Fast Cars and Turbochargers 101

They're the big things that sit on the bonnets of cars; cars that are usually surrounded by young males with loud music pumping from stereos. And they help cars go fast - really fast - by increasing their power. They're usually seen in high performance cars, and they can increase the power without adding size to the engine.

So, in essence, you get a really compact engine in a great looking car that can go really fast. They do have their drawbacks, though, and one is that they suffer from overheating - this needs to be taken into account. Turbochargers can be fitted after-market, which basically means you can put one in yourself, provided you know how to. It's a little difficult if you don't know much about cars, or engines, or turbochargers. Oh, and a high performance car (again, for the uninitiated) is one that has been created with specific facilities in place so that they can do things most other road cars can't - such as drive really fast. They usually have more powerful engines, thanks in part to turbochargers but also to things like injectors, and nitrous. That's nitrous oxide - a gas used to make cars go faster by increasing the engine's power. Beginning to sense a theme here?

For those that drive high performance vehicles, the trade-off comes with a cost - literally. Custom or modified cars contain parts that are pretty expensive and replacing or maintaining those parts can put holes in your pockets - quickly. The enhanced braking capabilities, the super suspension and the needy engines (like we need more needy things in our lives; aren't girlfriends enough?) mean you can spend a fair bit of your weekly wage just keeping your car going, not to mention the petrol and maintenance to keep it looking great. Kinda makes you wonder how some of these guys can spend all day sitting around with their cars, their mates, and their mates' cars - shouldn't they be working?

There are many things you need to take into account when you decide to purchase a high performance vehicle - or if you decide to modify an existing car. It's not just about pinstriping and alloy wheels. It's a way of life that demands expense and dedication - a turbocharger in the engine of a yellow sports car does not a statement make. Well, it makes a statement, but maybe not the kind you want to make. If you decide to go down this road, you need to put everything into it. It's a lifestyle, and not many belong in it.

Smart Used Car Shopping - Part 9

And here comes the finale of the smart used car shopping series. The closing article is dedicated to closing the deal. First let's start by recapping that I spoke about the importance of brainstorming, starting with a large list then narrowing down to a short list that you need to research for online, and then gather quotes, followed by the test drive, and cost associated matters. But before I go on, I need to remind you that shopping for a used car is not something the average person intends to do very often or at least not as much as he or she goes out grocery shopping. If you go out shopping while hungry you may buy things that you don't need, on the other hand if you go out shopping without a list, the odds are that you are going to get home and figure that you forgot to buy something. In other words, you need to engage in smart used car shopping. So, let's get to business, and close the deal smartly.

You have done your homework, you walked the walk and now it is time to talk the talk. Confidence is very important here, you should feel secure about the decision you are about to take, and move forward with you life with the best fit. Ask the salesperson to be left alone for a couple of minutes, and ask yourself if this car meets all the needs you are intending to satisfy. Reanalyze the financial situation, and make sure that it is realistic, and within the goals you have set for yourself. Last but not least, write down all the figures agreed upon with the salesperson, and carefully skim the booklet tht you are about to sign to seal the deal. Make sure that he numbers match, and the information is accurate. Finally, congratulations on the smart decision, and the ownership of your new car.

For more information, check out the Smart Used Car Shopping.

Ibiza Car Tour (Part One)

If you are visiting Ibiza or Formentera then you may decide to go for a car tour. One great part of Ibiza to explore would be the hilly western part of the island, taking in: Ses Figueretes, Sant Josep, Sant Agusti, Sant Antoni, and Sant Rafel. An important tip that not many people know: the road to Sant Josep suddenly narrows after quite a few of the bends, so always approach the bends slowly. The locals know this, and you should too.

If you start the tour in Ibiza Town, then you need to take Avinguda Macabich on Exit A, and head west past the vacation homes of Ses Figueretes. You will reach a turn off to the airport and you should take the PM802 on your left towards Ses Salines. This will take you to the village of Sant Jordi de ses Salines (it's worth stopping to take a look in the church), and then nine kilometers on from that you will reach Sa Canal. This is the spot to stop and take in the island's best beach: Platja Mitjorn. It's even more beautiful than Mari Formentera. At the end of the beach's western end there is an excellent shaded area which is ideal for picnics - it's rarely crowded as most people don't walk down that far.

After that you should head back towards Ibiza Town, but this time turn towards the airport. You will go past the airport, and past the beach of Es Codolar. It's worth going from here to the fishing port of Sa Caleta as there is a nice sandy cove beneath its red cliffs. After than you will head back to Cala Jondal for a bite to eat: there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, many of which overlook the white sandy beach.

Know the Basics of the Car Engine Parts

The car engine is certainly the main part that determines the usefulness of a car. No matter how luxurious a car you have bought, unless you have the right engine, you will not be satisfied with its performance. However, to ensure that you have purchased the right engine, you have to understand the basic features of the car engines. You have to understand the basic parts of the car engine. This will help you understand the way they function and at the same time, you will be able to identify the right engine for your car.

Well, one of the most important parts of an engine is the cylinder. There are different types of cylinders in a car engine and they work differently. This is why different manufacturers use different types of cylinders that make their cars suitable to a specific type of terrain. So, before you choose the right car, you have to ensure that the number of cylinders as well as the pattern of them is suitable for that. This is one very crucial factor that decides the performance of a car.

The next important part of an engine is the valve. This is also a very important part since it controls the fuel and air that will be released to the piston chamber. This is countered by the exhaust valve that releases the burnt fuel from the piston chamber. Eventually, this is released through the tail pipe.

Now, we have the piston of the engine to consider. Basically, this is the power device in your car engine. The combustion stroke forces it down while the flywheel and crankshaft bring it up with the momentum of the exhaust stroke. Actually, the flywheel is designed as a varying weight on crankshaft and it stores the momentum. The crankshaft keeps on rotating and it receives the movement from the stroke of the piston. Thus, the crankshaft becomes the initial drive line of the car.

Because of so many mechanisms going on, the car engines produce a lot of heat. This is why the cooling systems are necessary to keep it working for a long time. For that, the antifreeze is stored in the radiator to cool down the block of your Car engine parts. This is done by the radiator fan. This antifreeze is basically, a constantly moving path of hoses and compartment to cool the engine block.

However, for an engine to start, it needs a spark. This is provided y the starter system that generates the spark to light the fuel air mix compressed in the piston. This system is run by battery and it also lends movement to the crankshaft. The lubrication system in the engine makes sure that all these parts are moving smoothly and without damaging frictions.

Acura EL: Uniting Car and Driver

Designed to fuse and to connect the car and the driver, the Acura EL boasts a truly unique driving and riding experience. This car is known as a spirited automobile for it holds power and precision that connects the driver with the road. Even if this is so, the Acura EL also has a unique styling that exudes elegance and sophistication. Most people who have been able to handle and take a closer look at the Acura EL exclaim that it is very much like a Honda Civic although only the brand has been changed. The vehicle is then economical, provides an excellent and smooth performance, as well gives easy comfort.

The Acura EL has a redesigned grille and headlights. It also contains clean lines from the rear deck that provides the Acura EL a distinct European look. Made available in two trim levels which comprise of the elegant touring level and the lavish Premium, this car will surprise riders and drivers with its beauty, refinement, and dynamic performance. The car also boats an impressive linear steering as well as a precise four-wheel drive that has independent suspension. Drivers and passengers of the Acura EL will be given a superior road feel as well as a unique and different control.

Powering this vehicle is a very responsive 1.7 liter VTEC engine that is very much capable of producing 127 horsepower. Along with it is a five speed manual transmission, or the optional four speed automatic transmission. The car idles silently, has the ability to accelerate smoothly, can run with efficiency, and it also responds to inputs immediately. It remains quiet and serene during driving yet it boasts a boundless type of energy that is ready to shoot the car off the streets. For convenience, the Acura EL also has the Logic Control System installed.

The cabin exudes sophistication. Other safety features made standard include dual stage front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and child safety locks. As per standard features, the Acura EL boasts an automatic climate control, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a cruise control, power windows, power door locks, body colored mirrors, body colored handles, a remote keyless entry, tinted glass, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The control panel for this car is easy to understand. It sports big buttons that would allow the driver and passengers to quickly set the temperature, radio, or turn on or off the air conditioning and the rear defroster.

The Acura EL has been compared to other vehicles in its range. The list of competitors include the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2005 Dodge SX, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Spectra, the Mazda Mazda 3, and the Nissan Altima.

You Can Sell Your Car and Retain Your Personalised Registration Plate

If you're considering reselling your automobile, there are several different things to bear in mind. Have you got a certain idea on how much you expect to sell it for? What's the most practical approach to sell it? How quickly do you want it sold? And what about your plates? If you have a personalised registration plate, you'll more than likely want to keep it - either to place onto a new car right away or perhaps to keep as you make a decision on what you want to do with it.

Simply put, when you get a private registration, what you are really buying is, in fact, the privilege to designate that specific number to a car - and exhibit that number on the number plates of the car. Seeing that many people see acquiring private registration plates as a smart investment, you probably won't want to lose your personalised registration plates after you let go of your car. So how do you actually go about this? What's the process you need to go through to sell your automobile but retain the private registration?

What exactly should you do if you are transferring the private registration to a new car? To begin with, both the car with the personalised registration and the car you are transferring the number to (regardless if a different automobile in your name, another car you are intending to acquire, or perhaps another person's automobile) will need to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), tax is up-to-date (or just recently taxed for the car which presently has the registration plates), and readily available for evaluation. Then, you will have to complete a V317 ('application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number') form, in addition to including a fee of 80 pounds, an M.O.T. certificate for each of the vehicles, and also the certificate of registration of each vehicle - along with an accomplished 'application for a vehicle registration certificate' form (V62). Additionally, you will need to enclose a V10 form, insurance certificate, and tax, if either of the vehicles need to be subject to taxes. Application submissions are normally completed within two weeks (except in cases where the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency wish to look at either car), and you'll then obtain certificates of registration for both cars.

In order to keep DVLA cherished numbers, the process is much the same, and you will actually be completing the same form ('application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number'). The very same basic rules apply. Provided that you're the documented keeper of the car, you may hold the registration number on a V778 retention document. This will last for 1, 2 or 3 years, costing 105 pounds, 130 pounds, or 155 pounds. Just make sure you always keep the retention papers secure; you are going to need it when assigning the registration number to a new vehicle later on.

Remember that there are some conditions when it comes to moving or retaining a personalised registration: you can't transfer it if the number is going to make the car appear younger than it really is, and also you can't move a personalised registration if it starts with a 'Q'' (or NIQ in N. Ireland).

No matter what you decide concerning your registration plates, a web-based specialist private number plate dealer could help you purchase, offer for sale, or transfer private registrations, and should you get bogged down on any part of the procedure, they will be ready to give skilled advice and support. Just remember that it is up to you to inform your insurance broker of any alterations to your vehicle or registration.

How to Buy Car OEM Parts at Discount Prices

If you have a car, you should understand that maintenance is part and parcel of owning a car. Of course, when you maintain a vehicle, there would be times that you need to replace some parts to keep your vehicle in good condition. And of course, every car owner wants to buy original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts at low prices. If you think you cannot do this online, then think again.

OEM parts can now be bought through the internet. Of course, a wise shopper would know that scammers and frauds exist online (and off the Web) so extra care and caution should be taken when shopping online. If you need to shop for some new parts for your car, then here are some useful tips to follow.

The first step is to find a reliable and trustworthy car new parts website. It is better to rely on big names especially if it is your first time to buy on the Web. Once you find a car parts website, you can then search for the specific auto part you need. A good website would provide you with a useful OEM parts search tool so that you would not have to go through every page of the site just to look for a particular piece of equipment. To use this search tool, you should simply enter the year, make and model of the car piece you are interested in. Once you have entered those bits of important information, you will then be led to a page that lists the available car new parts. You can then click on the specific item you are after once you have confirmed it is what you need. Lastly, you proceed to checkout and complete your purchase.

Using bigger auto parts sites assures you that you get discount parts as well. Buying online gives you already lowered prices but there are some online stores that give customers better prices. By choosing this kind of site, you get discount parts automatically.

Of course, you can also benefit from special deals like free or discounted shipping rates. Some online auto parts stores offer free shipping if your purchase is above $50. Now, that is one great deal that you cannot always get when you shop off the Web. In essence, each purchase you make from this shop will automatically get you discount parts for any type of vehicle.

Buying automotive parts on the Web is as simple as buying any other smaller item; that is, if you know where to shop. Grab great online deals when shopping for automotive parts and experience for yourself the ease and convenience provided by internet shopping. With this auto parts online shopping option, life can indeed be easy.