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Some Tips to Minimize Fuel Costs

With the skyrocketing gas prices nowadays, it’s always hard maintaining an automobile. Of course you can but some enhancement parts that can help can increase your car’s fuel economy, a good idea but the costs of those accessories will just make your jaw drop. There are also other hullabaloos like fuel tablets in order to enhance fuel efficiency but its overall worth and usefulness is yet to be proven. There are so many schemes, so many what to do’s. But at the end of it all, it’s all about the simple and most effective ways to minimize your fuel costs. Let me just share some.

Car maintenance is a must. You always have to inspect the pressure of your car’s tires because low air pressure can definitely lead to higher fuel costs. Under inflated tires require more energy to begin its movement and to uphold its speed and rotation. Whether you own a sedan, a compact, a convertible or even a sports car, make sure that your vehicle and its components are in optimum condition. Have an oil change every now and then as this could certainly help your engine perform at peak levels and of course, consume less gas.

Maybe there’s something wrong about your driving style. A study conducted by a British automotive consultancy revealed that controlled acceleration is actually better and more fuel efficient than your normal conservative driving. According to the sturdy, the key for saving that much fuel is to accelerate hard until your engine reaches 2000 rpm, move up a gear, then push on the pedals until you reach the same rate. Believe it or not, an engine running at 2000 rpm is at its most efficient. So don’t be afraid to hit it up a bit. Think about it, you’ll be chugging in high speeds and saving gas at the same time. Keep it that rate though, since its benefits would not matter when it goes beyond 2000 rpm.

But the one that allows you to save even more. A little common sense wouldn’t hurt. If you’re thinking about buying your first car, it would be wise to consider buying an automobile with a low monthly payment and zero percent interest. With the steep competition from different auto manufacturers and brands, they would definitely have the best offers in the market. Also consider the car’s engine specifications. 2.0L and 1.6L 4-cylinder engines are definitely the ones you need. They have relatively high compression ratios for a powerful, yet effective performance. Think about it, you can feel the thrill of driving knowing that your car gets the most mileage out of every gallon.

Yes, gas prices are consistently increasing; it’s a reality that we should all face. After all, we couldn’t prevent these prices from going up, what we can do is perform some of these tips to make our lives a lot easier.

Everyone Loves a Civic

Who loves a Honda Civic? Everyone I must say, that includes auto thieves. More than two decades ago, Honda introduced the Civic, a small and anonymous car that competed in a market that was dominated by flashy sedans sporting ornate chrome, garish stylish treatments and acres of sheet metal. Since then, people from all over the world have fallen in love with this vehicle. With its sleek contours and an all-so affordable price range, who wouldn’t? But that obsession brings both good and bad. Reports show that the 2000 Honda Civic is the most stolen car in America last year. Now if that’s not as bad as it get, I don’t know what is.

Vehicles are stolen for a whole lot of reasons, and contrary to popular belief, the most stolen vehicles are several years old since it holds more value than some modern ones. Some vehicles are stolen and stripped for parts for various reasons. Others are stolen and resold by thieves to unsuspecting buyers. Many vehicles are stolen for joyriding and drag racing. Some are jacked for use in committing other crimes, to perpetrate insurance fraud, or for other illegitimate purposes.

Come to think of it, the Civic may not be the flashiest vehicle around, but it’s the most usable and practical. A grille in front, sheet metal contours, conservative look, dual airbags, anti lock brakes and most importantly, an automatic and a continuously variable transmission system. It doesn’t scream sports car or muscle car; instead, it basically gives a decent performance at an affordable price. It screams durability and sturdiness.

The Civic’s engine versions show a 1.6 liter, SOHC four-cylinder. The most common variety has an output of 1-6 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Although it has a few inadequacies, this storied automobile shows that it is still way better than most of its contemporaries. It is a car for people who don’t enjoy frequenting the repair shop and its waiting rooms. It is an automobile that holds its resale value better than most of the other cars that it competes with. Car owners would definitely be drawn, needless to say.

It goes without saying that the Civic is an all-purpose ride. For those who wants some fun, for the fuel efficient junkies, for the style-conscious and even for the ones in a tight budget. Whatever your need is, this automobile offers it. Soon the flipside, if you’re going to jack up a car, you would take the one that has the parts that can be easily sold since there are a horde of Honda owners. Even if you want to use it in a drag race, just buy a few enhancement parts and you’re all set.

Does Honda care about that dubious statistic, I wouldn’t think so. I personally think that it wouldn’t affect its client base since people are all going to buy it one way or the other. As for their car insurance agents, well, let’s just say that they have their hands full unless they figure out a more effective security system for this one.

Mazda 3 - A Must-have Car for Graduating Seniors

Spring’s almost over and summer’s just right around the corner. Man, it must feel really good to finally finish that degree and get that diploma. All those days of class lectures, endless research and grueling finals weeks are done, gone, outta here. Of course, it can be bittersweet as well, depending on how you enjoyed your college life. The dorm life, frat parties, going to class drunk - those were indeed priceless moments you’re going to remember for the rest of your days.

Now it’s time to snap out of it. Yes, you are a budding professional. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and face the real world. Of course, it pays to know you’re your parents are most probably going to give you a ride as your graduation gift. You don’t even need to think that hard. Having a Mazda3 is definitely a good kick start to your career.

With the company’s skyrocketing performance in 2007, it continues to sell in huge numbers up to this day. And when I say huge, I mean humongous. Mazda Sales have gone beyond its forecast for last year as it sold more than 1.36 million vehicles worldwide. It’s no secret that a bulk of those sales came from the Mazda3 units. One cannot deny the gorgeous style that the Mazda has, but its great reputation for reliability, quality, space and its surprising low price that continues to attract millions of followers. Numerous automotive media outlets were in unison for their praise of the Mazda3. Not to mention, this fancied vehicle also heaped plentiful awards from these outlets.

Yahoo Autos reported that in sedan form, the Mazda3 has a low base price of only $14,530 and is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces a peppy 148 horsepower while garnering an impressive EPA mileage rating of 24 city/32 highway. The very stylish 5-door may cost a seemingly steep $4000 more, but if you ask me, it is indeed money well spent. If you can dangle it, the 5-door transforms the car into a superb cargo carrier that can handle weekend outdoor and sports gear, trips to Sam’s, or haul a semester's worth of dirty laundry back to your parent's house with ease. And despite larger 2.3-liter 4-cylinder producing 156 horsepower, it still manages a very respectable 22 city/29 mpg highway.

Mazda3’s top-flight Touring editions feature components such as heated front seats, leather trim, high-intensity xenon headlights and a security system. Other options include the navigation system, Sirius satellite radio ($1950), power sunroof, and 7-speaker Bose sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player ($1335). With these accessories, you’re basically set to take over whichever industry you decide to enter as a young professional.

So kids, now that your good old Uni days are behind you with all the fond memories, it would be cool if you could get your hands on this baby. I’m sure your folks will love it as well. Not only would it be great to have it in your garage and on the road, the thrill of being inside of this classy vehicle would also give you the needed boost of confidence in those upcoming job interviews.

Sources: yahooautos, Mazda.com

No Sedan for a Texan

Auto Parts Budget Expected to Boost Next Year

According to a Nasscom-ACMA research, the budget of 90 percent of auto parts manufacturers is projected to advance next year.  

Reports show that during the 2005-2006 period, majority of auto parts makers obtained a twelve-monthly funds of Rs 20 lakh.  In the coming year, experts anticipate that there will be a significant boost in the figures.

Nasscom recently sent out a report entitled IT Adoption in the Indian Auto Component Industry. The report was released in order to help the auto parts industry achieve its objective of attaining 40 billion dollar growth by 2015. It was made to comprehend the challenges brought by IT adoption that many auto parts manufacturers will certainly encounter. In addition to that, the report discloses that maintenance of hardware is a task that many auto parts firm usually outsource.

“The strong performance of the Indian auto-component sector in the past few years has led to rightfully considering it a sunrise sector of the Indian economy,” said Nasscom President Kiran Karnik.

“We see IT playing a very critical role in helping this sector achieve its global aspirations.”

“The manufacturing sector in India is critical to sustaining the growth of the Indian economy. IT has the potential to act as a force multiplier for the Indian auto-component industry,” added National Manufacturing Competitive Council Chairman Krishnamurthy.

Porsche Announces Entry to Vietnam

Porsche, the popular German auto maker, proudly announced its way into the broad auto market of Vietnam through the induction ceremony recently held in Ho Chi Minh City.

"We have closely watched the positive development of Viet Nam for the last couple of years, and now we are convinced, is exactly the right time to set up a Porsche business here," said General Director of the official Porsche importer in Viet Nam Prestige Sports Cars Co Ltd Andreas Klingler.

The German auto company launched some of its premier models in the ceremony. The launching covered the two-seat roadster Boxter, a five-seater Cayenne, and SUV the two-seater coupe Cayman.  Porsche was very proud to announce that the automobiles they manufacture in Germany are now in Vietnam.

By 2008, Porsche intends to put up for sale about 30 automobiles in Vietnam.

Porsche has begun the construction of the Porsche Center Sai Gon in District 7.  This facility will start its operation in July 2008.

Many critics say that the institution of a Porsche center in Vietnam, the Vietnamese market will enjoy better services in terms of accessories and design driver’s selection after sales, and sales. With that, the auto maker is pondering on creating another Porsche center in Ha Noi.

Japanese Auto Makers to produce Environment-friendly Vehicles in Thailand

A recent report from The Nikkei showed that two big-time automotive companies from Japan have opted to generate environment-friendly vehicles in Thailand.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Toyota Motor Corp are intending to spread out its production faculty by establishing one in Thailand.  The two auto makers will start to produce around 100,000 units of ec0-convenient automobiles each year starting 2010.

According to a business daily in Japan, Toyota aims to invest approximately 17 billion yen, which is 151.83 million dollars.  The ideal total investment it foresees is around 20 billon yen.

The government of Thailand has made a decision of offering tax breaks to automotive companies that are able to generate eco-convenient automobiles that have 1.3L or even smaller gas engines.  Moreover, the tax breaks are applicable to vehicles that possess a fuel efficiency of 20 kilometers per liter.

Other auto makers such as Nissan Motor Co, Suzuki Motor Corp, and Honda Motor Co have already been allowed to implement their production efforts in Thailand.  They intend to start the production in 2010.

Volkswagen’s Plan to Expand in US

Volkswagen AG intends to expand its market by capturing customers from the United States.  Reports from media in Germany show that Volkswagen is actually eyeing US as a site where it can build a new facility.  The construction of a new Volkswagen facility is something that would be beneficial not only the state in which the facility will be established, but also to many dealers of Volkswagen automobiles all over the country. 

Since Volkswagen has not been very successful in marketing its products to the American market since the first Beetle was launched there, the automotive company is now serious with its plan to establish a strong assembly force in one of the states.  If the plan to set up a Volkswagen facility in the US will push through, the automotive company will have to essentially do the design, engineering, and marketing of its vehicles. 

Another part of the grand plan of Volkswagen is to absorb the large Japanese auto maker Toyota. On the other hand, before Volkswagen can actually accomplish such a big endeavor, it has to be open to certain adjustments to revolutionize its line-up. 

The Battery of a Hybrid

In order to contribute in the preservation of the environment and to limit fuel consumption, some motorists choose to utilize hybrid vehicles.  Automotive companies all over the world have been very successful in working out hybrid bugs.  On the other hand, these hybrid bugs have a downside.  Most hybrid motorists, especially those who own a Prius, complain of starter batteries that fail to function properly.

A Prius Hybrid is equipped with huge battery cells.  However, this kind of automobile greatly depends on a little starter battery to start operating.  If the Prius Hybrid is not used for even just a few days, this small battery will certainly be drained.  This is because even if the vehicle is not in motion, the electronic monitoring feature of the Prius continues to function.  Nonstop monitoring will definitely consume a significant amount of the battery’s power.  This explains why vehicle owners who leave their automobiles at the airport parking lot for a week end up complaining that, upon their arrival, the engines of their vehicles no longer respond.

What must be done when the battery of a hybrid vehicle does not respond?  There is one great solution – to press on the Go button of the vehicle.  This can be done by making use of a battery switch.  A battery switch has been one of the stuff considered vital by many race hybrid owners.  This switch is helpful in executing an emergency power interruption.

Source: autorepair.com

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve is a component that moves the carbon dioxide from the exhaust system of the vehicle back to the engine.  It is important to maintain this device because, once it becomes defective, the automobile may suffer from various automotive problems such as low power, difficulty in ignition, difficulty in the vehicle’s acceleration. 

To avoid the problems caused by a faulty EGR valve, vehicle owners like you should learn how to properly examine and clean EGR valves.  If you know how to maintain their EGR valves well, you will be saved from a lot of replacement expenses.

Though you make every effort to preserve the quality of your vehicle’s EGR valve, the time will come when it will wear down. It is important, therefore, that you know when this auto component begins to malfunction, and the right way of doing it is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Start the engine of your vehicle, but remember to engage the emergency brake.  Allot a few minutes for your automobile to warm up.  Look for the EGR valve of your automobile.
2. After a few seconds of warm-up, locate the EGR plunger mechanism.  This EGR part is the one that regulates the recirculation of the exhaust gas. 
3. As you sharply accelerate the engine of your car, examine the operation of the EGR plunger mechanism.

Sign of Problem: Once you see a plunger mechanism that is either closed or jammed, it means that there is something wrong with your EGR valve.  Thus, it is time to replace it.

Ford’s Contribution in the Development of the Auto Industry

Ford Motor Company is one of the internationally acclaimed auto companies that greatly take part in enhancing the state of the automotive industry.  It established academic unions in the Nanjing University of Aeronautics (SJTU) and Shanghai Jiaotong University to increase the quality of research and development programs that initiate the innovation in various sorts of vehicles. The automotive company aims to help further the condition of the automotive sphere by supporting the academic courses that serve as a strong foundation of the automotive sector.

“NUAA and SJTU are widely renowned for their leading scientific research programs and academic reputations. The alliances with Ford will allow for high-level collaboration that will enhance mutual scientific and educational capacities, and leverage each other’s strengths and resources in the co-development of automotive technologies,” said Vice president of Research & Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Company Gerhard Schmidt.

The two academic unions, which are the first associations to be established by Ford with universities in the Mainland China, each selected a Ford Motor Company Professor’s Chair.  This official is responsible in helping make the beginning of the partnership between the university and Ford a lot easier.  It is the duty of this Chair to help out in designing and carrying out various research programs that will significantly improve the automotive industry. 

Ford Canada’s Use of Paint Fumes Contributes in Preservation of Environment

To at least reduce environmental risks, one of the assembly facilities of Ford Canada is geared to continue its operations by utilizing paint fumes.  Currently, Ford is setting up a technologically advanced system that makes it possible for fumes to turn into fuel in its Oakville plant.

This new technology being introduced by Ford is in fact the “first of its kind in the world”.  It is a system that will help preserve the environment by trimming down pollution.  By converting harmful fumes generated by the paint shop of the Ford assembly plant in Oakville into electricity that will supply force to operate the plant, this innovative system can help not only in upholding the condition of the environment, but also in providing economical means of providing power to the plant.

One of a Kind System

Ford is proud to be the first to have a system that will benefit both the environment and the operation of the company.  "There's nothing like this in the world.  You couldn't ask for anything greener in terms of technology," Ford Motor Company Manufacturing Expert Kit Edgeworth stated in a report from Sun Media.

The assembly plants of other automotive companies have been suffering, for years now, from the problems caused by the emissions of their paint shops.  The Volatile organic compounds, or in simple terms paint shop discharges, are being drained off and actually being burned to ashes.  The heating systems, operated by natural gas, that are utilized to set the emissions to fire are very expensive, and automotive companies have a hard time maintaining them. 

With its fume conversion system, Ford will no longer have to go through the complicated process of maintaining natural gas-operated heating systems.  The environment-friendly system of Ford is scheduled to be put to operation by the end of this year.  It will function at its maximum aptitude by the end of 2008. According to Edgeworth, the system is supposed to lessen the emission of carbon dioxide by at least 88%.  Moreover, it is also designed to do away with nitrogen oxide discharges. 

Silicon Valley Technologist Proposes Network of Battery-Charging Stations

Silicon Valley technologist Shai Agassi recently brought up a magnificent proposal of increasing the usage of all-electric, battery-operated vehicles to smarten up the international automotive industry. 

The objective of Agassi is not similar to that of Chevrolet Volt and Tesla, which concentrate on generating green automobiles.  It is not focused on the production of innovative vehicles.  Instead, the plan of Agassi is all about setting up a network of stations that provide battery-charging services in Europe, United States, and some developing countries. 

The network being planned by Agassi will serve as a provider of electric fuel.  The purchase is to be made on a subscription basis.  This system also suggests that all the vehicle expenses be subsidized by credits and leases.  “We’re basically saying this is just like the cellular phone model,” he said. “If you think of Tesla as the iPhone, we’re AT&T,” said Agassi.

Agassi has in fact come up with sufficient financial support for this project.  A lot of private groups have extended support for Agassi’s plan.  Currently, there is a 200 million dollar worth of fund to back up the construction of the battery-charging stations.  The private groups that helped raise the fund include a famous Israeli transportation and technology holding company, the Israel Corporation, and Vantage Point Venture Partners. There are also individual contributors such as the liquor tycoon Edgar Bronfman Sr., and former World Bank head James D. Wolfensohn.

Since consents from both governments and auto makers are still being worked out, the plan of Agassi is still not being carried out.  Prototypes of these all-electric, battery-operated vehicles will begin in the early part of 2008, and the official marketing and service will follow only after two years.

“It’s much easier to transport electrons than octane molecules. We’ve already got a grid that goes around the entire world; all we have to do is extend it,” said Agassi.  This enthusiastic Silicon Valley technologist foresees a lot of battery-charging stations all over the globe that will make possible certain adjustments in vehicle expenses and usage.

Honda’s ASIMO Robot

The robot of internationally acclaimed robotics pioneer Honda Motor Company recently started its Alive & Unplugged Australian Tour in Melbourne.  The start of the tour of ASIMO, the Honda robot, featured a sequence of entertaining shows that definitely caused a lot of people to gather at the Chadstone Shopping Centre. 

For five days, ASIMO, an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, accomplished successful shows that actually amazed the Melbourne audience.  ASIMO showed off its capacity to do human activities such as walking, running, talking, dancing, holding hands, playing soccer, interacting with people, and lifting objects.

The amazing Honda robot is currently heading to Bendigo for another Alive & Unplugged Australian Tour. The event in Bendigo will last for nine weeks.

Facts about ASIMO

Honda Motor Company spent about 21 years gathering research in order to develop a functional robot like ASIMO. At present, Honda runs engineering facilities in Japan, United States and some parts of Europe.  Teams of competent engineers contribute to this continuous progress of this astonishing robot. They carry on with studies that can bring about technological developments that will make ASIMO function more efficiently.

"Honda's concept is to create a robot that can help around the house, or assist the elderly or someone confined to a wheelchair or bed," said Honda Australia Senior Director Lindsay Smalley.  Honda wants to emphasize that ASIMO is the most highly developed among the chain of robots that the Honda team has been producing since 1986. 

The team of Honda engineers is aiming to improve ASIMO in such a way that it can assist people who are in great need.  "That's why ASIMO is just 1.3 metres high so he can communicate eye-to-eye with someone seated in a chair, while still being able to operate light switches and door knobs, and work at tables and work benches. In future, ASIMO might also perform tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as fighting fires or cleaning up toxic spills," said Smalley.

The primary function of ASIMO is to reproduce the intricacies of human perception and motion. ASIMO can in fact walk at 2.7 kph, run at 6 kph, use eye cameras to distinguish the environment he is in, recall motionless objects, and stay away from impediments. It is equipped with force sensors, which are placed in his wrists, to enable it to move objects forward, and accept items. Furthermore, it has an IC Communication card that allows it to communicate with people on its own.

The current ASIMO is more transportable than the previous robots produced by Honda. Having extra foot joints, knee and hip, the ASIMO is definitely easy to move. This is what is called the robot’s "degree of freedom", which can be estimated by quantifying the movements of human beings. The degree of freedom of ASIMO amounts to 34, which covers the various parts of its body.  Such degree of freedom enables this Honda robot to liberally be in motion.

Honda Motor Company can use the technological success of ASIMO to other facets of the business like safety of Honda automobiles. "For instance, what we have learned from ASIMO about human movement has helped us design a more effective crash-test dummy and develop some of the world's safest cars for pedestrians; while the radar ASIMO uses to move around is being adapted for use in Honda cars as Night Vision, and for detecting and avoiding pedestrians while driving," he said.

These days, Honda is trying to win the attention and trust of the Australian market through the amazing robot ASIMO.  The ASIMO 'Alive and Unplugged' Show tour, consists of 124 shows, will introduce ASIMO to people in South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and NSW.

This ASIMO Australian Tour aims to offer consumers details about the distinctive technological abilities and mischievous qualities of ASIMO.  Moreover, it intends to provide people from all walks of life a quick look into what may happen in the future when robots will actually be helping human beings in day to day tasks.

Toyota Negotiates with Indian Government on Import of Hybrid Vehicles

Toyota has been discussing with the government of India a proposal of bringing in completely built units of Toyota vehicles that are designed to promote the safety of the environment. 

According to a Toyota Kirloskar Motor Company representative, the main point of Toyota in its negotiation dwells on lightening up the standards of the Indian government in order to attain permission to import completely built units like Prius.

On the other hand, officials from Toyota confirm the slow process of negotiation between Toyota and the Indian government.  They said that it is very difficult to bring Prius to the Indian auto market since the government has always been strict with imports. 

The international sales of hybrid vehicles produced by Toyota have in fact gone beyond a million units. According to Toyota Motor Corporation Project General Manager for Management Division Yutaka Matsumoto, Toyota intends to put on the market the same quantity of hybrid automobiles annually starting 2010. “For us, hybrid is our core technology. We have to see that we are able to adapt most of our models to hybrid technology,” Matsumoto said.

At the moment, there are eight models of Toyota hybrid automobiles. The first hybrid vehicle, Prius was introduced in the market in 1997.  Eventually, hybrid vehicles broadened its market scope.  These Toyota automobiles were promoted in Europe, North America, and other parts of the globe in 2000.

The Hybrid Automobiles of Toyota

The hybrid system works by merging various sources of power in order to get the most out of the strength of every source.  The hybrid system that Prius uses puts together the high speed capability of its internal combustion engine and its electric motors’ low speed torque. 

In 2003, the second production of Toyota Prius that is equipped with hybrid system II, started on.  It boasted of both high road performance and environmental safety. The first production of these hybrid vehicles out of the country happened in in China in the year 2005. This was soon followed by the 2006 production of automobiles in in the United States.

Vehicle-tracking Gadget to be Launched by EarthSearch

A vehicle-tracking gadget is to be launched by EarthSearch Communications Inc.  This technological breakthrough is intended to get rid of the growing number of auto theft cases.

The new auto device is engineered not just to track down missing automobiles.  The gadget is made up of components that will make it hard for thieves to actually take the vehicles. "The only way a car thief can steal a vehicle equipped with one of our devices is by towing it -- and we have an alert for that, too.  We don't just find stolen vehicles; we provide the tool to stop the theft," said EarthSearch Communications Inc. CEO and President Kay Aladesuyi.

The vehicle-tracking gadget by EarthSearch is easy to use.  A cellular phone can be used to put the engine out of action once the vehicle owner leaves and locks his vehicle.  Without a new message from the cell phone of the owner or any person from EarthSearch support, the engine will not function. "This is a highly user-friendly and effective auto-theft prevention device," said Chief Technology Officer for EarthSearch Isis Barchi.

Moreover, the AutoSearchGPS device can advise the vehicle owner by means of cell phone message each time the vehicle is moved without the permission of the owner. Aside from this, each automobile with AutoSearchGPS can be easily tracked through cell phone and even online.  Tracking covers information such as the route taken by the vehicle, its speed, and even its exact position. "In the highly unlikely event that a thief is able to move a vehicle equipped with our product, inevitably the vehicle can be found quickly," said Aladesuyi.

Source: Earthtimes.org 

Why Use an Oxygen Sensor?

The Need to Maintain the Right Amount of Air and Fuel in the Exhaust Gas      

The gas engine of your vehicle will without doubt turn out to be useless in due course if you do not make an effort to maintain it. To sustain the superior quality of the gas engine of your vehicle, you need to entails make sure that air and fuel in the exhaust gas comply with the ideal amount needed in combustion. The amounts of air and fuel must be properly monitored so that your vehicle can attain positive conditions like a reduced production of harmful discharges and an enhanced performance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter.

The Task of an Oxygen Sensor      

The electronic mechanism placed at the exhaust system of your vehicle is called the oxygen sensor.  Designed to check the amount of oxygen that goes through the exhaust system of your car, your oxygen sensor makes sure that there is an adequate mixture of air and fuel in the exhaust gas.  This auto part is the serves as your vehicle’s air-fuel mixture gauge.  Sometimes called exhaust gas oxygen sensor or O2 sensor, this automotive device establishes whether the air and fuel mixture is too lean or too rich.  After determining the condition of the mixture, the oxygen sensor will drive the fuel injection system of your automobile to fine-tune the amount of air and fuel. 

An oxygen sensor is one of the indispensable parts of your vehicle.  Without it, the automotive system will not be able to determine if the amounts of air and fuel are enough to complete the gasoline burning process.  Incomplete combustion will lead to excessive emission of harmful gases and a bad fuel economy.

The Temperature-Regulating Component

Without a doubt, the superior performance of your automobile can be ascribed to many vehicle facets such as craftsmanship and design. Then again, these physical features are in point of fact just a small portion of the entire picture. At the back of the tasteful automotive designs and the painstakingly-built structure are auto parts that are hardly recognized by many vehicle admirers.   Despite the humble standing, these automotive components are a significantly huge factor in the maintenance of the general condition of your automobile.  Every part of your precious automobile has an important function to perform in enabling the entire vehicle to operate efficiently. 

One of the major parts of your automobile is the thermostat.  Your vehicle will certainly have to put up with exhaustion in the long run if it has no thermostat or if its thermostat is not working properly.

The Function of the Auto Thermostat

The thermostat of your vehicle is designed to maintain the ideal working temperature of the automotive system.  This automotive component must be used to make certain that your vehicle does not go beyond (or below) the temperature limit.  It controls the amount of heat energy that floods in and out of your automobile. 

Conventional automobiles are equipped with a radiator mechanism that is operated by hot water.  This hot-water-operated component, which controls the movement of energy based on the temperature, serves as the thermostat of the traditional auto.  This kind of thermostat is hardly ever utilized these days in view of the fact that most contemporary cars are furnished with radiator components that feature thermostats that are electronically operated. 

Thermostat of Modern Automobiles

Automobiles that have internal combustion systems make use of the up to date electronic thermostats. Your vehicle is most probably one of these modern automobiles.  As a major element in the cooling system of the automobile, the thermostat carries out an important temperature-regulating process.  This course of action begins with the water pump of the engine.  This water pump presses on the water coming from the radiator from the cylinder to the engine block.  As the water runs through the system, the thermostat adjusts the water’s temperature to comply with the ideal.

Thermostat is one of the auto parts that are essential in the cooling process of your automobile.  As a vehicle owner, you should know that maintaining a sound thermostat will save them from a lot of automotive problems caused by overheating.   In view of that, proper maintenance must be bestowed upon this auto part.

Auto Parts Maker Strike Affects South African Auto Sales

The lengthened strike carried out by auto parts makers affected auto manufacturers in South Africa.  This is evident in the failure of South African auto parts sales last month to surpass or even equal the re-energized sales it incurred in August.

According to business news from The Times, Volkswagen SA Sales and Marketing Director Mike Glendinning said that the protracted strike in the auto part industry could have generated “shortages of product that constrained the market". 

Figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA’s confirmed that the September auto sales actually dropped.  The sales of locally produced vehicle e models went down 13 percent, and exported automobile sales also faced a 43.4 percent dive. 

The decline in auto sales last month is in all probability just part of the general downward movement of automobile sales these days.  On the other hand, Standard Bank economist Danelee van Dyk said that the numerous strikes that sprouted in the auto parts industry can be a major factor in the decrease of supplies of certain vehicle models. 

Though the downfall of auto sales can be attributed to two factors, the possibility that both could be blamed for the sales outcome is also strong.  In a statement made in The Times, General Motors Sales and Marketing Officer Malcolm Gauld said, "Although it is difficult to quantify the effect on supply of the recent strike in both the motor manufacturing and component sectors, both of these appear to have had a negative effect on the market."

The strike in the auto parts sector, which lasted for two weeks, resulted to interruption in the operation of several big auto assembly facilities.  Some of the affected automotive companies are DaimlerChrysler SA,Volkswagen SA, Nissan SA, Ford Southern Africa, Toyota SA, and General Motors.

Aside from the strike, analysts also blame other things in the cutback of sales.  Among these are the rigorous laws regarding credits and the increase in interest rates.  "The market is undoubtedly under pressure from a more constrained financial environment, with interest rates having increased by three percent in six steps since June last year, as well as from the more stringent requirements of the National Credit Act," explained Glendinning.

Auto Parts of Volvo to be Obtained from Indian Suppliers

Auto parts to be used by the division of Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden will soon be acquired from auto parts manufacturers from India.  This outsourcing of about 99 million dollar worth of Volvo auto components shall be carried out this year. 

A recent report from pr-gb.com stated that the Managing Director for Volvo Car Corporation in India Paul De Voijs declared that the main office of Volvo in the United States has long been relying on in part on the services offered by various auto parts manufacturers like Sundaram Clayton, Minda HUF, Rico Auto, Arvin Meritor, and Visteo.  These suppliers of auto parts also obtain their supplies from Indian auto parts makers. Since auto parts from India are known for their dependable profitable design and excellent quality, they are generally patronized by major auto companies all over the globe.

According to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India, a great number of Indian companies that offer various auto parts are aiming to dominate the booming auto market in Europe and North America.  The idea of subcontracting auto parts is becoming widely acceptable in these markets since the auto parts from India are truly of high quality and less expensive.

Aside from Volvo Car Corporation, several major automotive companies also venture in outsourcing auto parts.  Multinational auto groups like DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Corporation obtain the auto components they utilize from suppliers in other countries.  Auto parts subcontract now a trend in the automotive industry. 

Volvo Car Corporation is the producer of premium Volvo automotive parts like radiators, oxygen sensors, fenders, and hoods.  It functions under the global auto manufacturer Ford Motor Company.