Automotive Insider

Q/A – car trouble, what did this mechanic mean?

May 23rd, 2013

Many of you like the questions and answers on this blog. I just found another one from ‘kacey’ who asks

OK so he said that my ignition switch had gone bad, but that it was a “dealer part.” What does that even mean? And secondly I called the auto parts store near my house and found the part for a good price so can I simply tell him to put my part on it? Instead of him getting it? I’ve never dealt with mechanics before and don’t want to get screwed so any help /advice/tips are appreciated.

Answer: You can buy the part and have them install it. But, you bring in the part, they will not warranty it. Meaning if the part does not work it is not their responsibility that it didn’t work. Also note that even they say it’s the ignition switch and they replace it with the one your bought and it did not fix your problem…. Too bad.

Tagged:Maintenance & Repairs

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BMW Motorrad Releasing R1200GS Liquid-cooled Motorcycle

May 22nd, 2013

If you’re a motorcycle lover who likes surprises, then you should give a shout out to BMW Motorrad for releasing the new R1200GS liquid-cooled motorcycle. You’ll be pleased to see the company has raised the level while maintaining off-road capabilities.

To stay in the lead when it comes to safety and technology, every part of the GS such as ergonomics, style, engine, chassis and electronics have been a complete makeover and the results are exceptional. Consumers can even personalize the vehicle with BMW R1200GS Water-Cooled accessories and special parts such as break covers and stainless steel pannier rack black.

The motorcycle has been sold in large numbers around the world, and BMW Motorrad didn’t forget one of their target consumers as showcased by the design and features of the adventurers.

The traction of the vehicle has improved through compact transmission and engine which enabled the engineers to increase the swing arm’s length. The traction results are especially visible off-road while the wheel-base has been kept the same.

The engine has been given a major revision. It has seen a major move from oil to liquid and air cooling, which leads to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, enabling the owners to reduce their carbon footprint.

It comes at 1,770cc and features 101.0 x 73.0mm bore and stroke. The cooling finds are kept intact with the concept of ‘precision cooling’, but the cooling mainly happens in the thermal stressed part of the engine. Nevertheless, air cooling is still heavy due to the compact dual radiators.

The six-speed transmission has a wet clutch design that allows for smooth shifting action. The clutch service now comes at the front, while previous models made it somewhat inconvenient for riders to make use of the dry clutch as they had to split the bike.

The innovative design allows you to adjust the windscreen by turning the knob with a single hand, which is going to reduce buffeting and allow for maximum protection against the weather.

The exhaust flow and intake now sits in a vertical position, and leads both cylinders to have similar intakes. The exhaust camshafts and intake are now separate and position of the fuel injector has been improved. The company claims 125 horsepower at 7,700 rpm, and the torque of 92 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The silencer is now on the right side and the clutch shaft is covered by the new counterbalance shaft which reduces the vibration.

The increased safety and the betterment of suspension compliance were made possible due to the addition of the new GS. The BMS-X electronic engine management gives a precise control of throttle after teaming up with the E-gas throttle-by-wire system.

There are a lot of options available due to the GS options such as Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment, cruise control and riding modes. The company predicts most consumers will want to use most of these features, if not all.

On-road settings and two off-road settings are offered by the semi-integral ABS (now a standard), and the ABS can be toggled off as well. The braking power has been given a boost to easily stop the bike when needed. The LED daylight option looks cool when riding during the day.

Even through the scale doesn’t show a major change in the weight, the dynamic dampening control makes the motorcycle feel lighter. Overall, it’s a make with well-rounded abilities you’ll love and respect. 

 

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Vehicles

May 2nd, 2013

Hybrid vehicles provide benefits and drawbacks to owning them. Those who are considering buying this type of vehicle will want to be conscious of the valuable functions as well as the adverse problems that come with having a hybrid. This is a automobile that provides two individual sources to engine the move the car, generally one burning engine that operates on energy and another than operates on battery energy pack. Where a battery energy pack will get you better gas usage, and this is a benefit, there are other functions that may cause you more sadness and stress.

So, let’s have a look at these variations… First it’s true that most hybrid vehicles will get you anywhere from 35 to 50 mpg charging you less at the gas station, but you will pay more out for your electric. They cost more than their competitor the gas burning engine, with hybrids generally charging you between $5k and $10k more than a gas engine automobile. In addition, the market is learning that the resell value of a these cars will bring less cash should you choose to sell your used vehicle later on.

If you own this type, it is important to take action of the tax attributes on both the state and government levels. This will help you recover some of the electric cars cost. Now to our next concern of the vehicle benefits and drawbacks, the price of battery energy. It will range anywhere from $1,000.00 to $6,000.00 to substitute the vehicle’s battery energy. But, I would be careless if I didn’t tell you that most producers believe that battery energy will last the life of the automobile and in fact provide guarantees anywhere from 8 to 10 years or 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers.

Because these vehicles haven’t resided the durability, time will have to be the identifying aspect in this formula. Another drawback to the automobile is the deficiency of speeding as you get into the road systems in the united states. You may find that you lack some of the get-up-and-go that the fuel engine gives you. So, the price of preserving our planet may keep you in the slow road of the highway. Next is the sound aspect,

Where many car owners enjoy a more quiet operating car, they risk the idea that the car may be too quiet. Many people on the streets or bikers won’t hear the vehicle’s engine, therefore resulting in the car owner having to be that much more careful. Hybrid motorists need to be conscious of the hikers and bike-riders that are using the same roads.

Hybrid benefits and drawbacks provide good cause to consider before buying one of these designs. Saving at the gas station and preserving the surroundings could cost you much more in other ways. You choose.

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