Archive for category Automotive
Tire Chain Reviews: How to Choose the Best Tire Chain
Posted by admin in Automotive on August 1, 2011
Tire chains are important accessories for safe winter driving. They provide much-needed traction so that you’ll be able to drive even in icy or snowy roads. Though these objects may look simple, no one can deny that they are vital to any driver who wants to avoid accidents in the winter season. They are even mandatory in some places; you’ll be required by law to put them on your tires under severe snowy conditions.
If you’re new to winter driving and the concept of chains, then here some things you should ask yourself when choosing the best chain set to use on your tires. You should consider these things because they will help you save time by narrowing down your options from a very large variety of brands, types, and makes to choose from. Read on below to learn how to choose the snow chain for your vehicle.
What does my vehicle’s user manual say about the subject?
In most cases you’re the manufacturers of your car, truck, van, or SUV will provide details about what types and brands of t= snow chains work best with it. These suggestions are made by the professionals who have designed, built, and tested your vehicle, so it is wise to at least give them a lot of thought.
What type of tire chains does my vehicle need?
There are about four major types of tire chains, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a quick look at them, shall we?
The oldest and one of the most reliable tire chains are ladder chains. These work by going over the tire’s treads directly, thus they fit very securely to it. On the other hand, it does not cover all parts of the tire, so some parts may still come into contact with the wet and slippery road. Consider this type if you plan to only drive short distances during the winter.
Cable chains are more expensive than ladder chains, but they are more durable. These are fastened to tires with rubber tighteners for easy installation and removal. Pick this one if you want something that is lightweight and will last long.
Zigzag chains may be the most efficient at creating traction among the types of tire chains. It is fastened to wires in a manner where the zigzag pattern crosses the tire tread, ensuring that it is in contact with the road constantly. Choose this if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes or other types of traction control.
Long distance travelers in winter should choose diamond chains. These snow chains make a diamond patter across a tire’s tread at angles that intersect- allowing it to provide traction efficiently.
How large are my vehicle’s wheels?
Again, the initial thing to do is consult your car’s user manual. Once you get your tires’ specific dimensions you can then try out tire chains of the same size.
What material should the tire chain be made of?
They are usually made of hardened steel, which is fine for the most part. If you want something stronger and are prepared to pay a bit more for it, look for tire chains that have tungsten tips- they are sturdier and more durable than case-hardened steel.
There you go- a few important tips on how to choose the best tire chain for your vehicle.
Audi A3 Tuning History
Posted by admin in Automotive, Tuning Car on July 30, 2011
Audi A3 produced in 2003 is the perfect example of Audi A3 tuning history. Until recently, this compact car was the youngest model in the series of Audi cars. By the quality factor of building materials and construction, despite its modest dimensions this car is as good as its older versions. But this car is much cheaper in the operation and maintenance.
The car was produced as a 3 and 5-door hatchback and also as a cabriolet. Its sale started seven years ago. The hot version of S3 was in the model range of this car.
Engine line of Audi A3 consisted of gasoline engines for 4 series with a capacity of 1.6-liter from 102 to 115 hp of output and the engines with a capacity of 2.0-liter ranging from 150 to 200 hp in output. The engines were with Turbo inflation and also with 3.2-liter 250 hp powered V6. There were also 1.9 liter turbo diesels with 105 hp. and 2.0 liter ones with 150 hp of output. The weakest gasoline engine in the standard was combined with a 5-step mechanics but the other versions were equipped with 6-speed manual gearshifts.
Except for the 105-strong diesel versions, a 6-speed automatic transmission is offered for sale. The powerful petrol and turbo diesel versions were in a kit with DSG transmission with two clutches. In a base, all modifications are of a front- wheel drive and a 3.2-liter version was originally equipped with a four-wheel drive transmission of Quattro. By the quality of materials and construction Audi A3 is practically no different from its older models in the series. However the car has everything in place with its equipment kit. For example, the standard version of Attraction was equipped with ABS system with brake force distribution EBD, a steering wheel electric power enhancer, front airbags, electric windows, heated mirrors and with a system of dynamic stabilization. That’s all. However, on the second hand market, there are almost no cars without air conditioning and audio player.
There are quite a few models that are equipped with alloy wheels and automatic transmission. There are options with leather interior and xenon headlights. The cars offered by dealers are equipped with reinforced chassis, crankcase protection, and increased ground clearance.
Audi A3 can be quite simple in design as well as tightly stuffed with electronic systems and the ultra modern mechanisms. For example, with the base 1.6-liter engine it is easy to repair the car and the car is more secure. This engine willingly uses 92-nd gas. But unlike most other 8-valve engines timing belt breakage leads to sad consequences. Therefore when buying a used Audi A3 do not hesitate to change the belt if you do not know how many miles the car has driven since the last change of this part.
Modern engines are of 1.6 liter with 115 hp. of output and of 2.0 liter with 150 hp of output. FSI do not deliver problems, but likes quality gas and regular corporate car maintenance services. The truth is they have a peculiar feature: thanks to their engine efficiency they operate with minimal heat output, but in winter the car heater lacks capacity.
The turbo version that has the capacity of 2.0 liters and produces 200 hp. also has the most vulnerable part of the engine -its turbine. Turbine lifetime is about 180 000 km, but as the turbo lived up to this point, before halting the engine you must let it run for about a minute at idle to avoid the overheating of the turbine bearings.
There are not many 6-cylinder versions of the Audi A3 on the market. Engine functioning statistics for this engine is also in a scarcity. Nevertheless, the repairmen on car repair services do not complain for its functioning.
Turbo diesels are reliable in general, but there is a threat to invest in the failed unit injectors.
On the mechanical 5 – and 6-speed gearboxes the bearings used to fail. Trouble makes itself heard by the howling under the hood. If you bring the car in repair service on time the repair cost will not be expensive but during neglected cases the repair is expensive and sometimes it is necessary to change the MCP.
If Audi A3 with automatics is trembling during the motion, in most cases, this suggests to a faulty block valves. The replace is rather expensive. There were the cases when it was required to update the converter. It is an important part of automatic transmission but generally the A3 chassis is quite strong. The fastest amortizing elements are the front brake pads that can have a one-sided amortization, when only one of the couple is wiped out. Usually an external pad fails at 15 000 km, sometimes even earlier. Good brake discs can withstand an average of 30 000 km. But the shock absorbers and stabilizer can be considered long-lasting parts.