201 Street

So you get a flat tire. This is an inconvenience but provided you have good spare, and it is not the middle of the night on a lonely desert road, it is a relatively easy problem to solve. You may get a bit dirty, but you will be back on your way in no time. The question then becomes, do you buy a new tire to replace it or can you simply have it repaired or patched up. The answer to this question of course varies on what shape the tire is in, and what it was that caused it to go flat. Many antique tires have inner tubes, just like the tires of a bicycle, and if the tire was simply popped, the inner tube can be replaced.

On the tires of modern car makes and models, such as Nitto tires or Hankook tires, you may need to take the tire to a mechanic shop or a tire store and have the technicians assess whether the tire is too damaged to be repaired. Some times it is obvious, as when you experience a blow out or you see that the tire is gashed or torn. Also, if your tire was worn a bit in the first place, if the tread is shallow or it is showing cracks on the sidewall, it is best to just have it replaced. The best way to assess a tire that has been punctured by a nail or another smaller sharp object, it is recommended that you remove the tire from the wheel. Many times it is easy to the culprit. The shiny head of a screw or nail may be visible. At this time is good to check the rest of the tires as many times they too may have nails and have just not gone flat yet.

There are a couple of ways to fix a puncture hole in a tire. The best way is to take the tire to the shop and have them patch it. The patches work great, and at around $15 they are less expensive than buying a new tire. Another solution is to plug the tire, but this should always be acknowledged as a temporary fix. This is a convenient temporary solution however, as you do not need to remove the tire from the rim. However, once you get to where you are going, or have the time, the best thing to do is to take it in and have the plug replaced with a patch. A flat tire is a pain in the neck, but it does not have to mean the end of the life of the tire.

There are quite a few things I hadn’t thought of about brakes. I have been reading our two car repair manuals, just so I can talk a little more shop with my husband since he has become interested in maintaining our own cars. All car owners know that it is important to keep your breaks serviced. It says in the Pontiac Sunfire repair manual to remember to also check your parking break and actually walks through how to adjust the break itself. Each model’s parking brake is different I found out when I looked into it in the jeep grand cherokee repair manual for our other vehicle. I don’t understand most of the difference to be honest, but that is what I get for delving into something without understanding all the basics.

Another thing about the brakes I didn’t understand was why ninety percent of the brakes is in the front of the car. This results in the majority of the brake pads you go through are in the front of your car also. This was never the impression I got from watching commercials or listening to mechanics. I did gain an understanding of when the best time is to replace the brake pads however and it turns out I’ve been wearing down my break pads way too far. When you can actually feel like the car is having a harder time stopping, if you are hearing the breaks squeal, the brake pad is probably below 1/4 of an inch and could be damaging your car. It’s best to just look at the brake pads every so often and decide if they need replacing by the visual cues. This can keep you from having to pay for really costly repairs later. The break pads really should not get lower than 1/8 of an inch.

I do feel like I’ve learned a little in these past few days and I know my husband hopes that by us learning this we can save some money on costly repairs later. I really suggest picking up a repair manual for your own car.

Tires are the symbol of the modern world. The wheel has been around a while, but tires demonstrate that change from things around for a while to improving on those things. Everything about tires are modern, from the synthetics that go into making them to the mechanical process through which they are made where hardly a single person touches them during their in utero state. The perfection with which they are designed is modern too. The grooves in them might look like some ancient language stretched out on a cylindrical scroll made of rubber for future generations to scrye from, but the grooves are there to make the drive smooth for the navigator and the passengers. But it is a kind of language. The grooves in tires are whispering to the road and telling it to make the drive smooth and good for their people.

Miranda Donne helped me to buy new tires . It was a couple of months ago. We had met at a local theatre production by some stray cats. It was a good show, but I forgot the name of the show but not the meeting. Miranda was perhaps the most fascinating person I had met. She was an auto mechanic with cherry bomb red nails. She was a theatre buff with a collection of trashy pulp films from the seventies. She was a vegan who celebrated Nation Bacon Day because according to her, you had to indulge in the bad at least once in while, or at least the slightly less than good: it was healthy for you. She can be pseudo philosophic like that a lot.

When we went to get my tires, she knew exactly what I wanted. That was really amazing to me because I didn’t even know what I wanted. But she was right. She found me the perfect set of tires and even installed them for me at her shop. I walked around and around my car until she told me stop because it was making her dizzy. She said it reminded her of the way tires start to whirl around so fast on the road you have a hard time reading the grooves. It made me wonder if the language of the road and tire was better than our language because it was so fast and that was what the modern is about: going harder, better, faster, stronger . We went to a play afterwards. Me with my dizzy walking and her with her red nails and oil tip manicure. I forgot that play too.

I found out the hard away that it is necessary to ensure that your car battery, and the cables remain clean of corrosion.  After spending all night waiting tables, I came out late, and tried to start my truck.  Nothing.  Now, I know very little about DIY auto repair, that is short for “do it yourself”, and when it comes to cars I fill own tank, and check my own oil.  That’s about the extent of my “DIY” capabilities.  But I popped the hood anyway, thinking I might be able to magically figure out what was wrong.  Nope.

Within a few moments, one of the restaurant patrons that was dining on the patio, had jumped the fence in his nice suit and headed over to take a look at my truck.  As it turned out, he was once a mechanic and still enjoyed working on cars.  He pulled his truck up, and got out his tool box.  He knew his way around a small engine, repair manuals for this guy were not needed.  With a flash light he discovered the problem at once.  I had been driving around with my battery and my cables covered with corrosion.

It was easy to see once he showed me, corrosion is a white layer of crust that builds up around the posts of the battery and when enough of it is present you will not be able to start your car, truck or motor cycle.  Manuals are something I would soon be investing in.  It does not take much to make certain that your battery, the cables and the posts remain clean.  There are cleaning solutions, and together with the solution the only tool necessary is a metal brush, much like a toothbrush, but much tougher.  The man cleaned my car battery and then jumped my car for me.  He did this all on a 118 degree Phoenix summer night, in a nice suit.  I made it home that night, with my truck, and I have never forgotten the kindness of that stranger, nor have I ever neglected taking a look at my battery from time to time.

When one finds that it is time to replace their worn out tires with new ones, there are a couple key factors that will ensure that they are purchasing the right ones for their vehicle.  It is important to understand the basics of the tire in general.  This will help one in choosing not only the right tires for their car, but the right tires for the environment in which one lives as well as the right choice for the way in which one drives.  Driving habits can add wear and tear to tires without one even being aware of it.

So, a tire is compressed air surrounded by a flexible rubber container.  This simple device carries the weight of the vehicle and is one of the most important factors to ensure that a driver is able to stop on time, is to move forward, and to cushion the vehicle from and imperfections in the road.  The inner liner of a tire is important as it gives shape to the tire and it holds the air inside, a pretty important job.  The steel belts are then place on top of the liner.  The belts serve to ensure the stability of the tire and to keep the tire face flat, as with tread that is as flat as possible, more of the tire is in contact with the road.  This increases the traction and ensures a safer ride.

Then there is the tread.  Different treads offer different attributes.  Softer treads will absorb the bumps and the jars of the road, while treads that are more rigid provide the driver with better handling, especially when taking sharp turns and a better response to steering capabilities.  When it is time to buy new tires,  check the code on the side of the wall.  On the side of every tire, be it a motor cycle tire, truck tire or car tire, will have a code that will outline the carrying capacity of that tire.  The carrying capacity of a tire is extremely important, and one must be certain that the rating for that capacity is as high as the tires that are being replaced.  This knowledge will not only serve to ensure that one will succeed in purchasing the right tires for their cars, but that they will remain safe and secure on their journeys.

The key to taking a long distance road trip, especially when traveling in an older vehicle is DIY auto repair.  This is just another way to say do it yourself, for when stuck out on a road in the middle of nowhere, the knowledge one will have gained from reading up on small engine repair manuals will come in very handy.  Small problems with an engine may seem very big when there is not a mechanic’s shop in sight, and could ruin an otherwise fabulous vacation.

It isn’t that one should learn everything, all at once, but the ability to know how to, and what to, inspect on one’s vehicle before heading out, will safe a lot of headaches down the road.  And just a little bit of knowledge about car maintenance will help.  Keep the manuals in a convenient location, say in the glove box, so that they are easy to find when trying to diagnose the issues that may come up on the back roads of Kentucky or in the middle of the Ozarks.

And when dealing with many issues of car engines on the road, often times these are minor repairs that one can accomplish on their own, just by following the suggestions in the vehicle’s manual.  Same holds true for motorcycle manuals. Many a journeyman, or woman traveling the open road via the motorcycle has studied up and will be able to fix their own bike should they need.  It’s putting to use the practical chapters of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance“.

And this knowledge does not only come in handy on long trips, but in day to day life and driving as well.  Independence is gained.  Independence from what? one may ask.  Independence from the worry, and independence from the dependence on car mechanics who may take advantage of those who are unsuspecting, and just want their car fixed.  With this knowledge one will be able to fix the small problems, and will know exactly what the big problems are.  This way, even when one can not fix those big problems, one will at least know what they are when they take their car or motorcycle in to someone who can.

Both the tires of a motorcycle and the engine, are responsible for the best possible operation and handling of a bike,  as well as for the safety.  Some people wonder which is most important to them, but to be honest, both are.  The ride of the bike is determined by the engine and quality performance tires such as those produced by the Toyo Tire Corporation.  In general, tire size should always be the proper size for the make of the bike. The tire bias, the style of the tread as well as the materials used in production should one consider all the aspects for the making of the optimal performance and the life of the tire as well as the safety of the driver.

As opposed to the tire of a car, which should all be the same size and style, the front and rear ends of a motorbike have different functions, so often times the tires are different from front to back.  The rate of acceleration and the power of the bike is under the control of the rear wheel while the front wheel takes most charge of a bikes capacity to effectively brake.   Some bikes have close to an eighty percent difference between the capacity of the two tires.

Another difference between the front and the rear wheels is that the back tire needs to be designed to withstand the lean and tilt of the bike, while the front tire is of course, more affected by turns.  And while all four tires of a car bear the weight of the vehicle, it is the back tire of a motorcycle that carries most of that weight.  All of these aspects must be considered when one is deciding on and purchasing the tires for their bike.  There are various forms of tires, from racing Cooper tire, to sport tires, and touring tires to cruisers.  It just depends on the make and model of the bike, as well as the intention of the driver, as to which is the best for ultimatum performance.

Did you know that your tire pressure could be really impacting what kind of gas mileage your car gets?

Tire pressure is the pounds per square inch measure of the amount of air in a car, truck or SUVs tires. The only thing tire pressure is secondary to in maintaining the safety of a vehicle is the brakes. Car tires are that important to the overall safety of your car.

In the summer months, tire pressure is even more important because high temperatures can cause tires to burst more easily. And they are more susceptible to bursting if the tire pressure is not correct.

This goes for every type of tire from cars to truck wheels. Not having proper tire pressure could result in a serious accident. And what a shame, after you paid so much for your brand new truck rims. All kidding aside,

Americans waste more fuel by not having the proper tire pressure than any other way you could think of.

Think about it, your tires are the only thing that touches the road. And if your air pressure is too high, less of the tire will be reaching the road. If your air pressure is too low, too much of the tire may be touching the road, and either scenario can result in catastrophic consequences, not just poor gas mileage.

To make sure your tires are at the correct tire pressure, buy yourself a tire pressure gauge, or sometimes they are available inside gas stations if you just ask the attendant.

Then open your door and look for a sticker that is affixed to the driver’s side door, the sticker there will tell you what the manufacturer finds to be the correct tire pressure.  Follow these directions and you should receive optimal performance in your car tires. Check your tire pressure regularly for a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride.

Hugh Jackman finally passed his driving test in the U.S. The Aussie actor recently cleared his busy schedule to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York’s Staten Island for a road exam.

And a witness tells the New York Daily News the X-Men star “passed with flying colours” – before celebrating the milestone by buying a sandwich and a handful of lottery tickets at the nearby Corporate Grind deli.

It’s unsure what vehicle he plans on driving, but he did arrive to the world premiere of X-Men Origins: Wolverine on a Harley Davidson motorcycle with cheers from the crowd. He should be able to get a top of the line vehicle with a fantastic wheel and tire package or custom tires as his film has become a hit worldwide.

Jackman has had a great year as he just hosted the Academy Awards in February and was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine in November. Jackman needs his drivers license for his next film directed by Neil Marshall. Jackman’s next role is as a Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman and discovers that a contract has been put out on him. The movie, fittingly enough, is called Drive.

Motor sports and water sports are gaining popularity in Dubai.  Many of the five star hotels Dubai advertises and supports offer many opportunities for visitors to partake and enjoy in these outdoor activities.  These adventures are becoming part of the progressive and active lifestyles of the locals, and an integral aspect of the tourism industry.  Go-cart racing is one of the sports gaining a passionate following.  This increase has led to the growth in popularity and participation throughout the entire city of Dubai.  Many of the competitions and races have also acquired international fans and participants as well.  Nearby towns often organize tours for those wishing to participate.  The entire industry of tourism has been affected in a positive manner.

These are often times, events that are sanctioned and supported by the government, and adhere to strict rules and regulations.  The Dubai International Rally is fast becoming one of the largest events occurring each year in the city.  Those who compete, and of course those who win, are held in very high esteem, and carry their prestigious awards with pride.  Many of the young children are now following their favorite sportsman’s careers, and are becoming inspired to follow in their footsteps.  Many training schools have opened and many are seeing the possibility of making their careers in this kind of adventurous field.  One of the largest indoor tracks in the entire Middle East, is located in Dubai, the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Road.

And for those wishing for a bit of water in their adventure, the coasts of the Arabian Sea are just perfect.  The climate is such that sports taking place outside, are just about year round events.  Water-skiing and jet skiing are gaining in popularity, with many of the locals as well as the tourists.  Most locations along the beaches offer equipment rentals and classes, so this is an attainable adventure for all.  In all, one of the best place for outdoor fun, is the incredible city of Dubai.

The original Gatorback tire received a unique sidewall rating, called a speed rating, and it was designated with a “V”. This “V” meant the tire had been safely tested in the laboratory to stay together at speeds up to 149 mph. New speed ratings followed: “H” was up to 130 mph, “S” was up to 112 mph and so on. A few years later, the “Z” speed rated tire was introduced which was “unlimited” or over 149 mph.

A few years later they stopped calling it a speed rating. How they get tested still remains the same, but there was so much negative feedback from consumers about speed ratings and what they represented, they are now called performance ratings.

See, a car equipped with a V-rated tire will stop, handle and steer better than a car not equipped with performance tires, even at regular driving speeds. By changing a car’s performance rated tires to a lower, (or high) will dramatically alter the way the car drives and feels.

The average sedan owner might not think he “needs” performance tires, but he does, even at regular driving speeds. High speed driving or racing has nothing to do with it. The truth is we are all performance drivers. Everyone benefits from performance car tires. They are safer, stop better, react quicker, steer better and stand less of a chance blowing out on the highway. They react and work much better with modern ABS systems and today’s sensitive steering and suspension systems.

Today, automobile manufacturers program into the onboard car’s computer system critical tire data, such as height and rolling resistance. Tires and wheel packages are designed as a very intricate part of the vehicle. Much like the fender for a 2003 Buick Park Ave is the only fender that will fit and work correctly; auto tires are treated with the same care and design. What the manufacturer equipped the car with, in both size and performance rating is what should always be put back on. Failure to do so can result in erratic handling of the vehicle, a check engine light on or worse yet and accident.

I joined a classic Corvette car club recently. I belonged to one when I was younger but I stopped going when I got too busy with college. Now I have a little more time and I’m restoring one so I really feel like I get a lot out of it. Some of the other members helped me find rims for sale that were just right. And a few of them helped me install the rims.

Restoring cars is something that a lot of people love to do. I enjoy it because it gets me away from my everyday life and it keeps me from watching television. I don’t want to be stuck inside all of the time with nothing to do. Instead I want to be fixing up my Corvette. And if I’m not fixing it up, I want to be deciding what needs to be done next and where I’m going to get the parts. For instance I knew I was going to need to find great tire and wheel packages.

Fixing it up helps me to feel valuable. I spend over 40 hours a week at a desk, looking at a computer screen. When I get home the last thing I want to do and should do is stare at another one. Fixing it up myself helps me to save money and that makes me feel good. So not only do I enjoy it, it builds my self-worth.

Do-It-Yourself is big. People want to restore furniture themselves. Sell their houses themselves. They even want to fix up their cars themselves. What is so great about this is that the independent American spirit soars with enthusiasm and people enjoy a real sense of accomplishment.

By increasing the value of cars themselves, people feel great about the money they spend doing it because they get such a huge profit, especially when they do it themselves. In fact, an easy way to do this is by ordering a chrome rim set, a chrome wheel set or even custom wheels. They can be installed within a day and, of course, you can do it yourself. Another great way to increase the value of your automobile is by adding small but tasteful accessories. New mirrors, a fresh coat of wax and even tint on the windows will increase the value.

The independent American spirit shines through during times when people want their dollars stretched as far as possible. And by getting every cent they can, people know that their work and effort was not done in vain.