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