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A four-wheel drive vehicle existed since 1899. Like any technology that we have right now, this kind of vehicle has undergone series of transformation until it has adapted the looks of the modern day cars. Most of these vehicles serve well in the military but because of technology, passenger vehicles were able to adapt this system. Although the first car of this kind was generally used as transportation to the moon, it has paved way to various improvements that worked well for ordinary folks in our time.

There are many advantages of using a four-wheel drive. From the word itself, the benefits of using such vehicle is attributed to the wheels, as they become the focal point in this feature. However, most of the automobiles adapting this kind of mechanism perform better because of the other features that compliment the performance of the wheels. The following are the reasons why 4WDs are of great advantage:

1. This kind of vehicle avoids wheel slip. In any kind of road, (whether muddy or icy) you will have the great traction to keep you in control with your vehicle. You cannot get this kind of advantage from the usual cars. Although traction can also be found on 2WDs, however they are not as better as what you get from 4-wheel vehicles.

2. Using this vehicle would also mean more control on rough trails. If you use mainstream cars, you will definitely stop in the middle of your driving spree. If you want to keep on moving despite how rough the road will be, this is your solution. However, you need to have accessories like tuff country lift kits to improve the performance in difficult roads. They can be a great help to you in maneuvering your car especially when you engage in off-road adventure.

3. In cases of emergency, this kind of vehicle can help you in towing. Due to the enhanced traction, towing should not be a problem. If in any case another family member will have engine problems while on the road, you do not to pay towing services just to help them. You can go down and get them yourselves. All you need is a bunch of ropes or cables and you will be off to save the day.

4. Having a four-wheel drive vehicle helps ordinary folks to make everyday driving safe for their family. Many people no car can avoid the dangers of the road; not even a 4WD. However most automobiles with this kind have adapted special features like ABS (Anti-Lock Braking system) and other safety features that could be the possible reason most of them are a little expensive compared to 2WDs.

5. They are good for safe off-road adventure, which many outdoor enthusiasts love. Some of the vehicles using this kind of feature are mostly trucks and SUVs. With their safety features and the accessories that you add like tuff country lift kits, makes the performance of these vehicles even better.

Despite the many criticisms of four-wheel Drives, many people still buy them. That is why before you opt to buy them check out the other features that could compliment the performance. This way, you will be able to have a safe ride everyday.

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Source by Bennett Q Michaels

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Nissan Juke is set to change the urban landscape… for the third time. Following in the wheeltracks of the Murano large crossover and then the successful Qashqai – the car that three years ago introduced the concept of a crossover as an alternative to the traditional C-segment hatchback – comes its younger brother, the Nissan Juke.

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, Nissan Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Conceived to inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market, Nissan Juke combines a number of seeming contradictions beneath its highly individual lines.

“It takes the best elements of an SUV and sports car and combines them,” says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe. “It’s roomy yet compact, robust yet dynamic and practical yet playful. These are qualities that seem to contradict each other, yet come together in Nissan Juke to create something that’s genuinely unique.”

Nissan Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with significant European input and Juke will be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the north-east of England.

“The design shows real optimism. By combining design elements from two genres to create a small, but striking Crossover that displays a genuine confidence and style. And those are qualities we also expect to find in a Nissan Juke customer,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Nissan Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. But the top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, Nissan Juke has a 2530mm wheelbase. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The All-Mode 4×4-i is a new development of Nissan’s respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering.

In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year (UK sales begin in October): one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbo-charged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan’s trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117PS). The K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi common rail diesel offers excellent driveability – thanks as much to its heady 240 Nm of torque – with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive version of the turbo-charged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Trim and equipment options will follow the established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines while a full range of accessories has been developed for owners who want to personalise their Nissan Juke still further.

“Nissan Juke is not a traditional B-segment car, and that is quite deliberate. It was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life. Fittingly, its combination of agility and toughness make it one of the most streetwise cars around.

“Juke joins Murano and Qashqai to cement Nissan’s position as the leading brand in the crossover market,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Exterior design

First revealed as the Qazana show car – unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show – Juke was created at the London-based Nissan Design Europe and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Qashqai, also created at NDE, is sold in Europe, Asia and Australia while Nissan Juke will be marketed in Europe, Japan and the United States.

“The outcome of this global collaboration is a car that comes from where East meets West, with vital contributions from NDE and NDC being key to creating such a striking design,” said Shiro Nakamura.

Its highly individual lines are carried over virtually intact from Qazana. The boldness of the design reflects the significance of the B-segment in the European market: Europe is expected to take the lion’s share of sales ahead of the other main markets, including North America and Japan.

The design team drew inspiration for Nissan Juke’s design from a number of unusual sources. They looked back at a number of vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life – and that list included rally cars and motorbikes. It’s clear to see where those ideas have influenced the design.

The result combines a number of different themes, but with Nissan DNA threaded through. It has a tough solid body to reflect the SUV element, yet is a very sensual car, too, with complex curves and a coupé profile accentuated by the narrow side glass and hidden rear door handles which help give the impression of two rather than four doors.

But there is also clear Nissan family DNA in the design – the boomerang rear lights, for example, from the 370Z – but none of the elements are slavishly copied so while retaining Nissan DNA, Juke stands alone as a unique, almost maverick, design.

This is a key theme running through Nissan designs. Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, says: “Nissan Juke has elements inspired from other cars in our range such as 370Z and even Cube, but our intention is never to make obvious links between our cars but natural ones. Cube is a cool car, for example, and that coolness can also be found in Nissan Juke.”

With generous ground clearance, big wheels and tyres, a high waistline and a broad shoulder line, the bottom ‘half’ of the car appears to be pure SUV. The impression is accentuated by typical SUV features such as the contrasting black sill and wheel arch finishers while at the front and rear, the lower bodywork emerges from underneath the car, resembling underbody protection.

At the front, the ‘sump guard’ forms part of the air intake assembly but rather than use a simple meshed grille, the design team have developed the moulding into a series of circular slots… which are suggestive of biotic elements.

Above the waistline, however, Nissan Juke shows its sporting credentials. A heavily raked windscreen, complete with Nissan’s signature Crossover upswept flick to the rearmost side window – and sloped roof-line provide a profile reminiscent of an aircraft’s canopy.

The rear of the roof incorporates an integral spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift to help high speed stability. The neat duck-tail ridge was perfected with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tests in the wind tunnel.

The lights also reflect the car’s sporting agility. At the front these are split into two distinct elements. Framing the upper half of the bonnet, thin slashes contain running lights and turn indicators, while the main and dipped beams mounted lower on the nose of the car were inspired by the auxiliary lamps fitted to rally cars in the sixties and seventies. At the rear, the tail-lights put their own spin on the boomerang shaped lamps found on the 370Z.

In total, a nine colour palette of exterior colours is planned, including two whites, a solid and a pearl, and three shades unique to Nissan Juke – Force Red, Haptic Blue and Machine Brown, though the total availability will depend on region.

Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer: “We want our cars, our crossovers in particular, to have a spirit of agility, to be seen as light, nimble, reactive. Nissan Juke displays all these attributes and delivers a real sense of optimism.”

Interior design

Nissan Juke’s active, sporting exterior is matched by its interior… where the dominant feature also displays a sense of fun: the centre console, finished in a high gloss paint, resembles a motorcycle fuel tank.

“It’s unexpected,” says Alfonso Albaisa. “And that gives the interior a certain sexiness.”

Reflecting the exterior’s blending of SUV and sports car attributes, the interior provides the commanding driving position but with all the attributes expected of a sports car. The gear shift sits on the top of the ‘motorbiketank’ to guarantee slick changes while the tank itself is no mere styling statement but also provides a bracing point for the driver’s knee during spirited cornering.

Similarly, the central stack – which incorporates the new Nissan Dynamic Control System – is ergonomically designed to ensure the driver has instant access to the information and drive mode controls.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere. Chrome fittings and high quality materials are used throughout while the interior colours – red or gun metal grey for the central console are available, depending on the grade; black, silver or red accents to the leather or honeycomb ‘sports’ fabrics – underscore the car’s sporting attitude. Even the door arm rests, shaped like flippers used by scuba divers, reflect an active outlook.

Despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers competitive levels of space inside: front head room and rear knee room will be sufficient for most occupants. Unlike the Qazana show car, Nissan Juke is a full five seater.

The practical luggage area is large enough to take a nine inch golf bag or a maximum size suitcase and it also includes an underfloor storage area (4wd versions excepted) which takes its potential capacity to 251 litres (VDA). In addition, the rear seats split 60:40, and also fold in one simple movement to provide a totally flat loading floor.

To hide luggage away from prying eyes, the trunk area has an integral tonneau cover which differs from the conventional by being attached to the tailgate and rises with the door when the trunk is opened.

“The interior displays a number of attributes which really sum up the entire car. There’s a lot of emotion here, a real sense of fun and a genuine quality,” says Albaisa.

Platform

Nissan Juke is based on Renault Nissan Alliance B-Platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. To allow the top of the range to use 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1525mm, the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform.

As new models evolve so a platform will undergo a number of changes, and Nissan Juke’s underpinnings are no exception. For its application on Nissan Juke, it has been lengthened, widened and significantly strengthened and lightened to enhance safety, refinement, and fuel efficiency.

Although the basic suspension system mirrors that found on other B-segment cars, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, a new cradle-type front subframe has enhanced the lateral stiffness of the assembly. Along with revised front suspension geometry, this has helped to promote better handling and ride comfort along with greater refinement.

The 4wd versions of Nissan Juke further benefit from a new multi-link rear suspension. When coupled to Nissan’s newly developed torque vectoring four-wheel drive technology to limit understeer, Nissan Juke’s handling is at the top of the class in spite of its higher ground clearance while comfort has been preserved.

In an urban environment, the combination of higher ground clearance and large tyres mean that speed bumps and poor road surfaces will not cause as much discomfort – or damage – as they would to a conventional sports hatchback.

Despite its SUV looks and the comparatively high eye-point, Nissan Juke’s front and rear roll centre heights are as low as possible – closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV – to reduce body roll in corners.

Agile handling is also helped by speed sensitive electric power steering, standard on all models, and by increased upper body strength and stiffness. Nissan Juke incorporates a newly developed ring structure which connects the upper body to the rear suspension, thus increasing torsional rigidity.

Engines and drivetrains

In Europe, there will be three engine and manual or CVT transmission choices when Nissan Juke sales start in the second half of 2010. At the top of the range is a newly developed 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine which develops 140kW (190PS) and 240Nm.

A low friction and lightweight design, the 16 valve engine uses direct injection to improve combustion to optimise power and torque, economy and emissions. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler helps to boost power – this engine is one of the most powerful in its class – while variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles (twin VTC) improves low end engine response. A degree of overlap allows exhaust gas recirculation.

Low friction techniques include the adoption of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the valve lifters and mirror finish camshafts. The result is an engine delivering the performance levels of a normally aspirated 2.5-litre engine but with the fuel economy of a smaller engine.

The Direct Injection Gasoline engine in two-wheel drive versions of Nissan Juke will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. On the four-wheel drive version, it will be mated to Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission, with six-speed manual mode.

The second petrol engine, which also displaces 1.6-litres and has four valves per cylinder, is an extensively reworked member of the HR family. Designated HR16DE, it has undergone a number of significant changes with a larger exhaust manifold, a retuned intake manifold, twin VTC, improved intake tumble flow and new catalyst with a hexagon cell formation.

New pistons with revised crowns and integral oil jet cooling have been adopted along with low friction techniques such as diamond-like carbon coating on the valve lifters.

But the most significant change has been the development of a dual injector system – a world first – which has two injectors for each cylinder, each with smaller nozzles to deliver finer, more closely targeted sprays of fuel into the cylinders for more efficient atomisation and more complete combustion.

Together the changes have led to significant improvements in power, torque and fuel economy. The engine produces 86kW (117PS), representing a six per cent improvement over previous versions of the engine. Torque has improved by three per cent to 157Nm while economy figures show a 5.6 per cent improvement. The normally aspirated petrol engine powers two-wheel drive versions only, and will be available with either the five-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT transmission option, a different CVT transmission to the one used with the DIG engine.

The final engine choice is the familiar Alliance developed K9K 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged common rail diesel. The 1,461cc eight-valve engine delivers good fuel economy, low emissions and running costs with excellent driveability.

With power rated at 81kW (110PS) at 4,000 rpm and torque at an impressive 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm this unit features a fuel return rail and control unit for improved fuel efficiency. Injection pressure is 1,600 bar. Improved glow plug performance speeds up cold start performance. Emission control systems include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), with a fifth injector for regeneration and cooled exhaust gas recirculation while the turbocharger layout altered to make the distance between it and the DPF as short as possible.

The diesel will be available on two-wheel drive models with the six-speed manual transmission. For Europe, all the engines are fully Euro 5 compliant.

While the manual transmission has been carried over largely unchanged from Qashqai, both XTRONIC CVT systems feature a number of key technologies that promise significant improvements in weight, packaging, performance and fuel efficiency.

The updated XTRONIC CVT unit, used with the conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine, is 10 per cent shorter than before and 13 per cent lighter while internal friction has been reduced by a remarkable 30 per cent. This unit is the world’s first CVT with a sub planetary gear which allows a far higher transmission ratio – 7.3:1 – than previous Nissan CVTs. Smaller, lighter pulleys, a flexible lock up damper and a more efficient oil pump all promote great fuel efficiency.

The XTRONIC CVT with 6-speed manual mode in the turbocharged petrol-engined Nissan Juke has been tuned for a more sporting performance with revised manual modes for sharper acceleration while the management system has been reprogrammed to enhance fuel efficiency. Both CVTs have adaptive shift control systems that can be selected via the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Unusually in its class, Nissan Juke will be available with the option of four-wheel drive in addition to conventional front-wheel drive. A newly developed all-wheel drive system is based on Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i electronic technology but which now adds a lateral torque-vectoring capability to its armoury.

As well splitting torque front to rear – upto a maximum of 50:50, it can now be split from side to side across the rear axle, too. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and now vehicle yaw rate, torque distribution can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to cut understeer and enhance the car’s cornering ability. In total, upto 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

The new rear axle incorporates electric couplings at either end plus a new final drive The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment – a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

The new system is noticeably lighter and more compact than similar systems used by some other manufacturers.

Equipment and model lines

Just about the only conventional aspect to Nissan Juke is the model line-up, which follows Nissan’s established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines. Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Nissan Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control.

Cleverly, the module adopts different displays, colours and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature setting while the ‘buttons’ display air-flow preferences.

But in D-Mode, the buttons change to Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes, altering throttle maps, torque availability, CVT shift schedules, steering effort and even air conditioning performance to suit the conditions. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

Car settings, such as the sensitivity of automatic headlights, can also be adjusted via the system, while the display changes colour to signify what type of information is being displayed. Driving information incorporates panels giving average speed, fuel economy, journey times and so on. Overall, the display is designed to add a feeling of cool, engaging technology to the interior.

Nissan Juke Parts and Accessories

Although Nissan Juke has a long list of standard equipment, Nissan has developed a full range of accessories enabling owners to personalise their cars still further. Among the items on offer are different designs of alloy wheel as well as front and rear under body protectors to accentuate the SUV element of the design.

Other exterior features include exhaust finishers, a roof spoiler and wind deflectors on the doors, while inside an owner can add illuminated door sills and interior accent lighting. Practical touches include advanced security systems as well as extra storage opportunities in the front armrest and in the luggage area.

European Customers

“The incredible success of our Qashqai compact crossover – we’ve recently passed half a million sales in Europe alone – has shown that customers are fed up with conventional cars. Nissan Juke is even bolder, even more adventurous than Qashqai and is set to confirm Nissan’s position as a pioneer of crossover in Europe and, indeed, globally,” says Simon Thomas.

Nissan Juke has been conceived with the specific intention to fulfil unmet customer expectations by adding much dynamism and masculinity to the sober, safe small car market. Who does Nissan imagine will buy Juke in Europe?

Clearly Urbanite, male customers are expected to be predominant but a significant proportion of buyers are anticipated to be women – one third according to Nissan’s estimates. Nissan Juke will attract a younger audience than average Nissan customers (under half will be below 40), these estimates shows that Nissan Juke will have a broad appeal, supporting Nissan’s research that there is widespread disillusionment at the lack of excitement in the small car sector in Europe.

Sales of Nissan Juke will come largely from the B-segment and is also expecting to attract C-segment customers, with people trading down to enjoy something more radical and inspirational. As with the successful Nissan Qashqai, a large majority of Nissan Juke customers will be new to the Nissan brand.

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Source by Redline Motive

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Many owners of four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles are in for a sudden surprise the first time they shop for 4×4 replacement tires. Some don’t know that, even if just one of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires on their vehicle is damaged or has excessive wear, all four tires may need replacement. Fortunately, Belle Tire can help. Most offer a wide selection of 4×4 replacement tires, as well as full vehicle service, lifetime tire rotation, lifetime flat repair and huge savings on quality, brand name 4×4 tires for practically every four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle.

Matching 4×4 Tires
In order for a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle to deliver the traction and performance an owner expects, especially in slippery driving conditions on wet, icy or snow-covered roads, the rolling radius and circumference of all four tires must match closely. The mechanical driveline that connects the tires includes differentials and/or viscous couplings designed to allow momentary differences in wheel speeds when the vehicle turns a corner or temporarily spins. However, mismatched tires or even a single tire with a different rolling radius may cause driveline components to work 100-percent of the time. Differentials or viscous couplings may experience excessive stress, heat and wear if a damaged or worn 4×4 tire is accidentally replaced with a different sized tire, a tire with a different tread design, one made by another manufacturer or even one with a different inflation pressure. Everyone knows that the failure of a 4×4 driveline component can be an expensive proposition. So, remember to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to read what the vehicle manufacture recommends about replacing individual, pairs or full sets of 4×4 tires. And, when it comes to making your 4×4 tire comparison, service consultants at your local tire discounter are experts in helping you match 4×4 tires with the correct rolling radius, tread design and tread depth.

Selection
Tire discounters offer a wide selection of quality, brand-name replacement tires, as well as tire and wheel packages, for practically every four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle.  They can help you make a knowledgeable and well-informed tire comparison so ask all of the questions you have. Service consultants can also help if you’re interested in plus-sizing for a more stylish appearance or in the market for a set of snow tires to give you added confidence and traction when driving on snow-covered roads.

Free Lifetime Spin Balancing, Lifetime Tire Rotation and Lifetime Flat Repair
Why pay for tire rotation at your neighborhood service station? Most tire discounters offer free lifetime spin balancing, tire rotation and free flat repair with the purchase of replacement tires. Tires generate enormous centrifugal forces at high speeds. Spin balancing help eliminate unnecessary stress on suspension and driveline components by ensuring each tire is precisely fitted and balanced to each wheel. Tire rotation is also important, especially to four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle owners. Front and rear tires on four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles perform differently and wear differently when accelerating, braking and cornering. And free lifetime flat repair ensures that your tire is repaired, when repairable, by a certified specialist.   Free lifetime tire rotation means all four tires will wear more uniformly over their lifetime, so expensive 4×4 or AWD driveline components will also be less subject to unnecessary stress, wear and expensive replacement.

Money-Saving Coupons
Many tire discounters offer money-saving coupons on their websites. Some offer impressive savings on 4×4 replacement tires. Other coupons may also be available for shock and strut replacement, brake service and a battery checkup. In addition, many also offer printed coupons when you visit for routine maintenance or free lifetime tire rotation. Coupons can add up to huge savings, especially if you’ve neglected routine maintenance because of the high cost of having it done at your local dealership or neighborhood service station.

So, if you’re a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle owner shopping for replacement 4×4 tires for the first time, or a veteran who already knows the score, make a knowledgeable and well-informed tire comparison. And remember to also take advantage of the selection, service and savings available at your local tire discount store.

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Source by Wally Koster

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Replacing an automatic transmission, can be more expensive than replacing the entire car. However, long before the transmission problems have reached the point of no return, it will show you signs that it is in trouble. If you are aware of what these signs are, and what they could signify, then you have a chance at catching the transmission problems before it is too late to do anything except replace the transmission, or the car. Repairing potential issues, is much less inexpensive then replacing because of the issues.

Pay Attention to the Hints from Your Car.

When people get sick, we understand that our bodies are trying to tell us that something is wrong. And so we either go to the doctor, or to the drug store to get medicine for ourselves. If our noses start running, or we start coughing or sneezing, if we start to feel sluggish, or run down, we know that we are sick. By the time we start running a fever, we realize that we really need to see a doctor. The same thought process could and should be applied to our cars. The examples listed below, are the hints that we are given by our car when it is trying to tell us that it needs to see a car doctor, the mechanic.

Tell Tale Hints Of Transmission Trouble.

Take a look underneath your car, if you see any wet spots or stains on the ground, then something is leaking. Any sort of leak is a sign that something not good is going on, but if the stain is red in color, then the leak is most likely coming from your transmission. If it is only a few drops, then you have some time before you should have it checked, it is not urgent right now, but it could become a major problem.

Even if you have not noticed a leak under the car, if you do notice that your fluid levels have dropped, then by all means, check them. The transmission fluid should be a translucent red color, if it has a cloudy or muddy color, or has a burnt smell to it, that means that the fluid needs to be changed.

If you feel vibrations when you are shifting gears, or if the car seems to stutter and drag through a gear shift, this is a clear sign of trouble. The problem could be something minor, like you are low on fluid, or it could be more serious, like damaged transmission cables.

Your transmission should be able to run smoothly and in relative silence. Any sort of whiny or grinding noise that seems to be coming from under the floorboards, is a severe cause for concern. This could indicate that there is a problem with the gears, or with the valves.

An overheating transmission is the worst hint that you can encounter, because at this point, it means that your car has already shown you all the other hints, and you either missed them completely, or did not know what they meant. Overheating is a clear sign of quite a few potential problems. From a solenoid that is damaged, to a restriction in the oil cooler. The only option left to you by the time this occurs, is to take your car in to be serviced.

http://www.juble.com/articles/a298-know-the-signs-of-a-transmission-going-bad-before-it-is-too-late.html

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Source by Juble.com

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I own a jeep. I’ve always owned jeeps. From the old 70s CJ models to the newer, way more comfy (or so my wife tells me) cherokees. I don’t know why I do, but I’ve always loved them. Recently on an outback excursion I hit a kangaroo. I was only doing about 10km/h so the damage was minimal, but this incident got me thinking about frontal protection. So I called my mates at All Vehicle Accessories in Melbourne to have a chat about bullbars. During this chat they brought up the topic of smartbars. Before the conversation, I didn’t even know they existed. So I got onto Google to do some research on the products and found a lot of opinion (most of it based on aesthetics and perception rather than utility and fact) but pretty much no factual information. So me and my mates at All Vehicle Accessories dug a little deeper, and this is what we found.

Topic 1. Safety
With frontal protection products, there are 3 general areas of concern regarding safety. These are the ability to protect passengers, the ability to protect pedestrians and the ability to protect your car. Talking about protection generally, I find it starnge how many bullbar exponents out there point out that when you are travelling at 150kms/h, no matter what you hit, its going to be fatal to the object and probably the vehicle. Personally I think such arguments are ridiculous as they suggest all collissions are at excessive speeds and dismiss the relative safety performance of the products at lower speeds. But just to make it clear to everyone, when we are comparing these products along safety lines, we are comparing performance at the fatal margin. This means we are comparing safety performance at the point where an impact will kill a pedestrian, or buckle your chassis to the extent that your vehicle is written off.

The difference between the performance of bullbars and smartbars comes about because bullbars are rigid (Ie they have no give in them) while smartbars are not. (Ie. they are made from polyethylene with a hollow internal structure so they have some give) Despite all the opinion to the contrary, at speeds leading up to fatal impact, smartbars work better than bullbars in protecting you, the car and the person you hit. The manner in which they absorb impact minimises the force of the collision and thereby reduces injury and damage. The cushioning effect of this absorbtion actually acts to decelerate the colliding forces at the point of impact. This has been proven by independent child head-form impact tests. You just have to do a little research to find the studies.

To paint a picture though of how this works, imagine the pain caused if you fell and bumped your head on a metal telephone pole. It would hurt right? Now imagine in the same fall, it was one of those big plastic wheelie bins that you hit and your head impacted in the middle of the bin where it had most give. It would not nearly be so painful. Thats how the smart bars work. The impact that smartbars absorb, is impact that is not transferred to your vehicle, you or your passengers, or the pedestrian you just hit.

Topic 2. Performance
There is no argument that smartbars are significantly lighter than bullbars. This means better performance for your vehicle. To embellish, if you install a smartbar instead of a bullbar, your vehicle will have less tyre wear, less suspension wear and safer handling, just because it is lighter. They also provide better value for money than the alternatives and are more environmentally friendly. Manufacturing smartbars produces less than 1% of the green house gasses which the manufacture of metal bullbars produce. So performance wise, smartbars are more efficient with your car, your wallet and the environment.

Topic 3. Maintenance
Metal rusts. Metal looses its lustre. Metal reflects. A rusting bullbar requires significant work to clean up. A dull bullbar requires significant polishing to make it shine again. And a reflecting bullbar will effect your vision everytime another set of headlights hit it. This is one of the defining features of the smartbar. Maintenance requires a bucket of soapy water, a sponge and a quick wipe down. Thats it. The plastic parts do not rust, they do not require buffing or polishing and they will never reflect light from another source.

This is a simple presentation of the facts which I’ve found in my research, when looking at viable frontal protection products for my jeep. As always, do your own research and make the best decisions you can. I’m sure if you do do some research and make your decision on the facts rather than someone elses “tuff man” image, the decision won’t be that hard at all.

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Source by Damian Papworth

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When the balloon goes up on 21 December 2012 you want to get yourself and your family to sanctuary as fast as possible. One of the best ways to do it is with a modified 4×4 SUV. But it can’t just be an old SUV for reasons I’m about to explain.

The first thing you need to consider is how many passengers you’ll have. For a family of three or more you’ll need to look at large 4WD SUVs to get enough seating and load space. Beyond that the main selection criteria is the three Rs: Reliability, Ruggedness, Readily available parts.

For all of these reasons we recommend either a 1970’s or 80’s Chevy Blazer or Suburban, or the Series 70 Toyota Landcruiser Station wagon.
These vehicles are common everywhere – they don’t scream Survival Bug-out Vehicle to everyone, and you can paint them in drab camo colours without attracting attention.

By the way, I have nothing against Ford, Dodge or anything else, but the two mentioned above are ultra-reliable, tough, uncomplicated, simple to work on and above all you can find parts for them just about anywhere. But there’s more to think about:

Diesel Power.
I also strongly recommend that you choose a vehicle with a diesel engine. Diesel engines are better off-road than petrol engines because they produce a lot more torque at low revs. The fuel is much less volatile. Mileage per tank-full is much greater. Plus diesel engines can run on biodiesel or vegetable oil (aka drip oil).

Carburettors versus fuel injection.
Electronic Fuel Injection is the default option on SUVs these days because it delivers more power earlier in the rev range, better economy and it is self-tuning for different driving and atmospheric conditions. However compared to carbs fuel injection is extremely complicated, making working on it in the wilderness difficult unless you are an expert. This is just another reason why I believe you are better off with an older truck. Carburettors are simple, reliable and easy to keep in working order yourself.

Auto vs Manual transmission.
This is a tricky decision. Manual gearboxes are simple and robust. However they take skill to drive properly off-road and with an injured left foot or leg, can be impossible to drive at all.
Automatics are easier to drive – even kids can do it at a pinch, and many people think they are also superior off-road. On the other hand, they are massively complicated and if they break they are virtually impossible to fix in the field.
So which do you choose? If you are travelling with several other adults I would go for a manual every time. But if it’s just you and the kids an auto might be the safer, easier choice. Just make sure it’s been properly serviced and thoroughly checked over by a transmission specialist.

In fact that goes for the whole vehicle. Make sure it has regular services to keep the fluid levels up and fresh engine and transmission oil to reduce internal wear. You can do most of this work yourself in an hour or two in the driveway and you’ll always have your emergency bug-out truck in top shape and ready to carry your family to safety.

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Source by Mike Kerrigan

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Two Japanese car models are terrific rivals in the market today. These are the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4WD whose price is $28,815 and the 2007 Toyota RAV4 4×4 whose price is $23,574.

According to the news, the redesigned 2007 Outlander is a make-or-break product for troubled Japanese automaker Mitsubishi. The midsize crossover vehicle hits the U.S. market with new competitors Mazda CX-7 and Ford Edge.

But one of the most potent rivals of the Outlander is the Toyota RAV4, which was redesigned last year.

Both offer optional third-row seating and can be ordered in either front- or four-wheel drive.

In comparison with Toyota RAV4, the Outlander’s exterior is refined and larger in size. The exterior shape looks fresh modern, and stylish. On the tail, the rear three-quarter view is generic and clunky, with massive rear pillars and a narrow rear window that tends to restrict vision.

Toyota offers a much more contemporary shape in the RAV4, far more stylish than the Outlander. This is quite an accomplishment for Toyota, considering the previous RAV was one of the original “cute utes,” while the latest iteration is considerably larger and more grown up.

Inside the cabin, both cars have excessive fake-metal gray plastic. But Mitsubishi’s instrument panel is a mixture of mismatched parts and materials that according to a press release is “a virtual jigsaw puzzle that cheapens the overall ambience of the cabin”.

The Outlander, with its $1,600 luxury package, has leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat, while the RAV4 makes do with manual, cloth-covered chairs.

The RAV4 has two rows of seats. The second row ca be reclined and be adjusted for additional leg space, and the split folding seatbacks flip down at the pull of a lever on either side of the cargo bay. There is an ample under floor storage bin in the rear.

The RAV4’s controls and displays are simple and easy to comprehend. Materials are of high quality, although some pieces do not fit as snugly as people come to expect from Toyota.

The Outlander’s front seats are comfy and supportive. There is less space in the second row, and there have no many amenities for occupants back there. The rear center armrest lacks a pull strap, and while the tiny third-row folds neatly into the floor that it looks cheap and flimsy and is a chore to use.

The Outlander has some nice touches, including steering-wheel controls and simple rotary dials for the HVAC controls. But there are some questionable designs and engineering choices, too. For instance, the switches for the heated seats are stuffed between the inner seat edges and the center console.

When it comes to safety, both vehicles come fully configured in terms of occupant safety systems with standard antilock brakes, traction and stability control, side air bags for front-seat occupants, and side curtains for the first and second rows.

Next: the power train. Even the base Outlander comes with a standard overhead-cam 3.0-liter V-6, there is no four-cylinder version. The RAV4, in comparison, is equipped with a standard twin-cam 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with a DOHC 3.5-liter V-6, which is available as an option.

The Outlander has the V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder RAV4 comes with a four-speed automatic. The Mitsubishi V-6 is rated at 220 horsepower, and the EPA fuel-economy numbers are not too shabby, at 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 on the highway.

The RAV4’s base configuration is rated by the EPA at 23 in the city and 27 on the highway. The optional V-6 is considerably more potent than the one in the Outlander, delivering a whopping 269 horsepower; it comes with a five-speed automatic.

Both cars display the supple car-like ride that is typical among crossovers. The Outlander rides on 18-inch wheels and tires, while the RAV4 comes with optional 17-inch wheels and tires. Further comparison by car enthusiasts between the Mitsubishi and the Toyota outer tie rod end is also needed to comprehend which steering control is safer on the road.

Both cars are relatively easy to maneuver and park, and while they don’t exactly feel like sports cars, they are fairly nimble and responsive.

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Source by James Russell

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We have heard of all-wheel-drive or AWD, but what does that mean? And how does it differentiate from four-wheel driver or two-wheel drive? Here are some definitions.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – A full-time single-speed system designed to supply drive power to all four wheels. The percentage of front/rear power delivery varies from system to system.

4 x 4 (4WD) – Describes a vehicle with four-wheel drive. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With most four-wheel drives the driver is able to typically switch (sometimes with an automatic option) between two-wheel drive mode (if available) for streets and four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, snow, slippery surfaces, or loose gravel.

4 x 2 (2WD) – Refers to a two-wheel drive vehicle with four wheels. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With a 4×2, engine power is transmitted to only two wheels, usually the rear.

Part-Time 4WD – Refers to a four-wheel drive system that operates on-demand and drives all four wheels by locking front and rear axles together via a shift lever. It usually includes two speed ranges (Hi and Lo). Part-time 4WD systems must be operated in 2WD mode on dry pavement, as they’re designed to be used only in specific situations when extra traction is required.

Full-Time 4WD – Describes a four-wheel-drive system that can be operated continuously on all surfaces. A full-time four-wheel-drive system may include the option of part-time operation (allowing you to shift into 2WD on dry pavement for example), and may or may not have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (A4WD) – This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD as needed. When internal monitors sense differences in individual wheel speeds, indicating that a tire is slipping, then 4WD is automatically engaged.

Shift on the Fly – This type of system allows manual shifting from 2WD to 4WD Hi without coming to a stop. Most systems have a speed limit at which you can engage the system; typically it’s under 60 mph.

All Wheel Drive vehicles are often described as “full time” 4WD that may be used on dry pavement without damaging the differentials, although the term may be abused when marketing a vehicle. AWD can be used on dry pavement because it employs a center differential, which allows each axle to rotate at a different speed. (“Full-Time” 4WD can be disengaged and the center differential can be locked, essentially turning it into regular 4WD). On the other hand, AWD cannot be disengaged and differentials cannot be locked.  Another common assumption is that 4×4 means all four wheels are driven at the same time. However, this isn’t necessarily true. When a vehicle negotiates a bend, the differential in the axle compensates for the fact that the outside wheel travels further than the inside one does. Thus, it allows a speed differential to exist between the two wheels.

Being a mechanical device, the differential abides by the laws of physics, which state that energy always takes the easiest route. So, if one wheel is on a slippery surface (like ice) then all the energy will be sent to that wheel and away from the wheel with traction. The end result is that you lose all forward motion.  When four-wheel drive mode is engaged, the front and rear axles are locked together, so at least one wheel on each axle can be driven by the engine effectively.

You can force a 4×2 vehicle to act similar to a 4×4 on occasion by gently pressing the brake pedal to slow down the wheel that’s spinning and transfer energy to the wheel with traction.

Cars known for their impressive All Wheel Drive are numerous. A few include the Subaru Impreza, Ford V6 SE, Acura RL, Toyota Sienna LE, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Ford Edge, Acura MDX and the Audi TSS.

Your driving needs and talking with your car dealer can help you determine which vehicle is best for you.

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Source by gregchapman

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For a classic car restorer or enthusiast, restoration is an exacting business. For a correct, accurate restoration, original parts are the only thing that will do. For pre-1980 Detroit cars, that particular job has been getting harder and harder. Owner’s clubs and eBay have made some of those parts more accessible, but just imagine trying to run down a windshield wiper motor for a ’66 Oldsmobile or a taillight bezel or rear deck valance for a ’68 Plymouth Barracuda. For years now, it’s almost been easier to run down parts for long-extinct makes like Packard, Hudson or Studebaker; at least there are parts networks through owner’s clubs that can help an enthusiast locate and buy miscellaneous parts for such long-gone cars.

The crushers claimed most of that old American iron years ago, as salvage yard operators saw more money in the scrap metal itself rather than parting out the cars. And as time goes on and the two-door, muscle car and convertible models become scarcer, even pickup trucks, station wagons and four-door sedans are becoming valuable and desirable for restorers.

Luckily for the classic car enthusiast, there are salvage yards that cater specifically to their needs, with hundreds of acres of pre-1980 cars and trucks that are in various stages of completeness. In some cases, a yard will sell the entire car in partially restored, rolling-body or full-restoration condition. Other cars might be sold part by part, or sold in partial, unrestorable condition.

States like New Mexico, Texas or Arizona are home to plenty of great vintage auto salvage yards; Southwestern cars are much less prone to be attacked by rust and the elements. The flip side of that, however, is that the hot, arid climate of the Southwest is more likely to wreak havoc in the form of sun damage to upholstery, rubber, upholstery and dashboards. Salvage yards for vintage cars are now networked together through salvage auctions, so that the days of road tripping for hundreds of miles to find salvage yards with the right cars are nearly over. By the same token, not too many people are still trying to finesse a crusty farmer whose ’68 Chevrolet pickup has been languishing in a barn for decades because “he’s planning on fixin ‘er up someday.”

Of course, you may wind up paying pretty good money for some of the rarer parts. But then again, there was a time not that long ago when no one would have thought a ’73 Chevy BelAir sedan would be a desirable collector’s car. Like everything else, it’s a matter of current trends among collectible cars. In some respects, this is a better climate for restorers of classic cars and hobbyists than we’ve ever seen before. Once it’s easier to locate the parts themselves, you can turn your attention to issues like how to make the hidden headlights on that ’68 Cougar work properly, or how to route all the vacuum lines and wiring on your ’70 Buick Electra so that the power windows, locks and mirrors all work just as well as they did when they rolled off the lot.

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Source by Adam Winters

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Auto Repossession: Elizabeth Lountz and her husband John Lountz are in their early sixties. They are through raising their family and decided after many years of being relegated to renting, that they wanted a little home of their own. Elizabeth works at one of the local hospitals and William works for one of the local car dealers as a detail man.

Neither have a college education, much less a high school education. Their meager savings (about $6,500) equated to a ten percent (10%) down payment on the home of their choice in their neighborhood. Doesn’t seem like anyone can purchase a home for under $75,000 but they found one. Well, when they applied for a mortgage, they thought that their credit was decent. After all, these poor folks paid most of their bills by going to the post office and buying postal money orders.

Being basically poor, the only thing that they ever financed was a few pieces of furniture and some used cars during their lifetime. They never had the luxury of buying a brand new car so they always went to the used car lots and listened to the false promises of you know who. Well it seems that Lizzie (nickname) bought a used Nissan from Ugly Rabbit Used Car Sales

They were kind enough to sell her a $1,000 car for $2,000 plus interest (about 36%). After a down payment of $250 and making monthly payments for over eighteen months, Lizzie got sick at work and had to take some time off. Naturally they couldn’t make the car payments so William and Lizzie drove on down to Ugly Rabbit and told the manager about their problems.

The manager was salivating because William had the car in better shape than when they bought it almost eighteen months previous. Lizzie was distraught because she couldn’t keep up with the payments. The manager told her not to worry about anything. They probably will sell the car and she wouldn’t have to make her last six months payments.

Lo and behold, we pulled up their credit report in the process of getting them approved for a mortgage. Yep, there in black and white was an entry. “Ugly Rabbit Auto Finance” for the family indicating a “voluntary repossession”. Mind you the word repossession means repossession. Whether or not it’s involuntary or voluntary, the credit experts don’t give a hoot. The simple fact that you have a, repossession is a no-no in credit.

When we read that, I immediately called Lizzie and asked her if she had received any correspondence from the dealer or finance company informing her of the date, place and time of sale. She was emphatic. She received nothing. Here is where knowledge steps in.

I was casually reading the Attorney General’s website for the state of Florida one night. I was curious about repossessions. Wow, what, an education. I found a test case in Tallahassee, FL regarding Barnett Bank versus Johnson. I believe it was the 6th Circuit Ct. The bank was suing Johnson for a deficiency judgment regarding repossession of his pickup truck

Failure to Notify

The bank failed to notify Mr. Johnson of the date, time and place of sale. Furthermore, the sale was conducted at a dealer only auction. Without notifying Mr. Johnson of any of the above, the Judge ruled that because Mr. Johnson was deprived of the right to redeem his truck and therefore lost any vested interest, the amount of what the bank received constituted full payment and the bank waived it’s right for a deficiency judgment.

Secondly, when the truck was sold at a dealer only auction, the public was deprived of the right to bid; therefore the amount received did not constitute fair marker value. The truck was sold in what was described as a commercially unreasonable sale.

When I realized the impact of this test case, it became apparent that the Lountz family was a victim of the same circumstances. Now remember the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Act. The dealer could not furnish the Lountz family with 100% of the information regarding their account.

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Source by HITLERBOSS