Because of the design of the diesel engine, the injector is the most critical part and has been subjected to literally hundreds of variations in both design and position. It has to be able to withstand massive pressures and temperatures, yet still deliver the fuel in a fine mist. One other component that some diesel engines have is a glowplug. From cold, some lower-tech engines can't retard the ignition enough, or get the air temperature high enough on startup for the spontaneous combustion to happen. In those engines, the glowplug is literally a hot wire in the top of the cylinder designed to increase the temperature of the compressed air to the point where the fuel will combust. These engines typically have a pictograph on the dashboard that looks like a lightbulb. When starting the engine cold, you need to wait for that light to go out - basically you're waiting for the glowplugs to get up to temperature. In really old diesel designs, this could be as long as 10 seconds. Nowadays it's nearly instantaneous, or in the case of advanced ECM systems, not needed at all.

Brake warning light 1

Most cars nowadays have a brake warning light on the dash. Its purpose is to alert you that something is wrong in the braking system somewhere. If it comes on, check your owner's manual to find out its meaning. The brake warning light doesn't have a standard meaning; it could be used for multiple purposes. For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand brake (parking brake for the Americans amongst you) is on. If that's the case and you're driving, you ought to have noticed the smell of burning brake dust by now.

The light can also indicate that the fluid in the master cylinder is low. Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light. Which is nice. Because it would be such a drag if the same indicator meant the same thing in every vehicle.

Oil warning light

Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will die. Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil levels - for example if your engine is burning oil. Either way, you need to get it fixed, and fast. Low oil pressure is A Bad Thing and your engine won't thank you for leaving this problem untreated.

Will higher octane or premium fuel give me better gas mileage and/or more power?

No. Sportier cars have higher compression engines which generate more power and require higher octane fuel to prevent detonation.

Tip: If you find a bird has pooped on your car, wash it off as quick as you can. There are compounds in bird waste that can damage most car paint jobs. If you leave it in the sun and the poop bakes on, you could end up with a dull spot in the paint.

Driving lessons for five-year-olds?

How do you turn a teenager into a better driver? One UK company has an idea: 'When you’re learning piano or violin, you don’t start at 17; you start at 5.'

As parents, we want only the best for our grammar-school progeny: Healthful, organic lunches. Chemical-free, fair-trade artisan toys. Exposure to rich cultural experiences. The very finest in professional driving instruction.
Yes, that last one, too. UK company Young Driver gives driving lessons to children as young as 11, and starting very soon, they’ll teach kids as young as 5. To do that, they’re building a special car.

Richard Smith is chief instructor for the driving school, which offers lessons all over Great Britain to kids not yet legal for on-the-road instruction. “When you’re learning piano or violin, you don’t start at 17,” he notes, “you start at 5.” His point is well taken, as are his lessons, and graduates of Young Driver’s programs have a 9 percent accident rate once they’ve obtained their license, as compared to 20 percent in the general populace. “There’s a reason that our title sponsor is an insurance company,” he notes.

Top Gear's Ollie Kew heads to the South of France for a date with the 'jolly exciting' 577-horsepower S63 Cabrio

Top Gear's Ollie Kew recently jetted off to the Côte d'Azur to sample the ultimate version of the ultimate Benz. The Mercedes-AMG S63 4Matic Cabriolet makes use of a twin-turbo 6.3-litre V8 producing a stout 577 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque – "one solitary foot-pound less than a McLaren P1," writes Kew.

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On the magnitude of the feat:
"This is a 2110kg, five-metre long machine. It has massaging seats, heated armrests, heated headrests, and computing intelligence to leave Skynet looking dense. Yet it’ll do 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. We’re used to monster performance numbers these days, but come on: a soft-top S-Class that’ll out-accelerate a Porsche 997 Turbo has to be worth a slap on the back for AMG’s engineers."
On the enormity:
"At some point, you are going to have to get the thing stopped, or around a corner, and though the S63 has all the necessary hardware, you notice the weight of the thing, big-time. All of this intimidation results in one uncomfortable truth: you don’t end up driving the 577bhp S63 Cabrio that fast. Or if you do, it’s a brief, naughty thrill, unless you’ve got the sort of space that lets Veyrons reach their upper echelons. Be in no doubt, an S63 Cab is a magnificent means of transport – a truly feel-good motoring experience. But this isn’t a performance car first, cabrio second. It’s more a big luxo-cabrio that happens to do almost 200mph if you’re feeling silly.

Odometer Rollback Title Brand


You should know from the outset that detecting odometer rollback is very difficult if you are not a certified mechanic, mostly because anyone who commits the fraudulent act of rolling back an odometer to conceal actual mileage is aware of how to hide it.
Taking the vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection is a very good way to discover whether a vehicle's odometer has been rolled back. A good mechanic will know what signs to look for and can point them out over the course of the inspection.

www.auctocheck.com

Another step you can take is purchasing an AutoCheck vehicle history report. An AutoCheck vehicle history report will notify you if the vehicle has been reported as having a rolled-back odometer.

Some signs of whether a vehicle may have an odometer rollback problem include:
Excessive wear in places such as gas and brake pedals, floor mats and seats
Mismatched tires
Missing screws around the dashboard or signs that the dashboard has been removed
Mileage on vehicle and title don't match up
Misaligned numbers on the odometer
Remember that these types of signs could be normal wear and tear on a vehicle, and none of them are a sure sign that the odometer has been compromised. However, if you notice any of these things, it would be a good idea to bring it to the attention of the mechanic doing your inspection.
www.auctocheck.com

Because mechanical wear and tear is more difficult to cover up because of the cost, your mechanic should be able to give you an idea on whether the mechanical wear and tear is consistent with the vehicle's mileage.
http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/learn-about-title-brands

Mercedes' grandest convertible will join a full house of S-Class variants, including four distinct sedans and a luscious coupe. Here's what we know about it.

The opulent GLS-Class sport-utility picks up where Mercedes' flagship sedan leaves off.
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Water Damage Title Brand

Hurricanes, thunderstorms and flash flooding are responsible for water damage on many vehicles each year in the United States. Don't think that because you live miles from a hurricane or flood zone that you won't encounter a water-damaged vehicle. It is common for vehicles to be moved thousands of miles before they are put up for sale. How can you be sure the vehicle you're about to purchase has not been involved in a natural disaster and sustained significant water damage?

www.autocheck.com

Remember that it's always a good idea to have the vehicle examined by a certified mechanic before you purchase it. A trained mechanic will know what to look for when it comes to water damage.

You should also purchase an AutoCheck vehicle history report to make sure the title has not been branded with water damage at some point in its past. If the vehicle's title has been reported as branded with water damage, it will be on your report.

www.autocheck.com

With that said, there are still a few things you can check for that may indicate whether the vehicle has sustained significant water damage:

Does the vehicle have rust in spots that should have minimal contact with water (such as the dashboard or glove compartment)?
Does the vehicle have a moldy or musty smell?

Are the electrical parts (such as the air conditioner, windshield wipers, etc.) in good working order?
Check the floorboard carpet for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water.
Check for rust on screws in the console or other areas where the water would normally not reach unless submerged.
Check for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.
Check the electrical wiring system, looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.
Inspect the undercarriage of other components for evidence of rust and flaking metal that would not normally be associated with late-model vehicles.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/learn-about-title-brands

By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a vehicle that has been damaged by water.

Motors on hybrids can save your money at a gas station. Is it really worth it – to buy such an expensive gasoline-wagon? In fact, in the US, Japan, China and some European countries there is a whole range of tax benefits and other bonuses from the state if you buy a hybrid. Let’s find out all the advantages of this purchase.

http://www.auctionexportblog.com/save-today-how-does-the-state-promote-the-purchase-of-hybrids-in-different-countries-or-one-more-reason-for-buying-electric-cars/

USA

It would be logical to start with an overview of the country, which is one of the most active and interested in promoting of eco-efficient vehicles. United States – here, since the nineties is promoted the theme of reducing emissions into the atmosphere by using a combination of internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

http://www.auctionexportblog.com/save-today-how-does-the-state-promote-the-purchase-of-hybrids-in-different-countries-or-one-more-reason-for-buying-electric-cars/

So, in 2005, the new Energy Policy Act brought significant discounts for buyers of hybrids. On the new vehicles, purchased after 31 December 2005, it was possible to obtain a differentiated tax deduction (depending on the model), the maximum size of which amounted to $ 3 400.

The only limitation was the amount of cars that are covered by the privilege – only the first 60 000 for each automaker. The purpose of introducing a limit was to put all on the same footing as the clear leader in this segment were the Japanese, namely Toyota, which could get much greater benefit than others. Limit allowed others to offer their hybrid solutions at a better price, especially when leaders reached their limit on benefits. Expected Toyota (and Lexus) were the first who got 60,000 “points” – they went out of the game in 2007. In 2009 they were joined by Honda, and by 2010, they caught up with Ford.
https://www.auctionexport.com/

Know what it means. Know why it matters when you're shopping for a used vehicle.

Abandoned

Any registered vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer, whether lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed, which has been abandoned on a public highway, public property or elsewhere within the state, including private property.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Accident or Vehicle Damage

Reported accidents or damage events are a result of vehicle collisions or other non-collision incidents such as vandalism or theft. Not all accidents or damage events are reported to AutoCheck. Certain accident or damage events are reported by the source to have resulted in minor, moderate or severe damage to the vehicle, or the events are calculated by AutoCheck to have resulted in minor, moderate or severe damage based on the information reported. It is recommended to have pre-owned vehicles inspected by a third party prior to purchase.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Assembled

The vehicle has been reported as being assembled by a non-manufacturer. The vehicle may have been adjusted or built from a kit.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Assignment

The transfer of a property claim, property right, or property interest from one person or entity to another.

http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/glossary

Auction Announced as Broken Odometer

A wholesale Auto Auction has reported that the odometer is not functioning properly or no longer accurately records the distance that the car has traveled.

www.carxus.com

Installing a DVD in your car

At one time, DVD players were found only in a few luxury cars. Now, they can be added to just any vehicle. There are different models of DVD players in the market, but they can be basically divided into three types – in-dash, headrest mounted and flip down. Each type has its own advantage, and some are easier to install than the others.

According to Scotiabank’s Global Auto report, automobile sales grew 25% year-over -year in March, which marks the 6th consecutive double digit increase.

www.auctionexport.com

The headrest mounted type of DVD player is the most popular. These are for the use of the backseat passengers, as one, or two screens are mounted on the rear of the front headrests. You have two options in this category – you can either buy a portable DVD player with one or more screens, and just attach it to the back of the headrests with the help of elastic or Velcro. The advantage of this option is that you can move these easily between vehicles, or use them elsewhere. The other option is to have the DVD player/screen built into the headrest. You can buy headrests for most car models with integrated LCD screens, designed to match your existing ones exactly. You lose on portability, but gain in looks, for the built-in units look much better.

www.auctionexport.com

The flip-down monitors are designed to be attached to your vehicle’s roof. Some of them have an integrated DVD player, but it has to be added separately on other models. These are quite challenging to install, and you may require professional help to install them. Some flip down type monitors can also be installed in the vehicle’s sun visors, but this option is not suitable in the case of large monitors.

http://www.auctionexport.com/Installing-DVD-in-your-Car.html

Hoping to curb assaults on its drivers, the on-demand ride service is testing a novel tool to distract and pacify inebriated passengers: A child's toy.

The drunken passenger can be the bane of an Uber driver's existence — but serving the over-served is one of the ride-sharing company's core revenue drivers. The solution to potential conflicts, some hope, could be child’s play.

In the back of Uber cars in Charlotte, North Carolina, passengers may find something unusual: a multicoloured electronic toy called the Bop It! For those who have not been nine years old in the current millennium, Bop It! is an oddly shaped plastic contraption that barks out commands to “Bop it,” “Twist it” and “Pull it,” and awards points as various buttons and knobs are bopped, twisted, and pulled. (Made by US toymaker Hasbro, the Bop It! is powered by a 4.5-volt AA electric drivetrain, delivering 162 foot-pounds of dork.) It is upon the inebriated irresistibleness of this toy that the king of disruptive unicorns now hangs its hopes.

Of the many challenges faced by the denizens of New York City each day, the simple act of getting to work may be the greatest. And for those who live in Brooklyn’s growing Williamsburg neighborhood, commuting is about to get a lot more difficult. Newly announced subway construction plans call for the closure of the L-line subway tunnel beneath the East River to repair flood damage caused by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012. The train’s 300,000 daily passengers will have to make other arrangements for “up to 18 months” during the shutdown.

The news prompted the NYC-centric blog Gothamist to dig up an old article about an alternative transportation plan — one for the East River Skyway, a system that would link the New York boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens to Manhattan via gondola. (That would be the ski kind of gondola, not the Italian guys in little boats, though we could see that charm in that.)