festinalente-franiam

festinalente-franiam......

Eliminate Bad Odors From My Car

Sometimes we may have the great opportunity to get the perfect car from, unfortunately, a chain smoker or a person not too concerned with the smell of their vehicle while they owned it. Other times it may be the simple mistake of spilling milk or leaving perishable groceries in the car that spoil and leave their rotten odor. The following methods should open the door for a way to rid yourself of these odors now and going forward.

1.Keep in mind this step can be done while completing step 2. Generously sprinkle baking soda throughout the vehicle on the floor (seats if cloth and not planning to sit or have anyone sit on them while treating). A day or two for starters then vacuum. You might have to work to get it all up depending on the type of fabric, but it will come up and/or work itself in with some brushing if needed. This step should also be tested on a smaller, somewhat hidden area within the vehicle to provide an idea of the work involved to remove.

2. A step that can be carried out during the first step is heating up (no need for boiling temp, but at least steaming) about 2 cups of apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar in the microwave or on the stove (enough for two small Tupperware containers or whatever kind of containers you have around) with just a couple small pieces of orange peels in it. Put one in the back and one in front on the floor overnight and I don't recommend driving while they're in the car.

3.It would help even more if you had two sets of keys and could allow the locked car to run for about an hour with the air on hot and set to "circulate" Vs "fresh from outside" while you do the vinegar step (not in closed garage of course). The smell of vinegar is overwhelming, but will kill odor and dissipate after a very short while. I also use the steaming vinegar in the kitchen while frying fish and other strong odored foods.

These methods will make a big impact the first time, but multiple treatments mixed with Fe-breeze here and there, some window-down-ac-running while driving, and some quality hanging air fresheners will be sure to work in a few days or less depending on the severity of smell. Please keep in mind you're trying these methods at your own risk, but I can also advise I have yet to see these steps fail in removing any foul odors over time.

Tips To Use A Car Pressure Wash System

Do you require a car pressure washer for cleaning a vehicle? Well, the answer varies from person to person. There are people who actually use a garden hose to clean the vehicles. Some others do not even use a garden hose. Armed with a towel and a bucketful of water, they put their hands to good effect to wipe out every bit of dirt and dust from the vehicle.

So, why does one need a car pressure washer? The answer lies in the time factor and in the quality of cleaning. The above-mentioned methods consume a lot of time, not to mention the physical effort behind the job. Even if you do a great work of cleaning, it is almost impossible to clean the entire vehicle. For instance, how can you clean the engine parts with a garden hose?

The quality and time factors necessitate the use of a car pressure washer. Still, a cleaning worker has to remember two things. First, not all types of machines are suitable for cleaning vehicles. Second, a pressure cleaner is not a simple, modestly-powered machine. Its powerful output can cause many damages, if proper care is not taken.

The following are some useful tips to use car pressure washer machines.

Keep distance
A pressure washing machine is a powerful cleaning piece of equipment. The best pressure washer for vehicle cleaning would be the one with an output pressure level not exceeding 1500 psi.

You should not stand too close to the vehicle. The output of the car pressure washer may get deflected to the cleaning worker's body. Keeping a respectable distance while using an auto detailing equipment is safe for both the vehicle and the cleaning worker.

Beware of the quality of paint
It has to be kept in mind that not every vehicle has the same quality of paint. If the vehicle has a poor paint quality, then it should be subjected to low pressure levels. The best pressure washer is the one with pressure levels not more than 1500 psi.

If you cannot reduce the pressure of the auto detailing equipment, the best option would be to stand even further from the vehicle. Certain things about vehicle cleaning will only be learned through experience.

Start from top
When using mobile car pressure wash systems, it is better to start cleaning from the top and gradually move to the bottom parts. Otherwise, you will be forced to clean the cleaned surfaces again and again.

Do not use ladders
When using power washers as mobile auto detailing machines, you should never stand on a ladder for cleaning the top parts of vehicles. As mentioned before, pressure wash machines are very powerful. The reaction when the output hits the vehicle surface might push you backward. If the person is on a ladder, there is every possibility of a fall.

Self safety
It is advisable to take every safety measure while using portable car wash equipment. The full-power output from a portable car wash power washer can easily tear off the skin and cause injuries to a person. Moreover, the high steam temperatures of up to 250°F should also be kept in mind while operating the machine. Clean your vehicles safely, or hire a professional.

4 Things You Should Look for Before Buying Used Tires

If you can afford new tires, they are the way to go. However, when you consider today's waning economy, it is not really surprising that second-hand wheels have become popular and a great way to cut down on expenses.

New wheels are high-priced and are not really attractive for buyers who are short of money. However, when you choose to buy used tires you need to be very careful, you could be buying misfortune on wheels. If you want to purchase used wheels, never buy them online. Ensure you always check these used tires out in person. Here are 4 things to always look for when you want to buy:

Examine for Thread

The basic thread for tires is 2/32. You can gauge wheel depth by using a penny. If the coin is totally covered by the tread, this means there is enough wear. Many buyers settle for used wheels with at least 6/32 in order to get a bang for their buck before replacing.

You can also check uneven tire wear by simply running your hand all over it and looking for rises and dips. When the tire seems flatter on one side than the other, the wear is uneven and you should not buy.

Look for Patches

Inspect second hand tires for patches and scalloping. These things and other similar issues reduce the life span of the tire and increase your chances of an accident because they can easily go burst when you are in full motion. Make sure you also check the inside of the tires for any wear and tear conditions.

Balancing & Alignment

It is not enough for you to just pick up tires and zoom away. If those tires cannot be aligned or balanced properly, you just threw away your hard-earned cash. The tires are prone to wear and tear. You will definitely be back to make another purchase probably in weeks.

Make sure you get the needed tire adjustments and understand the necessary tire rotation required to get the most out of your acquisition.

Look for the Numbers

Another thing to look for when you buy a used tire is 3 sets of numbers and letters by the side of the tire. If you have any hassles locating these numbers, tell the retailer to point them out to you.

The 1st number shows the width of the tire. The 2nd number represents the profile of the tire and the 3rd number shows the rim size. You can compare them with your previous tires to ensure safety and that you are buying something similar.

When you purchase used tires, remember that paying less does not always mean you are getting a good deal. They are not new tires. So you need to keep your eyes peeled and buy tires in great condition. The used tires you settle for need to go well with your vehicle and safeguard the lives of you and your family.

3 Tested Tips If You Are Looking for Used Tires for Sale

In this slow economy, many car owners are urgently looking for good deals for their vehicles and this includes tires. If you are looking to change your tires, you can do so without having to buy new ones. Some people are of the opinion that used tires are worthless and always in terrible condition. This is not necessarily true, what it means is just that you should be extra careful before making a purchase that's all.

You can save good money if you want used tires for sale. But be sure that you make the right choice. The fact that you opt for second hand tires does not mean you have to compromise your safety and that of your family. Here are 3 tested tips to use, when you are looking for used tires for sale.

Rely on Your Eyes

When it comes to buying used tires, nothing beats a manual inspection. And what this means is that you have to become a tire expert and rely on your own pair of eyes and not the retailer. If you can do this, it saves you loads of stress and money. To be able to pick out a patched or worn out tire is simply priceless.

Get Your Money's Worth

Besides manually inspecting tires, get clues about what the tire shop is capable of, by taking a look at their calibration package or how much they charge for adjustment and alignment. This helps to keep your used tires for a longer period.

Do not skip this process because you want to cut down on your expenses. If you do this, your tires would be due for change within months. Some used tire shops offer great service. Other offer crappy service, ensure that you talk to the rep and find out what else is available after buying your tires.

Good Reputation

When it comes to used tires for sale, always go the dealer that has a good reputation to protect. Your job is made easier, when the dealer takes his business seriously. The chances of him selling you a dodgy set of tires is low because it can be bad for his business.

If this company has proved itself, in the long term, you can even afford to buy tires without a visual inspection if you want.

Try to make sure that your used tires fit with the rim of your vehicle. Remember that the tires will carry the full weight of your vehicle and if they are oversized or undersized they will wear out rapidly.

A Full Detail Will Increase the Profit in a Used Car

A full detail will increase the profit on a used car every time. When auto detailing for a sale, there should be no areas left untouched. A thorough detailing will present the vehicle to potential buyers in the best possible condition.

Used cars can and will fetch greatly different sums of money, and most of the time there are only two factors, mileage and looks. The former cannot be changed without breaking a slew of laws and having the cops show up. Neither of those will help increase profit on a used car. A full detail by a will increase profit on a used car. If you are unsure then consult a auto detailing company.

When people look online for a used car there are certain criteria used by Kelley Blue Book to determine the used car price. When the criteria for condition is shown, there are normally four groups with each group being a different level of care. Normally they are Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor. The difference in price between the four groups can be significant, with the most money being obtained in the excellent category.

A full detail will help used cars go from one category to the next. Now, obviously if the vehicle is currently in poor condition, there will be no amount of detailing to make it go to excellent. However, it is possible to bring it up into the fair price category. The difference between poor and fair is significant, often 30% more in asking price. A full detail will increase the profit on a used car if done properly.

A proper full detail can correct such blemishes as foggy headlights. Did you know that a headlight restoration that will cost $50-$100 can improve the asking value on a used car by as much as $300? Minor swirl and scratch removal can increase the price of a vehicle by another 10%. Removing any stains and or dying the fabric to be a consistent color can increase the value by 15%. Removing any bumper stickers, and other added vinyl will also increase the asking price.

When people look for used cars, it is always the ones that look the best that bring the most money. This does not mean that it is the best vehicle mechanically. Humans are drawn to pretty, shiny things and having a full detail will increase the profit on a used car significantly. If you are unable to perform these kind of automotive detailing procedures then consult a professional auto detailing company Make sure that the company providing the services is reputable and licensed and insured.

Remember to look at your used vehicle as if you were in the market to purchase one. The buyer is always going to be pickier, and thus will help you decide what needs to be done. Just because something costs money and may seem expensive does not mean that it is not worth the money. Many things will increase the amount of money spent on a service two fold. If a company is charging you $50 to restore the headlights, then increase your asking price by $100 and so on and so on. Use this as a helpful reminder that all is not lost when selling a used vehicle.

Vehicle Wrapping and Its Benefits

To marketing managers, cost effectiveness is turning out to be an important task in the current situation. Most of the marketing managers are thinking whether investing in a marketing strategy will bring about some best possible returns. Advertisement is an area, which can spiral out the costs suddenly to several thousands. Of the most different advertisement methods, television advertising is turning out to be the higher cost and therefore most marketing managers are keeping themselves away from this type of advertising.

The objective behind any advertising campaign is to communicate about a service or product to the intended audience. Marketing managers of organizations strive hard to popularize their product or service in such a way that it can be noticed by the intended audience as against the product or service of the competitors. Of the different marketing techniques, the best option available for marketing managers is vehicle livery.

They also have the option of vehicle graphics wraps, wherein the vehicles of their organization can be completely or partially covered with colorful images. Wraps are carried out on vehicles through large sheets of printed material in which the product name or brand name of the company can be printed. A study reveals that an average vehicle driver spends a minimum of one month each year on his vehicle and the study also says that a vehicle is viewed by 3000 people each day and the cost per sighting for the advertiser in this form of advertisement can be as less as four pence.

In addition to cost benefit, another important benefit of vehicle livery is its longevity as compared to any other type of advertisement like print advertising and television or radio advertising, which is generally short-term in nature. A Vehicle graphic wraps can last up to five years thereby making it as the cost-effective method of marketing. In short, vehicles in a company can act as moving billboards under this method of marketing. This method of advertising can enable the marketing managers to keep close track of the advertising budget of their organization and this form of advertising can act as one-time investment rather than any other methods of advertising.

There are specialist companies offering the service of vehicle wraps and livery and these companies are offering different forms of wraps like digitally printed vinyl wraps, 3M wrap color changes, etc... Before selecting such a service provider, companies looking for vehicle wrapping services can view the previous works of specialist wrappers.

How To Sell a Car

Today owning a car has become a norm and it has grown to be a basic necessity of life. However, with increasing affluence, change in style or simply due to age, individuals may decide to change their car. The market for used cars is huge and it is only increasing year on year. However, selling a car is not an easy proposition. A lot of factors are considered both by the buyer and seller and some of them are discussed below. A strategy needs to be formulated and various methods of advertising for selling the car have to be researched.

It is very important for the owner to realistically understand what the true worth and value of his car is. The best way to do that is by accessing some factors like:

Model and year of manufacture
Physical and mechanical condition of the car
Optionally installed value products like power steering, audio system etc
Market Conditions
Fuel the car uses
Any outstanding loans or liens on the car

The best way to arrive at a certain price will be to browse online and compare with existing models and decipher the market value. Further, one must have all records of maintenance and service to convince the buyer of his value for money.

One of the basic methods to sell a car is by approaching an authorized dealer in used cars. This saves a lot of time since they are professionals and they will help you get the best deal for a reasonable commission. However, it is good to approach more than one dealer to find out arrive at a sound conclusion. Private selling is not advisable since there are unscrupulous people who can easily cheat gullible and honest individuals. But the advantage in private selling is that a higher price can be obtained.

Whatever be the method adopted, fundamental and sound preparation is required. The car must undergo a complete detailing process and all minor and major scratches must be repaired. Further, the car must be vacuumed and cleaned in the interior and the emission checked and recorded. The car must be professionally washed and waxed to look good in photographs as in real life. All the windows must be cleaned, tire pressures checked and the tires sprayed with tire shine to give a sparkling look. All maintenance records must be reviewed and insurance records brought up to date.

There are a lot of professional car detailing companies who give life to your car and it is a small price to pay for the ultimate benefit of a higher resale value. A lot of rough edges will need to be smoothed and ultimately it is the satisfaction from a sale that is important to the seller.

Five Steps to the Perfect Car Wrap Design

Wrapped cars are becoming increasingly popular in big cities because they serve as marketing tools for businesses. They are even catching on in smaller towns, since small local businesses often do not have the budget for expensive marketing campaigns. Car wraps turn an ordinary vehicle into a moving billboard. Everyone who gets stuck at a red light or who ends up following a car with a wrap down the road will have no choice but to notice the unique design and the business being advertised.

Now that advertising through newspapers and other local avenues has become old-fashioned and ineffective, businesses are looking for more appealing opportunities. Wraps that turn vehicles into advertisements are appealing because they do not require a continuous investment and they are highly influential.

Once you decide that wrapped vehicles are an effective and affordable marketing investment, you can follow these five steps to come up with the perfect design for your wrap:

1. Decide on a color scheme. If you are creating this design to promote a business or product, you will likely use colors that coordinate to that business or product. This is part of branding. You want your vehicles to be easily connected to your business even if consumers do not read the logos or pay attention to the pictures.

2. Identify logos, images, and other branding details that should be incorporated into the design. This will further mark your vehicle so it is easily identified as belonging to your business or product.

3. Determine ideal placement for all branding elements and layout for color blocking on the vehicle. Start with blocking out which parts of the vehicle should be what color, unless you are using a solid background color for your design. Then decide which of your branding elements should go on each part of your vehicle. Think about which elements are most important to be seen, so they can be placed in more prominent positions.

4. Sketch a rough image of the design you want to create. It is difficult to tell someone who sells car wraps exactly what you want if you do not have some visual representation of the design. Try to sketch it out in as much detail as possible so you have something to go off of when you contact your chosen wrap company.

5. Work with a professional to finalize your design. Listen to the advice of the company you hire to design your wrap. If they say something is not going to look right, allow them to suggest changes to fix the problem. They have more experience, so trust them and allow them to help you finalize the perfect design.

The design of your wrap is extremely important. If it doesn't come out looking professional and visually stimulating, then it can have a negative impact on your business. If the logos and other branding information is not easily seen and identified with your company, then the vehicle will fail as a marketing tool. Spend the time deciding the perfect design and you will get more than your money's worth of advertising out of each vehicle you wrap.

Review of the New Jaguar After the Paris Auto Show

The legendary British car maker Jaguar finally unveiled the long-awaited F-Type at the Paris Auto Show. It was a spectacular unveiling, featuring a performance by American singer Lana Del Ray, who should be the face of the car, promoting it worldwide.

The F-Type is based on the Jaguar C-X16 concept, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. It's basically a successor to the last sports car by Jaguar, the legendary E-Type. This is a two-seat convertible, just like the E-Type.

The F-Type is available in three versions - F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V8 S - and they all come with supercharged engines. The F-Type has a 3.0-liter V6 engine, offering 340 hp. It goes from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds with a maximum speed of 161 mph. The F-Type S comes with the same 3.0-liter V6 engine, but it can provide up to 380 hp. Its top speed is 171 mph and it does the 0-60 sprint in 4.8 seconds. Lastly, the F-Type V8 S runs on a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 480 hp. It is of course the fastest of the three, with a 186 mph top speed and needs only 4.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.

The rear-wheel drive convertible is fitted with an 8-speed automatic gearshift, and no manual transmission is offered. It features a Dynamic Launch Mode which assists steering. For those who want to make an impression and get noticed, there is a sport exhaust that produces a powerful sound typical of a strong sports car.

The body is made of lightweight aluminum and provides an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. It is a little bit wider than other similar sports cars, such as the Porsche 911, although about an inch shorter, which is insignificant.

The interior that the F-Type has to offer is obviously luxurious and very elegant. There are leather seats, a console with aluminum finisher, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a surround sound with 10 speakers.

Unlike most sports cars, the Jaguar F-Type also tries to be more environmentally-friendly. It emits 80% less CO2 thanks to the way the body structure is bonded. There is also a stop/start system that brings the engine to a halt when the car stops, which saves fuel.

The price tag for the basic model is $69,000 and the V8 will sell for $92,000.

Overall, we could say that the F-Type is the first sports car that Jaguar has released in 40 years, which will offer a luxurious and high-speed ride to all sports cars lovers.

Don't Neglect To Look After Your Car's Headlights

As has been repeatedly reported on the mainstream news, Americans are holding on to their cars for far longer, which is bad news for manufacturers both local and foreign, but good news for aftermarket parts manufacturers. Sellers of aftermarket accessories should enjoy better business too, as the owners of these older cars will want to spruce up their vehicles to keep them looking fresh.

If you are one of the very many car owners who have older cars, you may have probably done some simple maintenance to your car, such as rotating the tires, even changing the oil or doing some detailing. One other maintenance item that most anyone can do is caring for their headlights. Unless you have a rally car or Baja racer (in which case you would know more than simple DIY maintenance), caring for your plain old headlights doesn't require a degree in electrical engineering.

Very basic to maintaining your headlights is keeping them clean. And this doesn't just mean wiping a wet rag over the lens. Over time, dirt and grime, not to mention exposure to sunlight, will put a haze on your headlights. Apart from being unsightly, this haze can noticeably reduce the light output when you're out driving at night. Most headlights have glass lenses, but some manufacturers have resorted to plastics which cover projector-type lights. More than glass lenses, these plastic lenses are more susceptible to the effects of UV rays, car wash chemicals and ozone contamination. The effect leading to the hazy lenses is known as headlamp clouding, and it has been recognized as a growing problem on cars with plastic headlamp lenses. When new, these lenses are practically indistinguishable from their glass-enveloped cousins, but with age, the hazing and yellowing becomes highly evident. Apart from the drop in light output, hazy headlamps are also unsightly and are cause for a drop in value when the time comes to sell the car.

While a fine polishing paste used to work for glass lenses in the past, the chemical composition of plastic headlight lenses means that these are more sensitive to abrasive pastes and strong chemicals. However, aftermarket accessories stores (both online and brick and mortar) now regularly stock headlamp restoration kits that are easy to use and produce excellent results. It's highly recommended that you the car owner just buy a kit and do the cleaning yourself. Doing it yourself should not take more than a few hours, and the money you save on labor should be enough for a burger and a beer or two.

DIY Auto Detailing

There's no other feeling like driving a clean car. Anyone can clean a car, but it takes a lot of effort to make it look like it just came off the showroom floor.

Professional Auto Detailers utilize great time and effort to ensure that your car's appearance looks it's finest.

No one knows for certain where the art of auto detailing began, but it is believed to have started in Southern California, and this art has become more than just a fad, as there are currently more that 50,000 detailers in the U. S., and these professionals rake in about $100,000 a year in detailing sales.

Many people have their car detailed just because they want a clean car. Sometimes detailing becomes serious business, especially when the person having their car detailed intends to enter it into a car show. In car shows, the vehicle is often judged on how well-kept and clean the vehicle appears. One such car show that is devoted mainly to the appearance of car is the Concours d'Elegance, sometimes referred to as the Concours.

There are 3 different methods of auto detailing.

    Exterior Detailing
    Interior Detailing
    Engine Degreasing

Exterior detailing includes: waxing, claying, correcting paint defects and polishing the exterior of the vehicle.

Interior detailing includes: Interior detailing typically involves liquid cleaners and brushes. Every surface within the interior of the car must be cleaned, from the dashboard, console and visors to the instrument panel. Vacuuming is included as well.

The third type of detailing is degreasing the engine: This process involves removing grease and dirt from the engine bay with all-purpose cleaners and de-greasers.

The purpose of detailing is to bring out the vehicle's appearance potential by the polishing and waxing of the exterior paint, wheels and chrome, and by giving the upholstery and seats a thorough cleaning.

Depending on the detailer, a customer may also be able to purchase undercoating services (including rust-proofing) and interior sealant, a fabric protectant also known as Scotch-Guarding.

Though detailing covers every aspect of cleaning a vehicle, it does not include upholstery work, painting, body work, or mechanical repair.

Mobile Auto Detailing has become increasingly popular, as it allows the owner to have his/her professionally detailed without ever having to leave their home or office.

A full detail will increase the value on a used car. When the vehicle is presented to the potential buyer, they will see the car in the best possible condition. Of course when selling a vehicle, there are other factors to consider, such as mileage and poor mechanical condition. The mileage is of course a factor you do not want to touch, unless your willing to face criminal charges.

Besides keeping your car clean, another benefit is the trade-in value. If you want the asking price, and the car is in good running order, get a professional detail, or, if you can do the job yourself, there are various top quality products for you to use.

Top Features of a Mobile Car Wash Pressure Washer

A mobile car wash pressure washer differs from conventional pressure washing machines in many aspects. For instance, these machines do not need to have the high output pressure of ordinary machines.

Simply put, car cleaning is not like most other cleaning tasks. Pressure wash systems are normally used for cleaning hard surfaces, such as floors, walls, parking lots, and roads. What such tasks require is the flow of high pressure output, which blasts away the dirt present on these surfaces.

However, adopting a similar approach could be disastrous for washing automobiles. This is the reason why a mobile car wash pressure washer is different from other pressure washing equipment.

Some features of mobile car cleaning pressure washer machines are as follows:

Output pressure

The output pressure level of pressure wash systems ranges up to 8000 psi. For auto detailing, such high pressure washer machines are not required.

A good mobile car wash pressure washer should provide an output pressure level of up to 1500 psi. Machines with higher output pressure might cause paint damage in vehicles. It is always better to keep the output pressure to less than 1500 psi for the safety of the vehicle.

Flow rate

Low flow rate can also be beneficial. However, this has nothing to do with the safety of the vehicle. Machines with low flow rate transfer less quantity of water to the surface. As a result, the cleaning becomes faster and leads to less water waste.

Steam car wash pressure washers offer the lowest flow rate. Any machine with a flow rate of 2 gpm or lower is good for a steam car cleaner. As such, a steam mobile car wash does not require high pressure washer machines, but would benefit from machines with a low flow rate.

Portability

Portability, too, is a concern for steam pressure washers for use in auto cleaning. Two types of machines are available on the market, wheel-attached machines and truck mountable machines. Both types of machines are ideal for steam car wash.

Truck mountable machines are better suited if the job involves travelling from one place to another. The companies that offer mobile services often utilize these machines. Wheel-attached machines are the best when the steam mobile car wash jobs involve cleaning within a small area, such a detailing bay or car dealership.

Nowadays, hybrid machines are available that can be used as both wheel-attached machines and truck mountable machines. Wheels can be removed from the machine when it is mounted on a truck or a trailer. These machines offer a lot of convenience to cleaning workers.

Do a thorough analysis before buying a machine. Know your requirements and then pick a machine. Choosing the right equipment is very important for efficient cleaning results.

Performance Parts and Upgrades for Off-Roading

When it comes to off-road driving, you want your vehicle to have sufficient performance power and capacity to handle the often unpredictable and volatile ground you will be driving over. Most vehicles come out of the factory designed for the consistent surface of paved roads, and off-road driving can often lead to faster deterioration of your engine and exhaust components - or the risk of getting stuck or turning over while driving along uneven or soft surfaces.

If you're serious about off-road driving, there are certain essential performance parts and upgrades that will help ensure your vehicle can handle the task without reducing the life-span of your vehicle or putting you at risk. Performance upgrades can easily save you a lot of money in the long term if you're doing a lot of off-road driving, as you will be able to address the specific issues that cause wear and tear on your vehicle's engine when driving on uneven surfaces. Below are the three fundamental performance parts and upgrades you should consider if you're going off-road regularly.

Air intake - Cold air intake systems allow your vehicle to draw in more dense, cold air during the fuel injection phase, meaning more efficient combustion and greater horsepower and torque. Installing an upgraded air intake system can often allow you to control the concentration of this performance enhancement - depending on your engine configuration and make, you may be able to spread the power increase across your vehicle's RPM band, or concentrate it on either torque or horsepower increases.

Suspension lift kits - Lift kits are often seen as a purely aesthetic upgrade, but they do have many performance advantages for off and on road driving alike. Lift kits help form a foundation for further performance parts installation and upgrades - through giving you more room to install larger wheels, exhaust piping, and other upgrades - but they also help reduce impact damage and increase balance, which is great for driving off-road. Greater suspension and more clearance mean a smoother ride, more performance power, and more ability to navigate difficult turns.

Tuners, chips, and programmers - Technological advancements in engine efficiency and performance are happening every year, and the on-board computer chips in your vehicle can be upgraded, tuned, or replaced to ensure you are getting the optimal performance out of your engine, and your vehicle will be compatible with any further performance parts you install. The right tuner or programmer chip for your vehicle can see a significant increase in horsepower and torque, as well as more efficient fuel consumption and greater handling ability - important attributes when driving off-road.

The Kicherer SLS AMG Super Car Tuning Program

The new Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car tuning program is looking to give the German sports car a new, more aggressive look backed up by an incredibly powerful engine. The new upgrade package features a new supercharger system that was developed by the German aftermarket company instead of outsourcing parts to ensure that they had maximum control over all aspects of the SLS AMG. In addition to the supercharged engine, the team also modified the chassis, suspension, and exterior design to ensure that it all reflected the power that was underneath the hood.

The standard Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG comes packed with a hand-built naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 engine that churns out over 500 horsepower from the factory. But Kicherer thought that the motor was capable of producing much more power so they developed an entirely new supercharger system as part of the super car tuning program that did not require many additional parts and was virtually hidden in the engine bay.

The new supercharger system was designed to negate the addition of new pulleys and air deflections to reduce the amount of unwanted engine noise and improve the overall clean look of the engine bay while providing a superb amount of power. The German aftermarket company also installed a new stainless steel exhaust system with valve controls in the interior to reduce the backpressure from the engine and create a thunderous growl. The resulting output from both modifications is an overwhelming 700 brake horsepower and 620 lb-ft. of torque. The increased power can send the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and to a top speed over 186 mph.

In order to transfer all of that extra power to the road, Kicherer installed a new forged wheel setup along with a modified suspension as part of the Supercharged GT super car tuning program. The standard wheels were replaced with new Kicherer RS-1 three-piece forged rims with a black finish and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that improve grip, handling, and braking dynamics. The suspension was also replaced with a new coilover setup that can be adjusted for height by 30 mm and hardness to better suit specific driving conditions and tracks.

The exterior of the new Supercharged GT SLS AMG model was outfitted with a range of aerodynamic pieces along with a satin black skin. The super car tuning program includes a new vertical grille with a front lip spoiler attachment, new carbon fiber fins on the hood and fenders, and a rear diffuser that improves downforce.

All of the featured components in the Supercharged GT Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car tuning package from Kicherer can be ordered and installed at the company's facility in Germany.

Resin Transfer Moulding

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is an efficient method of producing composite products, suited to medium volume production projects. A catalysed resin is injected into a closed mould already containing a pre-formed reinforcement. The amount of moulding material, usually a thermoset plastic is measured and inserted into the enclosed mould before the moulding can take place. The distinguishing feature of resin transfer moulding is that the reinforcement materials are placed into this cavity and the mould set is closed prior to the introduction of the matrix material.

Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection

The process includes vacuum assisted resin injection (VARI). This produces strong dense products, with dimensional accuracy and a smooth surface on both sides of the moulded component. The finished product can withstand tough environmental conditions and rough handling.

Resin Transfer Moulding Process

Resin Transfer Moulding includes numerous varieties which differ in the mechanics of how the resin is introduced to the reinforcement in the mould cavity. These variations include everything from vacuum infusion to vacuum assisted RTM. By applying pressure and vacuum the resin is forced through dry fabrics in a matched mould, a process which is performed at either ambient or elevated temperature. Once fully wetted the laminate is cured either at room temperature or in an oven. RTM combines relatively low tooling and equipment costs to produce large structural components.

Industries and Products

The process can produce composite components suitable for a vast number of different industries. RTM Products include:

    Automotive Components
    Aerospace Structures
    Aerial Lift Buckets
    Machine Covers and Housing
    Marine
    Wind Deflectors
    Spill Containment
    Medical Office Seating
    Public Transportation
    Agricultural & Farm
    Veterinary & Animal Confinement
    Industrial and Manufacturing
    Corrosion Applications
    Home and Recreation

Benefits and Advantages of RTM

Higher productivity and reduced labour are just some of the advantages of Resin Tranfer Moulding. Other benefits and advantages include:

    Created parts are extremely durable
    Accurate thickness on produced parts
    Created parts will not corrode or rust
    Parts are impact and chemical resistant
    Parts can be fire retardant
    High gloss finishes can be created on both sides of the part
    Reduced waste material

Overall, Resin Transfer Moulding is an extremely efficient method of producing a wide range of composite components. It enables the production of mid-range volumes of parts at a moderate capital investment. RTM has matured to the point of being capable option for composites production and many different industries in the UK can benefit from the RTM process.

Winter Car Protection Guide - A Guide To Car Care Over Winter

Winter Car Protection Guide

During the winter months your car has to endure some harsh environmental factors. Everything can be affected here from your plastic trims to your paintwork and wheels so it's well worth getting prepared now before the harsh weather comes.

We have prepared this guide to help you look after and protect your car during winter with the use of some excellent products, let's start with the paintwork.

Paintwork Protection

This is one of the most important steps and the one you must focus on. We all know what winter is like, gritters, rain and snow which means our cars get covered in salt. This can damage your paintwork and its best to lay some protection down to form a barrier against the harsh elements. You want to start doing this now.

Now of course you want to wash your car in the normal way, depending on how it looks you may want to polish it. Then to move onto protecting it, and there is a few ways of doing this.

Traditional carnauba based car waxes do not hold up in harsh winter conditions so alternatively you could lay down a paint sealant and leave it at that. Or you could additionally add a wax on top of the sealant to add further protection and there is no other wax better at the job than Collinite Car Wax. Your cars paintwork will now be well protected, we will talk about maintenance washing later.

We recommend Poorboys World - EX-P as a good paint sealant.

Wheels and Tyres

Your alloy wheels are a very valuable part of your car and detrimental to the overall appearance, with these being so close to the road surface you most certainly want to look after these also. Salt attacks wheels, painted, polished, diamond cut whatever they are all prone to damage over winter. We recommend if possible to remove each wheel and clean thoroughly, with either a shampoo or a strong wheel cleaner then give them a good rinse, dry them and then apply a wheel sealant like Chemical Guys - Wheel Guard. This will add a layer of protection to your wheels also.

Tyres benefit from a little protection to stop the rubber deteriorating a dressing with UV protection is recommended like Poorboys - Trim Restorer. Allow to soak in for several minutes before wiping any excess off.

Exterior Plastics

Plastic bumpers, trim, vinyls and rubbers also benefit from a little protection over the winter months, the extreme temperatures and the suns UV radiation can cause fading, cracking and hardening so it's a good idea to spend a little time here too. Application of 303 Aerospace Protectant will leave your plastic bumpers, trims and rubbers not only looking good but protected against the elements and with a layer of UV protection.

How to maintain

You have worked hard to protect your car and you want to keep it that way, it's best to keep your car as clean as possible during winter and not to slack off. Ensure you give your car a good rinse to remove as much dirt and grime as possible then proceed to wash with a good pH neutral car shampoo. This will ensure it will not strip or remove any sealants or waxes you have applied. Pay attention to the wheels when washing as you want to remove any road salts and other contaminates.
Follow this guide and your car will remain well protected over winter.

Vehicle Graphics - The Ultimate Free Advertising Space

How a van void of vehicle graphics could be costing your business potential customers.

With the general world economy struggling, most western developed countries are experiencing a difficult financial slowdown. Companies of all sizes are closing on a daily basis, yet some business owners are still leaving one fantastic potential space completely void of advertising.

One major advantage to purchasing your own custom vehicle graphics is the location where you can park the van. Whether the vehicle is parked outside your business, on a busy high street or town centre car park - large businesses pay thousands of pounds every month to advertising agencies for achieving brand presence in these valuable areas.

With the modern popularity of the internet, you can now source custom vehicle graphics made to specific, bespoke requirements for under £15 (GBP). Available in a large variety of colours, fonts and sizes - there really is no reason why any business owner cannot drum up a bit of extra trade.

Vehicle graphics have always been popular with traditional sectors like plumbers and electricians, but recently we're encouraging more and more less tradition businesses like newsagents, cleaners and takeaways to place their contact information on the company vehicles.

From the top of the range full colour vehicle wraps, which can cost several hundred pounds plus the price of design and fitting - through too single colour, cut vinyl self applicating vehicle graphics - the choice is extensive. Set yourself a realistic budget & avoid temptation to sell yourself something too expensive. While a full colour, printed vinyl vehicle wraps can look fantastic in theory, the practical real life advantages compared to a simpler single or 2 colour cut vinyl sticker vehicle graphics could be minimal. For a business to achieve the required level, a plumber for example, may only need the business name, contact information and a stock logo - this could cost £30 - 50 (GBP) saving hundreds in cash flow to invest in more urgent, profitable or valuable areas of the business.

These self applicating, single or double colour cut vinyl vehicle decals and graphics, which I previously mentioned, normally come delivered pre-fixed on "application tape". This application tape is like an industrial sized, paper "masking tape" with a low level adhesive. This has the function of allowing us to position the graphics accurately, directly from the backing paper, onto the required surface. You will just need to remove the backing paper, place the whole piece of application tape including graphics positioned on the vehicle where you require. Run over the application tape with a rubber or plastic squeegee, forcing the air bubbles out. Then pull away the application tape with the weaker adhesive, leaving the graphics remaining with the strong multi year rated adhesive in the required position.