Install A Cold Air Intake For Better Performance

A simple way for any car buff to get more power out of his or her ride is to install a cold air intake system. A cold air intake is designed to reduce the temperature of air entering a vehicle to maximize the engine’s power. The net result is a vehicle that performs better, saves on fuel, and produces a nifty intake tone. Additionally, a cold air intake will improve the look of a vehicle's engine bay. Fortunately, installing a cold air intake system is not a difficult job: you can do it yourself. Let's take a look at the advantages of installing a cold air intake.  

More Power – Denser, colder air acts like “food” for your engine. The lower the temperature of the air entering your engine, the more efficient it runs. If an engine could speak it would say, “feed me cold air.” By installing a cold air intake you give your engine what it really wants. The result is more horsepower and torque as your engine taps into power that would have otherwise have gone to waste.  
Better Fuel Economy – There is a mistake that some make when they discuss performance parts: many power enhancements actually increase fuel mileage, they don’t reduce it. An efficiently operating engine eats up less gas and a cold air intake delivers better overall fuel economy because the engine does not have to work as hard. Greater efficiency equals better fuel mileage.
 
Top Notch Sound/Great Looks – Open up your vehicle’s engine bay for all of the world to see and you will hear plenty of positive remarks about your colorful air intake system. Cold air intakes come in a variety of colors and some have paintable surfaces for special customization. Moreover, a cold air intake produces a throaty intake tone when traveling around town or while moving down the highway. There are many brands producing cold air intake systems, but you must determine the right part for your particular make and model. Top selling brands include K&N Intake, AEM Cold Air Intake, Volant Air Intake, and Injen as they are some of the most noteworthy intakes for the at-home mechanic. For the best selection and lowest prices, shop with a reputable online wholesaler. Enjoy your cold air intake system as you reap the many benefits of owning a well engineered and attractive device.

Cold air intakes at Autopartsasap.com

Auto Detailing: Making Your Old Car New Again

The wear and tear of seemingly ordinary, day to day driving can take its toll on even the most cautious of drivers. Nicks, scratches, dents, chips, and the like, can etch the surface of your car like an acid, marring the pristine finish it had when you drove it off the lot. These unwanted (and yet inevitable) scars are the proud automobile owner’s nightmare, but can be easily remedied by way of the talents of a professional auto detailer.

Those long bouts of highway driving we are all subjected to from time to time, can be as frustrating for the drone of the open road as much as they are for the caked layer of insects which inevitably grace the hood, bumpers, windshields, and grills of a once clean car. It’s an annoyance most easily absolved through a thorough automobile detailing. A good auto detailer can polish, buff, and wax your car back into the condition you remember it, and the condition you deserve it to be in. Of course, you might say, professional automotive detailing is not a necessity, I can scrub and polish my own car, thank you very much.” But this can be a dangerous misconception. Using the wrong equipment, or using improper techniques, or unqualified persons to work on your car can actually do more harm than good.

Cheap shampoos, soaps, scrub brushes and such, can wear down the quality of your automobile’s paint job, leaving it more spotted, tarnished, and lusterless. Even hasty, careless work with something as seemingly inconsequential as a bristly old rag can leave nearly unnoticeable scuffs, slowly wearing down the shine of a once beautiful marriage of paint and wax. This is where the talents and experience of a professional auto detailer can save the day. In the hands of a good detailer, your car can gain back the brilliance it once had, and had subsequently lost through the trials and tribulations of everyday use.

And that’s nothing to say of the interior. We all of us know how easy it is to stain, scuff, and generally wear down the carpet and upholstery of your car of truck’s interior, leaving it a paltry version of its former self. And then there’s the non-visible horrors of an unclean car: the smell. The tiniest of coffee spills or other such filth and dirt that can so easily be trudged into your car, can burrow their foul odor deep in the fibers of carpets and seat covers. And anyone who has ever taken their dog for a ride to the park knows that unmistakable canine musk lingers on well after the dog blanket and tennis ball have been removed. Such unpleasant odors area fact of your car’s life, but are in no way a death sentence. A thorough auto detailing can exorcise even the most offensive aromas from that enclosed space where, behind the wheel, we spend so much of our time.

There’s no need to go on driving a car that is slowly deteriorating away from its former glory. We can all recall that new car smell, that fresh-off-the-lot fragrance that has burned its way into all car drivers’ memories; it’s one of the saddest truths about regular car use that this smell represents cleanliness, and whose only hope of recovery can be through cleanliness. automotive detailing is your best bet to improving the look and feel of your car is by utilizing the efforts of a good detailer. A full auto detailing will appease that nagging guilt you feel whenever the sun comes out and all the blemishes of a once fine automobile are exposed for every prying eye to see. His expertise can do what the rest of us folk have neither the time nor the equipment to accomplish – and he might just have you, if not enjoying, at the very least, dreading that unavoidable rush-hour just a little bit less.

DotCom Diesel

Diesel Powered Cars: Coming At You!

The number of diesel powered cars on North American highways has been dropping steadily ever since their peak in the mid 1980s. For many motorists, diesel engines conjure up images of pollution, poor power, and unreliability. However, one generation later and all that is about to change. New diesel powered vehicles will soon be arriving, in fact one is already here and receiving critical acclaim from auto enthusiasts.

Who can forget those diesel powered Chevrolet Caprices and Oldsmobile 98s that suddenly became very popular 25 years ago? If you are like many car owners, you want to forget those cars. What GM did back then was to take existing gasoline engines and convert them to diesel engines. These converted engines were loud, smoky, and very unreliable. They were unreliable to the point where GM had to pay tens of millions of dollars to replace failed engines with gasoline engines.

The memory of GM’s diesel fiasco was never lost on drivers who have spurned diesels to the point where many automakers are no longer producing diesel engines. Mercedes, a strong seller of diesel powered cars in Europe, no longer sells a diesel powered car in North America.  VW is the lone importer of diesel engines while the U.S. manufacturers only place high performance diesel engines in their larger vehicles such as pick up trucks.

Another area that has stopped diesel engines cold is air pollution. Very stringent emission regulations have all but wiped out the possibility that many of the smaller diesel engines could be sold in the U.S. However, a change is in the wind as new technology is now in place that will make diesel powered cars cleaner. In addition, with the high cost of gasoline now prevailing, a diesel powered car has much more of an appeal to it especially since fuel savings of 20-30% are possible.

DaimlerChrysler recently introduced a Jeep Liberty with an optionally equipped diesel engine and this compact SUV is selling well with the optional engine. Its new 2.8L diesel delivers fuel improvements as high as 32% over a comparable gas 4x4 model and pollution is kept to a minimum. In addition, the added torque is a favorite with some, especially those who need to pull a boat or a camper with the Jeep.

Volkswagen will be bringing additional diesel powered cars to the North American market over the next few years. Diesel powered Golfs, Jettas, and possibly several larger model VWs will soon be traversing the highways and byways of Canada and the U.S.

BMW and Mercedes are both likely to be importing diesel cars over the next few years. Both automakers are studying the market to see if compact models could sell in North America. Each proposed model line is currently sold in Europe and diesel engines are a popular option with these cars.

GM is also considering tapping its relationship with Isuzu to import engines to be placed in several compact models. Long a producer of diesel powered vehicles, Isuzu has pretty much exited the North American market, but could return in the form of Isuzu powered cars sold by GM.

Chrysler will likely take its favorable experience with its Jeep division and begin to offer diesel engines on other trucks and SUVs. At the same time the all new Dodge Caliber, a replacement for the Neon, may eventually offer a diesel engine too.

Ford seems to be content with expanding its hybrid offerings and no other Japanese or Korean manufacturers appear ready to jump into the diesel movement…yet. Regardless, within five years the number of diesel cars on American and Canadian roads will likely triple. This can be a good thing for people wanting better fuel mileage, more torque, and a highly reliable engine.

For older diesel powered cars, they will continue to serve their purpose as owners discover how to extend their lives through useful aftermarket parts such as Bully Dog and competing products. With their rugged durability and well known reliability, a diesel powered car can easily reach a half of million miles or more before quitting.


Dotcom Diesel

Hybrid vs. Diesel

In these days of soaring gas prices, it seems that everyone is looking to increase their gas mileage. In the past, those looking to drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle had just one option: diesel trucks and cars. Diesel vehicles use significantly less fuel than cars that run on regular gas.

There is an option to diesel vehicles. Recently, hybrid vehicles have been appearing everywhere. No longer are they just slightly odd-looking compact cars. Hybrid technology can be found in everything from compact cars to SUVs. Are you better off with the old, diesel standby or do hybrid cars really offer more?

Diesel vehicles

For years, the gas-conscious consumer chose the diesel vehicle. These earlier diesels were generally noisier, dirtier and handled the road more poorly than their gas counterparts did. In fact, five states currently do not allow the sale of diesel vehicles due to strict emissions standards.

However, this image of the diesel vehicle is very outdated. Modern diesel vehicles are much cleaner than their earlier counterparts are. Low-sulphur diesel fuel and new technology that helps trap emissions particles are making diesel engines cleaner than ever before. In addition, modern diesel vehicles handle nearly as well as their gas-powered cousins and are less noisy as well.

Fuel efficiency is still paramount when it comes to driving a diesel vehicle. With their average nine miles per gallon increase over gas-powered vehicles, diesels are a viable option for the fuel-conscious consumer.
Hybrid vehicles

Hybrid vehicles are the newcomer to the mileage game. These vehicles run on a combination of gas and electric power, and they promise vastly increased gas mileage and lower emissions.

While these vehicles deliver on the promise, there are a few shortcomings as well. The first and most glaring disappointment is that many drivers find that the advertised mileage and the actual mileage the car achieves are vastly different.

For instance, the Toyota Prius advertises gas mileage of 55 miles per gallon, according to U.S. government reports. However, when Consumer Reports magazine tested the car under actual driving conditions, the mileage achieved was only 44 miles per gallon. While this is still excellent gas mileage, it is far less than advertised.

In addition, the sheer price of hybrid vehicles can be daunting. While a diesel vehicle generally costs an average of $1000 more than its gas-powered version, a hybrid vehicle costs several thousand dollars more than a gas-powered car. The Honda Civic Hybrid base price is $4800 more than the standard Civic with the same options and amenities.

Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid is about 30% greater than on the standard vehicle, it would take an average driver at today’s gas costs more than twelve years to recoup the cost difference. However, one must consider that some of this additional cost can also be recouped with the one-time federal tax credit. In addition, some states and even employers offer rebates to those who drive hybrid vehicles.

Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid is about 30% greater than on the standard vehicle, it would take an average driver at today’s gas costs more than twelve years to recoup the cost difference. However, one must consider that some of this additional cost can also be recouped with the one-time federal tax credit. In addition, some states and even employers offer rebates to those who drive hybrid vehicles.

Get your diesel AND hybrid parts here!

Tool Boxes And A Truck Lumber Rack

There are a variety of tool boxes available today to meet your needs, differing by factors such as material, price, purpose and manufacturer.

Plastic tool boxes are great for more recreational use around the house and are the least expensive type. They are not as durable, but if cost is an issue a plastic tool box should suffice. They are not good for heavy duty professional use. Aluminum is another common material for tool boxes. It is more durable than plastic tool boxes, yet is still light weight. Aluminum tool boxes are slightly more expensive than plastic tool boxes, but they will last much longer. However, of all the materials, steel is the strongest and most durable. Steel tool boxes are best for heavy duty professional use and will endure the regular use. As would be expected, steel tool boxes are the most expensive. A power coated steel finish is best for standing up to the weather and outside environment.

In addition to the material, there are several types of tool boxes from which to choose. For instance, truck tool boxes are great for trucks with limited space in the cab to haul tools. The tool box can be safely carried in the bed of the truck. A variety of styles are made to fit different types of trucks.  Top mount tool boxes are actually mounted in the bed behind the cab of a truck. Top mount tool boxes can have single or dual lids and one compartment or multiple compartments. The style of box you choose depends on what tools and what size tools you will carry.  Side mount tool boxes mount on the side rail of the truck’s bed, though most of the box remains inside the bed. These tool boxes come in a variety of sizes to fit all sizes trucks, whether compact or a full size. The most popular tool box for a pick up truck is the crossover box. It fits behind the cab of any size truck, and most can be bolted to the bed of the truck to help prevent theft. Finally, a truck lumber rack may be a good accessory consider especially if the toolbox is hauled and/or attached to your truck. Truck lumber racks can help prevent scratching and dinging and provide a mount on the bed of the truck to carry your tools.

Delta tool boxes are one of the most preferred brands of tool boxes by professionals. The styles come in both steel and plastic. The delta champion series has a good line of crossover tool boxes, which have an insulted lid with three layer laminate increasing the durability and security. The pro-series delta tool box is a more durable box as it is made of steel and aluminum. Other brands of tool boxes include Homak tool boxes which come in plastic, metal and a plastic-metal combination. Homak manufacturer also offers a line of tool bags which may be a good alternative to the heavier, metal tool boxes.

Get your toolboxes and lumber racks here!

Diesel Air Intakes To Improve Performance

Like most diesel truck owners, you are probably always looking to improve your diesel performance. Luckily, there are many tools at your disposal to help make your truck run more efficiently as well as more powerfully. Whether you’ve been making performance modifications to your vehicle for some time, or you’ve just started, a quality intake is probably something you’ve been thinking of incorporating into your diesel performance plan.

Quadzilla

Quadzilla intakes are one of the most popular, and when you see green, you know are you are looking at a Quadzilla intake as they use green exclusively. All Quadzilla intakes are built from steel and are powder-coated wrinkle black. Quadzilla is considered superior to other brands for a variety of reasons including the green woven cotton that wears better, and has better filtering capabilities. Quadzilla also uses just two layers, instead of up to seven, which obviously allows more airflow. With Quadzilla you can see up to 35 horsepower gains, which is quite remarkable.

AFE Trueflow

AFE Trueflow is another diesel air intake that you might want to look into. If you are tired of changing your paper air filter, AFE Trueflow might be just what you are looking for. This air intake filter involves five cotton gauze layers and two non-woven synthetic layers. With the AFE Trueflow you’ll benefit from high filtration and a long service life. The AFE Trueflow has been specifically designed for your Chevy Duramax, Dodge Cummins, or Ford Powerstroke that is operating under heavy-duty work conditions. This is definitely a great buy, and a brand you can believe in.

Of course, when you mention diesel intakes, the Banks brand is one that fits right in. Banks has developed a series of intakes that will allow your engine to maximize efficiency by balancing the air and fuel ratio leading to safe engine temperatures, engine durability, fuel efficiency, and powerful performance every time. Banks has a theme of “First Air, Then Fuel” and this carries over to their intakes, which will enhance your performance every time. When you match their intakes with power chips, you’ll find that you have a great combination to work with!

Bully Dog

Bully dog is another of the obvious choices for a diesel performance air intake solution. Bully dog cold air intakes deliver more oxygen for more power, in every truck, every time. While Bully dog is known for just about every thing diesel and even Bully dog propane, it’s a brand that you can really trust and comes through every time. If you want more horsepower, a Bully dog air intake is what you need to get the job done. Even better, Bully dog has consistent prices so that you can improve your diesel performance as cost effectively as possible.

Diesel performance is definitely affected by air intake, so if you haven’t already, you should consider the intakes above to work with your diesel tuners, diesel chips, and even your diesel exhaust to improve your performance even more! You’ll be amazed at what the right air intake can do for your truck.

Get your performance diesel intake parts here!

Biodiesel Extend The Life Of Your Diesel Engine

Biodiesel can extend the life of your engine whether it is in your diesel equipped auto, truck, tractor, bus or highway rig. Biodiesel can increase the longevity of your engine by up to 100 %. Costs are reduced – whether it be for maintenance or vehicle replacement. The engine last longer , breaks down less frequently resulting in longer vehicle life spans , greater reliability and overall less vehicle costs – again be it diesel equipped auto , car, truck ,tractor or highway rig.

How can this be so? The improved lubrication properties of biodiesel over regular vehicle diesel fuel results in increased parts longevity by up to 100 %. As a result commercial vehicles may be used for decades as well as travel millions of miles. Increased engine longevity translates into reduced maintenance costs, longer life spans and overall increases in reliability.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and cooking oils that are processed so that it can be added to diesel fuel as an additive. You cannot just mash up these fats and mix them with your diesel fuel. It is not as if any old Alvero character can make biodiesel in his garage at home. If the biodiesel is not prepared properly in a qualified industrial process – the contaminants of water, glycerols and other trace elements can well clog up your fuel injectors or even an expensive injection pump. Properly done biodiesel is a safe and beneficial fuel additive – now being routinely recommended and touted by major vehicle and diesel engine manufacturers.

Prepared properly in a commercial setting. and bought commercially you can be assured that not only will the biodiesel will be safe for your engine to use – but will even give the benefits of much greater engine life , enhanced reliability and lower maintenance costs overall.

Biodiesel is added to the regular diesel fuel. The percentage added depends on the climate the vehicles or autos will be used in. In warmer climates – such as tropical or Florida type climates – a percentage mixture of up to 20 % can be used. A 20 % biodiesel percentage in a truck driven up North to Edmonton Canada in the cold of winter will thicken up in the cold Alberta winter weather.

In such a cold winter temperature a biodiesel mixture ratio of 5 % would probably be used. To increase the blends of biodiesel used commercial vehicles such as trucks and busses can have fuel heaters installed – either inline fuel heaters of fuel tank heaters.

Why go to all this trouble for biodiesel ? First of all biodiesel is a renewable resource – crops such as soybean oil or canola can be used instead of scarcer and more expensive petroleum oil based products. Using biodiesel doe mean that we use less regular diesel, however the percentages of biodiesel use are relatively small. For example most diesel manufacturers recommend only 5 biodiesel (B5 mixed wit 95 % regular diesel. Of course again in colder climates such as Edmonton Alberta the percentages may be eve less. Biodiesel is also good for reducing emissions and pollution levels of sulphur, carbon monoxide as well as overall tailpipe smog pollutants.

However as with most good things in life there are disadvantages to the use of biodiesel as a vehicle fuel additive. First biodiesel has slightly less energy than regular diesel fuel, so that the larger the percentage content of the Biodisel in the fuel – the less power the engine will have to deliver. Fortunately at the low percentages of biodiesel being used as a fuel additive this is not a major issue.

In addition biodiesel spoils with time. If the biodiesel is too be stored for a long period of time – then additional additives must be added.

As a result of its benefits to reducing petroleum oil use and increasing engine life and reliability biodiesel has a bright and emerging future in our transportation and automotive industries.

The use of biodiesel – an alternative renewable fuel, is fast on its way up.

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