How Preventative Maintenance Can Keep Your Car Running Longer

By Levi Quinn

It is no secret that cars are expensive to maintain. Oil changes, tire rotations, filter changes, and regular tune-ups can take their toll on your bank account. But did you ever stop to consider how much these preventative services were saving you in the long run by keeping your car from having major (and majorly expensive) issues? Not replacing the oil for too long can cause your motor to stop working, which will render your vehicle virtually useless. Failing to get regular tire rotations and alignments will cause your tires to wear out faster, meaning that you will have to replace them more often. Overall, these seemingly pricey preventative measures are actually cost-saving safeguards that keep your car in optimal shape.

Preventative maintenance may be a pain, as it requires that you take time out of your day to take your car into the shop, but the inconvenience is worth the gains, as your car will run longer and at an optimal level. To ensure that you are doing all you can to keep large issues at bay, take a look at this tips:

- Change your oil regularly. The old rule of thumb, which required the oil to be changed every 3,000 miles, may not apply to your car. With the different kinds of oils that are used, and the different configurations of more modern vehicles, your car may be able to go well over 5,000 miles before it needs another oil change. Be sure that you ask your mechanic to specify the needs of your vehicle so that you can stick to a routine that will keep your oil clean and your motor running smoothly.

- Pay attention to your tires. Though they literally allow your car to move, it is a safe bet that most people pay little to no attention to their tires. If one goes flat or loses its tread you could be in for some expensive repairs, depending upon how the imbalance has affected your car's alignment. Improperly inflated tires can also cause accidents and can run up your gas bill, so be sure to check them periodically to keep your car running as well as possible.

- Get regular tune-ups. Again, this service will vary based upon the needs of your vehicle, but it is important that you have tune-ups performed to address any small issues that may grow into larger ones. Cracked belts, leaking pipes, and other problems can be handled before they cause your car to break down only if your mechanic knows about them, so check with him or her to set up a tune-up schedule.

- Trust your mechanic. The bottom line, here, is that you have to be able to trust whoever it is that is telling you what needs to be done on your car. Going to a mechanic that you trust will enable you to be completely confident in your decision to purchase whatever services are needed. Many people have misconceptions about mechanics taking advantage of customers, especially those that are not knowledgeable about their vehicles, so it is important that you build a trusting relationship with your mechanic and his or her team. By following these tips, you should be able to keep your car in tip-top shape. Problems will arise, but by catching them early you can avoid the more stressful (and expensive) large scale disasters.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn




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Kia Sportage Named Best Crossover Vehicle

By: Taylor Richards

The Kia Sportage has received recognition everywhere, from magazines to consumers to industry awards. Recemtly, Diesel Car magazine named the 2011 Kia Sportage as the "Best Crossover Vehicle" in its annual Car of the Year issue. This designation marks the fifth award for the Kia crossover in less than 12 months.

Other recognitions the crossover received include the prestigious red dot Design award in Germany and several other magazine and industry awards from both the United States and South Korea. CarBuyer also recognized the Kia Sportage by making it CarBuyer's inaugural Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show. Fleet News also called Kia's CUV the "Best Crossover of 2011". Also honoring the Sportage is Total Off Road magazine, who recognized the Sportage as the Best Junior SUV. All of these acknowledgments have attracted many new customers to the Kia brand.
In one of the largest honors, the Kia Sportage also earned a 2011 "Vehicle Satisfaction Award" from AutoPacific. It was praised by owners for delivering both great value and high levels of overall satisfaction. Consumers were pleased with the crossover's great fuel economy, sleek design, and quality performance. Buyers also noted that it provided a comfortable ride with a great deal of convenient features.

The 2011 model entered showrooms last summer, and since then, sales of the Sportage have gone through the roof. The Kia Sportage also scored 10-rating points higher than the second place vehicle and earned high marks from owners in the AutoPacific survey. Consumers said that the Sportage delivered strong value and overall satisfaction.

Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing and communications, Kia Motors America, explains, "The 2011 Sportage has received overwhelmingly positive market feedback and attracted new consumers to the brand since it reached showrooms last year, thanks in large part to its unbeatable combination of world-class design, class-leading fuel efficiency, innovative technology features, and long list of modern amenities."

AutoPacific's award shows Kia's commitment to customer satisfaction, and how important it is to consumers that companies offer stylish, quality products, at a reasonable price, and with a valuable warranty. AutoPacific's study shows the results from more than 68,000 vehicle owners to decide the winner for each category.

The 2011 Kia Sportage was chosen based on 48 different categories to accurately measure the owner's experience with the vehicle. Overall, consumers were pleased with the Kia Sportage because of its new technologies incorporated into the vehicle, functionality, versatility, and abundance of safety features.

Salazar Kia, located in Avondale, AZ near Phoenix, provides a large selection of new and used Kia cars and SUVs. The Arizona Kia dealer strives to provide complete customer satisfaction throughout the entire car dealership experience. In addition to a large selection of vehicles, Salazar Kia also offers Kia service, parts and financing.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Taylor_Richards



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Supercars of the 21st Century

By Martin Ebams

All cars will take you from point A to B. Others will take you faster. Some cars will make you feel like you are flying. Others will literally fly. In the 21st Century, nothing is left to spare, and engineers are stopping at nothing. Most cars are just cars, but some have extraordinary features. These are called 'supercars.'

The term 'supercar' is often used to describe specifically a very expensive, fast or powerful car, although most of them combine all these attributes. The term itself did not become popular until in the late 1960's that denoted cars with powerful V8 engines and rear wheel drive. During this time automakers strived to produce cars with highly superlative performance to their contemporary sporty cars. Such cars are typically out of the world and are often perceived unusual, which is more or less true.

The Times issue of November 11 1920 stated that "if you are interested in a supercar, you cannot afford to ignore the claims of the Ensign 6." Long gone are those days and in its place now sits the ultimate Bugatti Veyron. Being the most expensive and second fastest car, some believe it to be the best car ever. But certainly there is more in this fascinating world of these machines. Take the Lamborghini Reventon for instance; there was only 20 units produced in 2008 and were sold exorbitantly at €1 million. This car is exceptional in that having no much competition on the ground took to race with the Italian Tornado Jet! If that sounds surprising, then this one will make you scream--the Veyron engaged in a 2 mile drag race against a Jet fighter and though the plane won, the difference in their finishing time was less than 10 seconds!

Another amazing creation is the Pagani Zonda F which is made entirely of carbon fiber. This makes it really strong and though it is being replaced by Pagani's new flag bearer-The 'Huayra,' its legacy will live on. McLaren has a new player in town, and few automakers are willing to mess with it. The all-new, all-powerful McLaren MP412 is able to hit 0-60 mph in less than three seconds and comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This will take over from the legendary McLaren F1, which had to undergo significant changes for it to be allowed on normal roads.

Even as things seem to run smoothly for the Germans, things are getting hot in Maranello. The 2011 supercar; Novitec Ferrari Rosso 458 is the in-thing. A less fuel guzzler owing to its 4.5L V8 compared to McLaren's V12 yet with an output of 609 horsepower at 9100 rpm and a high performance exhaust system, the same as the one used by formula 1, it is definitely able to produce more power, and even McLaren's loyal consumers may just change their minds. The problem now is whether the Ferrari Enzo will still carry Ferrari's flagship or the Rosso is more deserving. Only 399 units of the Enzo were ever produced, and many are left to wonder why they could not have made it even by producing just one more.

Now, much talk and less action won't get the building roofed. Let's get into action and translate it to power. Most normal cars range from 80-250 horsepower. That means the Bugatti Veyron is four times more powerful than the best in this category and about 12 times the worst! But there is an even greater giant; the SSC Ultimate Aero! This is the fastest car in the world with 1183 horsepower, and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds! There is a great debate that Bugatti is faster, and it is believed Sweden's Koegnissegg CCX, which is currently coming in third will in future sweep the number one position. Little has been heard from Saleen S7 twin turbo and though it is currently ranking fourth, the old adage goes that, "even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Well, as I said earlier, some cars will get you to a point but others will get you faster. There is no thrilling experience like sitting behind the wheel of a supercar (though some are tricky at first). These are the type of cars that you don't just start; you call it and it answers back with a powerful roar, and everyone around will know you have not just started a car; you have started a supercar...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Ebams



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Jobs Available with an Automotive School Degree

Author: Andy West

Many who are interested in getting an education from an automotive school are unsure about the job security an automotive career can offer. There are a wide variety of jobs available to graduates of automotive school programs. Because car ownership and usage has only expanded in the past few decades, and continues to increase dramatically by the year, anyone with an automotive background is virtually assured a job.
Oil and lube technicians

Cars require a lot of regular maintenance, such as oil changes, a service that each car owner will need done every three months or less. As a result, there are many oil and lube shops that provide these services. The tight time schedule many of these shops adhere to ensures plenty of jobs for technicians who have the knowledge and experience to perform these tasks quickly and easily. Any graduate of an automotive school will be able to easily defeat the competition for these positions.
Automotive technicians

Automotive technicians are often hired by shops that provide more services than oil changes, air filter replacements, and other simple maintenance. Automotive technicians may be hired to mount and dismount tires, balance wheels, change brake pads, and perform tune ups, in addition to changing the fluids and filters in cars.
Mechanics

Mechanics tend to have more responsibilities than technicians, therefore requiring more education and experience. Mechanics may do all of the jobs often assigned to automotive technicians, but they also perform more complex repairs. Important components, such as shocks and struts, drive shafts, alternators, starters, etc. are usually replaced by mechanics. Additionally, more complex or critical maintenance tasks, such as readjusting the valve clearance in an engine, replacing the timing belt, and performing other engine work, are done by mechanics. Any good automotive school will provide the education and hands-on training necessary to perform maintenance of this caliber.
Master mechanics

The title of master mechanic is one any automotive school graduate would be proud to hold. Many schools include more advanced degree programs, providing the education and hands-on training necessary to be a master mechanic. Master mechanics can find jobs at almost any high quality automotive shop, garage, or dealership maintenance department. Naturally, the pay for a master mechanic position is considerably higher than that of an automotive technician or mechanic.
Auto body and paint specialists

Most have noticed the increased number of accidents you see on the road today. Someone has to repair all of that damage. Auto body and paint specialists are therefore in quite high demand. Auto body technicians are responsible for replacing exterior body parts and repairing the damage caused in accidents. Paint technicians paint the car once the damage has been repaired and the necessary parts replaced.
Parts sales people

There are, of course, the brave car owners who attempt to keep up on their cars' maintenance and repairs on their own. Therefore, there are also many parts stores and dealership parts departments to keep up with this demand. Graduates of automotive school programs make great additions to parts sales teams, because they have the ability to do more than just look up a part number and grab the part off the shelf: they can discuss problems with the customers, try to help diagnose, and tackle the problems that occur when parts catalogues are wrong and computers fail. Most part sales departments like to have at least one very knowledgeable person on their team.
Automotive sales people

Just as with parts sales, there isn't a better person to sell a car than someone who knows a lot about them. If you have an education from a good automotive school and you have a knack for selling just about anything, you will always be guaranteed a job at any car dealership. Dealerships love to have knowledgeable, smooth-talking salespeople on their team. A person to represent the dealership's interests and also knows cars inside and out.
Automotive manufacturing

There are more and more cars on the road every year. Although there are many unskilled positions in automotive manufacturing, there are also many openings for people who know a lot about cars. An automotive degree will give you the knowledge and experience necessary to quickly climb the ladders in automotive manufacturing.
Automotive design and engineering

Cars change more than their looks each year. Technology is constantly making them better, faster, and more reliable. One of the most prestigious jobs in the automotive world is to be one of the concept designers or engineers who make those new cars possible. Designers and engineers must have a solid understanding of automotive theory, as well as engineering practices. This advanced education begins at a good automotive school.
These are only a few of the many jobs available to automotive school graduates. The automotive industry is a demanding field that includes many different positions, from the creation and sales of brand new cars, to the upkeep and repair of cars that are currently in use. An automotive degree will ensure that you always have a place in this exciting and constantly expanding industry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/jobs-available-with-an-automotive-school-degree-77394.html

About the Author

Andy West is a freelance writer for VC Tech, The Automotive School. VC Tech offers world-class training in many exciting automotive programs. Please visit http://www.vctechnical.com to learn more.


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Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY: A SYSTEMS APPROACH, 5th Edition remains the leading authority on automotive theory, service and repair procedures. The new edition has been updated to include coverage of hybrid vehicles throughout the text, new content on electronic automatic transmissions, preventive maintenance, and many other topics that reflect the most recent changes in the industry. Chapters cover the theory, diagnosis and service of all system areas for automobiles and light trucks, and the content closely adheres to the 2008 NATEF Automobile Program Standards.


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How It's Made - Automatic Transmission

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The Top 5 Automobile Producing Countries of the World

Within the last ten years there have been major changes when it comes to the automobile industry. Not only have the technologies changed with the rise of more fuel-efficient and eco friendly vehicles taking over the market place but there also has been a major change in the world leaders when it comes to automobile production.

In 2000 the United States lead the world in production with 12,799,857 units produced, followed by Japan at 10,140,796. By 2005 the US was in a steady decline while other markets rose sharply. The most noted was China whose automobile production doubled by 2005 to 5,708,421 units produced.

As early as 2008 Japan had taken over the number one spot with 11,563,629 units produced, followed close behind by China at 9,345,101. At this time the US had a large decrease in market share with only 8,705,239 units produced.

Last year in 2009 there was a worldwide automobile crisis, which hit hard in North America when the Big 3, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, were in trouble of going bankrupt. Every country saw a significant decline in their automobile production and although the top 5 countries, Japan, China, South Korea, Germany, and the United States still maintained the top five positions there were some major changes. The following are the current world leaders based on the 2009 numbers from worldometers.info.

#1 Japan
The Japanese automotive industry is one of the most well known industries in the world and has revolutionized the automotive sector with its Just In Time inventory strategy. In 2009 Japan was the world's largest vehicle manufacturer with 9,756,515 units produced. Japanese automotive manufacturers include Honda, Isuzu, Kawasaki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mitsuoka, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and Yamaha.

#2 Germany
Germany's automotive industry is one of the largest employers in the whole country. In 2009 Germany came in at second for the world leaders in automotive production with 5,398,508 units produced. The six car manufactures in Germany are Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Daimler AG, Porsche, and Opel.

#3 China
As of November 2009 China is the third largest automotive producing country in the world with 5,233,132 units produced. Of the automobiles produced, 44.3% are local brands, such as Chery, Geely, Hafei, Jianghuai, Chang'an, Great Wall, and so on, while the other 55.7% are made up of foreign car manufactures such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, Honda and Toyota. China is poised to become number one in 2010, and is already the leading automotive marketplace in the world.

#4 United Sates of America
In 2009 4,366,220 motor vehicles were manufactured in the USA making them the fourth largest in the world. The 14 major automobile manufactures that have factories in the USA are General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Daimler AG, BMW, Navistar, Paccar-DAF, Volvo, Toyota, Nissan Motors, Honda, Fuji Heavy Industries-Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu.

#5 South Korea
In 2009 South Korean became the fifth largest automobile industry in the world with 3,489,136 units being produced. Korean automotive manufacturers include Hyundai, Kia, GM Daewoo, Ssangyong, and Renault Samsung.

Only time will tell which countries will climb to the top five positions. Those that are researching new eco-friendly technologies and moving away from their dependence on oil are likely to be the leaders in automotive production.

Corey Rozon is a freelance writer from Canada. The top 5 auto producing countries in the world article was written for MonsterAuto.ca, your online source for finding used cars. For more automotive news check out the Auto Monster Cars Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Corey_A_Rozon

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