Understanding the Basics of Fine Tuning Your Car
Taking care of your car is one of the greatest things that you can make to enhance its lifespan. It gets you to and from work and mostly all of your day-to-day activities. This means that in order for your car to get in tip-top shape you need to do routine checks to help it last the extra mile. People won’t reach their destination if their car tends to slowly fall apart without proper maintenance and it’s good to know that you can always do something about it to keep it in top condition.
Having a car is always a necessity of this age and time. Technology is continuously growing and changes the way how we do with our lives. The automobile industry has flourished along way with the rest of the industry and they are continuously producing more and more cars every day with faster engines, stronger models, and even they are getting smarter with the introduction of electronic circuit boards controlling the car.
Understanding Customization
One of the many features that car manufacturers are implementing is the ability to customize your car depending on your preference. Everything on the car can be changed; from the lights, wheels, body and even the brakes can be customize leaving nothing behind. The only thing that is keeping your car from any further modifications is the depth of your budget. Working on a vehicle just for it looks tends to cost a lot more than buying a new car. This type of hobby is commonly known as car tuning in which a vehicle is customize and optimize.
Car’s Body
Car lifts have been common in many parts of the world not just for keeping your cars in their safe place but also used when a mechanic wants to rip your car apart. The car’s body for instance is the most attractive piece and it is likely the first thing that catches the attention of many enthusiasts. After this point you need to understand that your car’s body is everything that matters. Luckily for us, manufacturers allow the choice of custom bodies when you first purchase a car.
Car’s Heart and Brain
The engine is the center of any automobiles life. Sometimes an automotive lifts are being used to carry a car for overhaul. The engine is assembled in man ways and it takes different parts to make it into a functional machine. Tuning an engine is one of the most common ways in customizing your car and it also tunes them up to perform better during races. Chip tuning for example is another way to optimize your car’s engine, in this case you install certain chips on the computer of the car for boosting its top speed or acceleration whenever you start your engine. If you have no idea about car engines you can always consult a professional mechanic or car enthusiast to help you with your problem. Check around your local neighborhood, or browse the internet for more ideas.
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Auto News Site Offers Helpful Tips for Summer Travelers
Rogers, AR (PRWEB) June 30, 2012
Online auto news leader, GearHeads.org, has released a series of auto safety articles pertaining to summer travel. The site offers up to date news on everything in the auto industry and is a favorite spot amongst auto lovers of all shapes and sizes; casual drivers, and sports car lovers alike.
With summer being one of the busiest times of year for road trips and family vacations, many Americans can expect to put many more miles on their vehicles before fall begins. Increased travel can also mean an increase in auto accidents, flat tires, and other auto repairs. Gear Heads has used their first-hand knowledge of everything auto to transform their news site into a one-stop shop for people in need of auto safety tips and maintenance checklists. A few of the featured onsite articles include; ‘5 Summertime Car Maintenance Projects’, ‘What To Do If Your Car Overheats’ and ‘Warning Signs of Various Car Problems.’ To read the full articles or contribute a comment, readers should visithttp://www.gearheads.org .
About GearHeads.org
The founder of GearHeads.org, Chris Riley, has built hundreds of successful websites on the premise that offering edgy, informed and objective information that people truly want must be a guiding principal –not an optional consideration. The GearHeads.org team has been involved in nearly every aspect of the auto industry, including car sales and mechanic work. Riley, who handles the marketing and SEO aspects of the site, prides himself on an innate ability to wreck vehicles. This site is comprised of a formidable team with a successful legacy – and some of the boldest, edgiest views on cars around. Learn more at GearHeads.org
Chris Riley
Gear Heads
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The 2012 Tesla Model S.
Welcome one and all to Gearheads.org. In this segment of automotive news, we are going to go over one man’s forward thinking for the future of the automotive industry, and how he is continuing to look ahead at the big picture. His name is Elan Musk, CEO & Co-founder of Tesla Motors. Tesla Motors is a company that was founded in 2003, by a group of engineers who ventured on a journey of independence, and innovation. They accomplished this task by creating one of the first “All Electric” vehicles to be produced for general public to drive, and own. In 2008 their first car to hit the market was called the Roadster. A simple open top styled car that looks as fabulous as it drives. For it to be an All Electric car, it wasn’t really taken to seriously at first. I mean if you really think about it, the thought of being stranded because of a low or dead battery, kind of scares most people.
So of course it’s understood that sales would be slow in the beginning.
Now moving forward, Elan continued to pursue his overall goal of petroleum independence, by overseeing new projects of vehicular greatness. Tesla Motors’ newest addition to their line up is called the 2012 Model S. A four door, sleek and sexy sedan. This sedan is completely and totally built in house by Tesla. Any and all work done to make this car fabulously energy efficient was completed by not importing any part of it. The Tesla team strive to make their EV better than any others on the market. While all at the same time making it attainable for most, and not by some. There aren’t too many companies that produce full on EV’s that have this level of quality and dedication built into it. The 2012 Model S, would have some people think that it’s just another EV that will compete with all of the other hybrids on road today. The problem with that thought, is that its not a hybrid. The premise that it’s an EV puts it into a class on its own. The quality, and precision in which it was built, slides it into a luxury EV category. I say this, because you will not find a Chevy Volt, nor a Nissan Leaf with the same high level of features that come with the Model S. The Tesla Model S was built with an Aluminum frame that has a solid platform of Lithium Ion batteries attached to the base of it. In doing this, the platform of batteries strengthens the frame even further than what it originally was. In keeping with the power of this car, Tesla developed this car to have the capability to out drive any other EV in its class. The Model S can travel over 265 miles before needing to be charged, and no other manufacturer can top that. So of course you know that the Model S comes with more bells and whistles than a Chevy Volt, or a Fisker Karma put together. Here’s what I’m talking about. The suspension is comprised of two parts, first being a double wish bone, coil spring front end, and multi-link coils spring rear end. So comfort in this car is more than standard.
As we move to the interior, we find the crown jewel of the 2012 Model S. Tesla has installed, in every one of their Model S’s, a 17” vertically mounted touch screen , media unit in the dashboards. Its a massive screen that’s the size of a small laptop, and has all of your internet, media, & car control essentials at the tip of your fingers. Continuing on, the interior has been lined with Piano Black trimming, double stitched leather seats, and polished metal handles. This car’s beauty is second to none, and to top it all off the technology doesn’t stop there. The exterior door handles pop out for entry, and then slide in to become flush with the door panel, so as to keep the continuity of aerodynamics. The 2012 Tesla Model S, has and will be offered in 6 trim levels, which are broken down into 2 groups. Model S, & Model S Signature. The trims span the price range of $50,000 all the way up to $98,000 dollars. In closing, I would like to say that there a ton features that the Model S has to offer that I cannot possibly squeeze into this article. With that said, I will go on record with stating that this car is clearly more green than any hybrids on the road to date. The 2012 Model S, is more than an EV, it’s a statement of the times to come. Cars of the future, fly by wire, and all that jazz. All we need to do as consumers is just pay attention a little longer to see what the future holds. Because if this car represents the upcoming years,
I want to be in the driver’s seat.
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Categories: Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Chevy, electric, EV, Fisker, gas, Hybrid, Model S, Nissan, Nissan Leaf, Roadster, Tesla, Tesla Motors
2012 BMW M3 Coupe
BMW is back at it again, this time with a 414 horsepower monster V8 engine that hits 60 MPH within 4.4 seconds. The performance and reliability that you would expect when purchasing a BMW is exemplified best by no car other than the 2012 BMW M3 Coupe. The first thing I noticed while driving it was its extreme smoothness. Its electronic traction system blends in with the road so great you almost forget you’re driving at 90 MPH. Only available in a 6 speed stick-shift transmission, the new M3 is the best luxury car produced by BMW, and quite possibility one of the best overall cars on the street today.
Features wise, you can purchase the 2012 BMW M3 Coupe as a convertible. That was the model that I was fortunate enough to test out, and it’s stunning; inside and out. It’s possibly one of the fastest accelerating cars that I’ve been able to drive, and I was quite impressed with the new additions that BMW made from last year’s base model. The car starts at $60,000, which I feel is a little steep for the car, as you can find similar models, such as the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Sedan, equipped with even a stronger engine, for nearly 10 grand less. BMW has never made their premier cars very affordable, though I think they should compete more with some of the other models. Inside the car is what you would expect from a luxury couple nowadays. It comes equipped with a state of the art navigation and video head-unit, amazing high-powered sound system, heated seats and much more.
There are a few things that I was a little disappointed with. First, I’ve seen huge pickup trucks that get better gas mileage than the M3, as it only gets 13 MPG in the city. For those living in stop and go 24/7 traffic, this is going to kill your pockets faster than the 60 grand for the car itself. I’m going to cut BMW a break on this one, as its insane engine and power probably explain it, and then make up for it. I just hope they find a way to make future models a little more gas efficient, especially considering it’s a relatively light coupe. Second, they released a sedan version of the car last year. They need to do that again for the future models, as the 2012 M3 was only available as a coupe. I’ve always fallen in love with BMW’s design for four-door cars, and with this type of reliability, endurance, and performance, having it available as a full-size car will attract a lot more buyers (possibly including me!)
Overall, I think it’s a fantastic car. If you can afford it, I highly recommend you purchase it. BMW always has a great warranty and service plan with all their new purchases. Just keep in mind there are other cars out there that are great too. Some people just can’t resist the intangibles that you get with any BMW car.
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Categories: Production Cars Tags: bmw m3, m3 convertible, m3 coupe
The 2013 Dodge Dart – The Poison Dart that Killed the Caliber
For those who actually like the Dodge Caliber, you can say rest in peace after its short five-year run, soon to be replaced by the 2013 Dodge Dart. For me, it is more like good riddance to the funny-looking car that to me resembled a hippopotamus. The only thing it had going for it was the fact the glove compartment was a cooler, and that is about it. I will admit I did own a Caliber, only because I bought a Dodge Stratus with a junk 2.7-liter motor that seized a couple months after I bought it. The dealer took it as a trade-in sight unseen and the Caliber was the cheapest car on the lot. If it not for the fact that rental cars were too damn expensive, I never would have willingly bought it. For those too young to remember the Dodge Dart of the 1970s, the 2013 Dodge Dart looks nothing like it, this is kind of a toss-up as to whether this is good or bad.

2013 Dodge Dart

1970s Dodge Dart
It is rumored it will have more standard options and exterior and interior colors than the competition in an attempt to appeal to more of the population.The compact 2013 Dodge Dart was designed to compete with models such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and the like.
It is also going to be available in four trim levels up front that include an SE, SXT, Rallye, and Limited. There is expected to be two additional models due toward the end of the model year, a performance R/T and an Eco version. Now let us get to what these supposedly fully loaded not-so-retro 2013 Dodge Dart is so “well-equipped” with. The SE base version comes standard with an am/fm/cd/mp3 player with a digital media connection, power windows and tilt wheel, but no air conditioning. Who makes a car these days that does not have air conditioning? Well, I guess the power windows make up for it, you will not have to get heat stroke rolling the windows down after it sits in the sun all day and the inside temperature is 145 degrees. Perhaps they should make leather seating standard too so you can stick to the seats like Velcro on a hot day too. Somehow this sounds like the same designers that thought up the “no automatic transmission, but you have a cooler in the glove box” Caliber, were given their crayons and construction paper back.
They kind of look alike, or is it just me?
The 2013 Dodge Dart SXT adds air conditioning (way to go!) and power locks. You have to add an option package to get an upgraded stereo with SD card slot and USB port, a touchscreen navigation system, sunroof and satellite radio. You would think they would just add all that, it is an SXT after all, whatever that stands for. If you want to spend more money for nothing, the Rallye is more “sporty” and you get cruise control and some stickers. (This makes it go faster I have heard.) Now if you really want to go all out you can get the 2013 Dodge Dart Limited, which is the “luxury” version. I have never equated luxury with a compact car, but apparently, times are changing. The Limited gives you heated mirrors, all the options the lower trim levels have and if you want to add an option package to what is already supposed to be the “luxury” version, you can add leather seats, heated steering wheel and cross-path detection. I am still not impressed, but I am sure some people will be. So far, the 2013 Dodge Dart is not making it to the top of the list of cars I would want to buy, and aside from offering me one free, I do not think it will either. There will be two engines available, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. They both produce the same 160hp, so I suppose the only difference is size versus turbo, and probably price, of course.
As you are probably as disillusioned as I am about the Dart, or the reincarnation of the Neon, so it seems, I will save the banter on the R/T and the Eco version until they make their appearance. The more I read on the Dart, the more it sounds like they saw a pile of leftover Neon parts and decided to recycle them. Nevertheless, in this day and age of being “green” and environmentally friendly, I guess it is a good idea on their part to recycle all those old parts instead of making more to add to the pile in five years when the not-so-retro Dodge Dart takes a nosedive like the ill-fated Caliber.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors Tags: 2013 Dodge Dart, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Dart
The New Fiat 550 Italia by Lazzarini
The Fiat 500 is far from being able to be called a sports car. Heck, the model is well known for its retro look and for the pleasant feeling that you experience while driving it. Not even the “furious” Abarth can pose a real threat for a luxurious sports car like a Lambo. But the proposition by Lazzarini Design for the Fiat 550 Italia can change those presumptions and make even some of the super cars out there “shake and sweat”.
As the name would point out, the Fiat 550 Italia is closely related to the model Ferrari 458 Italia. After doing some measurements, the Italian design house concluded that the tiny Fiat could accept a “heart transplant” from a Ferrari 458 Italia. Still the dimensions of the hood would suffer some changes, becoming wider with almost 30 cm so that the 4.5 liter V8 monster engine and it’s gearbox can be mounted safe and sound. Furthermore, the designers also included on the modifications list a beautiful roof-mounted air intake to cool down the roaring beast, a wide body kit, new bumpers, and a large rear wing that should keep the car pushed down and on the road, as there is enough power packed for a short lift-off the ground.
The engine power has been decreased from 562 to 550 horse power, a value that’s part of the name of the concept. To counter-back the propulsors mass, Lazzarini Design proposed to include on the front-bridge of the car a counter weight that would provide additional maneuverability. This tuneup would bring the weight of the Italian car to around 1,000 kg. At this time, the design house is searching for investors willing to support them and build a prototype. The price final expected price would be way higher than that of it’s younger brother Fiat 500 and reach around 550.000 euros.
It’s not a new idea to insert huge engines into small hatchbacks, but it’s a great one! “Strong essences are kept in small bottles” has to be the motto of those designers. Just think about how many times you have spotted a Golf GTI W12 or a V6 R. Clio rolling on the highway at tremendous speeds? Not that often, I presume, and what’s out of the ordinary surely is precious. If the sport version of the Fiat 500 will offer the same pleasant driving and maneuverability of the regular one, but will find itself backed up by the bunch of additional horse power just waiting to be unleashed, it will become an instant success.
If the team Lazzarini Design will be successful in finding a sponsor for their project, it will be interesting to see what how the Fiat 550 Italia performs and possibly see some well known super cars challenged by it? Over all we are looking forward to see the little Italian monster hatch out and start spitting some flames… in it’s cylinders of course!
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Production Cars Tags: fiat 550 italia, fiat ferrari motor
Kia Has Some Soul
There are some people who want a basic car that can get them from point A to point B. Then there are some who want personality in their ride. The 2012 Kia Soul is for those who want the best of both. While practical, it is still a car with loads of personality.
The 2012 Kia Soul has been my ride for quite a few months now and I can honestly say I am one happy customer. On the practical side, it gets great gas mileage with about 27-28 mpg in the city and around 30 mpg on the highway. The backseat is larger than other cars in its price range and the storage available is way better than a sedan. For those who love gadgets, there is the Bluetooth, USB port, and Infinity audio system.
On the personality side, there is a lot to love. My car came with the audio upgrade package, which includes a rear camera display, center channel speaker, and speaker lights. The speaker lights make the car fun to drive at night. You can change the colors and color intensity. The word “Soul” on the seat trim is also a glow in the dark material, which is really cool. The design of the car is also much different than other cars with its boxy yet curvy exterior.
Now some are not impressed with the outward appearance of the 2012 Kia Soul. To me personally, that is what makes the car so much fun. I am not interested in driving a car that everyone else has. My car gets noticed and I get a ton of compliments on it.
At a retail price of less than $20,000 the 2012 Kia Soul is hard to beat. The options available, style, and practicality of the vehicle makes it a great choice. I have spent way more on a car before and have not been nearly as impressed as I am with my Kia Soul. You may not agree with me, but then you probably haven’t had the pleasure of riding in one.
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Categories: Gear Grinding Tags: 2012 Kia Soul
I Want My Holden Ute!
For car enthusiasts who are not familiar with the Australian car market, you need to get your ass in gear. They have much better ideas about cars than Americans do, go download the original “Mad Max” and you will see that I mean. I have seriously contemplated moving to Australia just to buy some of the vehicles they sell there. Maybe I should just spend more on lottery tickets and when I win, buy one and have it shipped here. Both have about the same chance of happening, so until then I can only live vicariously through online reviews of others. The one vehicle in particular that I have become obsessed with is the Holden Ute.
The Holden Ute is a modern El Camino. For those of you not familiar with Holden, they are the Aussie version of Chevrolet, but with much better cars. As Australia has much less of a concern about their “carbon footprint” then the United States does, they still produce true muscle cars. This is pretty damn good for a continent where last time I inquired gas was $1.50 or so a liter, which translates into around $6 per gallon. With gas prices, as well as the prices of everything else, so expensive “Down Under”, you would think that they would all want to drive hybrids and little cars that get great gas mileage, well guess what, they really do not care, as the Holden Ute SSV with its 19mpg, is one of its more popular muscle cars. Take that Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.
I want a Holden SSV Ute, period. I think it would make a fine addition to the other vehicles in my household, a 245hp Dodge Dakota V8 that gets around 12mpg and a 1981 Chevy Camaro that is in the process of being rebuilt with a 400 cubic-inch small block, which on a good day will probably get around 6 mpg. (We will not include the Honda Civic my fiancé drives to the list, as he has diplomatic immunity.) They used to blame the hole in the ozone layer on the methane from cows; I want them to blame it on me and my trio of environmentally unfriendly vehicles. You only live once, so why drive something that people like me point at you and laugh at.
Ok so back to the Holden SSV Ute, which has become the object of my obsession. Under the hood, or bonnet as they call it there, is a 365 hp, 6.0-liter OHV Gen-IV alloy V8, a 6spd manual transmission, and 19 inch alloy wheels with low profile fat tires you probably cannot even buy here. If that was not enough, get inside and it is gadget freaks heaven, with a 15 disc CD changer, navigation system, connections for your smartphone, iPod or any other electronic device you cannot live without, all controlled by a 6.5 inch touch screen. Not sold on it yet? All the reviews say it sticks to the road like an old octopus. Pack all this into a modern version of an El Camino and you have $50,000 worth of modern muscle car. Oh yeah, and one of the more popular colors is “Poison Ivy” green, need I say more?
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Top 5 Fuel Efficient Pick-Up Trucks
If you love trucks, you’re probably like me and hate the terrible gas mileage that most trucks get nowadays. For those of you that have to drive a long distance often, whether for work or for another reason, you might be looking at getting a fuel efficient truck this year. I’m going to go over the best fuel efficient trucks on the market today. Whether you want a small or big truck, 4 wheel drive or 2, manufacturers have listened to our complaints and have taken a step forward in making trucks more efficient.
At #5 we have the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD. The new Silverado’s will get you 23 Miles per Gallon (MPG) on the highway, with an overall gas mileage of 21 miles per gallon. Furthermore, on electric power, it can push near 30 MPG. The newest hybrid by Chevrolet, it sports a beastly 8 cylinder 6.0L engine. A lot of people have given it bad reviews due to the fact that you can only get the crew cab truck with not too many other features. I find this as an advantage, personally. The only trucks I’ve ever owned have been crew cab, and most truck lovers want something big, nice, and powerful. It isn’t the fastest truck on the market, but with a hybrid engine and a loaded interior, you can’t ask for much more.

Ranked #4 is the 2011 Nissan Frontier 2WD. Nissan, known for their fuel efficient cars over the last few years, such as the all-electric Nissan Leaf which can get towards 100 MPG; they took their technology to the truck world. For the price, starting under $18,000, you will not find such a good deal anywhere else. Just like the Silverado, the Frontier gets 23 MPG on the highway, 19 in the city, and 21 MPG overall. If you’re in the market for a foreign truck, the Frontier is about the best it’s going to get. Unfortunately, it’s not 4WD, but for a relatively small truck like this, you probably don’t need it.

Third we have the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD. Another small truck, the Colorado gets a great 25MPG on the highway. It’s listed as only 18 in the city, bringing it to 21 overall, like the two trucks above. However, if you’re getting a gas-efficient truck, you’re probably doing it because you drive a lot of miles on the highway for whatever reason. In that case, the Colorado is actually one of the most fuel efficient trucks on the market, hence why it’s ranked third in my list.

The 2nd best fuel efficient truck out on the market today is the 2011 Toyota Tacoma 2WD. If you really want a small truck, the Tacoma is for you. Its tiny 160 horsepower engine won’t allow you to tow much, but it will save you money on gas. Getting 25 MPG in the highway and 21 in the city, the Tacoma has always been known for its efficiency compared to other trucks in the market. While Toyota did increase the price from the previous model by about $1,500, it still is one of the most affordable pickup trucks available.

Finally! The most fuel efficient pickup truck in the United States today is the 2011 Ford Ranger 2WD. The Ranger has always been a small but durable truck. With a rear wheel drive suspension, the overall gas economy for the Ranger is 24MPG. In addition, it averages 27-30MPG while on the highway. This is impressive for a gas-only pickup truck. In order to get that rate, you need to purchase the 5-speed manual version of the truck. With a small 2.3L engine, this is a perfect work truck for those who need a classic American-made truck with the best fuel efficiency around!

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Categories: Gear Grinding Tags: best gas pick up, fuel efficient trucks, gas mileage trucks










