Wednesday

Tips on Sports Car Engine Maintenance

Buying a car today can be pretty expensive. The average car price is almost $23,000. That is definitely a lot of money, even for some of the typical and ordinary cars available in the market. This shows that the other types of cars like the sports cars are high priced.

With high quality of sports cars, it is important that owners learn how to maintain their car’s engine in order to protect their asset.

Sports cars are especially made for “sporting performance”. This means that its actual engine performance is on a higher level for speed, acceleration, maneuverability, and braking are compared to the other types of cars.

With these remarkable features, some sports car drivers tend to use its power even if they are not on a race. Therefore, maintaining the sports car engine is extremely important. Yet a sports car engine does not have to be powerful and large.

Here is a list of useful tips for maintaining sports car engines:

1. For average use, it is still necessary to check the sports car engine every 3000 miles. One of the primary engine maintenance tips is to change the engine oil along with the filter. This will ensure proper lubrication and performance of the sports car engine.

2. Check the other fluids in the engine such as the brake fluid, “automatic transmission fluid level (if applicable),” coolant, etc. These fluids are important in keeping the sports car engine’s performance healthy.

3. Always check the engine compartment for any signs of leaks. Leaks usually indicate a broken gasket.

4. Always look for some wear, breaks or cracks of the engine belts. Taking it for granted can create serious engine problems.

5. Be wary of spark plugs that are beyond the recommended 30,000-mile range. Old spark plugs that ore not working properly can deprive you of fuel efficiency.

It is important that all engine maintenance checks performed on a sports car should be recorded in a logbook. This will be very useful especially if the person who has done the maintenance check has forgotten the last date of oil change or other maintenance that was performed.

There is no other way to keep a sports car in top condition than to have a regular maintenance check-up on its engine. You must remember that the engine is the most important part of a car, especially the sports car; therefore, it should be properly maintained.

2006 Sports Cars Parade

The year 2006 offers several new sports car designs - from exterior body parts to more defined interiors. One of the most sought after sports car to date is the efficient 2006 Saturn Ion - its enviable rust and dent proof body and added horsepower. With its extra size, it has the combination of the Quad Coupe and 2003 Sedan, restyled with smart modernism and small back entrance doors. The four-speed transmission was replaced by a five-speed automatic transmission. The price could vary from $12,000 to less than $20,000 per car.

Next in line is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which was introduced at $28,000 as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It is reasonably priced, with a system built for key free entry, air conditioning, two seats, and a steering wheel wrapped in leather. It has a six speed manual transmission, leather seats and optional sport suspension with 2.0-liter dual overhead cam and four-cylinder engine. The space provided in the trunk is 5.3 cubic feet. However, the lowered body and back tires are not devised for use during muddy or snowy seasons.

Here comes another American accomplishment legend - the Ford Mustang with its multi-valve overhead cam, which generates 300 horsepower. This retro inspired modern car is more rapid and more responsive than it has ever been. Available for about $21,000, it is well furnished in both convertible and coupe designs. Fanatics can choose between automatic and manual transmission engines. Tires are trendier at 18 inches... Since it has been introduced in 1964, the name Ford Mustang has competed with Firebird, Camaro, Barracuda, etc for more than 40 years, and is standing by its name.

For those who are looking for striking and lavish sky-scraping performance sports car, the Cadillac XLR is a better choice. The approach is over-sensitive, sophisticated, dominant and unique with attractive interiors and a hardtop convertible that can go in and out in just thirty seconds. It offers a resolute hold and superior handling in a fiery 320 horsepower engine. It is even faster than Jaguar XK8, Mercedes SL500, and Lexus SC430 is a silent machine whether the convertible’s up or down.

These are just a few of the most infamous sports car this year. Passionate drivers and collectors are just starting to do their own research and before long, these cars will either be sought for collectibles or for private use... It is true that these sports cars are toys for the “big boys”.

Simple Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

Gas prices have been growing increasingly higher for the past several years. Everybody wants to save money on gas especially now that the price has been rapidly increasing. One way to save gas is to increase gas mileage.

Here are some tips on improving gas mileage. These tips will not only save on gas but will enable the car to last for a longer time:

1. It is very important to keep the car well maintained. The efficiency of the car will be greater and the performance of the car enhanced if proper maintenance is performed. This in turn helps in improving the gas mileage of the vehicle.

2. The tires of the car should always be inflated properly. Tires that are not inflated properly will make the car’s wheels have difficulty rolling and it will then require more energy and would consume more gas. Car owners can save gas by having the tires properly inflated.

3. Cars are heavily load consume more gas. It is recommended that unnecessary weight be removed from the car. The lighter the car’s load, the less gas is consumed. Carriers can add weight to the car and should be removed when not in use.

4. Drive smoothly. If the driver uses the brakes a lot and then suddenly speeds up, or if the car is accelerated abruptly will result in greater fuel consumption. Therefore, it is recommended that you drive smoothly to improve gas mileage.

5. Always keep the car clean and washed. It is also recommended that the car be waxed regularly. This helps by improving aerodynamics and can help in improving gas mileage.

6. Another way to improve gas mileage is by saving on ventilation. A car’s air conditioner uses more gas when being used. The air conditioner may be turned off and the windows opened when driving slowly - weather permitting. However, it is not recommended to open the windows when driving fast since it adds extra pressure and drag on the vehicle.

There are many ways gas mileage may be improved. Car owners should be responsible if they want to save on gas and money. It does not require big sacrifices to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage. All it takes is a little responsibility and proper care of the car. These simple ways can each help improve gas mileage a bit but when done regularly and in combination will help save a great deal of money.

Tips on Selling your Car

If you want to sell your car, you need to know a few things before doing so. Here are tips on how you can sell your car the best way.

• There are different ways you can sell your car. You can go through a dealership or you can sell it yourself. It is more convenient when you sell your car to a dealer, but your car may be priced below what you anticipate. On the other hand, you can get a better price if you sell it yourself, but it will take much of your time and effort.

• Whether you decide to enter to a dealership or sell your car by yourself, you need to know the market. Research how your type of car sells today and look for what other buyers at looking to buy. This way you can price of your car accordingly. You should highlight the features that your car has in order to match the desired market.

• Choose how you will advertise your car. You can simply put a “FOR SALE” sign on it so that every where you go you advertise it, or you can be more serious about marketing and place an advertisement online or inn the classified ads of your local newspaper.

If you decide to place an ad in the classifieds or on the net, provide a photo of your car to make it more appealing to buyers -so get out your camera and take pictures of your car!

• Use unforgettable statements to give your car “charm”. Match these comments with your markets needs; highlight the excellent features so that they can be easily noticed.

• Assess your vehicle and price it reasonably. As mentioned make a research on how cars sell are selling. If you price your car too high, chances are you will lose the sale. However, by putting a very low price on it will you will incur a loss.

• Set up your car for the show. Your car is the star of the show, so it should be in tip top shape. Take the necessary measures to entice buyer have the engine tuned-up so it runs well.

• Keep a record of all the services and repairs of your vehicle. Some buyers also look at these records to determine how well the car was maintained. These records also tell if the car is in good condition.

Tips to Help You Save Gas Consumption

With the constant increase in oil prices, car owners get more concerned about how they can save gas and money while driving. This article gives you tips on how you can reduce your gas consumption and save money.

Always have your car tuned-up regularly. If you car’s engine is in bad operating condition it will utilize more gasoline. Vehicle maintenance will help your car’s engine run efficiently thus improving your expenditure of money. Clean or change congested air filters to enhance your fuel mileage by as much as 10%.

• Maintain a steady rate when driving you car. Frequent stops when driving add to your gas expenditure by as much as 30%. Imagine if you spend $3.00 per gallon, you lose $9.00 for every 10 gallons of gas that you consume. Avoid sudden stops and abrupt increases in speed. Make use of “cruise control” when you are driving on the highway. This will allow you to maintain a steady speed and avoid additional gas consumption.

Another way to keep a steady rate is by avoiding heavy traffic areas. Also avoid unnecessary use of the clutch.

• Schedule buying your gas during the cool hours. It is ideal to purchase your fuel early in the morning or during the night. You will acquire extra for your cash during these cooler hours.

• Close you car windows when you are driving on the highway. When your windows are closed the aerodynamics are better and it lessens the drag on the vehicle. Gaping windows cause extra friction and reduce your car’s mileage.

• Minimize the use of air conditioners when it is not necessary. Use your car’s vents if possible. If you really need to use your air conditioner, try to set it as low as possible. Do not operate your air conditioner with your car windows open - it uses more gas this way.

• Do not let your engine idle when not driving. Turn off you car’s engine when you need to wait for a time longer than a minute. If your car is idle for more that one minute, it uses the same amount of gas that you would use when you are restarting the engine.

• Lessen your car’s load. The heavier the car, the more gas it will consume.

• Check if tires inflated accordingly. Tires with appropriate pressure save fuel better than when under-filled or over-filled with air.

Tips when Buying Sports Cars: Consider Safety Features

When buying a sports car, you should consider how safe it is to drive. There are two kinds of safety features that you need to consider: functional safety and inactive safety.

Functional safety requires the features to prevent the automobiles from accidents. This includes efficient brakes, responsive grips and reliable suspension. Below are some of these functional safety features. You should be aware of each feature so that you know when you have spotted your ideal sports car.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEMS. This feature has the ability to sense when a car is out of control and intercedes the wheels by using discriminatory braking to specific wheels. It includes the traction controls and anti-lock brake system. This feature is seen mostly on luxury sports cars as it is expensive.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM or ABS lets automobiles to halt quickly and still continue to be easy to maneuver. Anti-lock brake systems are activated by using intense pressure so you need to learn how to do this. Do not just rely on moderate pressure to avoid sliding.

Effective TRACTION HANDLING helps cars maintain their grip even during acceleration. This feature is mostly suggested for rear-wheels as it helps reduce clog and the use of power-assisted brakes to a rotating wheel.

On the other hand, inactive safety features are those that protect the driver and other passengers whenever the functional safety features are unsuccessful. This includes the following:

Adjustable headrests are better called head restraints because this prevents the driver’s head from snapping back and forth when there is a collision. It should be compatible with the occupants’ height to be more effective.

Most vehicles have airbags for a safety feature. Cars that have airbags for all passengers and cover the front and sides are ideal and important.

When you go for a test drive, remember to check the distance of the airbag from you - the most reliable gap is 10 inches away from the airbag. In order to do so, move the seat back to a relaxed position and check to make sure there is 10 inches between the airbag and yourself.

Seat belts are also an important feature in car safety. You should also check and make certain that there are workable seat belts. Seat belts can help save you and your family in case of car accidents. Make sure that the vehicle has adjustable shoulder belts so that the belt can be adjusted to correspond to the passenger’s height.