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One area where every workshop can make a significant improvement to the way a car drives is in the way the wheels are set up, and the best way to do this is using a wheel balancer.A wheel balancer allows you to quickly and conveniently assess any slight imperfections in the way a wheel turns, and then add small weights to the wheel in order to offset the effect of these problems.When the wheels are running completely in true the ride quality will be a lot smoother, and the fuel efficiency will also be much improved.The long term benefits of balancing wheels properly on a vehicle are that it reduces the mechanical vibration that the car feels and the vehicle will be much smoother on the road. In turn this reduces the amount of wear and tear suffered by key components of the vehicle - in particular the axle assembly and shocks, giving these parts a much longer lifespan.One of the reasons why a wheel balancer is required in an auto work shop is that due to the manufacturing process used in making tires, there are always slight imperfections in them, such as slightly different thicknesses of rubber, and these cause the tire to be slightly uneven. This must be compensated for by adding small weights to the wheel in order to offset the effect of the tire’s imperfections.The method by which a wheel is balanced is very straightforward. Quite simply, the process begins with the wheel being removed from the vehicle and mounted onto a wheel balancer. This is a computerized machine that rotates the wheel at a variety of different speeds. At the same time as this is done, the computer measures the vibration on the axle caused by the imbalances in the wheel. A calculation is then performed that advises the amount of weight that needs to be added to the wheel.The variety of different wheel balancers available today is enough to ensure that every single workshop can have access to an appropriate model for the kinds of work that they most often carry out.These days, even the most basic entry level wheel balancer will come armed with hi tech software that makes finding an imbalance and taking appropriate action as straightforward as any other mechanical task, and thanks to the easy to use and understand computer interfaces that have been built into these machines, diagnosing the problem with a wheel is straightforward.

Meaning that your stock of used ones can build up very quickly indeed – unless you get an oil filter crusher.Unfortunately, because of the design of a modern auto oil filter, it is not possible to recycle them, and cleaning them is impractical thanks to the one way valves and complex filtration systems that they are designed with, however, none of this will prove to be a significant problem for you with an oil filter crusher.The average auto workshop will end up with hundreds of oil filters every year, and all of them are filled with sludge and used oil from engines. For this reason, they are viewed as contaminated waste by the EPA. This means that there are many tough regulations about their disposal. Finding a company that can repurpose used and contaminated oil filters can be a tough process, and once you have found one, the prices that you will have to pay per unit for disposal might have you scratching your head.Of course, the best answer to getting rid of old used oil filters is to decontaminate them yourself, and then send them off to a regular metal recycling station where you actually get paid for the scrap value of the metal, rather than having to pay a fee for every unit. This is where an oil filter crusher can save the day.Essentially, an oil filter crusher is a device that squeezes all of the engine sludge, grunge, and oil out of the old filter under high pressure, and flattens the old filter at the same time. This means that rather than having a stack of bulky oil filters sitting in the back of your workshop waiting to be disposed of, you end up with a neat pile of clean scrap metal, and an easy to manage container of used oil that can be disposed of cheaply and conveniently and comply with the EPA disposal guidelines.Modern oil filter crushers such as the John Dow DOWAFC100-94 connect quickly and simply to your existing air supply, and are designed specifically to be able to smash open oil filters and crush up to 95% of the sludge and used engine oil out of the unit. This waste oil is separated from the metal, and placed in a large capacity bucket, to await proper disposal. The John Dow DOWAFC100-94 oil filter crusher is an incredibly compact and easy to use machine. It is able to remove 75% of the volume of a used oil filter when it crushes it, features a simple to use “close and go” system to operate, and can stand in less than 4 square feet of space. Because it only needs to be connected to an air hose, you can place the oil filter crusher practically anywhere in your workshop, and only get it out when required.The price of oil filter crushers varies depending on the exact specification of the model that you choose. Prices start from around $1750 for a basic model like the John Dow above, which is ideal for a small workshop, and range up to nearly $7000 for a top of the line model which can take a wider variety of filters.Although these initial prices seem quite high for a single tool, when you consider the cost of the specialist treatment required by EPA law for disposing of contaminated waste, couples with the rebate you can get from a scrap metal dealer for selling the clean oil filters, the unit will pay for itself quite quickly.It is important to remember when purchasing an that different models are required for different types of oil filter. If you want a crusher that will be able to deal with everything right up to the large size filters that are used in trucks and recreational vehicles, it will be necessary to invest in a larger and more powerful machine such as the OTC 1896 oil filter crusher.This monster can reduce anything up to a full sized 15 inch truck oil filter to 20% of its original size while removing all but the last traces of oil from inside it. The OTC 1986 is designed to accommodate a standard 30 gallon oil drum in order to collect waste oil, making it the perfect tool for a larger garage.

Perhaps the tool that is most required by all workshops that are serious about carrying out repairs on a wide variety of vehicles is the standard transmission jack. These flexible and versatile lifting systems have many uses, and are essential for a wide range of different repair and servicing jobs.Unlike a conventional jack, which raises a vehicle using either the chassis, or the axles, a transmission jack is positioned centrally, and lifts the transmission. Generally, the procedure for removing a transmission or gear box from a vehicle begins with positioning the transmission jack under the box. It is then raised to take the weight of the transmission, so that it can be safely detached from the engine block. Once this has been achieved, the jack can be raised the rest of the way up in order to allow the complete removal of the transmission ready for servicing.There are numerous different styles and models of transmission jack available, and although their purpose is the same, the different versions are designed for different kinds of vehicle. Most cars and light weight utility trucks have fairly lightweight transmission systems attached to the engine block. These can generally be handled effectively by a transmission jack rated up to 1000lb capacity. A unit like the OTC 1728 jack is perfectly suited to such tasks. It is small enough to be easily moved around by a single mechanic, and yet hard wearing enough to be used every day without fear of failure. The unit comes with a lifetime guarantee, and thanks to its precision construction is a very reliable tool.As with all tools, the OTC 1728 Transmission jack is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and features many enhancements to a basic design to make it easy to use. A gas lift piston to raise the transmission block when the jack is in use is combined with a manual release for easy detachment when the job is complete, and in use, the OTC 1728 is intended to be as simple as possible.For larger jobs, a heavy duty transmission jack is required. If your workshop deals with a lot of trucks and larger vehicles, then you will require a much more powerful jack in order to support the heavier weight of the transmission and gearbox in a bigger vehicle.In general, transmission jacks for larger vehicles such as trucks are rated to carry up to 2200lb in weight, and do so effortlessly. Heavy duty transmission jacks like the OTC 5019 are intended to be completely stable under even the largest weights, and are easy to manipulate when in use to ensure that transmission removal is as simple as possible, even with a particularly heavy unit to deal with.Aside from the weight capacity of a transmission jack, the other major consideration is whether you require a high or low profile device. If your workshop is large enough to have hydraulic vehicle lifting platforms, then a high profile jack will be easier for you to use, while in a more restrictive environment, you are better off with a low profile model that can be slipped into place for ease of use.The actual cost of a transmission jack will vary depending on the level of quality, weight that it can carry, and the manufacturer, and since there are so many different options on the market, finding the one that you want can be bewildering to say the least.Prices start from around $825 for a low profile trolley style transmission jack rated up to half a ton, but you can easily pay in excess of $1800 for a full ton high profile device designed for trucks and heavier jobs. What is important is buying a tool that will last well, perform reliably, and last for as long as you need it.

Did you know it is possible to run your car on water on a totally safe and simple way? This technology has been available for more than 100 years, but many times big oil companies and laboratories have tried to hide and make it seem impossible.There is one guy that has been over 10 years researching and putting into practice what he has learn in hundreds of manuals, book and reports secretly obtained. He has called this system “water for gas technology”.The method recommend for powering your car with water will save you cost of fuel and will allow you to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.In other words, there is a very easy to make - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you are able to run your car on Hydrogen when you need it.Please take into account that I am not saying you should build a car from scratch that will run on water. This system I am talking about is about constructing simple devices that will enable your car to run on water as well as gas, at the same time. You don’t have to alter your car make-up or get a new car. The technology I am talking about is very simple to make, and can work with almost any car or truck. It doesn’t matter if the car or truck is diesel or runs on regular gas.In simple words, this technology involves putting together home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car’s battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown’s Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides tons of energy.But the most important thing and most remarkable beauty of this system is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more powerful than gasoline.By using cars powered with this system, you are effectively saving a lot of money that would have been spent on fuel for your car. It is estimated that this could save you as much as $897.40 per year. If you are two, three or four drivers in the family, the yearly savings increases dramatically.So, imagine if you are a company owner and you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company… then your yearly savings will multiply to $44,870.This system is totally safe and can be simply installed in any car or truck, by yourself. The creator of this system has had in installed in hundreds of other cars, and their drivers have already experienced thousands of dollars in gas cost savings, plus a better performance of the cars in all cases.The whole water fuel system costs 60$, and the materials can be obtained in any hardware store, so you will be able to save lots of money in materials. This Hydrogen on demand system can be assembled at home easily during the weekend, just by following very simple directions.

Until very recently, advances in tire technology concentrated on the rubber, tread, and the radial metal used in the structure of the tire. Over the past twenty years, the humble tire has come a long way, but one thing remained constant. The means by which the tire was inflated. Now, thanks to huge research into what could improve tire performance for all drivers, nitrogen tire inflation systems are available that are set to revolutionize the whole industry.Using regular compressed air to fill tires has been the standard practice for more than a century, but the fact is, the air inside the tire is one of the main contributing factors in tire degradation, which can lead to a catastrophic failure in the tire. Using a nitrogen tire inflation system allows you to replace the regular air in the tire with pure inert nitrogen gas, which in turn protects the rubber, and has a number of other important benefits for drivers.Using a nitrogen tire inflation system allows you to give drivers a more efficient, safer, and more comfortable drive. There are many reasons for this, but they are all related to the fact that when you use nitrogen to fill the tire rather than regular air, less of it escapes, meaning that the pressure is more reliable, so the tire stays at its optimum level.Normal ambient air contains around 78% nitrogen; however, the remaining 22% is made up of other gases, including around 21% oxygen. Oxygen is one of the most reactive gases in the world, and it can cause a great deal of damage to both the rubber of the tire, and the metal of the rim. Over time, the oxygen degrades the rubber and the metal making the valves less effective, and the rubber more porous. A tire filled with regular air starts to deflate gradually.Low pressure in a tire means that it has a higher rolling resistance. In turn this means that the engine has to work harder to push the car along, meaning a higher fuel bill. By using a chemically inert gas with a system, you are able to guarantee a higher internal pressure in the tires. This provides a better ride, better fuel economy, and of course better safety, as a tire that is properly inflated is less likely to fail in use due to proper distribution of weight, and even wear.Over the next couple of years, as concern about man made climate change grows, and with the ever increasing cost of fuel, many drivers are going to be looking for an edge from their workshop. Nitrogen tire inflation systems are set to be that edge. Imagine being able to offer a single service that can improve fuel efficiency by an average of 8%, extend the lifetime of an expensive part of a car, and provide your customers with a better ride. You can with a Nitrogen tire.These systems have been extensively tested by manufacturers such as RTI, and are demonstrating some excellent results. For example, the RTI RTINTF-15 Plus is an excellent piece of equipment for inflating nitrogen tires. The headline of these results is the 8% improvement in fuel economy. To put that amount into perspective, over 12 months, a person who spends $50 per week on fuel would potentially save up to $200 thanks to just replacing the air in their tires with pure nitrogen.Offering the best possible service to the people who use your workshop or auto repair center means bringing them the latest advances first. Nitrogen tire inflation systems can give your business an edge over the competition, providing you with the means to provide a service that other people cannot, and that can only be a good thing for you and your bank balance.

Defensive driving is your ability to foresee a combination of circumstances, including the errors of other drivers, specifically during bad driving conditions.There are some very important defensive driving skills:Let other people know of your maneuvers in advanceUnforeseen stops, turns and lane changes often lead to car accidents because they trap other people by surprise. Consequently one of the main rules of defensive driving is to distinctly communicate to other people precisely what you are about to do. For this reason, it is critical that signal indicators and other driving lights are working. If they are not, check them right away. Otherwise, forget defensive driving.Try to foresee the worstIt may look distrustful and it’s not the best regulation to follow but, in defensive driving, it pays to forestall the errors of other drivers on the road. For instance, many people routinely signalize a turn but don’t turn at all. Meanwhile, others don’t signalize at all and then unexpectedly turn. Many people give little or no attention to stop signals or attempt to run red traffic lights.Being predictable prevents car accidentsHaving all your indicators in good working order is great, but they will not help if you can’t be predictable. Defensive driving is closely associated with being predictable - you do what you are expected to do. If you are signaling a left turn, then turn left. Do not signalize that you are going left then without warning turn right. And, by no means, don’t keep signaling a left or right turn then just going straight ahead. In defensive driving, one certainly not makes a move that confuses other drivers. Wonders are great, but certainly not when you are driving.You should know where you want to goThe first regulation of defensive driving is know where you want to go. There’s nothing quite as hazardous as making an unlooked-for stop or turn, which is something that people do when they are not sure about where they are headed. Ditto for driving not very fast then without warning zooming rapidly. If you are not sure where you want to go, probably you’re confusing other people on the street as well. If you do not know the way, stop your car and regain your bearings. Check a map or maybe even ask people for directions. The worst thing you can do is ride about aimlessly. That is like looking for problems.Make signaling your usual practiceOne of the best defensive driving practical methods is to signalize each time you make maneuvers or change traffic lanes. In such way, you never trap other people by surprise. Make signaling a usual practice. Even if the road appears to be abandoned and there appear to be no other cars around, signaling your intention is without exception a good defensive driving practice.Warn others as you stop or slow downWhen making a stop or slowing down, it’s an excellent defensive driving technique to inform others in advance of your intent. This is specifically essential if the driver behind you is driving fast and approaching quickly.

The words High Definition are words that you will hear a lot more often nowadays. The normal DVD players present movies in a four by three aspect ratio. Lately, the sixteen by nine or the widescreen format is becoming more and more popular. High Definition DVDs are presented in the widescreen sixteen by nine format so if you would like to enjoy the latest movies then it is highly recommended that you purchase the latest High Definition DVD players in the market today. Although these players are a bit pricey, these prices will drop sooner or later anyway. There are two basic types of High Definition DVD players. The first type of High Definition DVD player plays discs in HD format or High Definition format. The other type of High Definition DVD player plays discs in the Blu-Ray format. Although both are considered to be high definition, you are unlikely to find a high definition player that can play both types of formats in the market today. Do not find it confusing that there are two formats, High Definition and Blu-Ray, because they are both basically high in definition. This means that discs in this format have up to six times of resolution than the normal discs out there. If you pay a lot of attention to detail then you should certainly consider purchasing a DVD player that is capable of playing these two formats.You will come to the crossroads of choosing whether to purchase a high definition player that plays the High Definition discs or a high definition player that plays the Blu-Ray discs. If you are from the North American region then it is highly recommended that you purchase the high definition players whilst if you are from the Japanese area then you should purchase the Blu-Ray high definition players. The war between High Definition and Blu-Ray has just begun. No one has any idea on which format will dominate in the future. If you are planning to purchase a next generation DVD player then you are going to take a risk.The next generation of DVD players have a lot to offer to the consumers. If you are the movie goer then you are certainly going to enjoy these high definition movies in your vehicle. There isn’t much difference in terms of quality between the High Definition format and the Blu-Ray format although you should choose a DVD player that will run most of the discs in your neighbourhood.Enjoying your DVD experience in your vehicle is certainly one of the greatest pleasures in travel. Should you buy a next generation DVD player for your vehicle today? If you are just as excited as many out there then buying a next generation DVD player may be a great luxury to spend on. If you are fine with the normal DVD player in your vehicle then it may not be worth spending almost double the price for a next generation DVD player. It may be better if you wait it out a little bit longer.

With the implementation of alternative fuel sources on the minds of many, diesel is now under the microscope more than ever. Although diesel-powered vehicles have been around for a long time, gasoline is still the primary fuel source for most North American vehicles. Which is better for the environment? These are questions that are being asked more frequently as the search for alternative fuels is weighing heavily on more people’s minds.Gasoline vs. DieselIt turns out that gasoline is more volatile than diesel, not because of what its base consists of, but because of the additives it contains. In addition, vehicles that use diesel tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce less greenhouse gasses. In that respect, diesel is more environmentally friendly. Diesel actually produces 15% more in greenhouse gasses than gasoline when compared by the litre rather than the gallon. Yet it is through the 20-40% improvement in fuel economy over gasoline that offsets the higher emissions per litre. In actuality, the carbon dioxide emissions are considerably less than gasoline, but diesel does contain 2,778 grams of carbon per gallon, whereas gasoline contains 2,421 grams per gallon. But, again, it is the fuel economy of diesel that accounts for the smaller rate of carbon emissions.Then again, diesel fuel contains larger quantities of sulfur. The

Are you planning to buy a new car? What do you intend to do with your old car? For some years now, car donation in the

Although it has been around for some time, these can make life comfortable in a car. Especially if you are living in a cold climate; they can be a lifesaver.For example, imagine that it is snowing outside and you are really cold and shivering. You walk to your car because you have to go to work. You don’t know how you will drive until your car’s heater system kicks in. Well you no longer have to worry about such a scenario unless you have them. Juts by the touch of a button one of your seats will warm up and you will feel comfortable and warm, until you get to your destination.There are various ways you can get these type of seats in your car. Most manufacturers already give you the option. For example in many European cars, they come as an accessory so all you have to do would be to select it while you are buying your car. In addition, these types of inbuilt seats all have controls so that everyone can make adjustments to their heat level.If your car doesn’t have a them, then there are various seats in the market that you can buy to have installed in your car. These seats are ready made for all types of cars and you can easily install them yourself or have a certified auto mechanic install them for you. Definitely, you will see the benefit of having them installed in your car especially on those really cold days that everyone dreads. Life is really to short to live uncomfortable so make yourself a favor and buy one today for that warm feeling.