Friday, December 24, 2010

Disposable Car Mats

Disposable mats are generally used by car manufacturers to keep a car fresh and tidy. These inexpensive covers are a must to maintain new cars until the date of sale and delivery to the customer. These mats are also used to protect freshly shampooed car carpets. They stay dry even if the carpet retains moisture from shampooing.

Car manufacturers can get these disposable car mats customized. The mats can be printed with the company logo and a personalized message to the customer. Some companies also have their contact address or telephone number printed on the mats. Used in this manner, it becomes a functional advertising tool.

Disposable floor protection mats are a great inexpensive way to keep vehicles clean. These are not generally used for regular usage by car owners. Certain occasions that incur a lot of usage may warrant the use of disposable car mats.

The use of disposable car mats protects cloth, vinyl, and leather car mats from dirty footwear, chemicals, and grease that can soil car mats. Disposable car mats can also be used if car mats are damp for any reason. They act as an insulator and ensure that the mats do not get further dirtied due to usage while wet.

Disposable car mats are manufactured using materials like specially processed paper, specially processed plastic or functional fabric. While the paper and plastic ones act as an insulator from moisture, those made with special fabric can absorb and encapsulate liquids at a significant rate. The advantage of fabric disposable mats is that they absorb moisture and also have a moisture-resistant barrier.

Such mats are used by car owners when they foresee heavy usage and the possibilities of spills and excess dust. Visits to the beach, drives through snow when footwear can bring in a lot of slush, etc., are occasions when the use of disposable car mats protects the regular car mats from damage.

Disposable car mats are made in such a manner that they stay securely adhered to the desired surface. This is very important if the car is exposed to spills, etc. These mats act as an excellent form of protection for the car's carpeting during bad weather, oil changes, etc.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Finding High Performance Car Parts

We all know that there are high performance car parts that will improve the performance of your engine such as turbos, superchargers, manifolds, NOS kits etc. The thing a lot of want-to-bee's don't understand however is every part of your car can be upgraded with high performance car parts to improve its performance. You can replace your stock rims and tires, a better exhaust can make a significant difference to your horsepower, new suspension will dramatically improve handling, and you can even fit new or reshaped body panels to improve the aerodynamics of your car and to improve its appearance.

There is a difference between High Performance Car Parts and After Market Parts

Many people think that after market parts and high performance car parts are the same thing, and they are dead wrong! By definition high performance car parts are after market parts; but not all after market parts are created equally - just because something looks right does not mean that it will do what you want it to. If you want your car to run faster, sound better have more grunt etc or even if you want to make improvements or changes to the body work you want to know that the parts you are using are going to last and perform properly in the long run.

If you buy just any after market part you may get the look you are after but not the quality, you won't know if that part is really up to the task. If you purchase high performance car parts you know they have been specifically designed for the task and that they will be able to cope with the demands you will put on them.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The 3m Clear Bra - A Full Review

The 3m clear bra is a fantastic invention for any car-lover who treats his prized possession like a true friend. A man's best friend in this day and age is not always the family dog. Sometimes a car can replace a great pet and nothing hurts more than noticing that first scratch or dent on your favorite automobile. However, traditional protective bras are not the most appealing option for car owners who feverishly want to guard their investments at all costs.

The trouble with the traditional protective covering is simply due to the fact that it literally covers the magnificent machine. No real car lover wants to hide his prized automobile under an ugly rubbery surface. It doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on the perfect finish only to cover it up with a protective layer. Unfortunately, many car owners had no other choice, either carelessly letting the car suffer with chips and scrapes or grumpily hiding the beautiful finish.

No more such dilemma. A car lover can now choose a 3m clear bra that protects the car by creating a transparent barrier between the car's finish and the natural destructive elements. The 3m clear bra is simply a protective film that is literally painted over the car's exterior. This product is commonly used on trucks, cars and vans of vehicle owners who cringe at the thought of a pebble getting near their priceless object.

Some may wonder if the product really works as well as the traditional protective cover. The 3m clear bra will protect the vehicle from chipping. The material was originally designed by the aviation industry to protect aircraft propellers from chipping. Certainly the material will be equally effective at preventing chipping on vehicles as well.

The 3m clear bra is perfect for protecting headlights as well. The protective layer is commonly applied to the front of the vehicle and on the lenses of the headlights. The winning point of this material is that it is virtually undetectable while working wonders. The original design of the vehicle is not altered in any way. The owner has the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the car is protected while having the luxury of enjoying his vehicle in its original state.

Another concern is the clarity degree of the 3m clear bra. How clear is it, really? The manufacturer of the product boasts that the material is virtually undetectable unless the vehicle is very white in color. The clear coat is slightly visible on a stark white car when very closely examined but it is not detectable from a normal distance. You will see a faint line where the 3m clear bra stops but that is definitely better than an ugly bug shield or paint chips.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

New Mazda Cars Launched In The Market

You would have been overwhelmed with the new cars which are available in the market if you have started to take a look at few of them. Other than American cars, you have Africa, Europe, Oceanic, South America and of course Asia that produces some of the most popular cars in the world. These cars include the beloved new Mazda! There are several different kinds of Mazda's available; it is going to be a hard choice to pick the best one for your requirements and lifestyle.

However, there are a couple of new Mazda cars you should be taking a look at if you'd like to purchase a new car or finance/lease one! First are the 2010 Mazda CX-7, 2010 Mazda CX-9, 2010 Mazda MAZDA3, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2010 Mazda RX-8 which is one of my favorites simply as it is a true sports car through and through! The new Mazda cars actually start at a pretty sweet price - around $15,000 and they go on up in price of course! You can even add on various components and accessories that would also up the price, but when you begin so low, it's nevertheless a really nice deal!

Rather than purchasing your new Mazda online or on a website like Craigslist or some other classified site, it is actually suggested to buy it from a Mazda dealer. When you purchase from a dealer you have many advantages which come along with the new Mazda. First off, when you purchase a Sydney Mazda you could be assured that this car would forever be taken care of as long as it is under warranty. This means that if you ever have any problems you could take it into the Mazda dealer or Mazda service to get it fixed. This is a lot better than taking it to a non-Mazda service center since you would be covered under your warranty.

If you do need to pay anything, it'll be much less expensive than if you have gone to a non Mazda dealer! Also, when you purchase a new car from Sydney Mazda you could really rest assured that it is a NEW Mazda and not a used one. It is never been driven off the lot, besides for a demo drive, and it has never been pre owned unless it's stated as so on the sticker. Finally, when you purchase from a Mazda dealer, you can even get the new Mazda for cheaper than you will get anywhere else. You can get financing choices or leasing alternatives instead of purchasing the car outright.

Bravo to you if you do have $15,000 to put on a car, but many individuals would instead have another monthly option available to them, and that's where the dealer comes into play! You simply would sign up for X amount of years for the car if you are leasing or financing it and pay the car payment once a month. The financing option is usually a better way to go as the price fluctuation ends up charging you less in the end. All the cars mentioned above can be financed at Sydney Mazda! Be sure you ask them about the Mazda service to make sure you are under warranty with the car you get and ask how long the Mazda service lasts for and what it covers!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

How to Install a Manual Boost Controller Without Blowing Up Your Engine

Prior to installing any manual boost controller, it is important to have already added a high flowing exhaust and an aftermarket air intake/ air filter. This will ensure the car is able to breath, and will allow the turbo to spool easier.

It is imperative to have installed an aftermarket boost gauge. Most stock boost gauges are not accurate, even at stock boost levels, and lose further accuracy once stock boost is increased. Without an aftermarket boost gauge you risk damage to the engine from overboosting.

How It Works:

The wastegate actuator determines your stock boost levels. The boost controller interrupts the pressure line that runs into the wastegate actuator, allowing you to increase boost over stock levels.

Step 1:

Find your wastegate actuator which is usually attached to the turbo, unless you are using an external wastegate. The wastegate actuator will have a vacuum line port that runs to a boost source. The boost source is usually either the turbo's compressor housing, the intercooler pipes, or the intake manifold. This vacuum line is where the manual boost controller will be installed. If there is a T fitting in the vacuum line between the boost source and the wastegate actuator, it will have a separate vacuum line that runs to the boost control solenoid. If you have the T fitting, remove the line that runs to the solenoid, but leave the solenoid plugged in.

The barb on the boost controller that connects to the wastegate actuator will have a small hole drilled into it. It is important to leave this hole open, and never switch the wastegate barb and the boost barb.

Boost controllers typically come with approximately 3 feet of vacuum line that you can cut into 2 pieces of desired lengths. The first piece will connect from the boost barb on the controller to your boost source. The second piece will connect from the wastegate barb on the controller to the wastegate vacuum port. Tip: if you have difficulty sliding the vacuum lines onto the barbs, use a little bit of oil to lube the barbs. Block off any open boost sources with vacuum caps and use cable ties to secure all vacuum line connections. We recommend using Premium Fuel with all turbo cars, especially once you have increased your stock boost.

Step 2:

Now that the boost controller is installed, it's time to test the car. We recommend leaving the adjustment knob exactly where it was when you received and installed your MBC when you begin testing. Turning the adjustment knob clockwise increases boost, turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise decreases boost. This step is very important to keep an eye on your boost gauge to make sure you do not overboost and cause any damage to your motor.

Drive your car in an isolated area where you will be able to stop and go several times without interfering with traffic. Slowly press the gas and watch your boost gauge climb. If the boost gauge does not hit your target, increase the boost. If the boost begins to exceed your target, decrease the boost. Repeat the steps as necessary. It typically takes between 5 to 10 adjustments to get the boost exactly on your target. We recommend starting by adjusting the boost knob in 1/2 turn increments, and as you get close to your target you may need to make smaller adjustments. Never adjust more than 1/2 a turn at a time.

Each car has a maximum safe boost level, depending on upgrades to the vehicle and the characteristics of the fuel system, specifically how much fuel your pump and injectors can provide. It is important to research and know what the maximum boost level your specific car can safely run.

This guide serves as a basic starting point for manual boost controller installation. If you have an external wastegate or twin turbo vehicle, the installation technique may vary slightly.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Mazda's Miata Starts Off Empire

Car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for an affordable sports car. Over the years, many companies have tried to fill that niche, with varying success. Indeed, it takes a brave and intelligent manufacturer to come up with an attractive, pleasurable and cost-conscious sports vehicle. Luckily, Mazda was able to do just that.

Plans for a unique open two-seater began around 1981. With a team based in both California and Japan, a design focused on a compact, streamlined, easy-to-handle, and overall unassuming sports car began to take shape. Around 1989, to the delight of millions worldwide, the Mazda Miata was born.

The very first Miata was extremely small in size and the complete effect was certainly remarkable. Take the wheelbase, which was just 89.2 inches and stretched to a total of 155.2 inches. The highly engineered steering combined with the smaller disk brakes worked like a charm. The interior amenities were minimal, but sufficient. The idea was to keep the design simple and clean-looking. The very early models did come enhanced with air conditioning and a good sound system. All in all, it was a durable sports car equipped with the necessities.

The car's light weight was a huge advantage when considering the engine options. Just over 2,000 pounds, the Mazda Miata did not need a big engine to produce the speed and excitement of a large sports car. At first, the Miata included a 1.6 liter, 116 horsepower engine and it revved from 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. Obviously, by today's standards this doesn't seem all that incredible, but at the time it was a notable achievement that guaranteed a good time.

Indeed, the popularity of the Mazda Miata extends across the globe. This is evidenced by an increasing number of Mazda Miata clubs in places like Sweden, England, and New Zealand. Come see what all the fuss is about for yourself.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Mazda Speed 6 - The Ultimate in Midsize Sedans Now Has Ultimate Body Parts at Partstrain

The Mazdaspeed 6 offers the optimal balance between performance and sophistication," said Weldon Munsey, vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The turbocharged engine, with its broad power band, excellent fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions levels, is unmatched in its class, while the sport-minded, luxurious cabin helps deliver a car driver will find hard to exit."

Mazda's own innovative technologies, including the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine with maximum output of an estimated 274 hp and all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive system, make the MazdaSpeed 6 the company's highest performance sedan and push the Mazda brand DNA element of spirited dynamic performance to its ultimate level.

With a 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive, the 2005 Mazda Speed 6 has power from the direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine channeled to an all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system for traction and handling in all conditions.

Exterior highlights include an aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille section, a five-point upper grille section that also serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler, the flared side skirts. It also includes the custom 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tires, the aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe and a highly effective yet compact rear lip spoiler.
The interior is spacious with high-quality interior materials for a lush finish, custom six-speed shift knob and semi-bucket sport-type front seats for excellent side support.

It packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine with direct fuel injection and some 274 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is mandatory. Also standard are a limited-slip differential, up rated suspension, 18-inch wheels, antilock brakes and antiskid/traction control. To match its performance persona, the MazdaSpeed gets its own front and rear fascias, plus special sport bucket seats and metal-look interior trim. Automatic climate control and 200-watt Bose CD stereo are also included in the package.

A new six-speed manual directs the engine's efforts to both axles via standard all-wheel drive with three torque-apportioning strategies: normal, sport, and snow. Standard equipment includes the 270-horse turbo engine, the manual transmission, and Mazda's new Active Torque-Split AWD system, which can send up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels.

The 2005 Mazda Speed 6 has direct injection to a turbo application. Injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber increases both fuel mixture loading efficiency and torque. As a result, the turbocharger delivers much of its 15.6 psi of boost from approximately 2500 rpm. The single-scroll turbocharger maintains exhaust temperature, allowing for reduced thermal capacity of the exhaust system, which, in turn, minimizes harmful emissions and allows the MAZDASPEED6 to meet both LEV-II state and Bin 5-A Federal regulations.

Whether you choose the muscular refinement of the MAZDA6 Sports Sedan, the well-executed mix of spaciousness and assertive style of the MAZDA6 5-Door, or the utility and sophistication of the MAZDA6 Sport Wagon, Partstrain gives you the finest Mazda Replacement and Performance Parts unmatched anywhere else.

Simply click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Mazda and choose from its extensive stock of Mazda body parts like fuel tanks, spoiler, radiator, electrical parts, engine parts, hood, hubcaps, condenser, bumper, catalytic converter, exhaust, fender, grille are available to you in great discounts and wholesale deals at Partstrain.

Its customer service staff available offers product excellence and customer satisfaction to enthusiasts around the world 24 hours a day.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Rumored - Saturn Sky Death Imminent

General Motors launched a set of sexy roadsters a few years back under the Saturn and Pontiac banners. The Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice along with the Opel GT and Daewoo G2X were developed to bring excitement to each brand, two-seat rear wheel drive sports models with a flair for styling.

Alas, the fortunes of the Saturn Sky and its siblings appears to be coming to a quick end. GM Inside News, an independent voice that analyzes the big automaker, is hinting that the Sky will be no more, exiting the scene in the very near future.

Let's take a look at the reasons why the Sky will likely be no more:

Too Expensive To Build - The Sky's Kappa II platform is too expensive to build. In fact, if reports are correct, the automaker is losing at least $10,000 on each vehicle sold. Never a significant seller, the Sky is an attractive and fun model, but trails the Mazda MX-5 Miata in most rankings.

GM Is Bleeding Cash - General Motors is bleeding through cash this year, at a rate much higher than they thought possible at the beginning of the year. With gas prices topping $4 per gallon, the automaker is scrambling to switch over to a fuel efficient fleet, trimming low performing and expensive inventory in the process.

High Gas Prices Have Changed Everything - In times past when GM could absorb the losses on the Sky, Solstice, GT, and G2X, lower gas prices kept demand for its profitable SUVs and big pickup trucks high. These bigger vehicles are the most profitable for GM and could offset the loss from selling the little roadsters. No more. With sales plummeting, GM has few golden models to rely upon to bolster its line up of loss leading, image roadsters.

Though the Sky isn't a pig on fuel, cash strapped consumers who can still afford a new car are going with much more fuel efficient and practical models. In heady economic times a roadster would sell, but these times are anything but that.

It is unfortunate to hear that the Sky, Solstice, GT, and G2X will be cut, but given the fortunes of General Motors, it seems to be a wise decision from a business point of view.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Checking Your Tires

Regular attention to the tires on your automobile will save you money, improve vehicle handling, and improve safety.

Tires should be rotated every second oil change; that is, tires should be moved to a different position on the car. This will ensure that the tires wear evenly and provide their maximum life.

Inspect the tread on your tires. They should be wearing evenly and not be too worn. If the tread is disappearing, or has worn away entirely, then the tires are unsafe to drive on as they may burst while driving. Visible threads are a sure indication that you need new tires. If the tread is wearing unevenly this may be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. Other indications are that the car pulls to one side or the other, or simply feels "squirly" on the road.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential to extending their longevity and saving you money. Under inflated tires increase road friction and therefore hurt your gas mileage. They also flex more than properly inflated tires and this makes them more likely to fail. Consult your owner's manual for proper tire pressures.

When shopping for new tires, keep in mind that cheap tires will affect your gas mileage and may not be as safe. Also be sure to get tires that are appropriate for your local weather conditions. The tires that originally came on the vehicle may not be the best for your area. Blowouts are dangerous, and looking after your tires will help insure the safety of you and your family.