Logging the data received from the dynamometer

On old-fashioned dynamometers, the operator or the observer had to manually record the simultaneous readings on paper. Nowadays, most dynamometers replace the observer’s notes with computerized devices that acquire and store the data. Because of the very loud noise generated by the dynamometer and the engine, a performance test is stressful to anyone who’s watching it. In these given conditions, it is very difficult to manually record all the data. A reliable computerized data acquisition system is considered to be indispensable today among engine builders and testers. Nowadays it is possible to buy recording, control, and playback capabilities in a palm sized package, that many years ago would have cost a lot more and would have had the size of a refrigerator. An appropriate computerized...

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Tips On Dealing With Auto Fraud

The auto industry and their dealers are rife with scams and fraud and the potential buyer needs to be armed with the knowledge of how these scams work and how to avoid them. There are many dealers that run reputable businesses and can get buyers into a vehicle without using fraudulent means, but there are always those individuals or companies that are looking for ways to take consumers for a ride. The state of California, San Diego and Los Angeles in southern California in particular, is home to many of these scam artists. Even smaller states like Oklahoma have their share of fraud cases and attorneys there are as busy as lawyers in the larger California market. If you are fortunate, you won't be a victim of one of these disreputable dealers, but it is wise to be aware of potential scams before...

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Press Release: Why SEO Experts Should Not Use Press Releases

Rumor has it that press releases are the next big thing in the SEO business, and many companies are spending top dollars trying to write the next big press release announcing the next big balloon breaking technology. But is this really the next big thing? By definition, a Press Release is a kind of news item released by the company on whom the news is being reported. As such, you will have to compete with all the other press releases and hope that your will get picked up. Why Will Your Press Release Be Trashed? 1) Unless you are writing a press release about Microsoft, Adobe, Sony or one of the other mega-companies, or at least about a company that is relatively well known, forget about it. Journalists and news editors receive thousands of press releases a day and there is no way that they...

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Why Donate Your Car To Charity?

If you have an old car in your garage (or backyard) and you don’t have a clue how to get rid of it, one way is to donate your car to a charity. You might think that your old car won’t matter at all and it’s a piece of junk, but your car can still be useful. You will be helping a lot of people, and at the same time gain something for yourself. Car donation is the best option to get rid of an unused car while giving you the chance to help yourself and others. Your charitable donation might mean a lot, without you even realizing it. You can get started by finding a charitable institution online. It is best to search for them online because it is the easiest, fastest way to get the information you need. While online, you can speak to a representative and they will explain the steps and procedures...

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Want To Donate A Car?

The internet has been such a blessing in so many ways to those that have taken the plunge and accepted the fact that it is the future and have jumped on board and started using it to their advantage such as people wanting to donate cars online. There are so many ways that it brings all of the necessary services that you normally would have to either take a personal day to take care of during the work day and/or drive across town or the country to accomplish without on the internet capabilities. So what are some of the advantage of online car donating? Well, for one thing there is the convenience of donating in your own home and ability to communicate easily with the charity that only comes with continuous connectivity that you get with the World Wide Web. But isn’t it too risky to make such...

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Tips On Buying Warranty For Used Cars

Used car buyers need to get their money’s worth as soon as their purchase has been confirmed. New or not, cars should have warranties. It is a right, not a privilege. The following are tips to better your chances of getting the best warranty for your money. Know what you are buying Some people who avail themselves of auto warranty coverage usually have a notion that they are purchasing a special shield that protects their vehicle from unnecessary wear and tear. Though this is true, this idea is primarily bound to a contract that the buyer should read prior to signing anything. There are instances when consumers buy a used car then expect the warranty company to get their cars back in shape for them. Buyers then unnecessarily file a complaint and get angry once their request is denied simply...

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Pros And Cons Of Used Car Classifieds

There are several options to buy used cars. Although choosing between these options would depend on your priority and preference, you have the benefit of sorting all the listings in classified ads. The majority of the used-car dealers provide their list of sales in classifieds. With so many options, how would you determine whose terms could provide you with the appropriate used car of your choice? Here is a list of second-hand car buying and selling options, and each of its pros and cons. 1) Dealers: They provide you with a guarantee of title and the best legal protection. They offer a broad selection of cars and most offer less expensive and older model cars. On the other hand, trade-ins could not provide the best price for your old car and purchasing of used-cars could be risky since...

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You Can Custom Fit Your Vehicle

Part of the fun of owning a car is giving it your own look. Sure, some cars come fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, but they lack one thing: your personal touch. Starting back in the 1950s when customizing cars really took off, enthusiasts have been modifying their cars to suit their own purposes. Let’s take a look at some ways you can make your car a real stand out. Under the Hood: The most obvious customizing for your engine compartment is a cold air intake, designed to increase power to the engine. A cold air intake changes the appearance of your car’s engine bay with custom colors such as rad red, silver, chrome, powder coated blue, and more. On the Hood: Hood protectors, also known as car bras, will give your car a bold, aggressive, and cool look. Other ideas include installing...

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Online Scams: How To Avoid Getting Fooled

Beware of the three ways of getting fooled into giving up your money through seemingly innocent money-making schemes. Scams are all around us and it can be found in every single area of life, but more so in such areas where the risk is greater such as when dealing with credit cards, bank accounts and other activities which involve sending or receiving money online. The Bank/Credit Card Email Scam: If you get an email asking you to sign up to your bank account or credit card through the email because your privacy is under danger or just to receive a free gift or something: BEWARE! Do not sign up through the internet address provided in the email. If the email does make you anxious, go to the bank or credit card site using the address you know already or through searching the search engines....

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You Can Save Money On Car Expenses

Gas prices remain at historically high levels and the long term trend is indicating that they will stay high. If you own one or more cars, you understand that saving cash somewhere, somehow is important to helping you preserve your budget. The following are some important tips to help you manage your car expenses. Look over your insurance. If your car is between two and three thousand dollars, consider canceling your collision coverage. The money you save could then be set aside by you toward a down payment on your next vehicle. Keep your tires suitably inflated. Your gas mileage will fall if your tires are under inflated. Keep your tires at the suggested pressure amounts and your gas mileage should stay stable. Do not change your oil too often. Unless you drive entirely in the city you...

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Mercedes-Benz® parts in the Aftermarket

Traditionally, finding a source for OEM and aftermarket Mercedes parts meant having to live in or close to a large city like Los Angeles, and flipping through the phonebook to find a licensed Mercedes parts dealer. However, the power of the internet allows for the luxury of finding Mercedes parts and accessories from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are shopping for Mercedes accessories to upgrade your interior or exterior, or repair parts to replace your Mercedes wheels or those squeaky brakes, finding your parts is no longer like pulling teeth! Online Mercedes parts distributors tend to carry an impressive line of quality manufacturers, including Genuine Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, MP Design, Bilstein, GAP, Schatz, and H&R to name a few, so finding quality Mercedes accessories...

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The Difference Between AC And DC Electric Motors.

There are two main types of electric motors. There are direct current or DC and alternating current or AC motors. The reference of DC or AC refers to how the electrical current is transferred through and from the motor. Both types of motors have different functions and uses. Dc motors come in two general types. They can have brushes or be brushless. AC motors, as well, come in two different types. They can be two phase or three phase. The differences in DC and AC motors are sometimes subtle, but these differences are what make one types better for a certain use. Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed needs to be controlled. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and earliest motors used. They were found, however, to not be as...

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The Ins And Outs Of Auto Insurance

Bodily Injury Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Property Injury Liability. Do you know what these terms mean? If you are currently paying for any type of auto insurance, then these are some terms you should know to maximize the benefits of your plan(s). Bodily Injury Liability. If you were at fault in an accident and others involved needed to go to the hospital and/or lost wages from missing work, those costs would come out of your pocket if you are not insured with Bodily Injury Liability. Anyone will soon realize how quickly those amounts can add up to. Many states require you to carry Bodily Injury Liability. This type of coverage can also help you in the event the other party takes legal action against you. Collision Coverage. In the event you need repairs or replacements if your...

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Stay On the Road To Safety In All Conditions

Sometimes, whether or not you're a good driver is less important than the weather you're driving in. Of the nearly 6.2 million traffic accidents that occur a year, approximately one million are weather-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fortunately, newer vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated technology solutions to help drivers navigate through a variety of weather conditions safely. Before you get caught in the next storm or even rain shower, take time to think through the poor weather conditions you may encounter and what you need to do to stay safe. • Take a Brake: If you've ever had your brakes lock up on slippery surfaces, you know why to look for vehicles with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). With this technology, drivers can...

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Volkswagen Parts: Getting the Real Deal

The growth of the counterfeits parts industry is causing problems for motorists, suppliers, manufacturers, and governments from around the world. Just how bad is the problem? For starters, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit car parts is a multi billion dollar per year business. Car owners from the Kia to the Camaro and from the Geo to the Golf, and every make and model in between are all susceptible to getting hooked with fake parts. This doesn’t have to happen and I am going to share with you how you can avoid being deceived by purveyors of bogus car parts. Read the labels. Fake parts purveyors are getting very crafty in copying logos and other important information off of product boxes. Check for typographical errors or odd sounding language on the boxes. Most counterfeiters...

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Tips For Dealing With Auto Detailing Shops

Communication is the key to a successful result when dealing with auto detailing shops. The first, and most important, aspect is for the car owner to be prepared to explain their wishes in detail. It may be helpful to have an idea or photo of the auto detailing that they wish to incorporate into their automobile. The artists at the auto detailing shop will be able to better understand the owner’s idea and wishes if they are able to clearly relay that through a series of communications and/or photos. For instance, if you want stripes applied, be prepared to explain the color and design. Even if you have to sketch an image or look through an auto detailing guide to get the perfect design, this will be very important in making sure that you are pleased with the finished product. While explaining...

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Racing Fans "Clean Up" When It Comes To Tailgating

It's time for families to pack up and head over to stadiums, ball fields or racetracks across the country-that's right, it's tailgating season. With NASCAR races in full throttle, fans are shifting into gear for traditional pre- and postrace get-togethers. And everyone knows that racing fans are some of the best and most dedicated tailgaters in the country. The key to a successful tailgate is not just the fans and a smorgasbord of food, it is the preparation and planning made ahead of time -which is why racing tailgates are often the most successful. Not only do race fans know how to prepare a tailgate-they are also prepared for the all-important cleanup after the checkered flag comes down. Jeff Gordon, NASCAR driver and four-time Nextel Cup Champion, sees many tailgaters first-hand on...

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What You Should Know About Gas-Electric Hybrid Vehicles

As gas prices continue to rise to unprecedented heights with future increases on the horizon (projected prices for the summer of 2006 are as much as $1.50 per liter, or $6 per gallon) more and more people are considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle. It is important to understand what a hybrid car is, what types are available, and the benefits of purchasing a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses a combination of at least two different fuel sources for its propulsion. Although many combinations are possible, generally when people are talking about hybrid cars, they are referring to cars with a combination of a gasoline internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a battery that powers the electric motor and stores energy for future use. Hybrid cars may also be called gas-electric...

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Viajar por placer

El periodo de viajar en avión no es la experiencia que mas disfrute. Cargar con la valija, pagar el pasaje, la sensación de encierro en el avión entre otras son los negativos de viajar. Sin embargo llegar al lugar de destino es tal recompensa que lo mencionado anteriormente deja de ser relevante. La posibilidad de conocer nuevos horizontes es siempre un lujo que no todos pueden utilizar. Es sin duda una de mis actividades favoritas, sino la más favorita. Poder conocer otras culturas, nuevas comidas, idiomas, paisajes, negocios, restaurantes, en fin, viajar es para mi muy enriquecedor. Si decides viajar solo, verdaderamente tiene sus ventajas. Permanentemente tienes la posibilidad de conocer alguien interesante en el avión, charlar con el pasajero a tu lado, o tropezarte con algún amigo...

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Tips on choosing appropriate dynamometers

In order to set up a drag car or bike for peak performance, using loads of boost / nitrous or other modifications, the best thing to have is a suitable inertial chassis dynamometer. It needs to have big diameter clean drums, with a very good grip. Dual rollers are not appropriate in this case, so don’t use them! The dynamometer should have powerful fans and airflow and an experienced operator. A braked system is simply unsuitable for an application like this. The dyno itself, along with plug readings, and experience would be the best way to set the car / bike up. Gas analyzers are useless in these situations. If your aim is to set up a stock or mildly tuned cars / bikes fuel injection system, or set up a carburetor systems jetting or ignition properly, you should find a decent braked...

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Road Rage Study May Help You Drive Safer

Road rage has become a way of life, both on and off the track. And more and more, in cities across America, people are acting out their frustrations on our roadways with dangerous results. It's bad for professional and everyday drivers alike. In a new study sponsored by the Affinion Group and its AutoVantage automobile membership club, drivers from 20 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. were surveyed to learn more about consumer views on road rage. "This new study focuses on important attitudes and habits of drivers on the open road nationwide," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "This groundbreaking research is an important tool to help educate and influence safer driving habits throughout the United States." The study showed the cities with the worst road rage were...

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The Automatic Champion

“Babe” Didrickson Zaharias was a phenomenal athlete. This Texan ran, jumped, rode horses, and played basketball and baseball—with tremendous flair. In the Olympic tryouts in 1932, she won five first places in track and field events. In the games of that year in Los Angeles, she won a gold medal in the women’s 80 meter hurdles, a gold medal in the javelin throw, and a silver medal in the high jump. After the Olympics, Zaharias turned to golf. Although she started from scratch, she won the National Women’s Amateur and the British Women’s Amateur. The press hailed her as a “natural athlete.” They often referred to as an “automatic champion.” But the real story behind Zaharias fairy-tale success was her painstaking diligence. Her success came from studied repetition. In every sport she undertook,...

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Tire Maintenance Critical To Keep Your Car Rolling Smoothly

By properly maintaining your tires, you could potentially be avoiding uneven wear, poor performance and possibly even a blowout. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire failures or blowouts are believed to contribute to over 400 deaths and 10,000 injuries in the United States every year. Even with those figures being made public, the surprising factor is that statistics have shown some drivers still fail to follow the basic tire maintenance guidelines that could help to prevent such occurrences. In addition to overloading, under-inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure. Simply put, this means putting too much air or not enough into the tires. Either of these can cause stress and excessive heat, which can lead to tire problems and may even...

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Tech Tips For Summertime Road Trips

As people start to plan their vacations, many are choosing to hit the highway rather than travel by plane. But as many experienced travelers could tell you, a great road trip is often made before you leave-by making sure you have the right items to ensure a more entertaining and enjoyable vacation. You have a map. You packed your snacks. But have you thought about the tech gear you might need for the road? Read on. Satellite Radio Anyone who's taken a road trip knows the frustration of fumbling with the radio tuner and finding nothing but static between cities. With satellite radio, travelers can enjoy crystal-clear, commercial-free music wherever they go. SIRIUS satellite radio, for example, offers 120 channels of music, sports and entertainment and several different receiver options for...

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Mopeds

Mopeds are good to have in the city because you can easily get around without paying the gas prices that you would with a car. They are also nicer than a motorcycle because they are safer since you have more stability with a moped than a motorcycle. Mopeds have started to get away from that geek look and have become a popular form of transportation. You don’t have to live in the city to understand the uniqueness of a moped. They are also great to have on a college campus because you can go into areas that you can’t go by motorbike or car. Mopeds are interesting because they have a unique shape. It doesn’t look like a bike, like a motorcycle does, but it has it’s own defined shape. They are great to have also for prices. They cost less than most bikes and pretty much all cars. ...

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Va. Company Puts E85 Ethanol in Your Gas Tank

Ethanol is the word of the day in Saluda, Va. This small and quiet fishing community is home of XcelPlus International Inc., the company that makes the FlexTek, a small black box that makes it possible to burn E85 ethanol in an existing car or truck. Ethanol fuel stations, commonplace in Brazil where the FlexTek was designed, are popping up all across the United States. Small mom-and-pop fuel station owners and large suppliers are opting to replace their mid-grade gasoline with E85. The appeal of the fuel in the U.S. stems from a desire to move away from dependence on the Middle East as well as the fuel's inherently clean burning characteristics. Until recently, the renewable fuel was useful only to those owning a factory-built flex-fuel vehicle. However, these vehicles are few in number,...

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Trucking Safety: “S” is for the Safe Driver

Have you ever wondered why some drivers seem to be accident prone and others have never caused an accident? Would you like to know you're getting safe drivers before you hire them? Safety research shows you can determine driver applicants' probability of causing future accidents by determining their behavioral style and attitudes. (Source: Behavioral and Values Associates, 1993.) A behavioral assessment measures a person's normal behavior in four areas: D (Dominant), I (Influencing), S (Steadiness), and C (Cautious, Compliant to Standards). The D factor determines how drivers tend to handle problems and challenges, the I factor looks at their interactions and influence with others, the S at how they respond to the pace of the environment, and the C at how they respond to company and...

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Simple Ways To Avoid A Car Accident

Everyone who is a driver should be concerned with learning ways to drive safer and to avoid getting in a car accident. There is no reason why drivers shouldn't be cautious and aware of the possibilities for danger that come with being on the road. There are many simple ways to avoid a car accident when you are on the road. One of the most important steps to take in avoiding a car accident is to pay attention to driving! I see and hear about far too many drivers who are attempting to do multiple things at one time. For example, I saw a lady driving yesturday who was also in the middle of putting her makeup on. There is no way that she was fully aware of what she was doing or of the potential danger she was to everyone else on the road. People can get distracted from driving by a variety of...

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Your Auto Warranty: What To Look For

When deciding which car to buy, make sure you check the auto warranty that comes with the vehicle. In this article we will help you sort through all the auto warranty-related issues. After all, not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty. It's important to understand the different parts of an auto warranty as it is good to know the difference between a new car warranty and an extended auto warranty. A typical new car warranty has two parts: the "bumper to bumper" warranty, which covers everything except the "wear" items...

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Used Cars At Cheap Prices

Buying a car is a huge investment. Whether a brand new or a second hand car, you still have to shell out a tidy sum to hopefully get the car that meets your specifications. Second hand cars can be purchased by going to the local dealer, looking at the classified ads or checking out the various websites that allow a person to search and buy a car online. There are two reasons why used cars are cheaper. The first is that cars once purchased and driven off a lot immediately depreciate. Annually, these cars lose about 20% in value making it easy for you to buy a second hand car almost at half the original price. Another reason is that it is hard to buy a car and pay the full payment up front. By acquiring the services of a financial institution such as a bank, a person can pay off the loan...

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The good, the bad, and the ugly about luxury cars

If a $20,000 car is what you got, then a $30,000 car would be better and a $40,000 car ideal, right? The answer to that is the one you all know and love: it depends. The Good Let’s start with the obvious: you’re movin on up and letting the world know it, whether or not it’s true. That means more respect, better valet treatment, more dates. Luckily, in most cases there’s some truth to back up the image. Despite the increasing availability of features on lower-end cars these days, luxury cars still live up to their name by offering materials that look and feel better (i.e. real wood in the dash, real aluminum instead of painted plastic), soft leather (instead of hard leather, or leather mixed with vinyl), better sound insulation – all standard. Luxury cars are also held to a higher standard...

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