Articles by Quinton Becker on ArticleSnatch.com

Improve the Protection For Your Car or Truck in Low-Impact Collisions

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Installing a brush guard is an effective way of protecting the front of your vehicle - in addition, doing so will add a custom look to your car or truck. A guard on the front of your truck will add a tough aesthetic to your vehicle, and this look will set your truck apart from other trucks on the road. It may seem like an odd addition to a passenger car that is until you stop to realize that most police departments use them on their cars as well. People call brush guards by many different names: some people refer to it as a grill guard or a push bar. Regardless of its name, the brush guard is a bar that can be installed across the front of your vehicle to protect it from debris, particularly brush - hence its name. The brush guard's functionality is important if you plan on using your truck or SUV on off-road terrain. The large bar of a brush guard protects the front of your truck in much the same way a bumper does, but the guard also implements smaller bars, which cover your headlight lenses. **End Summary** Topics: brush guard guards cars trucks car truck police cruisers sedans departments low-impact collision prevent preventing damage prevention cost-effective s]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars, vehicle repair, and a variety of auto parts . If you need Dodge parts or auto accessories such as brush guards , join those who already rely upon DriveWire.com for great prices on replacement automotive parts. Reprint this article with all links intact.

Do-It-Yourself With a Automotive Service Or Repair Manual

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500

It can be quite expensive to have your car in a mechanic's garage these days. Even fees for oil changes and tire rotations have increased dramatically over the years. One way to save money on these types of expenses is to buy the parts and tools needed and do the maintenance or make the repairs by yourself. The owner's manual that came with your vehicle can tell you everything you need to know about how to operate your vehicle. It may also tell you how often general maintenances should be performed, how many pounds of air to put in your tires, etc. However, these manuals do not usually explain how to perform the service requirements or how to replace broken parts. In order to become an expert do-it-yourselfer, you will need to buy a service and repair manual for your specific car or truck. Manuals such as these can be found all over the Internet. There are websites that boast of being factory-authorized distributors that carry only the manufacturers' manuals. Other websites offer manuals that group the vehicles by model, year, and/or make. Some are even classified between imported and American made automobiles. **End Summary** Topics: auto]]> automotive]]> car]]> truck]]> repair]]> service]]> manual]]> manuals]]> cds]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars, trucks and automobiles. You can save up to 70% on your auto parts at Drivewire . You can find a large selection of Toyota auto parts and automotive products for a wide range of vehicles. Drivewire also carries a wide-range of performance parts for cars and trucks.

Low-Riders, Street Racers and Everyday Drivers Should Be Aware of the Camber in a Car's Suspension S

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500

If you plan on customizing the suspension of your vehicle, a new camber kit may be just what you are looking for. Many people love lowering their cars, but forget that doing so may impact the overall suspension of their vehicles. A camber kit will re-enforce the suspension system to deal with such changes. Drivers who enjoy road racing can also reap the benefits of improved suspension that a camber kit has to offer. While street racers and low-rider buffs are the people who could use the camber kit most often, everyday drivers often consider it to be an economical safety improvement for their vehicles. The camber kit in your car's suspension system adjusts the angle of your tires, and increases the size of your tire footprint - how much of each tire comes into contact with the pavement. If you lower your car without installing a camber kit, there are some major handling problems that will arise. The easiest way to see if your camber is out of alignment is by inspecting the wear of your tires. If the inside of the tire is showing excess wear, then your camber is likely misaligned. **End Summary** Topics: camber]]> kit]]> economical]]> safety]]> improvement]]> modification]]> everyday]]> drivers]]> low-rider]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker is an automotive writer. To find great prices on automotive suspension camber kits for a variety of automobiles, or when you are ready to save money on Honda parts , DriveWire is a leader in its industry. For the best prices and selection on auto parts: http://www.DriveWire.com

How a Vehicle's Exhaust System Affects Its Power and Performance

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

The stock exhaust on many cars is far more restrictive than it needs to be. Many years ago people seeking improved power and performance learned that they could achieve both by adding a larger, less restrictive exhaust system to their vehicle. Not only do new exhaust systems provide increased power, they can also generate that sound that many automotive enthusiasts like to hear from their vehicle. It is important to note that many of the newer cars are coming from the factory with highly tuned exhaust systems. Therefore, on some newer cars, an aftermarket exhaust might actually result in a minor loss in horsepower. The main things you need to do are learn the dimensions of your current system and compare that to the dimensions of the aftermarket system. For example, if you currently have a 1.5-inch system, and you want to upgrade to a 2-inch system, you will need to ask yourself if this modification will result in added power or will it actually decrease the power your vehicle is producing? In the past, cars were built without a lot of consideration given to the exhaust system. **End Summary** Topics: exhaust]]> system]]> systems]]> modifications]]> improvments]]> power]]> performance]]> cars]]> trucks]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars and trucks. If you are thinking about upgrading your vehicle's exhaust system , please review the DriveWire.com auto parts catalog . Drive Wire also has an extensive selection of stock and OEM Chevrolet Auto Parts . You may reprint this article if links are left intact.

Understanding the Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of Ball Joints

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500

A ball joint is an important component of your car's suspension, located on the front end of the vehicle. Ball joints will wear out over time and cause handling problems as they continue to deteriorate. It is important that you have these joints inspected, particularly if you are experiencing handling problems with your vehicle. If you think that your ball joint may need to be replaced, there are some symptoms that you can check for. You may hear a knocking noise in the front end of your car when you drive over small bumps in the road. Or, your car's alignment might be askew - if your vehicle naturally pulls hard to one side, it is most likely out of alignment. Uneven tire wear, a result of bad alignment, may also indicate that your ball joints are going bad. If you ignore bad alignment in your vehicle and continue to drive it, more problems can arise: damage can be done to a number of internal parts, including the tie rod. It is best to have a qualified mechanic to determine if your car is properly aligned, and to see if your ball joints need replacing. **End Summary** Topics: ]]> ball]]> joints]]> vehicle]]> front]]> end]]> suspension]]> tie]]> rod]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars. If you need to replace the ball joints in your car, Drivewire.com can help save you money. They sell auto parts for dozens of makes and models, including the hard-to-find BMW parts . Visit http://www.DriveWire.com today to see their low prices and selection.

Don't Let Your Car's Alternator Leave You Stranded

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

An alternator is one of the most commonly dysfunctional auto parts. Without a properly functioning alternator, your car will simply refuse to run. A faulty alternator can leave you stranded, but luckily, a low-performing alternator often shows warning signs that indicate its malfunction before it ceases to work. Being able to recognize these warning signs, and knowing what to do next, may prevent you from getting caught in an inconvenient or dangerous situation. One sign that your alternator is going bad is that the battery of your car will frequently go dead. Though there can be other causes for a dead battery, an underperforming alternator is often the case-this lack of a power source will prevent your battery from recharging. Another warning sign may be a metallic clanging that changes with your engine speed. Often, this indicates that the shaft bearing on the alternator is about to break. This is a relatively common problem with alternators that have been in use for a long time. The best way to prevent being stranded by a bad alternator is by having it tested on a regular basis. **End Summary** Topics: alternator]]> alternators]]> commonly]]> dysfunctional]]> auto]]> parts]]> automotive]]> automobiles]]> cars]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars and trucks. To find some really attractive prices on a replacement alternator for a variety of automobiles, or when you are trying to find those hard-to-locate Saab parts for your model Saab, then please visit DriveWire.com auto parts for the best selection.

Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think. For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars, this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this project yourself. A common repair that often must be done after general wear on a vehicle is the replacement of a CV joint. In many cases, it makes good financial sense to replace the entire axle assembly instead of repairing the joint alone. Since replacing a CV joint can be a labor-intensive job, it may also be easier to replace the entire axle assembly. Doing so will save time and thus cut labor costs-you can often replace the entire assembly for the same cost as replacing only the joints. This will, however, depend on how much your mechanic charges you-unless you decide to attempt the installation on your own. New axle assemblies generally come with fresh CV joints and boots already installed, so you do not have to buy both the assembly and the joints. **End Summary** Topics: do-it-yourself]]> auto]]> automotive]]> repair]]> axle]]> assembly]]> assemblies]]> cv]]> joints]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars and trucks. To find some attractive prices on axle assemblies for a variety of automobiles, or when you are trying to find those hard-to-locate Jaguar parts you can start your auto parts search at: DriveWire.com

Taking Care of Your Car's Braking System Can Prevent Accidents

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

A brake rotor is a vital part of the braking system on your vehicle. A brake rotor, in conjunction with brake pads, brings your car to come to a quick and complete stop. If you have a worn brake rotor, you should have it replaced as soon as possible for your own safety. When you apply your car's brake pedal, brake pads press down against the brake rotor. The rotor is part of the front wheel hub, and it stops the wheels from turning. Brake rotors are commonly referred to as "discs," and people often refer to cars with brake rotors as being equipped with "disc brakes." In recent decades, most cars have been equipped with a brake rotor at the front of the car. Some cars are also equipped with brake rotors on the rear wheels for added stopping power. The older alternative to a disc brake is the drum brake; some cars are still made with drum brakes on the back wheels. As with front-wheel disk brakes, rear-wheel disk brakes are added for a more acutely responsive braking system. After a period of standard wear, your car's brake rotors may need to be replaced. **End Summary** Topics: car]]> cars]]> safety]]> replacement]]> parts]]> rotors]]> brake]]> rotor]]> brakes]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars. If you need to replace the brake rotor in your car's disk brakes, Drivewire.com can help save you money. They sell auto parts for dozens of makes and models, including the always popular Chevy parts . Visit http://www.DriveWire.com today to see for yourself.

Brake Pads Are An Essential Element of Your Car's Safety Equipment

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Brake pads are an integral element of the braking system in a car. As you use your brakes in everyday driving, you will slowly wear down, and, eventually, need to replace the brake pads. Disc brakes have been used on the front wheels of cars for decades now - some models are even equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. You will still find some cars being made with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The reason for this is that the front wheels carry the biggest portion of the load under braking conditions, and disk brakes are more effective. Since the front wheels, and thereby the disc brakes, carry the biggest portion of the load under braking conditions, it is critical that your front brakes are operating as well as possible. When it comes to your car's brakes, there is simply no room for substandard or worn out parts. Older cars that had disc brakes on the front were equipped with what was referred to as a "squeaker bar" on the brake pad. This piece of metal would make an extremely loud squeaking noise once the brake pads were worn down. **End Summary** Topics: brake]]> pads]]> braking]]> systems]]> pad]]> wear]]> tear]]> safety]]> stopping]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars. By planning ahead, you can save money by buying your next set of brake pads online, along with any other auto parts you might need. http://www.Drivewire.com doesn't limit their selection to Chrysler parts -they carry auto parts for dozens of makes and models.

Big Brake Kits Offer Extra Stopping Power for Family and Performance Cars

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Customizing your car can be a fun and rewarding experience, with tangible results as the product of your work. Hobbyists spend a great deal of time and money on making their cars faster and sleeker. Unfortunately, few of these enthusiasts think about making their car safer in the process. Safety upgrades to a performance car are often seen as boring, bland, or unworthy of the efforts required. From the car aficionado to the daily commuter, all drivers should consider improving the safety of their vehicles. One of the best safety improvements available on the market is the addition of a big brake kit. Brakes are obviously critical in any car. But if the horsepower in a vehicle has been amplified, and the breaks have not been adjusted to accommodate that horsepower, it is likely that problems will occur. The only performance drivers who may immediately consider upgrading their brakes are road course enthusiasts. These drivers have known for years that the brakes that come stock on a vehicle usually leave something to be desired. Stock brakes work fine in most situations. **End Summary** Topics: brake]]> kits]]> buick]]> standard]]> manufacturer]]> oem]]> parts]]> performance]]> family]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars. Big Brake Kits are the one safety improvement that all drivers can afford to make. To find general auto parts and other safety or performance equipment, please visit: http://www.drivewire.com/

What Are OEM Auto Parts? And Why Should They Be Considered?

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Purchasing OEM auto parts is an excellent way of ensuring that the replacement parts you buy will fit your car. OEM auto parts are particularly important if you own a high-performance automobile such as the Alfa Romeo. OEM products come from the Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that as a car owner, you can get limited availability parts when you need them. You can buy from another manufacturer, but there are many reasons why you may choose to stick with OEM auto equipment. For many owners, OEM car and truck parts will be an exact fit for their vehicle. Aftermarket products, for example, are often created to fit a variety of makes and models; occasionally, they will require some slight modifications by the installer in order to fit correctly. Though these parts claim to fit any make or model, it is often not the case. There may be complications with installation of the part, and it may require major modification in order to operate in your specific vehicle. Another reason why consumers choose OEM auto parts is because they trust the manufacturer. **End Summary** Topics: oem]]> auto]]> parts]]> original]]> equipment]]> manufacturer]]> automotive]]> part]]> car]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Quinton Becker writes about cars, trucks, and automobiles. To find really attractive prices on OEM parts for a variety of automobiles, or when you are trying to find those hard-to-locate Alfa Romeo parts , then please visit DriveWire.com . You may reprint this article if all links are kept intact.