Changing the oil in your Classic Mini is easy to do, yet you’d be amazed how many people pay garages to do this.

To carry out the oil change yourself you will need the following:

• A 5 litre container of new oil
• A new oil filter
• A large spanner
• A screwdriver set
• An oil filter removal tool or large flat-headed screwdriver
• A funnel
• A clean rag
• An oil tray

First, run your Mini engine for five minutes in order to heat up the oil in the engine. Then park the Mini on a level surface and turn off the engine and open up the bonnet.Using the large spanner, unscrew the sump plug on the side of the sump beneath the car. Make sure you place an oil tray underneath the car to catch the oil.

When the oil is flowing out of the sump, unscrew the oil filler cap on top of the engine to allow the oil to flow faster.

A Mini engine and gearbox will hold over 4 litres of oil. If the container you are using to catch the oil cannot hold this amount, replace the sump plug to stop the flow of oil while you empty the container. I find it useful to keep an old oil container in which to empty the used oil. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.

While the oil is draining out of the engine, remove the front grill using your screwdriver set to gain access to the oil filter.

Eventually the oil will trickle to a few drips a minute. What I like to do next is to pour in some new oil into the top of the engine using a funnel, and let that drain through. It will come out black at first as it collects gunk along the way. When it starts coming out looking like it went in, clean the drain plug of all oil and metal filings with a clean rag. Use the rag to clean the grooves of the sump hole as well so that it is free of metal filings. You can also pour some new oil onto a clean rag and smooth it into the sump hole and over the sump plug.

Next screw the sump plug back in until tight, but don’t go mad and try to over tighten it. It’s tight enough if no oil drips out when you fill it back up.

Mini oil filters can be hard to remove, which is why you can buy oil filter removal tools. Use the oil filter removal tool to remove the old oil filter. With the old Mini oil filter removed, dab some new oil onto a clean rag and clean the oil filter seal on both the engine and the new oil filter.

Screw the new Mini oil filter onto the engine making sure that your hands and the filter casing are not covered in oil, which can cause slippage and prevent a tight seal. Replace the front grill.

With the sump plug back in place and the new oil filter fitted, start pouring new oil into the top of the engine through the filler hole using the funnel, and let it settle. Keep topping up the oil until the dipstick level reads close to max.

Replace the oil filler cap and close the bonnet. Take the car for a short drive around the block and then park it up and allow the engine to cool down.

Once the engine is cold you will find that the oil level has dropped. Remove the filler cap and top up the oil until the oil level reaches max.

You should find that your Classic Mini runs a lot better after an oil change. I could not believe the difference an oil change made to my Mini in both terms of performance and how smooth the engine ran.

It is worth giving your Mini a regular oil change. Check your oil level periodically, and if the oil on your dipstick starts looking a little black, it’s time for another change.

Sometimes cars break down. If you have not had a car break down on you, just wait and eventually it will happen. It is a certainty of life because vehicles are complicated and the more complicated something is, the more that can go wrong with it. Having your vehicle break down is something we don’t want to happen but when it does, we have a savior in the form of a tow truck. Tow trucks and towing services are our best friends when our cars break down.

Typically, a tow truck will come in four different types:

1. A boom, while not used for towing normally, is used when a vehicle is in a ditch, culvert or fallen over an embankment. This is used whenever the tow truck cannot back safely towards the broken down vehicle.
2. The hook and chain is another type used by many towing services. This loops round the vehicle’s frame to allow the car to be drawn aloft by a boom winch where it will rest against rubberized mats. This allows the vehicle to be towed on one axle. The problem with this is that they can scratch bumpers, so many towing service companies are choosing different methods.
3. The wheel-lift is the successor to the hook and chain. This technology uses a large metal yoke that fits to the front or back wheels and locks around them. The tow truck then draws the vehicle up so that the vehicle only rests on one axle, usually the back one. If the vehicle is front-wheel drive, the front wheels are lifted up. If it is rear-wheel drive, the rear wheels are lifted up.
4. Flat bed tow trucks put the entire vehicle on the back of the truck so that it is transported without having to be towed. Rather it is carried away from where it broke down.

The only problem with a towing service is that it can be expensive. The farther you have to take the car to the shop, the more it is going to cost. A good tip is to research towing companies and to keep a list of what companies are in certain areas of the city, and how much they cost per mile. That way you can look at the list if your car breaks down and choose the towing service company that is closest to you. You can also do the same with mechanics so your vehicle does not have to be towed far.

This will save you a lot of money in towing fees because most towing companies will charge a certain amount per mile to transport your vehicle. The farther you go, the more you pay and you haven’t even started to get your vehicle repaired yet!

Towing service companies and their tow trucks are a great sight when we break down. When we need someone to pick us up and take our cars away, they provide an essential service. Just do your research to avoid paying too much.

Buying new caravans can be a daunting experience if you have never brought one before, but with a little research beforehand you can make sure that you avoid any complications. Here in this article we shall look briefly at some useful pointers to consider when purchasing a caravan for the very first time.

When looking for new caravans then it’s important to consider the limitations you will have, such as knowing if your towing vehicle is up for the job. Before you go to buy take a look at towing weights and find out what range of caravan you are realistically going to be able to buy with the vehicle you own or plan to purchase. Look around at several dealers when you are looking, there will then be a wider choice. Internal layouts of caravans will vary, so find out what appeals to you the most, L shaped lounge area, fixed beds and end kitchens are all things to consider.

If you really do not know anything about old and new caravans then it ix recommended that you take someone with you who does. If you are looking at pre-owned caravans then you will need someone to spot the things you may miss. For example broken breaks, wheel bearings and electrics can all be fixed fairly cheaply whereas damp cannot. If you find damp in the caravan you are looking at then you will want to walk away.

Walk around in the caravans you look at, if the floors feel spongy or squeak when you walk on them they may be starting to delaminate. Although this is in issue that can be fixed, it is a very time consuming one and will involve removing carpets and furniture. Agents would also be able to fix this issue for you but it will not be cheap, so make sure that the asking price reflects this-or if the caravan is from a dealer get them to fix it.

Finally make sure that your driving licence covers you driving a caravan, license holders may find that if they took their test on or after January 1st 1997 will have to take an additional test. This will cover them to gain entitlement of operating larger vehicles.

Once you have your new caravan then it is worth knowing that new caravans need servicing every one to two years. If you purchase a second hand caravan from a dealer then they should have it serviced for you, make sure you ask this if they do not.

For anyone considering purchasing a caravan for his or her family vacation, there are a few things to look at so as to enjoy the holidays as much as possible. There are not many things to think about but these are important so making a list of these things to watch out for could prove to be very useful.

When getting a caravan whether new or previously owned, consider how much weight your towing vehicle can pull. It would be futile to get a caravan that could not go anywhere because it far exceeds the capacity of your vehicle.

If you are new to purchasing caravans, bring an experienced person with you when you head to the dealership. They will certainly be very helpful in assessing the caravans being offered and you may get a better price from the deals simply by having a person who is in the know with you.

A very important thing to watch out for is damp. You do not want a caravan that has leaks as it will be very uncomfortable for you and your family to stay in. When there is such problem with a caravan, leave it and move on to the next offer as this problem is very costly to fix.

Before you embark on a trip with your caravan, there are other concerns apart from the caravan itself that you should look into. One of these is the tow bar. You must make sure that the tow bar is secure. You can consult a specialist or have this installed by the specialist. The specialist can also check for other things such as electrical connections in the caravan so that you will not get surprises later on such as a defrost fridge and a lot of spoiled food. You also need to check your license. If you passed the test after 1997, there are many restrictions that you should be aware of. Check if all the systems in your caravan are working properly. You may also want to spend a night or more in your caravan so you can get an idea of how comfortable it would be for you and see for yourself if there are other things needed to make the caravan livable.

Caravans have to be serviced regularly, just like cars. The frequency would be annually or bi-annually. If you know what to look for, you can do it yourself. If you are not sure, it is advisable to seek professional services.

One of the reasons why purchasing an automobile through such a seized vehicle auction is to your benefit is because of the price that is available. After all, the governmental agencies that are running these auctions are not in business to have a large inventory of automobiles, but rather, they want to move them as quickly as possible. Some people have been able to purchase cars and other items through such an auction at pennies on the dollar, and you might be surprised at how frequently that occurs. With a little research on your part and some time that is spent placing the bids, you can get an inexpensive automobile that is top-of-the-line, as well.

Now you have bought the “best-est” for your car audio system, does this automatically translate to a great car audio experience? Nearly so. Why nearly so?

I’ll use an analogy…

If you bought the best paint brushes and paints — I mean those used by the masters — would that guarantee the best painting? Would it even guarantee a good painting?

We both know the answer. Yes, you need the best equipment to get the best sound. However, you need a level of expertise to achieve the best and maximize the potentials of your equipment.

In fact, the more sophisticated and high-end your car audio equipment is, the more you need an expert. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then you really have to study the steps and process thoroughly.

Why do I recommend you call an expert in spite of the fact that I have many installation articles on our car audio sites (This means that we encourage folks to learn to fit their stuff)?

I recommend an expert for the simple reason that a professional installer does this 9-5 daily and has been doing stuff like this for some years. He is certainly more exposed to techniques for getting the best out of any car audio equipment.

If you’ve spent some good amount on your car audio system, the extra installation fee is well worth it. Furthermore, since many installers are just a phone call away, you don’t have to waste the whole day at a shop to have this done. Yes, many installers will come to wherever you are to get the job done.

That said, you can still go on to install yourself. After all, you know your personal technical capabilities. And you could also use the change, I guess.

There are cars that come with really high-end audio systems. So, gone are the days when high quality car audio was the exclusive enjoyment of those who chose the aftermarket route.

But, are there not still abundant reasons why an aftermarket car audio system is a better deal anyday? We’ll take a look at those…

First, check the price of a car that offers certain very high-end audio as part of the dealer or manufacturer’s package. They are often several times the price of a comparable system — if not superior — system in the open market. And there’s a good reason for it.

When you want to buy a car, you’re “ready” to spend bucks in thousands. But, when you go shopping specifically for a car audio unit, you usually think in hundreds (Unless you belong to the car audio elite). The dealer knows this and cashes in.

They tell you what and what has been thrown in. What they don’t tell you is what you’re throwing out — your hard-earned cash!

Secondly, the dealer has certain overheads that has to be covered. And what better way than to bundle an overpriced car audio system as part of the deal.
Don’t take my word for it, compare prices and you’ll see the glaring, but often overlooked truth.

If you want the best support for your car audio, a dedicated car audio shop will certainly cater to your needs better than a general car dealer and for simple reasons…

A car is made up of many systems. The car audio system is just one of them — and by no way the most important to a car manufacturer or dealer. But for a car audio store, all they are involved in is car audio.

So, when training sales staff, they concentrate on car audio. In fact, I know one that has an ipod car integration specialist. When I had questions as regards ipod car integration, I was referred to him. You can imagine the quality of information he could deliver.

Now, I don’t mean to pick on car dealers. We all need them. However, if the best in car audio is your thing, then don’t expect someone who has myriads of unrelated issues (From pistons to car upholstery) to give you the best advice or service when it comes to car audio.

A specialist will always do better. And, specialized stores and specialists only sell aftermarket car audio products and accessories.

All About Hybrid Cars Articles

THE U.S. DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL

In late 2004, the Hudson Institute conducted a survey with the following results:

* 75% of Americans prioritized “reducing our reliance on foreign oil” over “cheaper prices for oil and gas.”

* 83% of Americans agreed that “reducing our dependence on foreign oil must be a top priority for the next administration.”

* 91% of Americans concurred that “when it comes to energy, we need an America that relies on its own ingenuity and innovation-not the Saudi royal family.”

How much oil we depend on from foreign sources affects our economy and our national security. Today, we import more than half of the oil we use, and it will increase as we use up domestic resources. The majority (65% to 75%) of the world’s oil reserves are in the Middle East and are controlled by the OPEC oil cartel. The U.S. depends on oil for most of its transportation needs–up to 95%. Until alternative energy vehicles start becoming more commonplace, our dependence on foreign oil will only grow.

In the past, dependence on oil has cost our economy dearly. Oil price shocks and manipulation by OPEC between 1979 to 2000 cost the U.S. around $7 trillion, nearly as much as was spent on national defense over the same period and more than the interest payments on the U.S. national debt. An economic recession resulted from each major price shock, so with increasing dependence on OPEC oil, continued price shocks will continue to cost the U.S. economy.

In late 2004, oil prices charged toward $50 a barrel as hurricanes slowed petroleum output from the Gulf of Mexico and rebels threatened Nigerian oil facilities. Not only did that create a surge in gas prices at the pump, but increased the dependence of the U.S. on oil from the middle East. “Higher oil prices could trigger a global recession,” according to Purnomo Yusgiantoro, President of OPEC. Analysts reported surging demands from a booming Chinese economy as the cause of putting global demand only slightly below global supply. Most OPEC nations are already producing at full capacities.

All the oil beneath the surface of the earth formed in more than 200 million years, yet in 200 years half of it has been consumed. At that rate, remaining oil resources would be depleted in 40 years. We would still have other fossil fuels like coal, shale oil, tar sands and natural gas. Currently, many of these energy resources are too costly to use, and their conversion to transportation fuels for use in alternative energy vehicles would produce harm to the environment. Investigation is ongoing to find new fuels to develop economically and without environmental damage.

Ultimately, the solution to our dependence on oil lies in our technological progress in developing alternative energy vehicles that are more environmentally friendly and use energy more efficiently. Research continues to find or create new energy sources to replace petroleum cleanly and inexpensively. As people embrace hybrid cars and other alternative fuel vehicles by asking for and purchasing them, automakers will be encouraged to produce more energy efficient, clean cars and to continue their technical advancements.

You may have heard rumors that it’s possible to get paid to drive your car, or in some cases, get a car to use for free. While participation is limited and luck is needed along with living in the right place for a particular campaign, it is possible to get paid to have your car (or a car given to you) turned into a moving advertisement. If you drive 800 miles or more a month along heavily populated routes in your normal driving habits, you may want to check out the companies that offer car wraps.

The concept is fairly simple. Advertising space on billboards along busy roads and highways is limited and in some places not allowed at all. It’s possible, however, to reach many of those people another way. Companies advertise on the outside of cars to reach those same people. The problem is that purchasing an entire fleet of cars for an advertising campaign can be overly expensive, so a solution was developed.

Instead of purchasing their own cars, companies will sometimes “rent” space on individual private citizen’s cars. In return for letting a company “wrap” your car with their advertisement, they will pay you a monthly fee. The fees can be as high as $400 a month for a full car wrap and lesser amounts for a partial car wrap or a window wrap.

Another option that some of these companies offer in place of car wraps is giving you a free car with advertisements already on it. You usually don’t get paid in this deal or get to choose the type of car provided, but you do receive free use of the car for the period of the campaign. Your only costs are gas and insurance meaning that you are getting transportation at a fraction of the cost of owning your own car. There are some rare cases when you can get paid when receiving a free car. Some companies will pay you to drive the free cars along certain, specified routes each day.

So what is the catch? The main one is there are far more drivers wanting the positions than advertising campaigns available. If you don’t drive a lot of miles or live in a highly populated area (large college campuses seem to be an ideal location) where the advertisement will be seen by a population the advertisers crave, your chances of being chosen are slim. Most companies require you to drive a minimum of 800 miles a month. Not driving enough miles can negate the contract and most companies utilize global positioning systems (GPS) in your car to track the miles and places you go each month.

Most programs require you to be 18 years of age, have a clean driving record and your own auto insurance. Traffic violations will in most cases prohibit you from being considered. Contracts vary in length and amount paid depending on the type of advertising in the campaign involved. Most companies don’t let you pick the advertiser, but will let you bow out if the advertiser goes against your moral values (cigarettes, alcohol and sex).

With the concept there are a growing number of websites that don’t actually offer the service of car wrapping, but claim to be a data base for advertisers to find people willing to advertise on their cars. Many offer free sign up, but then encourage you to purchase a “premium package” that is supposed to move your name higher up on the list. The fact is that you are very unlikely to be picked from these services so it isn’t worth the time (and definitely not the money) signing up with them.

While the chances of being picked are slim, they are better than playing the lottery. If you meet the requirements and live in an area you believe would be desirable to advertisers, it could be worth the 15 to 30 minutes it takes to fill out the online forms. If you are lucky and do get picked, you will significantly reduce your driving expenses with little effort on your part.

A truck, as we all know are large automobiles designed mainly for transportation purposes. Also called Lorry, these heavy motor vehicles are extremely powerful, and may be configured to mount specialized equipment, good examples being fire trucks, concrete mixers and suction excavators. In contemporary times, these mammoth powerhouses run either on gasoline or on diesel engines, with diesel dominant in commercial applications.

A typical Truck consists of the following main parts:

• Chassis
• Cab
• Axles
• Suspension
• Engine
• Trailers/Semi Trailers

Chassis

The chassis refers to the central framework including the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension that supports the entire coachwork, exactly like the skeleton of a living being. In a truck, the chassis contains all the essential parts of a truck (without the body) and is ready for operation on the road.

Cab

The cab, also referred to as the Cabin in certain countries, is the enclosed space where in the driver sits and operates the entire vehicle. Normally, a sleeper also accompanies the cab, so as to facilitate a resting place for the driver when not driving. A few cab configurations are described below:

Cab Over Engine (COE): Also called flat nose, this type is configured such that the driver is seated above the front axle and the engine. This design is almost ubiquitous in Europe, where overall truck lengths are strictly regulated, but also widely used in the rest of the world as well.

Conventional Cabs: Mostly seen in North America and Australia, the driver in this type of Cab is seated behind the engine, just like in normal passenger cars or pickup trucks. Conventional cabs are further classified into large car and aerodynamic designs. A “large car” or “long nose” is a conventional truck with a long hood. Aerodynamic cabs are very streamlined, with a sloped hood and other features to lower drag.

Cab Beside Engine: A rare design, this type of cabs are seen in trucks used inside shipping yards, or other specialist uses such as aircraft baggage loading.

Engine

Most modern trucks today run on a four stroke diesel engine with a turbocharger and after cooler. Very large off-highway trucks use locomotive-type engines such as a V12 Detroit Diesel two stroke engines.

Axles

A central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear, the axle is one of the most unalienable part of the truck. Secured or spline in fixed relation to the wheels, the axle not only empowers the wheels with driving torque but also helps to keep the position of the wheels consistent, relative to each other and to the vehicle body.

Suspension

Suspension refers to the entire assembly of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheel. The main purpose of suspension systems is to contributing to the car’s road-holding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and also keeping vehicle occupants comfortable and reasonably well isolated from road noise, bumps, and vibrations,etc. In modern days, although most trucks use air suspension, veterans still prefer the old longitudinal semi-elliptical springs, as the spring rate can easily be made progressive (non-linear).