Posted on 4/20/2017
Today we end our three part series on Part 3, "How Diesel Engines Work" with this final video that covers the valve timing diagram of a diesel engine. Missed the first two parts? Simply check the posts for the last two weeks
Posted on 4/20/2017
Last week we talked about things to avoid doing when driving a vehicle with and automatic transmission. This week we're going to focus on the same question but pertaining to cars with manual transmissions. Do you have any of these five bad stick shift driving habits? Is it okay to rest your hand on the gearshift? Should you put the car in neutral when you come to a stop? How can you prevent rolling back on a hill? How do you drive a manual on a steep hill? How to hill start. Is it okay to floor it at low engine RPM? Is it okay to rest your foot on the clutch pedal? Check out the video below for the answers: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_cbZlhduYJY?list=PL7B5B6479699EB204&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Posted on 4/20/2017
Last week we talked about the making of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, one of the world's spectacular super luxury automobiles. So, why not one more? We can dream, can't we? :) Today we're going to look at the Bugatti Veyron. With its 16-cylinder four-wheel drive, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 may well be the most sophisticated production vehicle of all times. Here's the story of this exotic super car and how it's made
Posted on 4/20/2017
Today we take a look at the upcoming 2015 Corvette Z06 and hear from the folks responsible for its development. With its new 625hp 6.2 liter supercharged engine and aero package developed from their racing program, the Z06 has surpassed the former ZR1's lap times. This is the fastest Corvette ever produced, and it does 0-60 in 2.95 seconds! Quarter mile time: 10.95 seconds at 127 mph That's with the available Z07 package, which includes the max-downforce aero kit, Brembo carbon-ceramics, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The starting price for the Corvette Z06 coupe is $78,995. The convertible Z06 starts at $83,995. Available: Second quarter of
Posted on 4/20/2017
All month long we've been talking about maintaining your current vehicle or preparing to safely purchase a good used car. Something you may take for granted is the safety featured of the car you're considering. Or maybe it's time to take stock of how safe your current vehicle is for you and your family. When choosing a car to buy you might want to be sure it offers modern safety features. Car safety features are getting more sophisticated and technologically advanced every day. Wich five safety features have had the biggest impact? #5: Lights Lights on automobiles have always been critical to driving safely. Brake lights, turn signals and headlights should be checked frequently to make sure they're operational at all times. And in case you didn't notice, turn signals only work if you use them! Another type of lighting used today is daytime running lights, which significantly increase the visibility of a vehicle in daylight and are a low-cost device that helps reduc ... read more
Posted on 4/20/2017
Chances are you've heard about diesel-powered vehicles, other than the big rigs, the 18-wheelers. They come in many shapes and sizes from compact cars to higher end Mercedes. In this short video series we hope to help you learn more about how a diesel functions and how it's different from a traditional gasoline engine. Enjoy Part 1 of "How Diesel Engines Work"
Posted on 4/20/2017
Automotive safety is always a serious concern for all responsible drivers. Lives are literally on the line. With the advancement in automotive technology, manufacturers have attained faster speed, but the main challenge is still safety. Although most manufacturers have put various safety measures in place, accidents continue to occur. Although most vehicles come with major car safety features such as seatbelts, a lot of drivers don't use them. Most states take the issue of car safety very seriously, and drivers are required to put all safety measures in place or get fined by law enforcement. Thank heavens for passive safety devices like airbags and crush zones that absorb dangerous crash energy. Maintenance: Although automotive reliability has improved a lot over the past several years, it's always important to check your car regularly. There are a few things every driver should do at least once a month to improve ... read more
Posted on 4/20/2017
General Motors was formed from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company. After a dispute between Henry Ford and his investors, Ford left the company along with several of his key partners in March 1902. Ford's financial backer William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen, called in engineer Henry M. Leland of Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company to appraise the plant and equipment in preparation for a liquidation of the company's assets. Instead of offering an appraisal, Leland persuaded Murphy and Bowen to continue manufacturing automobiles using Leland's proven single-cylinder engine. A new company called the Cadillac Automobile Company was established on 22 August 1902. The company was named after French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, who founded Detroit in 1701. General Motors purchased the company in 1909. Cadillac had laid the foundation for the modern mass production of automobiles by demonstrating the complete interchangeability of its precision pa ... read more
Posted on 4/20/2017
It's car cleaning day, and everything seemed well and good until you decided to vacuum out your car. While it's possible to vacuum out your car with your household vacuum, the adventure and obstacles you'll encounter will ensure nightmares to come for weeks. There is, however, a better option; purchasing a specialized car vacuum cleaner or even a cordless vacuum cleaner. Both have benefits as well as drawbacks. Your budget and particular needs will inspire your purchase decision. Car Vacuum Considerations Style No, we're not referring to how your vacuum cleaner looks. Come to think of it, I don't think any vacuum cleaner will win a beauty contest anytime soon, but when we talk about style, we're referring to the two broad categories of vacuum cleaners. They are: Cordless Vacuum Cleaners and Specialized Auto Vacuums Let's discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of each, beginning with cordless vacuums. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Pros: - Cordless, so ... read more
Posted on 4/20/2017
Steering is one of the things we take for granted in our vehicles. So, what are some of the things you should know about taking better care of your steering system? I like to think of steering in two areas. First, the power assist, and second, the actual parts that steer the vehicle. I'll bet most people under forty have never driven a car or truck without power steering. Most vehicles today have a hydraulic power steering pump that provides boost to help you steer. The pump is usually driven by the serpentine belt, but some newer vehicles have an electric pump. The important thing to keep in mind is these pumps and motors will eventually wear out, and the hoses will start to leak. We can postpone that day by having the power steering serviced from time to time. During this service we drain the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. This removes water and contaminants that can corrode power steering parts. Ask your Elite Service Advisor for your particular recommended change in ... read more