krismas wishList

I’ve been good this year so I’m making my advance christmas wishlist.

1. Healthy baby

2. Safe delivery
3. baby stuff

4. extra money for house renovation

5. dvd player for our new TV

6. more buhay2x

7. laptop for my buhay2x

kana lng.

How some used car accessories jack up price but diminish value

A regular person’s dream ride, no matter what type of car, will have high tech features just short of James Bond’s vanishing Aston Martin. It wreaks havoc on our sense of proportion when we find a used car with an entertainment system, navigation, and all the gadgetry that we associate with the car of our dreams. A vehicle priced too high could end up looking like a rare bargain. If you want to buy a used car like a pro, you may want to steer clear of these new car features.

Navigation Systems. Many authorities on assigning used car values consider this as an additional asset. The fact is that this accessory usually only works in the vehicle’s country of origin. Some of them only require you to upload maps of your area for the system to work. But downloading the maps to your flash drive still presents an extra cost. So do your homework and find out the type of navigation system you are buying and if maps of your area are indeed available.

Built-in DVD Monitors. LCD screens that are built into the car are becoming quite popular. Sometimes they are imbedded in the front row’s headrests, mounted on the space between the front row seats, or even on the dashboard panel. You’d probably gladly pay a bit more for this gorgeous extra. Don’t. They easily malfunction and are quite expensive to replace. Instead, buy a portable DVD player. It has a bigger screen and is easier to use in and out of the car.

Satellite Radio Receivers. This high tech accessory is perfect for those who demand crystal clarity when tuning in to their favorite radio stations; provided, of course, that they are willing to pay an outrageous sum for subscription. Companies which provide satellite radio service have their own specific receivers which can let you listen to their own specific radio stations, depending on your specific subscription. As to which of these companies will continue to exist in the near future, I’m afraid there is nothing specific at the moment.

Removable Third-Row Seats. This ingenious feature, just like the SUV craze, is all but gone now. Not just because people are now looking for more fuel efficient vehicles but because they realize that if you needed the space while you are away from home and you manage to survive removing the 50 pound third row furniture, there’s no place to store them. If you are really willing to shell out some cash for an extra space, look for third row seats that fold on the floor.

Panoramic Roofs. Glass sunroofs that stretch from the back to the front of a vehicle are dangerous. Debris can crack and break the glass during an accident and there were even cases when passengers were thrown through them. Besides, a damaged sunroof is tough and quite expensive to fix.

Run-Flat Tires. If you are worried about running a flat tire, use the spare. Run-flat tires will give you a harsher ride. Although they can keep you from worrying about holes in your rubber, run-flat tires will still slowly but surely drill a hole in your pocket as they lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Keyless Entry. Yes, James Bond never used a key. He never worried about replacement cost in case the remote got lost or damaged either. And when the gadget failed, the director can always call for a second take. Because these tiny contraptions do fail; and when they do, I hope you don’t get mistaken for a burglar when you try to jimmy the lock on your car, Agent 007!

by: Evert Canada
AutoTerminal.com

by

Buying used Japanese vehicles in New Zealand

Looking for a cheaper deal? Whether for personal use or business, new vehicles mean more money and during hard times it’s practical to set aside luxury for necessity.

There are lots of ways to get a better bargain. Used Japanese vehicles are a safe bet, since most used vehicles from Japan are fairly in good condition. Buying used Japanese vehicles could be the cheaper and best alternative and here are a few smart tips on how to start.

1. Do your home work.
Search used japanese vehicles in your local trade magazines, publications or online.
Motohound.co.nz, for instance, is a trusted source of used Japanese vehicles with an extensive inventory to choose from online. You get to search the inventory and also get to choose the dealer depending on your location without worrying about shipping.
Some online and offline publications by Auto Trader, have classified ads of used Japanese imports as well.
If those options still don’t work for you, you may check out IBC Japan. IBC Japan is the leading vehicle exporter in Japan with a wide-ranging vehicle inventory. You can also access their online auction service-iDirect and get to bid daily and purchase vehicles from more than 100 auctions held weekly in Japan, with over 150,000 units to choose from.

2. Review your notes.
Take time to see which vehicles and dealers work better for you while taking into consideration the Freight on board (FOB) and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) fees as they may add up to roughly 10% of the total price.
Skim through and check the pictures and vehicle specifications for further reference.
Avoid dealers who do not provide condition reports, stolen vehicle checks ,odometer certifications and accident histories.

There could be better sources just around the corner and some local dealers might just have the right models and services you are looking for.
Some online sources include shipping costs on the price of their vehicles but make sure you carefully read and understand the trade terms.
A test drive is a must and if you can’t do a test drive on the vehicle you are about to purchase, make sure to buy only from a reputable source.

3. Stock the docs. (pre import)
Before you import, it is pertinent that you check and stock the important documents.
Be sure to secure vehicle registration documents and previous ownership records.
Light and heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)
Make sure to also provide certified translations of all the non-English documents. (eg, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

4. Ship wisely. (pre import)
After ordering your vehicle, see to it that you understand the shipping details and options. Containerization could be a better alternative to Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and be sure the company handling this follows the best practices and safety procedures. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to arrive with scratches and dents .

5. Immigrant? For immigrants who want to import a preregistered vehicle in New Zealand, read here or log on to www.ltsa.govt.nz for other queries.

by: Amalia Aviles
AutoTerminal.com New Zealand

:: dadi ::

few years back, i have this thing in my mind and in my dreams that i'LL be alive until my my 27th year. until my dad passed away dec 18 - and i was 27 y.o. then... right there when that green line thing in the monitor hit me -- im 27 and its not me who died instead it was my father. i could still perfectly recall how he struggled exactly 7.05pm of dec 18 @ cduh. that last breath, that straight green light in the monitor system -- i never thought it would happen to me, us. its almost 2 years has past since my dad passed away.

when i was still a child - im not that close to my dad. he's my number one enemy at home. even if he's (& my mom as well) the kind of parent(s) who hit their child to discipline them yet i still i love them silently. i used to have lots of questions behind me like -- why my dad dont have any job, he's the one taking good care of us (me & my sis), and the like, alot of "why's". but through the years i found out that my dad is a very shy type of guy, aloof and oh he used to be an activist-- he's only confident enough to speak when he gets drunk. i know pretty much that he's intelligent. i also remember when i was 5-7 y.o. where there are lots of strangers coming to our place-- talking to my dad-- i wonder who they were, so i asked my mom and said they were NPA's asking my that to be one of their speaker or something. "sus if nadayon to si dadi -- ipako.ut jud ni nako ang mga hilabtanon og suyaon sa akong palibot"

i remember one time, when i was out playing in our neighborhood, accidentally hit my head with that coco trunk and had a cut, was crying on my way home, when my dad saw me crying to death and saw my head was bleeding -- instead of comforting me -- he hit me with a broomstick coz he was cleaning our garden and told me "mao na cge man og kiat". it was almost dark when he wanted to bring me to the nearby clinic but decided not to instead coz he wants my mom to do it. scared that my mom will find out and get another set of "bunal", i slept early so she wont noticed my cut - yet she woke me up to take a look and hugged me.

too much bout that.

i may not be the kind of person who visit's my dad but i kept him inside my heart and he's always in my thoughts. how i wish he's still around

i've wanted and longed to write this thing about him coz 1 thing is for sure, i miss my father so much.




DANCE with MY FATHER

back when i was a child

before life removed all the innocence

my father would lift me high

and dance with my mother and me and then

spin me around till i fell, feel asleep

then up the stairs he would carry me

and i knew for sure, i was loved.

if i could get another chance

another walk, another dance with him

i'd play a song that would never ever end

how i'd love, love, love to dance with my father again.

when i and my mother would disagree

to get my way i would run from her to him

he'd make me laugh just to comfort me (ooh)

and finally make me do just what my mother said

later that night when i fell asleep

he left a dollar under my sheet

never dreamed that he would be gone from me. (noo)

if i could steal one final glance,

one final step, one final dance with him

i'd play a song that would never ever end

'cause i'd love, love, love to dance with my father again.

Dance with my Father Again by Tamyra Gray

Rehearse your own funeral??

i was reading some international news and i found this article, see below -- so funny that nowadays you can rehearse your own funeral from music, flowers and audience... hmmmm pwede kaya ni diri sa pinas?? ma.try nga! -- heheh jk

VIENNA - If you want to make sure everything goes to plan on your special day...then rehearse your own funeral in Vienna, with music, flowers and an audience.

Conceptual artists Gary O'Dwyer and Pierre Coinde have been encouraging people in the Austrian capital to lie back on a white, elevated tomb-like platform in the city's central Karlsplatz while they play a chosen funeral song.

Their art installation, which has passed through Frankfurt, Istanbul, Toronto and Venice, blends in well with Vienna, the home of elaborate funerals and with one of the world's few museums dedicated to death.

"Some people are curious, some are horrified, like you have asked them to do something terrible," O'Dwyer said.

"But for us it is about remembering to live. It gives people the chance to make a statement through a song."

Classical music is a popular choice in the home of Beethoven, while some people choose more tongue-in-cheek tracks like Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' or Falco's 'Rock me Amadeus,' one of Austria's few international pop hits.

Florian Wagner, 24, opts for Phantom/Ghost's eerie song 'Relax it's Only a Ghost' as he lies back on a red pillow in the sunshine next to a plinth decked with flowers.

Passers-by on their way to a nearby concert house stare quizzically at his inanimate body while others stand solemnly and watch the ceremony.

"It's a way of relaxing, it is not macabre at all and gives you a chance to confront ideas about death, which is a good thing," Wagner, dressed in black, said after hopping off the tomb platform with a smile.

People of different nationalities act in different ways, the artists said, with some older Italians a little shocked at what they are being asked to do.

"Some think it is like tempting God or tempting fate," Coinde said. Some Austrians have wondered whether the exhibition is connected to the state funeral of Austrian rightist Joerg Haider who died in a high speed car crash on October 11.

"Yesterday a little girl came up to us afterwards in tears," Coinde said. "If the song is upbeat, people can feel good about it, but if the music is sad, people can get very emotional about the experience."

GG marathon!

wwoohoooo i got to watch gossip girl again. its new season has been started since last month but only until yesterday i was able to watch the 6 latest epis of it. B is such a brat and so self-centered, she really cant beat S. bad person will never ever succeed and will feel awful for herself. poor B, just like the one i knew from here.. poor U

ohh my i cant wait for the next episodes.

blog lurking

its been a while that iv been lurking blogs from other people, some has funny stories, some are inspirational but i like the most the ones where i can get info in technology, new techniques. how i wish i know how to write well so i can be like them as well.

hope some people will be able to check out my blog as well. and my other maintained site, company site

the waiting game

im in my 29 weeks of my pregnancy, so tiring but still worth it. i cant wait to see my little baby ******. last two saturday's ago i went to a clinic to have ultrasound... i was so eager to know the gender of my baby.. and chechinggggg... i knew im having a babyy.... ehehheh find out for yourself guys.. hope my lil pea is doing alright inside me. and i cant wait to see h**..

la lng.. bored lng ko today

How to detect hidden defects in a used car

Imagine yourself in the seller's shoes. You are trying to sell your old coupe for a bigger sedan. You gather the keys, rummage through your pile of junk for the owner's manual and old service records. You clean the engines, vacuum the interiors, rub out the stains on the cushions and put your coupe through a car wash.

When you get home to admire the sheen of the freshly polished wax, you notice some scratches and dents. Luckily, you have the cosmetics for such a contingency. And if your luck holds out, buyers wouldn’t even notice the dents and scratches. You are now ready to meet the buyers with a smile borne out of a clean conscience.

Imagine and remember this because this is exactly how a private seller with an ounce of business sense would prep his or her vehicle before a sale. Dealers could do it a lot better when they try. So, how do you see past the haphazard paint job? There is a way to detect hidden defects on the vehicle.

Body
• Check if the paint on the outside of the car matches the paint inside the door frame. Check for gritty surfaces and paint overspray on chrome – possible signs of a new paint job or masking body dents and scratches.
• Check if the panels line up evenly. Also check if there are any scuffs, scratches, dents or irregular protrusions in the wings and bumper – these could be warning signs of past accidents.

Doors and Trunk Lid
• Make sure that doors and lid open without any creaks and close smoothly without being slammed. A door or lid that doesn’t fit evenly could indicate that the vehicle was involved in a collision or was regularly driven in rough roads.
• Check that the locks work properly.
• Look for rips and stains on the interior panel of the door and scrapes on the bottom edges.

Windows
• See if there are any hairline cracks or tiny holes in the glass.
• Make sure that they move up and down smoothly and if they fit snugly when fully rolled up or down.

Tailpipe
• Check if the tailpipe is damaged from poor reversing.
• Examine the rear bumper for excessive soot from the exhaust. If the tailpipe has black gummy soot, this may indicate that the engine has worn rings or bad valves, which could mean expensive repairs.

Tires and Shock Absorbers
• Check the tires (don’t forget the spare) if they are unevenly worn as this may indicate either bad alignment or worse – damaged suspension.
• Put your full weight on a corner of the car and release – if the car keeps rocking up and down, be wary about the condition of the shock absorbers.

Interiors
• Check if the steering wheel points straight when the wheels are aligned ahead.
• Check the upholstery for cigarette burns, rips, stains or scuffs. Low mileage readings but worn out driver’s seat and brake and accelerator pedals could mean that the odometer has been tampered.
• Musty smell, dirt under the mat, moisture inside the trunk and watermarks on the interior panels of doors are likely indicators of flood damage.

Lights and Mechanical Devices
• Make sure the lights, air conditioner, heater, windshield wipers, radio and other accessories work properly.

Already sounds like too much work? This doesn’t include checking out the engine and gauging the vehicle’s driving performance yet. That’s a long topic that needs to be addressed in a separate article. Nevertheless, what we’ve discussed could help you unmask any hastily dressed up lemon to reveal its true colors, so to speak.

If you want convenience, buy from a reputable dealer who sells the vehicle “as is.” The dealer does the checking for you, documents all the dents, scratches and damages worth noting and includes the information in the vehicle description. Then all you need to do is negotiate the price.

www.autoterminal.com

Maintaining the peak performance of your car’s battery

For those of you who are first time DIYs, the battery is one of the integral components of your car; it is rechargeable and is the power source of the ignition system and other electrical devices in your car.

Initially there’s the maintenance free and low-maintenance types to choose from. A maintenance free battery is sealed and will not require replenishing the battery fluids over a long period of time while the low-maintenance type requires constant check up and replenishing once a drop in battery fluid levels can be seen. Battery fluid (Alkaline) can easily be bought at local gas stations and car yards or you can use distilled water as a substitute.

In layman’s terms the battery is the heart of your car but is often times the most neglected simply because nowadays it’s bought “maintenance free.”

Recent trends and technological advancements have made maintenance free batteries a standard on every vehicle out in the market today.

Don’t get the impression that since you’ve read on the label that it’s maintenance free, you will just simply put it in its place and forget about it. Your car’s battery is not entirely that. Just like any other sensitive equipment of your car, it also requires your constant care and attention for it to function well.

Here are the basic maintenance tips that will certainly save you a lot of trouble and will not leave you clueless by the roadside while on a very important trip.

As a rule before doing maintenance checks, always see to it to disconnect the clamps off the terminals to avoid untoward injuries from shock.

1. Check the cell casing and cover
Run an ocular inspection on the battery cell casing, box and cover for signs of moisture and pungent acidic smell. These are indicators that your battery is leaking and it needs to be fixed or replaced right away.

Maintain caution when handling leaking batteries for hazardous chemicals are present.

2. Clean terminals, clamps and cables
When you happened to see white powdery specks or see colorful substances around the terminals, they are signs of corrosion and needs to be cleaned right away. Make a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda immersed in 1 cup of water) and with an old toothbrush, clean the terminals, clamps and cables. Also clean the battery cover for accumulated grime and dust.

3. Make sure everything is dry
Make it a point to have everything dry before going further with your check up. With a dry rag, wipe off the remaining dew and moisture from the battery and terminals.

4. Check the wiring and connection
Run a check on the wires and clamps for strips or corrosion. If you have stripped cables, patch the affected part with a good electrical tape or have them replaced by a mechanic. Make sure that the battery is placed securely in its place. If your battery is equipped with a hold down bar, be sure to replace it.

5. Lubricate the terminals
With a lubricant (Petroleum jelly) place a small dab on the terminals. This will keep your cables clean and free of corrosion longer, while making it easier for you to put the cables back on the battery terminal.

6. Change your battery
Change your battery at the maximum of 3 to 3.5 years or after reaching the warranty period. For accidental battery drain (Such as leaving the lights on or stereo on) a lot of auto technicians would just recommend re-charging.
Car battery maintenance is that easy! Do it frequently to extend the life of your battery.

Safe driving.

www.autoterminal.com

Vehicles men and women want

We’ve seen how vehicles evolved through the pictures in history books and museums. They had different forms and functions. However, function wasn’t the only important factor to designers and consumers. Aesthetics and style played crucial and constant roles as well.

Ancient civilizations have started the tradition of designing and embellishing their chariots, wagons and other ancient forms of transportation. Egyptian chariots of gold and silver decorated with date palm branches, animals and other motifs were the most preferred.

Today we see how different people especially the men, choose to buy cars with slick wheels and other parts and accessories. The whole craze is absolutely nothing new and as the famous saying among men goes- “you don’t drive a car, you wear it”. A car can magnify a lot, if not all of the traits of its owners and here some of those clues.

• For the women, safety, reliability and value are at the top of their list while men prefer performance, power and style.

According to Imre Molnar, dean of College for Creative Studies (Detroit), men’s desire to showcase power and aggression with the vehicles they drive stems from an “animal nature”. They dress up their vehicles as if it’s “mating season,” he quips. Molnar further elaborates that these attributes of masculine, big wheels, flush or protruding wheel faces and high “shoulder line” and taut lines can be found in most vehicles men drive today. Predator-looking vehicles that sit higher at the back have the “ready to pounce” look and this has become very common among sedans. At the top of the list are vehicles made for looking good and going fast or as Molnar calls them “testosterone show-off devices”.

• Studies, however, prove that most women prefer vehicles that are understated, opulent and with a comfy interior.
“Ease of entry and useful interior storage, including space for a purse, are elements that make vehicles especially attractive to women,” states Brigid O’Kane, a design professor and coordinator of the Transportation Design Track program at the University of Cincinnati.

• To create a distinctive look, women wear jewelry, high-end fashion and expensive handbags rather than cars while men create an image of wealth and influence by the cars they “wear”.

• Buying used vs. buying new: While men are most likely to buy used vehicles if they can’t buy the flashy new one, women are prone to settle for a new affordable car rather than their dream model.

• In general, men are more willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for sharp handling than women or to overlook an impractical cargo arrangement for an engine more pep, experts say.

• Strategic Vision’s new-vehicle experience study shows that 31 percent of men said driving is one of their favorite things to do, while only 18 percent of women said the same.

• According to the experts, SUVs with a “big and powerful” look resonates with men, while small, inexpensive vehicles are preferred by women.
So now you’ve got clues on what vehicles most men and women want. These studies and indicators fairly explain what vehicles both sexes prefer to drive or “wear.”

www.autoterminal.com

How to prepare your vehicle for cross-country road trips

John and Helen Taylor, the famous Aussie couple who broke the Guinness World Record in 2006 for fuel efficiency successfully circled the globe using only 24 tanks of gasoline while averaging an amazing 52.3 mpg.

Similarly, there has been a trend of cross-country road trips among the young and old.

Call it challenge or madness; more people know how to have a great sense of thrill and adventure.

Are you planning to go on a cross-country road trip yourself?
Before you to take part in that daring quest, while increasing your “cool factor” enormously, you will need to follow these essential tips:

At least three weeks before you go:

1. Plan Your Journey.
Plan your route, keeping in mind rush hour situations where possible. Check the map before leaving or make sure the portable GPS navigator (if you have one) works so you can be more fluid on your trip. Avoid getting lost and unnecessary stops as it burns a lot of fuel.

2. Have your car checked for repairs/maintenance.

3. Tune in your engine.
This will improve fuel economy on your vehicle by about 4%.

4. Check vehicle fluids.
Coolant – flush the cooling system and replace coolant.
Oil – use the recommended motor oil to improve fuel efficiency.
Break fluid – Make sure the fluid reaches the full line of the master cylinder.

5. Look for any leaks.

6. Check the battery.
Clean the top surface with a rag or fresh water before you remove the vent caps. The fluid level should be just below the bottom of the vent hole, level with the filler ring, for each cell.

7. Check the belts.
Replace belt if it is cracked or can be easily pushed more than 1 inch.

8. Check the AC and heater.
Check if all heater fans turn on. If moist air is coming from the vents with antifreeze smell, while the windows become foggy when the heater is turned on, there may be a leak. If your vehicle has rear air-conditioning unit, test it as well.

9. Check the tires.
Are they inflated enough? Tires with pressure too low can cause heat buildup which leads to a blowout at high speeds. To check the tire pressure, use a tire gauge. The tires may become low as the temperature drops because air contracts with cold. It is also best to make sure you have a spare tire that has been fully-inflated with the appropriate tools needed. Don’t risk driving without the jack, tire wrench and lock-nut adapter (if your vehicle has wheel locks); you never know what could happen.

10. Check the glove box / glove compartment.
Make sure you have your owner’s manual and vehicle registration. If your manual is missing, search the internet for automakers with pdf manuals in their sites. If you are travelling in the US and have a roadside assistance program such as AAA, make sure to bring the card (or your member number) along.


At least 5 days before you go, you must do the following checks:

1. Recheck for any scheduled maintenance.

2. Recheck the tires.

3. Wash and clean your vehicle.
Get rid of useless equipment; you don’t need to bring the whole apartment/house with you. Useless objects mean more fuel to burn and more money wasted on the junk you don’t need. Vacuum, wash and scrub your vehicle like there’s no tomorrow. Nobody wants to travel long in a smelly, crappy and filthy car. Every extra 100 lbs (45 kg) you carry can drop fuel efficiency by 1-2%. So keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items.

4. Check air filter.
Clogged air filter? This can affect the fuel economy and performance of your vehicle at high altitudes. An air filter that’s been in your vehicle for more than 10,000 miles needs to be cleaned or replaced.

5. Prepare an emergency winter kit.
At the trunk of your car put the following: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction incase you get stuck in snow).

1 day before you go:

1. Gas up.
Fill the tank. It is more expensive to keep refilling on the road.

2. Recheck your gear.
Write a checklist to make sure you already have the complete necessary gadgets, documents, identifications and kits which you prepared before hand.

Preparing your vehicle is key and as long as you’ve followed these guidelines carefully, major problems could be avoided. Lastly, enjoy the ride!

AutoTerminal.com

Money saving car care and maintenance tips

There are loads of stuff that you can employ to assure that your vehicle is always in tip top shape, while easing on the budget and saving precious time. Instead of always going to the car shop whenever conks are heard under the hood, why not fix minor car problems on your own?

You’re not only giving yourself a favor by not going thru the hassle of the long wait to have your car fixed at the local car shop, but you’re also protecting yourself from unscrupulous mechanics who might take advantage of your predicament.

Here are a few tips to get you worry free on the road.

1. Read your car repair manual and other Do it yourself (DIY) books

It wouldn’t hurt for you to take some time off to read and study the ins and outs of your car. You’ll be familiar with the specifications and the proper maintenance of your vehicle. DIY books also abound, providing you the basic and advanced techniques which could save you hundreds perhaps thousands of dollars on repairs.

By reading, you’ll have the ample knowledge to get the job done yourself whenever unpleasant situations arise. Like a bible is to a clergyman, always see to it to have a book or two beside you for quick reference in emergencies.


2. Keep the right tools in your toolbox

It is very important that you use the right tool for the right job because if you use the wrong one, you might end up with broken nuts and bolts or worse, have them worn out.

Here’s a rundown of the basic tool must-haves for your toolbox.

A. Jack and Jack Stands – Conventional for changing tires and fixes under the chassis. Remember to never rely on the jack whenever lifting your car. Always have jack stands on hand for support and safety.

B. Philips and Flat tip screwdrivers - Always have a pair handy for turning loose screws and replacing worn out ones. You can also use these to poke and reach things fallen among tiny and hard to reach corners.

C. Standard and Long nose Pliers - It never pays to have a pair of these handy for gripping and the easy removal of bolts and nuts. These can also be used to hold or clip wires when you’re working on wiring connections.

D. Wrench or Spanner set - Always keep a set to turn bolts, nuts and other hard to turn items. Select the appropriate wrench size and number to that of the bolt and nut you will turn.

E. Wire strippers and cutters - Must-haves for fixing and replacing old worn out wires or stripping them.

F. Standard Tire Wrench/ Iron - A must-have for tire replacement.

G. Towing Cable - Very helpful when you need to be securely towed away in an emergency.

H. A roll of Electrical tape (Preferably fire retardant) – Handy in times of replacing and insulating stripped or worn out wires. Select the fire retardant type as it provides maximum protection and adheres better than the regular type.

I. Spare bulbs - It surely pays to have a spare bulb on hand for sudden shutdowns in important beacons such as signal, safety, break and head lights while driving down dark roads at night.

J. Work light / Flashlight – Very useful to lighten dark nooks and crannies that you’re working on. A work light can either just be a regular flashlight or the kind with nodes that you can tap to the positive and negative terminals of your car’s battery.

K. Tire Inflator – Though this tool may not fit your toolbox, but having one beside it in your baggage is very helpful for mending flat tires while travelling in areas where car shops and gas stations are scarce.


3. Driving routine check ups

Before hitting the ignition keys, a short round up check is helpful to ensure hassle-free and safe driving. A routine check up may be time consuming, but it can save your life and of those you’re travelling with.

A. Check for Water, Break, Steering and Transmission fluid levels. This is to avoid overheating, steering problems or worse, break loss while travelling. Fill up to recommended levels only.

B. Check the Tire pressure. Remember that unequal pressure among your tires will greatly dampen speed and stamina, thereby increasing your car’s fuel consumption.

C. Check the lights. For those who frequently travel at night, a check on all signals and lights is a must. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know what dangers await you, driving down that dark road with busted lights!

Relax and safe driving.


AutoTerminal.com

How to choose the best tires for your vehicle

The “right” set of tires greatly affects your vehicle's performance and handling, road worthiness and safety, and fuel economy. Here is the spin on how to choose the right tires for your vehicle.

There are so many brands available in the market today and they all claim to be the best performance-boosting-safety-enhancing-fuel-efficient-super-tires. Well, maybe they really are but how would you choose the right one for your vehicle?

It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive, the climate and terrain of your locality and how you intend to use your vehicle. After considering these factors, your decision should be based on the tire’s performance and safety, price, brand and appearance.

To help you weigh your options, here are a few basic tire classifications to start with:

TIRE DIAMETER and WIDTH

Each vehicle model has a specific range of appropriate tire sizes. This is usually listed in the owner's manual or on a label posted on the vehicle. Anyway, it's easy to get this information online.

TIRE TYPE

There are three basic tire types: radial, bias-ply and bias belted. Most vehicles today come equipped with radial tires because they generally offer better performance and more durability.

Of course, you don't need to know that some tires specify in their labels that they are for use as temporary spares, for passenger cars or for light trucks. But now you also know.

TREAD DESIGN

Tread, here, refers to the rubber on the circumference of the tire which is designed to make contact with the ground.

The most common are all-season tires which can be used for regular highway conditions, rain, snow, slush and mud. This type of tire usually has an “m + s” (mud + snow) label. Then there are also specialized treads for snow or for regular highway conditions only.

All tires made by manufacturers who distribute to the US (most likely those also available in your area) must meet federal safety standards. Grades are assigned by manufacturers after performing tests designed by the government.
Except for off road tires and temporary spares, each tire has a label printed on paper or molded on the side of the tire. The quality ratings are based on the tire's tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.

Tread wear grade

This tells you how long the manufacturer expects the tire to last in comparison to other tires if all were subjected to the same usage conditions. For example, a tire rated 200 is expected to last twice as long as a tire rated 100.

Traction rating

This is scored A, B or C, tells you how well the tires can stop your vehicle on wet roads. Those tires rated “A” offer the best traction.

Temperature resistance

This rating, also scored A, B, or C, measures how well the tire will resist overheating during sustained high speed use. Yes, a tire graded "A" represents the best performance.

MAKING SENSE OF LABELS

Here’s how a typical tire label looks like: P205/60R-16 91V

In this tire label, "P" indicates that the tire is for passenger cars. Variations are “LT” for light truck or “T” for temporary or spare tire.

"205/60" means that the tire is 205mm wide and its side walls are 60mm tall.

"R" in this case means that this is a Radial tire.

“16” refers to the diameter of the wheel rim which is 14 inches.

“91” is the tire’s load index.

And the last letter “V” refers to the speed rating, the maximum safe speed that the tire can still be performing under ideal conditions. Variations are: Q (99mph), S (112mph), T (118mph), U (124mph), H (130mph), V (up to 149mph), Z (more than 149mph), W (168mph), and Y (186mph).

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