I wouldn't say the revised Vauxhall R8 is fugly exactly, although the increasing number of stereotypical go-fast styling cues are approaching critical mass. I'm mainly posting because of the new split grille with chrome toppers. The added chrome looks like unnecessary bling, crowding an already complex front end treatment - and looks a lot like the grille of the pre-facelift current generation BMW 3 Series.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
What's Next - Elbow Macaroni and Glitter?
The pictures shown here are of select samples of the custom graphics available for the 2012 Ford Focus. Essentially giant from-the-factory stickers for your car, they're akin the vinyl pinstriping popular in the 80's (but less tasteful and on a much larger scale). It doesn't bode well when the photos released by Ford are nausea inducing. For example, the "retro" rounded square pattern above, in lime green against a teal car. Fads come and go (speaking of teal paint - hello 1994), so hopefully these sticker packages are easily removable for the sake of resale value. Scroll down for more fugly Focuses.
Monday, December 27, 2010
KAHN UNVEILS 373KW KICK-ASS RANGE
Project Kahn, the United Kingdom’s pre-eminent tuner, has partnered with one of the world’s best-known racing outfits, Cosworth, to produce this stunning Range Rover RS500 edition. Project Kahn stayed to true to the UK’s recent tradition of diesel love by using a turbo diesel Range instead of a petrol model.
The 4.4-litre V8 turbo diesel engine has been injected with more power and torque to go from the standard 230kW up to a stomping 373kW. That’s more powerful than an Audi Q7 V12 TDI! Maximum torque figures were not released but I expect something above the 900Nm mark.
Kahn has tricked out the Range into something almost unrecognisable from the standard car. Things like a hot new front bumper with fog lamp surrounds, side skirts, matt black side vents and kick ass exhaust tailpipes. Wheels are Kahn 22-inch RSX alloys. Inside there’s bespoke stitching on places like the steering wheel, while the rev counter area feature electric blue colouring. The seats are also well-stitched with Cosworth embroidery. A nice Kahn leather key ring gives it a lovely personal touch.
Although I have seen a couple of Kahn-converted Range Rovers running around my neighbourhood, I’m not sure if Kahn has a South African agent, or if the cars were imported. I’ll be sure to find out for you though.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
ALL-NEW 2012 TOYOTA YARIS FOR DETROIT 2011
Toyota is preparing to launch the new all-new Yaris globally. The 2012 model year Yaris should be revealed at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. As a sales success story it is a very hard act to beat, having shifted over 3.5 million units in over 70 countries.
The new car will sport a compact 1.3-litre engine with stop/start technology. Power figures were not released but Toyota says it will achieve a fuel economy of around 3.8 litres per 100km. I expect transmissions of 5-speed manual to be standard, with perhaps a 6-speed manual and an automatic thrown in.
Taking a look at the exterior design language one can clearly see that Toyota is hard at work trying to shed its conservative image. The lines are sharp and convex, with a mildly aggressive front end and wide rear wheel arches. To be honest, at first glance it reminded me of the Honda Jazz.
In Japan sales exceeding 10 000 units per month are expected. In South Africa where the Yaris is a top-five seller, it should move well over 1 000 examples monthly.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2011 BMW X3 ARRIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA
BMW South Africa launched the all-new X3 in Mpumalanga, along a variety of roads, including gravel (dirt) and tar. Thankfully South Africa is in summer during the Christmas period so there was no snow. You’ll be forgiven for staring at the X3; not everyone will instantly recognise that this is an all-new vehicle, that it’s not another facelift of the old one.
If you look at the front end you’ll notice a more accentuated front grille with a distinctive bonnet. The lines are complex yet much smoother than that the previous car. They clearly were not placed there just for shock effect, but to give a more elegant view of the baby SUV (SAV – Sport Activity Vehicle if you work at BMW). The side panels are also more integrated, and are broken only by the convex line running from the front fender to the rear lights cluster. As is the modern day norm, the X3 also comes with LED daytime running lights which are fitted with optional xenon headlights.
Few ever really think of a BMW when considering something spacious, but according to the German premium car maker, the X3 features class-leading luggage space, which for us in Mzansi means it’s bigger than the Audi Q5. Precise volumes are quoted at up to 1600 litres. The three rear seats can be folded individually or together.
Below the bonnet surface lie a choice of two engines. The entry point is the xDrive20d with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with four cylinders and common rail direct injection. Maximum power is rated at 135kW at 4000rpm, while torque is 380Nm between 1750rpm and 2750rpm. It is claimed to accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach top velocity of 210km/h. Average fuel consumption is said to be 5.6 litres per 100km with C02 levels at 147g/km. Those numbers suggest a range of around 1100km from a tank. Standard transmission in Europe is a 6-speed manual and automatic, but for us special Mzansi buyers only the 8-speed automatic will be sold with both the xDrive20d and the flagship xDrive35i. Additionally we get that lovely plastic gear lever that makes one just keep touching it for no reason.
The xDrive35i has the well-known, twin scroll petrol turbo 6-cylinder engine making a good 225kW at 5800rpm, and peak torque is 400Nm between 1200rpm and 5000rpm. Performance figures are equally impressive: 0 – 100km/h in 5.7 seconds, top speed of 245km/h. Average claimed consumption is 8.8 litres per 100km, although you are more likely to see something upwards of 10 litres per 100km under normal driving conditions. This is, after all, a 4.6 metre long 3.0-litre 4WD vehicle weighing at least 1 800kg.
Mind you, we are dealing with a soft-roader here, as opposed to something like a Land Rover Freelander which you can take further upstream than the X3. Ground clearance is 21cm and wading depth is a paltry 50cm. So while it will feel at home on gravel, don’t expect it to cross a gushing Jukskei all on its own. BMW never set out to create something to go across the Nile with anyway. Still, on tar there is no rival to touch it, and that includes the bigger X5 and others.
No real surprises inside. The layout is BMW-typical, and looks like a 3 Series. It’s a very simple look that belittles the technologies underlying it. We have dual-zone climate control, a multi-spoke steering wheel with satellite controls for the radio/CD player and other functions, and the new iDrive with a 16.5cm display. Stuff like a panoramic sunroof, a TV function (R28 300), Bluetooth connectivity (R7 600) adaptive headlights (they turn towards the direction where the steering wheel is pointed) and electronic seat adjustment for the front seats are optional extras. Why the latter is so doesn’t make sense, given what you are paying. A rear view camera can be installed, as well as two other cameras that help create a bird’s eyeview of things. Good for parking in a single garage or other tight spaces.
The X3 rides on 7.5Jx17 wheels shod in 225/60 R17 tyres as standard in the xDrive20d. The xDrive35i runs on 8Jx18 types with 245/50 R18 wheels. Six different wheel/tyre combos can be ordered for the xDrive20d, up to 19-inch, while the xDrive35i only has three choices beginning with the 18s and also ending with 19s.
Safety is taken care of by ABS brakes, the brake assist system, cornering assist, DSC, DTC, and others.
The new BMW X3 is here to take the game to a higher level as far as competition goes. In some ways, such as the powertrain, driving dynamics, space utilisation and features it does. In other ways like the uninspiring styling and price, it just falls short. The segment has grown quite considerably since the first X3 came to light back in 2003. Even manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai, who you would never expect to show up at this big boys’ playground, are beginning to nibble with offerings like the new Sportage and ix35. Whether BMW will be able to recapture its X3 audience like before and keep the young wolves at bay, or fall by the wayside in the same way that Jeep did with the latest Cherokee, is too early to tell.
BMW X3 PRICING
xDrive20d (R463 000)
xDrive35i (R598 000)
xDrive20d Exclusive (R499 300)
xDrive35i Exclusive (R629 600)
CRICKETER KALLIS ALLEGEDLY CRASHES AUDI R8
Jacques Kallis has reportedly crashed a white Audi R8 early this morning in Cape Town. A man told Sport24.com that he heard a very loud bang outside his home and rushed to see what was happening, only to be confronted by the cricket superstar’s sports car crashed through his neighbour’s front gate. The man’s wife then called the police, who apparently arrived in three squad cars. He says Kallis had at no time left the car, which was later towed away by a tow truck.
The Audi R8 is a two-door sports car that comes in three variants and several models. The most cost-effective is a 4.2-litre V8 model with a R1.4 million price tag, while the dearest is a Spyder (cabriolet) that comes in at R2.1 million. The witness did not elaborate as to exactly which one Kallis was driving.
Kallis is currently riding the crest of an awesome performance wave after achieving his first 200 runs in one Test match against India last week. He is regarded as the best all-round cricketer in the world because of his batting, bowling and fielding abilities.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wagon Queen Family Truckster
I suppose I should also honour the actual Wagon Queen Family Truckster, even if it is a commentary on the absurdity of the American wagons of the late 70's.
Labels:
Country Squire,
Ford,
LTD,
Wagon Queen Family Truckster
Wagon King Executive Cruiser
Casper the Fugly Intergra
While on the topic of spoilers, this guy decided to go a route opposite of the Mustang below and install the new spoiler on top of the old one. Double downforce, yo. This car earns bonus point for multiple skulls sprouting out of the bodywork.
Front End Downfarce, Part 2: Ground Dynam(Retangle)c Mustang
So you bought a gigantic new rear spoiler. But what do you do with your stock spoiler now that the park bench is now installed on the front? This innovative mind channeled the Civic below and grafted it to the hood. It’s aerodynamic, yo. This ingenuity was also applied to the graphics up front – if you’ve found that your lettering is not lining up, a good way to fill up the empty space is to just widen your letter “I”.
"GREEN" MERCEDES-BENZ S350 BLUETEC LAUNCHED
Mercedes-Benz has launched what is now termed the cleanest diesel car in its class, the new S350 BlueTec. Notice there is no CDI anywhere near the name, although this is a diesel car. Its cleanliness is guaranteed by a liquid substance called AdBlue emission control which is added to the car.
The S-Class is an iconic luxury sedan whose existence inspired other motor manufacturers to design and build competitors to or near its standards. The current model is said to be the best-selling in the car’s history, a testament to the longevity and sheer class it carries. Normally with such cars South Africans and Americans prefer big petrol engines, probably due to the misplaced belief that diesel is dirty and cluttery and noisy and so on.
Not so with the S350 BlueTec. Starting up the engine through the start button not only gets a quiet response, it also gets one that doesn’t threaten to choke the skies with bad emissions. On a short drive around Gauteng I was able to ascertain the fuel-efficiency and the power it hordes, both of which would normally be associated with a small performance car.
So what makes it extra special, besides the absence of the CDI moniker on the badge? The engine of course, is the main driver, so to speak. It is a 3.0-litre V6 common rail direct injection turbo diesel kicking out 190kW of power, and an extremely impressive 620Nm of torque. Why this is impressive is that it uses only a single turbo to achieve these figures, whereas competitors have to resort to two blowers, especially looking at that torque number.
Power and torque go to the rear wheels through a smooth 7-speed automatic gearbox. Rather keep it full automatic mode and don’t use the paddles behind the wheel, unless of course you specified them for whatever reason. Performance includes a 0 – 100km/h time of 7.1 seconds and a top whack of 250km/h. C02 emissions average 177g/km, matched with fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100km. Putting that into everyday perspective means the S350 BlueTec can travel around 1300km on one single tank of diesel! That means between Jozi and Durban you would only use half a tank. In a Mercedes-Benz S-Class!
Bluetec stands for really clean diesel fuel technology in the Merc world. Its main driver is that liquid called AdBlue which is added to the exhaust mixture via the boot. Basically a trained mechanic during service interval pours it and it flows down and gets rid of up to 80% of harmful gasses as they pass through, just before being released into the helpless atmosphere. The result is that relatively-low 177g/km. Each bottle of AdBlue costs around R90 and lasts up to 20 000km, which is, coincidentally, the service interval. Mercedes-Benz recommends that buyers use only 50ppm diesel which is more widely available at urban forecourts than rural ones.
Being an S-Class, several things stand out. Ride quality is top notch, exactly what you expect from the car. While the suspension is soft, thanks to the AIRMATIC system, it is not necessarily sleep-inducing. Who sleeps with such a kick of 620Nm and 255 horses under the right foot? Everything you expect is there, and more. Standard and optional features include seats that massage both front passengers using different intensity levels. Bluetooth connection is a given, with its ability to connect your mobile phone and allows telephone chats through the car’s sound system. Safe and legal chit chat.
There’s also the split-screen LCD DVD viewer which allows for both front seat passengers to watch two different programmes on one screen. Well, the driver wouldn’t be watching a programme as such, but things like satellite navigation information, fuel consumption, radio functions and the like.
Clean fuels are slowly becoming more widely available. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers constantly introducing cleaner engines into the market. Good news for well-off people interested in saving the planet by buying cars like the S350 BlueTec.
Pricing
S350 BlueTec (R1 039 754 - incl C02 tax)
FORD FIGO IS 2011 INDIA CAR OF THE YEAR
The phenomenal Ford Figo was selected as Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2011 today, earning the country's top automotive award in the fiercely competitive and rapidly growing Indian market. Now in its sixth year, the ICOTY is awarded to a new vehicle after comprehensive testing by a jury of leading automobile journalists in India.
Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, accepted the award from Dr. R.P. Singhania, vice chairman and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries, at a ceremony in Mumbai today.
“The Indian Car of the Year award caps off a terrific year for the phenomenal Figo,” said Boneham. “Recognition from some of India's most respected and influential automotive reporters further reinforces Figo's reputation as a well-designed, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicle that delivered exceptional value-for-money for thousands of new car buyers across India. On behalf of all the dedicated men and women at Ford India, we are extremely grateful to the jury members and to our customers for choosing the Figo.”
The winner is determined by a multi-point voting system modeled on the selection process used by the European Car of the Year jury.
The 11-person 2011 ICOTY jury included: Yogendra Pratap and Vikrant Singh (Auto Bild); Gautam Sen and Bob Rupani (Auto India); Girish Karkera and Sriram Narayanan (BBC TopGear); Srinivas Krishnan and Pablo Chaterji (Business Standard Motoring); Aspi Bhathena (Car India); and Sirish Chandran and Bertrand D'Souza (Overdrive).
“We knew Ford had a potential winner on its hands even as we lined up the contenders. The Figo's crisp driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engine options, cheerful styling and interiors and, of course, its terrific pricing, simply propelled it to the top of the honours list. It's only appropriate that the Figo has won the Indian Car of the Year 2011 award, because Ford engineered the car specifically to cater to the needs of the Indian market,” said Srinivas Krishnan, editor, Business Standard Motoring and Chairman, ICOTY 2011.
The prestigious ICOTY award is the latest of many accolades the Figo has received since its introduction 10 months ago. More than 60,000 Figos have been sold since March, setting a new sales record for a single nameplate in India. Figo has become one of India's best selling vehicles consolidating Ford's position in the Indian automotive sector. From January to November 2010, Ford India sold 79,586 units across its lineup, an increase of 185 percent compared to the same period last year.
STORY BY FORD
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Twisted Daze
Pretty much and modified 3rd and 4th generation Honda Civic can be considered fugly, but here's a fine example. Apparently modified by "Twisted Daze", this robin's egg blue 4 door Civic has the obligatory wide-mouthed body kit and gigantic spoiler, as well as frenched taillights. All of which can't hide the fact that this is a boxy 80's economy car. Other fugly details include painted window visors (I'm guessing the poor man's attempt at a chop-top look), an astonishing 16 Honda logos on the exterior (yet strangely no mention of VTEC, VTECH, or Type R), and an interior seemly lined in industrial Berber carpeting and completely lacking instrumentation (in that I highly doubt the 4 remaining aftermarket gauges adequately relay all the information vital to driving).
Pontiac Slimebird
It's amazing to think that someone else thought this was a good look. Having a hard time deciding which car is worse, but I'll have to go with this Firebird for the lime green on teal paint alone. And for the fact that the flaming green bird motif (what is it - radioactive?) looks more like the car hit Slimer cruising on the highway. At least they only ruined a V6 Firebird and not a Trans-Am (although I suppose it could be an unfortunate Formula).
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Genesis Coupe, a Yaris, and a Dacia walk into a bar…
The Baojun 630 is GM’s attempt at a low priced car for the Chinese (around $7000 in fact). The result is a strange “second world everycar” – somehow, just by looking at it, you can tell it’s a cheap car whose build quality is suspect. It’s awkward proportions suggest that it’s an older platform with fancy modern duds that recall several other current cars (not unlike the redressed Fiat platforms used well beyond their best before dates by manufacturers in several Eastern European countries). To be specific, it looks like a Toyota Yaris with the face of a Dacia Sandero grafted on. It even borrows the Hyundai Genesis Coupe's aggresive "Z" body detailing.
Buick Cutrate Cutlass
I had almost forgotten about one of the most forgettable cars of the 90's until I saw one watching TV last night. The 1997-1999 was one of the worst cases of badge engineering from GM in the 90's, with little differentiating it from the Malibu. Making things worse, it was also far worse to look at than the Chevy, with some brutally ugly taillights. It also stuck out like a sore thumb - at this point Olds had adopted sleek Aurora based styling. The Cutlass tried to fit in, but the Malibu wasn't exactly sleek and the car ended up looking more Chevy than Olds.
Labels:
Attack,
Chevrolet,
Cutlass,
Malibu,
Oldsmobile
How to Get Money For a Non Running Car
By Eric Mitz
Many would assume that a car that is no longer running is not worth anything and that the best thing to do is to give it away or maybe donate it to an organization. This is not necessarily the case however; there are ways to get cash for junk cars, you just have to know the correct way to go about it.
One way to get cash for junk cars is to do most of the work yourself and then take the car to your local junk yard and sell it to them. If you are familiar with the inner workings of automobiles, this may be the way to go. The main things you need to do is to drain all gas, oil, coolant, and other
fluids from the car. Junk yards only take cars with four tires, so make sure you have removed the spare tire. Make sure that if the car is under 10 years old you have the title available to give to the junk yard. Arrange for transport to the junk yard and that is it.
If you are trying to get cash for junkers another option is to break it up into parts. You can then list some of the parts for sale on ebay or Craig's list. Make it easy on yourself and only accept bidders that are willing to come and pick up the items, unless they are small enough that you don't mind shipping them. A couple of other cash for junkers options are to recycle the catalytic converter at a scrap yard as this will bring in some cash and sell the tires if they are in good enough shape to do so.
There are many junk removal companies that you can contact if you do not want to do the work yourself. This way of getting cash for your junker requires you to have all the information ready- make, model, year, and title. You need to also be able to give the company an honest overall appraisal of the condition that the car is currently in. Next, pick a junk removal company; it can be local or national as you are going to be arranging for the towing service to come pick up the car for you and take it to the company. You may not get as much cash with this method as you are not doing most of the labor, but you will still be able to make some money.
You do not have to live with the eyesore of a non-working car cluttering up your driveway. There are ways that you can get rid of it and come out ahead with some extra money in the process.
One way to get cash for junk cars is to do most of the work yourself and then take the car to your local junk yard and sell it to them. If you are familiar with the inner workings of automobiles, this may be the way to go. The main things you need to do is to drain all gas, oil, coolant, and other
fluids from the car. Junk yards only take cars with four tires, so make sure you have removed the spare tire. Make sure that if the car is under 10 years old you have the title available to give to the junk yard. Arrange for transport to the junk yard and that is it.
If you are trying to get cash for junkers another option is to break it up into parts. You can then list some of the parts for sale on ebay or Craig's list. Make it easy on yourself and only accept bidders that are willing to come and pick up the items, unless they are small enough that you don't mind shipping them. A couple of other cash for junkers options are to recycle the catalytic converter at a scrap yard as this will bring in some cash and sell the tires if they are in good enough shape to do so.
There are many junk removal companies that you can contact if you do not want to do the work yourself. This way of getting cash for your junker requires you to have all the information ready- make, model, year, and title. You need to also be able to give the company an honest overall appraisal of the condition that the car is currently in. Next, pick a junk removal company; it can be local or national as you are going to be arranging for the towing service to come pick up the car for you and take it to the company. You may not get as much cash with this method as you are not doing most of the labor, but you will still be able to make some money.
You do not have to live with the eyesore of a non-working car cluttering up your driveway. There are ways that you can get rid of it and come out ahead with some extra money in the process.
Auto Transport Rates - How Do You Find Rates That Fit Your Budget?
By Maureen Romensya
Are you looking for auto transport rates that fits your budget, but can't seem to find them? Then you need to know ways to use that will allow you to easily find the best rate for your moving budget.
There are a couple of different things that you need to do if you are serious about find the best rate for getting your vehicle transported. The following are the things that need to be done.
1. Multiple quotes - Were you aware that legitimate transport companies will provide you with quotes for free? Many people are aware of this, but they don't use it to their advantage.
If you are seriously looking for a great price for your budget, then
taking time to gather estimates from many companies is essential. This will let you compare the costs that each company will charge you so you can locate the one that fits your budget easily.
2. Ask questions and get answers - When getting your vehicle moved, many people don't realize how vital it is to ask questions. Asking questions is the one of the best ways to determine the best company to hire.
It is also the best way to find ways to save money on the cost of transporting your vehicle. The experts at the transport company may have suggestions for moving your vehicle safely to its new destination that will also allow you to save money, but you will never know if you don't ask.
3. Coupons or discounts - Many companies will offer discounts or coupons during many times of the year. You have to be one the lookout for these because they may not always be easy to locate.
You can also ask the company about them because majority of them will be happy to tell you about them since they want your business and they know that it is a way for you to save money.
4. Be flexible on when the vehicle can be moved - There are many times during the week or month that will be a very busy time for the company. If you can be flexible on when your automobile can be transported, then you will be able to get a cheaper price.
Now that you know how to find auto transport rates that fit your budget; all that remains is to start doing these tasks. The sooner you start, the sooner you will the right company for your moving budget and will make sure that your automobile is safely moved, so you will be able to concentrate on moving the rest of your belongings.
There are a couple of different things that you need to do if you are serious about find the best rate for getting your vehicle transported. The following are the things that need to be done.
1. Multiple quotes - Were you aware that legitimate transport companies will provide you with quotes for free? Many people are aware of this, but they don't use it to their advantage.
If you are seriously looking for a great price for your budget, then
taking time to gather estimates from many companies is essential. This will let you compare the costs that each company will charge you so you can locate the one that fits your budget easily.
2. Ask questions and get answers - When getting your vehicle moved, many people don't realize how vital it is to ask questions. Asking questions is the one of the best ways to determine the best company to hire.
It is also the best way to find ways to save money on the cost of transporting your vehicle. The experts at the transport company may have suggestions for moving your vehicle safely to its new destination that will also allow you to save money, but you will never know if you don't ask.
3. Coupons or discounts - Many companies will offer discounts or coupons during many times of the year. You have to be one the lookout for these because they may not always be easy to locate.
You can also ask the company about them because majority of them will be happy to tell you about them since they want your business and they know that it is a way for you to save money.
4. Be flexible on when the vehicle can be moved - There are many times during the week or month that will be a very busy time for the company. If you can be flexible on when your automobile can be transported, then you will be able to get a cheaper price.
Now that you know how to find auto transport rates that fit your budget; all that remains is to start doing these tasks. The sooner you start, the sooner you will the right company for your moving budget and will make sure that your automobile is safely moved, so you will be able to concentrate on moving the rest of your belongings.
Would a Battery Load Tester Be Any Use to Your Typical Car Owner?
By Geoffrey Wagner
If you have any equipment that is powered by an internal combustion engine, and if it isn't hand cranked like a lawn mower is, starting the engine is something you depend on a healthy battery for. Starting an engine in freezing cold weather especially, needs a battery that has plenty of juice. It can't be easy knowing that you need your vehicle to start smoothly in the morning when you have to get to work and to not know that the component that you depend on to help power that start is in good shape. That's where a battery load tester comes in. If that sounds like a complicated piece of equipment, the
utility it brings you is straightforward enough. It tells you how much more life your battery has left in it. It tells you how well your battery can respond to charging anymore.
A battery load tester is a device you basically use to test how healthy your batteries are. With a standard a lead acid battery, what you want is to test it for the kind of load that it is capable of handling. The battery load tester that you use needs to make it possible for you to change settings so that you only apply the right kind of load to a battery to test it. Go any higher than the kind of power your batteries can handle, and you could get into trouble with false positive readings. Look for tester that can apply a precisely calibrated load to a battery, that can make allowances for how hot or cool the battery is, and that can make accurate readings, without damaging your battery. What happens when you get a basic battery load tester that doesn't have any of these features? Some of the rudimentary models will only test a battery for the level of voltage it puts out - they don't even test for the kind of load the batteries are capable of taking. They'll go and give a pass rating to batteries that are just about ready to give up the ghost.
Most units that you get to buy today are tough enough for everyday use. Make sure that you get a battery load tester with plenty of range, and that it gives you the tools you need to make adjustments for the right kind of load, temperature and amperage levels. Try not to pick one that gives you a mere "Okay" or "Not Okay" reading, and leaves you with no choice but to trust what it says. You need readouts, and usually, an analog unit tends to be far more accurate party than a digital one.
If you have any equipment that is powered by an internal combustion engine, and if it isn't hand cranked like a lawn mower is, starting the engine is something you depend on a healthy battery for. Starting an engine in freezing cold weather especially, needs a battery that has plenty of juice. It can't be easy knowing that you need your vehicle to start smoothly in the morning when you have to get to work and to not know that the component that you depend on to help power that start is in good shape. That's where a battery load tester comes in. If that sounds like a complicated piece of equipment, the
utility it brings you is straightforward enough. It tells you how much more life your battery has left in it. It tells you how well your battery can respond to charging anymore.
A battery load tester is a device you basically use to test how healthy your batteries are. With a standard a lead acid battery, what you want is to test it for the kind of load that it is capable of handling. The battery load tester that you use needs to make it possible for you to change settings so that you only apply the right kind of load to a battery to test it. Go any higher than the kind of power your batteries can handle, and you could get into trouble with false positive readings. Look for tester that can apply a precisely calibrated load to a battery, that can make allowances for how hot or cool the battery is, and that can make accurate readings, without damaging your battery. What happens when you get a basic battery load tester that doesn't have any of these features? Some of the rudimentary models will only test a battery for the level of voltage it puts out - they don't even test for the kind of load the batteries are capable of taking. They'll go and give a pass rating to batteries that are just about ready to give up the ghost.
Most units that you get to buy today are tough enough for everyday use. Make sure that you get a battery load tester with plenty of range, and that it gives you the tools you need to make adjustments for the right kind of load, temperature and amperage levels. Try not to pick one that gives you a mere "Okay" or "Not Okay" reading, and leaves you with no choice but to trust what it says. You need readouts, and usually, an analog unit tends to be far more accurate party than a digital one.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Durango Redeux
Thought I would post this to lift Mopar fans spirits. Autoblog recently posted a review of the Durango, which featured a beautiful monochromatic black Durango with gunmetal rims. Absolutely sinister. Probs on the design, even if it looks a little Enclavey.
Photos copyright ©2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
Photoshop < Actual Photos
I know it seems like I'm ragging on Chrysler a lot, and part of me feels as if it's unfair. The companies been through hard times and is trying to restructure itself as best it can. But things like this bug me, due to their half-assed attempt.
The 2011 Jeep Compass, I have to say, is not fugly. The did a remarkable job of curing the fugly it once suffered from with little more than a new nose. Bravo!
However, did you really have to photoshop some of the first official images of the newcar SUV? This is the publics first polished view of the car, and I'm sure those not graphically aware will think there's something slightly odd about those monochromatic reflections and flat looking colour. The cincher? Whoever did it painted right over the three holes below the 7 slot grille.
One has to ask - couldn't they just take pics of the Compass painted the right colour? Or at least keep it the colour it used to be. Or, you know, hire someone to photoshop it correctly. And as a graphic artist it pains me to say I'd rather see it one of the two previous options - however talented you are, things look most real when they're actually real. For me it taints their image when it wouldn't cost much more to do things right for a vehicles launch (or at least plan in advance and making and bring a red Compass with you).
*EDIT - looks like there's a whole series of them, some work better than others. I'm guessing they only had a grey Compass at the time of shooting. Below you can see a similar situation with the 3 slots, and this time the Compass badge of the door has a blue tint, like it wasn't cropped out. I admit convincing colour changes like this are difficult, but those areas look a bit sloppy.
The 2011 Jeep Compass, I have to say, is not fugly. The did a remarkable job of curing the fugly it once suffered from with little more than a new nose. Bravo!
However, did you really have to photoshop some of the first official images of the new
One has to ask - couldn't they just take pics of the Compass painted the right colour? Or at least keep it the colour it used to be. Or, you know, hire someone to photoshop it correctly. And as a graphic artist it pains me to say I'd rather see it one of the two previous options - however talented you are, things look most real when they're actually real. For me it taints their image when it wouldn't cost much more to do things right for a vehicles launch (or at least plan in advance and making and bring a red Compass with you).
*EDIT - looks like there's a whole series of them, some work better than others. I'm guessing they only had a grey Compass at the time of shooting. Below you can see a similar situation with the 3 slots, and this time the Compass badge of the door has a blue tint, like it wasn't cropped out. I admit convincing colour changes like this are difficult, but those areas look a bit sloppy.
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