Senin, 30 Maret 2009

Protect your Air Conditioning System From Contaminants With a Top-notched Ac Receiver Drier


A car’s air conditioning system functions to provide cool air to the interior of a car during hot, summer months. Having an air conditioning system makes a rather unpleasant summer drive more comfortable and bearable. The transfer of hot air and cool air, a process called air conditioning, occurs as a closed loop exchange system involving the ac compressor, ac condenser, ac receiver drier, expansion valve and evaporator.





The ac compressor compresses cool, low – pressure refrigerant liquid into hot, high – pressure refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas moves onto the condenser where heat from the refrigerant gas is absorbed. Once heat is absorbed, the refrigerant gas is “condensed” into refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant liquid then passes onto the ac receiver drier. The ac receiver drier plays a vital role in the ac system, but more on that later. After the ac receiver drier, the refrigerant liquid passes through the expansion valve where liquid refrigerant is converted into refrigerant gas (again). After this, the refrigerant gas moves on to the evaporator. A fan located inside the evaporator blows the refrigerant gas onto the air conditioning vents located inside the car. Once the refrigerant gas enters the car’s interior, the heat from the air within the car is absorbed. The end result is a cooler and more comfortable air for the occupants of the car.





Notice that the description about the ac receiver drier has been left out in the first paragraph. It is fitting that another paragraph be dedicated to this important component of the air conditioning system. The ac receiver drier does the job of filtering out contaminants and absorbing moisture from the refrigerant liquid. By doing so it protects the other areas in the air conditioning system from being contaminated with dust, dirt or moisture. The ac receiver drier looks like a radiator overflow tank and is often a cylindrical contraption with a small window in it. The small window in the ac receiver drier allows one to check the AC status. When the air conditioning system is working, one should be able to see clear liquid inside the ac receiver drier. If the liquid is milky, then there is water in the system. If the liquid has bubbles, then there is a presence of air in the system. When this happens, the car’s air conditioning system must soon be checked by a qualified mechanic. Chances are the ac receiver drier needs some replacing.





About the Author:

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/protect-your-air-conditioning-system-from-contaminants-with-a-topnotched-ac-receiver-drier-296014.html

Author: Anthony Fontanelle

Feel Cool on a Hot Day With a Top-notched Ac Compressor


An HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system is central to almost all vehicles. For countries like the United States, a heating system is essential for cars as it provides heat to the interior of a car during the cold, winter season. The need for a ventilation system is quite self-explanatory. Staying inside the car while traveling on the road can mean that the car’s occupants will be enclosed inside the car for quite some time and it is important that the air flows freely inside the car through a well-functioning ventilation system. The air conditioning system, on the other hand, is a convenient car part because it keeps the interior cool during hot summer months. It keeps the occupants of a car comfortable despite the sweltering heat outside. The heating and ventilation systems have intricate working systems that would require another article to discuss. This article will focus on the basics of the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system is made up of the following components, the AC compressor, AC condenser, receiver-drier, thermostatic expansion valve, and evaporator.





The AC compressor is a mechanism that is connected to the engine with a drive belt. When the air conditioner is switched on, the drive belt pumps the AC compressor to release a high pressure and high temperature refrigerant vapor into the AC condenser. Then the AC condenser converts the high pressure refrigerant vapor into liquid. The liquid that moves onto the receiver-drier is stored there. While in the receiver- drier, moisture is removed from the refrigerator liquid. The removal of moisture from the refrigerator liquid is an important step in the AC process because the removal of moisture means that risk of the refrigerator liquid freezing and consequently blocking the passageway for air conditioning vapors is considerably reduced, if not precisely eliminated. After the receiver-drier, the refrigerator fluid moves to the thermostatic expansion valve where it expands and becomes refrigerant vapor. The refrigerant vapor is briefly stored in the evaporator before it is released into the air conditioning vents found inside the car. Once released, the refrigerant vapor vaporizes the air inside the car and absorbs heat from the inside of the vehicle. The end result is cool air that makes the interior of the car more comfortable for its passengers.





Notice that the AC compressor is at the heart of the air conditioning process. Without the AC compressor, none of the refrigerant transfer processes would have been possible. That’s why it is important to ensure that the AC Condenser is always working properly. When the air conditioning system produces air that is not cool or insufficiently cool, a checkup and replacement of the needed AC part/s is/are due. It is advisable to have the AC repairs done by a registered mechanic because changing AC parts is often tricky and complicated. If an AC Compressor needs replacing, simply purchase high-quality, discount-priced AC compressors at recommended online parts stores.





About the Author:

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/feel-cool-on-a-hot-day-with-a-topnotched-ac-compressor-296017.html

Author: Anthony Fontanelle

Car Audio speakers Overview

The car audio you use will have the definitive say in how your system will sound. There are many different types of speakers available. A single speaker can be used to reproduce the full range of sounds but it is not ideal. If the speaker is too large it will have problems reproducing high frequencies which require rapid movement of the speaker. If it is too small it will have problems reproducing low frequencies which require large amounts of air to be moved. Because a single speaker cannot reproduce all sounds accurately numerous speakers are used each of which duplicates sound in the frequency range it was designed for. A speaker called a tweeter reproduces high frequencies generally above 2 kHz.

Tweeters are small and lightweight so they can respond rapidly. Very little power is required for powering tweeters because they are very efficient. Woofers are the exact opposite because they usually require large amounts of power to really move air. Woofers are meant to produce sound at frequencies below 250 Hz and often just below 100 Hz (in the case of subwoofers). Because a woofer must move considerable amounts of air they are usually large with typical sizes of 10", 12", 15" and even 18"! On the other hand tweeters are usually very small ranging in size from 1/2" to 2" in size. Typically, tweeters larger than 1" in size cannot respond quickly enough to sound good and are too directional. In between are midrange speakers which handle the frequencies between the woofers and tweeters. Further separation can be done but is usually inessential and just complicates the crossover which must separate the full audio signal into multiple parts for each speaker.

Things to look for:
Power Handling: Just as with amplifiers, RMS or continuous power is critical here. Some manufacturers will declare very high power handling figures but they are usually for very short peaks only. Granted music is not continuous but the continuous power handling gives you a much better impression of how much power a speaker can really handle. For tweeters and midranges, power handling is not as important since it does not take much power for them to play loudly. For woofers though a rough match should be made between the woofer and the amp driving it.

Sensitivity: This is a very important spec for a speaker. It gives you an idea of how loud a speaker will play given a certain input power. If a speaker is insensitive then it will require more power to play at the same volume level than a speaker that is more responsive. Figures between 85 dB and 95 dB at 1 watt RMS at 1 meter are general. If you use anything outside of this range you may have problems matching the output levels of the speakers relative to each other. If you're going to run speakers off of a head unit then try to get speakers with higher input sensitivities since head units normally do not have much power.

Physical Size: You must pay attention to the size of the speakers you choose. Tweeters are very small but need to mounted where they fire nearly directly at you or they may not be heard properly. Some tweeters have better off axis response than others. If you will not be on axis with the tweeter when you audition tweeters in a store listen to how their sound variates as you move around them to see if they will work in your car. Midranges should fit in the door or dash spaces provided or you will have to do some cutting or fabrication. In general the bigger the woofer the larger the enclosure required to hold it. Some woofers are better optimized for little enclosures than others (Kicker Solobaric, JL Audio W6 for example). Make sure you have enough room in your trunk or hatchback for the woofer. Kickpanels for midranges and tweeters or coaxials typically offer superior imaging than locations in the door however the soundstage is sometimes lower than when you have the tweeters mounted high in the doors or on the A pillars.

How Do Car Audio Speakers Work?
Moving Speaker Speakers are air pistons that move back (on the negative cycle of the signal) and forth (on the positive cycle), creating different degrees of air pressure at different frequencies. The amplifier (either separate or built-in your radio), produces electrical impulses that alternate from positive and negative voltages (AC). This current reaches the voice coil inside the speaker, forming an electro-magnet that will either be repelled, or attracted by the fixed magnet at the bottom of the speaker. The voice coil is joined to the cone, moving it back and forth, creating sound. The surround (rubbery circle that joins top of the cone and metal basket) and the spider (usually yellow corrugated circle joining bottom of cone to magnet) make the cone return to its original position.

About the Author:

Professor Apex is an Expert In Car Audio and Mobile Video. He has more than 13 years of experience. You can find him here: Wholesale Car Audio

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/car-audio-speakers-overview-832394.html

Author: Professor Apex

What’S Car Charger

Car Charger is composed of the 1st casing, a 2nd casing which is connected with 1st casing, and a PCB assembled between these two casings. The first casing is determined by a plurality of battery unit. Every battery unit is assembled with first and second spring plates for separately contacting positive and negative poles of a rechargeable battery. Each resilient plate has a contact section and a soldering section.

car charger

1. Surface: semi-matte black surface; Material: PU & not flame-retardant; Direct line: 28AWG*2C OD3.0+/-0.1mm +MINI USB 5PIN+DC HEAD+TAIL SR HEAD+CENTRE SR HEAD
2. Brass wires: (8/0.12A)*2C bare copper
3. Core wire: red & white colour; Diameter: 0.9+/-0.05mm; Material: PVC
4. External colour: black; Diameter: 3.0+/-0.1mm; Material: PU black & not flame-retardant
5. Electrical performance: open circuit, short circuit, polarity, insulation and pressure-proof
insulation: DC300V 3M ? MIN
pressure-proof: AC300V 10 seconds 0.5 mA MAX
6. Welding method:
P1.welding method: PIN 1 connect red core wire
PIN4,PIN5 connect 68K resistance ; Resistance precision:68K+/-5%
PIN 5 connect white core wire
P2.welding method: - +
Red to anode; White to cathode
P3.welding method: red core wire of P1,P2 connect white core wire of P4
white core wire of P1,P2 connect white core wire of P4
7. SR Rally Test: 11 LB/MIN without any loss

A circuit system in the Car Charger, which defined at the PCB, includes a charging circuit, a power output and input circuit and an AC-DC circuit. A power input socket and a output socket are formed to link with the power output and input circuit. The circuits are linked with each other and linked with the soldering parts of the first and second spring plates of each battery unit. So current Car chargers can charge a rechargeable battery, and straightly supply power to an electrical device by an external power cable linked between the charger and the electrical device which the Car Charger is in use.

About the Author:

by shuoguan

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/whats-car-charger-800183.html

Author: john lee

Head-turner on Fast Track—the Bmw Car

The BMW car has always ruled the automobile industry from its very inception. Even today, it is one car that can demand undivided attention when it runs the road in its brilliance. Yes, it does make heads turn, and does make its makers proud!






Its many attractive models have pampered mankind with their style, comfort and driving pleasure. The acceleration, handling, mileage, looks, built, engine/transmission, capacities, safety, steadiness—just name it and the BMW car has it all. Here’s a teaser for you: Very recently, BMW’s AC Schnitzer TENSION took part in a high-speed test in Italy under the “Beyond 300 km/h” category and emerged as the fastest BMW in the world at the end of it. So whenever you think of speed, you just can’t dismiss the BMW. It burns roads in its fiery presence—the regal interiors, superb engineering, commendable engine power, top notch body-styling components and more.





The BMW 3-series coupe and convertible are the latest additions in 2007. The developers and designers of this car brand never stop thinking about the drivers’ needs. And this year, they have more to offer. The 325 models have got a power upgrade to 230 and a name upgrade to 328. The 330 models have got a turbocharged 3-liter inline six and a name upgrade to 335. All are ready in an all-wheel-drive version 328xi. These also have improved navigation systems that can download real-time traffic updates and factor in traffic delays when computing the fastest route.





Take for instance the BMW 328i sedan—it’s purely a love-at-first-drive car! Forget the cliché good looks that’s integral to BMW, this sports sedan is a sheer driver’s joy, unlike most cars in this range. The Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS250, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, and Volvo S-60 are all worthy of the ‘sports sedan’ tag, but the 328i sedan has a tad more to it—it has impressed drivers with its unparalleled stability on high-speed runs and smoothness on any terrain. However, speed does not come only from maximum engine power; it is also because of careful engineering of all elements and maintenance. That is one reason why its owners give huge importance to BMW tuning.





The BMW 5-series and 6-series models have the new navigation systems now. Optionally, the 5-series is also been given a high-definition radio and night-vision to enhance the drivers’ luxury and the 6-series is fitted with a high-quality leather package and Logic7 sound system. The 7-series BMW has one-of-a-kind interior trim, Merino leather and special 20" wheels. It also offers more exterior paint colors at extra cost to compound the BMW experience.





This car brand has an intense fan-following, for obvious reasons! And all BMW enthusiasts over the world interact with each other and share their common dreams, fantasies and ideas through the BMW community online. You must be part of one if you love the BMW; and if you aren’t, it won’t take you long for sure.

About the Author:

BMW-Addiction provides the best information about BMW tuning and high end vehicles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/headturner-on-fast-trackthe-bmw-car-143935.html

Author: IC

Selasa, 24 Maret 2009

How Can a Mobile Mechanic Assist With Fleet Maintenance?

When you operate a business and have a fleet of cars and trucks, they can soak up a lot of financial resources in a number of ways. Fleet care requires retaining personnel that has the necessary expertise to handle a variety of maintenance and repair services. In addition, the cost of maintaining parts inventories or buying emergency parts can get very expensive.

Fleet maintenance needs skilled attention and cost control measures in order to prevent runaway expenses. When operating a business, it's important to function as efficiently as possible. Tying up company personnel and financial resources to handle fleet maintenance and emergency repairs is not the best way to manage the bottom line...not when you can use mobile mechanic services.

Reducing Costs to Generate Profit

Cost effective fleet maintenance equates to two goals.

* Keeping your fleet operating at peak performance for minimum cost

* Having access to skilled auto mechanics when needed without incurring unnecessary expenses for "just-in-case" breakdowns

Mobile fleet service can help you meet both goals. Using efficient roadside or business location fleet servicing is an economical approach to satisfying the important need of keeping your trucks and cars running. In fact, mobile mechanics can provide both routine and emergency services. Your business doesn't need to maintain fleet personnel and parts inventories and can focus resources on those expenses which generate profit.

Prevent and Repair...Equally Important!

There are a number of services mobile mechanics can provide. From auto electricians to general car repair to ongoing maintenance, on-site fleet services provide essential and emergency auto services you can depend on to be high quality when you choose professional and certified mechanics.

The kinds of services fleet mobile mechanics can provide include the following.

* Preventive and routine mechanical maintenance including oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication of suspension systems, fluid checks and refills, and tire air checks

* Emergency roadside services which get your employees back on the road and able to reach customers

* Routine safety checks including brakes, belts and hoses, and lights

* Transmission maintenance

* Air conditioning recharging

Instead of giving up use of your business vehicles for days at a time which is common with fixed-site locations, the mobile mechanic provides services at your place of business at your convenience. Even if you need after business hours services, the mobile car care service is accommodating.

A mobile mechanic that has been certified is able to provide a wide range of auto repair services which save your business money while extending the lives of your vehicles. Experienced auto mechanics can repair automobiles, trucks, vans, and even motorcycles and are qualified to work on both diesel and gas vehicles.

The Competitive Spirit

The mobile fleet service visits to your place of business and does necessary repairs and maintenance to scheduled vehicles. You can establish a schedule where the mobile service does all routine maintenance in a single visit or you can establish a rotating fleet maintenance schedule. Either way the mobile mechanic service assists a company with fleet maintenance on many levels.

* Significantly lowers labour costs for vehicle maintenance

* Insures repairs and maintenance are performed on a routine basis increasing vehicle life and operating efficiency

* Eliminates need to carry expensive auto and truck parts inventory

* Waste oil is legally disposed of after routine changes

* Emergency road assistance is always available so personnel can return to work quickly

* Parts and labour meet industry standards and factory authorisations

The many benefits and services you can get with mobile fleet maintenance and repair are important anytime but especially when staying as competitive as possible is a requirement for economic survival. The convenience and efficiency of mobile auto and truck fleet maintenance is one of the most important steps you can take to reach that competitive goal.

Mobile Car Care is a fully trained Mobile Mechanics and Auto Electricians servicing company. Our Mobile Mechanic Service Units are fully equipped to perform all car repairs, auto electrical repairs, and car, commercial and 4WD service. For more information, visit Mobile Mechanics

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Mansour

By Martin Mansour

Top Brand Professional Automotive Tools Reviewed - Know Your Budget

The tool market is well serviced in terms of brands, design, quality and price. The key consideration is to evaluate your needs. For example, it is pointless buying a laptop capable driving sophisticated 3G games when really all that is required from the unit is basic desktop and internet work. This kind of example also applies to buying tools. For instance, why waste one's budget on buying the most expensive tools when their application is for occasional hobby type tasks.

Lets start with an overview comparison. It is widely agreed that the best quality and designed tools are manufactured by the Snap-on company. This brand of tools is designed for the professional market. No tool brand is perfect and infallible to failure. However, the Snap-on lifetime warranty means that when a tool breaks, it is replaced or repaired by the service representatives. Snap-on tools can be bought from their distribution trucks and vans that visit automotive workshops. Alternatively, their online catalog allows purchasing via the internet. Second-hand and recycled Snap-on tools are also eagerly traded through websites like eBay and eBay Partner sites.

As noted above, Snap-on automotive tools are at the upper price range. However, there is no shortage of professional grade tool brands at price points below that of the Snap-on brand. For example the brands: Matco, MAC and Cornwell are equally respected in the professional automotive sector. Matco, MAC and Cornwell off a range of professional tools that deliver quality and reliability while carrying sound lifetime warranties and professional after sales service. And are less expensive than the Snap-on brand for the budget minded professional automotive technician. The availability of these brands for sale is similar to Snap-on tools. Trucks visit and distribute tools at automotive workshops. Also, online catalogs and auction type websites offer buy opportunities.

For those budget sensitive buyers, the next set of tool brands is SK and Craftsman. The manufacturing quality of these brands meet USA standards and carry similar lifetime warranties like those brands mentioned above. So, for the semi-professional or hobbyist application these tool brands are an ideal choice. Some may argue that the SK brand, although not as popular, is a little superior to the Craftsman brand. But this opinion is subjective. Craftsmanship and SK brand tools are a more accessible to the buying market. For example, Craftsmanship brand tools are stocked at Sears stores, while the SK brand is found in automotive parts stores and outlets.

In summary, if price is no restraint, then tools from the Snap-on range are considered to be the best quality. Where quality and service is still a priority, then brands such as: matco, MAC and Cornwell offer offer quality profession lines of tools as less expensive price points. Finally, the brands SK and Craftsmanship serve the semi-professional market with tools that are not subject to the high demands of daily professional usage. The advice for any buyer is assess the task application of the tool, and allocate your budget to buy the right tool for the right job.

Silver Leonard is owner and Webmaster of several niche focused websites.
More information about selecting the right brand of tools to fit your intended application can be found on his automotive tools website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Silver_Leonard

By Silver Leonard