December 30th, 2008 admin
How To Improve Your Car’s Suspension
In the last couple of columns, we’ve explored the suspension system of your car. We’ve looked at the springs and shocks, including different types and the reasons why they’re used. The entire system is comprised of parts that sustain wear and tear over time. Even if you’re not driving aggressively, those parts will slowly lose their ability to perform. A normal daily commute to your job can lead to bottoming out on potholes and other issues within 5 or 6 years.
In this article, I’ll explain how you can improve your car’s suspension system. I’ll describe the shocks, springs, and other components that can be replaced, or upgraded, to deliver a smoother driving experience.
Replacing Shocks And Springs
For most drivers, namely those who commute to and from the office 5 days a week, replacing the shocks and springs will significantly improve the ride. As you know from previous columns, there are different types of each. Depending upon how you use your vehicle, you should consider swapping the existing shocks and springs with OEM replacements.
For example, if you’re going to be hauling a trailer, install springs that offer more resistance. That will boost their leveling effect to compensate for the increased weight from the trailer.
If your budget allows, consider investing in air shocks. They can be adjusted to compensate for extra weight when needed. So, if you’re planning to haul a trailer on the weekends (for example, on a weekend road trip), but don’t intend to do so during the week, air shocks can offer the flexibility you need.
Other Car Parts To Replace
For motorists who are searching for more control in their suspension systems, the anti-roll bars can be replaced with an aftermarket kit. One of the main purposes of the anti-roll bars is to allocate the vehicle’s weight more evenly during turns. If your car doesn’t already have them, installing the bars can have a dramatic effect.
If you’d like to give your vehicle more stability in the front, you can have strut tower braces installed. You’ll be able to tell the difference in the front-end suspension immediately. Just be aware that the unit you have installed must be designed for your particular make and model.
Proceed With Caution
A couple quick notes of caution. First, your car’s suspension is delicate. It’s a finely tuned system that has been carefully calibrated by the manufacturer’s engineers. It is possible to undo a lot of hard work by tinkering aimlessly. If you don’t know precisely what you’re doing, let your mechanic handle it for you. Second, in nearly every case, you should have your mechanic replace the springs rather than doing so yourself. It’s dangerous. He’s trained to do it safely.
Even though it’s possible to drive with a bad suspension (and even get used to the rough ride), a couple of OEM replacements can make your driving experience far more comfortable.
Muscle Cars
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Tags: Car Maintenance, Car Repair, Car Suspension
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December 22nd, 2008 admin
What Does Supercharging A Car Mean?
Supercharging your vehicle means that you’re increasing its horsepower. Once you do it, it can launch from a dead stop and accelerate quickly. A lot of people think that supercharging is a relatively recent option. In fact, it’s been around since the 1930’s. Back then, the problem was that giving your car a healthy boost in horsepower was extremely expensive. Plus, the technology that was used was beyond the abilities of most mechanics. In short, if you wanted to supercharge your car, you had to have a lot of money and an advanced auto technician available.
Over the last several decades, the process has evolved dramatically. The technology is far more accessible to mechanics and the cost of doing the job has decreased substantially. You don’t have to be rich in order to have it done. Below, I’ll describe how supercharged car enjoys more horsepower. I’ll also explain how that translates into better performance.
How Supercharging Works
As you know, your engine goes through a combustion process while you’re driving. That process begins when the intake valve opens. In a conventional system (that is, a system that hasn’t been supercharged), the piston lowers and creates a vacuum into the chamber in which combustion takes place. That vacuum sucks in the air and gas.
In an engine that has been supercharged, the vacuum is still created. But, rather than waiting for the air and gas to be sucked into the chamber, both are pushed into it. Car enthusiasts will know that the pressure that’s directly responsible for the “push” is called the boost. For the average motorist, it’s enough to know that the boost is what provides the extra horsepower.
How It Improves Performance
When the air and gas is pushed into the combustion chamber, the mixture is compressed due to the pressure. That means there’s more air and gas present for combustion than what be available in a conventional engine. The mixture’s compressed density creates a more potent eruption. That explosive quality of the compressed mixture creates the jump in energy which propels your vehicle.
You may have seen drag races or similar events in which the vehicles seem to practically jump off the starting line. That’s caused by the supercharged explosion within the cars’ combustion chambers.
So, how much extra power can you squeeze out of your engine from supercharging it? On a traditional engine, you can expect to enjoy over 50% more horsepower. And if you have your mechanic make other modifications (for example, changing the camshafts), the difference in power will be even more dramatic. If you need the speed, think about supercharging the engine.
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December 11th, 2008 admin
How To Choose Tire Chains
If you do a lot of your driving in icy or snowy conditions, you’re probably well aware of the need for chains (sometimes called winter traction devices). They provide traction and steering control by helping your wheels grip the road. For those who only have occasional need for them (for example, if you’re planning a ski vacation), you might be surprised by the variety that you can buy. The type in which you invest will depend upon the vehicle you’re driving, the conditions of the roads on which you’re traveling, and your budget.
Below, I’ll give you an overview of the types of chains you can purchase. I’ll also provide some insight regarding whether you’ll need them for all 4 tires and a few tips for installing them.
Selecting The Right Type
Winter traction devices provide traction and control based largely on their pattern. For decades, the most prevalent types were patterned like a ladder. Recently, new variations have been created to further leverage the treads on your tires. You can buy zig-zagging Z-chains, radials, models that crisscross in an “X” pattern, and others. Before investing in a set, you’ll want to take a look at your owner’s manual. There’s a good chance that your car (or, SUV, truck, etc.) will need a certain type of chain to comply with the law.
Cables are one of the most popular types sold today because they’re easier to install and remove, and they provide a smoother driving experience. They’re typically lighter than link chains and are often sold with tighteners. Without the tighteners, you’d likely be forced to make periodic stops to tighten up the chains. When the weather is extremely rough (think blizzard), the tighteners come in handy.
Besides cable, you can buy steel traction devices. They’re available in ladder-style or in an “X” pattern (which usually cost significantly more). They won’t provide as smooth a ride as cables, but steel devices offer better traction and steering control. Whichever type you decide to buy, install them first. Even tires that are the “same size” can vary depending upon the manufacturer. The last thing you want is to realize that your chains don’t fit when you’re already on the road.
Installing Them
First, you should install them on all 4 tires to take advantage of as much traction as possible. A lot of people try to save money by only purchasing 1 set. If you’re going to go that route, put the set on your drive wheels. That will at least give you maximum steering control. When putting them on, engage your car’s parking brake. You’re only going to be able to wrap them around the portion of your tires that isn’t touching the road. Once you’ve done that for all 4 tires (or 2 if you’re only installing 1 pair), move your car forward a few feet to expose the portion that was touching the pavement. Engage your parking brake again and finish the job.
Winter traction devices are essential for driving safely in icy or snowy conditions. Use the information I’ve provided above to purchase the right type (for all 4 wheels, if possible) and install them securely.
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Tags: Tire Chains
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