February 19, 2016 / como / 0 Comments
A cars ignition switch has multipurpose utility. As its name implies, the first and foremost function is to engage the ignition system of the car, or to start the car from a dead state. Secondly, it can provide access to various features or accessories of the car, like the stereo system, the radio, the windshield wiper, the headlights, brake oil levels, gasoline levels, dashboard backlight etc. The ignition switch can also be used to control the bonnet of a car.
While in some cars the electronic switch which actually switches on the rest on the system depending on the feedback from the ignition lock cylinder are integrated into a single unit, in other cars they can be separated from each other. Based on this variation, the term ignition switch can be used without a doubt for both the electronic switch and the ignition lock cylinder. The distinction is quite difficult to adjudge since both types of systems are found in abundance.
Even in the absence of ignition switches, cars did exist! The cars engines then used to be started or ignited by mechanically turning a crank, whose associated shaft used to turn the engine, moving it out of its inertia. In the present times, a flywheel associated with the cars engine is brought into action through an electric relay system activated by the ignition switch, ultimately starting up the engine. The flywheel is a large, flattened disc which has teeth on the outer circumference. A gear associated with the starter system engages the teeth of the flywheel when the ignition switch is turned ON, thus bringing the flywheel into life briefly with a huge momentum transfer, which starts up the engine.
The typical ignition system has four configurations, Off, Accessories, On, and Start. In some cars there are two dead states of the key, Off and Lock; OFF switches off the car, while the Lock configuration lets you remove the key from the ignition cylinders keyhole. In the accessories configuration, certain accessories as mentioned earlier that remain off in the OFF and LOCK configurations in order to prevent the car’s battery from being drained, use up very low power. People are often advised to use the Accessories position often for a longer car battery life.
Since features such as the indicator for fuel and brake oil levels are turned on only when the ignition switch is in the ON state, since they are useful when the car is running. Since the start position is meant only to jump start the car engine, the key is not allowed to remain in the start position for long, and is turned automatically to the ON position by spring action. When the switch changes its configuration from Start to ON, the starter system is cut off from battery power, and the cars engine starts running by a relay through the flywheel.
February 16, 2016 / como / 0 Comments
Water restrictions
In a (very) few more years the waterless wash will be the only legal way to wash vehicles. The environmental protection agency (EPA) is going to continue to put restrictions to conserve our lessening water resources, which will put an end to traditional car washings methods.
Disposal of Aqueous Solutions
One should never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of down the drain. Your local water treatment authority or publicly owned treatment works will have information on treatment and disposal of these cleaners. Adjustment of pH and dilution are usually required before disposal to a drain. Always comply with current water usage and disposal regulations / water usage restrictions
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
To the list of oxymorons add – the sunless tan, cheese less pizza, soap-free detergent and the no-water carwash.
An innovative product that protects automotive paint, while preserving our most valuable resource, water; enabling you to wash your car anywhere, anytime even inside your garage. Its a multi-purpose product that serves as a shampoo additive, no rinse wash, quick detailer and clay lubricant.
Use as a winter car wash or in areas that have hosepipe ban, water usage restrictions, or where a water supply is not readily available (apartments, car shows, etc; cleans and protects while minimising water usage, 100% environmentally safe and it reduces water usage to a fraction of a conventional car wash, 1- oz ONR per 2- gallons of water to wash the entire car.
When sprayed on a dirty surface; surfactants break down the soil by releasing its surface tension or bond with the surface, encapsulating the soil particles, and the polymers provide surface lubrication to enable safe (marring free) removal
How does ONR work?
[The polymers in No Rinse have reactive groups that bond and trap dirt particles making the dirt particles virtually non-abrasive. They also bond to oily particles and emulsify them into water. The latter is equivalent to the cleaning action from soaps which also work by emulsifying oil particles into water. However, with soap there is no interaction with dirt. This is why adding No Rinse to a regular wash also helps protect the paint from dirt particles.
The No Rinse polymers also bond to all automotive surfaces and create a slick surface and act as a barrier to protect paint from marring. That is something that soap will not provide since surfactants in soaps have no affinity for painted or other automotive surfaces.
When you use 1 oz. of No Rinse in 1 or 2 gallons of water for your wash at the molecular level this provides hundreds of billions of polymer molecules to do what was said above. Additional product will not be necessary except if you are using tap water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium hydroxide or silicates. In these cases some of the polymers will bond to these minerals and take them out of solution therefore more product might be necessary to compensate for this effect. This is another reason why adding No Rinse to regular car wash soap improves the results when using tap water. ] [David Ghodoussi]
To remove stains the surface tension that bonds them must be released, then the stain encapsulated and held in suspension to be removed. ONR is an almost waterless wash that doesnt require rinsing, its formulated with surfactants to keep dirt in suspension, avoiding surface contact; it also provides surface lubrication, thereby avoiding surface marring. A surfactant or surface active agent is a substance that, when dissolved in water, gives a product the ability to remove dirt from surfaces. They emulsify the dirt; the polymer protects the paint surface by forming a molecular bond, which remains even after the wash, offering protection comparable to that of a spray wax
ONR is an ionic wash that contains zwitterions (hybrid) [: a chemical compound that carries a total net charge of 0, thus electrically neutral but carries formal positive and negative charges on different atom] This allows the polymers to attach to the dirt and form a molecular bond to the surface at the same time. ONR binds the dirt to the wash media intentionally; so you should change washing media as needed
The No Rinse polymers also bond to automotive paint surfaces and create a slick surface and act as a barrier to protect from marring. That is something that soap will not provide since surfactants in soaps have no affinity for painted surfaces (unlike a polymer).
Surfactants
A surfactant or surface active agent is a substance that, when dissolved in water, gives a product the ability to remove dirt from the surfaces by lowering the surface tension of the medium in which it is dissolved. By lowering this interfacial tension between two media or interfaces (e.g. water/stain) the surfactant plays a key role in the removal and suspension of dirt. The lower surface tension of the water makes it easier to lift dirt and grease off of surfaces, and help to keep them suspended in the dirty water
ONR Directions (Label)
1. Add 1oz to 2 gallons of water in a wash bucket
2. Soak wash media (Zymol sponge or wash Mitt) in solution and wash vehicle in sections
3. Dry each section with two clean towels consecutively
Clean the vehicle in this order
1.Hood, front windshield
2.Trunk, rear windshield
3.Half roof, each side to rockers
4.2nd Half roof, each side to rockers
5. Bumpers, rockers
6.Wheel surfaces
7.Engine compartment
This is usually a progression from the least to the most soiled areas.
ONR Wash Methodology
Optional Pre-Soak (very dirty surfaces) – Spray down individual panels with a 1:20 solution ONR / distilled water with a fine mist spray bottle, then wipe-down each panel with a wet micro fibre towel
Use a Monster Fluffy micro fibre towel for washing.
Take one towel and wet it with ONR mixed as per directions (1- oz / 2- gallons of water)
Wring it out and make a single pass per clean side of the towel.
You can get 4-8 passes, with the towel folded in quarters. Each pass is then done with a perfectly clean towel surface and you’re never rinsing any dirt out and releasing it in to your wash or rinse water. You can do the whole car with 2-4 towels.
Apply no pressure to the towel. I just glide it over the surface and only make one pass in one direction with a clean surface.
If you use the two bucket method (one fitted with a grit guard) which highly recommended with this type of product, the wash solution will stay clean enough to be reusable as a pre-soak solution or for cleaning wheel surfaces.
ONR is formulated to ensure that dirt particles wont mix with the solution but fall to the bottom of the bucket.
There is no need to rinse afterwards with ONR, but if you feel you must, please ensure that the water goes to a sewer and not a storm drain; either way the lubricating polymers in the No Rinse do a better job of protecting the finish than conventional car soap.
ONR is ultra violet (UV) sensitive, it causes it to lighten its colour, but has no detrimental effect
Used in tandem with Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer, Finish Kare 425 or Ultima Detail Spray for a just waxed look. If you use the two bucket method (one fitted with a grit guard) the wash solution will stay clean enough to be reusable. ONR is formulated to ensure that dirt particles wont mix with the solution but fall to the bottom of the bucket.
The key to using ONR is to make sure your panel is thoroughly washed. This doesn’t mean that you have to saturate your mitt and/or panel with the ONR but rather go over that panel 2 or 3 times if needed. When you wipe dry there should be no remaining dirt on the panel. If need be use several mitts, discarding a mitt as it becomes visually dirty. When finished there should be little or no water on the ground.
February 13, 2016 / como / 0 Comments
Subaru of America, Inc. partners with SRS Labs Inc. to offer cutting-edge SRS Circle Surround Auto to the new Impreza.
The new feature delivers surround sound from any audio source including surround encoded content, stereo and mono radio broadcasts, satellite radio, standard CDs and compressed music files. CS Auto overcomes many of the challenges inherent in automobiles to present a realistic and immersive surround sound environment, CNN reported.
SRS Lab, a leader in the manufacture of quality surround sound voiced and audio technologies, recently announced that the SRS CS Auto will be offered as an optional feature in the 2008 Subaru Impreza.
“The sound quality offered by SRS Circle Surround Auto is amazing,” said Tim Colbeck, the vice president of sales of Subaru of America, Inc. “It’s a smart and extremely effective way of producing premium quality sound in a vehicle.”
The optional feature does not only deliver awe-inspiring in-car surround sound experience but also yields an overall higher quality of sound from various audio sources such as surround encoded content, satellite radio, HD Radio, mono or stereo radio broadcasts, standard CD and compressed music files from a portable media player.
“Subaru understands the unique challenges that can limit audio performance within the interior of an automobile, which is why they choose SRS to be their audio processing partner for the 2008 Subaru Impreza,” said Chris Sabbarese, Product Manager for SRS Labs. “With CS Auto consumers will experience high-end surround sound, with enhanced audio fidelity, along with an expansive sound field and rich, deep bass.”
CS Auto is especially engineered to meet the unique challenges of modern car interior. CS Auto includes processing to elevate the sound image to ear level, even from speakers located in some car-doors and under the dashboard. Also, the innovative feature creates a “phantom center speaker” to efficiently pull out and clarify vocals in the audio track.
CS Auto also includes a channel-mixing feature that enables car occupants using the front and rear seats to clearly hear all vocals and be engrossed in a thrilling audio experience. What is more, CS Auto incorporates SRS Labs’ patented bass enhancement system to produce a virtual subwoofer to finally complete the gratifying surround experience.
All new and available in Subaru dealer showrooms across the country, the 2008 Subaru Impreza and the company’s performance flagship the Subaru Impreza WRX boast more sophisticated styling, along with enhanced comfort and utility, while still delivering the handling and performance of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the report added. Also new for the model year 2008, is the availability of stability control or Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
The automaker, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan, is focusing on improving its lineup, offers, as well as auto parts accessories such as the Subaru coil springs, engine, upholstery, and the like.
February 10, 2016 / como / 0 Comments
Classic trucks can have their ride greatly improved with the replacement of the original front end with a modern independent front suspension. This is something that can be done with almost any make of classic car or old truck.
The main reason for the installation of an independent front suspension on your old truck is to improve the quality of the ride but it can also be done in order to lower the suspension and give the old truck a totally different look. The type of front end you choose may also give your old truck a wider stance.
Depending on the make and model of your old truck you can choose between several types of front ends. For Chevy trucks made between 1947 and 1955 one of the easiest ways is to get the front end of the C10 series Chevy trucks made between 1973 and 1987. The assembly unbolts and comes down complete and can then be bolted to the frame of the old Chevy truck. The whole steering assembly can also be installed to the old truck. This type of suspension is very rugged, has disc brakes and will last forever on classic trucks. But beware: although this is a relatively easy adaptation it can’t be done by an amateur. You will have to take careful measurements of the two frames even before you remove the suspension from the donor C10 truck, especially the steering components if you want to do a good job.
Another type of suspension which has been used in both Ford and Chevy old trucks used to be found in the old AMC Pacer automobile of the late 1970s. This type of suspension also has the advantage of being a complete unit that you can unbolt from the donor car and bolt to the frame of the old truck. A kit for this adaptation is available for sale at many old truck parts distributors.
Among the advantages of this type of suspension is the fact that it comes with front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The installation of the Pacer suspension is easier to do then the installation of the C10 suspension, but there are a few problems here too. First, it is very difficult to find a Pacer suspension nowadays. The car went out of production well over two decades ago and it wasn’t produced in large quantities to begin with. And even if you find one of these suspensions it will be difficult to get the bushings and other components you’ll need to rebuild it.
By far the best option to improve the ride of classic trucks is to install a modern IFS system produced specifically for your make and model of old truck. There are several companies that do this and their systems are the best you can find, with disc brakes, rack-and-pinion power steering and coilover springs. They are the best and they are also the most expensive. Their prices start a little over US$ 1,000 and go all the up to almost US$ 3,000. But if you can afford one of these you’ll be rewarded with the best type of independent front suspension available today for old trucks.
The Mustang II type of independent front suspension is also a great option for old trucks. You can either find a Ford Mustang II and use its suspension or buy this type of front end ready to install in your old truck. It is one of the strongest you can get and the quality of the ride will make you feel like you’re driving a car.
Now it’s up to you to choose the best IFS for your truck and enjoy the ride!
February 7, 2016 / como / 0 Comments
At Eurobahn BMW MINI Mercedes-Benz Audi, we understand that when you need to have auto body work done, you want to have it done accurately and flawlessly. There is nothing worse than having the aesthetic appeal of your car compromised. You take pride in your car and it is in some way a reflection of you. We make certain to restore your car to the same beautiful state that it was in prior to its need for auto body work. If youve been searching for a decent auto body shop, search no further, were eager to take care of you and your vehicles needs. >
At Eurobahn Auto Body Shop Greensboro, our facility is high tech and equipped with the latest tools and equipment to best service your vehicle. No matter the make and model of your vehicle, or the extent of the damage, our factory trained technicians are able to restore your vehicle to like new condition. We have over seven years of experience in working with luxury foreign vehicles, so there is no challenge too big. We use the most precise paint matching system to match your vehicle paint perfectly. You no longer have to fear the aftermath of a collision, hail storm, or unseemly scratches. Weve got you covered.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert staff of service advisors and technicians is knowledgeable and eager to assist you in any way that they can. We will spend as much time as necessary, making sure that all of your questions and inquiries get addressed. It is our goal to make sure that all of our customers are educated and comfortable with their vehicles. We pride ourselves on great customer service and achieving customer satisfaction. At Eurobahn Auto Body Repair Shop Greensboro, we recognize that awaiting completion of your repair job can sometimes pose as an inconvenience. For this reason, we offer both a shuttle service and loaner vehicles. If your vehicle is undergoing a minor repair, our trained driver will shuttle you to and from wherever it is that you may need to go locally. And if your vehicle is facing a repair that will require more than a few hours of work, we offer a loaner vehicle that you may use to keep up with your daily routines. It is our job to make this process as easy as possible.
Eurobahn BMW MINI Mercedes-Benz Audi is conveniently located at 303 S Swing Rd. Greensboro, NC 27409. Stop by and see why we are the Auto Body shop for your vehicle.