Car Body Repairs and the Modern Day Techniques

Even a fuel-efficient car, which stays in good condition for most of the time, might need some critical repairs as time progress. The paint might fade out and the car may develop minor scratches, dings and dents. Such damages are hard to fix using waxing. This is technicians are constantly seeking for effective ways of an auto body repair.
Completely Matching Auto Paint
No matter the car demands a complete body painting or an area wise painting for fixing dents or dings, the new paint must completely match with the original paint. Bodywork professionals these days, use a photo-spectrometer to find out the exact colour tone. This computerized paint matching system finds out the exact colour tone to that of the auto. Once they find the exact colour, they paint the auto and dry it to give it a uniform look.
Paint-free Dent Restoration Technique
Dents or dings normally show up on the vehicle when it collides with another vehicle (on the road) or with a hard surface. Dents normally develop at the angular or curved car surfaces. Even though such problems are easily noticeable, they are quite hard to fix. Paint-free dent restoration technique is the best method to fix such problems. Bodywork professionals have the necessary tools to push the dents, till they get back to the normal state. The technicians fix the impairment without doing any damage to the car paint. The auto mechanics normally use spray-filling technique for fixing the inaccessible dents.
Body Frame Restoration
When cars collide with another vehicle or heavy block on the road, it succumb major structural damage to the frame. In such cases, one must use a frame straightening method. They use a computerized equipment (featuring an ultrasound technology), to calculate the frame alignment error. Then a laser beam aligns the frame accurately to its original state.
Smart Repair Technique
This technique is extremely effective for repairing minor dings or chipped paints. It is a lot harder as compared to the other techniques. This technique only repairs or covers the affected area. It mostly suits the brand new vehicles as they have minor damages on the body while the major body part stays fresh and glossy. Some garages also give a mobile service, and can carry out the repairs at your home itself. With such garages, you do not have to wait too long, before you can use the vehicle again.
With recent advancements in auto body repair, getting a quality accident repair service is no longer difficult.

Daniel RK Smith writes for Armstrong Bodyshop, a premium accident Repair Centre in East Grinstead. With their quality car Body Repairs in East Grinstead

A Few Motorcycle Safety Tips To Consider

There is nothing quite like experiencing the world at a fast rate of speed. Add to that sensation the freedom of going fast on two wheels, and you will get one of the primary reasons why people venture forward on a motorcycle. If you are planning on learning how to ride, or you want to hit the open road on a tour or just want to invest in this option, you should definitely think about safety as well. It may not be a popular subject to discuss, but it's definitely something that is worth noting, especially in these modern times. The following are a few motorcycle safety tips that you should definitely consider if you're going to enjoy the wide open road on just a couple of wheels.
Wear a Helmet - Perhaps the most compelling thing that you can do when riding, even if you're in a state that doesn't have a law is to wear a helmet. Protecting your head from injury is the number one thing that you absolutely have to do in these modern times. Do not ride without one, even if you feel that you're an expert and are experienced with riding. This will be detrimental in every way if you crash, especially if you hit your head. Imagine your skull like a watermelon and you'll see a very important reason why it should be the first thing that you think about when riding.
Gloves - Riding a motorcycle of any type will come with some problems in the long term. Whether it's your hand's sweating, or the sun beating down on them, you'll find that to get the most comfort out of getting on board with this type of ride, you will need to wear gloves. The main purpose is to allow for a bit more grip on the handles, and to allow for a bit of protection in case you have to put your hands down for any reason. You may find some padded options that will give you a level of protection in an accident.
Goggles or Facemask - Riding through tight curves, and wide open spaces can be the most intriguing and adventurous thing that you do, but make sure that you wear some sort of ocular protection. When you're venturing out into the open you will not only be hitting buts, but you will hit dirt, debris and dust that can easily blind you at such a high rate of velocity. Do not go out without some semblance of protection, because you will not enjoy the consequences that will hit you fast. The discomfort of losing eyesight through such a simple manner is evidence enough to ensure that you take this tip to heart.
The above are just a few tips that you should definitely consider when dealing with safety. Riding safe is not only a matter that is for your health, but the health of any rider that is with you. Don't play with your life, get a helmet, goggles, and gloves when getting on board two wheels and hitting the open road today.

If you are looking for information on motorcycle safety tips, just click on the link. Or you can visit Mud Moto's Shop at http://www.mudsmotoshop.com/.

A Much Closer Look At Considerations When Buying Biker Helmets

This article is going to be taking a much closer look at considerations that need to be made while shopping for biker helmets. It is important that riders find a helmet that they deem to be not only safe but attractive. This article will examine these things much closer.
A lot of people live in certain states where as long as they have a certain amount of insurance they do not have to wear a motorcycle helmet. While some people say this makes them feel more true to a free spirit, this is not really recommended at all because there are chances of serious injury or death.
A lot of people are very concerned about safety when they are considering a helmet and sturdiness is typically going to be a pretty good indicator of such things. A lot of people know that a sturdy helmet that meets all of the proper DOT safety certifications is probably going to be the best bet. It is important to never forget that safety is the most important reason to wear one of these, or womens biker jackets, in the first place.
A lot of people like to have a safe and effective helmet yet they also want to make a fashion statement. So many certified products are going to come in designs that are sure to be pleasing to the eyes as such a thing is quite common. Many people like full coverage designs while others like the statement that a solid partial makes. There are also many colors and designs as well as face plates that might be considered.
Many people are also very concerned over whether or not a helmet fits them comfortably or not. A lot of people like to go into an actual bike store so that they can try a piece on before they buy it. It is important not to forget that online shoppers can make a list of items they like and them try them on at an actual store. The store owner doesn't have to know that the person will rush home and buy it online.
There are also certain types of novelty helmets that are sold by some retailers. People have to be careful because many of these do not meet DOT specifications and the retailer will usually be clear to state this. These units are designed for riding through towns and similar things at slower speeds. Novelty units are not typically designed to be used for serious highway riding.
We hope this article allowed curious readers to take a much closer look at some of the considerations they might be dealing with when buying biker helmets. There are many other things to consider and this article is really just a starting point for more research of biker helmets.

Visit the author at biker helmets! Ride on!

Decorate Your Car With Interior LED Lights

Do you enjoy living in a colorless and dark world? Most of us probably answer no to this question. Light and colors add meaning to our lives and make us conscious about our surroundings. We depend on light for our living, no matter whether they are coming from artificial or natural source. For instance, our day break out when the sun rises and similarly while working in the night we need artificial lights source. The automotive lights have become one of the best friend of humans. The artificial light on the automotive cars makes us travel in the night safely. Therefore, the car lights have become the prime safety components.
Besides, safety features, the car lights also considered as a symbol of beautification from both inside and outside. Modern drivers crave for subtle and luxurious appearance in their vehicles. LED lights are the best option to illuminate the interior and exterior of their cars. These interior lights are available in various designs such as LED strips, super flux lights, dome lights and light bars.
LED Strips: The strips contain a series of tiny colored LED bulbs attached to the single band. These strips are flexible, can be twisted and bent in any direction. They are usually installed around the grille, in the trunk, under the hood, along the dash and almost anywhere on the vehicle where you want. The LED strips consume minimal energy and produce very less heat. The silicon covering on the strips makes it water-resistant. They do not need any resistor and can work efficiently at 12 Volt. These strips are dazzling bright and emit blue, green, red, white, amber, UV and backlight version.
LED Dome light: The dome light is the collection of LED bulbs on a rectangular board and all the bulbs work independently on the circuit. If one bulb gets out, there is no need to replace the strip, just remove the bulbs and replace it with new one. The dome bulbs produce incredible lightening phenomena in green, purple, white and red. The LED lights are rigid and 5mm thick sturdy lights. The Dome LED lights are not flexible and cannot be twisted and mounted everywhere. The most suitable location to place dome LED lights is interior roof or under the dashboard.
LED Light bars: These are thin tubes and contain the set of tiny cathode LED bulbs. The cathode bulbs are mounted on the 8 inches thin bars. These bars illuminate in various colors red, blue, green, amber and white. One can install these bars on the number plate, near the registration sticker area and on above the dashboard etc.
LED Super flux light: The LED super flux lights are developed with the in-resistor and foot wire. Therefore, all it requires is to just plug-in and play. The Super flux lights allow the designer to cut the number of LEDs bulbs and give more uniform and illuminated look. These lights are popular lighting applications, such as automotive tail, stop and turn signal lamps, and electronic signs.
The above discussed interior LED lights are professionally available lights to develop the interior appearance of the car at the aftermarket stores.

Lighting also plays a significant role especially in car interior. Xtralights offers myriad of LED interior lights for those who are looking for elegant, safety, and creative lighting displays.

Protecting Motorcycles During Summer

You can tell when summer starts since the roads are alive with the rumble of motorcycles. From California to Connecticut bikers will be revving up their cruisers, street bikes and touring cycles for day trips, weekend excursions and joy rides. However, just because winter is over doesn't mean your motorcycle is free from hazards. While riders don't have to worry about snow, sleet and ice they will have to contend with rain, wind, tree sap and intense UV sunlight during the summer months and now is a good time to invest in protective covers and portable garages that will ensure your bike stays in great condition.
If you don't have the benefit of a full garage to store your motorcycle when not riding on the open road it is recommended that you find an alternative shelter option that will protect your bike from foul weather, outdoor debris and wild animals. An unprotected motorcycle is at the mercy of nature and sometimes the elements aren't so kind. Steady rain, tree sap and squirrels can all combine to wreak havoc on your bike. From flooded instruments and chipped paint jobs to torn seats and waterlogged tires your motorcycle can face some serious problems if left outside without a protective cover or portable storage shed.
If you are looking for a temporary and flexible storage option for your bike then it's probably best to go with a durable motorcycle cover or storage pocket. These covers and bags are designed to offer indoor and outdoor protection for all kinds of motorcycles and can easily be folded up and kept in storage when not in use. Often made from waterproof and UV resistant fabric, motorcycle covers come in a wide range of sizes and can be used indoors to keep bikes safe from dust or outdoors where it will help shield a bike from rain, debris and wind. Covers are also ideal for taking with you on camping and day trips since it gives you a great storage benefit should the weather turn bad.
For riders who need more than just a protective cover for their machines there are many types of portable garages on the market that offer full protection from foul weather and the elements while also providing owners with a convenient storage location that can be outfitted with lights and vents so you can tinker with your bike even when it's raining. Made from solid powder coated steel frames with heavy duty polyethylene covers, temporary garage buildings are perfect for motorcycle owners that don't have access to a standard garage and need space to work on their rides. Whether you prefer a flexible motorcycle cover or a portable garage kit, keep your bike safe this summer.

For a great selection of durable and affordable carports, temporary storage buildings and portable garage kits visit All Weather Shelters.

The High Technology in Car Audio Systems

Car audio's have gone a long way. Now that cars are getting smarter, their parts-particularly the car audio systems-have gotten more sophisticated as well. In the olden days, we would use car stereos just to kill time listening to the car radio while driving to our destination. But they have more use now. DJ can even place turntables inside their cars and stir parties everywhere.
Of course, technology is always changing, always evolving. The car audio systems in our age might be awesome enough, but geniuses of the future will find and find ways to create more advanced technologies. However, we live in the now. We might as well enjoy and be astonished by the current advancements in our auto universe.
Bluetooth
A beloved character from an ongoing television series commented that everything is better with Bluetooth. And he has never been more right. You have got to love them who invented Bluetooth technology. In case you are wondering, it was Ericsson. Bluetooth is most common in smartphones and some home appliances. However, it has been proven to be most useful in cars as well. The driver can do everything-play music, receive calls. All without the hassle of connecting wires.
Hands-free conversations
Speaking of conveniently receiving and making calls while driving, that is almost common these days. Hands-free conversations save effort. Most especially, they save lives. With them, multitasking in cars is possible. Although making calls while driving is still discouraged, at least the drivers can accomplish a simple phone conversation without taking their attention away from the wheel.
Noise filter
We all want to be left alone with the music we are listening to. we can't enjoy our music very if what's around us is all noise now, can we? It's a good thing that car owners can now install noise filters-or noise cancelling devices-in their cars. We can enjoy the euphoria of music in the comforts of our cars. It's like having headphones with the unnecessary discomfort on the ear lobes. It's nice to shut everything out and hole in silence and music-even if for only a few minutes while driving home from work.
There are still more advancements in the auto universe of course. So much more than the possibilities of car audio greatness. There are cars now that can operate through electricity alone. That is a great loss for the fuel companies. Maybe that is also one of the reasons why electric cars are not so popular still. The multimillion dollar industry of fuel will be at risk.
Who knows where we'll be in the next few years? A flying car may not be far away. We usually only see these things in science fiction and anime, but we are (little by little) catching on with these great ideas. Other great thinks and innovators are yet to be born. But at least our generation today is already tasting the great possibilities of technology and innovation.

If you are looking for a quality car audio in Virginia, feel free to visit Unique Audio - a team of competitive and innovative car audio and other car parts installers.

Breathe Easy: Taking Care of Your Motorcycle's Air Filter

You know you love to ride. The sound of the wind. The complete feeling of freedom and the open road. Lately though, it seems that you ride lacks the performance that it once did. This can happen when your bike isn't properly maintained. Just as we do, your bike needs to breath freely to perform.
Fresh, clean air is required for your bike to run at its best. If your air filter is clogged and dirty, you'll experience all types of performance degradation such as reduced gas mileage, power loss, rough idling, and lots of other issues. Servicing your bike's air filter is a little insurance to keeping it running at its best.
Does your bike have a rough idle? Does it lack the performance that it once did? Does your bike lack some of the characteristics that actually drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle in the first place? All these things can happen when your bike isn't properly maintained. Just like us, your bike needs to breathe easy.
In order for your engine to run at its best, it must have among other things, fresh, clean air. If your bike's air filter is clogged and dirty, you will experience reduced gas mileage, power loss, rough idling, and a host of other issues. Changing or servicing the air filter is an easy way to keep other bike systems operating at their best.
What does your air filter do?
An air filter basically traps particulate matter such as dust and dirt, and prevents it from entering into your engine. Typically, they are made of resin-impregnated, heat-cured "paper" that's folded into pleats or the air filter can be made of foam. These pleats or foam catch and hold the dirt. Once these pleats and other surfaces are covered with dirt, airflow is greatly reduced. Thus, now your engine is not getting the airflow that it needs to run efficiently.
To illustrate my point, imagine that you were getting ready to take a quick 2 mile jog.
For the first mile, you're running strong and getting all the fresh air you need. Now for the second mile, I want you to tie a handkerchief around your nose and mouth like a bandit of the "Old West". Your second mile is going to be miserable because your airflow is now restricted. Your lungs and your body will not be operating at their peak. I think that if you actually tried this, I doubt you'd ever neglect changing your air filter again!
Different types of air filters
There are several different types of air filters that you can use for your bike and they vary by manufacturer. As mentioned above, you have foam filters, paper filters, and pleated cotton filters.
Foam Air Filters are used in many types of small engines including lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and of course motorcycles. Generally, they are reusable, long-lasting, and efficient.
Paper Air Filters are generally used for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) applications, meaning this is more than likely the type of air filter that your bike came from the factory with. They are also widely used for automobile OEM applications. They are typically pleated and may be reinforced with metal to help them hold their shape.
Some of the best types of air filters available today are Pleated Cotton Air Filters. These reusable aftermarket filters offered by K&N and BMC, bring the best in cost savings and longevity. Once in service, they could last the life of your motorcycle.
Cleaning or Replacing Your Air Filter
Depending on the type of bike you have, getting access to your bike's air filter may be an easy affair or one that will take a little more effort. It may be as simple as removing the air filter cover on the side of the engine or you may have to remove the gas tank to gain access. Check with your owner's manual to determine if you need to remove the seat or any other bodywork to get to the gas tank for proper removal. If you need to remove the tank, be sure to turn your petcock to the "off" position if you have one. No, I don't mean "put the rooster in the barn". Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you don't know what a petcock is, you probably don't have one. A petcock is simply a switch that allows you to select which part of the gas tank fuel is drawn from. Make sure you have some rags nearby to catch spilt fuel. Unbolt the tank and disconnect and label any wires or hoses to ensure proper reassembly. Again, consult your owner's manual for specifics.
Once you have full access to the air filter, give it a quick blast with compressed air to clean dust and dirt from the screw holes before unscrewing it. Be careful not to drop any debris in to the engine compartment. If you drop a screw, use a telescoping magnet to fetch it. Once you've removed the air filter, cover the top of the air box with clean rags to keep the bad stuff out. Especially if the air box is going to be exposed for a prolonged period.
If you have a sponge-type air filter, you may be able to reuse it once or twice if it is good physical shape. Cleaning this type of filter requires a solvent (some kind of soap). You'll need something that can break down any oil or dirt. Rinse clean and let it air dry. If the filter is in bad physical shape, replace it with a new one.
If your pleated paper-type filter is in good physical shape, you may also be able to reuse it once. I don't recommend using this type of filter more than twice. Simply blow compressed air through the back side of the filter to clean it. Don't wet it and be sure to keep it free of oil.
If you have an aftermarket pleated cotton filter, follow these steps to clean it. First you need to spray or pour solvent to break down the oil that is used to trap the debris. Let it soak for a while and rinse it from the back side of the filter. Then you need to let it air dry. You can sit it in the sun for a few hours or hang it in your garage overnight. A few words of caution, don't use compressed air or a hair dryer to dry the filter. The cotton fibers will shrink and your nifty aftermarket air filter will be rendered useless. Next, you need to re-coat the cotton fibers with new filter oil. Don't use any other type of oil and don't over-soak the filter. A thin layer will do. If your oil uses a pour on applicator, pour it into the bottom of the pleats. Let the filter sit for a half hour and re-coat any areas that you may have missed.
Now, let's put the filter back in. Installing a new or freshly cleaned filter is just the reverse of removal. The key here is to make sure that you have the right orientation. You must be facing due-north while you put the filter back in. Just kidding. In other words, the filter should face the proper direction for air flow. If the filter has a rubber o-ring, make sure it is in the proper position. Put the cover back on. If it has multiple screws, tighten them in an alternating pattern so that the cover pressure is evenly applied. If you removed your gas tank or other body panels, you can reinstall them now. See how easy that was?
To keep your motorcycle breathing easy, just get into the habit of changing out or cleaning your air filter once a year. Change it at the beginning of the riding season, every season. Your bike will burble, scream like a banshee, or purr like a kitten when you ask it to perform. I can see you grinning from ear-to-ear already. Let's ride.

To learn more, download my free copy of The Garage Insider:  The Top 10 things your mechanic doesn't want you to know that can Literally save you Thousand$!
Courtney Evans is the Publisher and Editor of www.GreaseMonkeyJunkie.com, the premier weekly newsletter for the DIY Mechanic