Thursday, March 29, 2007

Radiator Cooling Fan - Get One for your Car

What are Radiator cooling Fans?

Radiator cooling fans are a type of heat exchangers. When engine burns, it produces much heat causing the vehicle parts to become hot. Radiator cooling fans are specially designed to allow the car engine to maintain a cool temperature. The radiator cooling fans have four to six blades that work rapidly that provide sufficient air to keep the engine cool.

How does radiator cooling fan work?

Radiator cooling fan cannot work on it’s own. It works efficiently with the help of different supporting parts. Some radiator cooling fans are controlled with the help of engine computer while others work on the basis of a thermostatic switch. They are specially designed to transfer heat released blown through it by the fan. The fan is designed in such a way that it automatically turns on when the temperature of the engine goes above a set point. Similarly it stops when the temperature goes back to normal.

Radiator cooling fans are placed between the engine and the radiator to transfer heat from the radiator and keep it cool. If you feel that your radiator fan is not working with par. You can replace your existing radiator fan with a high performance radiator fan for better cooling.

Features of Radiator Cooling Fans

· Radiator Cooling Fans transfer heat blown through it by the fan.
· When engine burns, it produces much heat causing the vehicle parts to become hot.
· It automatically adjusts itself to cope up with the temperature of the engine.
· It turns on when the temperature of the engine goes above a set point and stops when the temperature goes back to normal. This unique feature of the fan makes it absolutely phenomenol.
· Some Radiator cooling fans are controlled with the help of engine computer
· Some Radiator Cooling fans are specially designed to work on the basis of a thermostatic switch.

Tips that can help

There are many companies that provide you with different types of radiator cooling fans. It is difficult to decide which one is the best. This makes it very much important that you select a cooling fan that best suits the requirements of your car. If you find that the radiator cooling fan or the cooling products that you received from the respective companies is not in good condition. It would be advisable that you report immediately to the shipping carrier as damaged and claim the damage file accordingly.

Copyright 2006 Darren Dunner

About the Author:
Darren Dunner writes for http://www.the-fan-man.com , offering the latest information on automobile fans, visit them today for more infromation on Automobile Fans. Visit today: http://www.the-fan-man.com
Article Submitted On: September 15, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Are Flex Fuel And Biodiesel Viable Options?

Once thought of as only a dream, Flex fuel vehicles are fast becoming a reality. The high cost of gasoline and fuels like Diesel have prompted auto makers around the world to start building automobiles that will burn more than one type of fuel. For example, the country of Brazil for over 10 years now have been producing there own Ethanol product and are almost completely independent of Middle Eastern oil. It seems now the big three auto makers in this country are behind producing and building more automobiles that will run on E-85 ethanol or gasoline. This is good far all of us, not only will ethanol cost less, it will make the United States much less dependent on that black gold that has been coming into the US from those middle eastern country's. And as an added bonus, the air we breathe will be much cleaner.

Ethanol in itself is not new, E15 and on a small scale E85 have been around for some years. The production was not at a point where auto makers got to excited about it, and as a result only a token amount of vehicles were produced that would burn the E85 ethanol, although most automobiles could and still today burn the E15 ethanol. The E15 and the E85 is the percent of ethanol that is added to gasoline to make the product. Ethanol can be made from several different sources, in this country most of our ethanol at this time is made from corn. In the future other products will be used in the making of ethanol that should also help get the cost down for all Americans. GM has said the cost to convert automobiles that were not already flex fuel to be some where around $500.

American companies are starting to produce more ethanol. This will help get more cars rolling off the assembly line, and get some of those big gas guzzlers off the road. Toyota is another company that seems to have a lot of interest in the flex fuel vehicles. They seem to be working very hard to catch up. Things will not happen over night, it will take some time to change the thinking of some of our politicians and get them behind ethanol and flex fuel vehicles. Once the ball gets rolling things can only get better for all of us.

There is another fuel out there for the folks who burn diesel. It's called BIODIESEL. This product is a combination of animal fats and diesel fuel. Again like the ethanol product it contains a small amount of diesel and a large amount of the animal fats. This product can and is being made by some people to burn in their own vehicles, making the fuel from byproducts of oil from many of their local restaurants. Most automobiles need a conversion kit, but the high mileage they receive per gallon is worth the investment. As far as places across the country that sell Biodiesel, there are only a few at this time, but they are gaining every day. Watch for this product to become more popular and thus increasingly available in the future as things get rolling. I guess the high price of fuel has helped in some way. Only time will tell.

About the Author:
Mike Eggert
For all your biodiesel information and tips, visit http://biodiesel.factslink.com
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Friday, March 23, 2007

Diesel Engine Pros and Cons

The diesel engine is fast becoming on of the more economical choices for individuals. With the rising costs of fuels, it is seen that diesel is still one of the more affordable options. It in the best has generated a reputation for being very much a major source of pollution but in recent times has been cleaned up to a great extent.

The biggest advantage of the diesel engine is seen in the fact that the fuel is much more economical. The diesel engine gives a lot more than the gasoline engine for much reduced costs. There is an approximate advantage of using diesel of as much as 30% at times. There is less fuel consumed for the same task and you therefore do not have to refill your tank as often.

The reason many persons do not opt for the diesel engine is in fact the initial start up costs of installing such an engine. The extra costs are quite high for the engine and its installation. If you however look into the savings overall the diesel engine will in fact be the more economical choice.

It is seen too that the vehicle that is installed with a diesel engine will retain more value than the gasoline engine. This is due to there being a demand for vehicles that are fuel efficient on the market as the cost of fuel continues to rise. The diesel engine vehicles also tend to stay on the road longer. If properly maintained these will outlast the typical gasoline engine.

It can also be seen that the diesel engine will give a different drive from a gasoline engine. The vehicle running on a diesel engine will have more of a zip too it. The vehicles will also have more power for tasks such as towing as the diesel engine can handle more load.

There is also another downfall associated with the diesel engine. This is the fact that it is much noisier when compared to the gasoline engine. This noise level is however no where as loud as the past and is in fact quite bearable to users. In fact most of the typical drivers on the road will not be able to tell the difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine.

Emissions continue to be a cause for concern for the environmentally conscious. It is true that the diesel engine has come a long way from times gone by in terms of emissions but it is still dirtier than the gasoline engine. There is more visible pollution from the diesel engine and this is due to the fact that the diesel engine will throw out more particulates from the exhaust tailpipe as well as more nitrogen oxides. There is however less carbon dioxide pollution. This is a tradeoff but it is the dilemma that many persons face when choosing between the gasoline and the diesel engines.

One of the other concerns when dealing with the diesel engine is the fuel availability. The diesel fuel is commonly found at truck stops on highways bit is not as common in neighborhood service stations. It is vital that consideration be made of where you will source fuel for a diesel engine. It is also seen that there are not that many options when purchasing a diesel engine car so the choices are limited.

About the Author:
John Stafford is the webmaster and a contributor for http://www.diesel-generator-central.com, http://www.car-insurance-experts.com.com and http://www.diesel-performance-pros.com
Visit http://www.diesel-generator-central.com/articles to research your next diesel engine or diesel generator then purchase from one of our wide range. http://www.diesel-generator-central.com offers experienced and professional advice to assist you in your next diesel decison.
This article was posted on November 20, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Monday, March 19, 2007

How Your Used Car Can Save on Petrol

With the rising cost of petrol, and simply for the sake of the environment, let's reduce the amount of fuel use in our cars. Every year, a single car produces 10 tons of greenhouse gasses which pollute the planet and induce global warming, resulting in more erratic weather patterns—floods, droughts, tidal waves, and other natural catastrophes.

A large proportion of man-made greenhouse gasses comes from motorised fuel-driven transport. Thus, it is everyone's responsibility to cut down on these harmful gasses. Having your car, new cars and used cars alike, regularly serviced reduces these greenhouse gasses. And the fact that you use less fuel means you reduce your running costs.

Saving money on petrol requires a rethink of attitudes and values. Here are some tips that will save you money at the petrol pump.

Make sure you choose the right type of fuel, keeping your car, especially if it's a used car, in top shape and adopting smooth driving techniques.

When driving on the highway, drop your car speed from 100 km/h to 90 km/h. And you will save around 20% of your fuel bill. Try to maintain a steady speed; accelerating hard to increase your speed also consumes a lot of extra fuel.

Make sure your tyre pressure is correct. At least 32 psi or higher if the manufacturer recommends. Under-inflated tyres can use up to an extra 7% fuel. It is a good idea to check the tyre pressure every 2 weeks when tyres are cold. You will also get many more kilometres out of your tyres if you ensure you have the correct pressure. Faulty wheel alignment will also increase your fuel consumption and wear your tyres out more quickly.

Have your car correctly tuned. Again, not only do you save fuel but your used car's engine will run smoother and be far more responsive.

Regularly change your oil. As this will save fuel; clean fuel has better lubricating properties causing less friction in your engine and transmission.

Remove anything from your car boot that you don't require. And remove roof-racks and bullbats if they aren't needed. Lightening your load can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%.

Happy motoring!

Dreaming of Cars Lately?
Come to Cars at OzFreeOnline.com. OzFreeOnline is Australia's leading used car classifieds bringing together used car buyers and sellers more effectively.

About the Author:
Ver Cruz
We're search engine-friendly!
For anything you want to sell or buy, do it the online way. Just head to ozfreeonline.com, register for free, and start joining the action! All these for free!
At OzFreeOnline, free is just half of the story.
Added: 09 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/42239.html

Friday, March 16, 2007

All about Toyota Mirrors: Functions, Importance and Buying guide

Most auto parts are important in the proper operation of an automobile. Meanwhile, some play a more important role in keeping the vehicle and its occupants safe. Auto Mirrors are some of the most important safety features of any automobile. We most often associate mirrors with vanity, but in automobiles, mirrors serve primarily for safety. Mirrors serve as a second pair of eyes for the driver by giving a good view, with a slight glance of the eye, of what is happening behind the vehicle without taking his eyes of the road. Visibility is always important and mirrors make sure that whatever is beyond the normal periphery of the driver's vision is made visible. Thus, the driver can react appropriately to whatever is happening behind him and avoid any accidents.

There are two basic types of auto mirrors: the rear view mirror and the side mirrors. The rear view mirror is a wide rectangular mirror that the driver's use to view anything behind the car. With a rear view mirror, the driver doesn't have to turn around to see what's going on behind the car. By simply glancing upward, the driver is able to see whether another car is coming too close or whether the rear of the car is about to hit something, for example, when parking. Rear view mirrors are indispensable in the safety of any car. In some cars, a "day/night" selector switch adjusts the tilt of the mirror so that it would divert most of the light striking it upwards to the car's headliner. This makes the mirror more useful as it minimizes the glare.

The other important types of mirrors are the side mirrors. Side mirrors are further divided into two kinds: driver's side mirrors and passenger's side mirror. The driver's side mirror is located at the driver's side of the car's body. As with the rear view mirror, the driver's side mirror provides an important view of whatever is behind or beside the car without the driver having to turn around. The mirror can be adjusted to match the necessary visibility position. The driver's side mirror is often adjusted manually outside the car. In some cars, the mirror can be adjusted inside the car by a series of cables. At the other side of the car's body is the passenger's side mirror, which has the same functions as the one on the driver's side.

Auto Mirrors are very important parts of any automobile. Without them, the safety of the vehicle and its occupants is greatly compromised. Thus, defective or damaged auto mirrors must be replaced at once so that the safety of the car and its passengers is not endangered. Replacement auto mirrors are some of the most common auto parts available. Toyota vehicle owners would find that Toyota Mirrors are readily available. If you are looking for aftermarket Toyota Parts such as Toyota mirrors, you should purchase only from a reliable and trusted auto parts supplier. Auto Parts Inner is a leading auto part store offering excellent quality Toyota Parts such as Toyota A/C Condensers, Toyota Fuel Tank, Toyota Bumpers, Toyota Floor Mats, Toyota Catalytic Converters, Toyota Headlights, Toyota Radiators and other essential auto parts. With their low prices, fast and efficient service and the durability and superb quality of their Toyota auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is your ultimate online auto parts shop.

About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto
related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
Circulated by Article Emporium

Monday, March 12, 2007

Choosing Your Truck Bed Covers

Truck bed covers, also referred to as lids are an excellent way to keep your belongings stored safely away from the ravages of weather and prying eyes while keeping them close at hand.

While truck bed covers aren't for those who will need every available inch of vertical cargo space they are good choices for those who want to be able to store small items in the bed of their truck often but keep those items safe from sticky fingers that seem to abound in today's society. These truck bed covers also protect your belongings from blowing in the wind as well as from being ruined by rain or sun.

Another great and often unexpected benefit of truck bed covers however, is the fact that these covers often serve to improve fuel economy by minimizing the drag. Not a bad little side benefit if you ask me. Prices may be slightly declining at the moment but I firmly believe that is only a temporary thing and everything you can do to lower your fuel consumption will eventually save you money.

There are essentially two types of truck bed covers: hard body covers and soft body covers. Hard body covers are the way to go if you are going for security as they are a hard surface and they are lockable. This means that the possibility of the theft of your belongings is far less likely. The hard body coverings will cost more than vinyl but when it comes to security it's worth the extra money. These can be painted to match the body of your truck and even (if you so desire) have matching graphics added to them for the right price. The drawback to these is if you need the vertical space in your truck frequently, the hard truck bed covers are not always easy to remove and some don't allow for their removal at all.

If you are going to need to haul cargo frequently, your best bet is likely to be the soft bed truck covers. These covers don't offer nearly the security of their hard body counterparts, but they are convenient to adjust, add, and remove whenever the need arises. While they aren't as rigid as the hard tops, they can hold their own in most weather situations even being able to handle up to twelve inches of snow or rain. Some are even strong enough to support the weight of two people standing on them. If you are a nature lover, you can even opt for tent attachment for your truck cover for those camping weekends with the family.

Truck bed covers have many uses and offer a great deal of versatility to the average consumer. The biggest problem for most is going to be whether or not to sacrifice the vertical space in order to have the added security in the bed of your truck or to opt for the soft truck bed cover which offers less security but some nifty features of its own.

About the Author:
Melvin
For more info on truck bed covers, truck toppers, and truck liners, please visit our website. Truck Bed Covers
Submitted on 2006-11-01
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Friday, March 09, 2007

What is All-Clad stainless steel cookware and why is it the best top-of-the-line bake ware you can buy? All-Clad cookware is made with a heavy aluminu

When Do I change my Oil?

Motor oil technology has gradually progressed since the days of the earliest automobiles. In those days, standard motor oil drain intervals were between 500 and 1000 miles, and motorists had to switch viscosity grades with the changing of the seasons. The development of oil filtration and additive technology in the 1930s allowed drain intervals to increase to 2000 and later 3000 miles, while the development of viscosity modifiers in the 1940s allowed the formulation of multi-grade oils that could be used in both hot and cold temperatures.

The technology for extended oil drains is obviously available, but until now, the major oil companies have had other agendas. Marc Graham, who is president of Pennzoil-Quaker State-owned Jiffy Lube International, was quoted in a 2001 Lubricants World interview as saying, “At [PQS] we use a number internally that if we [shortened the drain interval] by 100 miles [for each car serviced], it would mean an additional $20 million in revenue for the company.” He also explained that “if we could move our customers to get one more oil change per year, it’s worth $294 million for the oil change alone and $441 million in revenue, when you include the ancillary products and services customers typically buy along with the oil change.”

Vehicle manufacturers in Europe have been recommending extended oil drains for years. In fact, the average drain interval in Europe is 10,000 miles. Vehicle manufacturers in the United States are definitely coming around to extended oil drains as well. Most owners manuals from recent model vehicles recommend 5000 to 7500 mile oil drain intervals. In addition, oil life monitors have become increasingly common on today’s vehicles, allowing and encouraging motorists to increase drain intervals up to 12,000 miles, even when using conventional oil. Vehicles equipped with an oil life monitor no longer recommend oil changes based solely on mileage. The system measures engine operational data such as temperature, revolutions and speed to determine when the oil is nearing the end of its life.

As time goes on, more and more equipment managers are exploring the use of extended oil drain intervals. While there are many cautions that accompany establishing an extended drain program, they can be more than offset by savings in maintenance costs and increased uptime. It has been reported that in the not-too-distant future extended intervals will be commonplace. Several engine manufacturers are said to be considering new recommended oil and filter change intervals.

About the Author:
Luke Allen is the Director of Operations at LDA, Inc., a marketing and distribution company. You can view their web site at: www.lda-corporate.com.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Bio-Diesel – Run your car on it!

It’s likely that the farmers would blockade the countries roads for starters! Unfortunately, the possibility of this happening are becoming more and more likely with increasing tensions around the world leading to ever increasing oil prices and volatility in the world markets. Fossil fuels are running out an alarming rate and people are starting to look seriously at other alternatives.
Needless to say, an increase in oil prices will create hardships to the economy and in every person’s life. But some people state that the only way to get them to use public transport or to walk the 5 minutes to the local shop instead of driving is to price them out of using their cars for inefficient journeys. Increasingly people and making their own biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil to run their cars to reduce their dependence on oil.

Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil (including used oil) in a process called •transesterification•, whereby the glycerine is separated from the oil leaving a clean burning fuel that will efficiently power any diesel engine with vastly reduced exhaust emissions this is good for the environment. People have been deserting their local petrol station in favour of using waste vegetable oil from large scale users such as pubs, restaurants, or pure oil off the shelf.

The government is becoming aware of this use of cheaper, alternative fuel and is targeting this eco method as they are not paying tax on this oil which they would be doing if they bought petrol. The government appears to pay lip service to reducing climate change as the small number of Bio-diesal users are being targeted for tax evasion instead of encouraged to use this eco friendly fuel. Where is the incentive for current Bio-diesel users and companies to invest in research and development?
For those of you that are thinking of making the change there are different process or kits available to convert car engines and these cost between £400 and £1,200. All you need to add is vegetable oil, methanol, a small amount of catalyst, electricity and tap water into this conversion and your ready to go! Oh….. and don’t forget to tell the taxman.

Save energy by using renewable products available via companies listed in the green directory.

About the Author:
David Oglaza is the founder of the Green and Ethical directory GuideMeGreen . This growing green resource lists 100s of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and Ethical companies. Green jobs and a discussion board coming soon!
Article Source: http://www.articles411.com