Sunday, November 25, 2012

How Self-Braking Safety Features Work | Automotive Parts Suppliers

The self-braking features of some cars today like Lexus, BMW, and Audi brands are the latest innovation in automotive technology.  Some of the less expensive brands have also started to apply this novelty to their vehicles. The new system makes use of special sensors that makes a car aware of its surroundings, which could come in the form of radars, lasers, cameras or GPS.  Before, only a few can afford to buy these vehicles due to its higher price tag.  But costs have now lessened thanks to the new camera-based systems.

Self-Braking Safety FeatureAvoidance Technology, as it is called, uses an existing system that includes parking sensors and blind-spot warnings which detects people and objects all around the vehicle. When the vehicle comes dangerously close to an object, the device will stop the car automatically. This safety feature will be very helpful when it comes to avoiding car accidents. Those who live in urban areas, where running cars are overflowing, can really benefit from this innovation. Sleepy drivers will have peace of mind with the knowledge that the brakes will automatically stop the car when they fail to respond to certain traffic regulations and signs.  It will also be very convenient for long drives in unfamiliar places at night.

How to Detect a Leaking Coolant Hose | Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation

Proper Car MaintenanceOne of the worst things that can occur on the road is the need to pull over because of car overheat. Smoke puffs out of your car engine, causing much of a hassle for you and other drivers in the middle of the road. When this happens, you know that there is something wrong with your car’s cooling system that caused the engine to run warmer than it should. Here we discuss some ways on how to check for leaks on your car’s coolant hose to prevent experiencing troubles in the car’s cooling system.

1) Check the radiators

When your car is at a halt, check under your vehicle and look if there is any wetness or dripping liquid on the ground under your vehicle’s hood. If there is, then this is one sign of the problem. Mostly because of vibration, radiators develop leaks around the hose connections, putting the coolant hose susceptible to internal corrosion. Old coolants damage the metal in the radiator, causing leakage. Find where the car engine’s coolant reservoir is located. If you’re unsure, read the vehicle’s manual or better yet, consult with your car technician. The coolant is usually colored red, green, blue, rust, orange, or yellow, depending on the type of antifreeze in the system.

Monday, November 19, 2012

When to Use a Muffler Heat Shield | Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation

A muffler radiates heat due to the exhaust gases of internal combustion in the engine. This heat can cause extreme injury not only to the engine, but also to other crucial car parts. And because a damaged car can lead to serious harm to the driver, passengers, and pedestrians, using a heat shield is a primary safety requirement.

Muffler Heat Shield

Heat shields are placed between the muffler and the fuel tank to protect the fuel tank from the heat coming out of the exhaust pipes.  Though especially designed to continuously withstand high temperatures, heat shields wear out after a period of time, which establishes a need for a replacement.  Muffler heat shields should be used during long distance driving because the exhaust system of a car increasingly generates heat for as long as a car is running.

The mufflers of today are either reflective or absorptive. Reflective mufflers run generally hotter than the absorptive ones, so heat shields are an absolute must if your car has this kind of muffler.  More than half of today’s mufflers are absorptive types, and it’s a good thing that the reflective mufflers that abound the market are already equipped with heat shields.

When to Change your Shock Absorber | Automotive Parts Suppliers

So you have a car you call your baby. To get it protected, you buy tons of classy car accessories and ensure that everything is working fine every time you sit behind the steering wheel. For comfort, you fill your car with nice seat covers, while as for safety, well-prepared airbags and tight seat belts are equipped. But when the road is hard and bumpy, the real thing that is responsible for keeping you safe are the shock absorbers.

Shock Absorbers

Part of your car’s suspension, the shock absorbers help, you’ve guessed it, absorb shocks, that result in a smooth and comfy ride. Of course, as with anything, they are not resistant to the custom wear and tear after a long time’s use. In this article, we will tackle about four factors on how to know when it’s time to replace your shock absorbers.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

When to Run a Compression Test for your Car | Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation

An engine is a “self-powered air pump”, and its quality is one of the determining factors in the overall performance of every vehicle. Because many of its components are complex, such as the cylinders, piston rings, and pistons, a busted engine would usually require the expertise of a trusted and competent automotive shop. This is one of those times where a knowledgeable driver would consider a compression test, but how can one be sure on when exactly to run such a test? Below I have listed a few symptoms that would indicate the need for you to run a compression test for your car.

Compression Test

Indications of a bad exhaust valve include misfiring at low engine speed, no compression on cylinders, irregular exhaustion of black smoke from the exhaust pipe, excessive oil consumption, compression leaks, valve train noise, and total valve failure.  If you experience any of the malfunctions, consider running a compression test for your car as soon as possible; ignoring these problems could lead to worse engine damage. Once the compression test is finished, overhaul the cylinders (if there are any) as exhaust valves play an important role in the car’s engine system.  Every driver should consider the possibility of a faulty exhaust valve after every compression test.

Are Chrome Treated Rims Worth it? | Automotive Parts Suppliers

Rims, in all its various designs, can improve the visual appeal of your car. But aside from aesthetic purposes, they can also provide better traction and steering.  Chrome rims are preferred by many vehicle owners because they are awesome to look and are popular amongst car shows.  They attract admiring glances from those who know its worth.  Though chrome is applied to car rims primarily to prevent the presence of rust, it is now also designed to enhance a car’s appearance and can be suited for the owner’s preference.

Chrome Treated RimsThe rims are constructed with chrome mirror finish to make it shine in the presence of light.  Car enthusiasts really find this attractive and appealing, although it must be said that it comes with a hefty price tag.  With all the good that chrome rims can do to a car, who would not be tempted to seek its presence on one’s car wheels?

Pros and Cons of Using Octane Boosters | Automotive Parts Suppliers

Fuel is a requisite in the fundamental function of every automobile. That’s a given. But what can drivers do to take this basic action of transportation to a higher level?  What can car owners turn to that would enhance the overall performance of their beloved vehicles? If you paid attention to the title of this article, then I’m sure that you already know the answer. So there. Octane Boosters.

Fuel EconomyThe fuel used for car engines is composed mostly of Octane, which gives a measurement of how slow or fast petrol burns. A high octane level is most preferred for more efficient fuel burning, resulting to lesser gas consumption.  If you increase the compression ratio of a high octane level fuel, the horsepower of a car engine also increases.  The problem of pre-ignition must be considered because of too much compression can cause damage to the engine.  Octane Boosters help minimize this problem by lessening the emissions, which would eventually drive away the carbon build-ups that are lodged inside the engine.