Wednesday, April 25, 2012

My Best Car Accessories


Having to drive allot for my job I do like to keep myself entertained while driving around, that's why car accessories are a big part of my car and without them my life would decently be allot more boring than it is, below are some of my favorite car accessories I use.
My sat-navigation system is also a must for me as I'm completely useless when it comes to getting somewhere without getting lost on the way, before I had one I used to pull over every couple of miles looking at a map and stressing out because I was going around in circles looking for somewhere, now all I have to do is put the address in and I get directed to the place I want to go how cool is that.
Sat navigation systems are allot cheaper than when I first started using them and there is allot more of a choice on the market, they are also allot more advanced.
My Bluetooth radio is a big must for me as I love music and as whenever I listen to the radio I usually can find what I really want to listen to, so as I download allot of my music onto my phone I can connect up with the radio as soon as I get into the car and listen to whatever I want.
One of my best things about my Bluetooth radio is the hands free capability with my phone, so I can talk to people over my speakers and not through a head set, as sometimes in the past I have forgotten to put my headset on before I set of and my phone rings so I am trying to put the headset on whist driving, this isn't a good idea as this could cause a serious road accident, so not having to worry about the headset in the first place is not only more compatible but one less thing to worry about.
My next best car accessory is my universal car cup holder this doesn't only hold my drink while I drive it also holds my phone and laptop or ipad universal car cup holders are by far one of the most important parts of your car, as if you don't have one you will put everything onto the seat next to you and when you break it goes onto the floor or you aren't looking at the road but looking at who is calling you, also holding a cup of coffee while driving isn't a great idea for the obvious reasons.
These are just a few car accessories but they are some of my favorites' that make my life allot easier while I'm driving around.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Different Components of a Cars Suspension, and Aftermarket Products


When people think performance and aftermarket modification they normally think of horsepower, torque, acceleration and top speed. But all of the power generated by an engine is useless if the driver can't control the car. That's why vehicle engineers turned their attention to the suspension system, almost as soon as they had mastered the internal combustion engine.
The purpose of a car's suspension is to maximize the friction between the tyres and the road surface, to provide steering stability with good handling and to ensure the comfort of the passengers. Suspension has evolved massively over the years culminating in huge ranges and types for the discerning consumer to choose from.
Most vehicle engineers consider the dynamics of a moving car from two perspectives: 
  • Ride - a car's ability to ride smoothly over a bumpy road
  • Handling - a car's ability to accelerate, brake and corner
There are three fundamental components of any suspension: springs, shock absorbers or dampers and anti-roll bars.
Springs - There are various types, sizes and rates of suspension springs. The size and strength of a spring can help alter the ride height of the car. The spring rate will adjust the level of firmness of the ride and the rigidity of the cars handling. Vehicles with worn out or damaged springs ride lower to the ground which reduces the overall amount of compression available to the suspension and increases the amount of body lean. Performance vehicles can sometimes have spring rate requirements other than vehicle weight and load.
The shock absorber damper is a device that controls unwanted spring motion through a process known as dampening. Shock absorbers slow down and reduce the magnitude of vibratory motions by turning the kinetic energy of suspension movement into heat energy that can be dissipated through hydraulic fluid. To understand how this works, it's best to look inside a shock absorber to see its structure and function.
A­nother common dampening structure is the strut or coilover - basically a shock absorber mounted inside a coil spring. Struts/Coilovers perform two jobs: They provide a dampening function like shock absorbers, and they provide structural support for the vehicle suspension. That means struts deliver a bit more than shock absorbers, which don't support vehicle weight - they only control the speed at which weight is transferred in a car, not the weight itself.
Because shocks and struts have so much to do with the handling of a car, they can be considered critical safety features. Worn shocks and struts can allow excessive vehicle-weight transfer from side to side and front to back. This reduces the tyre's ability to grip the road, as well as handling and braking performance.
Anti-roll Bars
Anti-roll bars (also known as anti-sway bars) are used along with shock absorbers or struts to give a moving automobile additional stability. An anti-roll bar is a metal rod that spans the entire axle and effectively joins each side of the suspension together.
When the suspension at one wheel moves up and down, the anti-roll bar transfers movement to the other wheel. This creates a more level ride and reduces vehicle 'roll'. For this reason, almost all cars today are fitted with anti-roll bars as standard equipment, although if they're not, kits make it easy to install the bars aftermarket.
Apex
The geometric apex or clipping point is an often used term in motorsport, though other racing sports such as skiing and cycling have similar concepts of an ideal line. The apex is often but not always, the geometric center of the turn. Hitting the apex allows the vehicle to take the straightest line and maintain the highest speed through that specific corner. It is also the tightest part of a corner. Apex is also the brand name of a famous suspension and suspension part manufacturer. They began in the early 80's by supplying springs for Group A Touring cars. Since then Apex have manufactured high quality products under the stringent DIN ISO 9001:2008 quality control system offering 5-year, unlimited mileage warranties.
Apex Springs
An APEX Sport Spring kit replaces the standard springs on your car. They usually lower the car by 30-40 mm. Not only will this improve your cars' handling, response and grip, but will add that extra touch of style that will make your car look different from the rest of the crowd. The ride will be a little firmer, but never too harsh providing a great balance for road and race enthusiasts alike.
Dampers/Shock Absorbers
APEX uprated high performance gas front shock absorbers increase stability, improve handling and ride quality. They are a great upgrade on their own, but are at their best when combined with a set of APEX Sport Lowering Springs. This will dramatically improve the dynamic driving qualities including handling of your car whilst retaining driving comfort. Apex shock absorbers are ideal for fast road use, have superb handling qualities and will significantly reducing body roll.
The Gas Shock Absorbers in Apex kits are shortened to ensure precise control of the sport springs. Ride height is lowered 25-60mm depending on application.
Apex RDX Coilovers 
Apex RDX Coilovers are the best kit APEX has ever produced. The APEX RDX Coilover offers complete height adjustment. The drops range from 30-80mm which may vary on application. The damping is fixed and uprated by 30%.

The kit benefits from full on car height adjustment, once fitted simply jack the car up, remove the wheel and rotate the spring seat to adjust the height. These kits are ideal for fast road or race track days.
The piston rods in these RDX Coilovers are short allowing you to run the car low with complete safety. Built in bump stops reduce wheel and tyre contact. Anodised locking rings ensure no corrosion and reduce the chances of the adjuster collars seizing.
Apex RDX Coilover Kit Features
· A quality height adjustable suspension kit
· Height adjustable from 30mm-80mm
· 30% uprated damping
· Built in bump stops and helper springs
· Short piston rods ensure full suspension travel
· Ideal for fast road or track use
· Gives the car a fully adjustable ride height
· Superb handling and ride
· Reduces body roll

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Parrot Bluetooth and Reverse Camera - Wonderful Accessories for Your Car


If you have been a car owner for quite some time, you are perhaps familiar with the hassles of backing up. Many car owners are troubled by this. At some point, this can lead to minor accidents. In fact, there are approximately 300,000 reported accident cases due to reversing vehicles every year. These accidents can be avoided when you use car safety devices such as a reverse camera and Parrot Bluetooth car kits.
Reverse Camera
Also known as rear view or backup camera, this type of camera is generally placed on the rear bumper of a vehicle. They come with a display monitor installed on the dashboard so the driver can see what is behind his car. This way, reversing is safer and easier. It means no more bumping into shopping carts at the parking lot or into other vehicles.
It is easy to fit a reverse camera on your car. It is, however, wiser to leave the job to the professionals. This is especially true when the camera requires some cutting in the bodywork of your car. It must also be placed on the right position so you can get the best view of what is behind your vehicle. While most monitors are installed on the car's dashboard, some models are placed over your existing rear view mirror. The wiring that connects the camera to the monitor also needs proper installation. You may avoid issues with messy wirings when you go for a wireless set.
It may not be safe to switch on the system only when backing up. To fully avoid accidents, you may go for a set that automatically switches on when on reverse mode.
Parrot Bluetooth Kit
Another common cause of road accidents is the irresponsible use of mobile phones while driving. Texting or dialling up numbers may cause the driver lose focus. This is why traffic authorities are prohibiting the use of phones and other gadgets while driving. Sadly, many people today are highly dependent on their mobile phones, especially those who use them for business calls.
Bluetooth car kits are possibly the best solution to this. These kits provide drivers with a hand-free use of mobile phone while driving.
Parrot Bluetooth is one of the top choices among car owners. This system connects with your phone's Bluetooth giving you instant access to your gadget's data. Voice recognition is one of its best features, as it allows you to search and dial a number from your phonebook without even touching your phone. The Bluetooth kit also synchronizes with the phonebook to copy contacts for future calls.
This kit comes in smooth and stylish system that will fit your car efficiently. It also comes in small units so it won't eat up significant space inside your car.
These tools will not only provide ease while driving; they will also provide additional level of safety while on the road. The good news is you can now buy a backup camera and Parrot Bluetooth kit online. All you have to do is find a reliable online store and you are on your way to buying these excellent car accessories.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Why Low Drying Times Are Essential in a Portable Car Wash


Setting up a portable car wash can be a hugely lucrative venture, mainly because it meets a very direct consumer need. Ask any number of car owners if they mean to take their car in for a wash and chances are that you'll hear a resounding "yes!" Unfortunately, many people simply don't have the time to take in their vehicles for a thorough vehicle detailing. Even on weekends, people tend to rely on their cars to run errands. The only time that most people's vehicles are free is when they are at work or at home. A mobile detailing service conveniently brings the car wash to the consumer, so they don't have to worry about taking the time out of their busy day to bring the car in for a wash. Whereas portable detailing is certainly convenient, there are certain factors that need to be considered to make this kind of car wash truly convenient and efficient.
The Importance of Drying Time
A portable car wash won't have to worry about the drying times for most vehicle exteriors. Exposure to fresh air is more than enough to get a car exterior dry. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for vehicle interiors. The inside of a car may rarely get any kind of ventilation, especially in the winter time when the windows are kept rolled up. Vehicle interiors get very little exposure to sunlight as well. In other words, a car interior can be the perfect place for germs and bacteria to take root and grow in a carpet spill or upholstery stain. The damp, dark conditions with poor aeration are the perfect conditions for germs and mold to grow and multiply.
This is why a portable car cleaner needs the right kind of carpet cleaning units for interior detailing. These machines should be able to tackle the toughest kinds of stains and deposits, no matter how old, hardened, or stubborn they are. It's important to invest in carpet cleaners that use less water and more extraction powers for cleaning. This insures that the carpeting and upholstery is not very damp after cleaning and has a chance to dry out faster and more thoroughly. Depending on the carpet cleaner used, the vehicle interiors can dry out in a matter of a few hours.
Fast and Efficient
Fast drying times are important to a portable car wash because it allows you to complete more detailing jobs - this is especially important for a mobile car wash that is working on a deadline. Auto detailing equipment that allows the interiors to dry out fast means that you don't have to worry about customers complaining about damp interiors or foul smells after cleaning. A portable steam cleaner for spot cleaning, power washers, car steam cleaners, and low water flow carpet cleaning units are all necessary for a mobile car wash.
A portable car wash with low water flow carpet cleaners can clean vehicle interiors faster and more efficiently. A portable steam cleaner and power washer along with efficient car steam cleaners round out the best kind of auto detailing equipment for mobile auto detailing.
Daimer Industries is a leading supplier of portable car wash machines. Daimer provides a complete range of mobile car wash machines including all auto detailing equipment and many more.