Common Causes of Spark Plug Failure

The spark plug is one of the most important components in the fuel injection system of an automobile.

It ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The spark plug is mostly used in gasoline engines. A bad or worn out spark plug can affect the performance of the engine, fuel economy and even can lead to starting problems. The failure of spark plug is one of the main reasons for breakdown of vehicles.

In this article, let us discuss some of the common causes of spark plug failure. The common causes of spark plug failure are fouling, wear out/cracks and overheat.

Let us consider the role fouling. Fouling includes carbon fouling and oil fouling.

Carbon fouling

• Carbon fouling is a common cause of spark plug failure. Carbon fouling means accumulation of carbon deposits on the spark plug.
• The accumulation of carbon deposits happens due to choking, which leads the air filter being blocked.
• If the car is idle for a long time, the temperature drops. Due to temperature drop the combustion deposits on the spark plug are not burnt and develops into a thick black carbon near the spark plug causing carbon fouling. You can find the deposits of carbon the spark plug visually.

Oil fouling

• Oil fouling occurs due to the presence of oil in the combustion chamber.
• The oil enters the combustion chamber through the piston or walls of the cylinders when they are worn out. The oil enters the combustion chamber due to disproportionate oil to fuel ratio.

Engine overheating

• If the operating temperature of the engine is more than 1600° F, it overheats the cylinder and damages the firing-end and electrodes of the spark plug.
• Overheating of the spark plug can also cause abnormal combustion.

Mechanical damage
The threads of the spark plug can get damaged due to improper handling while installing. Damaged spark plugs result in voltage leak in the cylinders.

Worn out spark plugs

• The firing end of the spark plug wears out.
• The gap between the electrodes will become wider when the spark plug is used for a long time.
• Due to this, normal voltage may not be sufficient to ignite the combustion chamber.
• A worn out spark plug leads to misfiring and causes starting problem.

Poor acceleration

• Another common sign of failure of spark plug is poor acceleration.
• Due to this, acceleration pushes down and does not immediately boost the speed of the vehicle.
• Even it appears like the engine is trying hard to pull the vehicle due to the poor acceleration.

Regular maintenance can improve the performance of the spark plug and it is likely to last longer.

Safe Driving Tips

Safety is of prime importance for all - drivers and the passengers of  the car as well those on the road. You need to take the necessary precautions while driving. Following these tips while driving, which is likely to keep you in safe mode. Here are a few tips for safe driving.

• Don't drink and drive

This is first and foremost tip that every driver should keep in mind. Driving in unconscious state when you are drunk is a big crime in many countries like USA. This may lead to unknowing accidents that may not do intentionally. For this the law will give some serious punishments to the driver of the vehicle. So, better avoid it when you are going for a drive.

• Use seat belts:

Seat belts protects you from many dangerous situations. It reduces the impact of getting injured when your car slips or when it is crashed and also from sudden brakes. Many people are dying because of not using seat belts while driving and there is a law in many countries for the people to use seat belts when they are in car if not followed leads to some punishments by law.

• Deflect distractions:

The main cause for distractions is using the mobile phones for texting and making calls. It is the one of the main reasons for death of many people. Some other reasons like using electronic devices and other things may also cause distractions. So, avoid them while driving.

• Don't Drive Beyond the Speed Limit:

There are some rules and laws to be followed while driving in a car or else for the driver of the car. One among them is following the speed limit. Every state or car will have the speed limit based on there road conditions in that areas. So, driver of the car should follow those rules deflecting them many not only lead to penalization by law but some time may lead to serious accidents. Speed is one of the major factor for the youth because these are the people who while have the drives with great speed.

• Be Attentive When Your are Driving Bad Weather:

When you are driving in bad weather conditions like heavy rain, snow. It is necessary to take safety measures or precautions. Driving in snow and rain may lead to slipping of the cars with no control over it. So, your car must have some systems like Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (EBS), Auto Emergency Braking etc which can reduce the accidents or impact of it.

• Don't Drive if you are Drowsy or Stressed:

It is batter to handle the driving position to some one else if you are drowsy or stressed because in that situation you will not have control over driving and you may some times get in to accidents unknowingly.
These tips are very important for any car driver or the owner to keep them and their family safe when they are in car.

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Tips for Traveling with Pets

Pets are like family member for most people. Planning a trip with your pets can be a great experience for everyone.

Here are a few tips to make traveling with your pet enjoyable.

1) Feed your pets several hours before starting your journey: It is better to feed your pet several hours before starting your trip if you are worried that there is a possibility of your pet heaving and vomiting. Also, see to it that you have not left any morsels of food items like burgers wrappers or other choking hazards in the car.

2) Your pets safety should be the first priority: Pets may enjoy keeping his head out of the window, but this way riding can expose your pet to the risk of lung infections or ear damage. Also keep their paws inside.

3) Take/pack first aid kit: It is important to carry the essential items when traveling with pets. Some key items include pet's food, antiseptic cream, eye drops, tweezers and gauge tape. Moreover, packing some of your pet's favorite toys can make your pet feel comfortable while on road, especially when going for long trip. Make sure that you also have the phone number of your pet's vet in case of an emergency.

4) Use some restraint: Just like human beings, animals also need safety in the car. Carriers are best to secure your animal. We get these carriers in different shapes, sizes and materials. But see to it that, it is well ventilated. Its size should be in a way that your pet can sit and lie in it. Most important is, it should come in car.

5) Do not leave your pet alone in the car: In hot weather, temperature is more and  just like humans, animals can suffer from heat stroke easily and in a very cold climate, pats can suffer from hypothermia. Either of them can lead to serious health issues. If you want to leave your pet in the car and go for some work, roll down the window pans and park your car in shade.

6) Take short breaks throughout the journey: Make sure that you stop every hour or two and go for a walk. This will let your pet use toilet and can also stretch its legs. This is also a great way for your pet to avoid getting bored.

Traveling with your pets should be exciting and not a stressful one. By following these tips, you will enjoy taking your pet wherever you go.

Tips on Getting Prospects to Download Dealership Mobile App

Mobile applications can help auto dealerships sell more cars, earn new business and spread their brands. But to promote these programs dealerships need to commit. A mobile application should not be a tough sale for an experienced car sales person. In the app market, dealership app are some of the most practical apps. With a good quality app, potential customers can search or browse the inventory, schedule the appointments with the dealer and contact the dealership directly with the app. These are all possible with a unified platform in the mobile application. To find the right vehicle more and more car buyers are using multiple devices. According to autotrader.com, the car shoppers usage of multiple devices will double to more than 50% by 2018. So it seems like a wise decision by the dealerships to jump on the mobile technology.

• Making as great: An unreliable mobile app does not succeed in the market because smartphone users depend on those that are convenient. The first step in promotion of an app is making an app worth promoting. Consider the major complaints that the smartphone users have with the apps. According to Apigee,  an analytics firm, 76% of mobile phone users give an app that freezes a bad review.

Users also complain about that apps load slowly and sometimes crashed. Do not release the app until it is properly tested across different platforms and devices. You may have an urgency to release the mobile app, but remember that a faulty app will damage your dealership's reputation in moving forward with mobile. To boost your application's appeal, offer some incentives. Include features such as upgrades, gifts or auto warranties (like those are available through carchex.com) as a part of your mobile app. Not only interested consumers are more likely to download, they are also likely to purchase.

• Sell your mobile app: The dealership sales personnel spend their time persuading people to make significant investments in the vehicles. When compared with a twenty five thousand dollars sedan, a less expensive mobile app is an easy sell. When the sales people talking to potential customers, they can easily promote the app. Prospects will appreciate the convenience of a mobile app even if they do not close the deal. And those people will think about the dealership when they are using their phones.

• Online advertising: Advertise on the digital platforms if you decide your dealership mobile app to reach digital users. PPI (Pay Per Install) advertising is one of the efficient ways to advertise your dealership app. When a user installs your mobile app, you need to pay only for advertising. Target advertising is the key for a successful PPI campaign. It seeks the impressions from users those who are interested in the product. Mobile advertising can direct users to a landing page, which enables them to download the mobile app on the spot.

If you want to reach a broad user base, develop your mobile app for both Android and iOS users. If you leave either out, you will lose an important pool of potential users. Android beat iOS to one million mark. However, in the mobile market apple remains a major player. If you want to partner with an app developer, ensure that those are capable of developing your program across at least these two major platforms.

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All About Green Vehicles

Green vehicles are the ones that are less dependent on fossil fuels or similar alternate fuels like diesel and gasoline for their power requirements. They derive their energy for operation partly or fully from alternate non conventional energy sources such as solar, electrical and regenerative braking systems. These vehicles also produce less emissions leading to eco-friendly technology and lesser health issues and reduce the global warming by controlling the emission of green house gases as per the guidelines of the Kyoto Protocol. It can save our fossil fuels that are on the verge of extinction consolidating the concept of sustainability development.

Eco friendly and energy efficient
Green vehicles in some countries is a term that is used to refer to the vehicles that follow the extremely strict European and Californian standards. These vehicles requires little or no fossil fuels and depend to a considerable extent on alternate fuels. Consequently, these vehicles emit less pollutants in the atmosphere giving them a green designation. In this way, their usage minimizes the health issues that are arising due to pollutants.

It also helps in curbing global warming caused due to heat retention properties of the emitted gases. These gases are called green house gases. The dependance on alternate sources not only gives cleaner atmospheres but also cuts down their cost because the non-conventional sources are practically come at no cost and we need to invest in technology in order to harness them.

Types of green vehicles

1. Fuel cell cars: These cars are powered by the hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells produce electrical energy through complex chemical reactions. The efficiency of the systems is very less though it is cheap. Studies are on to increase the efficiency of the fuel cells and in the present scenario, they are not very popular green cars.
 
2. Electric cars: Electric cars are ones operated on batteries. The batteries need to charged through grid connected outline. Solar panel support can be given to them to improve their charge storing capabilities while they are on the move. Battery costs and their weight issues are the key issues.

3. Hybrid vehicles : They are automotives that can derive their energy either through conventional IC engines by using fossil fuels or alternatively they can be powered by solar energy or batteries. They are expensive but they prove economic in the long run.

4. Compressed air or stirling vehicles : These are a class of vehicles that uses compresses air or liquid nitrogen to generate the propelling force.

The benefits
The basic benefit of green vehicles is their eco-friendly nature. They create minimal pollution as compared to their IC engine counterparts. This reduces the health issues. They emit less green houses gases also. Due to their little or dependance on fossil fuels, they are economic and cheap over long periods of time though the initial investment in harness the sources is quite high. They produce less noise due to the motor driven parts rather than engines. 

Drawbacks
The technology to harness the non conventional sources of energy is not yet developed to its optimum levels. So the vehicles have less time operational capability. The batteries get discharges over short durations of time and hence they require frequent charging. It is difficult to get them charged while on the move unless they are provided with solar panels or regenerative braking systems but they too do not account for the greater energy needs. Due to frequent charging, the battery life goes down and the cost associated with the batteries is very high.

The consequences and implications 
The technologies used in this approach are in transition. Today's technology is better than that of of the past. Research is on to make vehicles  more efficient to converse energy resources.

Benefits of Leasing a Car

Leasing a car offers many benefits and an attractive alternate to buying. Leasing is one of the best options for the people preferring to drive a new car. In this article, we will have a look at the potential benefits of leasing a car.

Benefits of Leasing a Car

1) Driving a brand new car
Leasing let a consumer to drive a new and latest model car. This is obviously beneficial as it allows a person to keep up with industry's hot and trendy car. Moreover, driver can benefit from advanced safety technology. New car need not make you worry about maintenance and repair. See to it that cars lease period is shorter or equal to warranty of car.

2) Less outflow of cash
Leasing a car attracts many buyers as they get to drive a brand new car for very less initial payment. Moreover, people get a new car for lower monthly payment. Leasing require you to pay only the depreciating value of the car and not the entire vehicle's price. Other benefits of leasing a car include. If you use the leased car for the business purpose, lease payments can be written off as a business expense.

3) No hassles for selling the car
When you lease a car, you can eliminate the headache of selling the used car. When your leasing period ends, you can simply give your car back to the company and walk away, unless you buy or trade it.

4) Fewer maintenance headaches/No repair issues
Since the car you lease is brand new, there is no chance of repair and maintenance issues, as mostly the car remains to be under manufacturer's warranty for entire lease period-major financial advantage. Many of the lease agreement covers gap insurance, which a regular insurance do not have. Gap insurance means that the lessee will not be responsible for the remaining payments.

5) No long-term commitment
Leasing a car is beneficial to people especially to those who know that they will need a car for a limited period. For instance, people who are expected to move every year or every few years for their job may like to opt for leasing a car rather than buying a car. Buying a car for such people will involve hassles of moving and re-registering the car for each new place or location.

If you consider above points, leasing a car is the best option for you.

Safety Tips While Driving With Pets

Pets are most beloved ones and be a part of family. Some owners will take them for car trips but most of them are unaware of risks associated with pets. While taking them must follow some safety tips to avoid incidents even for a few minutes.

• Don't drive with your pet in your lap: 20% of drivers are driving with their pets on their laps. It is dangerous to everyone in the car if the pet or dog is not properly secured. Even you kept it on your back seat means it is not climbing on your lap. The concentration will be more on your pet than the driving and the pet may move.

• Some pets don't like car riding: Most of the pets are love to ride in a car. Some pets will have fear to ride in a car or vehicle because of any reason effected before to them. Some may get anxious and some are car sick. The pets behavior will be distraction for the driver. If your pet do not like for a car riding, you should have to take extra care for it. For car sickness pets, don't feed before riding for a few hours. If they got fear of riding, always better to train them. For temporary you can use rescue remedy or pressure vest.

• Pet barriers: Pet barriers are available for different sizes for different vehicles at different rates in the market. It will provide a safe and separate space to your pet in your car. But before keep them into the barrier make sure the pet safety and seats adjustment where it kept.

• Feeding to pet: Based upon the trip feed the dog. When it is longer trip first feed little and carry some snacks for it. Bring plenty of water for the pet. Keep a bowl in the barrier if possible.

• Toys for pet: If you are planned for a long trip, carry the dogs toys. It will make home feeling for the dog. It will be busy while traveling with the toys without get bored. If you want to buy new toys for the dog keep them at home. Dog will get smell and became habituate with them. When you kept them in the car while long trip, your pet wont feel as strange and smells the home things.

• Don't allow to wandering in the car: Pets will wander in the car. Even it is a well trained pet will wander sometimes. It will be a distraction to the driver. So do not allow them to wander in the car.

• Take pets bedding along with you when you are going for a long trip.

• Do not completely of your windows, it will cause to dust into your pets and some times they may suddenly move out from it.

How Does a Car Cooling Systems Works

There will be two types of cooling systems, air cooled and liquid cooled. The air cooling system can be found in some older cars that includes original Chevrolet Corvair, Volkswagen Beetle etc. many modern motorcycles use same but the cars, trucks use liquid cooling system.

The job of the cooling system is to take care of the heating car engine. The engine will get destroy by heat within 30 minute if there is no cooling system. So it works by moving the heated coolant through the radiator here the heat will get transmitted to the surroundings and coolant through the engine. This systems should have enough cooling capacity to cool the hot engine.

The cooling system will works by sending the liquid to the engine blocks and head, by which it picks up the heat from the heat and the heated fluid makes the way to the radiator through the rubber hose. As this flows through the thin pipes in the radiator, then the liquid which is hot will get cooled by the air stream which is entering the engine from the grill which is in front of the car. When the fluid is cooled then the engine will observe more heat, but the job of the water pump is to keep the fluid moving through the system of hidden passages and plumbing.

To make sure that the coolant will stays above certain temperature the thermostat should be placed in between the radiator and the engine. The thermostat will blocks the coolant flow to the radiator by forcing the fluid to directly back to the engine instead through a bypass, if the temperature of the coolant falls below the temperature. In this way the coolant will continue to rotate until it reaches certain temperature then at that point the thermostat will open a valve that allow the coolant back through the radiator. In this way the car cooling system will work.

What are the Benefits on Buying a Car Online

There will be many benefits while purchasing a car online. The following are the benefits that you will get from the online car shopping.

• There will be no pressure of the sales person
• Online gives the opportunity to scan numerous numerous dealership within seconds.
• The online will be open for 24 hours everyday so no need to worry about the time or day.
• It saves your time, not waste your time while haggling over price
• No need of visiting to the dealers location and drive through the traffic
• It gives more options on comparing the prices, models, styles and also the colors. It gives wider scope to search, so you have the ability to search available vehicles
• It will allow you to shop around the country or world
• Online shopping allow you to save money, because it gives more competitive prices one is better prices from others and allow you to easy way to shop without leaving your home.
• Online shopping will have no haggling
• you can also work with the small deals like warranties etc through online.
• You can also pay the money online by using your credit card.
• If you have specific car in mind that should be available in other country then you may want to pay additional charges but the features you got in your budget will satisfy the feeling. Some dealers will arrange your car to a local dealer that will save your transaction expenses, but you have to wait for a while.

These are the benefits of the car purchasing online. Hope you will also buy online to get these benefits.

Few Safety Features of the a Car

If you want to purchase new car or used car, then you should consider safety while driving. You should take the test drive and you should see the safety features of the vehicle as well. You should ensure that seat belts are comfortable or not. There are few safety features of the car to be considered, such as:

Antilock brake system: Greater steering control can be allowed by antilock braking system. This can be said as key factor in avoiding the accidents.

Seat belts: Seat belts are designed to keep you inside in case of any crash. Hitting with the steering wheel, dash board, or windshield, these types of risks can be reduced by seat belts. There are few features of the new seat belt such as: adjustable upper belts, energy management features, rear center seat lap or shoulder belts.

Airbags: Risk of hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield can be prevented by front air bags which are inflated. But it depends on the speed of driving. Risk of hitting the door or objects in case of crash can be prevented by side air bags.

Electronic stability control: This system helps drivers to maintain control of the cars at the time of extreme movements of steering. Car can be prevented from spinning by electronic stability control by monitoring constantly and applying brake force to one or more wheels when required.

Head injury protection: Head injury protection helps to protect the occupants heads in case of crash, it has foam or other energy absorbing material under the trim of the vehicle interior. For this purpose, head air bags are also used in cars.

These are safety features of the car, occupants will be protected by these safety features of car in case any crash or accident.

All Season Tires Vs, Winter Tires

Generally, driving conditions change in winter season, then driving with normal tires may be difficult. In such cases, people purchase winter tires. They are more convenient to drive on snow roads. All season tires are flexible in all season means in all weather conditions. There are few factors to consider while comparing the all season tires and winter tires, such as:

Design:
Tire engineers design all season tires to a wide range of road conditions and roads. They are designed to last longer.

Winter tires are designed to have better grip on snow, ice roads. They are convenient and flexible on icy roads.

Brake and tire tread:
Making brake with all season tires can be difficult and dangerous. One need to use brake slowly and from longer distance. They are designed with thinner wheel design drive faster on different areas. Grooves of these tires are thinner, they help to drive smoothly.

There is more traction power of winter tires, traction power helps to brake easily on snow and icy roads. They are designed with special tire treads to handle the snow and icy temperature. Tire grooves are wider, they help drive easily through wet and snow roads.

Price:
Generally, all season tires are less expensive than winter tires. Because winter tires have special design and use.

Advantages:
In your area where you live does not have any snow or winter conditions then you use all season tires for your vehicle. You have no need to turn to winter tires.

If you live in area, where heavy snow or ice is there then you need to use winter tires for that conditions. You may not get great risk of failing brakes.

Advantages of Manual Transmission

Manual transmission is a standard transmission. It is one type of transmission which is used in motor vehicle applications. The driver of the car has to change the gears in case of manual transmission vehicle system. In this driver has to determine the best moment to change the gears and it can be done by engaging the clutch.

Advantages:

• Generally, manual transmission vehicles have lower price than automatic one. If seen in the case of repairs, and maintenance costs then they are low in manual transmission vehicles than automatic transmission vehicles. If vehicle is damaged then the clutch, and labor intensive components can be easily managed in manual transmission vehicles.
• Working on a manual transmission is much easy than automatic one. And repair cost of manual transmissions are lower than automatic. It requires less service in the long run,so maintenance charges will be less.
• Manual transmission vehicle gives higher gas mileage, and it consumes 5 to 15 percent lesser fuel. It depends on driver habits and road conditions. Though automatic transmission vehicles are easy to operate, a lot more gas is burned than manual transmission vehicles.
• Better control over the car is allowed by manual transmission vehicles. The power of engine can be maintained where you want it, in manual transmission system vehicles, it is based on road's condition. Though there is sophisticated electronics, the automatic transmission vehicle will not be smarter than human brain.

These are the advantages of the manual transmission vehicles. Though there are many advantages, you have to purchase the vehicle according to your requirements.

Tips For Discussing With A Car Dealer

Bargaining is basically very important, or else it makes you pay more than it is and pay interest on that higher price. Before going to dealer you should do proper research on the vehicle you are willing to buy. When dealing with car dealer, the ten important points are:

• Dealers will generally have a profit margin in between 10 percent and 20 percent. This will be the difference between the sticker price (the price you pay) and the invoice price (the price dealer paid for the car).
• If you are clear of what you want and don't shift, a dealer may provide car for less cost. You should have an idea about the second choice, and if the offer appears you should be confident to say yes or no and should not be confused.
• You should not let a dealer get you too "high" on a vehicle, and if you say to dealer that you want to have certain vehicle or if you are delighted but not well researched, then you need to pay more.
• First start the process by phone. This helps in obtaining some competitive prices is, and there is no need to get engaged with a salesman for knowing prices. A dealer who compel your presence before providing any cost details is not good.
• Observe that all dealers will give same figures. Make use of factory invoice price as a basic support. Then each dealer will provide you a number which you can compare with other dealer prices
• Bargaining should be done for price, but not for monthly payment.
• You should be prepared to pay additional amount for taxes, registration, licenses and destinations charges. You should not pay for handling, sales charges, delivery, promotion, floor charges or any other fancy words the dealer uses. Be prepared not to pay for fancy extras like rust proofing and pin striping. They are expensive and are not required.

The Top Ten Green Cars Watch In 2010

Green cars are fuel efficient and low emission cars. The automotive industry is offering wide range of quality low carbon models in the market.

The top 10 green cars of 2010 are:
1. Peugeot ion electric: It is ion electric car. It contains lithium-ion battery pack. Peugeot is a four-seat electric car. It provides 0-62 mph in 13.0 sec, with a top speed of 87 mph, range up to 81 miles. It is a Zero emission electric car. The batteries will recharge within 6 hours.
2. Nissan LEAF electric: The Nissan LEAF is a zero emission model. It is a small family car with range of more than 100 miles. The lithium ion batteries will get charged up to 80% within 30min.

The both Peugeot ion electric and Nissan LEAF models are fully electric models. And the tax is also nil on this cars.

3. Toyota plug-in Prius hybrid: It is a plug-in hybrid model. Toyota plug-in Prius also uses lithium-ion batteries. It is also reduces the fuel consumption and emission.
4. Audi A1: Audi A1 is released in three different styles. Those are a three-door hatch, a roomier five-door and a convertible. It is a petrol hybrid car.
5. Toyota Auris Hybrid: Toyota Auris hybrid is the smallest hybrid car on the market. It is the first European hybrid model.
6. Citreon DS3 HDi: It was released in Frankfurt motor show. It is more fuel-efficient than the current C3. In addition, it contains three petrol engines.
7. Volvo S60: It contains four cylinders, 1.6 petrol units using high efficiency Gasoline Turbocharged Direct injection (GTDi). The GTDi will improve the fuel economy.
8. Ford C-MAX: It provides more comfort and lower emissions when compared to the 2009 Ford C-MAX. The features of Ford are the sliding doors, flexibility, and innovative seat design.
9. Honda CR-Z hybrid: It is the second generation of CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero).
10. BMW 5 series: It is 5th generation model of BMW. It uses the kinetic energy for braking.