LA Auto Show 2008 : Jetta TDI is 'Green Car of the Year '

Now this is news, as this is the first time a diesel powered car is honored as 'Green car of the year'. Volkswagen Jetta TDI has been given this award at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008. A jury that comprises of automotive and environmental experts chose Jetta TDI as the best 'Green car'. The other cars that were also in the race in this automotive trade event for this award included - BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid and Smart fortwo.

The different features/ advantages of Jetta TDI are:

• This car is in compliance with emission regulations in all 50 states.
• The fuel efficient car has plush interiors and elegant design.
• It has a turbocharged direct injection (TDI) engine with a capacity of s 2.0-liter.
• The engine of Volkswagen Jetta TDI car gives an output 140 horsepower.
• The torque production is of 236 lb-ft.
• This car is also value-priced, with a base MSRP of $21,990.
• The added utility that is given with this car is this car is also available as a SportWagen.

Addressing the press, Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America said, “It is a tremendous honor to have our Jetta TDI awarded Green Car of the Year. We believe our Jetta TDI’s truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customer the best of both worlds—excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience. With more than 8,000 units already sold since its mid-August market introduction, it’s clear that a Volkswagen clean diesel is what the people want.”

Some Don'ts of Driving - Part - II

Hello Auto lovers! I am back with some more top 'Don'ts of Driving tips. I hope you enjoyed reading the previous post – 'Some Don'ts of Driving Part -I' have also decided not to disobey the driving rules. Now, lets just discuss some more of the driving don'ts....

Don't Ignore a Flagger's Direction – While you are about to cross a work zone, you often find different warning signs. A flagger holds the same authority as a regulatory body. Remember to follow them to avoid yourself from being cited. Stay Alert and Do As The Signs Say.

Don't Use Mobile Phones – This is against the traffic rules. Usage of mobile phone while driving can land you in trouble and you might have to pay fine. Cellphones distract attention while driving. Mobile phones are A Strict No-No While Driving.

Don't Exceed the Speed Limit - Make sure you never drive above the speed limits. If you rely too much on your car brakes, then give it a thought again. Every time the automotive brake system might not save you from accidents. Even in hurry or while getting late for job, maintain your speed limits. Its Always Better Late Than Never.

Don't Turn Without a Turn Signal – It's obvious that no one can read your mind while you are driving. Make sure you always use the turn lights before turning either on right or left. Always Use The Turn Signals Before Turning.

Don't Drink and Drive – If you had an extra glass of wine in the party and are planning to drive back home. Then hold on! Drinking and driving can put you behind the iron bars. Do not even board a taxi that has drunk driver behind the steering wheel. Drink & Drive – Don't Try This Stunt Ever.

Well, these were just some of the important 'Don'ts of Driving'. Keep them in mind while driving and go for a safe drive. Ensure that your 'behind the wheel behavior' will not only save you but also others driving or passing next to you. Hope you have a safe and comfortable drive every time!

Some Don'ts of Driving...Part-I

Did you follow the do's that we discussed in one of my last posts 'Some Do's of Driving?' You must have experienced the change yourself while driving. When we say that you should stand by the Do's of driving, we also mean that there are certain basic rules that you should strictly follow.

Many of us have the fair idea about the different Don'ts. But there are many that you never paid attention to or have just slipped out of your mind. Here is a brush up on some of these driving rules and limitations. Read on to find these Driving Don'ts.

Some Top Don'ts of Driving Are -

No Rash Driving - The most important rule of driving and its the first lesson of driving safely too. Calm down while you are driving. Remember, you are risking your life and at your own cost. We often drive fast and moreover rashly when we are getting late for somewhere. Making way through the heavy traffic on the road and trying to overtake the cars does not help much. Why land yourself in trouble just for rash driving. No rash driving = Your safety on road.

Don't Ignore the Traffic Lights & Road Signs – The traffic lights are crucial when you are driving. Ensure that you obey the traffic lights. Many of us simply ignore the traffic signs and land ourselves in trouble. You should be attentive while driving and being a civilized citizen, follow the road signs. Obey the Traffic Lights for safe Drive

No Speeding Up When Its a Yellow Light – All of us, do this. And if you don't, I really respect you. For us, yellow light means increasing our driving speed so that we don't have to wait for few seconds at the red light. No! That's completely wrong. Just slow down your vehicle when you see the yellow light. Don't Mistake This Light For Speeding Up.

Avoid Engagements While Driving – At the time of driving, one should avoid getting distracted that might be possible through activities like eating, talking, drinking, loud music and by driving alone with small kids. Different types of auto accessories like video & audio devices are also also a major reason for distraction. Concentrate on Driving.

Watch out for some more driving don'ts in the next post...

Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 – What's Hot, What's Not?

After five days of the show, have you been wondering as what is attracting the limelight at LA Auto Show 2008 – the most talked about trade show across the globe in the month of November. The event unveils different vehicles but which are the most attractive one. Here's a short post that tells you what is stealing the limelight at Los Angeles Auto Show 2008.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The winner of the 'Green car of the year' title, Jetta TDI is definitely a must visit for everyone visiting the LA Auto Show being held at Los Angeles Convention Center, California. It's the first time that a clean diesel model is awarded the title by Green Car Journal. Ron Cogan who is the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal & editor of GreenCar.com said, "The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the Year(R) honor is all about. It raises the bar significantly in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel, achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but in a more affordable way."

2009 Ferrari California
Ravishing and definitely eye catching, this model has varied features like a dual-clutch transaxle in back, 460-hp V8 mounted up front. This car comes with folding hardtop of 20 seconds. A two-seater car from Ferrari, this new model car will set your heart racing.



2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
These black series cars have created their own space without any aid. Their supreme design and advanced features have helped them create their own space in the automotive trade event. The different features include 661-horsepower twin-turbo V12, hardtop coupe with unique carbon-fiber bodywork and speed of 198 mph. If reports are to be believed, only 175 such Black Series cars will be sold in the United States.

There are a number of cars that are making news in this LA auto show 2008. These were some of the top cars and there are many more to come in the next post. So just stay tuned for more from this on going trade show.

How to Give a Perfect look to Your Car Seats

Car covers are the auto accessories are essential defense against dust, dirt, spillage and against a number of things that can completely damage the interiors of the car. Get new car covers for your cars that help in maintaining the look and feel of the vehicle. If your think your car seats do not require seat covers, then you might be inviting extra expenditure for yourself. Dirty seats can spoil the luxurious look of your car and seat covers are the easiest way to maintain the pristine condition of your car. There are a number of seat covers in the market to suit the choices of the different car owners.

Read More at Automotive Parts & Components

'Broken' Automotive Gaskets and Seals?

Are you a regular victim of broken automotive gaskets and seals? There can be a number of factors affecting your vehicle's gaskets. Its is very important that these auto parts are immediately repaired or moreover should be replaced as soon as possible. But have you ever wondered, why do you have to face frequent problems related to automotive gaskets and seals? Lets find out some of the factors behind these problems.

Gaskets and seals do not match your vehicle's specifications – Yes, it is crucial that the gaskets and seals that would be used as replacement are in sync with your vehicle's specifications. You often don't use the gaskets that do not match your car's requirements. This leads to easy and faster damage of the gaskets and thereby problems in the functioning of the engine. Abide by the vehicles manufacturers manual.

No regular check up of the Gaskets – This, indeed is very important. You often ignore checking the auto gaskets and automotive seals that becomes a cause for breakdown of the vehicle. A proper check of the gaskets would definitely show signs of damage, if any.

Compression in Cylinder – The compression in cylinder makes a leak in the gasket of the automobile.In the present auto industry and with the modern vehicles engine, use of aluminum in cylinder is the main reason behind it, as it cause more stress due to greater thermal expansion rate.

Signs of the Damaged Head Gasket Problems

• Compression leak between cylinders

• Presence of hydrocarbon gases or carbon monoxide (CO2) in the expansion tank of cooling system

• Oil mixed with coolant

• Excessive coolant with no apparent cause

• Blue exhaust smoke indicate oil-burning head gasket

Possible Consequences of Damaged Gaskets

• Blown head gasket can cause overheating or loss of lubrication

• Excessive damage

• Engine makers have responded to this by adding a non-stick coating such as Teflon to the surface of the head gasket.

• Compression loss

• Power reduction

• Rough Engine

• Engine overheating

• Increased engine wear

• Damaged catalytic converter

• Hydrolock can occur that leads to extensive engine damage

• Excessive steam erupting from the tailpipe

A Quick Look at the Automotive Fasteners used in Audi

Planning to buy Audi cars in near future? Apart from the various superior features of these luxury cars, the manufacturers have ensured that the best auto parts are used in the vehicle. Automotive fasteners are also amongst the auto parts that are carefully chosen. High strength rivet nuts are being used by Audi manufacturers in the latest A4 and A5 vehicles.

The auto fasteners infact lets say specifically the rivet nuts that will be used in this car would be in a bonnet latch mounting application. These RSN and RND auto fasteners are sourced from Profil. Made of high grade material, these rivet nuts would ensure high performance in high strength materials. This attribute of these automobile fasteners have helped them to be chosen as the right automotive fasteners for Audi.

If you are wondering where these RSN and RND nuts or rivet nuts are used, then here is some piece of information on that too. These automotive nuts are fully encapsulated during the moulding process and are installed in 0.8 mm thick high-tensile strength steel beams. In order to form an integral part of each vehicle's impact crumple zone, these beams are over-moulded in 30% glass reinforced Polyamide.

The usage of durable quality nuts & bolts by automotive fastener manufacturers assures the longer and hassle free functioning of the automobile. Obviously these are not the only factor for the performance of any vehicle, but definitely they add to the smooth working life.

Top Tips to Judge whether Your Auto Seats are Comfortable or not

Ever thought about ensuring that auto seats of your new vehicle is comfortable or not? Auto accessories definitely give a new look to the vehicle and are essential for every automobile. Car seats or auto seats are one of the different types of automotive accessories.

While buying a car we pay attention to a number of factors like checking steering wheel, mileage interiors, but most of us often miss on a major factor that is 'comfortable automotive seats'. Isn't it?

Comfortable car seats are very crucial for safe driving especially on a long drive. Talking about the comfort of the seats, I should mention that 'obviously its the driver's seat that ought to be comfortable.' What are the factors that determine the comfort of these auto seats or how does one judge whether the seats of the vehicle are comfortable. Read on to find out how you can check the comfort of your auto seats.

Feel the Comfort by Sitting in Ideal Driving Position - The easiest way is to sit on the driver's seat and ensure that you are in ideal sitting position. Ideal sitting position means that the seats are adjusted in such a manner that you legs are fully extended, your hands are on steering wheel and your back is in contact with the back of the seat. If you feel comfortable, then these seats are ideal choice.

Adjust the Seat According to Your Height – You can also adjust the seat to reach the brakes. Your feet should easily reach the brakes for a comfortable driving.

Get In & Out of the Car– Now, after the seat adjustment, it's time to check whether it is easy for you to get in and get out of the car. If you don't feel comfortable, look for other option for comfortable seats.

You Should Be Comfortable While Turning Around – Another way to find the right car seats is to feel the comfort by turning around while sitting in the driver's position. You often have to turn back while reversing the vehicle. The car seats that are one of the important types of auto accessories should be comfortable enough in order to allow you to do so easily.

Important & Not To Miss – You must ensure that the car seats should not be firm or stiff. You can do so by bouncing up and down on it. Obviously if the seats are stiff, they won't bounce.

Seats should be Easily Adjustable – Make sure that the car seats are adjustable up and down as well as back & forth.

Check the Back – Well, that is necessary particularly for those who often suffer from lower back pain while driving. The auto seat should have a reclining back.

Few Other Features for Comfort – while choosing ideal driving seat, you should also pay attention to adjustable lumbar support and height adjustable arm rests.

Take a Test Drive – Go for a test drive before finalizing the vehicle and ensuring that the car seats are comfortable. Feel the support the car seats give while cornering. This way you can determine the lateral support.

Try these tips to find out whether your car seat are comfortable or not. Remember, an uncomfortable car seat turn long drives into nightmares.

The Most Common Problems With Your Automotive Brake System

Its gonna be Monday again and the weekend will be over. How was this weekend for you and did you drive a lot? Was it a smooth drive or you faced some problems with the brakes of your car. You must have felt the change if you have followed the DIY tips to change your car's brake pads.

Brake system form an essential part of an automotive engine. Regular maintenance and check of car brakes is very important in order to ensure your safety on road. There are a number of problems that you might have faced with car brakes. Lets discuss some of the common ones.

Wear of the Brakes - One of the most common problem is the wear of car brakes. This is obvious and natural coz auto brakes are frequently used and do a lot of work. The brake pads of your car are consequently working hard as well. This leads to the wear of the brakes.

Squeaking or Grinding – Excessive usage of brake pads leads to their wearing down. You might notice brake problems like squealing or increased stopping distance. Most of the cars have brake pads with a thin metal tab. When you brake pads wears down, this tab vibrates against the rotor which might damage it.

Sounds of Wear Indicators – At times, the dust of brakes can be the reason behind some kind of sound or squeaking. This is a minor problem with the brake system and you can easy do without it by cleaning the dust. Using a brake cleaner spray is an easy way to do so.

Rotors Might Warp – Often, you yourself must have felt the problem of facing warped rotor or heard you neighbour facing this problem with his new car. Warping of rotor is a common problem which might happen because of overheating. The other reason for warped rotors can be incorrect tightening of the wheel.

Thin Rotor Wrap Easily – I have heard a number of car users facing warped rotors problem with their new cars. This is so because the he new cars have thin rotors that get warped easily. This problem can be rectified by repairing the rotors or by replacing them. Please ensure that you consult an experienced car mechanic before doing so. It is also important that you should understand how brake system work.

Loose Lug Nuts After Repair – This is crucial and can be dangerous also. If you have got your car brakes repaired and the lug nuts are not tightened, it can damage your car brakes. Ensure that the nuts are tightened evenly so that the rotor doesn't warp. It is important that the care repair mechanic uses a torque wrench.

These were some of the common problems that you often face with your car brakes. A little care and few preventive measures will help you avoid these problems easily. We'll find out few preventive measures and DIY tips to keep the car brakes and the entire automotive brake system of our car functioning at its best.

Choose The Best Car Tires That Suit Your Vehicle

Now you can choose the car wheels & tires yourself without consulting your car parts experts or somebody at your car repair center. The right selection of car tires for your vehicle is essential and will definitely give you the feel of a smooth and effortless drive. Besides this, there are other advantages of using the ideal tire for your vehicle. Tires chosen according to your vehicle or weather conditions will lead to their longer working life thus helping you save some money spent rather on tires change/ repair.

Read More at Automotive Parts & Components

Automotive Trade Show 'SEMA 2008' – Cool Cars Attract Attention

If you had been thinking about the different hot and cool cars at SEMA 2008, the most happening automotive trade event, you don't need to go searching the webpages now. SEMA 2008 that was held between Nov 04 to Nov 07 was organized at Las Vegas Convention Center, las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

There were a number of vehicles on show at this auto trade show. This post gives a glimpse of different cars with unique features and attractive looks that were exhibited at SEMA.

Chrysler "Hollywood"
Chrysler came up with this eye catching car at SEMA. This Chrysler's "Hollywood" has 300 rides and a 136-inch wheelbase & 18-inches over the stock dimensions. With the look of 1920's cars, this Chrysler display had suicide-style rear doors.

Rice Fink
Aren't You awe struck with this amazing design. This one from Ed "Big Daddy" Roth definitely turned the heads on because of the cartoons and wild cars design. Completely original in look, this car had cartoon created by Roth's signature character CRat Fink".

Superlift Jeep
Now that is something 'Super'. This Jeep displayed at SEMA has the unusual look. With huge wheels & tires and attractive olive drab green color, this jeep did manage to steal limelight at the auto trade show. One of the best looking and toughest jeep at SEMA 2008, this Superlift Jeep has a diesel engine swap. The other features of this Superlift Jeep are beefier drivetrain components and AEV Brute pickup conversion body. Don't you get the feel to try a hands on the steering of this Superlift Jeep?

These cars with unique looks kept attracting a huge number of visitors. Obviously the reason remained their cool designs, unique features, amusing colors or color combination. And, if you are a big car or auto fan, I will bring some more car snaps and their features that are sure to set your pulse racing. Till then, take care.

Proper Air Pressure – Life For Your Wheels and Tires!

Well, since we have been talking about auto parts and their maintenance, here is another one. Oh yes, another DIY (Do It Yourself). This one is about those car parts that bear the weight of entire vehicle and that is - Auto Wheels and Tires.

Wheels are vital part in any automobile and hence need extra attention most importantly at regular intervals. Auto wheels and tires, in proper condition, are not only necessary for a comfortable driving but also for safe driving. Keep in mind the following directions to take proper tire care, to let your automotive wheels be intact and definitely for enjoying those long drives.

Air Pressure – For auto wheels and tires to yield maximum functionality, it is essential to keep the right air pressure. Every car has its appropriate standard and you must know the standard air pressure for your car wheels. You can also refer to the automobile wheel manufacturers manuals or other automotive industry publications in the market that may provide you with the required details.

What is important is that the air pressure shouldn't be either high or low. If its low, wheels will get damaged due to friction and consequent heat. Low air pressure in automotive wheels also leads to more fuel consumption. Therefore always remember, The Accurate Car Wheel Pressure!

Check The Valve Cover – In the auto wheels and tires, you will find valve covers. Check these valve covers to make sure they are right on position on the automotive wheels and there is no leakage of air. Keep Valve Covers of Wheels on Right Position.

Twice a Week Air Pressure Checks - Do your regular check ups on auto wheels and tires air pressure. You can take the help of a measure tool. Well, the gap between two air pressure checks depends upon the how much your car is used. Regular Checks Save The Wheels from Damage.

Perform Checks When The Vehicle Has Been Used – This is very important. You should check the air pressure only when the vehicle has been used and the wheels temperature is down. This is so because the wheel pressure will be high if the wheels temperature inside is high. Remember, check the air pressure when the wheels temperature is down.

If You Add An Extra Weight On Vehicle, Increase The Air Pressure – At times, when you are off on a long trip or when you put loads on the poor vehicle, make sure to the increase automotive wheels pressure. As told earlier, proper air pressure is directly proportional to the longer life of auto wheels and tires. Extra Weight or Extra Mile = Extra Air Pressure Required.

Air pressure is just one of the ways, through which you can increase the life of your auto wheels and tires. A check on the other wheel parts like auto tube, flywheel, linkage parts, lug bolt, lug nuts, wheel studs, radial tires & other wheels and tires accessories are amongst the other ways for smoother and hassle free drive.

Also important for you is to how to repair a punctured tire functioning of automotive wheels and wheel parts. So just give some time to your vehicle and enjoy the smooth drive as a brand new car all your life. Have a Safe Drive!

Attention! Your Brake Pads Need To Be Changed

Its been some time since you paid attention to those wearing brakes of your vehicles. You are well aware that the car brakes are very important automotive parts and you cannot be that careless with them. Still, you had been avoiding them for a repair or even a change for so many days.

If you can relate yourself to the above condition, then here is a small and easy way to change your automobile brake parts. Brake pads are essential auto parts of any automobile brake system. Read on to know how can you easily replace the brake pads of your vehicle. Try these do it yourself (DIY) tips.

You Should Have Access To Brake Pads – Since you have fair idea of how car brakes work, you can start with the tips immediately. Ensure that your vehicle is properly lifted off the ground. Remove the tire of the car and gain access to those wearing brake pads.

Checking of Pads – First off all, remove the calipers that squeeze the brake pads. There are bolts that hold calipers together and you won't find it difficult to remove these automotive bolts. Once the calipers are removed, its time to check the brake pads.

Check Rotor – While you are checking the brake pad, then also inspect the rotor. You might also find the rotor worn out, which means you need to change them too. Well, if you are lucky, it can also be repaired. You might just shave down the scored motor to make them smooth. Thank God, at least you saved some dollars there.

Time to Install New Brake Pads – Get new brake pads from your nearest but authorized automotive parts and components store. Since you have removed the worn out brake pads, we will help you replace them with new ones.

The Preparation - Start with the calipers again. Reposition the calipers. Its easy. Move the caliper towards the center of the vehicle to bring it in full open position. You can do so by using a vice grip. Now the calipers are in place, the brake pads are need to be fixed. Apply some brake pad grease on the back of the pads.

Assemble The Greased Brake Pads Now – In order to reassemble the brake pads, you need to install them onto the calipers. To fix caliper back on, use a bolt. The next step is to replace the tire that we have removed in the beginning. The tire need to be placed back onto the axle.

Don't Forget To Tighten The Wheels – After the brake pads are replaced, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheels. Take a small test drive in order to make sure that the car stops correctly.

In case you hear some kind of screeching sound from your brake system, don't worry. Its your brake pads. The new brake pads usually create some noise which will definitely fade away in few days.

Replacing your brake pads is an easy task but if you find any kind of problem, then its always better to get it done by your car mechanic or at a repair center. Try these car maintenance and repair tips. Lets hope, this information on how to change brake pads of your car helps you in right maintenance of your car.

Transmission of Your Vehicle – Is It Working Properly?

Its been long since you bought a car but till date never got a chance to check that box underneath your car. Oh yes, you guessed it right – its the transmission system that I am talking about. Every time you take your car for servicing and maintenance, you poke in so much money without even knowing the reason why. Often the repair center tells you that its the transmission or gearbox that's the culprit.

Now next time, you get the feel that your gear, clutch or any other automotive transmission system's part is not functioning in the right manner, then perform a check yourself. Here is how you can do it.

Check The Level of Fluid – Always ensure that fluid level is correct. Automakers suggest that one should check transmission fluid at least twice a year. If not done, low fluid level might damage the your car's transmission or automotive transmission parts and consequently can fall on you disguised as a costly repair.

Losing Fluid Often Means A Leakage – Now that you have checked the level of fluid, you might encounter the problem that is - your car might be losing fluid frequently. This is an alarm for you as well as your car. Your transmission system needs immediate attention and troubleshooting. Mind it – Immediate!

Leaking Transmission? – The alarm continues. Discover the possible transmission problems. Leaking automotive transmission needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Leakage should be checked at these places - at filler tube base, at drain hole underneath transmission, between transmission and engine, at selector shaft and radiator. You can also check fluid leaking in speed sensor mounting point.

Checking the Filter – Did you ever change the filter of your car's transmission. If not then, its better to do it now. Filters are an essential auto part in any automobile. Make sure the filter is of good quality.

Perform these checks on your automobile this weekend and ensure that your transmission is working properly. In case of any kind transmission problem, get it rebuilt. So just give your darling vehicle a healthy body. If you love them, you may also try out these tips to increase the lifeline of your dear vehicle. So, this weekend, spend some time on auto transmission check n repair.