Your Car and Your Air Conditioner – a Simple Way to Start Your Journey in an Efficient Way

Most of us are accustomed to use the air conditioner in our cars. Many of us, like I did, may have had unpleasant experiences like driving for a job interview or a date in sweltering heat, if of course your car had no air conditioner.

It is not a wonderful experience to present yourself to a board of interviewers or your new sweetheart after you had driven 2 hours in high temperatures. It is instead wonderful to be driving away in a comfortable environment and arriving at your destination spick and span.

Important considerations need however to be taken when air conditioners are concerned. Humans are mostly creatures of habit. We have certain habits that we learned from the past and continue to behave in certain ways that may not be in our long term interest.

Here I am talking about the impact your air conditioner may have on your fuel consumption. Proper use of your air conditioner may save you hundred of dollars annually and take that extra load from your engine. Unfortunately most of us do not know certain basic principles in the usage of their air conditioners.

You know it is a luxury device that can make life so much easier in the heat of the day, but do you think about how best you could use it?

After your car has been parked in the heat for a while, it is usually extremely hot when you start it and turn the AC on to cool it down. The best strategy is to start the car and drive the first couple of minutes without the AC and with the windows open. This has mainly three benefits:

• This will air the car and get the heat out before you roll up the windows and enjoy the cooling.
• Your car will also enjoy it because it does not have to start under the extra load
• The AC does not have to neutralize the heat so much before starting cooling the air.

Napoleon Miles is an expert author mainly interested in the automotive industry. If you enjoyed reading this article and wish to learn more about how you can further save on fuel please go to Water Fuel Guides Reviewed

About the Author:

Napoleon Miles is an expert author mainly interested in the automotive industry and the alternative energy that can be utilised by motor cars.



Napoleon Miles believes that both conventional and alternative forms of energy, and their appropriate use, have a huge impact on all of us, both financially and from a point of view on the environment.



He is an expert driver of different car models. Napoleon likes to keep himself up to date with the latest technology with regards engine driving and the production of alternative forms of energy. He is also a keen observer of the effects of different forms of energy on global warming.



Napoleon travels extensively and likes to meet with different people. He has various hobbies ranging from model building, sport fishing and scubadiving.



Napoleon is married and has two children.



Author Links



Personal URL: http://www.waterfuelsecretguides.net/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/your-car-and-your-air-conditioner-a-simple-way-to-start-your-journey-in-an-efficient-way-628869.html

Author: Napoleon Miles

Take Your Time While Buying a Used Car

Have your own time to judge a car. After all you are going to spend your hard earned money. It should not go wasted on a futile product. You must spend enough time with plenty of daylight to test each car. Taking a friend while going for a test drive will help you to select the right car. Never bring kids and pets.

Judging a used car may become difficult. You may come across to different problems while selecting for a used car. Try to consider the following steps:

Inspecting a car during the darkness may hide all its faults. It is a healthy choice to inspect a vehicle during daytime. Daylight helps your visual examination. Choose to delay if the day you have decided to go for inspecting a car turns to be a rainy day. Rain makes thin, worn paint look shiny and bright. It also shields the prior paint work.

Tires keep a vehicle on the road. If it is not good in condition then how can you think of going further? You may check the conditions of all the tires and engine before starting the vehicle. You may examine the tires for their inflation, exposed belts, cracks, and bald spots. In case a car does have bald spots then it indicates that the dealer has not taken its proper care.

Sometimes when an interested buyer gets into the car, he complains about foul odors like smell of cigarettes, cigars, pet’s urine. If this happens with you too, then never go for the same product. Go on to the next one.

See if the car is providing you every feature that is necessary for the safe drive like comfortably getting in and out of the car and are you able to sit comfortably to reach to the pedals? Speedometer should be visible through the steering wheel, steering should be adjustable.

Your selected vehicle should ensure your comfort level in case of long drives. Its seat should be adjustable. You can examine your seat according to an airbag clearance. An airbag clearance is the distance from the centre of the steering wheel to your chin. You may opt for a power steering and power adjustable seat too. Such seats are great companion and comfortable too on a long trip as it provides great visibility and control.

Ensure that the brakes, clutch and accelerator are not a hindrance in your careful and comfortable driving. Many people never concentrate on the driver’s armrest. You must see that your right hand armrest should not interfere with the gearshift. It can happen with the expensive cars too.

Ensuring about entertainment feature is also must. You may check that all radio and CD operations work well. There should not be a problem for you to reach the sound system controls while driving.

Driver’s safety is ensured if the car guarantees you for good visibility. Personal blind spots include rearview mirrors, your personal height and the position of the driver’s seat. You may check for the blind spots. You may do this by looking through the windows and mirrors.

Check for the back seats for comfort. If you love to play golf on weekends then you may check that your golf clubs fit nicely into the trunk.

Check for the horns buzzing too if you could listen to any distortion. There are many stereos that can not be repaired and if replaced then cost over $1400. Try to operate each switch and system.

You may lower and raise every window. Your car must have manual, good spare tire, jack and tire tool.

A car engine is responsible for the smooth running of the car. You may check that its engine should start easily without giving you the jerks and should accelerate without hitches. It is better to examine the 4WD in case of the four wheels drive vehicles. It ensures you that the engine gets operated easily followed by examining its gearshift. They should operate smoothly too. If it is vibrating under your seat, then leave that vehicle and switch on to the next. You may feel the vibrations in some inexpensive models as they have automatic transmissions that keep on vibrating all the time. No one can stay with such disturbances. You need to change the motor and transaxle mounts if you hear a disturbing sound while putting the car in gear.

You may busy the handbrakes and then try to accelerate to see if it is working properly or not. Hand brakes can cost over $500 if they do not work properly. You may check working of the heater as well as working of an AC by turning them on high. If it is a 4- and 6- cylinder models then its air conditioning can create a problem for smooth working of the engine and acceleration. As soon as you will turn on the AC, you could listen to the difference in the engine noise. If you want to test the AC for its heating, then you may do that by turning on the rear defogger grid and may touch the glass.

If you are examining the windshield for chips and cracks then do examine the wiper blades too. If its blades are good in condition then you can have a cool breath. The car you are going for has well kept by its dealer. You may check the rear wipers and washers on SUVs, station wagons and hatchbacks.

If the car stops in between when you are taking a test derive in it, then the dealer may complaint you to have violated the equipments of the vehicle. You can escape this by prior checking that the sales person is carrying a copy of the dealer’s insurance card with him.

About the Author:

Dave Clark is an experienced article writer and has been writing articles and books for many years, he is very knowledgeable in numerous fields, Dave also works part time for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Divans, Memory Foam Mattresses, Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Pillows and Memory Foam Sofas

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/take-your-time-while-buying-a-used-car-527351.html

Author: daveclark

Car Air Conditioning - When it Needs to be Repaired

Vehicle air conditioning can be a very tricky thing to repair. Any part of the air conditioner can be the problem when it is not functioning properly, and it may therefore be necessary to call in a professional mechanic who is trained in repairing vehicle AC systems.

When you are experiencing a problem with vehicle air conditioning, it can come down to a number of different reasons. Some of these include a clogged condenser, a compressor that is not functioning properly, a leak in the system or a low level of coolant in the AC system. A trained specialist can go over the entire vehicle air conditioning system. Once the problem is identified you will be given a price and you can decide from there whether you want to go ahead with repairs or not.



When the AC in your vehicle breaks down it can be a costly repair or something very easy to fix. Usually when there is not enough coolant this means that there is a leak that must be tracked down. Usually this can be repaired, but depending on the damage it may cost you more. If there is a lot of fluid and it is just a compressor that needs to be changed, this is a simple fix. For any of these issues you will need to take it to a proper mechanic for a diagnosis, and it must be a vehicle AC specialist that has the proper tools to work in this area.



Although it may seem costly at times to get vehicle AC repairs, in the long run it is not. Driving in extreme heat can be very exhausting, and this can actually be dangerous because you are driving with your attention on the heat, which is a distraction from your driving abilities. You need to get the AC handled. If you do not handle it in this vehicle, your only other choice is to buy a brand-new vehicle that already comes with air conditioning, and this will cost thousands of pounds. The cost of repairing your air-conditioner is much more affordable and by checking out our quality repair service. You will be more comfortable and you will not be driving with a dangerous situation.

About the Author:

To consult with the best HVAC service in the South of England, visit today to find out more about our company and our world class operation!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/car-air-conditioning-when-it-needs-to-be-repaired-684641.html

Author: Matt Ridler

Window Ac: Cooling the Atmosphere!

In today's scenario, where in we have a profusion of technologies and brands, choosing your air conditioning system should not be very difficult. Living life king-size is what everybody wants, luxury is all we dream about, but what if the scorching sun in mid May is making your life miserable. Well, to avoid this we depend heavily on the air conditioning system. AC is no more a status symbol now-a-days; rather it has evolved as a necessity.

The term air conditioning most commonly refers to the cooling and de-humidification of indoor air for thermal comfort. In simpler terms, it is a machine used for cooling, heating and ventilation. Choosing an AC is not very difficult. One just needs to keep in mind a few points. There are primarily two types of ACs available in the market. Window AC and Split AC. Window AC typically cools a smaller room as compared to that of a split AC. Their setup is also quite different from each other.





Air Conditioners with perfect cooling systems are the need of the hour. Kenstar ACs with ice factor give perfect cooling even during extreme climatic conditions, whether it is summer in deserts or humidity of coastal areas. There are load of brands in the market- Samsung, LG, Godrej, Onida, Electrolux, Carrier, Daikin, Voltas, IFB, Bluestar and more. These fit in various price-ranges to suit all pockets, so it is up to the customer to choose from these varieties of ranges for Split AC. Just remember to compare all the options available in the market, and choose the one that meets your requirement. Do not just choose one because it is the best known brand. You never know you may be missing out on a better offering.





One can install AC in their cars, so that one does not sweat while driving. Many of us can enjoy the same comfort levels that we are accustomed to at home and at work. When the temperature outside begins to climb, many people seek the cooling comfort of indoor air conditioning.

About the Author:

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit: www.retailsdirect.com - Online Shopping India

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/window-ac-cooling-the-atmosphere-313385.html

Author: Raisa Raima

Window Ac: Chilling your Home This Summer!

Luxury is the top priority these days. Everyone needs a good home, a car and lots of money. These are some of the basic needs while some of these add on to our luxury. Environment is changing and so are the people. In big cities people are living in a concrete jungle, totally opposite to what their ancestors lived in. Urbanization is on a high, which forces rapid changes in environment.

These days, specially in summers, everyone wants to run away from the scorching heat and the best answer to it is an Air Conditioner. An AC is no more a status symbol, but now it has become a necessity. If you go by the definition, an Air Conditioner is an appliance or machine designed to extract heat from an area using a refrigeration cycle. Its purpose, in the home or in the car, is to provide comfort during the summers.





The process of constructing an air conditioner started in 1842 and now we have a series of Air Conditioners. They could be divided into Split Acs (their cooling system is placed outside), and Window ACs, which are mounted on the window or in an opening from where they work. A Window AC is an air conditioner which is mostly used in homes or other buildings that are single rectangular units in shape. Windows and through-wall units have vents on both the inside and outside, so that the hot air can be cooled and released in by a fan in the unit, and the air outside the area can also be vented in and out by another fan to act as the heat sink. The controls are on the inside. Most of the Window AC works on the phenomenon of Refrigeration cycle which reduces humidity, while refrigerants cool down the air in an air tight room, evaporation coolers reduce the humidity level. Absorptive chillers also help in the cooling process by absorbing the hot air inside.





Most of the manufacturers; Voltas, LG and Videocon, are offering different types of window air conditioning that are designed and tagged to suit most of their customers, which are not only available in their showrooms but one can also buy them online.

About the Author:

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.in. For details please visit: www.retailsdirect.in - Online Shopping India

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/window-ac-chilling-your-home-this-summer-287261.html

Author: Raisa Raima

Paint Scratches, Abrasions, & Other Such Ugliness - How You Can Fix Them

Removal of paint scratches isn't really a difficult thing to do, but if not done correctly, a small repair project can quickly turn into a major expense. Deep scratches and abrasions are best repaired by a professional, but you can repair some of the lesser scratches such as key & pebble marks yourself, and usually save a lot of money.

You can also repair Oxidation, Buffer Swirls, Certain Stains, etc. using the methods outlined here. Lets begin with a typical paint scratch repair -

Tools & Supplies You Will Need For This:

1) (2) One gallon buckets - Fill one about 1/2 full with a blend of soap and water; a good dish soap is fine. Fill the other with plain water.

2) A small paint brush - perhaps 1 inch in width.

3) 2-3 sheets of fine (400-600 grit) sandpaper, cut into 2 or 3 inch squares.

4) Body Compound. You can get this at most auto supply stores or online suppliers.

5) Primer Paint - buy this from your local car dealership body service center.

6) A small supply of soft towels. Lay aside two of these - one wet and one dry.

7) A good quality car polish, such as Quixx High Performance Polish.

8) A good quality scratch removal agent such as Quixx Paint Scratch Remover.

Before you begin the job, wash your vehicle thoroughly. Dirt and grime will make for a poor & ineffective repair job, and can in fact make the scratches even worse!

For minor scratches, use the following procedures:

A.) Using the wet towel which you set aside from #6 above, apply polishing compound to the damaged area. The polishing compound container should have instructions on how to properly apply the product.

B.) Gently rub body compound into the damaged area, using a circular motion. Allow the compound to harden completely.

C.) Using soap & water from one of the buckets in #1 above, thoroughly wash the repaired area.

D.) Apply polish to a clean, dry towel. Now gently polish the area, using a circular motion.

E.) Again using a clean, dry towel, gently wipe the newly repaired area clean.

For deeper scratches:

1.) Using a piece of sand paper, carefully sand the damaged area; take your time and work slowly, being careful not to sand too far outside the damaged area.

2.) Using a dry towel, clean the area immediately after sanding.

3.) Apply body compound directly to the damaged area or scratch; allow compound to fully harden.

4.) Again using sand paper, gently sand the hardened body compound from step 3 so as to achieve a smooth finish. As in step 1 above, take your time and work slowlyand gently. Too much sanding here will do more harm than good.

5.) Again using a clean, dry towel, clean the area to remove all dust and excess body compound deposits.

6.) Using a small paint brush, carefully apply primer paint to the damaged area or scratch; if repairing a scratch, be careful to stay within the scratch lines. When finished, soak the paint brush in water - you will need it again.

7.) Allow the primer paint to dry completely. This may take awhile, possibly 2-4 hours or more.

8.) While the primer paint is drying, you can obtain a small quantity of touch-up paint for your vehicle. In order to get an exact color match, you'll need to get the touch-up paint from your local dealer. Be sure to take along a written copy of the VIN number of your vehicle; the dealer will need this in order to supply the correct paint.

9.) Again make sure that the primer paint is dry, and then carefully apply touch-up paint to the newly repaired area. Allow to dry, and then clean & polish.

Congratulations! You've likely just saved yourself a lot of money, and learned a new skill too.

Worried about Auto Repairs? Not sure what you need or don't need? Want to learn how to do your own repairs? Visit the Auto Repair Guide website where you can get great information and resources to help you save money.
Make informed decisions about your auto repair needs

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

By Eldon Jarrard

Useful Tips on Refilling Your Vehicle's Air-Conditioning System

If you are a person from the Middle East, Asia you cannot live without a good air-conditioning system any time. Not alone at your house, even in your car, you cannot stay without the air-conditioning. Just imagine the plight of yours if suddenly your car air-conditioning system fails when you are stuck in the middle of the road at the peak of a summer! Especially in hot weather countries, this is the most killing situation which makes you fear even to imagine. There are a lot of reasons for your vehicles air-conditioning system to fail. One of the important reasons is that, it may have a low content of refrigerant. This is the most common problem in a car which can be easily tackled by refilling or recharging the refrigerant.

This is not at all a tough job to perform. If you are very much aware of your cars parts and basic techniques, then you don't need a special mechanic to look after this problem. The whole job of recharging your refrigerant can be effectively done by yourself. If you are not aware of the problems and maintenance issues of your car, you need not worry about it still. You would have all the details about your cars functionalities and ways to tackle the problems in your car manual. You can go through this manual and do the job easily by yourself. You should also know that all the vehicles don't use the same refrigerant. So in this case, you need to go through the manual to find the right name of your vehicles refrigerant. You just need to have the interest and the confidence in doing the job. There are some common tools which you need to have to do the job of recharging your vehicles refrigerant. One of the most important precautions to take into account is that, you should take immense care of your eye. It's advisable to wear a proper eye glass wear from a good brand.

Yet another important requisite is that, you need to have the recharge kit with you. You must also have a pressure gauge which usually comes with the recharge kits. The first job is to find if any amount of refrigerant is available in the car. Pressure gauges ensure that you recharge your refrigerant with the right amount of pressure. Make sure that you have the right refrigerant for your car as specified in your car manual. Never try to adulterate or mix the refrigerants in the hope of saving money or improving quality. It never helps in doing either of these. If you are not confident and comfortable with the recharging process, it's anyway better to contact a professional or a mechanic to help you. Keep all your car documents that include your car manual, legal documents, insurance so that in the case of any kind of emergency, these can help you in many forms.

So, don't take your vehicle for granted. You would never know when you would be deprived of a cooling system inside your car. Be ready with your recharging kits and play safe!

Rental Car Specials Car Rental Specials Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams

By Brenda Williams

Vital Components of a Automotive Electrical System and Their Roles

The automotive electrical system, a significant part of the automotive system has brought in a lot of comfort and flexibility in a commuter's life. Periodic developments in the system components, aids easy drive and more has become more efficient. But, we all know the cliché, "Pros and Cons." If there are positive aspects about a system, negative aspects also come along. Predominantly, the problems one faces with starting a car and other problems one encounters are with the electrical system. Do you know the problems that one usually faces with the electrical system? A few common problems are enlisted as follows:

Common Automotive Electrical Systems Perplexities are:

Zero Power in Car's Battery: This is a very common problem which occurs in a vehicle, where the car battery might be totally out of power, making times hard for you.

Out of Charge Battery: There are a lot more occasions where your car's battery will seem to have power lesser than the threshold, in order to get the engine running. This is rightly termed as the out of charge which would really be frustrating if you are in a very hurry commitment.

Alternator not functioning: Alternator is a very important component in the battery. It plays an important role in effecting the proper functioning and charging of your vehicles battery. When its condition is not good, the battery cannot be charged and apparently, your electrical system would be faulty.

Damaged Starter or Solenoid: This is certainly an important component in your car which needs to work properly for a perfect electrical system. Any malfunction in these functions will not provide proper braking systems, which is a serious problem.

Cables in the battery: Any loose connections among the battery wires might cause charging and functioning problems.

Electrical Fuses: Fuses malfunctioning, loose wires in the electrical system might affect the system performance and cause serious threats.

Alternator Belt's Cracks:Alternator being an important component cracks due to tension and heavy usage will cause trouble.

Deficiency in Ignition System:This is a very common cause for breakdown of a vehicle. Automobile Ignition systems play a very important role in the dynamics of the vehicle. Without a proper ignition system, you cannot even think to have your accessories and spark plugs to work. Some of the important components which make an effective ignition system include,

ignition switch

magneto

coil wire

Most often, problems in your electrical system will seem to occur only because of a faulty ignition system. So make sure that your vehicles ignition system is very much perfect and healthy.

Spark Plugs:Spark plugs are considered to be the very precise, state-of-the-art and a wonderful masterpiece in the field of automobiles. It surely needs a very acute maintenance and a careful handling. Without a spark plug, you can never think of moving your vehicle even for 10 meters. So, this needs to be properly connected in order to ignite the incoming fuel else it will result in starting problems.

Rental Car Discounts Car Rental Discounts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams

By Brenda Williams

You Need to Get Land Rover Discovery Extended Warranties For Peace of Mind

Perhaps more so than for any other vehicle, Land Rover Discovery extended warranties are highly recommended. Why? Because these vehicles are notorious for mechanical issues, and you don't want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in repairs the day after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

Sure, these are certainly great looking SUVs. That's why people continue to buy them despite all of the negative customer satisfaction reports. People would rather have a stylish car they can show off to friends and neighbors and don't seem to mind the frequent trips to the auto mechanic to fix one problem or another.

If you are of the style over substance mind frame, and you decide to purchase one of these British automobiles, do yourself a favor and get a Land Rover Discovery extended warranty. You'll really be glad you did.

Why do you need this additional coverage? Because the warranty that comes with the vehicle only lasts for a certain number of years or miles. Generally it will cover around 36,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. This may seem like adequate coverage, but these days most people keep their cars far longer than 3 years. Manufacturers are building cars to last much longer than they used to, so it's not out of the ordinary for someone to keep their vehicle for 5, 10, even 15 years.

So if you think about it, unless you plan on keeping your car for only 3 years, it pays to purchase Land Rover Discovery extended warranties. That way, you know that if anything happens after the original warranty has lapsed, you are completely covered and the warranty provider will pay for any repairs needed for the vehicle to be back in running shape.

This is especially important for cars that are known to break down, and the Discovery is certainly one of them. It consistently gets some of the lowest customer satisfaction scores in reputable magazines such as Consumer Reports, and chances are, you will find yourself in the shop more than a handful of times over the life of the vehicle.

And remember, one repair can cost you several thousand dollars, and that could be more than the price of the Land Rover Discovery extended warranty that you purchase. So how can you possibly go wrong? You're basically purchasing peace of mind...a small investment for potentially 15 or more years of not worrying about potential car problems.

Do yourself a favor...if you are in the market for one of these vehicles, look into Land Rover Discovery extended warranties. They are affordable, and independent providers can offer very competitive rates with excellent coverage.

James has over 25 years of experience in the auto industry and is a regular contributor to the extended car warranties section of auto-advice.com, a site teaching consumers what to look for when it comes to purchasing new and used vehicles

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

By James Whitmore

BMW 3 Series Extended Warranties Cover You in Case These Sporty Cars Break Down

Even with their good track record, BMW 3 series extended warranties are a smart choice for most buyers. Because of the sporty feel and high performance of these smaller models, many drivers tend to push them to the limits, increasing the chances for some kind of mechanical issue to crop up over the years.

Of course when you first buy the car from the dealer, it will come with a manufacturer warranty. However, this will only provide coverage for a few years, or a few dozen miles, whichever comes first. But what happens after this period is over? What do you do if you have a breakdown in year 4? Well, if you don't have a BMW 3 series extended warranty, you're pretty much screwed.

In this case, you'd have to lay out the cost of the repairs yourself. You might get lucky and only have to lay out a hundred dollars or so for a small repair. But what if it is a bigger problem? Reality is, it could easily cost several thousand dollars to remedy just one mechanical issue.

That's why BMW 3 series extended warranties are a must-have for anyone who plans on owning the car for more than 3 years. And the way they are built, chances are you will have the Beemer for at least 5-10 years, perhaps more. You can make sure you are fully covered for any and all future problems, and know that you won't have to lay out a single penny to repair your car.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a BMW 3 series extended warranty:

1. You don't have to get it from your BMW dealer. In fact, you are better off going direct to the provider because you will save a considerable amount of money and you also have your choice of where to bring the car if repairs are needed.

2. Make sure the company is reputable and has the resources to cover you for wear and tear and mechanical breakdown. Don't just choose a company because they promise you low rates.

3. Compare plans from various warranty providers, and go with the one that provides the most complete coverage. Read the contract thoroughly and know exactly what you are getting.

You bought a 3 series BMW because you want to enjoy the finer things in life...now make sure you have a BMW 3 series extended warranty so you don't get stuck shelling out thousands of dollars to keep it on the road.

James has over 25 years of experience in the auto industry and is a regular contributor to the extended car warranties section of auto-advice.com, a site teaching consumers what to look for when it comes to purchasing new and used vehicles

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

By James Whitmore

Tips When Selecting Compressor Manufacturers

Becoming educated on the different types of compressors and the different compressor manufacturers is an essential part of the buying process. There are many sources available to help you learn which air compressor and compressor accessories are right for you. There is more to the buying process than purchasing the first one you see and installing it. The wrong one for your application will wind up costing you money.

There are three basic types of such compressors. These are rotary screw, centrifugal and reciprocating. Each type also has different styles, including water and air cooled, single stage or multistage, and oil flooded or oil free air.

Perusing the literature provided by the manufacturers of compressors will help you to gain a good understanding of how each type works, and is necessary in order to make the right selection for your business. All of them perform the same end function, which is to compress air to a higher pressure, but their methods of accomplishing this differ significantly. These differences help them adapt to different working environments and applications.

Two inexpensive choices in compressors are the rotary screw one and the reciprocating compressors. Both types work on the same principle, but in different manners. One uses a rotor to generate high pressure air and one uses a piston, respectively. They take in one volume of air and force it into a smaller volume, creating pressure.

Both are capable of outputs between 1 and 600 horsepower, or more. While there are a few of these types of oil free air compressors, most are oil-flooded, or lubricated. Because the lubrication can cause oil to get into the air and cause problems with the compressor components, most compressor manufacturers will include a separator with the purchase of lubricated compressors. Both the rotary screw compressors and the reciprocating compressor are inexpensive.

The centrifugal one is the last type of compressor. It performs the same function as the others, but in a mechanically different way. It uses increased velocity to increase the air pressure instead of squeezing it. The centrifugal compressor is air cooled, and produces oil free air. The oil free air means no separator is necessary.

The centrifugal compressor is considered very low maintenance because it has very few moving parts and can run for long periods of time before service is needed. Compressor manufacturers usually sell the centrifugal air compressor system to places like hospitals because clean, uncontaminated oxygen is of the utmost importance.

Mike Selvon has some great air compressors articles. Find out more tips on compressor manufacturers at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our air compressor parts blog

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

By Mike Selvon

Tips When Seeking Gas Compressors

No electricity is needed to run gas compressors, making them popular for people who need the use of an air compressor at sites where there is no power source. This makes them a popular choice on construction sites and for mobile service trucks. Gas air compressors provide the same convenience in terms of air compressor tools.

Truck air compressors are the most popular, being mounted on the back of the truck. Many mobile tire services use compressors on the back of their trucks.

Mini air compressors and the vertical one are two different styles of gas air compressors. The purchase of a gas one is something that should not be done without consideration of several important things.

A gas compressor can get very hot while it is operating because of the heat of the engine. The increased pressure also raises the temperature of the compressor pump. Gas air compressors also generate an incredible amount of noise.

For this reason, it is good to have your compressors sitting well away from the area you are working in. Moisture can build up in your air lines because of the heat generated by the pump and may cause problems with many air tools that cannot tolerate moisture.

You may want to equip your gas one with a dryer to eliminate this problem. If using the compressor in a dirty environment, then you may also want to be sure that the compressor you purchase has a filter installed. Air coolers are also available to eliminate problems caused by temperature changes.

Do not confuse natural gas air compressors with gas compressors. Gas air compressors allow you to use your pneumatic tools because they provide a steady supply of high pressure air. They are handy because you can use them to conserve energy and as a backup in case of a blackout.

They are common on mobile service trucks, with wood workers who travel, and with mobile paint booths. There are many different sizes, but unless heavy use is required, most companies will opt for one small unit to mount on a truck, leaving room for other tools and equipment.

Evaluating the intended application of the compressor is important before purchasing gas compressors. Also, it is important to determine what the compressor will cost over its life.

Included in these figures should be the retail cost of the compressor, the efficiency of the compressor, how much it will cost to install, and what it will cost to maintain it. Any manufacturer will tell you that most compressors have an expected life of ten years, give or take.

Mike Selvon has some great air compressors articles. Find out more tips on gas compressors at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our air compressor parts blog

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By Mike Selvon

Auto Auctions Have Increased in Popularity

With the strong growth and widespread presence of eBay, the titan of online auction houses, buying and selling through auctions has become more acceptable, more commonplace and more accessible to millions. Even though there have been auto auctions for many years for liquidating repossessed and seized cars, used car auctions are becoming used for more general purposes, partly because of the influence of eBay.

In general, people who are ready to make an auto purchase love to shop at auctions because they can very often pick up an exceptional deal that they might not have ever been able to get through any other avenue. At the same time, sellers also like selling their products through auctions.

Once a prospective buyer makes a decision to bid on an item, even if it is a low bid, they have mentally made the decision that they want the item and they become attached to the idea of owning it. When another bidder comes along, it can be easy for this mindset to translate into a bidding war and often the ultimate price is better than the seller could have hoped for.

The same basic principles are always in play, no matter what type of goods or services are being auctioned off. When it comes to auto auctions, a bidder can get a tremendous deal if there are few bidders in attendance. For the seller of an auction car, if they happen to be participating in a used car auction and have several people bidding on the same vehicle, then they might enjoy even more profit that they might have expected.

For many years, buying a car through an auction meant that the buyer was purchasing a model from a selection of repossessed cars, or cars that had been seized and were made available through government auctions. There were also many types of specialized car auctions that were not open to the public.

But, today, things have changed considerably and now there are more options than ever in automobile auctions that the public can take advantage of, as well as dealers and other industry insiders. These days it is not unusual for banks, credit unions, and finance companies to hold public car auctions to deal with the growing inventory of repossessed cars that they have on their property.

Salvage yards, body shops and auto repair shops are also known to engage the services of car auction houses to help them sell vehicles that have been abandoned or seized because the owner could not pay a repair bill.

One of the primary things that people need to keep in mind when buying vehicles through auto auctions is that all sales are final and the vehicles are sold "as is." This means that no matter what kind of problems crop up as you drive the car home from the used car auction, the buyer has no legal recourse. For later model cars this might not be a problem, but it means that older cars at auctions might be best left for mechanics.

Educate yourself further about auto auctions from Mike Selvon articles portal. Your feedback is valued and appreciated at our wholesale auto auction blog where a free audio gift awaits you

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By Mike Selvon

Finding a Good Automobile by Attending Car Auction Houses

Various types of auctions have often been seen depicted in movies and TV shows for decades. Auctions do have the potential to set the stage for an interesting scene, as people get themselves caught up in the proceedings, get attached to particular items, and engage in bidding wars. There are many car auction houses across the country that put on various types of motor car auctions, from a seized car auction one weekend to a classic car auction the next, with many other types of auctions in between.

Some people who are not even particularly interested in buying a vehicle through a car auto auction still enjoy hanging around an auction house on the days that the auto auctions are running, just to take in the atmosphere of excitement and to do a bit of people watching. It can be a fascinating experience to watch the proceedings, especially if you have never before attended any type of used car auction. If there has been a vigorous round of bidding on a particular vehicle, then it can be electrifying when the auctioneer drops the gavel and pronounces the vehicle sold!

Car auction houses run all kinds of different motor car auctions on a regular basis. As a result, they have a great deal of experience and expertise in the field. At the same time, people who have never been to any kind of auction in the past can feel somewhat lost and bewildered the first time they venture into a car auto auction house.

Because of this, it is strongly recommended that first time goers, whether for antiques, collectibles and artwork, or for a public auto auction, attend at least one or two auctions in the role of observer and not as a bidder. Most of the car auction houses have an open door policy that allows spectators to come in and watch the proceedings; however, there may be restricted access to certain types of auctions.

The car auction house is not the seller of anything being sold. Instead, they are simply providing the services of the auctioneer, of registering the bidders, managing it and collecting the funds that are generated by the various motor car auctions that they host. If a person wins a bid on a vehicle, then they will pay the final bid price, as well as a percentage of the final price to the car auto auction house. This additional percentage is a fee that covers the expenses incurred by the auction house and is the main income source for these types of businesses.

When looking for a new vehicle, checking out the car auction houses in your area can be a good way to save yourself some money on an ordinary car, a collector car, and even large RVs. It is also a good idea to research the current Blue Book pricing on the types of vehicles you are interested in before you go to a car auto auction with the intent to make a purchase.

Educate yourself further about car auction houses from Mike Selvon articles portal. Your feedback is valued and appreciated at our wholesale auto auction blog where a free audio gift awaits you

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By Mike Selvon

Classic Car Auction is a Memorable Event For Car Enthusiasts

Many people find that the sight of a restored vintage car rolling along the highway, with a fresh coat of shimmering paint and chrome accents gleaming in the sun, brings a huge smile to their face as they recall wonderful memories of earlier times. For people who appreciate the workmanship and attention that goes into bringing these beauties back to life, a classic car auction might be a memorable event that could even tempt one to start bidding so that they can claim the classic collectible for themselves.

Classic car auctions have long been a favorite type of event for car lovers of all ages to attend. Before the bidding gets underway, which can get rather heated with an enthusiastic crowd, there is a period of time when people can meander through the displays of the vintage models and appreciate the timeless and elegant lines of the cars that will soon be offered on the auction block.

You will find that attending a classic car auction is very different from going to a public auto auction. While the general, public auctions are more plentiful, they will offer very different types of vehicles, such as salvage car parts, to seized and repossessed cars. They will not have the classic, restored vehicles that are part of a collector car auction.

In the case of public auto auctions, people hope to find a decent car at a good price that will get them to and from work. Seldom will there be much of a bidding war on the very average and ordinary vehicles that are seen at government auto auctions and the like. But all the rules change when attending a collector car auction with an enthusiastic group of avid car collectors who know all about every model and who are looking forward to either starting their own collection or adding to one they already have.

Even if you are not planning to bid on any of the vintage models that are being sold at an auction for classic cars, they are wonderful events to attend. In one place you can check out a wide range of cars from many different eras, which are in immaculate shape, having been lovingly and attentively restored, and are sometimes an improvement over the original model.

Because the market for the classic, collectible cars is a fairly tight market and there is so much interest in the vintage vehicles that are either still in great shape or that have been restored, a collector car auction is not the place to look for a bargain. If a particular model of a classic car is rather rare or in high demand, then there could be an intense bidding war that will drive the winning bid much higher than any Blue Book estimate.

At the same time, sometimes you can get a better deal through a classic car auction than if you were to buy directly from a private owner. It all comes down to who else happens to attend the collector car auction and how determined they are to have that vehicle in their garage, instead of yours.

Educate yourself further about classic car auction from Mike Selvon articles portal. Your feedback is valued and appreciated at our wholesale auto auction blog where a free audio gift awaits you

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By Mike Selvon

Auto Glass and Body Shops

A car is a very complex piece of machinery. Each individual part is vigorously tested before it ever goes into production models and, like a chain, relies upon every other part in order for the vehicle to function. One poorly built aspect can cause serious malfunctions leading to costly repairs, or worse, an accident.

Even something as simple as the glues used to hold a tire tread to the rest of the tire is an integral part of a car or truck. Just ask Firestone. That exact issue resulted in a costly recall of thousands of tires, legal recourse, as well as over 500 injuries and 148 deaths. All of which could have been prevented with only a little bit of testing. Be wary of new designs rushed into mass production.

Often a seemingly superficial part to a vehicle actually provides a significant amount of safety. Everyone knows a windshield protects the driver and passenger from wind and debris. Most also know that they are also designed with a thin film that prevents them shattering upon impact. What most people don't know is that the windshield provides over half of the structural support for the car during an impact. The windshield combined with the frame of the car makes it structurally safer than a car without one. Cracks in a windshield can greatly reduce their protective power, as well as obstruct the driver's view which is even more dangerous.

Replacing or repairing cracks and chips in a windshield should be done by trained professional at a certified and insured auto glass or body shop. Avoid independent installers and people who operate only out of their truck. The adhesive used dries in about an hour, so if any body shops quote you a turn around time less than that, they are either lying or don't know what they are doing.

Also, it is a good idea to know a little bit about the glass windshields they will be installing. There are three aftermarket windshields that exceed OEM and DOT specs, they are P.P.G., L.O.F. and Plinkington.

Other suitable windshields are made by the car factory. Ford's factory glass is called Carlite, and Chrysler's is Safeguard. Expect to pay more money for factory glass. A good auto glass installer will sand all the rust around the windshield after it is removed, and then prime and paint it before installing the new windshield. It is best to go with body shops that have been around for at least five years as they are more likely to be around to guarantee warranties and make repairs in the future. Many shops will also work with your insurance carrier to get you the best price on a windshield, sometimes completely paid for by the insurance company.

Body repair is another story and can become very expensive. Newer cars with plastic and fiberglass bodies are almost impossible to repair, the body panels are often much easier to just replace, and that can be accomplished by almost anyone with a wrench and screw driver. Repairing dents and rust on metal bodies can be time consuming as well as expensive. It also requires a matching paint job which is similarly expensive. If the dented or rusted panels can be removed it makes it much easier. Dents can be pounded back into shape. In addition to this, it is often just easier to work on and paint a detached piece. Some work can be done by the average Joe, but extensive body work should be done at an established body shop.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on auto care, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on auto glass and body shops, please visit Auto Glass, supplier of reliable vehicle information with a state-by-state directory of companies

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By Anne Clarke

Ladder Racks For Pickup Trucks

A number of accessories can be fitted onto pickup trucks for carrying different items such as ladders, kayaks, canoes, and lumber. These utilities are necessary for camping activities and are commonly used by sportsmen and artisans.

Sidemounted ladder racks are fitted to the side of a pickup truck with the help of steel clampers. They are designed to carry any item weighing less than 250 lbs. They are expandable and can be fitted to any pickup truck with or without stake pockets. The height of these racks can also be adjusted to suit different types of pickup trucks.

Painters' ladder racks are designed to carry ladders on top or side of a pickup truck for easy placement and removal. The ladders can be secured to the racks with the help of hold-down arms with or without a padlock. Apart from standard adjustable features, they have additional tie-down points for ropes and straps. Three ladder racks can accommodate a maximum of three ladders and are secured to the bedrail using an integrated clamping system. They are equipped with anti-theft fasteners and have a user-friendly design for quick loading and unloading. They have multiple steel loops for securing cargo with the help of chains, straps, or ropes.

Extension ladder racks are designed to carry ladders more than fifteen feet long. They have a metal pole platform supported by two steel poles for storing long ladders. They have a rear roller mechanism, which allows users to haul up the ladder onto the rack with minimum effort. It can also be used to carry other equipment, which is more than fifteen feet long.

All types of ladder racks can be fastened to the bedrail with the help of utility tools provided with the racks. Rack removal process is also easy and can be completed within two minutes for most ladder racks. All these features have made ladder racks one of the most commonly used pickup truck accessory.

Pickup Trucks provides detailed information on Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Accessories, Used Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Rentals and more. Pickup Trucks is affiliated with Hard Tonneau Covers

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By Kristy Annely

Diesel Pickup Trucks

Diesel pickup trucks are designed for towing or carrying heavy loads and can do any work associated with commercial medium-duty segment trucks. A number of companies manufacture pickup trucks such as Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.

Pickup truck interiors are designed to provide maximum comfort to passengers while negotiating uneven terrain at campsites. Sound insulation mechanics installed in pickup trucks offers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin environment. These trucks are built on a sturdy chassis and have thick glass windows, inset doors with double layer seals to prevent unwanted noise from the road, tires, and engines. Engine noise is also reduced with the use of intake resonator and low-restriction exhaust system.

Pickup trucks use multiple valve diesel engines to provide maximum power in excess of 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Sophisticated electronic throttle control system is used to provide seamless and consistent transmission quality at various altitudes. They use wide tires that provide maximum traction at high speeds and have advanced suspension systems for excellent handling and a quiet, composed ride. They are equipped with advanced steering system to provide a predictable and linear steering response to the driver. They use standard four-wheel disk brakes and anti lock braking system (ABS) to provide excellent braking on roads or dirt tracks.

The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system is used to manage the brake force between the front and rear wheels. It helps in reducing braking distances and maximizes rear-wheel braking, especially while towing.

The exteriors are designed to give an elegant and sporty look to these vehicles. They are designed to accommodate different accessories and are the most commonly used vehicles in agricultural farms. Campers can also be attached with these vehicles to convert them into recreational vehicles (RV) used for camping activities.

Pickup Trucks provides detailed information on Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Accessories, Used Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Rentals and more. Pickup Trucks is affiliated with Hard Tonneau Covers

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By Kristy Annely

Campers For Pickup Trucks

Pickup truck campers are designed to provide space and equipment for sleeping and simple housekeeping during camping and recreational travel. Campers can either be attached over the pickup's hold or can be fitted on a trailer. Many of these campers are designed to accommodate five to six people. An awning can be attached to these campers to accommodate more people.

Campers have automatic loading and unloading mechanism, which includes four corner ball screw electric jacks operated with a remote control. Camper mounting process is easy and can be done with the push of a button. The truck is gently steered to slide beneath the camper structure. Electric jacks mount the structure in the right place, which is then secured with the help of clampers and safety latch. Unloading is done by reversing this process.

Camper roofs are made from a combination of foam and marine grade thermoplastic polyolefin to provide maximum strength and protection from extreme weather conditions. The roof offers excellent insulation, easy cleaning, traction, and hail protection. Pickup racks can also be fitted on these roofs for carrying ladders, canoes, or kayaks. Camper body can be made from different materials such as kiln-dried fir or pinewood, lightweight aluminum, or fiberglass.

Campers are designed according to the "center of gravity" theory that shifts the weight of these campers to the center of the pickup. This enables efficient maneuverability at high speeds and helps in negotiating uneven terrain without the risk of vehicle tip-over accidents. Campers are costly and should be insured to avoid financial losses caused due to fire, accidents, or natural calamities.

A number of firms manufacture campers, which are compatible with different types of pickup trucks. Customized campers are also manufactured based on specifications provided by the customer. Customers who find it difficult to assemble and install campers can take help from technicians hired by the manufacturing company.

Pickup Trucks provides detailed information on Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Accessories, Used Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Rentals and more. Pickup Trucks is affiliated with Hard Tonneau Covers

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By Kristy Annely

Old Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks are designed to operate efficiently on roads as well as uneven dirt tracks. They have a strong steel body and use long lasting engines. These features have enabled many pickup trucks manufactured between 1930 and 1970 to remain operational and deliver consistent performance for many decades.

A number of firms sell old pickup trucks, which are usually targeted at antique collectors and truck enthusiasts. These firms operate websites that contains a detailed list of all old pickup trucks available with the seller. A detailed description is given about the year of manufacture, brand name, present condition of the engine and other components, and prices. Some firms carry out repair works on old pickup trucks to make it operational based on customer demands.

Old pickup trucks are sold as pieces of historical memorabilia and prices of some old pickup trucks are higher than currently available pickup trucks. People who own old pickups and need cash can sell their vehicles to old pickup dealers. Old pickups are priced according to their uniqueness and operational age. A pickup manufactured in the thirties is usually priced higher than those produced in the fifties or sixties. Some old pickup trucks are available in the range of two thousand to fifteen thousand dollars.

With age and time, many of these pickups have managed to transform their image and value. People take great pleasure in owning and maintaining their old pickup trucks. They are great attractions at vintage truck rallies and fairs. However, in some cases it becomes difficult to get replacement parts, as many companies that manufactured pickups are no longer in existence.

Old pickup trucks may not have advanced features present in modern day pickup trucks. However, these shortcomings do not undermine the status of old pickup trucks and with age the value of old pickups is expected to increase even further.

Pickup Trucks provides detailed information on Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Accessories, Used Pickup Trucks, Pickup Truck Rentals and more. Pickup Trucks is affiliated with Hard Tonneau Covers

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By Kristy Annely

It Pays to Track Your Car's Value Very Carefully!

At 21, I learned a ton about the car business by working as an account executive for a Beverly Hills, California leasing company.

While some things have changed over the years, especially the relative popularity of leasing versus buying, most things haven't.

And there's one key metric that you and I and everyone who drives a car should watch very carefully: A car's residual value.

Residual or "resale" value is what a car is expected to be worth after a given period of time, such as 24 or 36 months. Leasing companies try to predict this figure this with precision, because a car's monthly payment will be greatly impacted by its anticipated market appeal down the road.

Let's say you're looking at two cars, each of which is priced at $24,000. The key question is which one will be worth more by the time you get around to selling it or returning it to the leasing company?

If Car A is worth only $12,000 after 36 months, while Car B will fetch $15,000, you'll pay for the $3,000 difference over the course of your lease. When you factor in the cost of money, i.e. "interest," you'll pay up to $100 more per month to drive the car that will bring $3,000 less as a used car, three years later.

Another way of putting it is to say you can lease a lot better car for the same money if you choose a more desirable model.

Example: Recently, I priced out various leases on a Ford Mustang convertible. I was quoted $390-$550 per month, depending on model and the lease's term.

Shopping around, I found I could lease a Mercedes CLK 350 convertible for 27 months, with even more optional equipment, for only $595 per month, including scheduled maintenance. Yes, there was a slightly larger drive-off to be paid, but we're talking about being able to get a $58,000 ride roughly for the price of a $38,000 vehicle.

Granted, there was special manufacturer financing available on the Mercedes, but still, the difference is dramatic, and much of it is attributable to the way this Benz is expected to hold up in the marketplace a little more than two years from now.

Apart from maintenance, the ACTUAL COST OF DRIVING to you for a car that is under warranty, is mainly based on three things: (1) Initial price of the vehicle; (2) Financing; and (3) Residual Value.

Most people study the first two very carefully, but ignore the third, but as you can see it is critical.

How can you predict the resale value two years down the road? Take a hint from leasing companies.

They look at what the same model has done during the PAST two or three years, and they use the same percentage of depreciation as the predicted rate for today's new cars.

But what if you're considering a brand new model that doesn't have two years or more of history in the marketplace?

That's more challenging.

Leasing companies tend to use conservative percentages, saying for instance that today's new model will bring 65% of its initial cost 30 months later, but this is just a guess.

There are always surprises. If your car fares better than the average, you'll have some happy choices: (1) You can exchange it for a new lease sooner than you might have planned; (2) Sell it for more money; or (3) Keep driving it, knowing it is a good store of value.

On the other hand, if your car is dropping in value like a stone, you might consider dumping it right away for a better performing model, or resigning yourself to keeping it for a very long time, after which residual value becomes so low that it is a negligible factor in your decision making.

One more tip: Residual value of all cars takes a big hit just after the new models come out, so if you're thinking of selling or trading in, try to do it at least 60-90 days before the new ones hit the showrooms.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top trainer, conference and convention speaker, sales, customer service, and negotiation consultant, and attorney. A frequent expert commentator on radio and TV, he is also the best-selling author of 12 books, more than 1,000 articles and several popular audio and video programs. His seminars are sponsored internationally and he teaches at more than 40 university extension programs, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. Gary's sales, management and consulting experience is combined with impressive academic credentials: A Ph.D. from USC, an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management, and a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School, his clients include several Fortune 1000 companies

His web site is: http://www.customersatisfaction.com and he can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com. His blogs include: YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS! and ALWAYS COLD CALL! at: http://www.alwayscoldcall.blogspot.com

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By Dr. Gary S. Goodman

Refrigerant Leaks Cost a Business Money, Damage the Environment, And Have Carbon Consequences

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that certain refrigerants such as Freon and many others in the HCFC category could cause spontaneous, chemical reactions and destroy the delicate ozone layer protecting Earth´s atmosphere. Developments in mandatory refrigerant usage and new regulations were passed to restrict the methods of manufacturing and the ways that refrigerants could be used in common AC or HVAC systems. Refrigerant gases could no longer be deliberately released to escape or vented into the atmosphere.

There are many factors that could lead to a refrigerant leak in a refrigeration and air-conditioning (AC RAC) system or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A refrigerant leak is difficult to find manually, so many facilities use refrigerant management systems. The computerized systems find leaks in refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; even if they are hidden in a series of tubing that is hundreds of feet long, in an area that is hard to access, or around a pressure switch.

When a refrigerant leak occurs, it causes thousands of pounds of gases with ozone depleting substances (ODS) to escape into the air. Among them are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), gases which are harmful to the environment and have a high global warming (GWP) potential.

Finding a refrigerant leak could prove difficult because refrigeration and air-conditioning (AC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are so complex. The cause of the refrigerant leak could be embedded in a series of tubing that is hundreds of feet long or in an area that is difficult to see or access.

A refrigerant leak could even be in a pressure switch or other operating or safety control. Often refrigerant leaks and the unintentional venting of gas are difficult to find or detect in large, commercial HVAC-R systems, progressive organizations use automated refrigerant management systems. These systems continuously monitor the system and can detect exactly where a leak originates. The results are easily displayed on a monitor for a quick resolution.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict standards for regulating and monitoring a refrigerant leak. The Montreal and Kyoto Protocols are environmental standards and detailed requirements, agreed to by international organizations, as to the proper monitoring and reporting of harmful substances. These regulations include protocols for repairing refrigerant leaks or disposing of systems within a certain time frame.

These multifaceted regulations require facility managers to submit comprehensive reporting records. Because of the complexity of the requirements, many building managers rely on refrigerant management programs, such as those offered by clean-tech development firms, for better facility oversight.

A refrigerant tracking solution allows facilities to keep accurate refrigerant usage records and properly report a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant tracking solution also enables a company to remain in compliance with state, governmental, and international protocols as they relate to the submission of refrigerant usage records and specific refrigerant reporting periods.

Because a refrigerant leak releases fluorinated greenhouses gases that are harmful to the environment, refrigerant management programs have become essential to companies, building or facility managers, and compliance officers. Refrigerant monitoring and tracking processes track HVAC-R systems that lead and empower service professionals to repair a faulty system before gases are vented. Refrigerant management programs are much faster and accurate than manual systems.

A refrigerant management program offers a number of benefits, including tracking a refrigerant leak. Through the use of web-based software, a person is enabled to manage any number of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, regardless of the number of buildings or locations. This type of management tool enables companies to work more efficiently and cost-effectively in the facilities management area.

Refrigerant management programs, like those offered by Verisae, are more efficient and accurate than doing the monitoring and reporting manually. This becomes more critical when a refrigerant leak occurs across a distributed enterprise. Refrigerant Tracker makes it easy to monitor, manage, and report refrigerant gas leaks. Stay in compliance with refrigerant management regulations. Visit Verisae's http://www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com

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By Daniel Stouffer

Refrigerant Compliance Includes Calculating Carbon Emissions

Calculating carbon emissions is a complex process. The different types of emissions need to be identified and collected company wide. From this information, the amount of each type of gas released into the environment needs to be calculated. In addition, tracking methods need to show the daily use of refrigerant gas. The end result will show the global warming potential for each facility with a refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) system or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Refrigerant systems use high levels of greenhouse gases, so the EPA established the Climate Registry Protocol for calculating carbon emissions on a regular basis. The international equivalent of this requirement is outlined in the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol. The main purpose for calculating carbon emissions is to begin reducing the damaging effects that refrigerant gas has on the environment.

Commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems operate on refrigerant gas, which is made up of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). When broken down, these substances contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine and hydrogen.

Refrigerant gases are made up of certain chemical compounds that cause them to be ozone depleting substances. By calculating carbon emissions, government environmental agencies will be able to better understand the situation. Companies who fail to report their carbon emissions will be issued a substantial fine.

Various carbon emissions reporting protocols have emerged from the EPA, ISO, World Resource Institute, and Climate Registry protocols. All of these documents define in great detail how organizations must collect data, calculate carbon emissions, and report the results. In short, the monitoring, tracking, and reporting requirements mandate that all locations where refrigerants are being used or serviced must collect, organize, and calculate as part of an enterprise's carbon emissions.

Some volume of carbon is released into the environment by any company with a refrigerant system. Trying to determine how much carbon is emitted is an intricate process. Conducting a carbon audit or a carbon footprint across an organization begins with collecting data related to each location, the assets being used, and identifying high global warming potential gases. From there, a determination on how much of each gas is released must be made. Then various reports that include tracking methods need to be completed and submitted.

Refrigerant management programs can best handle the tedious process of calculating carbon emissions. Across a distributed organization or one with more than a couple of locations and a few HVAC-R systems, a web-based or database driven refrigerant management solution is more effective and less prone to error as are paper log books. A refrigerant management program that includes a solution for refrigerant gas tracking and an automated way to calculate carbon emissions is important. Solutions like this make is easier to handle calculating carbon emissions for all AC/HVAC systems operated by a company.

Many research studies and much scientific debate lead international agencies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mandate that organizations to monitor, track, and calculate carbon emission for annual reports. It is an important step to define your organizational boundaries, where you do business, and to identify the refrigerants you own or other sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Equally important is to establish a tracking mechanism for determining how much harmful gases are released at any given time. The information will be used to improve air quality with measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

By calculating carbon emissions, companies will be able to recognize the extent of their carbon footprint. For companies with multiple locations using refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the task becomes even more critical.

But there are many solutions emerging to help these challenging problems. Emerging software provided by clean-tech development firms track carbon dioxide gas emissions across all sites so companies can do their part to ensure a healthy environment for years to come.

Software provided by Verisae tracks carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions across all sites so companies can manage their carbon emissions and work towards reducing their carbon footprint. To learn more effective refrigerant management tactics and the tools, you can research http://www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com

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By Daniel Stouffer

Build Your Own Solar Power Generator

There are a number of reasons why someone would want to build their own solar power generator system, common uses include being able to use portable appliances like laptops and radios out and about and if the power ever failed. You can go out to buy a ready made solar generator, but what's the fun in that if you could make one yourself?

Buying all of the components needed for your solar power generator isn't difficult. Everything you will need is available from your local electrical store, you should be able to get everything you need for under $400. The exact price will depend on the quality and brand of parts that you use. Solar power generators allow you to use electrical equipment wherever you are in the world, whether you are on a boat or camping outdoors.

Creating your Own Solar Power System

The first component which you need to buy is a small solar panel, one about 12-16 volts will do the job nicely. You should be able to find such a panel for less than $200 at an RV supply store. You should then buy a deep cycle 12 volt battery, you can buy either a gel, or lead and acid battery. I suggest a deep cycle battery if you are planning to use this system for a long time. You should be able to buy such a battery for around $50.

You need to buy a box to protect the battery from the elements, animals and children. You should then purchase a 12 volt DC meter. You also need a DC input, all of these things can be found in your local electronics store. You can then use this system to power small DC appliances such as laptops and PDA's.

If you want to run AC appliances with your solar power system then you need to invest in an inverter to convert the generated DC current into AC. You should be able to find these inverters in automotive stores, however you should decide how much power you require before buying an inverter. To get an idea of which one to buy add up the number of watts that you intend to use at any one time.

You should connect the meter with the DC input to the battery box, carefully choose insulated wire to attach these together. When connecting anything to a battery make sure you always connect the negative poles first. When connecting the solar panel make sure you do this in the same way.

Once you've wired everything together you should shut the lid and aim the solar panel in direct sunlight. Normally batteries that are flat will take around eight hours of sunlight to charge. Nearly flat batteries can charge in as little as 3 hours. Such a system cannot be expected to provide enough power for a whole house, however it can supply enough power for individual small appliances.

Solar power systems are very easy to expand, should you decide you ever need more power you can add extra panels into your array. If you do add more panels you should also consider a circuit breaker to handle this extra load.

Greg Hansward's online reports are published on quite some online publications linked to ryobi bts20. His comments on ryobi bt3000 can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com as well as other online sites

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By Greg K. Hansward

Stickers Are Still One Of The Most Popular Things With Kids

Go back in time to when many of us were children, do you remember the scratch and sniff stickers that would gain you attention during class? Every kid on the planet, boy or girl, loves stickers. Peruse many online auction listings for Garbage Pail Kids stickers, and the proof is undeniable. Stickers are valuable commodities.

Stickers are inexpensive items that generally can only be used once, yet children go nuts for them. Bank tellers know this and often hand out stickers to any customer who has a child in tow. Grocery store cashiers happily hand over "paid" stickers to youngsters who ask. So, what is the fascination?

Children love sticking these nifty items all over their notebooks, books, doors, and even their bodies. Ask any child why they have stickers on their face and they will answer, "Because it is fun". Stickers are a means to that child expressing his or her individual personality. Of course, many children will admit that sneaking stickers onto unsuspecting family members' backs is also fun.

Some of today's best selling stickers include popular movies like Finding Nemo, Cars, or Flushed Away. Popular television characters like Strawberry Shortcake, Thomas The Tank Engine, Pokemon, My Little Pony, Spongebob, and Rugrats are also top sellers.

Older children love stickers from their favorite musicians. Stickers with images of Green Day, Britney Spears, Usher, Kayne West, and Hillary Duff sell out of stores quickly. Why? It is a child or teenager's way to express a little about him or herself.

Think back to your own childhood. I remember in fifth and sixth grade, my notebooks and binders were covered in scratch and sniff stickers. As I aged, rock bands like AC/DC and Aerosmith replaced the girly stickers from my past. By high school, the cruder Garbage Pail Kids were far more appealing. It just goes to show that even as I aged, stickers were still forms of entertainment.

You may be surprised to learn that many stores are now selling Garbage Pail Kids again. Like many children's toys, stickers from the past are making a comeback. Stickers never go out of style. They still appeal to children and always will.

Though they are fun, you should teach your child about the importance of some stickers. Remember Mr. Yuck? Mr. Yuck was a brightly colored sticker placed on poisonous items to warn children from touching or ingesting that item. Make sure children know the difference!

Obviously, you should watch little ones who have stickers. Toddlers are usually tempted to put just about anything in their mouths and stickers can be a choking hazard to children that age. It is best to closely monitor a toddler if you decide to allow that child to play with a sticker.

Stickers help bring out the artistic nature in children of all ages. As many sticker sheets cost a couple dollars, it is an excellent way to surprise a child. A sheet of stickers will certainly brighten your child's day.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a funny bumper stickers at http://www.shop4stickers.com

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By Gregg Hall

Undercover Tonneau Covers - Lighter, Stronger and Cheaper Than Fiberglass

If you want to buy a hard tonneau cover but aluminum isn't for you, you don't have to settle for fiberglass. There is another option; resin polymer. And, the leading manufacturer is Undercover Tonneau Covers. You won't find a better truck tonno.

The company's covers are designed using the industry's most advanced GE GELOY ASA Resin Polymer and are made in collaboration with GE Plastics. When you purchase a hard tonno cover made with polymer resin you'll be fitting your truck with a cover that is lighter, tougher and cheaper than a comparable fiberglass one.

The cover is light; the Undercover tonno weighs only 58lbs - many fiberglass designs weigh over 150lbs. Being so light, fitting is an easy, one-man job with no special tools or drilling required. The cover can be installed in under 20 minutes. If you've ever fitted a fiberglass cover before, you'll know that it usually requires 2 pairs of hand to install and installation time is much longer than 20 minutes.

There's no denying how stylish a fiberglass tonno looks when fitted, especially if it's paint-matched. Unfortunately, the good looks don't last that long as scratches and scuffs are easily picked up. The polymer tonno is more durable and doesn't scratch or scuff as easily.

If lightness and durability don't clinch the deal, the price will; polymer covers are cheaper than fiberglass.

Other things you'll be getting are hydraulically activated struts, a garage wall system (to store your cover when not in use), a dual lock point wrap-over locking design, red light, over 50 models to choose from (including longbeds) and all come with a 3 years warranty.

But, before your decide, you should compare against other polymer manufacturers like MAXI-TUFF and Armorlid. Both are good products and they are cheaper. However, in my opinion, the Undercover tonneau is just that better a product.

If there is a problem with all polymer tonneau covers it would be if you want to paint-match it to your truck. While you can paint it, no manufacturer recommends you do so. Because of the special UV inhibitors in the polymer resin, painting over it will make it difficult for paint to last for extended periods of time in harsh weather conditions.

If you want the best hard tonneau cover on the market today then you should choose polymer, and it should be from Undercover. When fitted, it will cut fuel costs, add value to your truck and will look good for many years.

Follow the links to check out Undercover tonneau covers and find out why a polymer tonneau cover is the best truck tonneau cover you can buy

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By Robin Cassidy

Need Advice on Buying a Folding Tonneau Cover?

First, I really think that you're making a great decision in opting for this type. Folding tonneau covers sit between hard versions like fiberglass and soft vinyl version; lighter, cheaper and easier to install than hard, but more secure and weather resistant than traditional soft top versions. But which brand one should you buy?

There are many fine brands on the market today. Each can claim to be a market leader and each will offer some unique feature. Brand names like Fold-a-Cover, BakFlip, Extang, Lund, Kwik Draw, Advance and Truxedo to name but a few.

Let's cover the more salient points that make these the best tonneau covers available today.

The Extang Trifecta Tonneau Cover

With over 500,000 customers, Extang can rightly claim to be the most popular of manufacturers. It's a soft top vinyl that is mounted on a lightweight aluminum frame and is the only one of this type can be driven partially open in 3 different positions. The vinyl is double layered and comes with heavy duty locking straps. Installation is a breeze with this tonno; it comes completely assembled with no loose parts to keep track of. It's one of the easiest folding tonno covers to self-install.

Fold-a-Cover Tonneau Cover

Unlike the Extang, this is a four panel version and it's been designed to accommodate a fifth-wheel trailer. Like the Extang tonno is comes in a black finished vinyl over aluminum bars. What stands out about this cover is its "slam-lock" latch system locks both tailgate and cover and a bitted key for great security.

BakFlip G2 Tonneau Cover

I love the way this looks on a truck. The cover sits inside the truck bed rails, which gives is a very low profile look and fit. It's a 3 panel model made from dual laminated ABS panels with honeycomb core - the cover can withstand over 200lbs of evenly distributed weight. Like the two covers above, installation is extremely easy - anyone can fit one; no drilling or special tools are required.

Lund Tri-Fold

Another very popular brand. It's a three panel version with double-sided fabric with black matte finish. Unlike those above it comes with heavy duty buckle straps; while not as quick to open the do provide a strong locking mechanism. Perhaps not as stylish as the ones mentioned above it is the cheapest and it's just as easy to install. If you're looking for a cheap, but good quality tonno, then you should consider the Lund Genesis Tri-Fold tonneau cover.

The above are just some of the best folding tonneau covers on the market today; there are others. Before buying consider your budget, whether you'd prefere three or four panels, what locking system you want and check out just how easy it would be to self-install.

For folding tonneau covers above, like the Extang tonneau cover as wells as soft and hard tonneau covers just follow the links

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By Robin Cassidy

What is the Best Fiberglass Tonneau Cover?

No doubt about it; a fiberglass tonneau cover is the best truck cover. No other material is as secure, resilient, convenient to use, stylish and adds as much value to your truck as fiberglass. But they aren't cheap so you need to sure you buy the best, as a cheap one is, quite frankly, a waste of money.

The advantages of a fitting a fiberglass tonno are numerous. First off, they look fantastic when fitted. No other material when painted takes on a finish as lustrous or can give a perfect match to your truck's color. When you drive along the highway, there's no rippling or flapping about like you see with soft vinyl covers. The inside can be fitted with carpet that not only looks good, but protects your cargo from being scratched.

Only aluminum covers can match fiberglass in terms of security for your cargo.

Despite its weight, a fiberglass tonno is often easier to open and close than vinyl thanks to the gas hydraulic struts fitted to the better brands. And, when opened, the struts keep the lid open so you have two hands free to put stuff in and out of the truck bed.

The list of advantages goes on, but what brands are the best on the market today?

A.R.E Tonneau Covers have a deserved reputation as building some of the best fiberglass covers on the market. The LXS tonneau features carpeted interior, scissor hinges, and a patented palm handle system. You also get the choice of either a wired electric lock or a Sol-A-Ray solar powered lock.

The company also makes the TopUp Series. If you don't like hinged, this is the cover for you. Thanks to an ingenious scissor hinged system, the lid raises or lowers vertically - all with the touch of a button. And, you can stop the lid at any height you wish - the lid rises to a maximum of 6 1/2 feet above the bed.

Another great company is Gaylord Tonneau Covers. Its TL-Series cover comes with lift assist hinges, carpeted interior, emergency interior release, double neoprene seals and optional extras like remote control key lock and a 'Speedsturr' wing. The TL-Series is one of this company's best sellers.

For a very sporty look you should take a look at the Gaylord X-2000. Its lustrous paint finish and sleek styling complements any truck. You still get all the quality features you get with the TL-Series.

And anyone who says that fiberglass truck covers aren't for a truck that has to work for a living hasn't seen the Gaylord Butterfly cover. This unique fiberglass cover is hinged along the center of the truck bed, which means you can get access from either side of your truck. The 2 "pop-up" T-handles keep the appearance sleek while the automotive slam latch system makes the cover tough.

There are other brands but the best fiberglass truck covers are made by A.R.E. and Gaylord. The above details will, hopefully, steer you in the right direction in choosing which is the best one for you.

Follow the links to get the best fiberglass tonneau cover like the A.R.E and Gaylord Fiberglass Tonneau Cover and other brands. If you want the best truck tonneau cover then choose fiberglass

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By Robin Cassidy

Truck Tonneau Covers - With the Price of Gas Can You Afford Not to Fit One?

With sky-rocketing gas prices it makes even more sense to buy a truck tonneau cover. The reduction in drag means reduction in gas mileage, which now means you will not only increase the value of your truck by fitting one, you'll also be saving yourself money each time you drive your truck. In fact, you'd be surprised just how much you can save.

Maybe you've been thinking of fitting a truck bed tonneau cover but somehow how can't justify the cost - there always seems to be better ways of spending your money. Well, with the huge increase in gas prices, you really should do yourself a favor and fit one today.

The bed in your truck acts as a large bucket. Air doesn't flow evenly over the vehicle; instead air catches on the tail gate, which then increases drag. By fitting a tonno cover, air flows evenly over the back end of your truck and drag is greatly reduced.

If you're wondering just how much you could save; a recent study sponsored by the Ford Motor Company found that fitting one can increase MPG by as much as 10% - that's a lot of dollars of the course of a year of driving. And, according a study conducted by Western New England College's Department of Mechanical Engineers MPG was increased by 8%. Finally, the Specialty Equipment Market Association tested 13 different tonneaus on four trucks; they found that fuel efficiency increased by up to 7.8 percent.

No matter what type of truck tonneau cover you fit you'll save gas.

By fitting even the most expensive fiberglass tonneau covers you can expect it to pay for itself in less than 5 years. If you fit a cheaper, soft of rollback version the amount of time to recoup your investment is much less.

The good news is that you can also fit them yourself. Soft versions like the Extang RT tonneau cover already comes with the vinyl fitted to the aluminum frame. All you have to do is 'snap it' on. Even folding, retractable, aluminum of fiberglass tonneau covers can be fitted within minutes with no special tools or drilling involved.

Without doubt fitting a truck tonneau cover is a win-win situation; you increase the overall value of your truck while saving yourself some motoring dollars. Now your only problem will be deciding on which type and manufacturer is your best option.

Follow the links for leading truck tonneau covers like the Extang RT tonneau cover as well as other types, like retractable, folding and fiberglass tonneau covers

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

By Robin Cassidy

Gaylord Tonneau Covers - A Review of the TL-Series

If you want to buy a hard tonneau cover and want the best then you should take a serious look at what a Gaylord TL-Series tonneau cover has to offer. Apart from one or two considerations about this cover, it could be the best purchase you've made in years.

The TL-Series is a popular seller for Gaylord. The features that come as standard are generous, the optional extras are desirable yet functional, the overall look is sleek and stylish, and when paint-matched it looks factory fitted.

Although it's a fiberglass tonneau cover it's surprisingly light. The company claims that the cover can be self-installed and that no special tools or drilling is required. While this is true, you are probably going to need a pair of helping hands when you install it.

The cover is mounted on the truck bed by means of a very ingenious clamping system called the EZ Grip Clamp on System. Directly fitted on to the frame are two hydraulically operated struts, which the company calls the EZ Lift Hinge Assist System. What this actually means is that when you open the lid, the hinges automatically lift up the lid into the fully open position. This makes opening and closing extremely easy; all you need is one finger. When fully open, the hinges keep the lid in the open position, so you don't have to hold open the cover when getting stuff in or out of your truck's bed. This also makes it very safe to use.

There are other safety features such as an interior emergency release latch and a single lock with dust cover.

Folks like hard tonneau covers because they are generally more weather-tight than soft versions. The double neoprene seals that come with the TL-Series will stop any water penetration of the bed of the truck, even when doing long highway motoring.

Like many products these days there are the 'optional extras'. Mostly, extras are usually all style and no content. The same could be said about the optional Speedsturr wing and the interior carpeted headliner that can both be fitted, however, the Keyless Remote Access with 12 volt interior dome light is, I think a useful addition if you can stretch the budget that much farther.

Cost is probably the main drawback of buying a Gaylord truck cover. They are expensive and many would rather pay less for a polymer hard tonno cover or even opt for one of the many fine soft versions available today.

Although they are lightweight for a fiberglass cover, they are still heavy. If you think you will be taking off your cover frequently (when you need to haul large cargo) you might regret buying a fiberglass lid. While taking off the TL-Series can be done by one person, putting it back on really is a two-man operation.

And, if you do remove the cover, you've got the problem of finding adequate storage space in your garage.

If you won't be removing your cover often and have your heart set on having a stylish truck tonneau cover that when paint-matched to your truck looks factory fitted, then you won't find better than the Gaylord TL-Series tonneau cover.

Follow the links for the Gaylord TL-Series tonneau cover. It really is the best hard tonneau cover on the market; no other truck tonneau covers offer the same, style, security and ease of use as it does

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

By Robin Cassidy