#94041

[vintagenews]

Source and details.

[boyengateam-blog]

944 Trophy Drive, Mountain View 94041 / Boyenga Team / Compass / Propert...

[marcus-ranton]

As your premier car service to the airport, Limo 24-7 sets the standard for luxurious limousines in Silicon Valley California. Our fleet, specializing in airport limo transport and limo chauffeur service, ensures a punctual and sophisticated travel experience for both business and leisure. Revel in the epitome of luxury with our best limo bus rentals mear you, tailor-made for group travel and special occasions. Our team of professional chauffeurs, exemplifying excellence, provides a reliable and courteous service that surpasses expectations. Elevate your corporate travel with our seamless Limo Corporate Service, a perfect fusion of comfort and efficiency, our commitment to luxury cars transportation guarantees that every ride is a testament to opulence. Experience style and comfort at its finest with Limo 24-7, your trusted partner for Limo Service in Palo Alto CA.

[buyfloormat]

Top 10 Porsche All-Weather Floor Mats 2023| Best Value

The top 10 Porsche all-weather floor mats for 2023 provide superior protection and durability. Designed specifically for Porsche models, these mats are engineered to withstand all weather conditions while also adding a touch of style to your vehicle. When it comes to protecting your Porsche's flooring, nothing beats the reliability and functionality of all-weather floor mats. These mats are made from high-quality materials that are resistant to water, dirt and wear and tear. This means that even in the harshest weather conditions, your Porsche's interior will remain clean and free from damage. In addition to their practicality, these floor mats also feature a sleek and modern design that complements the luxurious interior of your Porsche. With various options available to choose from, you can find the perfect set of all-weather floor mats that fit your specific Porsche model and personal style. Upgrade your Porsche's interior with the top 10 all-weather floor mats for 2023 and enjoy the benefits of enhanced protection, style, and peace of mind while driving. 1

Top PickHusky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2015 - 2024 Ford ... Check Latest Price2

Best QualityHusky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2009 - 2018 Ram ... Check Latest Price3

RecommendedHusky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2007 - 2013 Chevrolet ... Check Latest Price4

Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2012 - 2017 Toyota ... Check Latest Price5

Husky Liners X-act Contour Series | Front & 2nd Seat ... Check Latest Price6

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Husky Liners X-act Contour Series | Front & 2nd Seat ... Check Latest Price8

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Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2014 - 2018 Chevrolet ... Check Latest Price10

Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2012 - 2016 Ford ... Check Latest Price Top Pick

1. Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2015 - 2024 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab (includes 22 - 24 Lightning Models) w/o Fold Flat Storage, Front & 2nd Row Liners - Black, 3 pc. | 94041

- Brand: Husky Liners - Manufacturer: Husky Liner - Color: Black - Dimensions: Height: 2.0 inches Width: 32.0 inches Length: 37.0 inches Weight: 13.9 pounds ` Upgrade your Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab with the durable Husky Liners Weatherbeater. Specifically designed to fit 2015-2024 models, including Lightning variants, this 3-piece set in sleek black is a perfect addition to your truck. Say goodbye to messy floors and protect your vehicle's interior from mud, snow, and spills. Crafted with high-quality materials, these liners are built to last and offer a custom-fit experience. Installation is a breeze, ensuring a hassle-free experience for Ford F-150 owners. Drive in style and keep your truck looking pristine with Husky Liners Weatherbeater. Advantages - Advantages, Usefulness, and Benefits of Husky Liners - Weatherbeater for Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab: - Superior Weather Protection: Husky Liners provide a reliable shield against dirt, mud, snow, and spills, keeping your Ford F-150's interior immaculate. - Perfect Fit: Designed specifically for the 2015-2024 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab, these liners seamlessly contour to the vehicle's floor, ensuring an exact fit. - Durability and Longevity: Made from tough and flexible materials, these liners are built to withstand heavy use and provide long-lasting protection, preserving the resale value of your truck. - Easy to Install and Clean: With their hassle-free installation process and easy-to-clean surface, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your vehicle has never been easier. - Stylish and Versatile: The sleek black finish of these liners adds a touch of elegance to your interior, while their cutouts accommodate seat brackets and accessories, enhancing convenience. Our Recommendations I recently purchased the Husky Liners Weatherbeater for my Ford F-150 SuperCrew Cab, and I am extremely satisfied. The front and 2nd row liners fit perfectly without any issues. The black color adds a sleek touch to my truck's interior. These liners are durable and provide excellent protection against dirt, spills, and wear and tear. The installation process was straightforward, and they stay in place even during rough rides. Overall, I highly recommend the Husky Liners Weatherbeater for anyone looking to keep their vehicle clean and well-maintained. Check Latest Price Best Quality

2. Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2009 - 2018 Ram 1500 Quad Cab, Fits 2019 - 2023 Ram 1500 (Classic Body only) Quad - Front & 2nd Row Liner - Black, 3 pc. | 99011

- Brand: Husky Liners - Manufacturer: Husky Liners - Color: Black - Dimensions: Height: 0.0 Inches Width: 0.0 Inches Length: 0.0 Inches Weight: 10.2 pounds ` Upgrade your Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the Husky Liners Weatherbeater. Designed to perfectly fit 2009 - 2018 models and the 2019 - 2023 Classic Body, these liners are a must-have. The sleek black color adds a touch of sophistication to your vehicle's interior. With a front and second-row liner, these 3 pieces provide complete protection against dirt, spills, and debris. Invest in these durable liners for hassle-free cleaning and maintenance. Advantages - Advantages and Benefits of Husky Liners Weatherbeater for Ram 1500 Quad Cab: - Complete Protection: These liners are designed to fit perfectly, providing full coverage to the front and second rows, and safeguarding your vehicle from dirt, spills, and stains. - Enhanced Durability: Crafted from high-quality materials, these liners are built to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting protection for your vehicle's interior. - Easy to Install: With a simple installation process, these liners can be effortlessly placed in your Ram 1500 Quad Cab, minimizing the time and effort required. - Easy to Clean: Cleaning these liners is a breeze. Their non-slip surface and raised edges trap any dirt or liquids, allowing for quick and hassle-free cleaning. - Aesthetically Pleasing: The sleek black design of these liners adds a sophisticated touch to your vehicle's interior, enhancing its overall appearance while providing excellent functionality. Our Recommendations This Husky Liners Weatherbeater is a perfect fit for my Ram 1500 Quad Cab. Keeps my floors clean and protected. The solid black color adds a sleek look. Check Latest Price Recommended

3. Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2007 - 2013 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, Crew Cab, 07 - 14 2500/3500 - Front & 2nd Row Liner (Footwell Coverage) - Black, 3 pc. | 98201

- Brand: Husky Liners - Manufacturer: Husky Liners - Color: Black - Dimensions: Height: 34.0 inches Width: 23.0 inches Length: 8.0 inches Weight: 9.75 Pounds ` Upgrade your Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 with the Husky Liners Weatherbeater. This 3-piece set provides full coverage for the footwell, keeping your vehicle protected from dirt and spills. Designed to fit the 2007-2013 Crew Cab models, as well as the 2007-2014 2500/3500 series, these liners are a perfect fit. The black color adds a sleek and stylish touch to your interior. Invest in these high-quality liners and enjoy a clean and well-maintained cabin in your truck. Advantages - Protects your vehicle's interior from dirt, spills, and everyday wear and tear, extending its lifespan. - The custom-fit design ensures a seamless and precise fit, preventing any movement or slippage while driving. - Made from high-quality, durable materials that are resistant to chemicals and UV rays, ensuring long-lasting performance. - Easy to clean with just a quick wipe or hose-down, saving you time and effort in maintaining a clean car. - Enhances the overall aesthetics of your Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra with its sleek and modern design, adding a touch of style to your vehicle. Our Recommendations I recently purchased the Husky Liners Weatherbeater for my Chevrolet Silverado and I am extremely satisfied. The liners fit perfectly in my truck's footwell and provide excellent coverage. The black color adds a sleek touch to my interior. Installation was a breeze and the high-quality material ensures durability. I highly recommend these liners for anyone looking to protect their vehicle and keep it looking sharp. Check Latest Price

4. Husky Liners — Weatherbeater | Fits 2012 - 2017 Toyota Camry - Front & 2nd Row Liner - Tan, 3 pc. | 98903

- Brand: Husky Liners - Manufacturer: Husky Liners - Color: Tan - Dimensions: Height: 0.0 Inches Width: 0.0 Inches Length: 0.0 Inches Weight: 9.1 pounds ` The Husky Liners Weatherbeater is the perfect fit for your 2012-2017 Toyota Camry, offering protection and style. With its tan color, it adds a touch of sophistication to your vehicle's interior. The 3-piece set includes liners for the front and second row, ensuring full coverage. Made from durable materials, these liners are built to withstand all weather conditions. Keep your Camry clean and pristine with the Husky Liners Weatherbeater. Advantages - Advantages, Usefulness, and Benefits of Husky Liners — Weatherbeater for 2012-2017 Toyota Camry: - Superior Protection: The Husky Liners Weatherbeater offers maximum front and second-row protection for your Toyota Camry, safeguarding against spills, stains, and daily wear and tear. - Perfect Fit: Designed specifically for the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry, the Husky Liners Weatherbeater seamlessly fits the contours of your vehicle's floor, ensuring complete coverage and a clean, finished look. - Easy to Clean: Made from durable and resilient materials, these liners are effortlessly cleaned with just soap and water. Say goodbye to scrubbing and struggling to keep your Camry's interior spotless. - All-Weather Performance: Whether it's rain, snow, or mud, the Husky Liners Weatherbeater is up to the task. With deep channels and raised edges, it effectively traps and contains dirt, liquids, and debris, preventing them from damaging your vehicle's floor. - Longevity and Durability: Crafted from tough and flexible materials, these liners are built to withstand the toughest conditions, ensuring long-term protection for your Toyota Camry's interior. Invest in the Husky Liners Weatherbeater for reliable and durable floor liners that stand the test of time. Our Recommendations I recently purchased the Husky Liners Weatherbeater for my Toyota Camry, and I am beyond satisfied. Read the full article

[scarletwitchpanels]

What If…? #60

[filmap]

Raising Cain Brian De Palma. 1992

Police Station 500 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA See in map

See in imdb

[harvard-art-museums-calligraphy]

Fragment of a Buddhist Sutra, 11th Century, Harvard Art Museums: Calligraphy

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Philip Hofer Medium: Ink on paper

https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/94041

[mia-decorative]

One of twenty-one seals, 800 BCE - 400 CE, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Decorative Arts, Textiles and Sculpture

attached on a single string; various semi-precious stones Size: various Medium: Various semi-precious stones

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/94041/

[boyengateam-blog]

209 Post St. Mountain View, CA 94041 from Boyenga Team on Vimeo.

[kurano]

　聖火リレーの演出に関するスポンサー各社の反応は次の通り。

　日本コカ・コーラ「コンボイによる演出はランナーの応援が目的。グッズの配布は観覧者の記念になってほしいという思いから、スタッフの手指消毒を徹底して行っている。２５日はＤＪが沿道と十分な距離が取れていると判断してマスクをしていなかったが、沿道の安心を重視し、２６日からマスクを着用させている。現時点で批判の意見が届いているかについては答えられない」

　トヨタ自動車「地域の代表であるランナーの応援と、実施される地域への感謝の思いを伝えたかった。今後批判が届けば、意見として受け止めたい」

　日本生命「宣伝車のパフォーマンスはランナーを応援するのが目的。感染症対策を徹底し、安心安全な運営に尽力している」

　ＮＴＴグループ「担当者に確認中」

[interrogarei]

Proper Vehicle Maintenance

When you buy a vehicle, whether it be new or old, you’re going to want it to last. I just recently bought a used 2014 Kia Optima. The car was in great condition when I bought it. It will continue to run a long time afterwards if I continue to maintain it. I also own a 1999 Ram 2500. This truck has over 700,000 miles on it and is still running like new.

The key to a vehicle’s long life is proper maintenance. Nobody wants to spend their money regularly on their car; but, doing so is what will make your car last as long as possible. Maintaining a vehicle is a lot more than just changing the oil. It means taking care of all of the vehicles’ various systems. By doing this, whether you do it yourself or take it to a mechanic, is what will ensure that your car runs for a long time. Not all cars, even if well maintained will go a long time like 700,000 miles. Regardless, you can get the most out of your car by proper maintenance, whether you bought a car for $2,000 or $40,000.

Breaking in a Vehicle

If you buy a new car, the way you drive it for the first short while, will have a tremendous effect on how long the car lasts. Many people overlook that their vehicles’ manufacturer will have several recommendations for the first thousand miles of driving. These recommendations can be found in your owners’ manual. Following these guidelines will make sure that your car is broken in as it should and that it lasts as long as possible.

These recommendations vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general rule is that you do not push the accelerator to the floor and that you do not redline it. As you start driving your piston rings begin to wear into your cylinder bore. If this is done properly, you will have no problems down the road. Flooring it can lead to hotspots. By driving the car easy for the first little while, will make sure that the car breaks in as it should.

It is also recommended that you don’t use cruise control. You want your car to operate at varying speeds and loads. This allows for it to break in as it should. Driving at a constant speed for a long period of time, is not ideal for a new engine. If you would like to learn more about these things, check out the video below. 

Manufacturer Suggested Maintenance

After a good break-in, that is where the routine maintenance will come into place. If you have purchased a new vehicle, then your manufacturer will have outlined your required maintenance. They will generally specify what services need to be performed at certain mileages. These vary by manufacturer but could be mileages such as 5,000, 10,000, 30,000, 60,000 and so on. By changing out these parts or fluids, you are avoiding future costs and damages to your vehicle. Your manufacturer has recommended these services at these intervals after an intensive amount of testing and study.

Some of this work can be crucial to the life of the engine. For cars that come with a timing belt, your manufacturer will have a specified mileage by which you should change your timing belt. Ignoring this can cause catastrophic damage. If your timing belt breaks due to wear, the valves can take an excessive amount of damage from the piston. This can destroy your valves, pistons, and even put a hole in your engine block. Your only choice will be to buy a new engine after this.

Some other things recommended for service are to have a new battery installed, brake fluid changed, brake pads changed, rotors changed, coolant flushed, transmission fluid changed, spark plugs changed, power steering fluid changed, and many other things. Depending on your vehicle’s warranty, these services will generally be covered. Making sure the proper steps are taken to ensure your car lives a long life is well worth the cost.

Regular Vehicle Service

On top of your interval maintenance, your vehicle will also require other basic maintenance. This means things like an oil change. Every car has different recommended intervals as to how often they should have their oil changed. Check your owner’s manual to see how often is recommended for your vehicle. Generally, it is recommended that your oil is changed every 3,000-5,000 miles or every 3-6 months. Changing your oil routinely, allows for the engine to continue to receive proper lubrication.

Your car will also need other routine services such as wheel alignments. A wheel alignment is not needed as often but is still very important. Your car will need a wheel alignment when new tires are installed. Apart from that, you are generally fine to drive for a long time without getting an alignment. If you notice that the wheels are out of alignment, it is a great idea to get it done as soon as possible. Other than that, you should be fine for 2 or 3 years.

Many other basic services are needed from time to time including lubricating chassis parts, tire rotation, air filter replacements, and changing lightbulbs. All of these services are important to ensure that your car runs as it should for a long time.

Auto Service Is What You Need

Anyone would love to be able to see that their car ran until the odometer read 1,000,000 miles. Now, that is not possible for every car. Regardless, proper vehicle maintenance and care will allow for your car to last as long as possible, whether that be 300,000 miles or 1,000,000.

If you are not so mechanically inclined, many mechanic shops also offer these vehicle services at a very low cost. They can generally be performed very quickly. Whether you do it yourself, or take it to a professional, making sure that these things get done is crucial to the life of your vehicle!

Our sponsor for this article is: 

A-1 Auto Tech, Inc. 89 Pioneer Way, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-487-2240 https://mountainviewautorepairs.com/

[if-you-want-roses]

Vehicle Technology

Cars today are increasingly complex. New technologies are constantly being implemented. Your vehicle is now more complex than people usually realize. Your car is now aware of so much of what is going on as you drive. Your vehicle is monitored by a super complex series of sensors which all relate accurate data to the computer controlling it. This computer is linked to the rest of the vehicles’ computers in a complex data bus. Your vehicle can contain over 25 different computers. This makes the way that your engine operates much more efficient.

These technologies also apply to many driver comfort features. Most modern cars have very complex infotainment systems. They allow the rider to listen to music, change vehicle settings, view navigation, and even play movies. These systems are advancing more and more each year. The inside of cars is becoming more and more technological always.

These new technologies are also being applied to safety features. These features help prevent accidents and help compensate for driver error. As technology continues to improve, we will begin to see autonomous cars emerge. This will completely revolutionize the world in which we live.

GPS Navigation

Many cars come with built-in navigation. These systems are extremely convenient. Modern navigation systems allow you to look up specific locations, restaurants, and stores. You are able to get directions to just about anywhere.

Many people use these systems every day, but few actually understand how they work. There are actually about 30 satellites orbiting about 12,000 miles above the earth. These satellites are strategically placed around the earth so that you should have at least 6 satellites pointed in your direction at any location. Your vehicle is equipped with a GPS receiver. The satellite will transmit a signal which contains a time stamp. When the signal reaches your vehicle, the receiver will decode the signal and use the time stamp to determine how far away the satellite is. You will need the signal of at least 3 satellites in order to be able to triangulate your location. As these technologies have improved, we are now able to determine a location as accurately as within 12 inches.

New technologies even allow for you to see the road in front of you, how many lanes there are, construction, and road closures. This makes driving to places you have never been before much easier.

Car Speakers

To make driving more enjoyable, your car has a complex audio system. This allows for you to listen to music. Modern technologies allow for you to listen to music over Bluetooth, satellite, radio, or by connecting a device manually.

Speakers are another very misunderstood part of your vehicle. They convert electrical signals into sounds. Car’s generally have four speakers, but some cars can have as many as 24 different speakers. Your speaker relies on electromagnetism in order to function properly. Your speaker contains a permanent magnet which is held in place. There is an electromagnetic coil near the magnet. This is suspended by a fiber diaphragm. When a voltage is applied to the coil, current will flow through which will create an electromagnetic field. The coil is then either attracted to or repelled by the magnet. This depends on the polarity of the voltage. This is what causes the diaphragm to flex inward or outward. As the diaphragm pulsates in and out, it creates sound waves. This is how you get the sound out of your speaker.

Technology truly is amazing. We have turned electrical signals into music, voices, and sounds.

Driver Safety Features

Newer cars also utilize technology to provide a lot of safety features. These are slowly becoming standard in many cars. They can help prevent a lot of accidents and make driving easier for the driver each day.

One of these amazing features is adaptive cruise control. Normally when driving in cruise control, you will continue at the same speed you are traveling. This allows for drivers to become distracted and less aware of the road. If someone gets in front of them, their cruise control will have them continue at the same speed, even if it means hitting another vehicle. Adaptive cruise control uses sensors to keep you a certain distance behind other vehicles. You will travel at your set speed until there is an object in front of you. When this happens the car automatically slows you down. Once the object is out of your way or you get over, your car will have you resume your speed. Check out the video below to see how this works.

Another great feature is lane keep assist. This feature utilizes a camera installed behind your rear-view mirror. The camera will monitor the lines on both sides of you. If you start to drift out of the lane, the system will activate. There are several different types of this available. Some will beep at you and vibrate your steering wheel and seat. This is to notify you that you are exiting the lane. There are also active systems which will actually steer your vehicle back into the lane.

Forward Collision Avoidance systems are also extremely useful. This system utilizes a camera the same as the lane keep assist. When you are approaching an object and are about to crash into it, the car will automatically brake for you. The car can come to a complete stop on its own. This could save the life of a distracted driver who looks away from the road for a moment.

Age of Technology

This article doesn’t even begin to scrape the surface of all of the technology that is out there. Vehicles are incredibly complex and advanced. We are quickly approaching the day when your vehicle will be able to do everything for you. When we reach the stage of autonomous driving, driving will never be the same.

The technologies developed help us to be more comfortable and to enjoy our driving experience more. They also make it safer everywhere that we go. Every year, these technologies get better and better. It will be exciting to see what cars are like in another 20 years.

Our sponsor for this article is:

A-1 Auto Tech, Inc. 89 Pioneer Way, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-487-2240 https://mountainviewautorepairs.com/

[404domainerror]

Your Car’s Suspension

Your vehicle’s suspension is one of the most important aspects to your vehicle. It’s goal is to maximize the friction between the road and your tires. This ensures maximum traction. Your suspension also makes your steering stable and makes driving more comfortable. All of these things are incredibly important.

If you look at some of the most expensive suspension systems on the market today, you will be amazed at how advanced they are. The truth is that it doesn’t matter how much power your engine is putting out if you don’t have a suspension system that can handle it. If you have all of that power but cannot control your car, then it’s useless.

Vehicle Dynamics 101

As the roads that we drive on are not perfectly flat, we need suspension systems. On a perfectly smooth road, the only forces acting on your tires should be gravity, the weight of the vehicle, the normal force of the road (the force of the road pushing back up against the tire equal to the force of gravity), and the friction between the road and the tire. When you introduce imperfections into the road, it introduces other forces onto the tires.

Isaac Newton taught us about the law of motion. He taught us that all forces have magnitude and direction. When your tires bump along the road, they accelerate upward. The magnitude at which this occurs depends on the size of the bump you drove over.

If you didn’t have a suspension system, all of this vertical energy would be transferred directly to the frame. This would force the frame to also move upwards. This means that your vehicle would leave the ground entirely. Then as the vehicle falls back downwards as a result of gravity, they would slam the ground. Your suspension system will absorb the energy of the vertical acceleration. This prevents the frame and body from moving as a result of a bump.

Let’s Take It a Step Further

So far, we have only considered the ride of a vehicle. The two things covered so far are road isolation and road holding. Road isolation if the vehicle’s ability to absorb or isolate road shock. Road Handling is the vehicle’s ability to maintain contact with the road.  There is one other concept to take into account when considering the dynamics of your vehicle. That is known as cornering. When cornering the centrifugal force pushes outwards on a car from the center of gravity. This will cause one side of the vehicle to raise and one side to lower. This is known as body roll. Your suspension is also responsible for minimizing body roll.

Vehicle Chassis Systems

Your suspension is made up of several components. To help you understand this and visualize it, take a look at the video below. It will explain the basics of your suspension system and some of the different types of suspension.

Two very important parts to understand are shocks and struts. Shocks, or shock absorbers, do exactly what their name suggests. They absorb the shock from the road. They are a type of damper that takes the force introduced from the road and prevent the car from bouncing. Your strut is a component that is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle at the top. This is where the coil spring is mounted. Your coil spring is what is responsible for maintaining your vehicle’s ride height. Struts are also dampers and absorb the shock from the road. Your vehicle will have either shocks or struts but never both on the same tire.

Shocks and Struts Inspection

You can very easily test the ability of your shock absorbers or struts by performing a simple bounce test. To do this, you only need to go to each corner of your vehicle. Push down hard on the car and let go. The vehicle should bounce up and then lower back to its ride height. If the car bounces more than twice, then you need to install new shocks or struts.

You can also visually inspect your suspension components. Your shocks and struts should be straight and clean. They also should not have any dents on them. You also might notice fluid leaking from them. This is a sign that they will need to be replaced.

When trying to get new parts, make sure that you know whether you have shocks or struts. Some vehicles even use shocks on one axle and struts on the other. Make sure that you buy the right parts as you can’t install a strut where a shock was or vice versa.

Suspension Repair

Changing out suspension parts can vary in difficulty. It depends greatly on the vehicle and the type of suspension it uses. Generally, changing out rear shocks on a vehicle is fairly simple. You can do it yourself with only a minor amount of automotive knowledge. Depending on the make and model of your car, a set of shocks can cost $25-$350 each. For the common cars that most people drive, your shocks will be on the cheaper side of that spectrum. To change out for shocks or struts yourself, you can expect to spend about $150-$250.  To have a shop do this for you could cost you around $30-$100 each side in labor. So, if you are the kind of person that likes to do things yourself, you can save yourself some money here.

Below we attached a video which shows how to change the shocks on your car. This is a very informative video which explains how to do it and also shows how fast it can be done.

You Know Suspension

Now you are ready to work on your own suspension system. You have learned the basics of your suspension system and also some of the engineering mechanics that go into it. You have also learned about how to change out your own shocks or struts. You now know suspension systems. If you notice anything strange about the ride or steering of your vehicle, you now have the basic knowledge needed to start to repair it.

Our sponsor for this article is:

A-1 Auto Tech, Inc. 89 Pioneer Way, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-487-2240 https://mountainviewautorepairs.com/

[neurotically-lime]

Smog Check 101

Many of us here in the United States have to pass smog checks in order for our vehicles to be registered. This is not required in every county in the US and depends totally on where you live. For me, I grew up in a small town in Nevada. We did not need our cars to pass emissions in order to be registered. I drove an old diesel truck that was emitting far too much emissions to pass a test, yet I had no idea.

From there, I moved to the beautiful state of California. Nevada is very strict about insurance and if you have a vehicle registered in Nevada, it must have Nevada insurance. This led me to switch my insurance over to California and then to try to get my truck registered. I quickly found out, that that old truck would not pass emissions. The exhaust components were in excellent shape but after almost 700,000 miles, the truck just did not run as clean as it once did.

Many of you live in places where your vehicle’s must pass smog checks. In this article, we will go over the basics of what to expect with your smog test and what you can fix on your car to help it pass the test.

Emissions Testing

Your smog check consists of essentially three parts. Your car will be lifted into the air and your exhaust system will be visually inspected. If there are any holes or gaps in your exhaust system, you absolutely will not pass your emissions test. As long as these gases are exiting your exhaust system prematurely, it becomes a large emissions problem. You will not pass if your exhaust gasses are leaking.

Your test will also have a visible smoke test. Your car will be started and the exhaust will be watched. If your vehicle is smoking excessively, you will not pass the test. In the winter when you start your car, it is common to see some smoke from the exhaust until the car is warm. This is totally normal and is not what the inspectors are looking for. Constant white, blue, or black smoke is a warning that something about the car isn’t right.

The last part of your vehicle’s emissions testing is an OBD-2 test. A computer will be plugged into your vehicle’s computer to read real-time data on how the vehicle is performing. The mechanics are able to see data on things such as the air-fuel mixture. By looking at this data, they know how clean your vehicle is running.

If your car fails any of these 3 parts, you will need to do some work on your car before it is ready to be tested again.

Smog Repair

Luckily, you can have another chance at passing your smog test. If you don’t pass, they will tell you why you didn’t pass. You can either fix the issues yourself or pay a shop to do the repairs for you. There are many reasons as to why your car might not have passed the smog test.

One very common reason is a rich air-fuel mixture. This could be due to several different reasons. You might need to replace your injectors that have become worn out or change out a bad oxygen sensor. Make sure that each of these components is working as they should, and you will be fine.

Another common cause for failure is a leak. This could be a defective EVAP system (evaporative emission control system) or a leaking gas cap. You have a wide variety of hoses and vents which all could potentially leak. Checking these can be tough but are necessary to pass your emissions test.

One of the most important components in regard to emissions is your catalytic converter. Its job is to convert the toxic gases produced by the engine into non-harmful gases. If your catalytic converter is damaged, you have no chance at passing your emissions test. If you are running a very rich air-fuel mixture the excess unburnt fuel flowing through the catalytic converter will actually destroy it.

Exhaust Leak

Another big reason for failing your emissions test is due to an exhaust leak. These leaks could develop anywhere in your exhaust system. As exhaust gases exit the vehicle prematurely, they have not been treated properly and are far more toxic to the environment and to the public. These leaks can develop for a variety of reasons. You could have run over something that hits and damages the exhaust system. This could puncture it with a large hole or only allow for a small leak. Regardless of the size, you will not be passing an emissions test. These leaks also can develop over time as the exhaust wears out.

Many people have tried to fix these leaks themselves by welding the leak shut or welding something over the hole. This is not recommended. It is generally best to replace the part that is damaged. Changing out exhaust parts is fairly simple and can be done by someone without a significant amount of auto experience. If you aren’t feeling up to it, you can always take it to a shop and have them do it for you as well.

Smog Check Help

Oftentimes, if you fail a smog check, there is help out there for you. Oftentimes, you can receive a tax credit to aid you in your smog related repairs. For those who live in the state of California, if you do not pass a smog test, the state will actually pay you to retire your car. This may not be what you want to do, but there is help out there for those who do not pass their emissions tests.

There are so many different things that can lead you to fail a smog check. It is near impossible to make sure that everything is working perfectly before taking it to the shop. Luckily, there is forgiveness and you can have a second try at passing the test. We found a helpful video of what to check before taking your car in for a smog test. Check it out below. This all helps keep us and our environment safe and clean!

Our sponsor for this article is:

A-1 Auto Tech, Inc. 89 Pioneer Way, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-487-2240 https://mountainviewautorepairs.com/

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Belts and Hoses

When you think of maintaining your vehicle, you probably think about changing the oil. That is the very most basic vehicle maintenance. Maybe changing filters or changing brake pads comes to mind. The truth is that many people overlook two very important things. These are belts and hoses.

Owning a car can be very expensive. You have to pay for the vehicle itself, and then you owe insurance each month. You have to pay for gas. Then you have to change the oil multiple times a year. You have to get tires every once in a while. It’s also going to need occasional repairs. Owning a vehicle really is more expensive than most people think it will be. That is exactly why many people do not take proper car of their vehicle. They overlook so many things because they feel like they are already spending so much on their vehicle and can’t spend any more.

The truth is that there are so many minor things that you can do to ensure that your vehicle lasts as long as possible. Paying $50 today is better than spending $500 or even $5,000 down the road. Overlooking these small things in reality do not save you money.

Timing Belt

The most important belt on your vehicle is the timing belt. Your engine has a wide variety of moving parts which all must move at the proper times to prevent damaging each other. Your timing belt has the job of synchronizing the crankshaft and the camshaft. This makes it so that the valves open and close exactly when they are supposed to. During the intake and exhaust strokes.

It is extremely important that everything works together with perfect timing or else irreversible engine damage will occur. If the timing belt were to break, then the piston will hit the valves. This will bend and break the valves. It also has the potential to put a hole in the engine block as a result of the collision. If this occurs, you will need to buy a new engine.

That is exactly why it is best to replace the belt before it breaks. Your manufacturer will suggest a mileage by which you should have changed your timing belt. This varies by manufacturer but is generally every 30,000-80,000 miles. Doing this is incredibly important as it could end up costing you thousands of dollars if the belt breaks.

Below is a video we found that portrays very well what occurs when a timing belt breaks. This will help you to visualize what actually happens when the timing belt breaks.

  Changing a timing belt can be difficult. The timing must be exact or else engine damage will occur. If the timing is off, you could experience improper compression, premature exhaust gas leakage, or valve damage. For these reasons, it is usually best if you take your car to a professional if you need the timing belt replaced.

Serpentine Belt

Another very important belt your vehicle has is the serpentine belt. While not as potentially dangerous as the timing belt, this belt still serves an important purpose. Your serpentine belt is the one that you can see when you look under the hood. Your serpentine belt is responsible for powering a lot of the key components to your vehicle.

Your serpentine belt generally supplies power to your AC compressor, water pump, alternator, and power steering pump. Each of these systems is critical to proper engine function. When the belt breaks, you will no longer have any of these systems. This means that the vehicle will quickly need to be parked as the water pump is no longer pumping engine coolant. You can still drive without power-steering and AC but without engine coolant flowing, you will quickly overheat.

A serpentine belt breaking will absolutely leave you stranded. On the bright side, your serpentine belt will give you plenty of hints that it is about to break. It will start to crack and break. It can even lose entire grooves and still function normally. As long as you inspect it from time to time, it will not break on you. You can also regularly change your belt to make sure that it never sneaks up on you.

Hose Inspection

Another very important thing to inspect is the hoses in your vehicle. There are several different hoses which all have important functions. The radiator hoses are incredibly important. These will crack over time and can start leaking. If you continue to lose coolant, eventually your vehicles ability to cool the engine down will suffer. Regularly inspecting these hoses takes little to no effort and can save you from overheating down the road. If you do have hoses that are cracking, you should have them replaced as soon as possible.

Your heater hoses can also fail. The outlet heater hose that runs from the engine to the heater core is a common hose to fail. Check this hose regularly as you do not want it to start leaking. This can result in in engine overheating as well. Coolant flows through these lines as well. You will notice puddles of coolant under your vehicle as these hoses start to fail. Do not ignore this issue as it can lead to worse issues.

Hose and Belt Replacement

All of these parts are relatively cheap to buy. Changing most of these is also fairly simple with the timing belt being the exception. The timing belt itself may not be too expensive but the labor to pay someone to do it can be. A timing belt replacement can cost you well over $1,000, depending on the vehicle you have.

Serpentine belts can be changing fairly simply. You will want to refer to the owner’s manual or find a guide online to ensure that you route the new belt properly. Changing hoses is also fairly simple and can be done by most people without an excessive amount of automotive experience. Checking and replacing these parts, while often overlooked, will save you a lot of money down the road!

Our sponsor for this article is:

A-1 Auto Tech, Inc. 89 Pioneer Way, Mountain View, CA 94041 650-487-2240 mountainviewautorepairs.com