Tag: AUTO

It’s often called a radio, but a “head unit” is a perhaps a better term for this audio component since it is the brains and command center for a car’s sound system. The head unit is usually located on the dash and allows you to choose things like: what station to listen to, the music volume, what song you wish to hear – along with many other functions. Here’s an in-depth look at the various elements that make up today’s automotive head units.
The Tuner

In the early days, the only entertainment option in your car was to tune in a radio signal — hence the name “tuner.”  Today’s, tuners vary from simple to complex and allow you to select AM and FM stations and in some cases, several digital formats. Digital formats are preferred by some because they provide audiophile quality sound that is free from analog noise.

The first of these digital formats are the satellite-based systems such as Sirius and XM. These are subscription-based services that offer hundreds of channels of programming.  Because the systems are digital, the stations don’t fade the way AM and FM does as you drive away from a transmission area, and the sound is very high quality. Another digital format is HD Radio.  Generally located in metropolitan areas, HD signals are a high-quality digital simulcast of standard analog AM or FM programming. Some stations also broadcast completely separate programming on sub-frequencies that are only available with an HD tuner.

Disc-Based Music Sources

Car head units also play recorded material from various sources. Many units still allow one to play CDs and MP3 music files that have been burned onto discs. Some head units also have a built-in hard-disk drive that can store music files transferred from a CD or DVD. Disc-based storage formats are still popular but many users today prefer iPod-type portable sources.

Portable Music Sources

Virtually all modern head units today offer some way to integrate portable music players like the iPod into a car’s audio system and control them through the head unit. The most basic connector is the “aux-in jack.” You plug an inexpensive accessory cable into the aux-in jack, which in turn connects to the headphone jack of an iPod or other music player. A better way to connect a portable music player is via a USB port. In most cases, you can operate the device using the head unit’s controls. The battery will also be charged when it’s connected via USB. Most cars with USB ports will play music files directly from a USB thumb-type memory drive as well.

Bluetooth

Finally, a technology called Bluetooth audio can wirelessly send music files from a compatible device to the car’s audio system. Bluetooth capability also allows for hands-free phoning and you can hear a caller’s voice over the sound system’s speakers. There’s a caveat with Bluetooth, however: The controls are limited to basic functions such as play/pause and track-skip forward/back, and the head unit usually doesn’t show source-related information such as an artist or song names.

Controls

In addition to operating the selected audio source, the head unit can also tailor the sound with bass and treble controls or with a built-in equalizer. Higher-end head units also use sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) technology to further shape the sound and control the ambient noise that’s common in a car’s interior cabin. Many car audio systems have volume controls on the steering wheel that can change radio stations or music tracks. Some head units have circuitry that allows driver to operate an audio system via voice commands.

When looking to purchase a head unit for your car’s audio system, Georgiacdj.com suggests that you do your research and make sure you choose a unit that meets all your needs.   The good news is that head units are a very popular product today so the variety is vast and prices are reasonable.

Article Source: Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

If you are installing a high-end sound system in your car, you are likely considering the purchase of a separate power amplifier.  Factory sound systems do have built-in audio amplifiers but they may not satisfy the needs of enthusiasts with a desire for powerful sound – that’s when separate power amplifiers come into play.

In this article, we will look over the basic parameters that you should be knowledgeable about when choosing a power amplifier for the ultimate audio sound system in your car.

It Starts with the Head Unit

The audio that you play in your car comes from a “head unit”.  Head units are what you see on your dash with a radio tuner, CD player, USB port and other functions integrated.  They are the source of the sounds that you are going to play through your audio system.  Head units are designed to allow you to easily switch sources, change stations and adjust sound bass and treble.

Then it goes to a Pre-Amp

After the sound signal is developed in the head unit, it has to be processed by a preamplifier or “preamp.” The preamp stage is also where such tone controls as bass, treble and equalization tailor the audio before it is fed to the power amplifier. Part of the preamp processing involves circuitry known as a crossover. Crossovers electronically divide the full-range audio signal amplifier into separate frequencies for woofers, mid-ranges and tweeters. Think of a crossover as an audio-signal traffic cop, directing specific frequencies so they can be reproduced by specialized speakers. Generally speaking all the pre-amp functions are performed in the head unit.

Then on to the Power Amplifier

Following the preamp processing, the sound signals are fed to a power amplifier. The amplifier is the device that creates a high-power electrical current to drive the speakers. Vacuum tubes were once used to amplify electrical signals but today automotive power amplifiers use power transistors.

During amplification, amplifiers generate heat, so heat management is a major part of an amp’s design. That’s why an important part of an amplifier’s exterior is made up of what is known as a “heat sink.” Similar to a car’s radiator, the heat sink has fins that create surface area to radiate the internal heat generated by the amplifier.  This brings up another point: since these heat sinks release heat, it is best to install them in a well ventilated area.
Amplifier Power Ratings

Amplifier power output is measured in watts per channel. A higher wattage rating for an amplifier means more power is available to drive the speakers. The industry standard for amplifier wattage ratings is RMS. This stands for “Root Mean Square” and is a mathematical equation for measuring the magnitude of the output signal. When you are comparing different amplifiers, be sure to compare RMS ratings and not “Peak Power” ratings which are usually much higher. In fact, the Consumer Electronics Association trade group administers a voluntary car audio amplifier power measuring standard called CEA-2006-A. Look for CEA-2006-A wattage ratings on the amplifiers you are considering.

Do Your Research

Amplifiers are probably the most misunderstood part of a car audio system. Many simply want “powerful amps”.  As we hope you understand from the article above, don’t just go for the highest power ratings.  Look for CEA-2006-A certification and a high quality brand as well.

Source: Palmer Dodge

You got a great deal on a used car but the carpeting has seen better days. If it is heavily stained and/or has holes in it, you’ve really got a couple choices. First, you can buy inexpensive floor mats and just cover the nasty areas with them. This is the quick and easy solution and can work in many situations. Second, you can go first class and install brand new pre-fitted carpeting. This is a great solution because it makes the car almost look new again inside.

Sound expensive? Many people don’t know that you can easy buy preformed carpets for your car and you can install them yourself. Pre-formed carpets are designed to exactly match the originals in your car and they are generally available in the right color and fabric and will be custom molded with all factory pads attached. Pre-formed carpets are typically priced in the $150 to $250 range and are available either from your local dealer, local autoparts store or on-line.

Considering doing it yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help guide you:

1)      The new carpet will be shipped rolled up. Before you start, unroll it and let it lie on a flat surface for at least a few hours to let it lose its curl. Placing some books on it to make it lie flat usually helps.

2)      Next, let’s get the front seats out. Unscrew the four nuts that secure the seats to the floor pan studs. You may also have to remove the seat belt anchor bolts. Disconnect any electrical connectors under each seat also.

3)      They may be surprising heavy so grab a helper and lift the seats up and out.

4)      If you have a console in between the two front seats, loosen it or remove it. You may need to consult a factory service manual to see how this is done. (You may also find a Youtube video illustrating the process.)

5)      Remove the rear seat cushion. These usually come out without much trouble but may require some hardware to be loosened or removed first.

6)      When everything is free, pull the old carpet out.

7)      The next step is to transfer the original cutout openings to the new carpet. Using the old carpet as a template, trace the cutouts where the studs went through to the new carpet with chalk. Then cut the cutout openings with a boxcutter. Your new carpet is now ready to go.

8)      Before the new carpet goes in, vacuum the floor pan and check for rust. Treat rusted areas with a good rust-inhibiting paint and let it dry good.

9)      When everything is dry, fit the new carpet in and reverse the disassembly procedure.

When finished, enjoy the look and feel of your brand new carpet and buy a set of good set of no-spill coffee mugs!

Thanks to Instructions from Newark Chrysler

Great Britain is one of the most well known countries for its excellent automotive manufacturing and development. The UK release “luxury” class cars that everyone cannot afford. The UK release not only such iconic cars like Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, but other less known brands. United Kingdom is the Motherland of companies, which produce not only cars of wide use, but sport class cars. The automotive industry is one of the largest industries and it involves about eight hundred thousand people.

If you decided to buy a car from the UK, then you can do this in four ways. The first way is to use the services of companies that deal with and overtake the car across Europe. The second is private owners, who also perform this operation. The third method is an independent stage machine. And the lettest one is online buying. Selling cars in the UK is done through showrooms, sites, and parking with private owners maintained cars.

If you decided for yourself, “I buy car in UK” – then you should remember that the car will make great difficulties. You will have to overcome the limitations of the different countries, and each country has its own laws and documents. If you are looking for a decent car at a reasonable price you should regard the benefits of used cars. Buy such cars in the UK is quite simple.

This article would like to pay special attention to online buying of used Toyota. There is a vast range of Approved Used Toyota models available for sale. Choice and prices change daily. We would recommend that in the very first instance you should use http://localmachine.co.uk/cars-uk/toyota, select the options you prefer, see which vehicles meet your criteria and budget. On this site you can find any Toyota for sale.

Online searching is the easiest way to find everything you want. There are many sites on the Web to help you learn search skills. But you needn’t it! The structure of the site is enough convinien for every user. If you decided to buy a car, buy Toyota! It has everythinh everyone need: comfort, safety, speed and respect on the car market.

But be attentive and careful. There are many online websites in the UK and many Toyotas for sale. Read all information about used cars. For example:

Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i T3 3dr Hatchback.

Faults:

Engine sound increased when idle (have to admit I made a few countryside visits).

General comments:

Yaris is very pretty externally and looks as Europeans cars something like Volksvagen Beetle. Despite the small size, access to the interior is quite comfortable. From a security standpoint this vehicle meets the most stringent safety standards for machines of this class.  All vehicles have ABC standard and airbags for driver and front passenger.

Region: Cheshire, UK

Price: 3388 £

Year of release: 2012

Mileage: 78764 miles

Date of creation: 14.01.2014

After Jaguar Land Rover was sold in 2008 to Tata Motor, the luxury car manufacturer has focused on revitalizing its business systems to make them more efficient. With this in mind, Jaguar is now planning to use a new data-sharing system to help streamline car development. Over the past couple of years, Jaguar has had to migrate over from the systems used by Ford to one that will be compatible with its new direction.

Technology Used in Today’s Auto Design

One of the reasons why it’s important for auto designers to share data easily is due to the complexity of today’s in-car IT systems. Software is now a major part of auto engineering, particularly as new cars are connected to the internet. New models that you see on Carsales often have their own IP address, serving as mobile wireless hotspots. Safety systems also use electronic and computerized elements, and as we move closer to fully autonomous cars it’s important to be able to easily write and share code as part of the design process. For example, a new Range Rover has over 100 million lines of code written into it, which is more than a jumbo jet. Passengers now rely on computerized safety systems and infotainment to access the internet and react to the world as they drive.

Applications Used in Car Engineering

There are a number of computer applications or programs used to design new cars. This includes computer-aided design, computer aided manufacturing, and computer aided engineering systems. In many cases, data is stored separately in each of these applications and then accessed as needed. Although they are semi-integrated, allowing information to pass from one application to the next, this one will take integration a step further. Jaguar’s new system will share data to provide a single system providing all the necessary data. The data will reside within each application, but APIs will be provided which allow other applications to access the data when needed.

The integration will be based on OSCL, or open services for lifecycle collaboration. This provides the set of APIs used to exchange data between different applications. Jaguar Land Rover is also working with Dassault Systems and IBM in order to use their system engineering tactics in the design of luxury automobiles. This will help streamline the flow of information used in designing new cars, so that computer aided engineering processes are automated and shared. This helps engineers see how the products are performing, to make them perform better and verify all information.

Jaguar’s system is expected to be implemented over the course of the next three years. As technology grows and improves, more manufacturers could use data-sharing devices like this one to help make it easier to keep track of all of the data involved in auto engineering.

For many people materialism is an important part of their lives; from looking their best, owning the largest house and wearing the latest jewellery. It makes a difference to how business people are perceived and can be used to make people feel better about their lifestyle. Competitiveness has been a part of western life for many years and with so much influence put on first impressions and constant advertising it does not look like changing anytime soon.

This is especially the case with cars with some drivers only caring about getting from A to B; while others want to get there in the biggest, formidable-looking and high performance car possible. That’s why premium car makers spend fortunes designing, updating and modernising models to bring them in line with driver’s expectations. Here are just a few reasons why a premium used Mercedes-Benz for sale remains so popular with motorist wanting more than run-of- the-mill:

Badge envy

The motor industry has some quality in-depth, so buying the best really does make a statement. Just look at the refinement that a Skoda now offers; pushing the bar up for Mercedes to justify its price tag. However, the reputation of Mercedes precedes it and the power of the badge should not be underestimated. When you see the large and muscular Mercedes badge adorning the front you know you are in safe hands and anyone seeing it from the outside knows you have paid for the best.

Coolness of the brand

Marketing plays a huge role in selling cars and building a brand that pulls drivers in and makes them fans. Mercedes is only second to Aston Martin in the cool brand shortlist coming in just outside the top ten, which is impressive but not surprising. Consider the fact that Janis Joplin did not sing about wanting an Audi, Jaguar or Porsche; she sang about desiring a Mercedes and that still rings true today.

Exceptional levels of refinement

When you step inside your car you can no longer see the formidable looks on the outside; that’s for other motorists to admire. This means that you need to know that your money is well spent with the levels of equipment, refinement and luxury inside the cabin. This is where Mercedes excels to the point where being in the back of the car is as exceptional as being in the front and any client, friend or family member is going to be in awe every time they sit in your Mercedes.

Hitting the roads since 1998, the Ford Focus has become the firm favourite among the everyday driver. While it may not be a heavy, battering ram of a muscle car or a fuel-injected throbbing sportster, it compensates for that in terms of pure practicality, making it ideal for the driver wanting to get from A to B with ease.

And, with the 2013 range, the new Ford Focus has maintained its top spot as one of the finest medium-sized family cars on the market, combining a host of new features along with its usual comfortable riding experience.

The range, as ever, has an impressive array of engine choices, all incorporated with Ford’s signature Ecoboost technology, which improves fuel economy by 20 per cent, along with markedly better torque and horsepower. While it’s no high-speed sports car, even the lowest powered engine in the range can make it from 0-62mph in well under 13 seconds.

But, a discussion on the engine is almost beside the point – no one has ever purchased a Ford Focus expecting a rollicking speed ride. The car has always prided itself most in terms of comfort, and with the 2013 models you can have all comfort you need, with smooth handling and an array of new features.

The improved selection of driver assist features are especially impressive, with adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, electrically aided steering and traffic sign recognition all coalescing to make for an easier drive. It’s also a cruiser with an outstanding level of noise suppression and DAB and Bluetooth as standard, essentially future proofing it for at least the next few years.

Added to this is a somewhat improved dashboard and centre console which, while not quite leaping forwards to a touchscreen, has an improved graphic quality and slightly less finicky controls to create a more helpful user interface.

One slightly baffling change is the new lack of a three door option in the 2013 model. Although it’s not the end of the world – the car, after all, still maintains its appealing ergonomic design no matter how many doors are on it – it could strike the user as a curious alteration in a vehicle known for its wide range of options.

Essentially, the Ford Focus still works on the same level; a reasonably priced car that offers a smooth drive and a host of features.

While the range was never going to set the world alight for an adrenaline-fuelled petrol head, that was never really the point. If you’re searching for the vehicular equivalent of a flaming Sambuca, then you should look elsewhere. The Ford Fiesta 2013 is, instead, for the individual after more of a fine wine – refined, stately and with a smooth taste for the discerning driver.

The winning formula of the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is one of the German brand’s strongest and longest running sales successes, with numerous models sold over several decades to both the private and the fleet markets. At the top of the 5 Series tree sits the mighty M5, but there is plenty to enjoy in the 5 Series range all the way up to their fast and furious M5 halo car, with particular focus these days on powerful yet efficient turbo diesel powered models designed to attract company car users. And attract they do, like these 5 Series cars from Listers.

In the more recent years of BMW sales, the firm has rightly concentrated to a large part on designing, developing and building 5 Series models that they can proactively sell to the fleet market. The fleet market for cars is critical to any mass market manufacturer as when economic times are tough and private consumers are keeping their cash tucked away in the banks, it’s fleet sales that can help keep a company nice and buoyant. Sure, even fleet sales will suffer when the economy is struggling, but much less so than private sales. So, the big manufacturers need a good range of fleet satisfying models and BMW’s 5 Series is one model that has seriously satisfied fleet drivers and fleet managers over the years.

The fleet manager’s budget and the CO2 emissions of their potential fleet cars – the higher the emissions the higher that tax demand will be – will determine which cars the staff end up driving, but thanks to BMW’s engineering prowess, budgets can now stretch further. Even a relatively big car like the 5 Series can be enjoyed by more fleet drivers because the manufacturer has worked very hard in recent years on driving down the emissions of their cars; big and small.

The 5 Series model, the 520d, is a good example – it’s a big car, with a small appetite for fuel. Up until just a few years ago, a big car like the 5 Series would’ve needed a fairly large and fairly thirsty engine to haul it along, and that would make it a high tax polluter. But, with BMW’s recent work on smaller, high output engines, like their now famous 2-litre turbo diesel motors, big cars can now be successfully and enjoyably powered by these smaller, lower emitting engines. And that’s great for fleet drivers who can now enjoy a large and comfortable car like the 5 Series, without having to part with a similarly large, but far less comfortable, company car tax payment every month.

This is one of the main reasons for the strength and success of BMW 5 Series sales; frugal yet powerful diesel engines with lower emissions taxation, but still fast enough for fun when the working day is done. Couple these modern, tax-friendly engines to a sublime rear-wheel drive chassis, fast and direct steering and comfortable yet sporty feeling steering, and you’re starting to get a pretty impressive recipe for sales success. All the 5 Series needs now is a brand badge to be proud of, a large and comfortable and well specified interior space, and some of the most understatedly stunning styling of any executive cruiser on the market today. With all of this, it’s soon pretty obvious as to why the BMW 5 Series continues to sell and sell, year after year.

Adventure biking is huge right now. From a scene that didn’t really exist a few years ago – by name, at least – to one of the fastest growing segments of the new motorcycle market, adventure biking is bringing the fun, and err, adventure back into motorcycling. Yamaha make some great adventure bikes, and here are three of them.

Yamaha XT660R
At the more affordable end of the Yamaha range of adventure motorcycles is the XT660R; a rough, tough trail bike that’ll chew up the dirt trails on Sunday, as well as the traffic-packed commute on Monday.

Yamaha have long been making their XT range of bikes, and to a very simple and effective recipe – tall, tough and torquey – perfect for flinging the mud and filing through the city streets.

The XT660R features long travel suspension that’ll make mincemeat of potholes and dirt trails, and a 660cc single cylinder, fuel injected engine that’s all about hard-hitting torque from right at the bottom of the rev range. This big-single-piston torque means instant throttle response; perfect for pulling through a deep mud bog, or for firing off the traffic lights leaving the rest of the world far behind.

If you’re looking for a hard-working, fun-loving motorcycle that’s a little bit scary to small children, the XT660R is one of the best around, especially if most of your time is spent threading through packed city traffic. However, if you do hanker after some filthy fun on the muddy trail, the 660R is well up for that too. Start your adventure journey at P&H Motorcycles.

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré

The Yamaha XT range became fully involved with the recent launch of the XT660Z Ténéré; a stunning looking dirt bike with a difference. From the same stable as the XT660R, the Ténéré takes the tough and utilitarian 660R and adds top quality, high performance components for a truly go anywhere motorbike with attitude.

Whilst the Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré is a motorcycle built for function over form, only a rider with too much mud in their eyes would complain that this is not a ruggedly handsome motorcycle. And while adventure is all about discovering new places and enjoying new experiences, there’s nothing wrong with looking good while you do it, right?

Again we see a thumping 660cc single cylinder engine, this time wrapped up in more adventure-focused bodywork and accessories, including a well-padded duel seat, long-travel suspension, crash protectors and large, 23-litre fuel tank for big distances between fuel stops. Useful if you’re in the middle of nowhere!

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Time for the big daddy for Yamaha adventure bikes now; the magnificent XT1200Z Super Ténéré, and as the name suggests, this bike has got the real deal skills to cross continents, rocky rivers and roaming ravines.

The Super Ténéré begins with a mighty 1200cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine, that’s built for bottomless torque and terrific throttle response. Should you come across a house on your travels, simply crack the throttle, hoist the front end and ride over it!

Massive adjustable front forks and a long-travel high performance rear shock take care of the suspension business, while the latest in rider aiding electronics helps with keeping fatigue from huge daily distances to a minimum. So does a deep and comfy saddle. The rest of the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré is made of the tough stuff to keep it running in the most extreme of conditions, even if you are up to your knees in icy cold river water, somewhere in Africa.