Bus Operators Association (Saboa) conference in Pretoria. In some instances, buses were fitted with new parts to pass roadworthy tests, after which they were removed. Operators whose buses crashed because of negligence, recklessness and unroadworthiness would be held responsible, he warned. Radebe said all bus operators receiving state subsidies will have to renew their fleets and undergo regular testing at authorised facilities…
When should I replace my brakes?
Symptoms of brake failure:
Noises
Your brake system may be crying for help if you're hearing strange noises when you depress the brake. Two of the most common are squeaks and grinding.
Squeaks
Friction from the brake lining causes heat. Under extreme conditions this can damage the pads and/or lining, brake drums and rotors.
Grinding
Metallic grinding sounds indicate your brake pads are worn through. Metal-to-metal contact will damage drums or rotors.
Low or Fading Brake Pedal
Do your brakes require pumping to stop the car? Does the pedal sink to the floorboard when you're stopped at a light? There may be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines, or the need for a brake adjustment.
Pulling to one side or brake drag
Worn or uneven brake linings or a damaged brake line can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Brakes that are out of adjustment or have contaminated fluid can cause brakes to drag.
Brake testing and the importance of brake pad certification – ECE R 90 and VC8053
ECE R90 is a European standard for brake components that requires brake manufacturers to conform and guarantee to the original equipment standards as far as performance and quality is concerned. Products complying to these standard carry an "E" mark on products and packaging. In Europe brake pads cannot be used or sold unless they carry this mark proving that they performance and quality standards compliant.
Most countries around the world are following suit by setting standards to which brake pads have to comply.
Regulation VC8053 is minimum specification published in the Government gazette No. 22014 of 2 February 2001, to which brake lining assemblies in South Africa has to comply and this specification is regulated by the SABS.
The tests for both these regulations consist of laboratory and road tests – we will not go into detail about it but rather summarize the requirements:
Brake pad road tests:
A series of 0-type standardisation tests – braking suddenly under different conditions of vehicle speed and load with the aim to test the correct response in emergencies, parking and different braking situations.
Loss of efficiency when warmed up – In the first test the brake is used 15 times in succession to test its performance under different conditions. In the process, the brake warms up. In the last instance its performance is measured and checked for correct operation after which the results are compared to brake performance when the brakes are cold.
Speed-sensitivity test – The pressure is identified in the previous test to obtain a deceleration of 5m/s2. The same kind of test is repeated at 65 km/h, 90km/h and 135km/h in order to check that the brake's deceleration is maintained irrespective of the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
Brake pad laboratory tests:
Once the road tests are completed, mechanical laboratory tests are done:
Compressibility test – the compressibility of the brake pad should not exceed 5% of its thickness at 400 deg. C.
Resistance to brake seizure – this test simply determines the adherence of the friction material to the metal support.
Once the tests are completed an approval number is issued and it is compulsory that the brake pads and packaging contain the specific number – example: E1 XXXXX. Packaging should be tamper proof and contain instructions in the local language where the product will be sold.
Standards compliant brake pads will not only ensure roadworthy vehicles but also ensure safety for both the driver and their passengers when it is needed most. So all vehicle owners are urged to ensure that the replacement brake pads they purchase complies to industry requirements and standards.About ECE90:
ECE90 Brake testing (Pty) Ltd certification service for replacement brake lining assemblies laboratory is based in South Africa and provides local and International brake testing facilities. =>Add your comments
Keyword : brake testing,ECE90 accredited laboratory,South Africa,brake lining tests,certification service brak
Pre Road Trip Car Maintenance: Is My Car Going to Make It
Author : Theodore Olson
Many wonder whether or not there vehicle will make the trip. Provided you follow factory routine auto maintenance schedules, Pre Road Trip Car Maintenance is simple. Here are some Pre Road Trip Car Maintenance tips and suggestions.Here's what to do:
Clean your car inside and out—windows too! Cleaning your car is a great way to get to know it. For example, you may notice worn tires or a broken lamp.Set tire pressures to factory specifications. Adjust tire pressures according to your owner's manual, especially if you are hauling significant weight.Check the fluids, belts and hoses—with most of today's cars, these can be checked quickly with a peek under the hood.Test all your wiper blades to ensure they're cleaning well. Replace as needed.Check all your exterior lights, including fog lamps as applicable.If you're close to your next scheduled vehicle maintenance, get it done.
If you do not know your particular vehicle's maintenance needs, or its service intervals, they're worth learning. It will help to rein-in maintenance suggestions from aggressive service facilities.Important: your mechanic does not need to know you're taking a trip. Sad as it is, "taking a trip" is often used to take advantage of service customers. Check out 10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to Your Mechanic at EzineArticles.com or RepairTrust.com for more information.-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Free Auto Maintenance SoftwareTed holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
Many wonder whether or not there vehicle will make the trip. Provided you follow factory routine auto maintenance schedules, Pre Road Trip Car Maintenance is simple. Here are some Pre Road Trip Car Maintenance tips and suggestions.Here's what to do:
Clean your car inside and out—windows too! Cleaning your car is a great way to get to know it. For example, you may notice worn tires or a broken lamp.Set tire pressures to factory specifications. Adjust tire pressures according to your owner's manual, especially if you are hauling significant weight.Check the fluids, belts and hoses—with most of today's cars, these can be checked quickly with a peek under the hood.Test all your wiper blades to ensure they're cleaning well. Replace as needed.Check all your exterior lights, including fog lamps as applicable.If you're close to your next scheduled vehicle maintenance, get it done.
If you do not know your particular vehicle's maintenance needs, or its service intervals, they're worth learning. It will help to rein-in maintenance suggestions from aggressive service facilities.Important: your mechanic does not need to know you're taking a trip. Sad as it is, "taking a trip" is often used to take advantage of service customers. Check out 10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to Your Mechanic at EzineArticles.com or RepairTrust.com for more information.-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Free Auto Maintenance SoftwareTed holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
The Value of Car Web Sites
Author : Morgan Hamilton
The virtual car has one big priority over the one sold in the shops: it is FREE. You can discover the wonderful Don't Lose Out on the car of your dreams. All Credit types welcomeworld of all cars using the Internet. Car web sites give you a profound insight into all the highlights about cars, car technologies, new inventions, driving experience, fuels and gas, choosing the proper type of car and so on. Can they be really representative, when it comes to such things as a material vehicle, is another question. Car web sites are used only for information, and they are profoundly informative when we speak of KNOWING things, not of PRACTICALLY DOING something.There are many car web sites, which cover different areas of interest to a lot of drivers. A visual, auditory and 3-D presentation of car qualities can be really helpful for some purposes. There are forums, pictures, presentations of different cars, and a lot of different information.Take for example bestnewcarprice.com. This is the best site for buying cars online, it contains the price lists and the list of available car models. There are facilities, which help you modify the selected model, by changing the colors, design, speed range and any other options that crop up in your mind. You can order your car online, which saves you a lot of time.You can learn a lot about vintage car models on the special sites, for example myoldcar.com. There are different nationwide information, also information about old cars, research into all available old car models, buying car parts for older models and so on.Information about classic cars is largely presented in classiccars.com. There is a virtual driving test, a chat, pictorial materials, and many other teasingly interesting facts about classic cars, about their past and future. The search engine will guide you through the mire of information and sort out your problems. You can learn anything for restoring, remodeling, repairing and all that.If you are looking for spare parts, you can find a lot of interesting car sites, which fit to that purpose. Some of these car web sites include high performance and hard-to-find parts (atTracyPerf.com and SpeedPart.net); trailers, ramps, tie-downs,dollies (at CarTrailers.biz, VehicleRamps.com, TieDowns.com, and TwoDollie.com); and information about vehicle bags and car covers (at VehicleBag.com and AutoCovers.biz). You can also find manuals for free, and other important technical issues, which will help you repair our car.Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning cars. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Car Web Sites
Keyword : Car Web Sites
The virtual car has one big priority over the one sold in the shops: it is FREE. You can discover the wonderful Don't Lose Out on the car of your dreams. All Credit types welcomeworld of all cars using the Internet. Car web sites give you a profound insight into all the highlights about cars, car technologies, new inventions, driving experience, fuels and gas, choosing the proper type of car and so on. Can they be really representative, when it comes to such things as a material vehicle, is another question. Car web sites are used only for information, and they are profoundly informative when we speak of KNOWING things, not of PRACTICALLY DOING something.There are many car web sites, which cover different areas of interest to a lot of drivers. A visual, auditory and 3-D presentation of car qualities can be really helpful for some purposes. There are forums, pictures, presentations of different cars, and a lot of different information.Take for example bestnewcarprice.com. This is the best site for buying cars online, it contains the price lists and the list of available car models. There are facilities, which help you modify the selected model, by changing the colors, design, speed range and any other options that crop up in your mind. You can order your car online, which saves you a lot of time.You can learn a lot about vintage car models on the special sites, for example myoldcar.com. There are different nationwide information, also information about old cars, research into all available old car models, buying car parts for older models and so on.Information about classic cars is largely presented in classiccars.com. There is a virtual driving test, a chat, pictorial materials, and many other teasingly interesting facts about classic cars, about their past and future. The search engine will guide you through the mire of information and sort out your problems. You can learn anything for restoring, remodeling, repairing and all that.If you are looking for spare parts, you can find a lot of interesting car sites, which fit to that purpose. Some of these car web sites include high performance and hard-to-find parts (atTracyPerf.com and SpeedPart.net); trailers, ramps, tie-downs,dollies (at CarTrailers.biz, VehicleRamps.com, TieDowns.com, and TwoDollie.com); and information about vehicle bags and car covers (at VehicleBag.com and AutoCovers.biz). You can also find manuals for free, and other important technical issues, which will help you repair our car.Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning cars. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Car Web Sites
Keyword : Car Web Sites
Car Donations and Charitable Donations
Author : Michael Rad
The modern society, with its distinct wealth-based classes has always prided itself with a strong inclination to charity. From fundraising events to church donations, charity has become a way for helping others but also a way to get rid of some taxes. The tax benefit one gets from donating for charity is roughly proportional to the value of the donation of course. Lately, a new "charity trend" has formed, especially in the United States and Western/Central Europe, that of the car donation.Car donations are practically give-aways of no longer wanted or heavily used cars, to charity organizations, individuals, companies or even institutions. In the United States, the tax benefit from such car donations is among the highest you can get from donations; hence the practice of giving away your old car when you buy a new one has become very popular. Usually, the charity organization you will donate your car too will evaluate it and set an estimative value for it, which will determine this tax reduction. For values that are under $500, the value of this reduction is set by the donor's own estimate of the car's value. Deductions for donations over this amount are usually limited by the selling price of the vehicle. The vehicles are either sold in auctions or through direct marketing.Although the car donation program is a solid one in theory, it has been speculated that it could soon become a "tax shelter". Since this could not be proven so far, car donations have steadily grown to a number of almost 1 million per year. This means that almost 1 million tax payers have reduced their taxes with sums of up to $600-$700 million each year, only through this type of car donation.From a charity organization's point of view, the car donation program is one of the best fields to work with. Actually, it has come to a point where such non-profit organizations actually rely on car donations to keep their charity events possible. Some of them have their own car lots for donated cars and process them directly, while others rely on ads, auto auction companies and so forth. What most charity organization will do is take the donated car, sell it through the auction company and then distribute the money to local charity organizations, or further donates the money to a charity that the donor of the car indicated.It is important to understand that the charity organizations selling donated cars don't get a profit from it, they only take a small quota of the sum to cover up their expenses. A trustworthy car donation charity organization will bring other charities and institutions a lot of money each year, genuinely helping them out. This said, it is expected that the car donation phenomenon will constantly rise with each year, if the same tax reduction laws are applied further on. Given the fact that it's one of the most solid and popular types of donations today, it's very unlikely that these reductions will be hindered by government in any way.More resources on how to make a successful charity car donation can be found on our website: CarDonationExpert.comHere are a few other websites you might be interested in: Expert dog training and free car photos and wallpapers
Keyword : car donation, charity, donate car to charity, tax deduction, IRS car donation, auto vehicle donation
The modern society, with its distinct wealth-based classes has always prided itself with a strong inclination to charity. From fundraising events to church donations, charity has become a way for helping others but also a way to get rid of some taxes. The tax benefit one gets from donating for charity is roughly proportional to the value of the donation of course. Lately, a new "charity trend" has formed, especially in the United States and Western/Central Europe, that of the car donation.Car donations are practically give-aways of no longer wanted or heavily used cars, to charity organizations, individuals, companies or even institutions. In the United States, the tax benefit from such car donations is among the highest you can get from donations; hence the practice of giving away your old car when you buy a new one has become very popular. Usually, the charity organization you will donate your car too will evaluate it and set an estimative value for it, which will determine this tax reduction. For values that are under $500, the value of this reduction is set by the donor's own estimate of the car's value. Deductions for donations over this amount are usually limited by the selling price of the vehicle. The vehicles are either sold in auctions or through direct marketing.Although the car donation program is a solid one in theory, it has been speculated that it could soon become a "tax shelter". Since this could not be proven so far, car donations have steadily grown to a number of almost 1 million per year. This means that almost 1 million tax payers have reduced their taxes with sums of up to $600-$700 million each year, only through this type of car donation.From a charity organization's point of view, the car donation program is one of the best fields to work with. Actually, it has come to a point where such non-profit organizations actually rely on car donations to keep their charity events possible. Some of them have their own car lots for donated cars and process them directly, while others rely on ads, auto auction companies and so forth. What most charity organization will do is take the donated car, sell it through the auction company and then distribute the money to local charity organizations, or further donates the money to a charity that the donor of the car indicated.It is important to understand that the charity organizations selling donated cars don't get a profit from it, they only take a small quota of the sum to cover up their expenses. A trustworthy car donation charity organization will bring other charities and institutions a lot of money each year, genuinely helping them out. This said, it is expected that the car donation phenomenon will constantly rise with each year, if the same tax reduction laws are applied further on. Given the fact that it's one of the most solid and popular types of donations today, it's very unlikely that these reductions will be hindered by government in any way.More resources on how to make a successful charity car donation can be found on our website: CarDonationExpert.comHere are a few other websites you might be interested in: Expert dog training and free car photos and wallpapers
Keyword : car donation, charity, donate car to charity, tax deduction, IRS car donation, auto vehicle donation
The Most Capable 4X4 Ever Built: The Jeep Hurricane
Author : Al Carl
The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle unveiled by Daimler-Chrysler at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. It opened with and continues to receive rave reviews! So many in fact that it was rumored that Daimler-Chrysler was considering a limited production run of the vehicle. Those rumors have died down, but the Hurricane continues to draw the interest and attention of 4x4 afficianados, and hey, why not?As the Daimler-Chrysler spokesman said: "Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built. It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."Why build such a vehicle? The Hurricane broadly successfully and dramatically illustrates Daimler-Chrysler's ingenuity, technical ability and wherewithal. Still, the Hurricane does have practical applications out in the real world. As a Daimler-Chrysler spokesman put it, "Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead…..The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability." It's not hard to imagine that we'll eventually see a military vehicle built off of this original design.The Hurricane possesses an extremely powerful power system with not one but two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver an impressive 335 horses for a total of 670 hp. The Hurricane set-up uses the Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System which allows it to run on 4, 8, 12 or all 16 cylinders enabling it to adjust for speed, power and torque giving the driver ultimate power train control. The Hurricane is responsive and can go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds!The power is transferred through a central transfer case with split axles and has a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The suspensions, both front and rear, are short/long arm independent with 20 inches of travel, featuring coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.
One of the most impressive features of the Hurricane is its zero turning radius, which enables the vehicle to turn virtually in a circle in place! This is all thanks to a skid steer capability and toe steer, which is the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. The Jeep concept vehicle has two types of 4-wheel steering: the traditional method with the rear tires turning opposite of the front wheels and an innovative one in which all four wheels turn in the same direction. This actually allows the Jeep Hurricane to move sideways without changing where it is pointing.Topping off all of this is the Hurricane's fantastic ground clearance of 14.3 inches and impressive approach-departure angles of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees. It really is a go anywhere do anything vehicle.
The Hurricane also features an innovative way to combine body, power-train and suspension. The suspension along with the power-train is mounted directly to the one-piece carbon fiber reinforced body, eliminating the weight and need for a frame. The vehicles belly is protected and connected by an aluminum spine, which acts as a huge skid plate mechanism. This is a lightweight and structurally strong set-up.The general public wasn;t the only ones who loved what they saw. The Jeep Hurricane won Autoweek's "Most Fun" Concept award at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. As we noted earlier there were rumors that Daimler-Chrysler was toying with the idea of a limited production, but those rumors have died down amid the company's statement that this was indeed a concept vehicle and that's all (at least for now). Kids, however, will be able to enjoy the Hurricane as Fisher-Price has introduced an all-new Jeep Hurricane toy.In addition, for learning about and ordering the latest innovation in Jeep aftermarket parts, great websites like http://www.xtremeterrain.com will illustrate what is new and offer a selection of affordable and high quality parts.About The AuthorAl is a native of Kentucky and has a knack for research on Jeeps. During the day he is a Marketing Manager for one of the leading suppliers for Jeep parts in the country today http://www.XtremeTerrain.com.al@xtremeterrain.com
Keyword : jeep,hurricane,daimler-chrysler,concept vehicle
The Jeep Hurricane is a concept vehicle unveiled by Daimler-Chrysler at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. It opened with and continues to receive rave reviews! So many in fact that it was rumored that Daimler-Chrysler was considering a limited production run of the vehicle. Those rumors have died down, but the Hurricane continues to draw the interest and attention of 4x4 afficianados, and hey, why not?As the Daimler-Chrysler spokesman said: "Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built. It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."Why build such a vehicle? The Hurricane broadly successfully and dramatically illustrates Daimler-Chrysler's ingenuity, technical ability and wherewithal. Still, the Hurricane does have practical applications out in the real world. As a Daimler-Chrysler spokesman put it, "Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead…..The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability." It's not hard to imagine that we'll eventually see a military vehicle built off of this original design.The Hurricane possesses an extremely powerful power system with not one but two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver an impressive 335 horses for a total of 670 hp. The Hurricane set-up uses the Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System which allows it to run on 4, 8, 12 or all 16 cylinders enabling it to adjust for speed, power and torque giving the driver ultimate power train control. The Hurricane is responsive and can go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds!The power is transferred through a central transfer case with split axles and has a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The suspensions, both front and rear, are short/long arm independent with 20 inches of travel, featuring coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.
One of the most impressive features of the Hurricane is its zero turning radius, which enables the vehicle to turn virtually in a circle in place! This is all thanks to a skid steer capability and toe steer, which is the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. The Jeep concept vehicle has two types of 4-wheel steering: the traditional method with the rear tires turning opposite of the front wheels and an innovative one in which all four wheels turn in the same direction. This actually allows the Jeep Hurricane to move sideways without changing where it is pointing.Topping off all of this is the Hurricane's fantastic ground clearance of 14.3 inches and impressive approach-departure angles of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees. It really is a go anywhere do anything vehicle.
The Hurricane also features an innovative way to combine body, power-train and suspension. The suspension along with the power-train is mounted directly to the one-piece carbon fiber reinforced body, eliminating the weight and need for a frame. The vehicles belly is protected and connected by an aluminum spine, which acts as a huge skid plate mechanism. This is a lightweight and structurally strong set-up.The general public wasn;t the only ones who loved what they saw. The Jeep Hurricane won Autoweek's "Most Fun" Concept award at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. As we noted earlier there were rumors that Daimler-Chrysler was toying with the idea of a limited production, but those rumors have died down amid the company's statement that this was indeed a concept vehicle and that's all (at least for now). Kids, however, will be able to enjoy the Hurricane as Fisher-Price has introduced an all-new Jeep Hurricane toy.In addition, for learning about and ordering the latest innovation in Jeep aftermarket parts, great websites like http://www.xtremeterrain.com will illustrate what is new and offer a selection of affordable and high quality parts.About The AuthorAl is a native of Kentucky and has a knack for research on Jeeps. During the day he is a Marketing Manager for one of the leading suppliers for Jeep parts in the country today http://www.XtremeTerrain.com.al@xtremeterrain.com
Keyword : jeep,hurricane,daimler-chrysler,concept vehicle
How To Save Big Money On Repairs And Auto Parts
Author : David Maillie
We all know it is cheaper to fix things yourself. It is the same with a car or truck. The biggest expense with any repair is not the parts, but the labor. It is not uncommon for repair and service shops to be charging $60 to $70 per hour of labor. And they round to the next half hour or hour for any repair. Just go to any new car dealer and ask to have your windshield wiper blades replaced. They will charge you 10 times the price of replacements at your local auto parts store. So anything you can do yourself to save will be a big help. The purpose of this article is to show you some things you can do on your own and how to get the lowest prices on parts so you can save big and put your money towards something better than fattening your local auto dealers pockets.First off is routine maintenance. Routine maintenance consists of items like oil changes, tire rotations, and similar. Oil changes are a must at every 4000 to 5000 miles for most every car. Do not go by what your dealer says. They want to rev up your maintenance plan and have you doing more than is required. Instead, use your owners manual. If your car didn't come with one, than buy one off of Ebay. The owners manual will give you exact recommendations for every service and when and what should be done. For oil changes use Walmart. They charge around $15 for a oil and filter change and will lube your chassis at the same time. They will also check your tires and change your air filter if you desire or need it. They have the best service for the lowest price and at $15 its better to have them do it than do it yourself. Expect to pay twice this at a new car dealer.It is also a good idea to check your tire pressure at every gas fill up. A tire pressure gauge can be purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store for a few dollars. Proper tire pressure will prolong the usefulness of your tires and help ensure better fuel economy. To most people a under inflated tire is pretty obvious, but a over inflated tire can be just as dangerous as it can lead to blowouts and loss of traction especially in wet conditions (hydroplaning). Also, check your tires for nails, punctures, slashes, anything that could be wrong with it. If you need new tires, be sure to shop around and avoid the new car dealer as they will have a huge markup on them. For instance, 1 ZR Goodyear tire for a 2002 Ford Mustang GT was $289. The same ZR tire with a different make (Kumho) was $100 installed and balanced (the $289 at the dealer did not include installation or balancing. Shop around and look at discount stores. Also look at Costco, Sams club and BJ's for tires. If you have an older car and don't care about matching the exact style you can always go to your local junk yard and buy an entire set for dirt cheap. You would be amavzed at what you might find there. A friend of mine picked up 4 tires for a 1999 corvette for $150 and the tires only had maybe 10,000 miles on them if that.Lights and lighting on your car are an item that is routinely overlooked. If your lights are dim you could have a battery charge, alternator or dim, cloudy lenses. These are all easy to fix. A battery should be checked for its ability to hold charge at least once a year (more in extremely cold climates). An alternator can be replaced very easily, or if you don't feel comfortable a local mechanic can do it. Do not do this at a new car dealer as they will charge at least 300% more. A good tip is to go and buy the part at your local auto parts store and then inquire with the counter clerk as to a mechanic that they recommend to install it. You will save a lot and it will be professionally done. They will probably even come to your house to do it. As to your headlights, turn on your lights. If they are dim, is it the bulb or cloudy lenses? If it is the bulb, the cheapest replacements can be found at Walmart or on Ebay. It is recommended you go with brighter Xeon bulbs as they are only a few dollars more and increase brightness and night visibility by over 20 percent. If it is cloudy headlights there is a new headlight repair and restoration kit that will restore the lenses to new. This will save you big over replacement as the average plastic automotive lens costs $250 to replace.Checking your fluid levels routinely is a good idea. A lot of cars now will do this for you and will even alert you to when it is time to perform a certain service. It takes 2 minutes to unscrew the oil cap and pull out the dipstick. On older cars you should also look under the cap. Is the oil really dirty, sludge like, or have white in it? These all indicate something needs to be done. The first two mean it is in dire need of an oil change. The latter with the whiteness or light chocolate look means you have a blown head gasket and coolant is leaking into the engine. That is really bad and requires major repairs and can be the result of running a car too hot. Fill all fluids to the fuel full line or indicator. By routinely checking your cars fluid levels you will be ahead of the game and keep your car running better and for much longer.Another great idea to keep service costs to a minimum and save you big at the same time is to buy 1 to 3 year old used cars with around 30,000 miles on them. Then drive them until you get 100,000 miles on it and replace it. Most major repairs rarely occur before 100,000 miles with proper routine maintenance. Use and follow your owners manual. It was written by the ultimate expert, the people who built, designed and tested your car.For more great information, tips, safety and money saving products please visit: Save Big On Auto Parts, Headlight Repair And Restoration
Keyword : auto maintenance,routine maintenance,headlight repair,headlight restoration,car,oil change,walmart
We all know it is cheaper to fix things yourself. It is the same with a car or truck. The biggest expense with any repair is not the parts, but the labor. It is not uncommon for repair and service shops to be charging $60 to $70 per hour of labor. And they round to the next half hour or hour for any repair. Just go to any new car dealer and ask to have your windshield wiper blades replaced. They will charge you 10 times the price of replacements at your local auto parts store. So anything you can do yourself to save will be a big help. The purpose of this article is to show you some things you can do on your own and how to get the lowest prices on parts so you can save big and put your money towards something better than fattening your local auto dealers pockets.First off is routine maintenance. Routine maintenance consists of items like oil changes, tire rotations, and similar. Oil changes are a must at every 4000 to 5000 miles for most every car. Do not go by what your dealer says. They want to rev up your maintenance plan and have you doing more than is required. Instead, use your owners manual. If your car didn't come with one, than buy one off of Ebay. The owners manual will give you exact recommendations for every service and when and what should be done. For oil changes use Walmart. They charge around $15 for a oil and filter change and will lube your chassis at the same time. They will also check your tires and change your air filter if you desire or need it. They have the best service for the lowest price and at $15 its better to have them do it than do it yourself. Expect to pay twice this at a new car dealer.It is also a good idea to check your tire pressure at every gas fill up. A tire pressure gauge can be purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store for a few dollars. Proper tire pressure will prolong the usefulness of your tires and help ensure better fuel economy. To most people a under inflated tire is pretty obvious, but a over inflated tire can be just as dangerous as it can lead to blowouts and loss of traction especially in wet conditions (hydroplaning). Also, check your tires for nails, punctures, slashes, anything that could be wrong with it. If you need new tires, be sure to shop around and avoid the new car dealer as they will have a huge markup on them. For instance, 1 ZR Goodyear tire for a 2002 Ford Mustang GT was $289. The same ZR tire with a different make (Kumho) was $100 installed and balanced (the $289 at the dealer did not include installation or balancing. Shop around and look at discount stores. Also look at Costco, Sams club and BJ's for tires. If you have an older car and don't care about matching the exact style you can always go to your local junk yard and buy an entire set for dirt cheap. You would be amavzed at what you might find there. A friend of mine picked up 4 tires for a 1999 corvette for $150 and the tires only had maybe 10,000 miles on them if that.Lights and lighting on your car are an item that is routinely overlooked. If your lights are dim you could have a battery charge, alternator or dim, cloudy lenses. These are all easy to fix. A battery should be checked for its ability to hold charge at least once a year (more in extremely cold climates). An alternator can be replaced very easily, or if you don't feel comfortable a local mechanic can do it. Do not do this at a new car dealer as they will charge at least 300% more. A good tip is to go and buy the part at your local auto parts store and then inquire with the counter clerk as to a mechanic that they recommend to install it. You will save a lot and it will be professionally done. They will probably even come to your house to do it. As to your headlights, turn on your lights. If they are dim, is it the bulb or cloudy lenses? If it is the bulb, the cheapest replacements can be found at Walmart or on Ebay. It is recommended you go with brighter Xeon bulbs as they are only a few dollars more and increase brightness and night visibility by over 20 percent. If it is cloudy headlights there is a new headlight repair and restoration kit that will restore the lenses to new. This will save you big over replacement as the average plastic automotive lens costs $250 to replace.Checking your fluid levels routinely is a good idea. A lot of cars now will do this for you and will even alert you to when it is time to perform a certain service. It takes 2 minutes to unscrew the oil cap and pull out the dipstick. On older cars you should also look under the cap. Is the oil really dirty, sludge like, or have white in it? These all indicate something needs to be done. The first two mean it is in dire need of an oil change. The latter with the whiteness or light chocolate look means you have a blown head gasket and coolant is leaking into the engine. That is really bad and requires major repairs and can be the result of running a car too hot. Fill all fluids to the fuel full line or indicator. By routinely checking your cars fluid levels you will be ahead of the game and keep your car running better and for much longer.Another great idea to keep service costs to a minimum and save you big at the same time is to buy 1 to 3 year old used cars with around 30,000 miles on them. Then drive them until you get 100,000 miles on it and replace it. Most major repairs rarely occur before 100,000 miles with proper routine maintenance. Use and follow your owners manual. It was written by the ultimate expert, the people who built, designed and tested your car.For more great information, tips, safety and money saving products please visit: Save Big On Auto Parts, Headlight Repair And Restoration
Keyword : auto maintenance,routine maintenance,headlight repair,headlight restoration,car,oil change,walmart
สมัครสมาชิก:
บทความ (Atom)