Posts Tagged ‘autos’

Car Accessories And Gadgets

The majority of drivers love gadgets and accessories and the chances are that, if you have a car, you do as well. Drivers love accessories and gadgets from the humble dashboard compass or radio to the on board satellite navigation system and the sophisticated CD or even DVD player. They augment the pleasure that you derive from your driving experience and help turn your car into a replica of the comforts that you enjoy at home.

If you travel a lot, driving can become boring and so some accessories and gadgets are designed to alleviate that boredom although they should never distract the driver’s attention from the primary job in hand, which is getting safely from A to B. I have listed a couple of the most prevalent, non attention-diverting accessories and gadgets below so that you can see how many of them you already possess.

The number one, all-time favourite is the car radio, although this was long ago upgraded to the car CD , DVD or even MP3 player. Few drivers would be without their car stereo. The car stereo can be a very functional tool too, because you can set it so that, even if you are playing CD’s, the radio will cut in if there is a significant road traffic announcement that will or could affect you. This can be invaluable information, particularly if you do not have the next device.

The next most popular modern gadget is satellite navigation, often called sat nav or GPS, which stands for ‘global positioning service’. Sat nav can replace the radio announcement cut-ins and even go two steps further by suggesting an alternative route in order to circumvent the impediment and giving you directions how to do it.

An important piece of equipment that every driver must have in the boot is jump leads. Fan belts slacken, batteries short out, all kinds of items can happen, but if you want to get on the road again without delay, the best thing you can have if you have a flat battery is your own set of jump leads. It is no good depending on someone to stop and help you get your car started hoping that they will have jump leads. Get your own, they only cost a couple of dollars.

If you have children that are a pain in the backside on long journeys, why not get them an in-car entertainment system? Strapped or cut into the back of the front seats, the screens can display video games or films – a bit like airplane seats, but more so.

If you like to drive fast but are cheesed off with speed cameras, why not fit a speed camera detector? They are not that expensive and can be installed by yourself do-it-yourself. It could save you hundreds in fines and even your license.

In truth, there are far too many car accessories and gadgets to be listed here and I am sure that you could mention a dozen that I have left out, but the point is simply that car accessories and gadgets can enhance your driving experience and that is what it is all about at the end of the day.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on different subjects, but is now busy with entry door locks. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at Escort 8500.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Satellite Radio: What Is It?

Satellite radio has in fact been around for quite some time, but it was inaccessible to many people because the stations that were broadcasting were pretty obscure, the apparatus was costly and the arials, normally in the form of dishes were extremely directional, which meant you needed to use expensive, experienced installers.

For proof of this you should look no further than bookmakers and betting shops who had specialized satellite broadcasts beamed to their establishments with the results of the races live.

The difference now is in cost and the power of the satellite radio transmission devices in addition to the receivers. In other words, satellite radio technology has advanced a long way since the Eighties. Satellite radio can also be received more easily these days, although the reception of satellite TV broadcasts still requires a directional receiving dish. This is why satellite TV cannot be received well on a boat or in a car, but you can still get satellite radio and you can still use your mobile phone.

Satellite radio broadcasts are digital so most of the advantages of using it are linked with digital technology. Some of these are: the ability to pick up signals from all around the wold through the satellite network and the lack off interference – that annoying hiss that you often could hear at night while listening to a distant broadcast. Reception is now invariably crystal clear owing to the simple rythym that is digital – on and off or high and low.

Digital only uses two signals so they are impossible to mix up, whereas analogue had millions of them allowing for mistakes due to bad weather or / and bad apparatus. That has been largely eradicated.

The situation in the US is that there is still competition between two opposing systems: XM and Sirius and it is to be hoped that this situation will soon be resolved as it was thirty years ago between VHS and Betamax, because otherwise it will only be the customers who lose out in the end – the customers of the firm that goes through.

There were initially problems with satellite radio in some areas because natural or man-made structures would block the line of sight from the antenna or dish to the satellite causing a break in transmission. Typical causes for this would be tunnels, mountains and sky scrapers.

However, the satellite radio service providers soon came up with a solution to the problem by bouncing the signal from the airborne satellite off terrestrial dishes, in other words, reflecting them at closer to ground level, thereby providing satellite radio to millions of inner city dwellers.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on a variety of topics, but is now concerned with Bose alarm clocks. If you would like to know more, please go to our web site at Bose Digital Radio.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Reasons For Installing A Sat Nav System

You have surely seen auto navigation systems in your friends’ vehicles and you could be on the point of getting one yourself. It is definitely true that the auto navigation systems are impressive and the price of a set-up has fallen quite radically over the last few years. There are indeed many benefits to be derived from using an auto navigation system, which is also known as sat nav.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important benefits of using a sat nav system.

Safety is paramount in whatever pursuit you undertake and safety has to be taken into account when driving too. It is difficult to know whether the world used to be a safer place or not, but it is a fact that these days more people are wary of getting embroiled with strangers than they were before.

Solitary drivers do not want to accost a stranger and admit that they are lost or even stranded. Maybe the stranger will send you into an ambush, set up hurriedly over a mobile phone as you drive off happily suspecting nothing. People have become very distrustful of strangers.

It goes without saying that lone female drivers are the most wary of asking strangers for directions, but families with children are often very wary as well.

Using an auto navigation system solves this problem, because you will never get lost again, presuming that the sat nav console is wired to your car battery or you have spare batteries for a hand-held device in the glove compartment.

Confidence in getting to your destination on time, if you have left early enough, is another major advantage. Traffic jams, road works, accidents and natural disasters will no longer be surprises to you and your sat nave system will be able to suggest alternative routes in order to avoid the obstacle. This is a very large advantage.

You will no longer have to leave really early to make sure you miss the traffic or to make certain you get somewhere on time. Sat nav will give your ETA. This can save you a whole load of stress, especially if you have to be in certain places for work or the kids all the way through the day.

Not to have to juggle with maps is a boon as well. No more folding and refolding maps and trying to remember portions of the route and then stopping to check and remember the next section of the route. Maps are always out of date too. New segments of motorway are always being added and small roads are sometimes closed for a new housing development. Paper maps just cannot keep up.

The last but not automatically the least major benefit is the freedom an auto navigation system gives to you in your free time. It opens up the countryside If you were always a bit nervous about going on a Sunday drive because you did not know the route or did not have a co-pilot to read the map, now you can just go with your auto navigation system.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece writes on different topics, but is presently involved with the Snooper sat nav system. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at Escort 8500.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

The Mazda3 Is An Affordable Car With Lots of Extras

Times are tough and with the current recession Americans are paying closer attention to their budgets and expect a lot of value for their money. The Mazda3 is definitely a vehicle that delivers when it comes to value. This auto competes in the affordable small car market, which is a very competitive segment mainly dominated by strong players such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Control. Shoppers can choose from a four door sedan model or a hatchback. This auto is a big seller for the company and accounts for around thirty percent of its overall sales.

Most economy vehicles are not focused on performance, however the Mazda3 provides an engaging and fun drive thanks to its advanced suspension system. The brakes are strong and powerful while steering is quick and nimble. Even though it’s a vehicle that is affordable it certainly does not feel like an economy car. There are two engine choices available; a V4 20. Liter with 148 hp and 135 lb feet of torque and a more powerful 2.5 Liter with 167 hp and 168 lb feet of torque. This auto is available at Mazda Los Angeles

You would never be able to tell from its well-appointed interior that the Mazda3 is an economy car. Front row seating is a tad on the small side so larger passengers might be a bit uncomfortable. Standard features include compatibility with Bluetooth devices, a premium audio sound speaker utilizing state-of-the-art Bose speakers and a climate control system. For an additional cost, you can throw in sweet added features such as Bi-Xenon lights, push button start and an adjustable driver’s seat. If you need extra storage space, opt for the hatchback which allows you to fold down a row of seats.

In addition, Mazda also provides buyers with a warranty program. Cars receive a three year or 36,000 mile warranty and a five year or 60,000 mile warranty for the powertrain. An extensive warranty like this is a plus during tough economic times; extensive car repairs can make a serious dent in a budget plan. Safety features for the Mazda3 include a comprehensive air bag system. The 2011 Mazda four door and five door vehicles receive a total score of four out of five stars during government crash testing.

The Mazda 3 proves that it has what it takes to compete in the competitive compact economy segment including the Corolla and Civic. Pricing starts around $15k and may increase depending on the options selected.

Written by Paris Angel. For Mazda3 cars in Los Angeles visit Used Cars Van Nuys

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

The Very First Electric Car Is Coming To The U.S Just In Time For Christmas – The Nissan Leaf

Famed bicyclist Lance Armstrong will be the first person in the states to drive the Nissan Leaf on September 3 of 2010, which is three months before it will be released for sale in December. This should not be a big surprise considering the fact that Nissan is a major sponsor of Armstrong in the Tour de France. Armstrong has appeared in numerous commercials promoting the Leaf. This arrival of the Leaf is a big deal because this will be the first time that an electric car will be available for mass sale in America.

The Leaf is a curvaceous and sleek looking ride with five doors and it’s a hatchback. Obviously the Leaf won’t have a fuel door or exhaust pipe since its electric and it will be available in five colors; blue, red, silver, white and black. This futuristic car will sport 16″ alloy wheels, an aerodynamic under body and cool looking spoilers. One really unique aspect of this car is its cool headlights incorporating a blue design which actually divert airflow away from the doors in order to ensure a more comfortable ride. On top of that, these lights actually consume fifty percent less electricity than a regular lamp, which is very appropriate when you consider the car’s eco-conscious theme. Two trim levels will be available for the Leaf : SV and SL.

What’s unique about this car is that the Leaf is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack which outputs 107 HP. It will take around four to eight hours to charge the Leaf but a commercial charging station can get it done in around thirty minutes. This electric car will be able to reach speeds of up to ninety miles an hour and will be able to travel around one hundred miles before it needs to be re-charged. There is a display which shows how much power you have left and the locations of any nearby charging stations.

There is an incentive to purchase the Nissan Leaf in the form of tax credits. After a credit of $7,500, the base price will drop to around $25k from the standard $32,780 price tag. It will cost around $2,000 to have a special charging station installed in your home which will be able to charge the car in thirty minutes but some states offer tax incentives which almost recoup this expense. This vehicle is surprisingly pretty affordable after the tax credit.

This car sports all the latest cool gadgets and tech advances. A navigation system comes standard with the car and an advanced feature lets you actually heat and cool your car from your phone before you get in, just perfect for those cold winter days or blistering hot summers. The audio system offers satellite radio, 6 speakers and is compatible with Ipod music players. Safety features include airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, front and rear stabilizer bars, a tire pressure monitoring system and an alarm system.

If you want to go green and want to experience the latest automotive technology then the Leaf would be a very good choice. Lance Armstrong will get his Leaf in September but the rest of us will be able to experience this car for ourselves just in time for Christmas. With the tax credits applied, this car is priced to sell! Get your Leaf this Christmas and go green!

Written by Jacqueline Star: Used Cars San Bernardino, Carrollton Used Cars

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace