An Air Filter is a device used to remove dust or any other contaminants from incoming air before it is mixed with the fuel.

The Air Filter uses thin plated filtered paper placed where the air is forced to flow. Filter papers are highly efficient and cost effective, (compared to foam and cotton), and can also be serviced more easily. The incoming air first flows through this element, removing most of the dust or abrasive materials. If these materials were not removed, they would otherwise damage the moving parts inside the engine. In addition, if they mix with the lubricating oil, oil contamination can result.

In order for the Air Filter to work most efficiently, it is imperative keep the filter dust and contaminant free. It is recommend that at the time of the general servicing of your Ford Focus parts, always service the Air Filter assembly, and if necessary change it and install a new filter.

What is a good time for changing the Air Filter?

As you may know, the Air Filter is a performance-dependentpart, and its replacement schedule depends upon many factors, such as the owner’s driving habits, atmospheric conditions, contaminants present in the atmosphere and the efficiency of the air filter. If you are unsure of the proper time for changing it, it is recommendedto change it annually or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.Periodic maintenance and cleaning is necessary, which increases your filter’s efficiency, as well as your overall engine efficiency.

Symptoms of a bad Air Filter

• Starting Problems: Engine may not start when all other parts like battery, fuel injector, pump, and alternator etc. work fine.
• Engine Stopping: Engine stops frequently when you attempt to accelerate after starting.
• Engine Idling: Initially the engine starts and performs fine, but it hesitates or stops completely when idle.
• Inefficiencies in the Fuel Supply System.
• Engine Misfiring: Engine sounds changed, and continuously misfire due to lack of air.
• Problems in Acceleration: When you’re trying to accelerate the engine, either hesitates or does not give adequate response to the throttle. 

How to remove Air Filter from the Ford Focus?

Park your vehicle on ground level and put it into 1st gear so that it cannot move during the removal and installation procedure.

Open the hood and locate the position of the Air Filter.

Your Ford Focus Air Filter is generally located near the driver's side of the engine compartment between the battery and the fuse box. 

It is enclosed in a large rectangular black box.

This large box is screwed into to the engine compartment.

Using a screwdriver, remove the nuts and screwsopen the box.

Upon the removal of box, you have direct access to the air filter.

Remove the filter, (No need to remove the whole box assembly from the engine compartment).

Exchange the old Air Filter with the new one, and repeat the procedure in reverse direction to install the new air filter inside the compartment.

With proper research and development, the future of the battery could seem bright. It is the battery alone that is capable of replacing crude power in the future. A great deal of research is underway that will undoubtedly determine the future of battery power. Batteries have shown their potential, and if this potential can be harnessed correctly and turned in the right direction then the future of batteries can be a long and prosperous one.

The Automotive Battery is rechargeable type battery. It supplies current to all integral electrical parts in the car such as the starter motor, headlights and heater. It is also known as the “starter battery” because of its application to start the car. Since battery power is used in cranking the engine, it requires considerable power density and a high surge. This is mainly accomplished with a high amount of lead in it (most commonly Lead-Acid battery is used). The battery makes up a 12V system with the help of six cells connected in a series. Many vehicles, especially heavy commercial vehicles, contain two 12V batteries connected in a series, making the complete system 24V. 

The 6 cells are made up of grids forming ANODE and CATHODE halves. Each cell has a total of 16 grids, 8 of ANODE and 8 of CATHODE overlapping each other. These grids containing lead and lead dioxide upon them are submerged into an electrolyte solution having one-third of H2SO4 and two-thirds of H2O. As we have already discussed, the electrolyte and the cells react and produce electrons that pass through the joined circuit and complete the cycle causing the electricity to flow.  

As the battery is used, it slowly discharges and the electrolyte reacts with the grid and the formation of lead sulphate takes place. This process is called discharging. The recharging process is exactly opposite. When current from an external source is passed in the opposite direction of the conventional flow of electrons, then the lead sulphate formed restores back to lead and lead oxide, respectively. This is called recharging, and a battery can be reused after recharging. The potential of the recharge depends upon the proper usage and storage in the first place. If proper care is not taken, then the recharging potential reduces with time. If you need to replace the battery please do it very carefully. For the replacement information you can follow the link replacement of the automotive battery.

Car batteries are usually a short cycle. This means that it provides a large amount of power for short periods of time. As such large surge of currents are required for the cranking of the engine, after the engine starts the alternator recharges the battery, and hence is again ready to give shallow cycles of great power when required. 

Another type of automotive battery is the deep cycle battery. This battery is used in applications where power is required constantly for long periods of time. This type of battery has a smaller number of plates, but they are thicker, and provide deep cycles. However, they may not provide enough high intensity currents. 

Image courtsey: www.offroaders.com

1) Primary Batteries

These are batteries that, once used up to their full capacity, cannot be reused and must be discarded. This means once the electrolyte it is filled, it is then used up and its energy density reduced. Then, it can’t be recharged by any method and has to be thrown away. Since rechargeable batteries have come into the market, these batteries have lost their edge in the market segments in which batteries are used intensively. However, there are many sectors in which primary batteries are still used extensively. Calculators, watches, wall clocks, torches and many other daily applications, large and small, require usage of primary batteries. This type of battery has the maximum energy density.The initial lower costfactor draws the consumer due to its cheaper price tag. In the long run, they are not profitable due to drawbacks like the fact that they are non-rechargeable. Alkaline-Manganese and Carbon-zinc are the most commonly used batteries.

2) Secondary Batteries

The Batteries that can be recharged and reused are known as secondary batteries. The energy density of the battery reduces with progressive usage, but a battery is only called “rechargeable” if the energy density can be restored back to the initial level it was before use. This can only be done by reversing the process that sucks out the juices of the battery. This process of recharging is characterized by passing the recharging current in reverse direction to the conventional direction of flow of current. Lead-Acid batteries are the most commonly used secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Although the Lead-Acid battery provides much less energy density, it is used because it one of the most cost-effective batteries. However, there are drawbacks to the Lead-Acid battery as well. When gassing takes place in the acid, these batteries can no longer be recharged back to their full potential. Moreover, thesulphation process may deteriorate the battery’s performance if not stored in a fully charged state. The percentage of lead present in the battery determines the power density of the battery. The most common applications are in the automotive industry and in uninterrupted power supply devices (UPS).

3) Lithium-Ion Batteries 

Lithiumis placed at the top of the table of electrochemical potentials. It is a very advanced technology and something that provides everything a consumer would need in a battery. It is excellent for portable applications. These batteries provide the highest energy per unit weight consumed. Different types of Lithium-ion batteries are available according to necessary applications for their use. The most common are Lithium-ion phosphate, Lithium-ion cobalt and Lithium-ion manganese. They have become very popular because of their lack of dependence on environmental conditions, cheap cost and high outputs. The market share has risen so sharply that one-third of the batteries sold are now Lithium-ion. 

Batteries can also be classified according to the state of the electrolytes used in them. Wet cells are batteries having electrolyte in liquid form while Dry cells are batteries having electrolyte in the form of a paste or gel. Other types include the Molten salt battery that has molten salts as electrolyte.

How to keep the Blower Motor in good working condition?

When you replace or remove the Blower Motor from your vehicle for any reason, just follow the routine maintenance mentioned below to keep the AC system of your vehicle working efficiently.

• Clean out any debris from the Blower Motor.
• Oil the Blower motor bearings.
• Clean the blower motor with an electricalpart cleaner.
• Rotate the blower wheel and see if it spins freely or not; if not, oil the bearings.
• Check for proper functioning of other related parts.

Another example could be the tingling feeling you may get on your tooth when you eat a chocolate having silver foil, (or any other thing having silver coating). This little jolt is due to the formation of cells in your mouth that cause the flow of electrons through an acidic medium (saliva). 

History of Automotive Battery

You may remember studying in school that the inventor of the battery was VOLTA. If so, then yes you remembered it correctly! However, study of the concept of electricity has been evident since ancient Egyptian civilizations. Roughly 400 years ago, people used it for electroplating. Many such devices resembling the battery have been unearthed by experts at various excavation sites. But it was in late 1700’s and early 1800’s that ALESSANDRO VOLTA, with his never-ending industrious experiments, discovered that continuous electricity could be generated. The first such battery was known as the Voltaic Cell.

It was later, at the end of the1800’s, that the invention of the rechargeable battery took place, which is still being used today.

Principles of Battery

In simple terms, a battery just transforms chemical energy to electrical energy. Now that we know that the energy conversion takes place, we can visualize just how it happens. The chemical energy we are talking about is stored in the electrochemical half cells. These half cells as we mentioned before are called ANODE and CATHODE, respectively. A single cell is formed by combining these half cells together. Therefore, technically a battery is a series of connections of all of these cells, formed by the combination of half cells. Every cell is a series connection of two half cells, each half being either an ANODE or a CATHODE. 

The electrolyte is a suitable medium in which these cells can be immersed in a solution. This solution has positive as well as negative ions. Positive ions always attract to the ANODE, and negative ions always attract to the CATHODE. This is true for most primary types of batteries. Now we will discuss different types of batteries and see how the automotive battery works. 

The traditional wheel bearing is the bearing that is located on the front wheels of a rear wheel drive vehicle.  There is an inner bearing and an outer bearing that are located between the hub and the spindle on each side.   These bearings allow the wheel to rotate with minimal friction, but are often damaged by moisture, dirt or from not being packed with grease on a regular basis.  These bearings are cone shaped to help maintain even pressure between the hub and spindle under varying angles, such as turning or suspension travel.

Rear wheel bearings are really axle bearings and are pressed onto the rear axle of rear wheel drive cars and are supported by the rear axle housing. These are also roller bearings but are not cone shaped.  There is no angular movement between the axle and the axle housing, so the bearing can be a flat design. Often these bearings last the life of the car and would only need to be replaced if there was an external force that damaged one, such as a severe impact to the wheel.

An Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly is a sealed unit that is used on all Front Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive and many 4 Wheel Drive vehicles. The assembly is mounted to the front spindle and then the wheel is mounted to the assembly.  The front axle CV shaft passes through the center of the Axle Bearing and Hub assembly and splines on both interlock to transfer the motion from the axle to the wheel.  The axle is held in place by a large nut.  These bearing units are often referred to as a Wheel Bearing and Hub assembly, or the very simple “Hub and Bearing.”  These units are also commonly found on the rear wheels of many vehicles.

If you are in need of replacing these elements, please find the links below-

2001 Toyota Tacoma Wheel Bearing
2002 Nissan Maxima Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly
2005 Buick Allure Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly

Today, the maximum engine and fuel efficiency, maximum power output and minimum exhaust emissions are three crucial elements used to judge the effectiveness of an automobile. And, as we know, all three parameters depend upon many of other factors and components.

The Mass-Air flow sensor is one of the most common and most useful components in the Air-Fuel supply system, which is used to convert the air drawn into the engine into the electronic signal that is sent to the ECM. Thermistor, Platinum wire and electronic circuits are the prime components of the Mass-Air flow sensor.

Before replacing this part in your vehicle, it is very important to correctly diagnose the symptoms that will clearly show which component is malfunctioning. Here are some elements to look for which may show that your MAF sensor is malfunctioning and needs replacement.

• Engine is difficult to start or stalls after starting
• Vehicle hesitates under load
• Engine runs excessively rich or lean
• Lack of power output
• Low engine compression
• Ignition misfire
• Excessive back pressure

After diagnosing the problem, you can then determine which part will require changing in order to restore function to the vehicle. Here is the procedure for removing the MAF sensor from your vehicle.

• How to replace the Mass-Air flow sensor
• Park your vehicle at ground level and lock it in place.
• Open the hood and locate the position of your Air intake assembly.
• Where the Air intake assembly location is depends upon the manufacturer, you may need to refer to your car’s manual.
• Generally, it is located under the passenger side hood of the vehicle, with a rubber tube clamp on pipe.
• The air filter unit tightens, with the help of a clamp, to the air intake boot.
• Release that clamp and remove the air filter unit from the air intake.
• Locate the Mass-Air flow sensor which is always bolted to the intake boot on one side and the engine on other side.
• Loosen the hose clamp that holds the MAF sensor to the boot.
• Remove the pin from the socket that connects MAF sensor to the Engine on the other side.
• Remove the sensor from the hood area, replace it with newer one and repeat the same procedure to install the new MAF sensor.

If you are in need of replacing the Mass Air Flow sensor in your vehicle, you can always visit the links below to find mass air flow sensor from quality brands and at affordable price.

1999 Buick Riviera Mass Air Flow Sensor
2003 Chevrolet Impala Mass Air Flow Sensor
2003 Mazda Miata Mass Air Flow Sensor
2002 Volvo S60 Mass Air Flow Sensor

The MAF sensor is an electronic device used to convert the amount of air drawn into the engine and into the Voltage signal. Factors such as performance, efficiency, power output and pollution control are indirectly dependent upon the proper maintenance of sensors, so it’s safe to say that proper maintenance of sensors is as important as filling fuel in the tank.

Depending upon the type of sensor used in your vehicle, check out the procedure for testing the Mass-Air flow sensor.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD MAF SENSOR

• Check engine light.
• Hard to start engine or engine stalls after starting.
• Hesitates under load, surge or rough idle.
• Engine idle fine but lack of power when engine accelerates.
• Bad gas mileage.
• More exhaust emissions.

TESTING PROCEDURE

• Testing of Vane type MAF sensor is quite a simple procedure.
• Start with checking the voltage supply of supply wire and the ground wire to the MAF module.
• Check the sensor voltage signal.
• The Digital multi meter is the instrument used for the testing of the sensor and set on a DC voltage scale.
• The negative meter lead is connected to ground and the red lead to the MAF signal wire.
• Turn on the ignition switch and press the min/max button.
• Push the MAF vane from the closed to the wide-open position, and allow it to slowly return to its original position.
• To test the sensor, move its air vane from open to closed position. Observe the maximum and minimum voltage readings as the vane was moved.
• There may be an open circuit if the minimum voltage signal is zero.
• If the voltage signal is not within the manufacturer's specifications, replace the sensor.

Although the position of Mass Air Flow Sensor differs according to the vehicle make and models, the testing procedure mentioned above remains almost the same. If you find the MAF sensor in your vehicle faulty, you can always replace it from the links below-

Audi Mass Air Flow Sensor
Buick Mass Air Flow Sensor
Hyundai Mass Air Flow Sensor
Nissan Mass Air Flow Sensor

The Rack and Pinion installed in the steering system of your car is a highly sensitive part, one that is responsible for the actual to and fro motion you get when turning the steering wheel. The pinion converts the rotary motion of the steering wheel into right or left motion of the wheels through the rack. The same condition applies even for vehicles equipped with a power steering mechanism, the only difference being an electric motor or a hydraulic pump attached to the rack for less effort on the driver. With consistent operation, steering rack and pinion mechanisms are likely to wear and cause the steering ability of the vehicle to drop down marginally over time. However, there are many factors that affect the steering ability, including the wheels, brakes and other linkages. If your vehicle steering is responding ineffectively, and if you’re suspecting the rack and pinion to be the problem, make sure you know the signs that eventually lead to its failure. Keep an eye on the common signs of rack and pinion failure mentioned below, and replace it when needed.

Loose Steering

When the Rack and Pinion wear out, they have trouble engaging the teeth effectively, leading to a loose-feeling steering wheel. When steering becomes loose, it cannot return to its original position when turned. If this is the case with your car, the rack and pinion might be the cause.

Steering Wander

If your vehicle is dragging towards one side while moving straight or if the steering wheel becomes hard to turn back after taking a turn, the rack and pinion is a probable cause. Due to increased friction between the pinion and rack, more force applied will be required on the steering wheel.

Noisy Steering

If the rack and pinion becomes loose, it is likely to develop strange knocking or clunking sounds. If your vehicle makes these kinds of noises persistently while you drive, you should immediately look for rack and pinion wear and replace the unit as soon as possible.

Steering Fluid Leaks

Another reason for the rack and pinion to go bad could be leaking fluid, which clearly indicates that something inside the system has gone wrong. A leak of steering fluid will definitely cause the steering efficiency to decrease.

Uneven Tire Wear

A faulty rack and pinion will distribute the steering power unevenly to the steering wheels and as a result, the tires will wear unevenly, instead of wearing uniformly. Although this doesn’t always mean that rack and pinion unit is responsible for the wear, it is still a good idea to inspect the unit once you note uneven tire wear.

Looking for these signs can help plan for Steering Rack And Pinion replacement. If you notice such problems, it is vital that you replace the mechanism at your earliest convenience. You can always find the best replacement rack and pinions from the links below-

Acura Rack and Pinion
BMW Rack and Pinion
Chevrolet Rack and Pinion
Ford Rack and Pinion

Worried about changing tires with the change of seasons? Does the sudden change from summer to winter leave you wondering – Do I really need to change my tires?Worry no more – a group of researchers at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Germany are developing an “intelligent” tire that will automatically sense the changes in weather and adapt the settings accordingly. This intelligent tire was displayed at the Hannover Fair, which was recently held in Germany this week.

Although much research is still required to bring this smart tire into actual practice, it will soon change tire technology drastically. The day when changing tires with a change in weather will be in the past – no matter if the condition is raining, snowing or dry.

Considering braking ability and gas consumption are common issues that tire consumers are faced today, with this innovative technology, the possibilities of tire performance will be improved a great deal. According to Detlef Riemer, head of the research team, this new tire will be equipped with sensors that will sense every change in the terrain and raise or widen the tire profile accordingly.

Since the tires will change the profile automatically, it is possible that the noise and gas consumption will be optimized too. Thus, the driver will not have to be concerned with the tires of his car during sudden weather changes; the tire will adapt to the change automatically.

The intelligent tire still requires additional research, such as on the materials to be used for adjusting the tire profiles, yet the innovation has already been patented. Although there has been much improvement in tire technology in recent years, this technology will provide the most significant change yet.

Image Credit: www.world.honda.com

For some time now, Honda has been utilizing a heat treatment process to extract Nickel from scrapped Ni-Mh batteries, and then using it as a raw material for manufacturing stainless steel. However, the process was not sufficient enough to extract enough rare materials to be used again. To improve the extraction process, Honda recently announced the world’s newest technology that has the ability to extract 80% of the precious metals present in hybrid car batteries. The volume of metals extracted could then be re-used again for manufacturing new batteries as well as other auto parts. Honda confirmed that with the new process developed at the Japan Metals & Chemicals Co. Ltd., a more stable extraction of rare metals will be possible.

To illustrate the process of recycling the rare metals, Honda published a press release along with a flowchart that demonstrates how the scrapped batteries from hybrid vehicles will be recycled. Also, according to the press release, Honda’s recycling process will be the first in the world to be implemented on a mass production level. This process will require the Honda dealers to first collect the used batteries and forward them to Japan Metals & Chemical Co., Ltd., where the extraction process will help recover rare metals like Nickel and Cobalt. These metals will be then supplied to parts makers, where it can be used to manufacture new parts such as batteries.

It’s not the first time Honda took the initiative to reduce, reuse and recycle. Previously, Honda was one of the first Japanese automakers to sell recycled auto parts, including the collection of used oil filters and bumpers. Presently, with this new recycling project for rare earth metals, Honda is certainly strengthening its ability to do its part in conserving natural resources.

If you are also concerned about protecting the environment, then always replace the emission control parts on your vehicle timely. Find some of the useful links below for emission parts on Honda vehicle models-

2005 Honda Accord Catalytic Converter
2002 Honda Civic Oxygen Sensor
2001 Honda Prelude Exhaust Muffler

It was raining outside. My mother told me it would be a good idea to stay home that night, but I went out anyway.My friend picked up my cousin Matt and myself to go see a movie.He drove up my block and took a left to an intersection; not realizing in literally seconds our whole outlook of life would change. We approached the intersection when suddenly a car racing down the street going about 50mph crashed into the side of the car where I was sitting.

Although the hit lasted seconds it felt never-ending as we began to spin in slow motion. The car made a 360-degree spin hitting a parked car across the street. When the car finally stopped the three of us were in complete silence. Anticipating the worst, I was reluctant to open my eyes.Convincing myself to have enough courage,I opened both eyes and saw that everyone was ok. The driver had his hand over his head mumbling to himself“what have I done”, my cousin just sat there in shock and I was in the back passenger seat with a side airbag deflated. The accident literally happened a minute after I left my house, and to make matters worse it was April 1st so I had to convince my parents we were actually in an accident and it wasn’t some brainless April Fools joke. Thankfully everyone was ok; except the car, which was completely totaled.

Statistics show that airbags have saved the lives of almost 1,800 people since 1986, approximately 1,600 drivers and 200 passengers. Side airbags became a standard vehicle feature in 2005. In side-impact crashes the occupants of the car are 20 times more likely to be killed without a side airbag.I survived because a functioning side airbag was installed, an airbag sensor activated, an electric current flowed into an initiator which ignited, causing the combustion gas to heat up allowing the airbag to inflate instantly.

After that day I began living my life as if it was the last. My goals and dreams suddenly became much more important and I began doing everything I can to achieve them. James Dean once said,“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.” This quote put a lot of things in perspective; although James Dean died tragically in a car crash I was given a second chance. I realized if I wasn’t living my life to the fullest, then I’m just wasting it. I am truly grateful to be alive, and it’s great to know that advances in airbag technology are making vehicles far safer than they used to be.

About Author:

Ryan, 2012 Freshman at the State University of New York at Oneonta; is the winner of of theautopartsshop.com’s monthly essay contest. Ryan’s personal account of how a side air bag saved his life is an important look at how the evolution of safety system in automobiles play out in real life.

The recent story of a nine year old boy from East Lost Angeles, Caine Monroy, went viral within minutes and brought him a huge donation of $178,000 through his website. Caine, who spent many weekends at his dad’s auto parts store, began working on creative ideas to build an arcade game from the cardboard boxes of auto parts. He spent many days building simple, yet creative, games with handmade prize displays, attached calculators, and even at-shirt of his designs with “Caine’s Arcade” proudly displayed on each.

Due to the increase of auto parts shoppers shifting towards online buying, Caine’s dad received little foot traffic customers at his shop, yet Caine always encouraged each customer to play one of his creative games. His creativity went unnoticed until filmmaker Nirvan passed by this shop and was convinced to play a game using a $2 Fun Pass. Nirvan was impressed and inspired by Caine’s creativity and decided to film Caine’s ideas, while also encouraging his friends through social media to visit this unique store and try out those arcade games.

The response was unbelievable and unexpected; people from every corner of Los Angeles and across the US were flocking to visit the shop. Nirvan’s video spread rapidly and was viewed over 325,000 times in the first day. Today, when kids are more likely to be hidden behind computers and video games, Caine’s story is truly inspiring. In fact, the 10 minute video film made by Nirvan reached many school children who wrote letters to Caine with praise and new game suggestions. If you haven’t seen the video yet, take a look at it here – you may be motivated to stop by the shop as well. Or maybe you’ll have an idea for a new auto parts box arcade game!

Image Credit: www.cainesarcade.com
 

A ton of information is available today over the internet related to automobile repairs in the form of “How-To’s” and “DIY” instructions, but this doesn’t always mean that repairing automobiles is an easy task. Many of us have tried to experiment, (with minimal expertise), on car repairs, yet only a handful of us have succeeded. The majority of us either messed up the entire system or damaged another well-functioning part. We then have no option but to call for those ASE badge certified professionals to make the things work. Even with a few tools in the back of your garage and tutorials from the internet, it is not always easy to repair your car. Of course, there are some easy DIY repairs you can try yourself, but it is always suggested to keep your hands off of most major problems. If you decide to fix it yourself, you could end up with a costly mess on your hands. Here’s a list of five pretty difficult repairs –when one pops up, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

1.Engine Rebuilding

Rebuilding an engine is always an important task and requires a great deal of knowledge of the proper functioning of every single part associated with it. With numerous parts connected to the engine block, it inevitably confuses most people when it comes to rebuilding.

Why to seek a professional: Even if you manage to stuff the parts of the engine correctly into their places, timing adjustments must be exact. If not, your engine is a mess again. A professional, on the other end, is sensitive to the engine’s specifications and has the expertise to ensure that after a rebuild, it gives the same power output as before.

2.Automatic Transmission Repair

Since these complex structures were first implemented, automatic transmissions have left even the most experienced experts questioning themselves. The automatic transmission is definitely an element that requires expert-level know how.

Why to seek a professional: A professional who is well trained in the auto transmission’s functioning must handle the repair or rebuild. Only an expert knows about the issues that are encountered in most automatic transmissions and can provide the best solution for your tranny problem.
 
3.Safety Features

Repairing or replacing of safety features such as airbags must be carefully undertaken, as in any structure near the steering system.
Why to seek a professional: Airbags activate easily when the gas tank located behind it receives a signal. A professional knows about the location and connections that should not be touched or played with while performing repairs related to steering or anything near it.

4.Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Wheel alignment and balancing require special equipment, as well as a good technical know how to adjust the settings correctly.

Why to seek a professional: A certified professional would have access to special equipment needed for wheel alignment and balancing as well as good knowledge of the dimensions that must be set during the procedure. Although this repair can be done by one who has such equipment in their garage, it has been found that non-professional mechanics find it extremely difficult to adjust to the correct alignment settings.

5.Body Work and Paint

Removing dents from the body and paint are always tiresome jobs to accomplish. Furthermore, a person who knows little about the sensitivity of this work might end up with larger and more complex dents then what would have been.

Why to seek a professional: An expert has the experience to deal with such problems and can provide a more perfect level of surface finish and look. If you want your car to look the way it did before, you’d better leave this job to a professional.

However, if you are in search of buying parts for your car, you can always refer us. Here are few links for some of the parts related to the major automotive repairs.

2007 Audi A4 Engine Timing Belt
2005 BMW X3 Auto Trans Filter Kit
2006 Mercedes-Benz C350 Hood Lift Support

An engine is composed of numerous small parts that work together. Failing of any one element would inevitably affect the engine’s performance and can lead to significant, (and costly!), problems. However, there are lots of issues to look out for if you are to avoid what are commonly referred to as the “big three” engine problems.

The first and the most common engine problem can occur due to an improper fuel mix, which can happen due to many reasons, which may include-

• Your car’s fuel tank is out of gas which would allow only air, not fuel, inside the engine chamber.
• The clogging of air passage or air filter could restrict the amount of air mix with the fuel, which is necessary for combustion.
• The supply of excessive air fuel mixture could cause the engine to run abruptly.
• Furthermore, any impurities in the fuel or air would not provide proper combustion.

Secondly, an engine’s proper operation is affected by improper compression, a balance of which is needed to compress the fuel mixture. This could happen due to-

• Worn out piston rings, which make the fuel-air mixture to pass through the piston and remain unburned.
• Improper sealing of intake or exhaust valves.
• Crack or hole through the cylinder.

Finally, in the case of gasoline engines, the engine operation gets negatively affected due to improper or lack of spark during the power stroke and this may happen due to-

• A faulty or completely dead battery, which would not be able to develop enough voltage to supply it to the ignition coil, and finally to the spark plugs.
• A broken or short circuited wire.
• Improper ignition timing, which generates the spark either too early or too late.

Apart from these, there are also some other well-known engine issues such as-

• Inability of the valves to open or close, which would not allow enough fuel/air mixture or remove the exhaust gases completely.
• Worn out bearings, especially the ones associated with camshaft and crankshaft, would also affect engine operation.
• Running the engine with a low level of lubricating oil, coolant and other necessary fluids would increase the engine temperature and keep the engine from running properly.

Here are some useful links to buy air filter for your vehicle to ensure that the engine always receives fresh air all the time-

2005 Chevrolet Blazer Air Filter
2009 Dodge Durango Air Filter
2010 Ford Focus Air Filter
2010 GMC Acadia Air Filter
2010 Nissan Maxima Air Filter

Spending extra on the best brake rotors to improve braking performance makes sense, but does your car really need that upgrade? Many believe that spending good money on premium brake rotors is a permanent solution to braking problems. But this expectation does not always come true, as many factors affect the overall performance of your rotor. Deciding on the correct brake rotor for your car does require extra care, as this element ultimately determines the braking ability of your car. The best way to select the rotor, as per your vehicle needs, is to understand its construction, workings and main purpose.

Simply put, the core function of the brake rotor is to absorb and dissipate the heat, which is generated by the brake pad squeezing. The heat generated is again dependent upon various factors like the pad material, vehicle speed, weight of the vehicle, and the amount of time for which the brakes are applied. It is clear from these factors that more friction and heat will be generated from a vehicle that is heavier and needs more braking applications.

Based on these factors, brake rotors are designed to meet individual requirements. High performance sports cars are often installed with drilled or slotted rotors at the front and rear ends, since more heat needs to be dissipated. On the other end of the spectrum, small passenger cars and light trucks make use of solid rotors at rear and vented rotors in the front, as the heat dissipation requirement is much less. However, if you play with the pedal more often, you should change these solid rotors for drilled ones. Premium brake rotors are quite costly since they make use of expensive materials with high heat escaping capacity. These types of rotors are useful for those towing vehicles as well as for vehicles that endure city traffic every day. Spending on premium rotors is useless for those vehicles that rarely endure traffic.

With many options available on the market, it’s quite difficult to choose the right one. Although OE rotors are perfect for any vehicle, there is great availability of aftermarket ones as well. However, make sure you are aware of certain characteristic designs of the rotor. To withstand cut-throat competition in the parts industry, many brands have tried to reduce the plate thickness by expanding the air gap, which reduces the weight of the rotor. A rotor with thinner plates and more air gaps is prone to develop cracks on its surface, since the weight and mass are not sufficient to absorb and dissipate the heat effectively. An air gap will also increase the chance of warping the rotors. It is easy to assume that when a rotor becomes excessively hot, it will also affect the brake pad to wear prematurely.

Keeping these tips in mind can surely help you to select the right brake rotor for your car. We hope that next time you are choosing an aftermarket brake rotor, you are more aware of what to look for.

Here are some useful links to buy aftermarket brake rotors-

2003 Acura CL Brake Rotor
2006 Acura TL Brake Rotor
2005 Acura NSX Brake Rotor
2008 Acura MDX Brake Rotor
2001 Acura Integra Brake Rotor

The power window motor on the Ford F-150 is used to lift up or scroll down the window electronically. Being exposed to consistent use, the window motor often has to work beyond its capacity, resulting in it eventually needing replacement. The installment is a relatively easy procedure, as follows.

Replacement:

1. Locate the screws that hold the door panel on, and remove them with a screwdriver.

2. Remove the window control panel by prying it upwards at the seam, and then slide it outwards from the panel.

3. Locate the button on the control panel to release the control panel from that connector. Remove the control panel.

4. Now, remove the door panel by unscrewing and removing the clip that holds the door panel in place.

5. Remove the tabs that hold the panel, and then remove the door handle assembly by pushing it through the opening, (towards the inside of the cab), and subsequently turn it and pull the door panel off.

6. Remove the plastic bracket and trim that sticks out of the door, and remove the water shield.

7. Once you have the water shield off, you can see the regulator and mounting bolts as well as window clamps or sockets.

8. Now, loosen the two bolts holding the window, just enough to let the window loose, and then lower the window all the way down.

9. Next, remove the two piece weather stripping around the window.

10. To remove the window motor, you will need to slide it out of the clamps that were loosened. Slide the motor down and rotate 90 degrees, so that it can be removed completely from the panel.

Installing the new Ford F-150 Window Motor is easy – all you need to do is to follow the steps mentioned above in reverse order.

For buying quality window motor for your Ford F-150, visit the links below-

2007 Ford F-150 Window Motor
2006 Ford F-150 Window Motor
2000 Ford F-150 Window Motor
1999 Ford F-150 Window Motor

As we all know, “Marketing” is the process by which companies create value for customers and build a strong customer relationship, in the hopes of gaining a strong customer base in return. Today, there are various techniques by which companies are attracting customers to their products.

Automotive manufacturing brands are notorious for sparing no expense to come up with new and interesting marketing strategies to boost sales. Strategies may be described as both straight forward or may move into outright “gimmick” marketing. There are many examples of the marketing gimmick; a recent i30 Online Hypnosis Experiment on customers is a great example of the marketing gimmick geared towards sales. In the same vein, Acura unveiled their upcoming 2013 RDX model with a sizzling concept based on the tiny people famously known as “Gulliver", from the novel Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swiftin 1726 and beloved ever since.

The video clearly depicts the RDX tagline, “Intelligently built for the size of your life."Acura RDX was recently launched on January 9, 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. This second generation Acura RDX consists of a 3.5 liter, V-6engine with six-speed automatic and All-wheel Drive system.

Brake pads, one of the most integral parts of a car’s braking system, are used to convert the brake rotor’s kinetic energy into thermal energy using friction. As we all know, friction is a very basic phenomenon and the prime reason for any auto parts to wear quickly. Every manufacturer tries to build parts that are resistive to friction and can perform longer.

However, design considerations regarding the brake pads for the Honda Accord (2008-2009) as well as the Acura TSX (2009-2010) went very wrong. As customer complaints regarding the premature failure of brake pads increased, Honda was forced to recall its affected TSX and Accord models. The complaints alleged that a defect caused the vehicles’ rear brake pads to wear prematurely, and that Honda did not tell its customers about this defect. Moreover, they didn’t even cover the repairs under warranty. Honda denied any such allegations and issued a recall for the affected models.

Since Accord and TSX both are front engine, front wheel drive vehicles, it is acceptable that brake wear will be most prevalent at the front end. Interestingly, the brake pad issues on these models were found on the rear wheels, which is where the controversy lies.
Judge Margaret M. Morrow finally brought an end to the dispute by approving the settlement, which provided cash reimbursements to all eligible customers worldwide towards purchasing Acura TSX Brake Pads as well as Honda Accord Brake Pads.

Even if your Acura or Honda models do not involve into any such braking trouble, always replace brake pads as a routinely scheduled maintenance, as they do wear with time.