Star Tech European

Mercedes SLS Roadster vs Audi R8 Spyder

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Convertible supercar comparison: the Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster vs the Audi R8 Spyder!

The XKR-S Convertible On Ice

2012-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

The XKR-S Convertible takes on a frozen lake in Finland.

Caring For Your Classic Car

2012-02-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Caring for any car takes a considerable amount of time and work but caring for a classic car takes even more. If you want to retain the value of your car, which you certainly do, there are steps you need to take to protect it. Any number of things can take place to harm or depreciate your classic car. Prevention is a necessary part of classic car care. Having a classic is a serious commitment. Make sure that you are up to the challenge before you find yourself overwhelmed with all the special care required.

One of the most obvious issues is to protect the paint job on your classic car. Never allow heavy dirt or bird droppings to sit on the car for long periods. This kind of thing should be washed off immediately. Plan on washing your car once a week or so, especially if you have it insured to drive and it is on the road now and then. Use a good wax that will protect your paint in between washings as well.

A classic car must be stored properly if you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Ideally you will want to have it put away in a garage out of the elements. However, if that is not possible then you should have a good, reliable car cover over top of it. This will keep dirt and snow from settling on the paint job. If you can get the car off the ground like on the back of a trailer, it would be best for maintaining the tires and rims.

Take care of your engine. It is the heart and soul of your classic car. Keep it as clean as possible by using special engine shampoo so it does not get clogged up with oil and grime. Engine parts are hard to come by for older cars so take care of the ones that you have. Likewise, the interior of the car must be cared for so riding in classic comfort feels like a dream, as it should. Use only proper leather and upholstery cleaners that are made for vehicles. Do not go for the cheapest stuff either. It is all about quality.

It is a good idea to make some rules for your classic car. For example, do not smoke or eat in it if you it to stay a classic. All it takes is some food stains and smoke stench to plummet the value of your car. It is simply not worth it. If you treat it like any other car there is just no point to it being a classic. The value must be your priority.

Though it can be tempting, you probably should not even consider racing your classic car. It has nothing to prove. It has already earned its status. By racing it though you risk turning it into something fit for the junkyard. And of course, racing is dangerous and should only be done on a track by professionals.

Taking care of your classic car might feel like a full time job. You will not regret it though when the value continues to rise. Care for your car and it will care for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3254829

5 Tips For Car Maintenance

2012-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

According to the US Bureau of Transit Statistics, there were approximately 136 million registered cars in the United States as of 2004. Another statement in the Physics Factbook edited by Glenn Elert, an educationist, says that 'there are over 600 million motor vehicles in the world today. If present trends continue, the number of cars on Earth will double in the next 30 years.' According to the estimate, there will be approximately 12 billion cars in the world by 2030. These statistics are quite interesting and point towards the increasing need for superior quality car service centers. Car maintenance in Northern Virginia, for instance, offers the best servicing options for your car, be it major overhauling or minor repairs. With car maintenance service, you get quality services at cost-effective prices.

Car Maintenance: Expert Tips

Regular car maintenance service ensures that your car remains in top condition, giving you uninterrupted services. Here are some expert tips to ensure the smooth functioning of your car for a long time:

1.Always use good quality multi grade oil for your engine to protect it from early wear. It will ensure more mileage per liter and minimum exertion on the various moving parts.

2.Check the level of engine coolant in your car before leaving. This will prevent any problem resulting from engine overheating.

3.As a habit, check all the lights of your car including headlights, signal lights and parking lights. This will help you avoid accidents that may cause major problems.

4.Check the air level of your tires. Before going for a long trip in your car, ensure keeping a spare tire in the vehicle. A car running on good condition tires always gives better performance and more mileage.

5.Change the battery of the car, whenever you feel the need, to avoid damages. Also, check the functioning of the brake system to avoid accidents.

Besides following these tips, you must also seek a reputable car maintenance service to ensure the top functioning of your car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5855379

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in European Automotive service and repairs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

Audi LED Design & Technology - featuring the Audi Q7

2012-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Efficient, reliable, one-of-a-kind. Audi was the first automobile manufacturer to recognize the potential of revolutionary LED lighting technology and then incorporate it during development of its vehicles. The brand with the four rings has since acquired a technological edge putting it years ahead of the competition, and is a key driver of this innovation. Crucial for the exterior design: Not only during the day but also at night, all Audi models are recognizable at a glance thanks to LED daytime running lights. And each Audi has its own personality: The sweeping light strip on the Audi A1 exudes determination. And that of the new Audi A8 radiates strength and dominance: Its headlights were designed and constructed entirely on the basis of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly LED technology.

BMW High Automated Driving Mode.

2012-01-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

This clip is a part of the BMW ConnectedDrive Future Lab. More details at http://www.bmw.com/futurelab

Car Maintenance - Different Fluids Cars Use

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Keeping the different fluids in your car clean and full, is part of your basic car maintenance that you don't want to neglect. By keeping your car well-maintained you can help prevent breakdowns or future problems. It's not uncommon to see an engine go well over 200,000 miles if it has been properly maintained. If you don't know where to find the fluids in your car you can always refer to your owner's manual to find them, and see what maintenance is required.

Here are the different fluids your car uses. It's also important to know what these fluids look like so you can identify them if you have a leak.

Engine Oil (Dark amber or brownish color) - The motor oil in your car keeps all the engine parts working and lubricated, without this oil your engine would seize up and stop running. Check your engine oil at least once a month and make sure it is filled to the mark on the oil dipstick. Make sure you put the proper type oil in your car by checking with your owner's manual.

Power Steering Fluid (Goes in clear but turns darker with usage and age) - This keeps your car turning easily and effortlessly.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (Usually a reddish or pinkish color) - This important reddish, fluid allows your car to move backwards and forwards easily and smoothly by shifting gears while you drive. A manual transmission may use several different fluids. Check your owner's manual to make sure you are using the right fluid.

Brake Fluid (Goes in clear but turns amber with usage) - There is a reservoir for the master cylinder up on the firewall of the engine compartment where you can check the level of fluid. Keep it up to the full mark. The brake fluid allows you to stop your car. Without brake fluid you literally have no brakes.

Engine Coolant or Anti-freeze (Florescent-colored green or orange liquid) - Keeps the cylinder heads and engine block cool so your engine doesn't overheat and seize up.

Rear End Oil (Dark amber or brownish color) - This allows your drive axle to turn freely and smoothly.

Windshield Washer Fluid (Usually a blue color) - Used to help keep your windshield clean and streak free for good visibility.

It is important to maintain the proper levels of fluids in your car for safe operation and in preventing trouble down the road. If you notice any signs of these oils or fluids on your garage floor they need your immediate attention before causing serious problems and damage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6271104

S-Class Mercedes 4 Door Cabriolet: The Replacement for Maybach

2012-01-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

The new s class Mercedes, which is ready for it's makeover, has popped up with an S-Class 4 door Cabriolet, the first of it's kind. It's built off of the Maybach to Pullman platform and it shows. This concept alone is a statement, the new one could change the game.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

2012-01-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

One of the most common natural driving hazards is a rainstorm. Many people do not realize that there are certain rules for driving in the rain that are different when driving in dry conditions. Here are some tips for getting to your destination safely if you must travel when the weather is less than favourable.

If you're venturing out during a rainstorm after the skies have been dry for a while, it is best to be very careful during the first few hours of your trip. The reason for this is because motor oil and grease from automobiles inevitably ends up on the road, and when the roads are dry it stays there. However, when it first begins to rain, the rainwater mixes with these elements, causing slick spots. It will take time for the rain to wash these fluids away, so the first few hours of a rainstorm can be more dangerous than the later hours.

You should assume that your trip in a rainstorm will take you longer. You will need that extra time to drive more slowly than you otherwise would. Traffic jams are common during rainstorms, as is flooding of the roads, which will delay your arrival at your destination.

You should stay in the middle of the road so that you don't drive through large water puddles that collect on the sides of the road. If you drive through these large puddles, you may be damaging your engine by allowing water to splash into it.

Whenever it rains, you should make sure to use your headlights. This is because the darkened sky makes it naturally harder to see and harder for other drivers to see you.

Don't attempt to drive when the rain is pouring down to the extent that you are unable to see the road. If you are already on the road when this happens, you will need to find a place to pull over and wait until the rain subsides.

Try to stay away from vehicles with large tires such as buses and trucks. These tires can cause a greater amount of water to spray from them, which could hit your windshield and temporarily block your view, which is always dangerous.

Hydroplaning is a common occurrence in the rain, and can cause the tires to lose traction. If this happens to you, drive the car as straight as you can until the traction returns to your tires. Don't abruptly slow down; you could end up skidding instead.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5806246

BMW M. Preview 2012 Interview.

2012-01-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

An interview with Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. He's giving a review for the successful year 2011 and will give preview of BMW M for 2012.

Best Tips for Maintenance of Imported Cars

2012-01-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

Owning imported cars is certainly a matter of pride, and driving them is a great experience. However, it is also important for luxury car owners to pay attention to their car maintenance schedule. Complete servicing according to scheduled dates is necessary, but it is also important to take care of imported cars during everyday use. It helps avoid several possible problems that may arise in future. This article covers some basic but very important tips for imported car maintenance.

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Every car manufacturer suggests some essential guidelines along with a recommended maintenance schedule. People are advised to strictly follow these recommendations. It includes various limitations during initial days of driving, suggestions for safety, replacement time of certain parts, and correct use of all the advanced features of imported cars. It may not seem so important in the beginning, but they have a great impact on cars.

Be Extra Cautious For Your Imported Luxuries

Owners are advised to be extra cautious about their cars and their performance. Pay attention to the sound of your engine, any strange noises coming from your engine may turn into a major issue. In case of any such issue contact a manufacturer approved service center. Also, keep an eye on car tires. Check manually for any rough patches or tear (if any). If necessary, get the tires replaced before the damage results in a blow-out.

Use Genuine Spare Parts

Genuine spare parts extend the life of any vehicle and enhance performance. Therefore, it is very important for owners to purchase only genuine spare parts for their luxury cars. Cost cutting while purchasing spare parts is not a wise decision. It may end up being a disaster. Therefore, trust only manufacturer approved service centers for genuine spare parts.

Servicing and Maintenance

Owners often have problems finding a manufacturer approved car servicing and maintenance center. Although, prominent manufacturers like Mercedes Benz, Audi, and BMW have manufacturer approved service centers in every country. But they are not enough to serve the demand due to the growing number of imported cars. However, there are specialists in imported car repairing servicing and maintenance. People can count on them for any kind of service and repair need.

People spend their hard earned money to purchase imported cars. To get the maximum return for their money they want to enjoy the ultimate luxury and performance offered by their cars for as long as possible. The tips provided in this article may mean a world of difference for owners and they can also save thousands of dollars on service and repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5765530

707-455-8870

Timeless -- 60 Years of Mercedes-Benz SL

2012-01-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

In spring 2012, the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL to the start. From tuesday, 24 January 2012, dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz Museum of the legendary series its own special exhibition. Under the name "timeless -- 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL" are all SL-series of the past 60 years presented -- for the first time together in a single room.

Volvo Plug-in Hybrid technology explained

2012-01-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

Volvo elevates hybrid technology up to a new level by adding a large powerful battery pack which you can charge in any socket.

Porsche Museum: Sound Night

2012-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Porsche Sound Night provided a unique opportunity to listen to the engines of some of the most iconic Porsche cars ever. Re-live some of the greatest moments in this video. More information onhttp://www.porsche.com/museum

Interesting Facts About Mercedes-Benz

2011-12-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz is actually a German manufacturer for high-end cars, buses, trucks and coaches. Ever since the organization was founded in 1886, it's been a division of the parent company, Daimler AG. Mercedes-Benz is well known because of their quality and sturdiness of their automobiles. The amount of technological and security features that Mercedes brought to the industry is immeasurable and has become a necessary feature in almost all other vehicles. Listed here are some interesting facts about Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz automobiles were first seen in market in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, a German company. The very first vehicles which bore the Mercedes brand name were produced commercially in 1926 following the merging of two of the largest automobile manufacturers of that time, Karl Benz and also Gottlieb Daimler to create the Daimler Benz Company. Before 1894, Mercedes vehicles took part in the earliest automobile race located in Paris but has completely withdrawn ever since the late 1930 following the Le Mans incident in which a Mercedes vehicle killed around 80 people in the collision. Mercedes returned to the motor sport scene later by taking part in the various racing events including Le Mans, DTM and F1 races with Sauber.

A Mercedes-Benz manufactured car won't ever rattle nor squeak regardless of age. The reason being Mercedes cars are welded in 10000 places which don't allow any space for the loosening of bolts and nuts. Their engines are also something to marvel at. Their engines include overhead camshafts that deliver smooth, silent, safe driving even at high speeds. The engines are put through rigorous testing by the engineers and they are hand signed by them before put into an automobile to guarantee the quality of the engine. Even their steering system includes a built-in shock absorber to provide the passengers with a far more comfortable ride.

The coat of paint on a Mercedes car is smooth and glossy as a result of amount of effort placed into it. There are actually four coats of paint sprayed on the car before being hand polished. The last coat of paint is salt resistant and is also done manually for that smooth, glossy touch you see on all Mercedes-Benz cars. Even the tires used are of superior quality and it is capable of carrying an entire load of passengers smoothly even during high speeds.

All Mercedes models include fully synchronized manual and automatic transmissions as standard features. Higher series models however only incorporate automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz automobiles are made to provide you with an unique driving experience like no other. The seats inside their cars are designed after consultation with an orthopedic physician and offer the kidney, back and knee-join areas with support to prevent backaches along with other complications during driving and with all that being said, there's no question about Mercedes-Benz being the leader in the automobile industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6137355

1965 Pontiac GTO Car Of The Year Commercial

2011-12-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

1965 Pontiac GTO Car Of The Year Commercial

Ferrari Fleet Ruined in Pricey Japan Pile-up

2011-12-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

Eight Ferraris and a Lamborghini were among the vehicles involved in a chain collision of luxury cars on a Japanese expressway Sunday. They'd been heading to a motor festival in Hiroshima. (Dec. 5)

New 2012 Ferrari California Road Test

2011-12-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

The new 2012 Ferrari California gets a power upgrade to 485 HP and loses weight. The Drive Cannel had the opportunity to road test it. All the detractors that coined the rear design of the California the "J Lo Butt" must be blind....what's wrong with her Derriere? We like it. This Ferrari is a wolf in sheep's clothing...if you want to cruise it will. If you want to drift like Tanner Foust, it will. The slight against women, those calling it woman's car, will just have to eat their words....plenty of women can out drive men and this car proves it's worth in power and handling. It's not an entry level Ferrari, there's no such thing.

Porsche in Le Mans - The 80s

2011-12-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

One decade, seven overall victories. In the 80s, Porsche dominates the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the legendary 956 and 962 - and with legendary pilots. These are the most legendary moments. More videos onhttp://www.youtube.com/porsche

The World's Only Jaguar Suite at 51 Buckingham Gate London

2011-12-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Together with Jaguar, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences, London have unveiled the world's first Jaguar Hotel Suite. Ian Callum talks us through the sleek design of the suite and its subtle integration of Jaguar models from past and present. Discover more at: http://bit.ly/sGZv2H

Regular Tune Ups Greatly Improve Your Gas Mileage

2011-12-09T12:37:00.001-08:00

The correct maintenance of your vehicle is the quickest way to improve your gas mileage. Some sources say that a poorly tuned car can lose up to 20% fuel efficiency. But what is a tune up? What are the normal things that should be done during a car tune up? How often should a tune up be done and why?

A tune up is done to your car to replace and maintain parts that wear out through usage. Tune ups will insure that your car will continue to run smoothly, continue getting its normal gas mileage, and prevent severe damage the engine and other major components.

All cars need regular tune-ups about every 30,000 miles. In cars made after 1996 there are some things that do not need to be done during a tune up. It is just a waste of money to do them. Check around with different mechanics and make sure that you do not have to pay for unnecessary items.

You or your mechanic should include the following in the tune up of your car:

1.Replace the air filter with a new one. If you drive on dirt roads you should consider changing the air filter more often than every 30,000 miles. It is very simple and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes at home.

2. Replace the fuel filter; both fuel filters, if your car has two. Replacing the fuel filters every 30,000 miles is the best preventative measure you can take in protecting your car's fuel system. You can also put in a fuel injector cleaner every so often as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Change the spark plugs. When spark plugs get old, the spark can not jump over the wires and ignite the fuel properly. Your car will get sluggish, start poorly and get poor gas mileage with old spark plugs. Some of the new cars with platinum spark plugs will only need to be changed every 60,000 miles.

4.Replace the spark plug wires. Having the wires changed is more expensive, but many times these wires get old and need replacement.

Some cars should have a new distributor cap and a new rotor at the time of a tune up (this applies to older vehicles without electronic ignition). To determine if you need a new distributor cap the mechanic will inspect the cap for cracks or black lines or if any deterioration has occurred. A new rotor will be needed if the mechanic finds any cracks, carbon tracks or burning.

5.Check the oxygen sensor. Your engine may be using too much fuel because the oxygen sensor is not working. Replacement intervals can range from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The check engine light on most modern vehicles mainly has to do with the emission control system, which the oxygen sensor is a part of. If this light is lit, you most probably do have a problem and your fuel economy is suffering.

6.Get a valve adjustment if your car has adjustable valves. At this time have the mechanic replace the valve-cover gasket because it is quite common for these covers to begin to leak. A leak in this cover can result in oil accumulation around the top of the engine.

7.Cars older than 1979 need to have the points and condenser changed (this is done on cars without electronic ignition). Cars with electronic ignition should have the ignition timing checked.

8.Cars that are fuel injected should have the throttle plate cleaned and / or have the air-fuel mixture adjusted. If your car has a carburetor it may need an adjustment.

9.Have the fluids under the hood checked. Even though you should be doing this on a regular basis more often, having it done during the tune up getting the fluids checked is important.

10.If your car does not have an automatic transmission, have the clutch adjusted.

11.The battery should be checked during a tune up. The battery terminals and cable ends should be cleaned. Corroded terminals can keep your car from starting. If your battery needs water to be added, the mechanic should fill it with distilled water during a tune up.

12.The positive crankcase ventilation valve should be replaced during a tune up. A clogged PCV valve is a problem when it causes your car to stall or run poorly.

Keeping your car in tune will not only result in better gas mileage and better performance, but will also ensure a longer life and less major mechanical repairs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3108225

Audi Wiper and Washer System Tutorial

2011-12-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

All Audi vehicles are engineered with an advanced windshield wiper and washer system with multiple speed settings that can automatically sense rain and adjust wiper operations accordingly. The Audi system also features a washer mode with heated washer jets to clean your windshield.

In addition, select Audi models are also equipped with a rear window wiper and washer system to help ensure rearward visibility in various weather conditions.

Available on:
A3
A4 Avant
A6 Avant
Q5
Q7

The information within the technology tutorials must be used in conjunction with the information in the Audi Owner's Manuals. Please refer to the Owner's manuals for all information and warnings. By using these technology tutorials, you acknowledge that you are aware of the warnings and information that must be read within the Owner's Manuals and will use this information to augment that material.

BMW i. Born Electric.

2011-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a world of visionary mobility. With the North American premiere of the BMW i3 and i8 Concept vehicles, BMW is making lightning-fast performance and sustainability a reality. Step inside the 2011 LA Auto Show and witness what it means to be Born Electric.

1989 Mercedes Benz

2011-11-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Mercedes Benz commercial from 1989

Audi Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2011-11-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is designed to continuously monitor your tire pressure to detect underinflated tires and by that avoiding hazards that may be encountered with underinflated tires. Properly inflated tires insure best fuel economy, best handling/stopping capability and will also provide superior ride comfort for your Audi.

Winter Car Care and Maintenance Tips

2011-11-21T00:10:00.000-08:00

With the long cold days of winter about to start, you may be thinking that with nobody looking to travel long distances now is the time that both you and the car can rest. Guess again! Winter requires as much and perhaps even more car care than summer time because winter could just worsen whatever technical problem your car was showing in summer. The following tips will show you how to avoid some common winter problems.

Engine

Note down problems like stalling or difficult starts, less power, rough idling and try to get your hands dirty and fix them. Else, get a technician at a repair shop to look at them. These problems might well have existed during summer but winter always tends to make them worse.

Oil

It is important that during winter times, you use oil that can handle the cold weather and manage to flow quickly to critical engine parts, even during severe winter conditions. The frequency of oil changes will depend on the kind of driving you do in the winter - the Owner's Manual will suggest to you how often you need to change the oil for various driving types. Usually it is suggested that oil be changed every 3-5,000 miles.

Battery

It is again important to check on the battery. The battery's power comes down significantly in severe cold weather. This is made worse in older batteries. They tend to work fine in summer but fail as soon as the temperature drops. It is therefore essential that a technician check your battery, especially if it is at least four years old. Of course, despite all this it is better to be prepared at all times, with a set of good jumper cables. It might also be a good idea to have a portable power pack in the car, which can again be used in emergencies.

Heater/Defroster

A properly working heater/defroster not only helps passengers stay comfortable but also helps the driver's visibility, as to drive safely you need to be able to see clearly through the windshield. Keeping a full gas tank helps in being ready but also reduces the chances of any moisture forming in the lines that carry the fuel, which can freeze up and cause problems.

Tire Care

Maintaining proper inflation in tires during winter is also essential. During cold weather, air contracts and so air in the tires also contracts. Highly inflated tires will increase the wear and tear on tires and also increase the fuel consumption. On the other hand, under inflated tires will just reduce traction. You could also consider going in for special tires, which are designed to grip slippery roads when snow and ice can be a problem.

Lights and Wipers

Always make sure that lights are inspected regularly to ensure that bulbs can be lit and headlights be aimed properly. Also, even wiper blades have to be taken care of. Replace them regularly and even consider special snow blades if you are going to be driving in severe weather.

Warm Up

During winter, when you start the engine, just wait for a few seconds so that a proper flow of oil has been started and there is adequate lubrication before driving off. However, waiting for too long is also not good, as that will just waste gas.

Take care of your car for the winter and your car will ensure your safety even during the worst of winter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1462204

911 carrera 3.2 cabrio 1989 v2.wmv

2011-11-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

Adrian Crawford shows you around his beautiful 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 with just 41000 miles.

Your Car's Alternator - How Long Will it Last?

2011-11-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

The alternator is arguably the hardest-working component under the hood of your vehicle. It produces a current and then transfers that current to the battery. This, in turn, powers the electrical features of your car while your alternator makes sure the battery remains alive. If the battery goes, so too, will your radio, headlights, and other features that depend on the juice.

If you have ever turned the key in your car's ignition and heard a clicking noise, you'll already be familiar with the sound of a dying alternator. The noise indicates the component needs to be replaced. For most drivers, the question is, how long can the part be expected to last?

We're going to explore this question in more detail below. Because your alternator is so important to the smooth operation of your vehicle, it's worth examining the factors that can shorten its life. You'll discover that its longevity depends largely on the quality of its design.

Slow Deterioration Over Thousands Of Miles

One of the most common reasons an alternator fails is because it was built poorly in the first place. New components are rarely an issue. You can expect them to last up to 100,000 miles. Replacement parts, however, are another matter entirely. Often, a poorly-designed rebuilt is used to replace an original unit that has died. Unfortunately, if the craftsmanship of the rebuilt is lacking, the replacement can fail within months due to the load placed upon it.

Another reason this component can fail is due to normal wear and tear. Over time, the diodes can wear down, the stator windings may become ineffective, or the needle bearing on which the part's rotor spins can deteriorate.

The wear and tear suffered by the alternator may be accelerated by other circumstances. For example, extreme heat generated by the engine can slowly take a toll; the battery may lose its charge, taxing the component more than normal; dirt may infiltrate the part. It's often difficult to know these things are occurring, especially because they happen gradually. However, you can - and should - periodically test the component to make sure it is in good condition.

Testing And Maintaining The Component

In order to test the alternator, you'll need to purchase a voltmeter. They normally cost less than $20 and can be found at most auto supply stores. This device tests output level. To use it, turn your car's engine over and allow it to idle for a minute. Make sure your radio, DVD player, headlights, and similar features are turned off.

Then, attach the voltmeter's positive and negative connections to the positive and negative posts on your battery. The device should display a reading between 13.8 and 15.3 volts. Next, turn on your headlights and look at the reading again; turn on your radio and take another look; turn your vehicle's heater on. The voltmeter's reading should never dip below 12 volts. If it does, there's a good chance your alternator is faulty or failing. In both cases, you'll need to have it replaced.

Thoughts On Replacing The Part

Even though alternators are commonly rebuilt, they are rarely repaired. The diodes, bearings, rotor, and other pieces that wear down with time are usually replaced. That means if the component fails, the replacement - whether a new unit or a rebuilt - will have new pieces fitted.

As mentioned earlier, the quality of a rebuilt varies by the rebuilder. For this reason, replacing a failing alternator with an OEM-certified unit is always recommended; it should come with a warranty that covers it for at least a year. Don't be tempted to save a few dollars by purchasing a cheap substitute. You'll find this is one component where the investment in higher quality is worthwhile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4264740

Star Tech European in Vacaville uses OEM parts! We specialize in European Automotive service and repairs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

Original BMW Parts. Oil filter.

2011-11-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

There's a big difference, between a BMW Genuine Oil Filter and a counterfeit, although they sometimes look very similar...watch the test.

Mercedes-Benz.tv: The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

2011-11-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

Every car tells its own story. This is what makes restoring old automobiles so exciting for the employees at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

2011-11-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Colder morning temperatures are a sure sign that the seasons are transitioning, with winter weather not too far away. That means your car needs to be ready to handle winter's worst, including snow, ice and frigid mornings.

Let's take a look at some steps you can take now to ensure that your car can handle any winter whollop:

Inspect tires - Your tires must be up to the task to handle whatever road conditions you face. This means having adequate tread left to manage ice and snow. For drivers living in snowy climates, investing in a pair of snow tires is important too. Buy a new pair of snow tires if the old tires have aged or show signs of wear. Check the spare tire too.

Check your lights - Inspect head lamps, tail lights, turn signal indicators and fog lamps for proper operation. Replace burnt out bulbs and clean off light covers. Check the third brake light too.

Top off or replace your antifreeze - When was the last time you inspected your antifreeze? When was it drained and replaced? If the antifreeze is still fresh, then top it off according to manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, flush and refill.

Inspect wires and hoses - Your car may be in excellent running condition, but a frayed wire or split hose can render your vehicle inoperable. Check wires, hoses and belts - replace as needed. Extreme temperatures will magnify any problem with your car. Avoid getting stranded over a cheap replacement part.

Perform a brake inspection - Are your car's brake pads up to the job? If not, replace same. Check the master cylinder for proper levels, discs and calipers for signs of wear and your car's suspension system including struts and shocks. Many garages provide a free inspection which is ideal for the person who is not familiar with this work.

Change your oil - Fall and spring are ideal times to schedule oil changes, just before the extreme temperatures of winter and summer set in. Change the oil and oil filter; if a tune up is due, then get that done now.

Make an emergency kit - Winter traveling means having emergency supplies at the ready in the event that you get stranded. Bring along a fully charged cell phone and cell phone recharger. Your kit should also include food, a blanket, water, jumper cables, flat repair, flares, fresh batteries and a first aid kit.

Even new cars can be severely tested when a cold snap sets in. If the check engine light comes on or your car has trouble starting, don't ignore the problem. Importantly, ensure that your road club plan is active and up to date - keep that number handy too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6601273

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in European Automotive service and reapirs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

A New BMW M1 In The Works?

2011-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

BMW is now floating rumors that they might take another shot at the iconic M1. In 2008 they created the BMW M1 Hommage. Several design studies have been produced, but now the M division wants another crack at it.

The History of Automobile Airbags

2011-10-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Even though airbags were both designed and patented for safe usage in the early 1950s, they would not come into any sort of widespread use until almost thirty years later. John W. Hetrick, a former Navy engineer, created the first airbag prototype in 1952. He combined his knowledge of the mechanics of compressed air, which he had gained from working extensively with torpedoes in the Navy, together with a strong desire to keep his family and other motorists safe while driving. The year after their invention, airbags were patented as a safe way to help prevent injuries in automobile accidents. When John tried to market his new device to the auto industry, however, he found most automobile manufacturers were more interested in profits than safety.

Airbags were first incorporated as a safety device for a passenger vehicle in the early 1970s. Studies showed that many passengers weren't interested in using their seatbelts when driving, so safety watchdogs decided to look for a device that wouldn't involve customer compliance. Ford and General Motors constructed fleets of experimental cars with airbags in order to fine tune the technology. It was soon found that, although airbags were not a viable alternative to seatbelts, they were an excellent supplemental safety system. Besides laws mandating the use of seatbelts, legislation encouraging car manufacturers to include airbags in their vehicles began to appear around the early 1980s. The 1980s saw a huge rise in the amount of airbags available in the car market.

Mercedes Benz and Honda made them available as options and Porsche offered them as standard equipment in its 944 model. In 1990, Chrysler, an industry leader at the time, integrated airbags into its entire array of vehicles, and this inspired many others to do the same. Audi had finally caught up by 1994 when it introduced airbags into many of its best selling models. Airbag development continued in the 1990s with many new variations being invented and tested. The side airbag developed and then evolved into two different types, the side curtain and the side torso. These side airbags, which inflated between the body and the door of the vehicle, were found to be highly successful in preventing head and torso injury. They also helped to diminish the chance of being ejected from the car should it roll over.

Today, the standard types of airbags are joined by rear curtain airbags, knee airbags, center airbags, and even seatbelt airbags, each with its own specialized safety function. Some motorcycles even come equipped with airbags to help diminish injury in a direct frontal collision. There are also airbag suits for motorcycle drivers, which help protect the driver's back if he is thrown from his bike.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5944279

Original 1886 Mercedes Benz

2011-10-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

SuperCars Exposed co host, Louise Brady, takes you on a ride in the first super car. We have definitely come a long way!

New BMW 3 Series Introduced, February Delivery

2011-10-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

The new BMW 3 Series is a direct evolution of the entire 3 Series line. It's slightly bigger, longer, has more headroom and has a very minor facelift, but it's still a 3 Series. BMW keeps rolling out a winner with this car and it has a devoted following.

Driving In The Elements

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

It is a rather unfortunate thing that the sky is not always clear and the wind not always calm and the extreme forces of nature leave our highways and roadways alone to the cars and those driving the cars. Instead, Nature is fickle and acts out at random often unprovoked in the violence that it brings caring not for when or where and we are left to deal with this attitude even if it does not find us safely in our homes. Often times the forces of nature find us in our cars driving to and from our little points completely unaware of what is about to be unleashed. Driving in ideal weather is a simple task; follow the rules and be on the look out, but when the fury of nature rears up different strategies are required.

The elements of rain, fog, and wind are among the most dangerous of Nature's wrath and if not treated with care result in crashes that take a devastating toll on car and driver. Extra care and extra attention are the tools drivers need in order to combat these problems. Defeating nature may be impossible but surviving it is a matter of precaution.

RAIN IS NOT LIMITED TO THE PLAINS IN SPAIN

It is an easy thing to say; "Don't drive in the rain if you don't have to" but when you have to this advice is useless. If you must go forth into that rain storm keep your safety and the safety of those sharing the roads in mind. Your duty does not end when you turn on your windshield wipers.

During rain your visibility will be cut if not dramatically then just enough to make conditions dangerous. Driving with your headlights in even the slightest of drizzle will make your car noticeable to other drivers and the road noticeable to you.

Reduce your speed as your drive in the rain. Just because the speed limit is a certain number does not mean that you must, above all else, reach this number. Speed limits are really a guideline, a recommended speed that will keep traffic moving at a safe and even flow. During a rain shower the roads will be more dangerous so it will be important to drive at a safe speed even if it does not match the numbers on the sign. This is especially vital if the rain follows a dry spell. The collected oil and grease from cars will make the roads slick and make it difficult for the tires to get enough traction. This can result in your car skidding off the road and hydroplaning. Hydroplaning will cause the car to drift until the tires can once again gain traction. If this should happen, it is not advisable to slam on the brakes. Keep the wheel straight and decrease speed until control is regained.

If you find yourself in rain that is excessive then pull to the side of the road at a safe distance and wait it out. It is never a good idea to speed through a puddle as the water may cause severe damages to your car's engine and you may even become stuck. Use your common sense when driving in the rain and keep alert. This will be a valuable commodity as you travel down the road and through life.

DRIVING IN FOGGY WEATHER

Driving in the fog is an especially dangerous task as the visibility can be non-existent. Though when this happens it is wiser to pull over and wait instead of risking your life and the lives of others in an accident that could have been avoided. However, if you find yourself surrounded by fog and with no other option then to keep driving, do so carefully and slowly.

Use the equipment at your disposal, notably your lights. Never use high beams in the fog as the light will be dispersed in the fog and become useless. Your low beams are best combined with any fog lamps you may have. Often times other drivers will not be able to see your car until they are passing you so your lights will let them know where you are.

Keep your speed slow and steady. Do not brake suddenly and certainly do not reverse. Signal early and brake slowly allowing those behind you time to react accordingly.

Concentration and focus are great allies when driving in fog. You can not be distracted by cell phones, music, or anything else as you navigate the quagmire. Most accidents that occur in fog are fatal. Fog can happen suddenly or slowly so keep aware of your surroundings and any changes in the weather or traffic as it can be an indicator that fog is up ahead.

I HEAR THE WIND AMONG TREES, SO BE CAREFUL DRIVING

Wind can make for some pretty dangerous driving conditions. Oftentimes, high winds are accompanied by other dangerous weather so the risks created by the winds may be overshadowed by the rain or the snow. Larger vehicles like trucks and RVs have the greatest difficulty in high winds as their greater size is more open to the battering effects. However, small cars and light weight vehicles will also need to take precaution.

High winds can kick up at a moment's notice so it may be tricky gauging when that next burst will come but if you already find yourself in conditions that favor extreme wind then drive at reduced speeds. Be especially mindful of the larger vehicles on the road and give them as much space as possible.

Do not treat high winds lightly; it is just as dangerous of a problem as rain and fog. Take bridges with extra caution and listen out for any weather updates. Those high winds just may signal a severe storm or worse.

Driving in the elements such as rain, fog, or high winds, can be a dangerous task. If done with caution and common sense your trip through these battering elements can be a safe one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1081280

Volvo Cars' History - Since 1927

2011-10-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

A review showing Volvo Cars' history since 1927 when the first car - Jacob - was made in Gothenburg, Sweden. Containing uniques footage from the Volvo film archives.

Mercedes Million Kilometer Test

2011-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Mobil 1 put 1 million kilometers on a Mercedes-Benz engine then broke it down to see how the fully synthetic motor oil did in leaving minimal deposits and minimal wear on the engine, demonstrating how Mobil 1 will allow an engine to operate in like new conditions through an extended test length.

Regular Maintenance is Great For Your Car's Wealth and Warranty

2011-10-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

If you're like most people, your vehicle represents one of the largest investments you will ever make. You take great pride in your ride: you insure, wash and service it. So nothing upsets you more than the car you have worked so hard for, and saved so long for breaks down.

Your car not only gets you places safely, efficiently, and comfortably, but it has come to symbolize your personal independence, illustrating a freedom to choose where you drive, how you drive, and when you drive there. When your car is "in the shop" you begin to realize how dependent you are on your vehicle.

Knowing some basics about your vehicle and scheduling regular maintenance can help save money on repairs and help keep it out the shop for major repairs. We've put together some commonly asked car care questions and answers for your convenience.

Are my tires properly inflated?

The correct auto-car tire pressure for a vehicle is determined by the size and weight of the automotive vehicle, the type of auto-car tires it uses, load hauled, and the type of automotive driving the vehicle is intended for. The auto vehicle manufacturer places a tire inflation placard in each vehicle that gives the proper car tire inflation pressures for that auto vehicle. This placard is located on the inside of the glove box door, inside the fuel-filler door, or on the car driver?s side doorpost (depending upon manufacturer). Most auto manufacturers also list tire inflation levels in the owners manual.

How often should I have my engine oil/filter changed?

According to automotive-car experts, regularly scheduled oil/filter changes are the single most important item for prolonging auto-car engine life. Most new auto vehicles have recommended oil/filter change intervals of 7,500 miles and some new auto vehicles have recommended oil change intervals of 11,000 to 15,000 miles under normal operating conditions, with ""normal"" operation described as the operation of the vehicle for at least 20 minutes at a medium speed, with a steady throttle and in a clean driving environment.

Short hops to the store, stop-and-go rush hour driving, driving on dirt roads and inclement-weather operation are all considered severe operating conditions that can cause impurities to build up quickly in the oil, resulting in increased wear and tear on internal parts. That is why most auto-car owner's manuals and auto mechanics recommend changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) to assure that maximum engine lubrication occurs while a minimum of impurities are suspended in the oil. To find out what the recommended oil change frequency is for your auto vehicle, check your car owner's manual or talk with your automotive service professional.

What can I do if my car overheats?

If you are driving at normal highway speed and the auto vehicle starts to overheat, turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater and immediately pull over to the shoulder. Odds are if the vehicle starts to overheat at highway speed, there is a problem in the cooling system such as low coolant, a clogged radiator or a broken drive belt or burst hose. Once at the shoulder, shut off the auto-car engine, open the hood and let the car engine cool down - 20 minutes minimum. Once any overboiling stops and the car's engine has cooled, look for obvious signs of trouble. DO NOT attempt to open the auto-car radiator cap unless the car engine is off and the top of the radiator is cold. If there is no noticeable problem such as a broken drive belt or burst hose, you can then add a coolant/water mixture to the radiator or overflow reservoir, start the auto vehicle and drive slowly to a service facility.

How often should my car get a tune-up?

The term "tune-up" actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). On these auto-car vehicles a tune-up would generally be required every 15,000 - 20,000 miles and consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap and adjusting the ignition timing as well as the carburetor.

On modern auto-car vehicles equipped with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computer controls, the term "engine performance maintenance" is a more accurate term. A "tune-up" for these newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to maintain peak auto engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low car exhaust emissions. During this process, spark plugs, plug wires, sensors, and modules may be replaced. The frequency at which a newer auto-car vehicle needs a tune-up is dependent more upon driving conditions than mileage and recommended tune-up frequencies vary between 30,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer. To learn how often your auto-car vehicle needs a tune-up, check your owner's manual or speak with your local automotive service provider.

Does my transmission ever need service?

Most auto-car care experts advise having an automatic transmission's fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles, to keep it in good working order. This is especially important if the auto vehicle is more than five years old. Many auto vehicles newer than five years old may need scheduled service less often and some new auto vehicles have transmissions that need no scheduled service for the life of the car.

By-the-book service, however, may not be adequate if your vehicle is driven hard, tows a trailer, goes off-road or carries a camper. Under these conditions, the auto-car fluid and filter may need to be changed more often -- every 12 months or 12,000 miles --because dirt and moisture buildup in the fluid can cause internal damage. Heat buildup can also be a problem. The harder the auto-car transmission works, the hotter the fluid gets and the quicker the fluid breaks down. To find out the recommended service schedule for your auto-car vehicle's transmission, check the owner's manual or talk with your local automotive service provider.

Manual transmissions generally need no regularly scheduled service, but may need service due to worn clutch and throw-out bearings and broken synchromesh gears. Check your owner's manual for specific information on manual transmission service or talk with your local automotive service provider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3570788

The Reporter's "Best of 2011"

2011-10-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

We need your help! If you've had a great experience with Star Tech European let all of Vacaville know! Please take the time to vote for us as the Best Auto Repair Shop in the Reporter's "Best of 2011" contest!

Voting ends October 31st, 2011 and winners will be announced December 31st, 2011. Every vote counts and is greatly appreciated!!

Vote Here!

Inspirations & Icons the Jaguar C-X75

2011-10-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

The C-X75 perfectly combines the future and the past. Its high speeds and low emissions put it in the vanguard of modern motoring while its aestheticcues come from the golden age of British automotive design.

IAA 2011. Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW

2011-09-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

An all time low fuel consumption of the current model fleet and revolutionary concepts - this is BMW at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011.

Common Car Problems Everyone Should Be Aware Of

2011-09-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Unless you have an avid interest in automobiles and know everything there is to know about vehicles, the average driver is not aware of common car issues. Just a hint of something being "off" with your car can be alarming. Here are five car problems you should be aware of, just in case of an emergency.

Engine Knock - Most of the noise coming from the engine is probably road debris that is lodged in between the trends of one of your car's tires or too great clearance between the components located in the valve train. If there is a persistent engine knock though, take your car to a qualified mechanic.

Squeaky Brakes - There can be many reasons why the brakes from your car squeaks-vibrations between the pads and the rotors, pads and the calipers, or calipers and the mounts. The squeal from the brakes could even be made with your shoes and the drums or shoes and backing plates. Again though if it persists, take it to the shop.

Check Engine Light - The check engine light is a service reminder built into your vehicle that illuminates whenever your car's computer thinks there is a problem with the emission control system. Usually, it is nothing major, but if the light color is red, your car may need immediate attention.

Vehicle Pulls to One Side - This problem simply means that your car's alignment is off, which can be easily fixed by taking the vehicle in for realignment. Just be aware when your car starts to veer off to one specific side.

Rough Ride - If your once smooth car suddenly turns rough, it may be your shock absorbers and struts. If this problem is fixed early on, it won't become a major issue, but if not, it might require an entirely new shocks or struts to get your car ride back to being smooth again.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3773246

Check Engine Light - What It Could Mean

2011-09-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

If your check engine light has come on, there is no need to panic. It is unlikely anything is going to explode. However, this does not mean you should ignore it.

The check engine light or engine diagnosis light, also called the idiot light, means that the electronic gadgetry in the car have detected a problem. Modern day cars have electronics controlling or monitoring virtually everything in your vehicle. This includes braking systems, lights, engine performance, emissions and so on. It is a long list of possible items.

In the good old days, so to speak, car electronics were much simpler and fewer things were managed by computer. Sometimes it was possible just to disconnect the battery and the check engine light would switch off. Not only will that not work now, but you risk damaging the more sensitive electronic appliances by fiddling unnecessarily with your battery. Other annoying hassles include your car radio going into safety mode and requiring a pin code before operating. Do you remember where you put it? The long and short of it is that you are not going to get this light off unless you go to a mechanic. This is actually a good thing.

Regulations force manufacturers to adhere to certain safety checks. When one of these checks fails, the check engine light comes on.

Common Causes It takes only a few minutes for a mechanic to hook your car up to their diagnostic tool, sometimes called an OBD (On Board Diagnostic). This watchamagoodjit then talks to your car's computer. Brace yourself, here comes another three letter acronym. The car's main computer is called an ECM (Electronic Control Module). The ECM does all sorts of clever things to get the best balance of performance, fuel economy and emissions from your car. Retrieving the error code is quick and some mechanics will even do the check for free. There are hundreds of codes and this will narrow down what the issue is, but not necessarily the actual defect. For example, if the computer is getting a faulty reading from the sensor in the exhaust, it may be because the sensor is dirty, faulty or there is a bad connection somewhere. While the list is long, the likely culprits for the check engine light coming on are: The electronic fuel system i.e. a valve, sensor or even something to do with the spark plugs is not functioning correctly There is a vacuum leak. In English, this translates to a loose or damaged hose if you are lucky and a cracked manifold if your luck has run out. A manifold is the top bit (normally) of the engine that bolts onto the main 'block' of the engine. To create a perfect seal between the engine block and the manifold, something called a gasket is used. A blown head gasket is when that seal has deteriorated or overheated and is no longer functional. This is unfortunately more serious than it sounds because although the gasket is relatively cheap, it means disassembling the engine i.e. an average of 8 hours labor. Don't be fooled into using wonder products that will fix the gasket for a super low, friends only special price of $20 - you will almost certainly crack the block or in simpler terms destroy your engine. Most cars today use a fuel injection system. This is much more efficient than carburetors which basically just pour fuel into the motor. The injection system does mean that there are more things that can go wrong. Fuel injectors can get clogged, the o-rings which help them seal properly can wear out etc. These items are not going to send you to the bank for a loan but will cost more than a few dollars.

As a general rule of thumb, if nothing is smoking and there is no obvious sign of damage such as lack of performance, unusual engine noises or vibrations, you might be lucky. Either way, don't risk causing further damage to your car by delaying the visit to your mechanic. It may cost you a lot more if you do and possibly render your car unsafe to drive.

Fixes Excluding an obvious and possibly easy to replace item like a visibly broken hose, most of these problems are best left to a mechanic to sort out. The diagnostic tools used can be bought but are not cheap and even if you had them, obtaining the error code is only the first step in the process. Other specialized tools are needed and you may spend hours fiddling about with the wrong thing, possibly doing even further damage or concealing the original problem.

Modern day cars are more and more complicated which means that it is less and less possible for the man, or woman, on the street to open the hood and wiggle something here and bash something there to get the car to go again. Your mechanic probably has a lot more training than you might think and at the very least, more experience than you, fixing motor cars.

Costs Like I said, it could be one of a hundred things and costs could range from $20 to $1600 for something more serious like a blown head gasket. Just a smoke test, to check for leaks in the engine due to cracks will cost around $60. Of course, the make and model of the car will influence the price. The figures above are an average guide. If you drive a Lamborghini, make sure you can afford the repair bills. Replacing the clutch on a super car like that may cost more than the new price of a small car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6349091

707-455-8870

Classic European Cars of the 1950s

2011-09-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

1950 Lancia Aurelia

The 1950s saw European car manufacturers turn out some of their most celebrated and memorable models, particularly from those car builders located in Germany, France and Italy.

The cars built in Germany of this period were a sign of the economic miracle the country was enjoying as it built itself up following the end of the Second World War.

Two companies which built classic European cars of the 1950s in Germany were Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen. Having launched the W186 and W189 at the beginning of the decade, Mercedes Benz went onto produce what has been described as the greatest car they ever built - the 300S.

Launched in 1952 this wonderful car was followed up by the limited edition 300SC, complete with fuel injection and also featured independent rear suspension. By the end of the 1950s Mercedes produced the ultimate in luxury models with the Fintail, which incorporated a crumple zone, disc brakes and air suspension.

Another German car manufacturer to survive the ravages of war and become part of the countries economic miracle was Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Type 1 or "Beetle" was destined to become hugely popular during the 1950s and well beyond. Production of the VW Beetle reached one million in 1955 and it was to be a top seller in the United States.

In France a classic European car of the 1950s was the Citroen 2CV. Sold mainly in France and within Europe the 2CV was by no means the most majestic of cars, but it was to become one of the most loved and iconic cars ever built by a French manufacturer.

High import taxes and the fact the 2CV, to some, looked ugly, meant the model never enjoyed big sales in the UK or United States. It took a futuristic style of Citroen - the DS designed by Flaminio Bertoni - for the French company to makes its name on the American market.

In Italy Lancia is a famous name for the production of classic cars during the 1950s. In 1950 Lancia launched the Aurelia, famed for its success in motor sport, at the Turin motor show. By 1953 Lancia had added the Appia to its range.

Lancia's great Italian rivals were Alfa Romeo. Alfa Romeo were to start the 50s with the production of such classics as its 1900 Saloon, the company's first assembly line model. Later models which were to become Alfa Romeo classics were the Giulietta, rolled out in 1954, and a year later the Berlina - four door saloon- and the Spider Cabriolet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2583251

Volvo Concept You - Luxurious Scandinavian Design with Smart Pad Technology

2011-09-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

The Volvo Car Corporation takes the next step in the evolution of the company's upcoming large luxury sedan.The Concept You, revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, combines a coupe-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology. The Concept You picks up where the Concept Universe, revealed at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, left off. It gives the global car buying public another exciting glimpse of the Volvo Car Corporation's future.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept: Frankfurt Motor Show

2011-09-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Jaguar has knocked one out of the park with their Frankfurt Motor Show bound C-x16 Concept. We will bet money that this will see production and fairly soon. This could be the star of the show.

Common Car Maintenance Mistakes

2011-09-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

When it comes to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, it's important to be proactive, to take the initiative necessary to ensure proper functioning of your car or truck, but of course, it's also important to be wise and discerning, and ultimately to act not just out of good intentions, but also out of real knowledge. There is perhaps no car maintenance mistake more common than simple neglect, but even among those who strive to take care of their cars, there are certain pratfalls and common blunders that should and can be avoided.

One common mistake is to think that the only important thing under the hood of your car is the oil tank. Indeed, anybody who knows anything about car maintenance knows that regularly checking oil levels is important, and indeed it is, but there are plenty of other fluids located in the same neighborhood, and it's vital that you check and maintain all of them including brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.

A related mistake is to fill your oil tank with the wrong kind of oil or, more specifically, oil with the wrong viscosity. Again, it is admirable when anyone takes the initiative to keep the oil tank filled properly, but it's crucial to make sure you're using the proper weight of oil, the one recommended in your owner's manual. Using the wrong kind of oil can ultimately lead to a lot of wear and tear in your engine.

Some of the most common car maintenance mistakes can happen while you're actually driving the vehicle. For example, slamming the brakes is a great way to ensure that your brakes fizzle out on you early. Of course we all encounter those emergency situations when slamming on the brakes is really the only option but making every stop an emergency stop is ultimately going to mean a much shorter life for your brakes, and possibly some very real danger to you, the driver.

And here's another, particularly major mistake that is far too often made by auto owners: Avoiding taking a trip to the mechanic. Of course, keeping your vehicle kept up to date on its routine maintenance will largely eliminate the need for a mechanic, but still, things happen, and the single best way to see your car fall apart on you is to skip out on the mechanic. If there is a problem you can't fix on your own or if your engine service light comes on you need to have it worked on by a professional. Delaying this will only make the repair more costly and major.

But again, this warrants repeating: The biggest car maintenance mistake of all is to avoid it altogether. Your car is an investment of both your money and your time, and neglecting the proper upkeep of your automobile is basically like squandering that investment. Stay on top of routine maintenance, and ensure that, when it comes to taking care of your car, you are both vigilant and well-informed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6397718

Easy Ways to Get More Performance From Your Volkswagen

2011-09-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

So you you want to give your VW a bit more get up and go, well there are some very easy and inexpensive ways to get a bit more performance out of your car. To start with it all depends on which Volkswagen you have, as this will affect the selection of performance parts that are available to you. For example there will be loads of go performance goodies out there for tuning your Golf/GTI hatchback but sadly a lot less of a selection when it comes to finding VW performance parts for say a VW Passat or Polo.

One bonus with owning a VW is the large following this marquee has, so with a very large community of VW tuners worldwide, the first essential place to check is the VW forums where many of these people will have tried out the VW performance parts you may be interested in and will be able to give you some great feedback of what you can expect from the various performance parts available. If a performance part exists someone on one of the VW forums will have tried it out..

The first easy step to improving your VW's performance, is to make sure the car is running properly and ensure your VW has had a tune up and an oil change. OK I know this may sound simple and silly but you'd be surprised how many people overlook this basic step. Adding performance parts to a car that's not running properly to start with, is going to be a waste of your time and money and ultimately will not improve your VW's performance at all.

The second step is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Again sounds simple and basic, but tyres are probably the most neglected, but essential items on your car. How often do you check the pressure of your tyres?, every day, every week I don't think so!

Surprisingly correct tyre pressure not only improves the handling of your VW it also helps to make sure you're getting the best fuel consumption possible. Once you have gone through these basic steps, then you can move onto other ways below to improve the performance of your VW and even still save fuel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2305771

Hot August Nights 2011 25th Anniversary

2011-09-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Collection of pictures from Hot August Nights Reno / Sparks 2011 - 25th Anniversary

Mercedes-Benz.tv: The New B-Class

2011-08-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

More agile, more efficient and safer than ever: The new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the all-rounder in the compact class.

Volkswagen Repairs - 3 Reasons to Have Repairs Done by a Volkswagen Specialist

2011-08-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Why should you have your repairs done by a VW Specialist?

I've heard from different people that Volkswagens are expensive to repair and that parts are difficult to find. My answer is usually, "Not if you know where to take them." Over the last thirty years in car sales and the last five years concentrating on selling Volkswagen almost exclusively, I've learned a few things. We have seen most of the common problems so there are very few repairs I haven't done. The biggest mistake I see is taking your VW to a general repair garage rather than a VW specialist.

These are the reasons why you seek out a VW Specialist:

1. They know where to source parts, either new or used at good prices and at a reasonable cost. When you are repairing the same make and model all the time they have usually done their homework at sourcing out the common parts that they need to do the repairs.

2. Repairing the same model day after day means they have done the common repair jobs ie: timing belt replacement, brakes, front end, electrical, etc., many times. This has two advantages. It's done right the first time and it's done reasonably quickly.

3. When you have unusual problems crop up, there's a better chance that a VW specialist has seen this problem already and they know what is required to fix it. If they haven't seen the problem, they're probably hooked into a specialty site like VW Vortex where they can post the problem and have dozens of VW techs offer dozens of solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3905849

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in Volkswagen service and reapirs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

Top 4 Ways To Baby Your Mercedes Benz Car

2011-08-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

You spent the money on this amazing machine, so nothing's too good for your baby. But as a practical matter, babying your Mercedes Benz gives you a fine ride for as long as you own it, and helps you preserve the resale value. Here are five things you need to do.

First, change the oil regularly. There's nothing easier you can do for your Mercedes Benz than treat the engine well. Fresh oil does the job.

But how often is "regularly"? It used to be every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But if you use Mobil 1 oil in your Mercedes (and their engineers say you should), engine advances in the past decade or so have made "regular" seem like not very often. Most Mercedes models, even at the high end, say you can change your oil at between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Hey, the engineers designed your fine machine, so maybe you can trust what they say about oil changes.

Second, you need to wash and dry your Mercedes properly. You've spent a hefty amount on your Mercedes car, so don't take away the magic by ruining your paint job. Washing and drying properly will help you preserve the paint.

Washing a Mercedes isn't rocket science, but here are some specific things to keep in mind:

1. Pick a shaded area to let your car cool down before you wash it, and to prevent water spotting later during the drying phase

2. Consider cleaning the wheels first to give your car time to cool down, and use only non-acidic wheel cleaner

3. Use only sheepskin or microfiber mitts (or towels) to avoid damaging the paint

4. When you rinse the car, do so from the top down, to avoid getting dirt and gunk in already rinsed areas

5. Use only non-abrasive soap for washing, wash from the top down, and rinse your mitt or towel first before you dip it in the soap again (to get rid of dirt you've already cleaned off, so it won't scratch your paint)

6. Dry with a waffle weave towel

Third, keep your Mercedes well waxed to repel dirt and gunk that can damage the paint over time. You have several options here, but Mercedes enthusiasts everywhere will give the thumbs up to non-petroleum carnauba wax. It not only gives your exterior a nice luster, but also fills in minor scratches. You'll want to buy a wax with 20-50% carnauba and the remainder being brightening agents and perfectly safe natural oils. After you've freshly washed your car, apply the wax in straight strokes with a foam pad, and take it up quickly with a soft terry cloth towel before the wax dries too much. That will give you the shine you're looking for, without making a mess.

Fourth, don't forget to condition the interior! That means the leather (or M-B Tex) and wood. You'll want to use a non-solvent based and non-petroleum based cleaner. Word on the street is that there's no reason to buy anything special from Mercedes. You can go to your local auto store and buy products made by Meguiars, a well recognized brand that lots of Mercedes Benz car owners swear by.

Now you know how to baby your Mercedes. It doesn't take a lot of time, but the extra attention you give your baby now will pay you back down the road.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1782280

OEM Replacement Parts For Luxury Vehicles

2011-08-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

Your luxury car needs routine maintenance to ensure that it is running properly and efficiently. Throughout the life of your foreign import, there will be times when some of the vehicle parts need to be replaced. When this happens, you should choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts. A good mechanic knows that OEM vehicle parts offer high quality performance and unique benefits that you cannot get from aftermarket alternatives.

It is inevitable that some of your vehicle parts will wear out or become damaged and need to be replaced. No matter how much care you give your vehicle, many of the original parts simply are not able to last the lifetime of your car. When a part does need to replaced, it is imperative that you take your automobile to repair shop that specializes in servicing your type of vehicle.

The biggest advantage of OEM parts is that they are designed and created by the same manufacturer who made your car. As a result, these parts are designed to precisely fit your specific vehicle. Proper fit ensures that your replacement part will work as well as the original. An ill-fitted part could cause other parts to break or wear out more quickly. This can result in even more expensive repairs in the future.

Another benefit to OEM parts is that they are made from high quality materials. They are built to function properly in your specific model and make. Using only OEM parts will preserve resale value and maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Keep all receipts and service records for potential buyers to view.

Most shops will not offer warranties on repairs using aftermarket or refurbished parts. If a discount replacement does not work or fit properly, you are responsible for any expenses accrued from getting it fixed. Be sure to find a certified service center that uses only OEM parts and offers a warranty on parts and labor.

Not all service and repair shops use OEM replacement parts. You will need to talk with your mechanic to ensure that he is using the parts that will be most effective in your vehicle. Your luxury vehicle is a big investment and keeping it functioning at peak performance is essential to your enjoyment of driving.

Ordering discounted parts online or using refurbished parts may initially save you some money. However, you will more than likely end up with incorrect parts. Returns and exchanges can become time consuming and expensive. Remember that you never want to force a part to fit. This can cause your engine to malfunction and create even more expensive repairs in the future. Fixing it right the first time with high quality parts that specifically created for your vehicle is the best way to ensure that your car will work properly and efficiently.

Your vehicle's manufacture designed very specific parts to help your car run efficiently. When you think about it, it makes sense to use the replacement part that is as close to the original as possible. Requiring your mechanic to use only OEM replacement parts in your foreign import will ensure that it continues to run smoothly for the life of your vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6376202

Volvo Concept Universe Launch Video

2011-08-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

This video presents Concept Universe - the new design study from Volvo, and features Volvo's chief designer Jonathan Disley explaining his vision for this car.

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in working on Volvos. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

Volvo Cars Based On Racing Concept

2011-08-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Volvo car manufacturing company has announced it will produce three automobile models with features inspired by the Volvo Ocean Race, the prestigious around-the-world yacht race that attracts internationally respected sailors to compete for top honors.

The special models were announced by Volvo at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the highly regarded annual car show held in Switzerland.

The new models, to be known as Volvo Ocean Race Editions, will be associated with the V60, the XC60 and the XC70 in the Volvo lineup. Orders for the special editions are slated to begin in April 2011 with delivery scheduled to start in July.

Volvo company officials have not yet released details on the cost of the special-edition models.

Design details of the new Volvo models are inspired by sailing, the marine lifestyle and the challenge and exhilaration associated with high-level yacht sailing. Volvo offers two specially created colors in the new line, known as Volvo Ocean Blue II and Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race logo will appear in strategic locations on the back of the cars' front seats. Leather upholstery in the cars' interiors comes in soft beige and off-black, according to Volvo. The logo will also appear in various spots on the exterior and interior of the special editions of the cars.

The new editions of the cars will also feature attractive chrome detailing and unique aluminum wheels.

Volvo is targeting an audience of professional and amateur sailors as well as sports fans who appreciate skilled athletes and dramatic competition and drivers who respect the seafaring lifestyle.

Volvo officials said they expect to sell 7,500 of the special-edition autos, with many of the customers coming from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy.

Karin Backlund, the director of global sponsorship for Volvo, said in an official statement: "With the Volvo Ocean Race, we have a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the brand and highlight specific characteristics such as design, dynamic performance and innovative technology. It enables our effort to move the brand towards more emotive values."

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo manufactures, markets and distributes buses, trucks, heavy construction equipment, marine and sailing equipment and aerospace items as well as passenger automobiles. Volvo Cars, the company's automobile subsidiary, is famous for its demanding safety standards as the cars' tendency to record extremely high mileage totals.

It is no surprise that safety is also an important consideration in the Volvo Ocean Race, which was established in 1973 under a different name and has been owned and operated by Volvo since 2001. The race takes place once every three years.

All boats in the Volvo Ocean Race are equipped with global positioning satellite systems so that the sailors can relay their precise location in the event of an emergency. Each entrant in the race is required to successfully undergo a training course in safety precautions before the event.

The next edition of the race is scheduled to begin in Alicante, Spain in October 2011 and finish in Galway, Ireland, in July 2012.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6123085

Evolution Of The Porsche Cayenne

2011-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

As the Porsche company approached the 21st century, they realised they were missing out on what was becoming a sizable market sector, namely the mid sized crossover market. Up until this point the sector had been dominated by brands such as Land Rover and Jeep. However, since the introduction of the Mercedes ML in 1997 and the BMW X5 in 1999 it was becoming obvious to Porsche that they were missing out on something.

Consequently Porsche designed and introduced its own interpretation of the type in 2002. Porsche were able to call on other similar models within its stable including the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg for inspiration and know how, to allow it to develop a rival for the BMW and Mercedes offerings. Also, with the advent of the Porsche Cayenne as it was to be known, Porsche offered something that had not been available in a Porsche since the discontinuation of the Porsche 928 in 1995, namely a V8 engine.

The base model Porsche Cayenne though is powered by a VR6 derived engine, which is the same unit that powers the above mentioned VW Touareg as well as the Volkswagen Golf R32. It produces around 250 horse power which is good enough the get the rather large and heavy Porsche Cayenne from rest to 100 kph (62 mph) in around 7.5 seconds.

However, as Porsche are not necessarily known for their slow cars, there are other options available. The next step up is the Porsche Cayenne S. This version has a V8 engine delivering 340 horse power. This decreases the sprint time from the above 7.5 seconds to a more respectable 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

After that there is the Porsche Cayenne GTS which houses a 4.8 litre V8 engine which produces 405 horse power. The sprint time consequently drops again to now below 6 seconds at 5.7 seconds.

There is also available, in true Porsche tradition a Cayenne Turbo and a Cayenne Turbo S. The first of the turbo Cayenne's had 450 horse power and so the sprint time dropped again to 5.3 seconds. Mercedes were now taking note though and countered with the Mercedes Benz AMG63 version of the ML. Porsche hadn't finished though and followed up in 2006 with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S was home to a monster 4.5 litre twin turbo V8 producing 520 hp. This was good enough for a 0-100 kph time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 171 miles per hour.

Still though Porsche had not finished tweaking the performance of the Cayenne and at the Beijing Motorshow in 2008, they revealed a new version of the Turbo and Turbo S. The former had received another 50 hp and so had a 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds. The new Cayenne Turbo S now had 550 hp and dropped another 0.2 second off the sprint time to 4.7 seconds.

With the introduction of the second generation Porsche Cayenne in 2010 it is clear that Porsche have not finished with this platform and there are more great things to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6059811

Why People Are Still In Love With The American Muscle Car

2011-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Muscle cars are classic cars that were built mostly for power for on the drag strip or tame enough to be driven on the road. They were owned by any type of people, sometimes elderly ladies owned these types of vehicles driving them to church and to the store, while the same exact model may be bought by someone who only intention was to race it on race day. There were many different models of these cars and now they are some of the most sought after cars for car collectors.

The American Muscle cars were mostly built in the late 60's and early 70's. They were solidly built cars that many have lasted for many years and still are on the roads as vehicles that are driven daily. There are clubs that have been created so that people can show off their vehicles and admire the other models of the cars.

When you drive a Muscle Car instantly you feel like you are young again, full of life and feeling great about everything. You can hear the engine roar with the gunning of the engine, and you can feel the power as the rubber meets the pavement. There have been many movies that show these types of vehicles and teenagers having fun while driving these cars, these are the types of memories that most people have with these vehicles. The auto makers seem to be aware of the thrill of owning and driving these vehicles as they are replicating the muscle cars and making them newer and more fuel efficient.

The thrill of owning or seeing these cars goes beyond what people can imagine. People will drive many miles to visit car auctions so that they can bid on owning a piece of American History, and becoming the proud owner of an American Muscle Car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2448683

BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept

2011-08-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

A milestone in the history of the BMW Group: The world premiere of the electrically powered concepts BMW i3 and BMW i8. A first look at these models, which will go into production in 2013 and 2014.

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in working on BMW's. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

A Brief History Of Audi

2011-07-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

In 1899 a gentleman named August Hoch founded a company called Horch & Co. In 1901 he invented his first vehicle with the help of 15 workers. By 1909 August left this company because of major problems on the commercial management side of things. Mr Hoch then founded a new company called Audi; the name was derived from the Latin translation of the word Hoch. August chose this name because he wanted to build cars under his own name. In 1910 the brand Audi Automobile were GmbH. Production of vehicles by Audi continued until the First World War.

During the war Audi was forced to help produce vehicles for the war effort, and then following the war there was a recession which almost saw the end of the brand itself. Horch left the management in 1920, leaving the management of the firm to battle through the hard times from 1927 through 1930. In 1931 the management decided that the only way to keep the company afloat would be to merge with other vehicle manufacturers. This saw the creation of what was called the Auto Union. This union between manufacturers had great success until the Second World War. During the war every factory in Germany was destroyed by American bombers. After the war, there were many military vehicles that required spare parts and maintenance; this was the main reason for the manufacturers to have a new start in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Daimler-Benz took an 87% holding into the Auto Union Company in 1958 which increased to 100% in 1959. They then decided to dispose of the Auto Union Company brand based on its lack of profitability in 1960. Coincidentally the closing of this company allowed the brand name of Audi to be rediscovered by opening the newly closed factory which had already drawn up a near production ready modern four stroke engine.

Volkswagen acquired a 50% holding in the new Audi firm in 1964, 18 months later it bought the rest of the controlling stock and by 1966 Volkswagen was using the Audi plant to assemble an extra sixty thousand beetles per year. By 1970 Volkswagen introduced the Audi brand in the US. At this time the Audi image was conservative. With models like the Audi 50, Audi 100 and the Audi 80. The 1986 Audi 80 was considered to have an image of someone's grandfather's vehicle. Then in 1987 Audi produced a new and elegant for its time, Audi 90. The Audi 90 had a set of standard features that surpassed anything Audi had released previously.

During the early 1990's Audi began to shift its selling demographic and target a younger consumer base. Body styles were reworked to be more aerodynamic and pleasing to the eye while new engines were developed to offer more performance on the road coupled with suspension modifications which made the vehicle more responsive and fun to drive.

From 2000 onwards Audi's sales have continued to grow. Audi now has six different manufacturing plants around the world in order to keep up with the demand for its vehicles. For a company that basically disappeared in its early years it has to be noted as one of the most successful recoveries of a brand in the history of the automotive business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6268051

BMW history. The BMW 3.0 CSI.

2011-07-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

The BMW 3.0 CSI has been built between 1971 and 1975. It is a powerful car with 200 horsepower.

707-455-8870

Fifty Years Of The Jaguar E-Type

2011-07-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

It seems incredible that fifty years have elapsed since the launch of the Jaguar E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961. That's half a century! And like so many other developments of the 1960s - manned space flight - supersonic passenger transport - it still seems so far ahead of its time. Clearly technology has continued to progress in so many areas in the last fifty years but the sixties was a phenomenal decade for big headline breakthroughs.

There were of course other high performance contemporaries of the Jaguar. Aston Martin's DB4, Chevrolet's Corvette and the Ferrari 250GT. But these were all cars with price tags between two and three times that of the E-Type. Jaguar's new sports car brought superlative speed and acceleration within the reach of, well, perhaps not the masses, but certainly a vastly increased number of motoring enthusiasts. It is perhaps the styling which was the biggest contributor to its iconic status. While each of its competitors has their admirers, no other car seems to have such universal appeal. Each curve flows into the next in a beautiful seamless whole. Even the great Enzo Ferrari had to admit it was "the most beautiful car ever made". Perhaps the greatest tribute to the beauty of the E-Type is its exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Now, fifty years on, even those who are not car enthusiasts have heard of the Jaguar E-Type and are able to appreciate its beauty.

The E-Type came to market on the back of Jaguar's most successful decade in motor sport. The Jaguar team won no less than five Le Mans throughout the 1950s with their C-Type and D-Type competition cars. Much of the styling of the E-Type was already apparent in the D-Type and the competition successes undoubtedly contributed to the immense interest enjoyed by the E-Type at its launch.

Today, the E-Type remains an influence in the styling of cars made by Jaguar. In 2000 a concept for a Jaguar F-Type was presented to the public however plans to build the car were shelved. Recently, the current owner of Jaguar, Tata, announced that development of a new F-Type is to proceed although no launch date has been given. If it is to have the impact its predecessor had 50 years ago, it will need to be an astonishing car indeed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5942823

Visit The Porsche Museum In Stuttgart

2011-07-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

About 80 vehicles and many small exhibits are on display at the Porsche Museum in a unique ambience. In addition to world-famous, iconic vehicles such as the 356, 550, 911, and 917, the exhibits include some of the outstanding technical achievements of Professor Ferdinand Porsche.

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in working on Porsche. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.

707-455-8870

How Often Should I Get An Oil Change?

2011-07-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Both drivers and technicians each have ideas about just how long your vehicle can or should go between oil changes, and there is no shortage of rumor on the subject. Although cost is a factor to consider, just how many miles should you put on your engine before getting that oil changed? Will more frequent oil changes positively affect your vehicle's performance? The truth is, there is no set limit, the frequency of oil changes depends entirely on the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the requirements of the engine powering it.

Typically, the factory recommended oil change interval for most vehicles is once a year or every 5,000 to 7,000 miles (whichever comes first). There are some manufacturers who even recommend a lengthy interval of up to 10,000 miles. The generally accepted interval is every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

The documentation which accompanies every vehicle normally states somewhere in the fine print that the recommended service interval is for vehicle operation under "ideal operating conditions", but just what are those conditions? As far as driving habits go, what most people would consider normal operation is actually very hard on your engine's oil. Rapid and repeated acceleration is engine oil's worst nightmare, yet generally that is how most cars and trucks are driven today. This is sometimes referred to as severe service driving.

Severe service driving includes, but is not limited to, the following characteristics:

* Sustaining interstate highway speeds during hot weather

* Frequent, short trips of 1-10 miles, particularly during extremely cold or hot weather

* Stop-and-go urban traffic

* Dusty conditions such as dirt and gravel roads, driveways, etc.

From the list above, it can be safely assumed that most of us operate our vehicle in one or more of those conditions, in which case a maximum recommended oil change interval is every 3,000 miles. Many drivers take a more preventative approach and have their oil changed every 3k miles or 6 months regardless of driving habits or vehicle usage. In some cases, however, this can be considered excessive, as newer low-mileage engines normally do not require a new supply of oil that often, especially if it is being driven for 10 miles or more one way and operated mainly on the highway.

Some owners opt for the opposite side of the spectrum and have their oil changed every 7k miles or even more. Some manufacturers which previously recommended more lengthy service intervals have run into problems with sludging, which can lead to very costly repairs. As the mileage of a vehicle's engine increases, the rate of blow-by also increases. Blow-by is the leakage of gases from the combustion cylinder of an engine between the piston and cylinder wall into the crankcase. This phenomenon, over time, will dilute the oil with unburned fuel leading to sludge and acids, and if the oil is not changed often enough it could result in untimely engine failure due to accelerated wear. For vehicles with older engines, and those with high miles, it is recommended that the oil be changed once every 3,000 miles.

Engines using high quality synthetic oil can generally run longer on each oil change, however using synthetic does not necessarily mean that your interval should be drastically lengthened, and the engine manufacturer requirements may vary. High performance engines in many European imports such as BMW and Mercedes using synthetic oil still require a regular oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and these fine-tuned engines can suffer even greater from delayed service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4871076

MINI USA and KISS at the New York Auto Show

2011-07-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

MINI USA and KISS at the New York Auto Show

Jaguar E-Type sculpture at Goodwood 2011

2011-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

A striking iteration of the Jaguar E-type, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, will be the centrepiece at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Made out of steel tubes, the distinctive shape of the world's most-loved sports car is captured in a truly jaw-dropping manner -- the result soars 28 metres into the air in front of the beautiful backdrop of Goodwood House.

BMW Engines and Accolades

2011-07-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

BMW offers customers an exceptional choice of powerful and remarkably fuel efficient engines across the BMW model range, winning numerous awards year after year, making it the Ultimate Driving Machine. http://bmwusa.com/

Journal For A Cause

2011-07-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

Star Tech European has a selection of handcrafted journals available as a fundraiser for a good cause in the person Alan (Hardy) Anderson. He is a 24-year old who has been battling two kinds of cancers for two years now. Alan has been consistently in and out of the hospital and soon will go for a bone marrow transplant surgery.

Alan Anderson is a wonderful young man who is always happy, no matter what. He is the most thoughtful and caring individual that I know. He is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Before his illness, he volunteered regularly at church. He helped coordinate and lead the games every Wednesday evening with children from 1st to 6th grade. This is just a couple of the many things that Alan has done to help others and share his enthusiasm and joy for life.

Alan can no longer drive, but cannot wait until he can drive his car again. His immediate dream is to walk in his brothers wedding.

Alan's Mom, Janelle Bogue, is a friend and unfortunately because of her sons illness, expenses are piling up. She and her husband have depleted their savings with bigger expenses on the horizon as Alan makes trips to Stanford for preparation for the bone marrow transplant.

Don's daughter, Ashley Holton-Westhaver has made these wonderful handcrafted journals and is offering them at Star Tech European for a $20 donation as a fundraiser to help out. The journals measure 10"x7.5"

We appreciate your help.

Mercedes-Benz.tv: GT5 Meets the Real World

2011-07-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

15 gamers have qualified for a unique event: A two-day competition on an actual race track. The winner will receive a real SLS AMG. Follow the action on: www.facebook.com/Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz.tv: 'Transformers 3' Film Premiere in Berlin

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

In the third part of 'Transformers', Mercedes-Benz has a starring appearing with the SLS AMG. Here are the highlights from the film premiere in Berlin.

The History Of The Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

The History of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Take your Mercedes-Benz to the people with the experience....

Star Tech European! We are a European Automotive Service and Repair facility. We specialize in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo and Mini. We are also a Bosche Service Center.

From minor services like oil changes to major repairs we are skilled and ready to service your vehicle with care and thoroughness. With over 35 years of experience, we have the knowledge to give you the best service possible.

707-455-8870

The History of the Volkswagen Beetle - The People's Car

2011-06-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

In 1938 the German automaker Volkswagen released their version of the economy car called the Volkswagen Type 1, or more commonly referred to as the Volkswagen Beetle. The names "Bug" and "Beetle" were adopted by the public, but it was not until late 1967 that Volkswagen began using the name "Beetle" in their marketing. It was previously known as only the "Type 1" or the 1200, 1300, or 1500, which were the names it had been marketed under in Europe prior to 1967. The numbers indicated the size of the vehicle's engine in cubic centimeters.

The 1967 model of the VW Beetle underwent a few changes, the car itself didn't get bigger, but many of the mechanical systems and components did. Some changes to the Bug included a larger engine. Output of the electrical generator had been increased from 180 watts to 360, and also had been upgraded from the old 6-volt system to the 12-volt system. The clutch disk was also made larger and changes had been made to the braking system, the flywheel, and rear axles.

Although the VW Bug has been widely despised for its styling, rough ride, weak power, along with high noise levels, it was also the longest and most produced vehicle for a single design.

The "Beetle" or "Bug" whichever you wish to call it also played a roll in the military. In 1935 prototypes of the Kdf-Wagen appeared.

Produced by Daimlet-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany the first prototypes were born. With its already peculiar round shape, and the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, The factory only produced a small number of the cars by the time war began in 1939. The first mass-produced version of the Beetle were used for military vehicles, like the Schwimmwagen and the Kubelwagen.

The military bug was created to be as simple as possible, so that little could go wrong. The 985cc air-cooled motor proved to be effective with German Afrika Korps in Africa's desert heat with The built in oil cooler and the superb performance of the flat four, or "pancake" engine configuration. The suspension was equipped with compact torsion beams in place of the more commonly used coil or leaf spring suspensions.

Once World War II was over, the shortage of jobs led to the reopening of the factory in Wolfsburg by Allied forces. The production of the Beetle from then on recommenced. The production increased massively over the next decade, with the one millionth car rolling off of the assembly line in 1955. The Bug's performance was far superior compared to other automobiles in its category with a top speed of 72 mph. The production was surpassing 16 million in 1972, and by the 23rd of June in 1992 the company had sold over 21 million of the cars.

The Volkswagen Beetle is the world's best selling design with the same name. The VW Beetle outlasted most all of the other vehicles who had copied the rear-mounted air-cooled engine layout like those by Subaru, and General Motors.

The Beetle began to phase-out in 2003. The annual production ad reduced to 30,000 from its peak of 1.3 million in 1971. As the last Beetle rolled off of the assembly line, it was shipped off to the Volkswagen company museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

In 1998 Volkswagen introduced the new Beetle which was designed to look a lot like the classic Beetle. The new Beetle was designed with a water cooled engine being placed in the front of the car.

The new VW Beetle has turned out to be a very popular car and has become a pop culture icon and been featured in many movies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/580232

News Update: Volkswagen To Roll Out Gas-Electric Hybrids, Electric Cars

2011-06-20T03:40:00.000-07:00

As part of a plan to become a leader int he battery-powered electric car sector, Volkswagen (VLKAY) is reportedly planning to launch gas-electric hybrids and fully-electric cars over the next few years, the Detroit News reports. CEO Martin Winterkorn believes his company will play a key role in "electrifying" the automotive world. The automaker has already started the production of a VW Touareg SUV hybrid and is planning to launch a Jetta hybrid in 2012, and Passat and Golf hybrids in 2013.

Darwins Theory of Diesel Performance!

2011-06-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

If Darwin himself were alive today I dare say that he would be driving a diesel. No other engine out there has more perfectly illustrated his theories of evolution than the diesel. Now as true as it might be that diesels were once known for being the "slow and smelly" vehicles on the road car makers as well as several performance companies have set out on a mission to put an end to that reputation. With the additions of a turbo or multiple turbos (i.e. '08 Powerstroke) and intercooler(s) as well as intakes, chips/modules and exhaust systems the reputation once held by diesels is now evolving, Darwin would be so proud.

So why diesel performance? In the past there never really was a question as to which "species" was more dominant when it came to performance. It has not been until recently that there has even needed to be a debate as to which is better, gas performance or diesel performance and even today you will have people try to argue that gas performance is where it is at but I am here to say that not only is there more horsepower available for the money when it comes to performance products for diesels but you will have longer engine life as well as maintain if not increased fuel mileage.

One of the strongest points in the argument for Diesel Performance is the fact that you can add engine mods to a diesel engine and it won't harm the engine or make it burn hotter to the extent of damaging the engine permanently. Don't get me wrong you can still fry your engine but diesel engines are built much stronger and much more durable. One of the main reasons that diesel engines are so durable or will last longer in general is the way that combustion occurs in the engine. Diesel engines "fire" or "combust" differently than gas engines mainly because of the type of fuel that is used. In gasoline engines a spark plug is used to combust the fuel but in a diesel combustion occurs mainly due to the temperature of the compressed air which causes the fuel to ignite. Because of this diesel engines are built more durable because they have a higher compression ratios (20:1 for a typical diesel vs. 8:1 for a typical gasoline engine) it is being built to withstand this higher compression that makes these engines more ready for performance modifications straight from the factory.

As the diesel engine has evolved over the years turbo chargers have been added to increase power as well as efficiency, this has made way for huge increases in horsepower both stock as well as with the addition of after market products. One of the main reasons that diesel performance is so much more viable is the fact that because the engine is built for a higher compression ratio anyway so it is going to be able to withstand the boost that is created by a turbo much better than a gasoline engine, also allowing the addition of performance modifications without shortening the life of the engine as usually happens with gasoline engines when performance mods are added.

Like it or not diesel performance is here to stay, and whether or not you believe in evolution it's happening and will continue to happen in the diesel performance market. Don't be surprised when you see good old Darwin himself roll past you on the street in his tweaked out diesel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Young

New Gullwing: Mercedes SLS AMG Worlds Premiere

2011-06-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is going to celebrate its world premiere at this year's IAA in Frankfort. The super sportscar thrills with puristic design, consequent lightweight construction and superb driving dynamics. Under the bonnet of the gullwinged car there is an AMG 6.3 litre-V8-front-middle engine working with 571 PS max. performance. Inspite of its sportiness the car meets all the high demands towards safety and every-day-usability.

Mercedes Gullwing 300 SL - Greatest Ever Sports Cars Nº6

2011-06-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

" Inspired form and revolutionary function come together in the Mercedes Gullwing SL at number 6."

" It's such a work of art. It really is, you know, it's stunning. It's better than any Picasso."

" The lines of the Gullwing are pretty much perfect. The frame of the car has its wonderful torch shape and yet has really voluptuous curves, but they're not the voluptuous curves that, like the Chevy Corvette, which are a bit over the top and brazen and showy. These curves are kept in check and you know that the car has been designed to be super aerodynamic and yet it's hugely glamorous at the same time."

" Driving a car and then the doors got up a little gas struts was really Christ, but if you wanna make a steer in those days you arrive in a Gullwing, you've made it."

" Certainly, the Gullwing is a milestone car, aesthetically, technologically. I mean it stunned the world when it came out. Everybody just went, "Holy Mack! Look at the technology that is put in that thing.""

" Its tubular space frame made the Gullwing extra rigid, crucial for control at high speeds, and at only 82 kilograms, the frame was as light as a feather, but those same tubes took up a room where the bottom of the doors would go, so instead, they would hinge on the roof and lift up as opposed to out."

" It was a practical piece of design, but warmed up becoming the car's exotic signature."

" I mean those doors were just unbelievable. They really look like a bird with the window---- with the doors open, and when you pull them down, you're in this cocoon."

" You know what [unk]."

" Getting out is more difficult because you actually gotta get your bottom on the ledge back up from the seat and swing out, but you see Mercedes gentlemen are so clever. [time-0:02:00] They have to think of all these things because what happens if a woman is driving wearing a skirt."

" There's a bar under the steering wheel. When you pull it out, the steering wheel goes out like that, so now you can raise yourself, flip your legs over. See, the gentlemen think of everything, damn them! Yet another innovation. This was the first production car in the world to use fuel injection. It was one of the most important high-tech advancements in the history [time-0:02:30] of sports cars and yet the concept of fuel injection is deceptively simple."

" With a carburetor, you got pressure from the fuel tank barrel pumped, but it's low pressure and when you put your foot on the accelerator, the fuel falls into the manifold like that, mixes with the air, explosive mix, and the car accelerates."

" With fuel injection, it's different because the fuel is actually propelled at high pressure into its cylinder, [time-0:03:00] mixed with the air, and it's the exact amount of fuel, so it's efficient. It is the most combustible fuel-air mix so that you get the biggest explosion, and therefore, the greatest amount of acceleration and no wastage."

" Well-renowned the world over for its glamorous looks and technical achievements, it wasn't always the easiest car to drive."

" Driving it, it's a truck. You know, it's a big heavy thing. The brakes, you've gotta [time-0:03:30] push your, you know, the pedal through the floor to get it to stop."

" And the exhaust ran right underneath the car, so the floorboard gets really, really hot. It will melt your tennis shoes, and it has big swing axle in the back, so when you really got a hole in the butt, you could get it squarely very easily, so it was sort of like riding the bull."

" It was unpredictable on the corner and the suspension wasn't actually very good. We should push it 'cause the rest of it is brilliant. [time-0:04:00]"

" It's not the nicest engine, no. It's not the nicest looking. It's not the nicest interior, but as an overall package, it is one of the greatest."

BMW 328 Hommage

2011-06-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

The BMW 328 was one of the dream sports cars of the 1930s. On it's 75th birthday, BMW is paying tribute with a special model -- the BMW 328 Hommage.

European vs. American Cars

2011-06-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

A look at some different European and American cars. Enjoy and discuss.

Star Tech European

Automotive Service and Repair

Performance Specialists

We specialize in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mini Cooper & American Muscle Cars. We offer dealer quality service without the hassle or high price

Factory trained

Over 30 years experience

707-455-8870

1967 Pontiac GTO Commercial

2011-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

A commercial for one of the most popular American muscle cars ever made, the 1967 Pontiac GTO. "The Great One" is here.

American Beauties - Muscle Cars

2011-05-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

If there is one type of car that has captured the hearts and imaginations of Americans all over, both young and old, rich and poor, it's the American muscle car. These fine cars have been the quintessential image of the American automobile industry, and have become popular icons in modern culture, appearing as the vehicles of choice for fictional protagonists, the rich and successful, and those with free spirits yearning for the open road.

Muscle cars were born in the years between the mid 60s to the mid 70s. The typical model for sale back then was equipped with a very powerful engine, and sold at an affordable price. These cars were made for the average American who wanted to quench their thirst for speed and to satisfy their love for driving. With the many different styles and models coming from many manufacturers, there's a muscle car that can fit anyone's style and taste.

The muscle became weak and almost died, however, when fuel prices skyrocketed and the economy began to falter, forcing many Americans to trade their muscle cars for smaller, lighter, and less powerful cars. And for a while, this trend continued.

Soon, the love for the muscle returned, and the beauties of old began to be resold, by dealers who collect and restore old cars, or owners who saved their muscle cars in near mint condition.

American muscle automobiles for sale today vary in price, quality, engineering, and performance. Restored muscle cars are ones that have been saved from junkyards and old garages, and restored to perfect condition. They can be restored to near original form, with very minimal modifications, or can be modified to have modern technology.

Then there are originals, which are cars that have not been restored or modified. They are usually in tip-top shape, with the original engine, paint, interior, tires, and wheels, making them rare collectibles and fetching very high prices. These cars are usually sought after by car collectors who are passionate about the rich history of the vehicles.

Whether restored or original, one can be sure that one of these vehicles carries with it the heritage and legacy of the American automotive industry. And owning one is certainly both a privilege, and a pleasure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4721401

Top Gear - Nitrous Jaguar

2011-05-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Top Gear team get excited about this tweaked Jaguar, now going superfast! With the help of Nitrous Oxide, the Jag is well on its way to beating the ferrari in a drag street race. From the BBC.

A Brief History Of The Jaguar Collection

2011-05-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

They say that everything moves in circles and if that is true then a popular car manufacturer might be about to head back to the big time. Jaguar who has just released the highly successful XF are currently experiencing a sharp upturn in popularity after years of sitting around mid-table obscurity within the car industry.

Back in the 1990's the Jaguar collection ruled the roads over the BMW and Mercedes brands, with many sales representatives cruising up and down the highways and roads of the United Kingdom. It was the car to own if you were a top sales rep and you could have expected to get some extra bonus points or credit if you turned up at a sales meeting in a Jaguar. Car are often looked upon as status symbols and companies back in the late eighties and nineties would rightly or wrongly assume that you were doing well as a company if your employee turned up in a nice new flashy Jaguar.

As well as the prestige of the road cars the dominance of the Jaguar collection extended onto the race track as the firm entered and then dominated the Le Man 24 hour endurance event with their XJR-9 and Jaguar XJR-12 cars that became iconic symbols for motorsport fans around the world as they took away from the dominance of the Porsche car's that had controlled the series. You can still see pictures of the Silk Cut liveried cars at Le Mans today.

In the late nineties the brand suffered a bit of a downturn in sales, whether it was because the company lost their way with styling or whether the build quality of the cars suffered is not for sure. BMW and Mercedes managed to overhaul their rival and took a large stake in the market. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on why the Jaguar collection from the late 90's struggled to live up to the company's predecessors, but what we do know is that the company managed to find its feet again when the company worked in association with Aston Martin in the early stages of the new millennium. Aston Martin manufactured the DB7 which was revolutionary. It provided the market with something new and fresh, but ultimately it was expensive. Because of this Jaguar developed the XK8 which was modeled closely to the principles that had been set out in the Aston Martin.

The company is now thriving under new ownership from the Tata Motors Ltd, who has managed to install the prestige back into the Jaguar collection and their range of products and if the new XF is anything to go by then the future for Jaguar is looking very bright.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3988675

Highlights Auto Shanghai 2011

2011-05-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Innovative, dynamic and digitally connected: the Concept A-CLASS premiered at the Auto Shanghai 2011, and is a sneak peak at future models. Visually, the concept car is characterized by a long hood and a flat silhouette, pure dynamism. The drive train is innovative with a two-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 kW of power, which is coupled to a new dual-clutch transmission.

Interesting Facts About Mercedes-Benz

2011-05-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

BMW At The 2011 Auto Shanghai

2011-05-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Have a look at the BMW stand at the Auto Shanghai. Among the highlights of this year are the world premiere of the BMW 6 Series Coupe and the word premiere of the BMW Concept M5.

Insist On OEM Auto Body Parts

2011-05-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest ways to get ripped off in the automotive world is by having a body shop use cheap, third-party auto body parts on your car repair. Like all auto parts, body parts have a tremendous markup, and if you don't know what you are doing, it can be easy to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous repair centers. Insisting on using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts will secure that your repair job comes off perfectly, and you wind up with a vehicle that is "as good as new."

Unfortunately, fender-benders and accidents can happen, and at these times car owners can become understandably flustered and confused. The entire process of dealing with insurance companies, filing police reports, and seeking estimates from body shops can be a bit overwhelming. It's not surprising then, that many people just want to put the entire experience behind them, and they rush through the process of having their auto repaired.

But this can be a big mistake in several ways. For example, unless you specify the type of parts you would like to use on your repair, and are prepared to oversee the repair to make sure it is to your satisfaction, many body shops will use cheap, third world quality replacement auto body parts, lowering the value of your vehicle.

Why would a body shop knowingly do this? As usual, the answer comes down to money. If your insurance company reimburses the auto shop $2000 for the job, and they can buy a cheap "knock off" auto body parts for one third the cost of standard quality parts, this results in a great deal of profit to the body shop!

But while this may be wonderful for the body shop's bottom line, it is terrible for the car owner. You can easily wind up with substandard auto body parts on your car, or even parts that do not fit perfectly.

Of course, the best way to avoid all this is to use OEM car parts. You never have to concern yourself about either the quality or the fit of your auto body parts if you insist upon OEM. And if a body shop mechanic should attempt to talk you out of using OEM body parts, you should be very skeptical. The odds are, they are simply trying to lower their expenses in order to increase profits. Don't fall for it!

Other times, body shop mechanics will ensure you that they only use OEM body parts, but you still need to be diligent and examine the final work. Unfortunately, somebody shops will claim to use only OEM parts, but in reality they are substituting cheaper "knock offs" that wind up on your car. Besides being unethical and disreputable, this is also illegal and it is called fraud. If you discover a body shop misrepresenting the parts they are selling you, it is recommended that you contact both the police and the Better Business Bureau.

In general though, most body shops will gladly use OEM parts when requested. If you have any doubt about the reputation of the body shop, be sure to also get it in writing. That way you will have documentation if it should be needed to prove fraud or other wrongdoing in the future.

Insisting upon OEM auto body parts for your car repair will ensure your vehicle is returned to you in "factory new" condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/791443

2013 Porsche 918 Spyder Goes Into Production

2011-05-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

The star of the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the Porsche 918 Spyder gets the green light to go into production. The delivery date of the $850,000 supercar hybrid will be November of 2013 and will be available in America. Screw the electric bill this car screams.

Ashley Force Makes NHRA History as First Female Funny Car Winner

2011-04-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ashley Force grew up watching her dad become the greatest NHRA Funny Car driver in history, but little did she know that one day he would be standing in her way of making motorsports history. Yet that was the case on April 27, 2008 when father and daughter found themselves against each other in the finals of the NHRA Summit Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. John was competing in his 500th series event and a win would be his 1,000-round victory. Ashley was trying to become the first female in NHRA history to win a Funny Car event.

"A Sweet Sickness: The Flathead movie" (teaser/ trailer) A FIlm by Brian...

2011-04-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Teaser/ trailer to the new film by Brian Darwas (Atomic Hot Rods) "A Sweet Sickness: The Flathead movie".

BMW Concept M5. Customer review.

2011-04-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Six of the BMW M5 fans that registered at M-Power.com, had the chance to be the first customers to see the BMW Concept M5 at the BMW M headquarter. And while they where at it, they also had the chance to have a look at the BMW M garage -together with the BMW M president Dr. Kay Segler.

NFFTY 2011 Volvo commercial

2011-04-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

The amazingly talented team at NFFTY created this digital short for the All-New 2012 Volvo S60.

Jaguar Heritage - E-Type 50th Anniversary Drive

2011-04-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

The launch of the E-Type in 1961 was a landmark in Jaguar's rich heritage.

To celebrate this iconic car's 50th anniversary, 50 E-Types took part in a commemorative drive through Europe.

Setting off from Coventry on 27th February the cars made their way to Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show where the original model was unveiled half a century ago.

Over 5 days the drive took in a series of renowned race tracks - Castle Coombe in Coventry, Goodwood in Sussex, the Circuit de Geux in Reims and the Dijon-Prenois Circuit.

Find out more about the E-Type at - http://www.jaguar.com/gl/en/#/about_jaguar/Jaguar_heritage/50_years_etype/

Mercedes-Benz.tv: The New SLS AMG - Race Test With Bernd Schneider

2011-04-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

www.mercedes-benz.tv/iaa

Join five time DTM champion Bernd Schneider and Mercedes-Benz.tv presenter Patrice as they take an exciting race lap with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

For more information please visit http://www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg

Volkswagen Commercial: Black Beetle

2011-04-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

In the first spot for The 21st Century Beetle, cutting-edge CGI creative goes entomological, creating a photo-real lush kingdom where the Black Beetle rules, runs, navigates and out performs all the other creatures

MINI @ the Burton US Open 2011: Street Credibility - Straight from NYC t...

2011-04-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

There's something to be said about that old thing about the journey not the destination, but in the case of Burton US Open both sides of that coin ring true. What's happening here is truly epic stuff, but also where the many paths that lead all the Open's characters to the town of Stratton. Watch for the story of one crew's mission from the streets of NYC to the slopes of Stratton, Vermont.

CackleFest 2010 with Don Garlits at NHRR

2011-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Don Garlits and all the greats cackling 1950's and 1960's dragsters at Beech Bend Raceway for the 2010 Holley National Hot Rod Reunion.

Tony Stewart Surprises the Las Vegas Strip with the Mobil 1 Taxi

2011-04-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Driving a street-legal #14 Mobil 1/Office Depot Chevy, NASCAR driver Tony Stewart suited up as a Las Vegas cabbie for the day to show off the performance of Mobil 1 in all vehicles, from taxis to race cars. Check out the full Las Vegas Taxi Field Test story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KGll3zsJFY

Mercedes-Benz.tv: Formula One TV Commercial 'Compliments'

2011-03-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

A restaurant full of surprises: What happens when Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher meet while having dinner, you'll see in this spot... For more information about our race team visit: www.mercedes-gp.com

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé 2011

2011-03-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Captivating aesthetics, top-class performance, exclusive interior and exceptionally innovative equipment. This is the third-generation BMW 6 Series Coupé.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - First Drive

2011-03-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

We take a quick first drive in the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350...