How to Fix a Leaking Car Radiator

 

A car radiator leak requires immediate fixing so as to prevent loss of coolant and overheating of the engine. You will need a sealant and basic tools for opening the system. Follow the steps mentioned in this article to fix it efficiently.

In all combustion engines, a radiator plays the major role of a heat exchanger. The coolant, after absorbing heat from the hot engine block, passes this auto part, wherein it is cooled down with the help of an electrical or belt-driven fan, and returns back to the engine. In this way, the radiator serves as a heat exchanging system for the coolant. Structure wise, a car radiator consists of several folds and chambers for increased surface area to aid in effective cooling of the system.

Car radiator leaking occurs with time and requires instant fixation. The most obvious signs of this problem are a low coolant level and overheating of the engine. If you continue to drive with a leaked radiator, soon you will smell burnt coolant from the underside of the car hood. At the same time, you will notice a slimy puddle leaking from the car. This is nothing but the anti-freeze coolant dripping from the defected radiator. Repairing it is an easy procedure, which you can perform on your own, if you have the knowledge of some basic mechanical skills.

If you know the location and function of a radiator, you are at an added advantage and you will fix it in no time. For temporary fixing, many people prefer using ground black pepper and duct tape. You can also find a car radiator leak sealant, which is specifically meant for fixing radiator leakage. Depending upon the model of your car and whether the radiator is made up of copper or aluminum, you will find different radiator sealants.

The first thing to do is to detect the leak spot. Check for a hole and/or puddle deposits in the radiator. An easy approach is to wash the hose and the radiator with water and then look for leakage signs. In case, you cannot locate the leak this way, consider removing the radiator to check for it. You can dip the radiator in a tub filled with water and see if there are any air bubbles escaping from the radiator.

The next step is to patch up the leak. In case of leakage in the hose pipe, use duct tape to fix the problem. If the leak is in the radiator itself, then use the car radiator leak sealant, as per the directions provided in the kit. If you are using pepper, open the radiator cap and pour 1-2 teaspoons of ground pepper powder. Pepper powder is a good sealant, which automatically lodges into the leaks. And after coming in contact with water, pepper swells up, thus fixing the leaks properly.

Once you have used the sealant or pepper powder, add coolant up to the correct level. Then close the cap of the radiator and check again for leaks. If there is any, proceed with the above mentioned steps again until there are no more signs of any leaks. But, it is to be borne in mind, that this is a temporary solution and you need to contact a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Regular inspection of the radiator is important to avoid leakage and other major car problems. As stated above, you can check the coolant level by opening the radiator cap. If it is low, then chances are high that your car radiator requires repairing. Though repair can be done on your own, it is always better to call a professional to solve the problem. By doing so, you can ensure smooth functioning of the radiator and your car engine.
(Source : www.buzzle.com/articles/radiator-leak-repair.html)

Michelin Tweel Airless Tire

Michelin Tweel Airless Tire

Michelin's Tweel airless tire was named 2014 Innovations Winner by the publication Equipment World earlier this week.

Amy Materson, managing editor at Equipment World, said the tire market is a precise, refined, mature market that has, for the most part, relied on pneumatic tires for more than a century. Despite the vulnerability associated with air loss, pneumatic tires became the dominant technology thanks to several performance advantages —low contact pressure, low vertical stiffness, low rolling resistance over rough surfaces and low mass per unit load carried,

So, when Michelin's engineers were asked to replicate the basic characteristics of a pneumatic tire without the potential for pressure loss and rapid failure, they asked themselves: How do we get rid of the air?

The answer was the Tweel, a single, non-pneumatic radial tire and wheel assembly, which replaces the traditional pneumatic tire and wheel assembly.

"Our engineers have spent a decade refining the Tweel," said Jack Olney, marketing and sales for Michelin Tweel Technologies. "They've overcome many hurdles to make it commercially available."

Engineers discovered a top-loader airless radial tire was the solution. The Tweel is composed of a shear beam made from steel and rubber connected to a rigid or deformable hub with thin, deformable polyurethane spokes that transfer the load around the circumference of the tread band. It has a simple design that replaces the 23 components found in a radial tire with just six.

The tire works similar to a bicycle wheel, with the load carrying structure distributed over the entire volume.

Since the whole structure participates in carrying the load simultaneously, no portion of the wheel is unnecessary. The load at the ground is transmitted around the structure where it can be "hung" from the top. It works in a similar fashion to a suspension bridge, says Tim Fulton, head of Tweel Technologies for Michelin.

With no air, there are no flats and no blowouts, yet the Tweel retains the performance advantages of a pneumatic tire. The Tweel is even retreadable. Michelin launched its first commercial Tweel, the X-Tweel SSL skid steer tire, this April. Fulton says it was a simple choice to make.

"With skid steers, there's not a lot of suspension, no ABS, no dynamic handling system—it's a simple platform," he said. "We wanted to start with a construction tire because the need is very high."
(source : http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20140108/NEWS/140109974/michelins-tweel-airless-tire-wins-innovation-award)

Checking Tire Pressure

Inflating and maintaining proper tire pressure ensures safer, more comfortable driving and better fuel efficiency. Particularly in times of high gas prices; in inclement driving conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice; and in vehicles of all sizes, tire pressure can make a major difference in driving, wherever you are.

Given the importance of the task, you might think it is complicated, but checking and maintaining your tire pressure is simple, provided you have a good tire air pressure gauge and source of air, both of which are available at many gas stations.

Get a Gauge

A simple tire air pressure gauge, available at most auto parts stores, for a few dollars, is adequate for the job. You do not necessarily need a digital air pressure gauge. If it is worth the $14 to $15 to you, a digital pressure gauge is easy to read and accurate. However, you should consider whether it will require batteries, and whether this would prevent you from using it.

Again, a standard pressure gauge that measures pounds per square inch (PSI) and fits easily in the glove box of your vehicle, is sufficient. Do avoid ultra-cheap models that may not give a proper reading.

As for a source of air, many gas and service stations have air available for 50 cents or so. Some of these air machines have gauges on them, and if you have no other means of measuring the pressure of your tires, these will work. However, they are typically beat and inaccurate, so have your own gauge to ensure the proper PSI for your tires and vehicle.

Checking Pressure

PSI is measured by the notches on a tire air pressure gauge or with a number reading on digital gauges. To find out what PSI is right for your tires, consult your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side door. When buying new tires, or getting a rotation, it's a good idea to ask what the ideal pressure is.

Recommendations may vary, but you should never inflate the tires five PSI more or less than what is recommended. Under-inflating wears out the sides of the tire, and is actually a driving hazard. Over-inflated tires will wear more quickly, and are also dangerous because of the increased possibility of a blowout. If you are unsure about the PSI for your tires, or it is unclear or worn away on the side of your tires, ask your mechanic or someone who knows about vehicles what PSI you should have for your tires.

Smaller compact and mid-size sedans typically have PSI levels between 30 and 40 PSI. Larger vehicles with larger tires, including bigger sedans, usually have higher pressure, around 45 PSI. These are general PSI figures, and the most accurate PSI for your tires is the number listed on the side. Tires should all be inflated to the same PSI for safety, proper vehicle function, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Also, check your vehicle's tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means the tires should not have been driven on for at least three hours. If you need to drive to get air, try to drive less than a mile.

To get a PSI reading on your tire, place the air pressure gauge onto the tire's valve stem, the pencil-width air nozzle on the side of the tire. Try to place the gauge evenly onto the valve stem. This will allow air to escape, but once you firmly press the gauge down on the valve stem, it will stop the flow of air and give your gauge a reading, either by blowing out the metered stick with a traditional gauge, or a reading with a digital model gauge.

Adjusting Tire PSI

So you have a tire pressure gauge, and a source of air. It is best if you can park your car centered on the source of the air, which usually has a hose to reach the vehicle's tires. You may need to move the car to reach all of the tires, depending on the situation. Before you pay any money for air or start pumping up your tires, remove the caps on all the tire valve stems.

Next, you should check the pressure of all four tires, noting which ones need the most air. This will help you maintain uniform pressure in the tires, some of which may need less air. Hot weather, extreme temperatures and other conditions can cause the air in your tires to expand, and PSI can subsequently increase.

Once you know which tires need more air, you can deposit coins into the air machine, or get your air hose ready. Choose the first tire to fill, and fit the air hose nozzle onto the tire stem. When you start to place the air hose onto the tire stem, it will hit a pin inside the stem and start leaking air. You know when you have the air hose nozzle properly applied when the leaking air stops. It takes some force to get the hose pressed firmly on, but once it is in place, you will be ready to increase the tire pressure.

Some air hoses are automatic, and will release air in your tire once you have it on the tire's valve stem. Other air hoses have handles and require you to squeeze them to activate the air.

It is important to have your gauge as you fill the tire, taking the hose off somewhat frequently to check the pressure. It is extremely important not to over-inflate your tires. You can avoid this by using small bursts of air between your checks. As you increase the PSI and keep checking it, you will get a feel for how much air you are putting into the tire, and how much more you need. Once you get close to your recommended PSI, use less air, and keep going until you are at the right level.

Once you have the tires properly inflated, replace the stem caps by screwing them back on. Do not over-screw them, as they will break on the top. Tire stem caps are important to keep your tire valve stems clean and undamaged.

Tire pressure should be checked weekly, or every other week at least. Particularly with severe weather and temperature swings, tire pressure on the nicest tires with the nicest cars can still fluctuate, and must be monitored and maintained regularly for safe and fuel-efficient driving.

(Source : http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/check-tire-pressure.php)

The Meaning of Low Oil Pressure Warning Light Indicator

 

Buy any machine, and you need to buy lubricating oil to smooth the working of its moving parts. Your automobile is not an exception to this rule. The propulsion force in a car, to move it along the road is generated by its engine, which employs a number of well synchronized parts located within it. Engine oil, also called motor oil, is one of the most essential thing for the health of the beast that lies under the hood of your car.

What Does Low Oil Pressure Mean?
Fuel pump, which functions as the heart of the automobile, maintains the flow of oil to the engine block. The oil pressure in the system is created by the resistance offered by the action of the input valves in the engine block, through which the oil enters the engine. Proper amount of oil is necessary to lubricate all the moving parts within the engine. In the absence of lubrication, these metal parts grate on each other, generate tremendous amount of heat, and get damaged. Low oil may ultimately cause seizing of your car's engine, thereby needing costly car repairs to restore its functionality. The warning light turns on to warn the driver of exactly this impending car problem.

Reasons
There are number of reasons behind the flashing warning light, ranging from a clogged oil filter to the change of temperature. Following is a brief list of relevant causes, which you may like to go through.

Temperature: There are so many brands of engine oil in the market, advertised for their performance characteristics. Motor oil viscosity is an attribute which comes into play when the temperature drops down in the cold season, or while driving high in the mountains. When the temperature drops below the tolerance level of the oil, it starts to gel; its flow becomes restricted; hence the oil pressure decreases in the system. At such a time, it becomes difficult even to start your vehicle. The solution is to drain the existing engine oil and replace it with a less viscous one, before it is too late. On the other hand, when the temperature rises above the tolerance level of the oil, it expands and becomes a cause of low pressure at idle. In such a situation, using a more viscous engine oil than your existing brand should be considered.

Clearance: All the moving parts in a machine must work together without grinding too much on the other parts. For this reason, they are separated by a very minute space which is referred to as clearance. This clearance, which can be as small as 0.001 inch, goes on increasing as these parts get worn out, and oil starts leaking, causing the pressure to drop below normal. If you think, low oil pressure is an issue that affects only used vehicles, you need to know that improper or loose assembly in a brand new car may also develop this problem and trigger the warning light.

Oil Pump: Malfunction of the oil pump, may it be due to clogging or any other thing, affecting the flow or the amount of oil that is being delivered to the engine can cause lowered pressure. Excessive or less than normal clearance between the parts, within the fuel pump, can also affect the effectiveness of the fuel pump.

Other than the causes mentioned above, cracks, leakages, clogging in the transmission lines, oil galleys, leaking galley plugs, and debris in the engine oil can contribute to a drop in the oil pressure in the system. So, whenever the light comes on while driving, it means that you should stop your car as soon as possible, to contain the damage and get the problem investigated by an expert mechanic.
(Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/low-oil-pressure-warning-light.html)

Top 10 Fastest Car In The Word - 1. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The Bugatti Veyron can boast of the second highest top speed of 268 mph (431 km/h). It reaches 0-60 in just 2.2 secs and has an 8.0 liter, quad-turbocharged, W16 cylinder engine, making it equivalent to two narrow-angle V8 engines. This world no. 1 fastest car on street has a price tag of USD 1,700,000, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. It is named after Pierre Veyron, the French race car driver.

The Bugatti Veyron is, by every measure, the world's most extreme production road car. It's the quickest to 60, has the highest top speed, and it can absolutely dominate a track in spite of its weight.

The original Veyron claimed 1,001 horsepower, which in itself was a major technical achievement. Its engine, boasting 16 cylinders, was essentially formed by joining two V8 engines at the crank.

The W16 powerplant displaces 8.0-liters and features ten radiators for everything from the engine cooling systems to the air conditioner.

The standard Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupe ran a cool $1.3 million and could reach a top speed of 253 mph - a speed it can maintain for 12 minutes before all the fuel is gone. Power is transmitted to the pavement via four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

The car could hit 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, 100 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 150 mph in 9.8 seconds. Getting to 200 mph took 18.3 seconds, and 250 mph takes 42.3 seconds.

A special key is required to "unlock" the Veyron's top speed of 250+ mph. The car is then lowered to just 3.5 inches from the ground. A hydraulic spoiler extends at speed, and it can also serve as an air brake.

The Veyron weighs a hulking 4,160 lbs, but even its harshest critics admit its handling is surprisingly sharp. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 was very skeptical of the Veyron during its development, but after driving the finished car, he conceded it is a "huge achievement."

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson also publicly stated the Veyron was ridiculous and would never be built, only to call it "best car ever made" after he drove it. He famously characterized it as "utterly, stunningly, mind blowingly, jaw droppingly brilliant."

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Bugatti has ceased production of the original coupe version of the Veyron, but continues to churn out limited edition open-air Veyron models. The latest such example, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, boasts an enormous 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque.

Bugatti managed to bump the Vitesse to 1,200 horsepower by fitting the convertible with four enlarged turbochargers and intercoolers. Due to the car's open roof, additional chassis supports had to be added to the Vitesse to handle the added power, so the car's top speed will likely fall just short of the Super Sport's 267 mph top end.

Key competitors
Though nothing short of a jet can match the speed, power (and price) of the big Bugatti, similarly quick and rare performance machines include the Koenigsegg Agera R, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Pagani Huayra.

Buyers interested in a Veyron should act quickly as production is set to end in the near future.

(source : http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/bugatti/veyron-16-4)