How do you read between the tires?

posted under , by Dr. Wizvax
Every rider must have knowledge about tires. They must know its construction, its maintenance and care, how to mount and dismount it, how to troubleshoot and to take precautions. To do it here are the areas that need to be known by them:

  1. The right size. Sizing is the process of choosing the tire by determining its rim width. This means that the tires must not be wider or narrower than its original equipment tires because to choose otherwise will distort motorcycle handling.
  2. Pressure. Pressure increases with temperature. Thus, a rider must check tires regularly especially during winter season. Advisable tire pressures can be found on the manufacturer's reference table. Check them out in order to have a safe tire pressure.
  3. Never bleed air from a hot tire. Also avoid riding when tires are underinflated because this can lead to premature wear, tire failure and damage to the carcass.
  4. The Wear. Regularly inspect the wear indicator in the tire grooves. You will know that the tire should be replaced if the wear indicators are leveled with the surface of the tread at any point.
  5. The Valve. Always use valve caps to prevent air loss and to avoid dirt from entering the valve.
  6. Warm-up. Each time you ride on your motorcycle, always begin at a moderate speed. This will gradually condition the tires up to their normal operating temperature. If they have already achieved a full warm-up then they will have an optimal grip.
  7. Break-in. After warming up, avoid rapid acceleration or hard cornering. Do this for the first 50 kilometers of your ride up to the extent when the tread area is totally worn off.
  8. Repairs. Try to learn the basics of motorcycle repairs so that you will not be groping in the dark when discrepancies occur. Another option is to consult tire experts to attend to tire repairs.

Learn the language of riding. Drive wisely. Travel safely.

About the author:
Please visit http://www.streetmotorcycleaccessories.comfor comments and inquiries regarding this article

A Must Have Tools For Auto Owner

posted under , by Dr. Wizvax
Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.

  1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.
  2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.
  3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.
  4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.
  5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.

Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.

About the author:
Mike Scurria is very interested in automobiles. Learn more at http://www.sjdiscounttools.com.

What is Fleet Maintenance Management?

posted under , by Dr. Wizvax
by: Jennifer Bailey

Fleet Maintenance Management is a critical position in any company that has a number of commercial vehicles. The individual responsible for the management and maintenance of fleet vehicles performs a variety of functions. It is imperative that companies such as delivery drivers or even taxi services know what is going on with their vehicles at all times. Preventative maintenance, order/vendor logging and fuel economy are among a few of the issues that fleet maintenance managers deal with on a daily basis.

One of the most important duties of a fleet maintenance manager is the maintenance of vehicles. With the number of vehicles many companies have on the road each day, maintaining quality vehicles is important. Regular and controlled fleet vehicle maintenance can assist in more efficient and lower cost repairs, fewer technical problems and more efficient tracking, management and budgeting of the fleet. An outstanding fleet vehicle maintenance program can save time and money by ensuring that vehicles are safe and on time.

Repairs and downtime for fleet vehicles can cost your company a considerable amount of money. High-quality fleet vehicle maintenance can mean the difference in your company’s reputation being one of top-notch service rather than undependable service. Preventative maintenance and scheduling routine maintenance or repairs can extend the life of your fleet vehicles. Many fleet vehicle managers find that using a specialized software program is the best way to organize these needed elements.

With the high cost of fuel today, fleet managers also take into consideration the fuel usage among the vehicles. Fleet maintenance software programs often have features that enable the manager to appropriately budget for gas. The ability to log and track the mileage of drivers can give the manager a good idea of the average fuel consumption of each vehicle in the fleet.

Fleet maintenance managers occupy important positions within a company. Most managers within top U.S. companies recommend the use of high-quality fleet maintenance software programs. These programs enable the fleet managers to keep detailed records and logs of everything that happens with each vehicle. For companies whose primary service depends on well-maintained vehicles, organization and tracking of the fleet and expenses is obviously a key responsibility. Your company’s business reputation is important and it is essential that the fleet manager is able to accurately maintain an exceptional level of quality of all vehicles in your fleet.

With all of the products available on the market, the fleet maintenance management needs to examine the company’s needs to find the product best suited for them. The manager may choose to examine some of the top products by taking advantage of free trials offered by most companies. During the free trial, you are generally capable of performing the full range of functions in order to get a good feel for the product. This is a critical first step in choosing the software program that is right for your company

About the author:
Fleet Maintenance Software Info provides comprehensive information on fleet maintenance software, reviews and programs for commercial vehicles. Fleet Maintenance Software Info is the sister site of Preventive Maintenance Software Web.

Driving Safely in the Dark

posted under , by Dr. Wizvax
by: Terry Brown

Safety is a primary concern for all drivers, especially at night. Although there are fewer cars on the road, most fatal car accidents happen at night than any other time of the day. Our ability to see the road ahead is seriously impaired at night. Darkness can dramatically alter the driver's ability to cope with even the most normal driving conditions. As we are more vulnerable to dangerous road situations at night or in low visibility, we should double our preparedness, alertness and common sense when driving at night. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from potentially dangerous situations on the road. Here are some of the most important points to consider when driving in the dark.

The most important difference in night driving is visibility. At night, we become completely dependent on artificial sources of light to help us see and show us where we are going. Highway signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles are more difficult to see at night. Thus, lights, mirrors, and windows are doubly important at night. We should maintain clear, clean and scratch-free mirrors and windows. They should not be clouded by steam, frost, water droplets or tarnished by cracks or scratches.

Your entire car's lighting equipments must be in good condition to ensure safety when driving in the dark. Headlights, Tail Lights, Corner Lights , signal lamps, license plate lights and others all play a big role in your safety when driving at night. Your lights should be turned on during the night especially during periods of rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog. Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Have it checked by a professional to make sure that all the lights work. Keep your headlights and your windshields clean. Remember that your lights are your only communication with other drivers on the road. Make sure that your windshield is clean, clear and unobstructed so that you can see what's ahead of you. One of the most hazardous habits that that drivers do during the night is "overdriving" the headlights of their vehicles.

Headlights as well as other lights, mirrors, windows, windshields all play an important role in keeping you safe when driving at night. Thus, these auto parts must be maintained in good condition or replaced as soon as they get damaged or defective. Fortunately, you can easily get replacement GMC Parts including GMC Headlights, GMC Mirrors, GMC Window regulators and others. However, you should carefully choose the auto parts you are going to purchase. A good tip is to stick with a reliable and trusted auto parts store. If you want to shop for GMC auto parts the fast and easy way, then online auto parts stores are an excellent choice.

Inner Auto Parts is known as an excellent source of quality, relevant auto information. Now, Inner Auto Parts offers high quality and affordable replacement parts that are manufactured by the best auto parts makers in the industry. GMC Parts from Inner Auto Parts are guaranteed to be durable, high quality and comes at very affordable prices. GMC Parts such as GMC Fenders, GMC Fog Lights , GMC Radiators, GMC Spoilers and others are readily available. You can surely find the best GMC Headlights, taillights and other GMC lights here at Inner Auto Parts.

About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.

How to properly check tire pressure?

posted under , , by Dr. Wizvax
by: Jakob Jelling

Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.

The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.

In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side doorjamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.

Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.

Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.

About the author:
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

How to change a tire?

posted under by Dr. Wizvax
by: Jakob Jelling

Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.

In order to change a tire you should make sure you have parked your car at the side of the road and following all the safety rules that correspond to the case. You must apply the parking brake and place the shift in first gear. Then, you should look for the spare tire, the lug wrench and the jack. If you do not know where the spare tire is, you can look for it in the car owner's manual.

Once you have found all you need, you should start by taking off the hubcap of the tire you wish to remove. You should do this with the help of a screwdriver or the end of the lug wrench. Then you should loosen the lug nuts with only one turn, do not completely loosen them until you have lifted the car.

Next you should lift the car with the jack. If you do not know how to do this, you can find instructions in your car owner's manual on where to place the jack as well as the jack itself might bring some directions too. You should lift the car until the tire you wish to change is some inches away from the ground. Then finish removing the lug nuts and remove the tire.

Once you have removed the old tire, you should place the spare one in the correct place aligning the holes. Then, you should place the lug nuts and tighten them until they feel secure. Once you have done this, you must lower the car back to the ground and take the jack away from it. Then, you should have the flat tire repaired and change it back as soon as you can.

About the author:
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Finding The Perfect Car For You

posted under , by Dr. Wizvax
by: Kevin Schappell

Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV. Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today's truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site? If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs. Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.

Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.

Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.

Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.

Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.
I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

Good luck!!!

About the author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.comwhere he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
kevin@schappell.com

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