One of the most popular things that people upgrade with after market products in their vehicle’s is their sound system. While today, most new cars come loaded with a high quality system, older cars generally did not take such things into serious consideration. While an upgraded stereo head and CD player will help improve the quality of your sound system, the real game changer is in the speakers.
The problem arises when trying to choose which brand and type of speakers will work best for you. There are literally hundred of choices to choose from, and it can get a little over whelming. The good news is I found a great article on crutchfield.com which explains what you should look at before buying your new set of speakers.
Match your speakers to your system
New speakers, like these C2-570X 5×7′s from JL Audio, put the life back into your music.
You should consider two main specifications when considering which speakers will work best in your car.
Sensitivity Sensitivity measures how much sound a speaker yields from the power applied to it. If you have a low-powered car stereo, like most factory systems, speakers with high sensitivity ratings will make the best match. If you have a high-power system, like that provided by a brand-name receiver or external amplifier, then consider speakers with lower sensitivity ratings. Properly powered, they’ll provide excellent sound quality.
Power-handling Power-handling lets you know how much power (measured in watts) a speaker can handle. If you’ve got a low-powered system, your speakers don’t need to be able to handle lots of power. On the other hand, a system with powerful external amps will require speakers whose power-handling is close to the output of the amps. And remember, the key spec in power-handling is the maximum RMS power-handling, not the peak power handling. RMS ratings realistically measure how much power the speaker can handle on a continuous basis, not just for a short period of time.
Be sure to check out the rest of the article as it gives great information on what kind of speaker options you have. Let me know in the comments what kind of speakers you have installed in your car or truck.
Would you know a transmission problem if you heard it? Do you think that you may have a transmission issue, then this video is for you. There are two types of transmissions manual or automatic, and signs of failing transmissions include unusual noises, grinding gears and whining sounds. Find out how transmission gears can wear out if the transmission isn’t lubricated properly with help from an auto mechanic in this free video on car maintenance.
Did this video help in any way? If you think you may have a transmission problem, or might be developing on because you’ve heard some strange noises, I suggest you bring it in for us to look at. A catastrophic transmission failure can not only cost you a lot of money, it can also leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
So, take a listen when you are driving…that’s right, turn down the radio and actually listen to your car…I can give you a lot of warning BEFORE it needs tuning.
This is an event that a lot of us don’t get to go to, or may not even know very much about, but that hasn’t stopped it growing in popularity and “tuners” nationwide are celebrating Subaru’s Entries this year! SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association and it is closed to the public.
Kicker has designed an STI with a focus on audio performance, while K&N has brought one that emphasizes street performance. Get More G’s teamed up with SPT to provide the go-fast treatment to a five-door WRX, and Subiefest Best of Show winner, Jamarri Whiteside, was able to display his 2006 Subaru WRX STI beneath the bright lights of the 2010 SEMA show.
Did anyone see the Subarus at SEMA this year? Have any photos to share? If you are interested in what Subaru can offer you, do hesitate to swing by and check them out!
In my opinion, here are the 5 most significant car safety features (in no particular order):
Airbags
Airbags are one of the recent addition in the list of car safety features. These are mainly positioned in the center of the steering wheel and above the glove box on the passenger side. These are associated with crash sensors that get inflated in case of an accident.
Once the car meets an accident, in about 15 to 20 milliseconds the crash sensors decide whether the airbags are to be deployed or not and then within 25 seconds they start inflating rapidly. In only 45 milliseconds the airbags get completely inflated and disperse the impact energy in case of an accident.
The key function of the airbags is that it acts as a barrier between the car passenger and the hard surfaces of the car’s interior. It is believed that the frontal impact is reduced by about 30% with the airbags fitted on the steering wheel. Earlier, only frontal airbags were introduced but these days the number of airbags fitted in new cars are gradually increasing to ensure maximum safety for all the passengers.
Anti-lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) is one of the most significant armor against road trauma. It prevents wheel lock up and eventually prevents skidding especially on wet roads. ABS helps reduce loss of traction in case of an emergency and also increases driver’s ability to steer the car.
The system works based upon sensors controlled by a computer. The sensors sense out when the wheels are about to lock up and just before that it automatically reduces the speed of the wheel by releasing pressure on the brake. The applied pressure gradually brings the wheel to stop without experiencing any lock up. ABS is some of the new cars are also equipped with electronic brake-force distribution that releases right amount of stopping power to wheels and improves performance on wet roads.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is a technologically advanced version of the conventional cruise control system. It helps the driver to maintain the car speed in accordance to the traffic situations. It also helps the driver to maintain a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead by using the throttle and brakes. If in case the driver increases the car’s speed, it automatically reduces the engine performance until a safe gap with other vehicles is restored.
Some of the potential advantages of adaptive cruise control are to reduce accident rate, reduce driver’s fatigue, and also increase fuel efficiency.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control (ESC) is a computerized technology that improves car safety by detecting and preventing car skid. This innovative safety technology uses sensors that monitor the steering maneuver in accordance to the direction of the car. If there is any kind of discrepancy between the steering input and the direction of the car, the ESC automatically actuate brakes or reduce engine performance so that the driver can stay in control of his car.
Active Head Restraints
Active head restrains play its role when the car is struck from the rear. In such a case it causes a sudden movement of the occupant’s back against the seat. It consists of a pressure plate and a pivot system in the seat back properly positioned behind your head. In case of an accident when the body of the passenger moves into the seat back it directly contacts the pressure plate and triggers the active head restraint. This provides a constant support for the head.
Our society is putting putting pressure on manufacturers like never before to develop economical and eco-friendly vehicles. A few years ago, more auto brands were “going green” and started producing more electric vehicles (EV’s) and hybrids. Motor shows showcased more improvisations of electric vehicles (EV’s) – even the fastest car on earth is now electric.
We will be seeing more of the EV’s since most governments are imposing tougher emission standards on car makers. Other than that, EV development is here to stay due to the fear of erratic gas prices.
Are you thinking of buying an EV? It would be advisable to weigh the pros and cons before you purchase. Here’s a brief look on those important points you should consider:
PROS:
• COST – Big savings. EV’s just cost as much as gasoline and diesel vehicles when purchased but you save more in the long run; gasoline prices are higher than the price of electricity you need to charge overnight.
• EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENT – Environmentally safe. EV’s are very eco-friendly because they produce almost no emissions; unlike the gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• VERSATILITY/PERFORMANCE – Noise-free and easy. EV’s make a quiet ride and are fairly easy to operate.
CONS:
• BATTERY- Expensive and not eco-friendly. Some batteries won’t last long before you have to recharge them. New batteries are expensive since they are not the ordinary lead-acid type. They are quite heavy and you’ll have a hard time disposing them since they’re not eco-friendly.
• SAFETY- Quite the average. Because EV’s are nearly silent, they become a hazard when people are not aware of the acceleration. We are used to hearing a speeding car pass by and pedestrians might be in danger. People who have driven an EV don’t feel safe because when they accelerate, they are not in total control. Make sure to ask whether the EV you are interested in has gone through any crash testing; they might not have the same degree of safety as the gas/diesel vehicles.
• PARTS & REPAIRS- Expensive and complicated. Parts for repairs are more pricy due to lower demand. There are only a few brands selling quality EV’s. You have to be a licensed electrician and licensed mechanic to work on them.
• EFFECT ON ENVIRONMENT – Not so eco-friendly. More EV’s mean more power plants; power plants are pollutants to the environment.
• VERSATILITY/PERFORMANCE -Low in versatility compared to diesel/gasoline cars. There is no total control when you accelerate. It starts out slow and the speed eventually increases unlike in gasoline/diesel cars where the accelerometer is very responsive.
If you’re shopping for a new car, safety features should be on the top of your list of vehicle requirements. Driving can be dangerous. Whether it’s risky driving conditions, the threat of drunk drivers or pure accidentals having a car with safety features adds an extra insurance or safeguard against any road or driving mishaps. And as technologies advance and improve, so too do safety features. Whether you’re buying a new car or a used car safety features should always be considered. Here are some of the latest car safety technologies around that go beyond standard seat belts and air bags.
Tire pressure monitoring systems(TPMS) – Cars installed with TPMS will have a warning light on the dashboard that lights up when tires become significantly under inflated so that blow outs can be avoided. All cars manufactured after September 2007 have TPMS. If you’d like TPMS in your vehicle and are shopping around for a used car, then look for models made in 2007 and onwards.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) – ABS prevents the wheels of a car from locking during panicked or emergency breaking. It allows the driver to slow down in a more controlled manner and have a better chance of avoiding an accident.
Electronic Stability Control(ESC) – If you oversteer or over correct your steering wheel while driving, ESC prevents the car from spinning out by applying a braking force to one or more wheels as needed.
Adaptive cruise control/collision mitigation - Going beyond traditional cruise control speed maintenance, adaptive cruise control uses sensors and radars to adjust the speed of a car to keep it a safe distance from the car in front, should traffic slow or someone cut in. Once a safe distance has been re-established, the original speed will be picked up without the drivers input.
Dynamic Head Restraints. Headrests can be crucial in preventing whiplash and head injuries in the event of someone driving up the back of you. Dynamic head restraints take it one step further, with new head restraints being designed to deploy automatically in the event of an accident. Often the seat back is also incorporated into the head restraint system, so that both the head and torso are supported in the event of an accident.
Blind-spot detection and side assist. Many new cars now come with the technology to alert you when you are close to a car that may have been in your blind spot or when you are coming precariously close to a vehicle in front of you. Blind spot detection and side assist is especially helpful when parking.
Air bag on/off switches. Air bags are not always safe, especially for small children. Most vehicles, especially two-seaters and those with rear airbags, now offer the option to turn air bags on or off depending on who is sitting where in the car.
Car safety features should not be overlooked, so make sure that if you’re looking to buy a new car, you know which safety features are available and which ones you would like included in your vehicle.
While some car safety features may raise the price of your vehicle, can you really put a price on your family’s safety?
Maybe you have experienced that fear: half a second after your vehicle door slams shut, you notice that the vehicle is sealed up and your keys hang inside the vehicle. What to do? How will you find a way to your house? Do you know where and if you keep a replacement key? All of these thoughts speed through your head aside from the most critical conundrum: How will you get into your car?
The best option is to find a spare car key. Almost always, anytime you buy your vehicle, you get two car keys. One keyring you carry with you, but the duplicate is best squirreled away somewhere safe. If you know someone who can get the extra set of keys and bring it to where you are, then the only thing you have lost is a small period of time fretting, and a little pride.
But, maybe you don’t have any friends available to help, or possibly your replacement key is lost. A viable choice is to inform your auto club, or any roadside assistance company. If your vehicle is still within the timeframe of the standard warranty, then you potentially also have a roadside assistance set up. If that doesn’t apply to you, but you or someone with you pays dues for an auto club, then that service can drive to your location to help.
Your third alternative for assistance is to try a locksmith. He will quickly come to you and unlock your car door for you. However, a locksmith call can cost more dough than you are ready to spend, specifically after everyday business hours.
Your last alternative is to pop the lock with some available tools. You probably want to attempt this on an entryway that’s not in use every day, maybe the back curb door, just in case it goes awry. You’ll need an unfolded wire clothes hanger, or something like it, with an extended, slim reaching implement and a strong hook on one end. At night you will require a flashlight or any such light source. In addition, you’ll most likely require something that’s not large but not vital, for instance a ballpoint pen.
Hold the rubber gasket off the bottom part of the glass and hold the space in place by wedging the pen into place. Look down along the space you have made into your car door. You should see a metal rod that works the locking mechanism. Very deliberately push the clothes hanger hook-side leading into the space in the door. Try to get the hook to catch the iron rod and shimmy the metal rod in the direction that the door unlocks from the interior. When the door is unlocked, slowly slide the wire hanger and the pen out of the door and open your car.
The best idea is to establish a plan B in case you find you locked your keys in your vehicle again! Check out these plan B’s from youtube:
If you drive a Buick or GMC built between 2009 and today, and needing to use a cell phone while driving, consider activating your Bluetooth technology. Recent tragic and near-tragic events have demonstrated that attempting to use a cell phone while driving is unsafe, posing a potentially deadly hazard to yourself and others. As growing numbers of states and cities are passing legislation making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving, the installation of this upgrade module allows you to comply with these new laws while using your cell phone with greater safety.
How Bluetooth Works
It is unlikely that there is anyone today who has not encountered, used, or at least heard of Bluetooth technology. What most people do know is that Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows people to use a mouse and keyboard with the personal computers without the spaghetti-like tangle of cords.
Bluetooth is indeed this, but it is much more. It is actually a protocol, using low-bandwidth radio waves, that allows all kinds of digital devices to “talk” to each other. Musicians may remember MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), an industry standard that allows a wide variety of musical instruments to communicate and be played by a single person. What MIDI did for music, Bluetooth has done for computers, cell phones, digital cameras, and even game consoles!
Integrating Bluetooth With Your Buick or GMC
The benefit of integrating your vehicle with its Bluetooth capability is that it allows you to fully integrate your cell phone into your car’s sound system. Using the car’s OEM radio and speakers, you will be able to receive incoming calls without ever having to physically reach for your cell phone. The system can even mute your radio programming automatically when an incoming phone call is detected.
You’ll also be able to make outgoing calls using the buttons on your steering wheel and voice command. Not all cell phones are supported, but you’ll still be able to take advantage and enjoy the safety of being able to use your cell phone without looking away from the road or removing your hands from the steering wheel.
Not only is it easy and inexpensive. It’s virtually “plug and play.” Enjoy!
Lower base price, repair, and maintenance costs. Manual vehicles generally have a lower base price than automatics. On the average, a manual costs $1000 dollars lesser than an automatic. When it comes to repair and maintenance costs, manual transmission appears to be more superior. The clutch, which is one of the most expensive and labor intensive components of a car when it gets damaged, is more easily maintained in manual than in automatic transmission. And any mechanic can tell you that working on a manual transmission is much easier than working with automatic gear boxes. So the repair costs for automatics are significantly higher. In the long run, manuals require less service, thus making maintenance cheaper.
Gives higher gas mileage. Even if a manual car is relatively more difficult to drive, it doesn’t eat up too much fuel, consuming 5%-15% lesser fuel depending on road conditions and driving habits. Automatics, even though easier to use, ultimately burn a lot more gas than their manual counterparts.
Gives better control. The basic premise is that manual transmission allows for better control of the car. With a manual, you can keep the power of the engine right where you want it, based on the conditions of the road. And no matter how sophisticated the electronics, automatic transmission will never be smarter than the human brain that’s actually driving the car. Simply put, manual transmission gives you full control with your gears but with an automatic your choices are limited between two pedals. Manual transmission gives you more freedom when it comes to maneuvering on steep hills or curves. It also allows you to combat tough weather conditions more comfortably.
With all these advantages of a manual transmission notwithstanding, here are the reasons why automatics have been very popular nowadays:
Automatic Transmission
Ease of use. Generally, automatic transmissions are easier to operate. There are only two pedals, so it’s almost like driving a go-kart. In a traffic jam, this is a big plus. Manuals are generally more tiring to drive in traffic, because of the need to use the clutch pedal.
Relatively safer. When driving an automatic, a driver will have his/her left foot free and both hands on the wheel. A manual requires a little too much concentration from the driver: the continuous pumping of the clutch pedal and the constant shifting of gears is enough to distract a novice driver.
The best of both worlds. With new options like manumatic transmissions, automatics may finally be gaining on manuals, combining ease of use with power. At the onset of the 21st century, this new transmission mode was introduced by automobile manufacturers. Manumatic transmission is basically an automatic transmission that possesses certain manual-transmission features. A good example is the luxury cars of Chrysler. It’s definitely automatic, only that you have more control in shifting your gears.
Conclusion:
In the end, your decision shouldn’t be based only on the advantages and disadvantages. It ultimately boils down on your needs. For example, if you want maximum performance and superior control, you may want to consider getting a manual transmission. If you want ease of driving, especially in heavy traffic, automatic transmission is your best choice.
New speakers, like these C2-570X 5×7′s from JL Audio, put the life back into your music.
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