Keeping your car in good condition, having it serviced regularly, and maintaining it to the best of your ability at home will extend the life of your vehicle and save you fuel and repair costs in the long run. Your exhaust is an integral part of your car, and while it can often be overlooked as a priority area for maintaining service, taking care of your exhaust system and catalytic converter can be a real money saver.

The catalytic converter (CAT) is one of the most important parts of your vehicle’s exhaust system and helps minimize your car’s impact on the environment. A catalytic converter reduced the pollutants released into the atmosphere when your car’s engine is running. But the CAT can only function properly when there is a specific air-to-fuel ratio. If there are failures in the engine management system or the fuel supply, the catalytic converter may not function properly or may be damaged.

The CAT sits under the car and is therefore susceptible to bumps and knocks that can affect its efficiency as well. Try to avoid braking the car or going too fast over the speed bumps: approach obstacles and potholes at a slight angle so that you do not straddle them and therefore put the underside of your car at risk.

A catalytic converter can be expensive to replace or repair, so it’s worth taking care of! There are several things you can do to keep your CAT running efficiently and avoid costly repairs:

• Have your car serviced regularly, in an authorized and reliable workshop.
• Always use unleaded fuel with a catalytic converter – a single tank of leaded fuel can completely disable a CAT!
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Grounding your vehicle can hit the catalytic converter and even break the ceramic monolith (a crucial part of the conversion process).
• Never start a car that has a CAT installed. Instead, use jump cables.

You can also get a ‘Green MOT’, which analyzes the performance of the CAT as part of its MOT emissions test. If there is a problem with your catalytic converter, your local shop will be able to repair or replace a faulty unit. A standard ceramic model will generally carry a one-year warranty, while an unbreakable metal monolith will give you a three-year warranty (and is more robust than the ceramic version).

Problems with your exhaust system can end up being costly, but with careful driving, regular car service, and an experienced exhaust technician, you can extend the life of your exhaust and catalytic converter and save money.

The first generation MINI Cooper S, built between 2001 and 2006, is powered by a supercharger. The supercharger in the first Cooper S provides more oxygen to the engine and consequently more fuel. This increased oxygen and fuel distribution to the Cooper S engine produces higher power output. However, even more power can be obtained from MINI aftermarket parts such as the smaller supercharger pulleys.

Aftermarket pulleys typically come in three different styles: 15%, 17%, and 19%. What do these percentages mean? They simply refer to the difference in size between the aftermarket and the stock pulley. For example, a 15% pulley is 15% smaller than the one that comes standard on the MINI. The smaller the pulley, the smaller the belt; and the smaller the belt, the faster the supercharger turbines rotate. When the turbines rotate faster, more oxygen is supplied to the engine and the engine produces more power output. What does this amount to? More torque and horsepower.

On the R53 MINI Cooper S, expect to capture a gain of about 15 HP after installing a 15% pulley. (Remember, the pulley percentage does not correspond to the gain in HP – this is just a coincidence.) With 17% an increase of 20 HP is expected and, with 19%, an increase of 25 HP. All HP earnings vary based on MINI condition and previously added performance parts.

When you consider the cost of an aftermarket pulley, $ 100 to $ 150, and the amount of extra HP gained, it’s one of the most cost-effective aftermarket upgrades to the R53 MINI. MINI performance parts, like bulky intercoolers and exhausts, cost around a thousand dollars and don’t offer the HP increases that performance pulleys offer. In essence you get an extra 15-25 HP with a two pound pulley and less HP gain with various performance parts that are heavier and more expensive. This is why many enthusiasts are rushing to make an aftermarket pulley installation their first MINI upgrade.

But which pulley should you buy? 15%, 17% or 19%?

Looking at the HP gains produced by each pulley, it seems best to go with 19% for the highest HP gain. The 19% pulley, however, is not the most practical. 19% provides the most boost, but also provides the most wear to the internal parts of the vehicle. 19% is good for short circuit or time trial races, while 15% is good for endurance, long races and daily energy cravings. Putting this in perspective, 17% is a compromise between the two. It offers more than a 15% increase in HP, but makes the internal components wear out a bit faster. Overall, 15% is the most recommended pulley for everyday R53 MINI Cooper S drivers looking for a substantial power gain.

Stronger federal rules will promote vehicles that will be 40% more fuel efficient by 2016. These national standards will align the US with other countries that are already making fuel-efficient cars. Starting in 2012, automakers will have achieved fuel efficiency for their products ranging from 37.8 mpg for passenger cars to 28.8 mpg for pickup trucks, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

Such changes can save millions of barrels of oil while reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the life of vehicles manufactured under the new regulations.

Energy-efficient compact and subcompact cars like Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta or Fiat 500 are already an option for buyers, along with electric cars like Chevrolet Volt or Nissan Leaf.

A feature of fuel-efficient cars is the direct injection engine, a system that can produce maximum power by using high pressure to pump gasoline into individual cylinders. Turbocharging is another feature that enables small engines to perform similarly to larger ones.

The design and weight will improve the aerodynamics of the cars of the future with the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the bodywork and low rolling resistance tires to further increase fuel economy. Although these cars will cost more, long-term savings can be made by reducing fuel consumption.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has also proposed a change to the fuel economy rating system for vehicles. There are two proposals to reflect the purchase of vehicles with lower emissions and better fuel economy.

One is a letter grade from A to D, to reflect both fuel economy and tailpipe emissions efficiency. The other is an MPG rating that compares vehicles for tailpipe emissions efficiency.

The current label, in the form of a window decal, is required for all new cars or light trucks sold in the US – on hybrid and conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Some of the most efficient cars on the market today are 2010 Toyota Prius, 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2010 Honda Insight, 2010 Lexus HS 250h, 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid, 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid The fact that most are hybrids is an indicator of where green technology is heading in the automotive industry.

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling car for 17 years, but in 2008 it was overtaken by Honda Civic and Accord or Toyota Corolla and Camry due to high fuel costs. American companies have reconfigured their lineups to stay ahead of the need for more fuel efficient models.

Hybrid technologies and lighter mass proved to be the most cost-effective strategies for achieving better fuel economy. The next-generation Prius and a plug-in version will further increase fuel economy in 2011.

With all the attention that Nissan, Toyota and General Motors have attracted in the recent hybrid industry, Ford remains a constant, slowly moving towards a leading position in the competition for the most popular and reliable electric cars on the market. With the success of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, Ford took notice and saw a profitable trend in the guise of an industry wave just beginning to grow.

Today, Ford continues to push the media and Congress to offer better and more tax incentives to produce hybrid vehicles. Bill Ford has designs and expectations to make Ford the most innovative leader in the competitive high-tech hybrid market. Ford is not as keen on continuing the tradition as it now intends to renew and reclaim its groundbreaking and innovative future.

Some recent figures

As of July 16, 2013, Ford has quadrupled its share of the US electric vehicle market. The company has expanded its growth by hiring new engineers, spending more on research and development, including new plants and facilities, and focusing on fuel economy improvements. Ford’s share of the US market has risen to 16 percent, an increase of 12 share points. Meanwhile, Toyota’s share has dropped to 8 points, and much of it due to the switch to Ford’s new C-MAX hybrid. Ford vehicle sales have shown an increase of 400 percent in one year, totaling 46,197 units sold through June of this year. The Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Ford C-MAX hybrid have driven most of the sales growth. The coastal markets, Texas and Florida have strong sales and trade-in appeal for the C-MAX, while Toyota’s sales are down 5 percent. According to Polk’s log data, the first five months of 2013 have seen Ford dominate the California market.

In the past month alone, the C-MAX accounted for 64 percent of non-Ford brand owners who swapped their Toyota Prius for the Ford C-MAX. Ford has achieved the fastest retail growth of all other brands in the coastal market, with 2.5 percentage points since 2008. The company has gained nearly a full percentage point since the beginning of the year.

Demand for the Lincoln MKZ has forced Lincoln to increase production by 40 percent, an increase of 20 percent. Lincoln has noticed an influx of new buyers who have shown up in its showrooms in increasing numbers.

The success of going electric

Ford’s fuel-efficient and versatile vehicles, trucks and utilities have shown gains this year. Its share of passenger cars in coastal regions has grown roughly three times faster than the rest of the industry. Ford’s biggest profits come from small cars, small utilities and midsize sedans, which have contributed 42 percent of its growth in the past five years. Compacts have led the way, like the Focus, Fiesta and C-MAX, achieving more than 35,851 sales in the last month alone, nearly a 40 percent increase from the previous year. America’s best-selling utility is the Escape, while the Fusion has topped the sales record for the first six months of 2013. Overall, the utility line has garnered top honors for the past three years, and the Ford F-Series has outsold all others. branded trucks for 36 years in a row.

Mileage improvements for hybrids

Ford has placed an emphasis on its highway fuel economy for all of its 2013 hybrid models in Canada and the US Performance calibration updates will begin in August 2013 for Lincoln MKZ, Fusion and C-MAX hybrids. Areas that will receive updates include increasing the electric speed phase to 85 mph, instead of 62 mph, the introduction of active louver louvers to reduce drag during all driving conditions, decreasing the fan speed to reduce the power consumption and reduce warm-up time by 50 percent to allow electric-only operation when the engine is turned off. Air conditioning systems will be refined, reducing compressor use during cold weather operation. Calibration upgrade and upgrade areas will cover city and highway driving, prolonged cold weather conditions, and air conditioning run times.

Stars of the future

Ford aims to capitalize on its most successful pickup truck of all time, the F-150. It seems that they will be forging this new ground for themselves. Ford spun off a joint venture with Toyota to produce a rear-wheel drive hybrid pickup and now intends to develop its own version in-house. Starting in 2014, Ford will slash the F-150’s weight by as much as 700 pounds, just in time for its 2014 debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Longer-term projections for full-size trucks and SUVs are proposals and plans to meet or exceed the projected 54.5 mpg standard by 2025. However, Ford expects to have fully hybrid versions of its trucks and SUVs before the end of the season. decade.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC is a completely new model in the Lincoln family, which went on sale in May. It’s been 6 months, but to this day it is still very difficult to see a Lincoln MKC on the street. The Lincoln MKC’s sales volume simply matched that of the BMW X3, but the Lexus RX and Audi Q5 lacked by a factor of up to 5 (the MKC’s sales figure is only about 1/5 that of the Lexus RX).

On paper, the 2015 Lincoln MKC has beautiful specs, and its shapes and styling look good in advertisements. In our test-drive review, I’ll try to explain why the MKC doesn’t get better recognition from the consumer.

The exterior shape of the Lincoln MKC is very similar to that of the Ford Escape, because they share the same platform and some of the trims even share the same engine and transmission.

How about the wheelbase of the 2015 Lincoln MKC?

The MKC has a slightly longer wheelbase of 106.9 inches (compared to 105.9 inches for the Ford Escape). MKC with similar options weighs about 170 pounds more than the Escape, due to the longer wheelbase and larger body in almost all dimensions. In addition to this, there are additional noise-damping materials throughout the cabin, which also contributes to the additional 170 pounds of weight.

Our test car is the top-of-the-line model fitted with the firm’s latest 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, which can also be found in the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (but with higher horsepower). When the 2.3L engine is selected, Lincoln will also offer AWD as standard.

There is a major build quality issue on the outside. The rear tailgate spoiler has two downward-extending tips on each side. And guess what? They only stick to the glass with something like double-sided tape or some other type of adhesive. Obviously, that cannot withstand the harsh external environmental conditions, and also the wind forces generated during high speed driving. So our almost new test car already has those two separate tips from their location.

Although the Lincoln MKC is based on a front-wheel drive platform, it has a relatively short overhang at the front. Due to the short length of the 4-cylinder engine in cross-mount configuration.

Our MKC test car has the standard 235 / 50R18 tire on all four corners. Compared to other available options (P235 / 45R19; P245 / 45R19; P255 / 40R20), the standard tire size offers cushioned driving comfort and good linear acceleration.

Why choose a Nissan?

When it comes to a wide range of makes and models to choose from … Nissan has it all.

Nissan offers something for everyone. Right in the line of cars are the Maxima, the Versa Hatchback and Sedan, the Cube, the Sentra, the Altima, and the Altima Coupe and Hybrid. Gas mileage for all Nissan vehicles ranges from 17 to 38 mpg on the highway and 12 to 33 mpg in the city.

There is also a price range for everyone. You can buy a Versa Sedan for about $ 10,000. By the way, the Versa boasts the highest horsepower and the most passenger space in its class. However, if you want a car that turns heads, you can get the GT-R sports car for around $ 90,000. Nissan used racing technology to help design this aerodynamic car. Standard on the GT-R is a 530-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine, along with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. This car won the 2011 ALG Residual Value award for best luxury sports car.

Also in the sports car line, is the 370Z Coupe and 370Z Roadster. The Kelley Blue Book awarded the Nissan Z the award for best resale value of 2010, and Popular Science awarded it the best of new that same year.

Nissan was at the forefront when it introduced its Brake Override technology, which was designed for emergency stop situations. It has been standard on all Nissan since 2005. Our government may require all vehicles to come with this same technology in the near future. Additionally, all Nissan cars have Bluetooth hands-free phone technology that is connected to the vehicle’s audio system, making travel safer wherever you go. Standard on some cars is the push button ignition smart key.

Of course, there is also the LEAF, which some may say is one of a kind. As you probably know, the LEAF is 100% electric, which means zero emissions. Also, the overall safety rating is excellent … 5 stars. If you know you want a LEAF, you can go online to the Nissan website and reserve one now, if you live in one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC

To complete its lineup, Nissan has excellent trucks and crossovers. Trucks include the Frontier, Titan, and also their NV line. Crossovers, which include minivans and SUVs, are also very impressive with the Juke, Rogue, Murano, Murano CrossCabriolet, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and Quest.

Why wouldn’t you choose a Nissan?

Every household in urban and suburban cities owns at least one car. They are an important part of the family. Over time, automobiles have evolved into advanced and complex technological beings. It is not as easy to keep them at home as it used to be. With the advancement of computers and motor systems, it is critical that an expert with extensive experience and training be involved. This is also because consumers lead very fast lives. Therefore, it is important to identify a reliable and trustworthy auto repair shop for your vehicle’s needs.

Before we look at how to find an auto shop with resources for vehicle repair and maintenance, let’s understand the difference between these two terms. Maintenance items are shared with the owner at the time of purchase. They should be checked as part of preventive maintenance at regular intervals. Rather, repairs are about a problem that needs to be fixed. They both go hand in hand. If you have a good auto repair shop that can perform maintenance checks well, then the need to repair the car will be reduced. Scheduled maintenance can also be performed at your dealer.

One key thing to remember is to find a suitable auto repair shop as soon as you get a car. Don’t wait for the need to arise. This will give you less time to choose a store. If you already have a trusted mechanic, stay with that shop. An Internet search can help you find auto repair shops in your area with customer feedback and responses. Try to avoid choosing a place that is too far away and becomes inconvenient during emergencies. Another option is to do this old style. Talk to friends, family, and even directly with different mechanics.

Find an auto repair shop that suits your car brand. Today, many stores have a make or model of vehicle that they specialize in. Use this information to narrow down the stores that will work for you. Once you decide on a store, ask about two important things:

1. Ask them about the guarantees they offer. See if the options make sense to you as a consumer.
2. This is important, ask for the store’s certification. The auto repair shop must be certified and have the appropriate authorization.

The last thing you can do is try two or three auto repair shops for maintenance. A car is a long-term asset. So, spend time finding the best auto repair shop for your car.

Introduction

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a compact midsize car from the famous SUV manufacturer. Its design roots can be traced back to Willy’s MB and Jeep CJ that used to be produced in the early days of the SUV. The new Jeep Wrangler models have the traditional toughness you would expect from a Jeep, but provide a completely refined appearance. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is expected to hit showrooms later this year. So, we are going to give you a summary of what you can expect from it and the changes present from its previous version of 2016, as well as what its competitors are doing.

Appearance

The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited won’t get a complete makeover from its 2016 version, that’s for sure, as any major revision to the company’s design invites skepticism from car lovers. Most of us are used to the sturdy frame, full throttle four-wheel drive, and a sturdy pair of axles, so we can’t expect anything too far. But, regarding the materials used in the new model, Jeep is expected to use Rendered Aluminum, as it will make the car even stronger and lighter. You can also look forward to the iconic folded windshield this time too!

Any mechanical changes?

Since Jeep has been talking about it for a while, we can possibly look forward to it in the 2017 edition, and that’s the little automatic transmission thing. The 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited had a 6-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic, and the problem was with the latter, as the power interruption was not enough to meet the demanding requirements of an off-road vehicle. So Jeep will bump it up to an 8-speed automatic transmission this time around, and this will help improve throttle response and fuel efficiency on the go for the new car. Torque is expected to remain unchanged at 260 pound-feet. The same thrilling 4WD experience will continue as well (as if it were to end!)

Fuel economy

Thanks to the new 8-speed automatic transmission and body frame, the fuel efficiency of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is expected to increase significantly this time. It can go up to 1-2 mpg in the manual transmission and 3-4 mpg in the automatic transmission. The car is expected to continue on 87 octane fuel as before.

Any concerns about the price?

They are expected to rise slightly more than annual inflation rates, as the change in transmission and bodywork would require more premium work. Pricing ranges from a two-door Sport model with a manual transmission at $ 25,000 and a fully loaded Rubicon at around $ 45,000, including the destination fee, which was about $ 1,000 alone.

Competitors

Chevrolet’s Nissan Frontier, Subaru Forester, Toyota Tacoma and Colorado are just a few of the competitors you can expect to take on the refined new Jeep monster. But when it comes to fuel economy and sheer excitement, who can come close to this beauty?

When is the release date?

The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is expected to launch in late 2016 or early 2017, according to carpreview.com.

Quality and performance have remained the best part of Tesla throughout the years. The latest edition is the ‘Model X’ which is considered the most capable, fastest and safest sport utility vehicle. Being an uncompromising vehicle, it has a lot of cool features and quite a bit of smart ones. The expected price is set at $ 75,000 respectively.

Description

1. Design and safety:

Model X is designed in such a way that safety remained the top priority. The presence of a floor-mounted battery keeps the gravitational force to a minimum, reducing the likelihood of a rollover. The structure of the battery is such that it strengthens the vehicle against any intrusion from side impact. Since there is no gasoline engine, the large front trunk works as a great shock absorbing feature.

The Model X is a smart car in the sense that it continuously scans the nearby road through radar, sonar systems, and the camera. This allows the driver to obtain information in real time to avoid collisions. If the speed is high enough, the vehicle is capable enough to apply the brakes automatically in an emergency.

Outside contamination, bacteria and pollen are constantly filtered through a medical grade HEPA filter before air is circulated inside the cabin. There are three modes to adjust the filter level including a ‘bioweapons defense’, ‘recirculate indoor air’ and ‘circulate outdoor air’ respectively. This creates a clean, positive pressure that protects the occupants inside.

2. Hawk wings:

Falcon Wing doors are special and never seen before. They provide easy access to the second and third row seats even if the car is parked in a tight space. With just one foot of clearance on each side, Falcon Wing doors articulate smoothly. This allows passengers to enter the cabin from the front and rear. Interestingly, the top and side opening is so large that even parents can buckle children inside without straining, bending over, or even hitting the child’s head on the ceiling.

3. Seating capacity:

The Model X has a capacity for seven people in the three rows. Every seat is equally good, but those in the second row are remarkable. Each second-row seat is mounted on a single post and reclines independently, helping to maximize legroom, comfort, and storage space under the seat. In addition, the third row is also easily accessible.

When not in use, the third row seats can be folded flat. While the second row seats can be tilted forward, allowing more cargo space.

4. Engine:

Two versions of the Model X will be available to consumers. One is the P90D Signature and the other is the sportier P90D Founder. Engine specifications include a 259 hp electric motor that powers the front wheels and a 503 hp rear motor that drives the rear wheels to account for the all-wheel drive transmission.

The Signature version of the P90D has a top speed of 155 miles per hour and a range of 250 miles. In just 3.2 seconds, it can accelerate to 60 miles per hour respectively.

5. Fuel economy:

The Tesla Model X will prove to be fuel efficient as it is expected to perform well within the city and on the highway. Fuel consumption in the city is 88 miles per gallon, while on the highway it is 90 miles per gallon.

Therefore, anyone who owns a Tesla will find this version to be truly remarkable.

This guide is written to hopefully explain the BSR Run Flat system installed on the Toyota Rav4 T180 and SR180.

Many owners have bought their cars without having knowledge of this BSR system so here I will try to explain what it consists of and the options to replace it.

What is the BSR system?

It is a run flat system that is different from other types in which the side wall of the used tires is heavily reinforced, so that if a puncture or deflation occurs, the car runs efficiently on the side wall.

BSR (Bridgestone Safety Ring) is a system that uses a ring that is placed inside the tire around the rim. This is what the car drives in the event of deflation. The tires are effectively a normal tire. This is a development of a WWII military vehicle.

There is also a lubricant inside the tire that lubricates the tire and the BSR ring in the event of a flat. Without this, the friction generated would destroy both elements.

The system is backed by a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) that illuminates a warning light on the dash if a deflation occurs …

The advantages of this system …

It means no need to carry a spare tire … And … Well, that’s it really …

The least …

The tires have to be removed by a special and very expensive machine that only Toyota dealers and some independent tire dealers have.

Only one type of Bridgestone tire can be used with the BSR system. No other make or model of tire can be used.

This makes expensive replacements become time for new tires and can be very inconvenient in the event of a puncture.

Owners report very high replacement or repair costs!

The options …

Well, homeowners can just live with what they have and bear what is considered huge replacement or repair costs.

Gold

Remove the existing tires and the BSR system completely. You can have an equipped dealer remove the tires as described above. It costs around £ 45 per wheel OR just cut the tires and remove the inner circlips with the help of an angle grinder.

The TPMS system can be retained or removed and changed to prevent the light from flashing on the dash.

Once the tires and rings have been removed, any tire dealer can install regular tires on a regular tire machine and any brand can be used.

Insurance implications …

You must notify your insurance company if you remove the BSR system and fit normal tires.

No additional premium is likely to exist as the car will be like the latest SR Rav4 spec. That is, no BSR system and a tire repair kit in the trunk.

It is possible to remove the tires and the BSR ring and then put them back on, but this will invalidate your insurance because the tires have a symbol on the tire wall designating them as Run flats. Which, of course, without the BSR rings inside, they are not. This could mean that a Driver who doesn’t realize this could run into trouble if deflation occurs and they keep driving …

Driving quality

Wheels with the extra weight of the BSR system and lubricating gel are huge compared to a wheel fitted with a normal tire.

The suspension has two elements to deal with:

The suspended weight. This is the weight of the vehicle, its occupants, cargo, etc.

The unsprung weight. This is the weight of the wheels, tires, brakes, etc.

Relieving suspension from unsprung weight allows you to get on with the task of controlling suspended weight. This adds up to a much smoother ride without the crashes and bumps that the increased weight of BSR-equipped wheels produces. Remember that the walls of the tires are not reinforced.

Ride quality is MASSIVELY IMPROVED when the BSR is removed!

To consider …

If a BSR-equipped RAV is traded in to a Toyota dealer, one of the first questions that will be asked will be: do you still have the floors up and running? Because if not, in their eyes the car has been radically altered and cannot be sold under the Toyota approved car scheme.

Other dealers may or may not ask depending on whether they know about the system in the first place …

I hope this helps