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Diesel Cars Direct

Heater Core Problems: Cold Snap Solutions!

Doesnt it figure, that the very first time you have a problem with your cars heater core is when you need it the most: in the middle of a horrible cold snap. Frost on the outside and frost on the inside — giving new meaning to air conditioned discomfort. Cranking up the heat means billows of cold air filling your cars cabin instead of the soothing and relaxing heat you should be feelingugh! Sounds like a job for your mechanic, but it may be something you can repair yourself. Please read on for more information.

Playing with the heat settings does no good and a check of the coolant, hoses, and connections reveals that everything is okay. So, what is the problem? More than likely your Ford heater core has died. You jump in your car and head directly over to your Ford dealer to get a price on a new heater core. Within moments you are gasping for air as the man behind the counter looks over his computerized inventory and quotes an outrageously high price for a new heater core. For a moment you dont know whether to whack the guy over the head or start driving around with a portable heater you plug into your cars cigarette lighter. Quickly you dismiss either option and decide to take matters into your own hands.

Fortunately a heater core isnt all that difficult to change yourself. For most cars, a heater core can be reached by pulling out the dash or checking under the hood adjacent to the firewall, locating the unit, yanking it out, and replacing it with a new one. Naturally, you will pay gobs of money through your dealers parts department, but you have other options besides visiting the dealer or making a futile trip to your local junkyard: shop the internet.

Thats right, online auto parts wholesalers carry Jeep heater cores and heater cores for just about any makemodel of car out there. Best yet, when shopping with a wholesaler like the Heater Core Experts, you can save big bucks. By purchasing direct from the manufacturer, a first class wholesaler will turn around and sell a heater core to you for less. A lot less than what Mr. Parts Dealer would charge and without you having to pay for labor costs either.

Yes, you could always ignore the problem and hope that Spring comes early and stays forever, or you can sell your first born child and head over to your dealers part department and hope they have mercy on youthey most certainly will not! Better yet, shop online for an OEM replacement heater core that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications, save big, and get warm!

Have A Problem With Your Power Steering?

Has your power steering suddenly stop working? Maybe it is because you your power steering pump is broken or died. Maybe there isnt anymore steering fluid or a bad hose that is causing the problem. Either way it will be difficult to drive.

Before it becomes obvious that something is wrong, you will hear some buzzing or whining noises coming from under your hood. But you may also encounter a gradual loss of power, which is more prominently seen when parallel parking. Or you can even notice the problem when you first start your car. That would indicate that your steering rack it finished.

Steering racks fail slowly at a gradual rate, but you should take action before its completely gone. Thats when you loose all control over your car and it can happen at anytime. That will become very dangerous for you and your passengers.

You should check the power steering fluid to see if in fact you steering rack is the problem. Be on the look out for small metallic pieces of metal floating in it. If there are some then your steering rack is wearing out, the metal pieces are prove that the rack is deteriorating piece by piece.

Now the only thing thats on your mind right now it the hefty bill that awaits you. But not necessarily, you could take your car to your local garage or dealer, which would probably cost you quite a bit. Or you could decide to do the repair yourself; its not as hard you might think.

You can purchase to part on the internet, there you will most likely find better deals, then at your dealer or local auto shop. A good place to check out would be Steering Rack Pros. They will have what youre looking for and save you a great deal of money.

So now there are no excuses to not change your power steering pump or rack. Its possible to do it yourself and it wont cost you as much.

Golf Cars – 1001 Uses, With Imagination

Golf Carts, Club cars, Golf Buggies – all the same thing – have come a long way from the golf course, although they can still be found there, too.

Golf Carts were originally designed to ferry golfers and their equipment from the end of one hole on the course to the start of the next, and back to the clubhouse. Whatever happened to golf as exercise? You will now see golf carts in all kinds of places far removed from the golf course.

Golf Cars are used on university campuses and to ferry presidents around. Their other uses are only just beginning to be explored. They are used in large warehouses and factories to move around quickly, without the noise and pollution that a conventional vehicle would cause.

In many ways these compact vehicles represent a ready-made alternative to the gas-engined automobile, except they are small and go slowly. Around town they are perfect for carrying the kids to school, or going to the grocery store. These uses have not taken off because of the attitude of most drivers, who insist on speed and protective devices around them.

You can buy standard accessories like a windscreen or enclosing body, or you can go for full customization.

You may want an electric vehicle for around the farm – you can buy spray equipment to fit to most “Golf Cars”. You may want a 4×4 “Golf Car” for hunting or just driving through the forest. All of these are available at reasonable cost.

You want camouflage? You’ve got it.
You want weapon racks? You’ve got them.
You want a sunbrella? You’ve got it.

Golf Cars are used on university campuses and to ferry presidents around. Their other uses are only just beginning to be explored. Golf cars provide a quiet and environmentally acceptable mode of personal transport.

Go Carts – How to Survive by Being Safe!

Go carts are certainly thrilling, but they can also be dangerous if not taken seriously. You have to remember that it’s not just you out on the track. There will be other drivers attempting to pass you around sharp corners whose talent may be questionable at best. By following a few common-sense safety rules you can eliminate most of the serious dangers.

Different types of go carts can have speeds ranging anywhere from very slow to very fast. But regardless of the speed they are always exciting to race. They are simple vehicles that are also easy to handle. No matter what your skill level there are tracks all over the country that will fill your needs and wants. There are many go cart classes or levels that will cater to every age range from kids to adults. Gocarts are generally easy to drive and easy to control. This is why they have become so popular, because it’s an easy and relatively cheap way to experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing without the expense or the danger.

There are many different types of vehicles that are built for racing fun. Among these are ATV off road vehicles, motor scooters, dirt bikes, mopeds, mini bikes, motorcycles and gopeds. But if you are wanting to experience the thrill and excitement of Indy Car or Formula 1 open-wheel racing, with a powerful gas engine rocketing you down the track, and with relative safety, go carts are what you will want to be climbing into.

For beginners to experts, and everyone in between, go carts are fun. Whether you want to drive as slow as your Grandma or as fast as Tony Stewart and Michael Schumacher, racing go carts can get you there. Many top professional NASCAR, Formula One and Indy Car drivers today got their start in the lowly go cart. With a lot of practice maybe you can achieve the same success.

It wasn’t too long ago that go carts were mostly found in family fun centers where any kid and his little brother could go racing at a whopping 15 or mph. They still exist, but real go cart tracks have been springing up all over. It’s now possible to go 60 miles an hour in a go cart. And if that’s not fast enough for you try an enduro cart and reach top speeds of 90 mph. Or race in a shifter cart at an astounding 160 mph. Don’t start sweating yet, you don’t have to go that fast to have fun. You can drive in any level or class that you feel comfortable with.

But this brings up some questions: With go carts speeding down the track so fast these days, are they too dangerous to drive? Can you travel as fast as 100 mph and still be safe? The answer is yes and no. Sure, you can still be safe, but without following certain safety rules you can increase your chances of serious injury. It’s not necessarily the fast speeds that cause the serious accidents, but the unsafe or inexperienced drivers.

The first rule of the road is to remain in your comfort zone. This is easier said then done however because racing is not for the timid. At some point, when you want to move up to a more experienced level or class, you may not feel equipped to do that. However, by building up your confidence in the lower classes you will eventually be ready for more competition. Just don’t try to move up faster than your driving expertise allows.

Back in the olden days, when go carts were extremely slow, you could go racing safely without a helmet. Those days are long gone. Even in kiddie tracks helmets are a requirement now. The helmet is perhaps the most important piece of equipment that a go cart driver will ever use. There are other pieces of equipment that are necessary too, but none more important than a high-quality helmet. In the event of a crash it can spare you from a serious head injury.

To a great extent you can control the amount of danger that you are faced with. Many decisions that you make before climbing into the cart will determine how safe it will be for you out on the track. From the type of clothes you wear to the type of go cart you buy will help determine your safety level on the track. By taking every safety precaution that you possibly can you will lessen your risk of sustaining a serious injury. So do your homework and be prepared. It’s a lot more fun racing go carts when you can walk away after a race instead of having to be driven away in an ambulance.

The importance of clothing can’t be overstated. The slower you race the less important clothing becomes, but the faster your go cart goes the more you need to be sure you are clothed properly. Depending on your speeds certain clothing may help spare you from serious injury. At faster speeds fire safety suits are a must. There is ignitable fuel in your vehicle and in the event of a crash it is possible for it to catch fire. Preventing burns is a very desirable thing. Other indispensable gear includes fire-resistant racing shoes to protect your feet and gloves for your hands.

All go carts today have roll bars that extend higher than the driver’s head. The chassis of the go cart will either be open or caged. A caged go cart has a cage that covers the driver. It protects the driver in the event of a rollover. It serves the same purpose as a roll bar. Most tracks demand a cage for safety. Go carts also have side bars that can protect you from serious injury should another driver ram you from the side. You have to remember, you could be the greatest driver in the world, but you’re not out there alone. You are driving with others whose skill levels may leave a lot to be desired. So buying a quality go cart is always a good idea.

By taking these few simple precautions it will improve your chances of having fun out on the track by lessening your chances of becoming injured. Go carts can be just about as safe as you make them. With some practice and experience there is no reason why any driver can’t move up the ranks safely. Keep safety as your number one goal and go carting will be fun for many years to come.

Flush Out Engine Failure

Want to avoid getting stranded by an overheated engine? Take a few minutes to perform a few quick cooling system maintenance activities.

Cooling system failure is a leading cause of engine-related breakdowns; however, a simple cooling system flush and fill or top-off can drastically minimize your risk. The task is especially important to perform before the cold weather months hit.

A flush and fill is crucial for your engine because it removes the dirt, dust and sediment that may damage the water pump and clog the engine water jacket and radiator. It takes just minutes to drain, flush and refill the cooling system, and the task can avoid unnecessary headaches in the long run.

“Proper preparation for cold weather ensures that you do not end up in a dangerous situation down the road,” said Richard Courtney, director of Prestone Products Research & Development and Technical Services.

Prestone manufactures a formula of antifreezecoolant that can be used in all makes and models of cars and light trucks and mixes with any color antifreezecoolant. The universal formula, Prestone Extended Life AntifreezeCoolant, eliminates confusion by taking the guesswork out of choosing the right product for your vehicle’s cooling system.

For drivers who have recently filled their antifreeze reservoirs, the only necessary task to prep your cooling system for cold weather may be a quick top-off. Motorists looking for the easiest top-off method can benefit from the Prestone 5050 Pre-diluted Extended Life Antifreeze Coolant, which can be poured directly into the cooling system for protection in between your regularly scheduled flush and fills.

The Prestone team also recommends that all drivers consult their vehicle owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the proper maintenance procedures and changeover intervals for their vehicle.

“Keeping your cooling system in top condition is vital for both your own personal safety and for the health of your engine,” Courtney said. “New antifreezecoolant will add fresh life to your engine and helps keep you on the road.”

Finding a Quality New York Used Car Dealership

Finding a Quality New York Used Car Dealership

When an individual is in need of a new vehicle many tend to purchase used. Used vehicles are popular because many quality used vehicles can be purchased for a great price.

There are a lot of helpful tips to help individuals seeking a used vehicle find a quality used car dealership. New York literally has an unlimited number of used car dealerships. It could take a number of weeks for a potential car buyer to visit all of the used car dealerships located in the New York area. Since the average car buyer does not have that much time there are a number of ways to find and visit only quality used car dealerships in the New York area. Not only will following these tips help you save time, but it may also prevent you from doing business with a less than trustworthy used car dealership. New York, like all other cities and states, do have their number of untrustworthy car dealerships.

You can begin by searching the internet. The internet is full of online phone books and business directories. Each of these places may allow internet users to post a comment or review a business that they have used in the past. This information can be extremely helpful to you when you are searching for a used car dealership. New York phone books and business directories can easily be obtained through completing a standard internet search.

The internet can also be used to visit the website of any New York car dealerships that have a company website. Although a legitimate used car dealership may not have a company website for a good reason, having a company website looks professional and may be the sign of an experienced dealer. It is not uncommon for many car dealerships to list information or even have pictures of the used vehicles that they currently have in stock. This information can be extremely valuable to you. You can search for a used car dealerships website by typing their dealership name into a search engine. The easier way to find a company website would be to visit an online phone book or business directory that provides the link next to the company contact information.

You can also ask any of your friends, family, or coworkers for information or feedback on a used car dealership. New York is large area and it is likely that someone that you know or they know may have recently purchased a vehicle. Everyone usually discusses a big decision like purchasing a new vehicle; therefore, it was more than likely that positive or negative car dealership feedback has been talked about amongst individuals that you know.

Buying a new or used vehicle is an important step. You do not want to put yourself at risk for being scammed or taken advantage over. Take your time to fully research and understand a used car dealership. New York has large number of quality used car dealerships. You should just make sure you are finding and doing business with the right one.

Eight Tips For The Road Ahead

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile.

If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips courtesy of Drive Insurance from Progressive.

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.
8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence. To find an agent or broker, go to driveinsurance.com.

To be safe, be smart on your next long-distance road trip.

Easy Ways to Save on Car Expenses

For some drivers, their cars have become money pits. Higher fuel prices have been the monkey wrench that has spoiled many a motorists driving experience. No longer can any of us count on cheap fuel, high gasoline prices are here to stay. However, you can save money on your overall car expenses and restore your driving pleasure quickly. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:

Regular Gas v. Premium Gas — Very few vehicles built today require premium gasoline. Thanks to knock sensors, which adjust the mixture of air and fuel to your engine, many cars can run on 87 octane fuel v. 91 octane fuel. By selecting the cheaper priced grade of fuel, you can save a nice amount of money over one years time.

Wash it Yourself. No one does a better job of washing and waxing your car then you do. Avoid those all too frequent trips to the car wash and save some money today. Of course, if you live in a more northerly climate where snow and road salt usage is pervasive, going to a car wash is a must in order to protect your vehicles body. Buy a coupon book to save on multiple washes.

Whats in Your Wallet? If you arent already using a rewards credit card for your gasoline purchases, you should be. Some cards are designed to give you an instant price reduction at the pump. Shop around for the card that is right for you.

Check Your Tires. Under inflated tires can reduce gasoline mileage by as much as 10%. In addition, under inflated tires will wear out faster too.
Review Your Insurance Policy. You may be paying for too much insurance on your car especially if it is worth less than 3000 and you still have collision coverage. Drop the collision coverage and bank the savings toward a down payment on your next car. Make certain that all of your other personal information is accurate too as an incorrectly listed zip code can impact your rates.

Change Your Oil. Granted, not too many people change their cars oil anymore. With ten minute oil change shops so widespread, the convenience factor is a big consideration. Still, if you have someone else changing your oil, you do not need to change it every 3000 miles unless you subject your car to severe driving. Check your manufacturers recommendations and change it according to their specifications, not Jiffy Lubes.

Do the Work Yourself. Some maintenance you can do yourself thereby avoiding having to pay high labor charges and too much for your parts. Air filters, oil filters, belts, batteries, and many other smaller parts can be changed by most motorists. Shop online through a discount wholesaler and you can save even more money on premium automotive parts.

Gas prices are likely to remain high, so saving money elsewhere becomes even more important. A wise consumer shops around for the best deals and there are plenty of them out there. In the face of a fuel crisis, you may have to curtail some of your driving or at least change your driving habits, however the Great American Past Time is alive and well and cruising down a freeway near you. Safe driving!

Does dynamometer testing damage the car?

There is no actual proof that dynamometer testing might damage the car in any certain way.

While performing tests, dynos dont interfere with the engines performance and more importantly, dont do any damage to it.
Some of the things that may cause damage to engines are over-revving, excessive heating, shock loading or incorrect fuel or ignition settings.
If however your engine malfunctions after performing a dynamometer test, its almost certain that the testing, if properly done, wasnt the cause of the damage.

It is more likely to damage your engine when you drive your car on the road than when you test it by the means of a dynamometer under controlled artificial conditions. You should always make sure that the dyno operator is a trained professional and that the dynamometer has an appropriate cooling system.
A 60 centimeter diameter fan is appropriate for a power run. It will prevent the vehicle from overheating.

However, you should keep in mind that dynamometer testing and setting up race cars and bikes require more controlled testing conditions. A bike or car that heats up after a few hours testing suffers from heat soak into the transmission, bodywork, engine block, oil, and so on. This interferes with the amount of power produced, and influences the accuracy and the objectivity of the performance test.
To make sure everything will go smoothly while performing your tests on engines, you actually need a wind tunnel in which you should manipulate your dynamometer. When you are driving on the road at full power there is a lot of fresh air that surrounds and cools the entire vehicle, and you should do your best to recreate some of these natural conditions when you perform your tests.

If your dynamometer or the place you go to in order to get your car or bike dyno tested does not have suitable working conditions or lacks an appropriate cooling system, it is not advised to perform any tests.
The problem concerning the damage done by dynamometers on the tires is more debatable. Tire manufacturers recommend dynamometer owners to replace tires after every test performed. They claim that the tires design is not intended for purposes like dynamometer testing and say that the heat or tire deformation could damage the interior structure. Due to these facts, they strongly recommend replacing the tires after testing.

However, this should be done more as a precaution, and if the tires are rather new, well designed dynamometers should not damage them. Just to make sure that everything is in order, remember to always check the tires condition after every test you perform.

Do You Need a 4×4

Sooner or later, most serious campers get to thinking about the “need” to own a four-wheel drive. So, right up front, heres my answer: A definite “maybe”!

You see, its all to do with your personal outdoor lifestyle. Many outdoorsy types mistakenly believe that, since camping takes place in “the bush”, they obviously need the off-road ability of a four-wheel drive. Not true. Well, not necessarily true anyway.

Confused? Lets go back a step or two.

Firstly, there are a few relevant questions that only you can answer. For example: Will you and your family be camping alone in fairly remote areas? If so, how often?

But dont rush it; answers need to be honest. I mean, we all start out believing that well frequently head off on hairy-chested expeditions. The reality is, though, because of family or economic considerations — or genuine lack of experience — things rarely turn out that way. Thats the main reason you see all those late model 4WDs in the used car lots. After all, theres little point tying up maybe 15,000 more than the equivalent 2WD would cost, only to find later that you just dont need a vehicle with all-wheel traction.

On the other hand, if you prefer to get well away from the tourists and holiday hordes, or prefer camping with your family in splendid isolation, then for you a 4WD might be essential.

The answer can only be found in an honest appraisal of your camping history, the highs and lows throughout that history, and the direction in which you and your family really would like your outdoor activities to go.

Mind you, a 4X4 can certainly extend your horizons considerably. Whether alone or with another family or two, the extra wilderness areas that become available make additional investment much easier to justify. With their higher ground clearance, significantly increased traction for those tricky access trails (particularly after rain or snow), and improved load carrying and towing abilities, the average 4WD wont be beaten for serious — or mildly adventurous — camping.

Thats not all. These days a 4X4 does not have to be your “second car” since levels of comfort in most models are now on a par with conventional — even luxurious! — family station wagons. Reliability, ruggedness and resale value of the 4WD also help ensure that any cost premium becomes purely academic.

But, having said all that, we shouldnt lose sight of the fact that, scattered across the country there are thousands of superb campsites, including national and state parks, reserves, and commercial campgrounds. The vast majority of these are easily accessible, which is more reason still to be absolutely certain, up front, that youll get reasonable return for your higher pound investment.

For my family and I, that has definitely been the case. Maybe.