February-8-11

Porsche checking fluids

Posted by admin under New Porsche News

In order to avoid big, expensive problems, you should check
under the hood of your Porsche on a regular basis. By following
these simple monthly checks you will find and solve these potential
problems.

First of all, you should check the oil, but only when the engine is warm.
Thats because it expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold;
different temperatures will give you different readings. And since youre
already checking the fluids you should also check the
brake fluid. It’s easy to do and only takes a minute.

Radiator fluid, or coolant, is the most important part of your Porsche’s
cooling system, which protects your engine from overheating. Low
coolant can lead to a breakdown and expensive repairs. Before
checking the power steering fluid (which is also easy on most cars)
you should see if you have it. Try to parallel park with one hand and
eat an ice cream cone with the other. If you can do that, then you have it.

If you have an automatic transmission, you’ll want to check the
automatic transmission fluid (ATF) every month. Also, if your Porsche
has a hydraulic clutch that connects the clutch pedal to the
transmission, you should check that fluid too.

(word count 206)

PPPPP

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September-4-10

Tips on Sports Car Engine Maintenance

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Buying a car today can be pretty expensive. The average car price is almost $23,000. That is definitely a lot of money, even for some of the typical and ordinary cars available in the market. This shows that the other types of cars like the sports cars are high priced.

With high quality of sports cars, it is important that owners learn how to maintain their cars engine in order to protect their asset.

Sports cars are especially made for sporting performance. This means that its actual engine performance is on a higher level for speed, acceleration, maneuverability, and braking are compared to the other types of cars.

With these remarkable features, some sports car drivers tend to use its power even if they are not on a race. Therefore, maintaining the sports car engine is extremely important. Yet a sports car engine does not have to be powerful and large.

Here is a list of useful tips for maintaining sports car engines:

1. For average use, it is still necessary to check the sports car engine every 3000 miles. One of the primary engine maintenance tips is to change the engine oil along with the filter. This will ensure proper lubrication and performance of the sports car engine.

2. Check the other fluids in the engine such as the brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid level (if applicable), coolant, etc. These fluids are important in keeping the sports car engines performance healthy.

3. Always check the engine compartment for any signs of leaks. Leaks usually indicate a broken gasket.

4. Always look for some wear, breaks or cracks of the engine belts. Taking it for granted can create serious engine problems.

5. Be wary of spark plugs that are beyond the recommended 30,000-mile range. Old spark plugs that ore not working properly can deprive you of fuel efficiency.

It is important that all engine maintenance checks performed on a sports car should be recorded in a logbook. This will be very useful especially if the person who has done the maintenance check has forgotten the last date of oil change or other maintenance that was performed.

There is no other way to keep a sports car in top condition than to have a regular maintenance check-up on its engine. You must remember that the engine is the most important part of a car, especially the sports car; therefore, it should be properly maintained.

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July-22-10

Feeling the Need for Speed

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Getting a sports car is an investment since it involves a lot of money. If the person has enough money to buy one, then there are other things that a person can think about before driving it off the dealers lot.

Sports cars usually have only two-seats. If you want to have more than one passenger then you must choose another style of car.

Cars come with different transmissions that can be from 5 to 6 speed or automatic. If you do not mind stepping the pedal then a stick shift will do just fine, however if you find this to be inconvenient especially in traffic, then choose a car with an automatic transmission.

Sports cars are built for speed and not comfort. If you decide to add a little comfort when driving the vehicle with friends, then the location of engine is another deciding factor before buying.

A sports car is an expensive one that is two or three times more expensive than a regular car. If there is the possibility that you might lose interest in a sports car, then it is best to purchase a different style of vehicle available in the market one that will retain its resale value so that you are not spending your money for just a new toy.

Since there are many brands of sports cars that are made locally and/or imported, it is best to test drive a vehicle to check how much horse power the car will have, or you desire, for the value before choosing that particular sports car…

Doing some research will help you get the best deal possible. You can do this by surfing the internet or going to a dealership for brochures. Auto magazines can also provide useful information to assess a vehicles performance, technical specifications and reliability.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has data on crash tests for certain vehicles. You can check with this office to ascertain the reliability of the car you are considering.

The sports car is truly one toy that is for the big boys. Finding one will take some time but it will all pay off when you are finally driving it.

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A passenger mini van, the 2005 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van holds three doors. Yet, it only has a maximum passenger capacity of two people. The rest of the space is made essentially for cargo and packages. It has been constructed so as to be able to transport and delivery these to other locations. Aside from that, this vehicle also has been made available in two trim levels which comprise of the Rear Wheel Drive and the All Wheel Drive. 2005 is the last year of production and manufacturing for this vehicle.

Upon introduction of this vehicle, the Rear Wheel Drive trim level has been made available equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower engine. With that, it can achieve 16 mpg for city driving and some 21 mpg for highway travails. As per the All Wheel Drive trim level, this came equipped with a standard 4.3 liter V6 engine. It has the capacity and capability to produce some 190 units of horsepower that enables this vehicle to take up 15 mpg for city driving and 19 mpg on the highway. Made standard for both trim levels, the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van has a four speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.

Although the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van may lack standard child seat tethers, side air bags, and traction control, people are still opting to own this for great advantages like the anti lock braking system, air conditioning, an alarm, an automatic transmission system, child safety locks, power windows and locks, and side impact door beams. Along with that, in its own category, the Chevrolet Astro Van actually has a good highway mileage as well as a base list price below average making this vehicle a good buy.

The Chevrolet Astro Van has a 4.3 liter engine with six cylinders. It can actually produce some 190 units of horsepower. It has a wheelbase that measures 111.2 inches, an overall length of 189.8 inches, a weight of 5600 pounds, and a payload capacity of 1647. Aside from that it can tow up to a maximum of 2404 pounds.

Shopping for Chevrolet accessories has become easier. That is because Auto Accessories Giant has come up with an online store that is available 24 hours a day. By visiting the online store, one can find out and discover why this stores collection of Chevrolet accessories is top notch. The store has accessories for various Chevrolet vehicles like the Astro Van, Avalanche, Aveo, Beretta, Blazer, Camaro, Caprice, Cavalier, Celebrity, Chevelle, Citation, Colorado, Commodore, Corsica, Corvette, El Camino, Equinox, Express Full Size Van, Impala, Lumina, LUV, Malibu, Metro, Monte Carlo, Monza, Nova, Pickup Full Size, Prizm, S10, Savannah, Spectrum, Sprint, Tahoe, Town and Country, Tracker, Trailblazer, Traverse, Van Full Size, and Venture among many others. At present, Auto Accessories Giant countrys largest supplier of discount priced high performance and heavy duty Chevrolet parts.

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June-8-10

The Top Three BMW Cars Of 2007

Posted by admin under New BMW News

The 2007 BMWs are getting ready to emerge on the market soon with their September debut. Selecting which one you want depends on your style and desire for speed and comfort. Here is some information on the top three BMW cars for 2007.

The 2007 BMW 335i Coupe is a sporty looking two door vehicle that is very fast. It features a newly redesigned body with a turbo charger and 300 horsepower under the hook. This makes it the fastest BMW coupe that doesnt belong to the M3 Series.

This car handles nicely at top speeds of up to 155 miles per hour because of the precise steering and magnetic handling system. While you wont be driving it at that speed regularly, it can be a thrill for those who enjoy a fast car. They car comes with a price tag of over $41,000 for a basic model. The seats are very comfortable as well for a fun and relaxing way to travel.

The 2007 BMW 6 Series isnt as sporty, but it is a powerful car just the same. This model is a two door sedan that features plenty of leg room for those in the front seat and the back. This model gets an excellent rating for both safety and mechanical quality. It also has a very elegant look to it. Of course you will pay plenty for this fancy piece of work. The average price of the 2007 BMW 6 Series is $74,700 to $81,700.

2007 also shows us the new BMW 3 Series Convertible. This is a very nice sports car that also has a more sophisticated look than many of the other sports cars on the road these days. This model is excellent on gas which is a nice feature with the cost of it increasing at an unbelievable rate.

This vehicle is available with a 6-speed or an automatic transmission. The cost of this 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible ranges from $43,000 to $49,000. Yet it appears to be worth every penny. You can ride with the wind on your face as you enjoy this great looking and great handling vehicle.

As you can see BMW has some outstanding vehicles that will be on the market very soon. Deciding which one you want can be a difficult decision to make. All of the vehicles by BMW offer you a quality vehicle with many great luxuries and accessories to make your ride anywhere more enjoyable.

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May-2-10

Basic Tips in Sports Car Racing

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Sports car racing strategy is typical of other car racing techniques. Below are seven fundamental steps to keep in mind when joining a car race:

Engine Start prepare the engine by lifting the start switch latch that is usually located at the drivers side. The engine should be in operation once the announcer has started the countdown. Lightly step on the accelerator and feel the engine running. Another way of making sure that the engine is ready is by looking at the tachometer – it changes and moves from zero once the switch has been started.

Throttle racing a sports car means 750 to 850 horsepower. Imagine the feeling behind that little wheel; its the breathtaking feel of total power. The secret for continuous power is for the car to have enough gas to rev up the whole machine. Fishtailing could be one of the problems when racing and to keep this from happening use a little effort to control the accelerator.

Engine Transmission an automatic transmission sports car allows the system to automatically set the clutch. This is for amateur sports car racers so that they do not have to change gears manually. The sports car will be smart enough to operate the transmission for the driver. The traditional H symbol is used for manual transmission sports car.

Walls during the race, it is unavoidable to bump the sidewalls. This is not a cause for alarm. The sports car driver just has to shift the gear into reverse to move away from the wall. Sooner or later the car should be back on track.

Comfy on the Track always stay beneath the white line of the lane while at 100 miles per hour. This is so the driver can keep the other cars from turning into the back end of the sports car. Once the speed of other cars is met, tag along back on the track.

Presence of Mind stay focused and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Steer the wheel at a slow but sure pace, do not exaggerate the turn.

Halt during Emergency part of keeping focused is always remembering that there is an emergency button in every sports car when there is a need to stop. It is situated in the center of the dash and is used when the car needs a motion stop. This button immediately stops the car stimulator.

Bear in mind that even in this situation, the sports car can still be driven until the end of the race. Be alert and try mastering the race track if time permits, but always think of safety.

Cleofi-Krista P. Capili
MAS Consultant Support Specialist
AOL Member Services, PI

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April-30-10

Ins and Outs when Buying a Sports Car

Posted by admin under Sports Cars

Many financially gifted individuals are thinking wondering what to do with their fat wallets should they put it in the bank for future investment use it for something that is tangible. They might just say hey, this is exciting! and what better thing to buy that can cause a phrase like this – a brand new sports car!

But here’s how to look at both the positive and negative sides of spending cash for a sports car.

Fanatics can find the most interesting and beautiful reason to own a sports car and the good news are is:
- Sports cars fit the lifestyle of the rich, the famous and the elegant.
- These sports cars have more powerful engines with up to 750 horsepower.
- Sleek, convertible types depreciate more slowly than hardtop rivals.
- The newer the sports car model, the more impressive the driver is.
- Fans of pricey sports car can choose between the coupe type and convertible type.
- Automatic transmission sports cars have better resale values.
- High-end exotics have been largely immune to the recession
- Less striking cars do best, often losing as little as 6 to 10% of their worth over five years.
- Sports cars are used in many cases for car racing. Both men and women are starting to become addicted with the sport.

Although fitting, as it can be, for their lifestyle, its not all that easy when it comes to buying a sports cars, the not so good news is:

- Sports cars are prone to being affected by recurring and financially viable trends.
- Some sports cars have very expensive and hard to find repair parts.
- Sports car buyers should not expect to ever get back their full investment when reselling the car.
- Expensive sport cars infrequently serve their purpose as just a means of transportation. They just become the collectors item that is rarely used.
- Driving an expensive sports car means spending extra money for gas.
- Models that were sold at special discounts decrease in value faster than other models.
- Various exotic sports cars that only a minority can find the money for are often resold because of costly maintenance.

On the other hand, sports cars have become a passion for some. It could indicate that the buyer would spend more than he should, since it brings enjoyment to the owner, and he is willing to sacrifice the costly price of owning one for the joy and prestige it gives.

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April-22-10

BMW “No Reverse” Transmission Problem

Posted by admin under New BMW News

An automatic transmission is just that- automatic, consequently most people tend to pay very little attention to it until a major problem rears its ugly head.

Picture the scenario- you are driving along in the lap of luxury, the satellite radio blaring and the heated seats on. Youve become accustomed to the comfort level and great driving experience brought to you by BMW.

You decide to stop at the local convenience store on your way home to grab some ice cream for the kids and a bottle of water for yourself. Upon returning to your car, you start it up, check your rear view mirror, put the shifter in reverse and then the unthinkable happens- the engine just revs as if it is in neutral and the car goes nowhere!

This article deals with the reasons behind an unexpected loss of reverse in certain BMW automatic transmission equipped vehicles, specifically the 3 series and 5 series vehicles that use the ZF5HP19 or steptronic transmission. This includes the popular 323i, 323ci, 325i, 328i, 330i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3 and X5 models well as some others built in the 1999 to present model years.

To eliminate confusion, this doesnt apply to vehicles equipped with the GM 5L40 E transmission, just the ones with the sometimes problematic ZF5HP19. The 5L40 E has some issues of its own that are beyond the scope of this article but are certainly going to be the subject of another.

The failure rate for these transmissions seems to be very high and is expected to become much more of a problem as time goes by.

Typically, the vehicle is working perfectly while driving forward but when it is put in reverse there is a complete and permanent loss of movement to back up.

Reverse is typically a major feat for any transmission to accomplish- imagine the demands that are placed on a gearbox as it is asked to reverse the torque of your engine so that you can back up your nearly 4000 pound vehicle.

By far, the most common cause of the reverse problem in BMWs is the failure of the D-G clutch drum. Specifically, the snap ring that retains the D or reverse clutch breaks out of the clutch drum resulting in an inability for the clutch pack to apply.

The good news is that there is hope in regards to a proper repair. The factory has released an updated part that so far appears to be a permanent fix for this problem.

In our testing and in conjunction with several hundred successful repairs at our facilities, the new part seems to be metallurgically superior in several ways.

We have found that there is an improved radius area as well as slightly thicker casting. In addition to this, the grove that retains the snap ring is also relocated further away from the edge of the drum.

With this issue addressed and attention to detail in several other areas of the ZF5HP19 unit, the transmission can be repaired to better than new condition by a competent transmission rebuilder / remanufacturer. In fact, when properly repaired, the ZF gearbox becomes quite robust and can provide an almost indefinite service life.

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Not too many people compare models from the same manufacturer, it is simply something that just isnt done. Still, when the models are similar enough in development, yet very different in price, the question to be asked about the more expensive car is this: is it worth the premium? Both the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr share the same platform along with the Mercury Milan. The base price differential for the two models is nearly ten thousand dollars, quite a big difference for the two cars. Is the Zephyr overpriced? Or, is the Fusion that much more of a better buy? Or, perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. Lets check out the two cars and see how they compare.

The Ford Fusion is a welcome addition to the Ford line up as the venerable but aging Taurus leaves the fleet. Along with the full size Five Hundred sedan and the Freestyle crossover vehicle, these new models are part of the overhaul changes put in place by Ford to get the brand moving again.

Ford tapped its relationship with Mazda to build the Fusion. Borrowing the well regarded Mazda 6 platform, the Fusion, Zephyr, and Milan all share the same platform and many of the components. As mentioned earlier, the Lincoln Zephyr is priced nearly ten thousand dollars more than the Fusion.

So, what are the differences between the Fusion and Zephyr? Unfortunately, not that much. Both cars come equipped with a 3.0L Duratec V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. In each model the engine produces the same 221 h.p. and the same performance results are achieved. This isnt bad, but it is disappointing that Ford engineers did not tweak the Zephyr enough to distinguish it from its more pedestrian sibling.

While under the hood differences are not present, there are some differences in the ride. As typical with all Lincoln products, the Zephyrs suspension system is tuned for a gentler, more luxurious feel. According to Lincoln, the steering has also been modified to give it a above average assist.

Next, the interior has been upgraded to include real walnut trim, a modified dashboard with sport display, and plush front bucket seats. The exterior possesses the ubiquitous big Lincoln grille as well as larger than life tail lights and keyless entry.

The Zephyr also offers a broader standard equipment list than the Ford, including a premium sound system, power heated front seats, and traction control. Still, a the top of the line Fusion SEL offers similar equipment options for a much lower price.

Ultimately, what it comes down to for potential buyers is this: would you be satisfied with a fully loaded Fusion SEL or are you willing to pay a premium for the Lincoln with a more luxurious trim level and a softer ride? A judgment call that only you can make despite the huge price differences between models that vary little from each other.

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