Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Tire and wheel swaps are among the most popular aftermarket modifications out there today, but changing wheel or tire size can have unforeseen consequences in terms of torque delivery to the ground. This can have either disastrous or beneficial effects on towing, depending upon the vehicle, its engine and the gearing in the transmission and differential.
The 2010 and 2011 BMW 5 Series differed significantly, with the 2011 models undergoing dramatic body restyling and a decent upgrade in torque for the in-line six-cylinder engines. The 2011 5 Series also received a modest increase in overall size, although the automaker chose to drop the estate wagon and offer only the sedan.
Punctures, slow leaks and blowouts in regular tires are a nuisance at best or highly dangerous at worst, especially if traveling on high-speed highways or in bad weather. But run-flat tires are engineered to safely carry the weight of the vehicle for about 60 miles despite punctures and loss of pressure thanks to heavily reinforced sidewalls. Replacing a whole tire can be expensive; most run-flat tires cost at least double that of a regular tire. While a nail can be removed and temporarily plugged at home, permanent repairs should be done by a professional.
BMX trail riding requires you to pay close attention to the size of the tires on your bike. Learn about typical tire size for BMX trail riding with help from an avid skier, snowboarder and cyclist in this free video clip.
Every Hollywood starlet has her go-to get-ready-for-the-red-carpet routine: spa treatment, manicure and pedicure, hair and makeup. Of all the preparations, the most important element is the selection of a dress silhouette that accentuates every asset and camouflages little flaws — lest photographs taken by the paparazzi capture the actress looking less than her best. She does not make such decisions alone. It takes a village of fashion-savvy personal stylists and clothing designers to find just the right dress.
Alloy wheels are used by most car manufacturers and aftermarket wheel companies. Alloy is a strong, durable metal that holds up to the abuse put on your wheels every day. A scuff doesn’t do much structural damage to your alloy wheels, but it makes them look old or dirty. Dirt gets into the rough wrinkles that a scuff leaves on your wheel and is hard to clean. Repair scuffed alloy wheels to get them looking like new again.
The Lexus LX570 and Infiniti QX56 are behemoth luxury sport utility vehicles equipped with massive V-8 engines, plenty of power for towing boats or trailers, and mediocre fuel efficiency to go with the size and strength. The QX56 is the larger of the two vehicles, but it costs as much as $20,000 less than the LX570. The two vehicles are perhaps the most luxurious SUVs on the road, next to the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
The Cooper Tire and Rubber Company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio; with a market share of 13 percent, it is the fourth-largest tire company in the U.S. and the ninth largest globally. Cooper targets and manufactures primarily to the light-vehicle market, with replacement tires for motorcycles, cars, SUVs, pickups and light trucks. Its Cobra product line was introduced in 1986.
A good diagnostician is something of a Car Whisperer, one who can pick up on the tiniest of clues to intuit both the cause of a problem and the avenue to its solution. Tire cupping isn't the most common wear pattern out there, but it is one of the most serious and telling in terms of diagnosing the chassis condition.
The acronym MPH stands for "miles per hour," and is a measurement of speed. Find the rate of speed in MPH in Algebra with help from a mathematics tutor and educator in this free video clip.
Building and installing awnings above the windows and doors of your home is a simple way to keep your home cool while adding to its curb appeal. If you do not use the correct materials to build your awnings, though, they may not last long. Lightweight, durable materials, such as PVC pipe, are recommended for the awning frame because they can stand up to extreme weather. For the awning cover you need to use something water-resistant and tough, like outdoor upholstery fabric or canvas.
Video surveillance -- whether displayed openly or so low-profile you can't see it -- has a number of benefits. As a risk-management tool, it's extremely widespread; according to the California Research Bureau, approximately 75 percent of companies use some type of video surveillance. Adding such a system to your business or home means deciding on the type of system, and dealing with any legal concerns that may dictate its setup.
All tires have a specific load range combined with a ply rating on their sidewalls. The load range specifies the load or weight a tire can carry at a specific pressure, indicated in pounds per square inch. Passenger car tires have named load ranges or abbreviations. Light duty trucks show load ranges in ascending alphabetical order, with higher alphabetical letters denoting heavier constructed tires and higher pressures. Load ranges apply to various vehicle tires, but for general purposes, passenger vehicles use tires classified under three load standards.
Purchasing the right wheels is pivotal in creating the most effective performance for your longboard. Investing in a solid set of wheels ensures an even, smooth ride with limited interruptions from irregularities and cracks in the pavement. The market for longboard wheels is extensive and requires some shopping around to find the best fit for your taste and budget. A few sizing and durability guidelines help to slim down your realistic options when purchasing a set of new longboard wheels.
Congratulations: if you're wondering about the comparative virtues of perimeter- vs. center-bolt valve covers, odds are you've got some of the best cylinder heads GM ever cast for the small-block Chevy. Originally found on LT-generation small-blocks -- LT1 and LT4, among others -- the Vortec head has proved to be a budget-priced legend in its own time. But they do carry with them a few special considerations -- among them, center-bolt valve covers.
Car tire treads tend to depend on a few different things, like the overall size of the tires in question. Learn how to draw car tire treads with help from an artist in this free video clip.
Rubber alone does not have all the properties required in a good tire. Most tires made today are made out of rubber compounds made up of various chemicals mixed in with the rubber while it is still in liquid form. The chemicals used help give the tires the temperature resistance, strength and durability that they require.
Aluminum rims can be cleaned with a product called wheel brightener. Clean aluminum rims with help from the owner of a detailing business in this free video clip.
The MTD 3.5HP is a heavy-duty garden machine designed to shred and chip wood and other material from lawns and gardens. The chipper includes a shredder vacuum and is sold online and at many home or garden retailers. The specifications of the machine should be considered by potential consumers who are looking to purchase the chipper to verify that the appliance suits the desired purpose.
One of the age-old choices facing those seeking to modify their car is the decision between steel and alloy wheels. Steel wheels are generally seen as a bargain-basement standard issue feature, while aluminum alloy wheels are viewed as a premium or aftermarket option. Viewing this wheel choice through that lens, however, can be limiting, and one must consider the advantages of both steel and aluminum alloy wheels in order to make a savvy buying decision.
Low-profile air conditioners are designed to sit on a windowsill and cool and filter air as it enters the room. For those who use this model of air conditioner, the rule tends to be the smaller the better. Otherwise, the window is completely blocked and replaced with a large piece of noisy machinery.
When exterior steps begin to rot or come loose at the seams, rotten wood or loose bolts may give way at any moment, leading to a fall. For that reason, repair or replacement is necessary to keep the area safe. Before beginning the do-it-yourself project, consult with a contractor or licensed professional for costs. Compare the estimate against the cost of materials before proceeding.
The differences between equipping a car with steel wheels or alloy wheels for the average vehicle owner are minimal. Alloy wheels are lighter and sportier while steel wheels are heavier but sturdier. While some alloy wheels are lighter than steel rims by as much as 10 pounds, most tip the scales at about 3 pounds lighter, making road performance differences almost negligible to an owner of a minivan or mid-size sedan.
Lawn tractors are the workhorse of the suburban homestead, and save their owners large amounts of time and effort that can be exerted during normal lawn and yard work. When shopping for tires for these work-saving tools, the size designations, as well as the types of tires, may be confusing but knowing how these sizes are measured can help you make the right choice as to which tires should be installed on your tractor.
Clawfoot tubs bring a vintage style into the bathroom. Sitting on four legs instead of a solid edge and slightly curved, clawfoot tubs can be placed independently in a bathroom, allowing more freedom for remodeling. Although some manufacturers are designing new clawfoot tub styles, the traditional tubs are still available on the market and tend to be drastically less expensive.
Car wheels sometimes have two settings -- one for chrome wheels and one without. Learn about Subaru wheel torque settings with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video on auto repair.
Motorcycle tires are designated by a series of ratings that denote the tire's physical dimension and the maximum speed that the tire is capable of sustaining. However, a curious rating can be found on some tires, simply stating "Four-Ply." Taken at face value, the statement appears to mean little. But the amount of plies in your tire can mean a great deal below the tire's treads and on the road.
Tires are not an inexpensive purchase for most vehicles. Some trucks use larger size or stronger tires, which can cost even more than standard passenger radial tires. Uneven wearing on the outside of the tires can be due to one or multiple factors. Suspension, alignment, driving styles and even load weight can cause tires to wear unevenly. Keeping tires properly inflated is only one way of making sure you get the most out of your tires.
Tires are distinguished by their size, as well as by their tread. Tire tread refers to the design and function of the part of the tire that touches the road or surface. Certain types of tires are better equipped for particular weather conditions, while others may be more suitable for smaller or larger vehicles. Understanding the type of tread your vehicle needs can keep you safer while on the go.
Car aficionados can make a number of tweaks to their vehicles to improve traction and handling. Adding air effects, lowering the suspension and upgrading the shocks can all help handling, but traction comes almost entirely from the tires. This is, literally, where the rubber hits the road. Race drivers have long known that smooth, treadless tires give the best traction on dry pavement, but real-world driving takes other factors into account.
Stand next to the counter at any tire retailer for a while, and odds are that you'll hear these words more than any other: "It's almost the same...will it fit?" The answer is that, yes, of course it'll fit; anything is possible with a TIG welder and a sawzall. So, the real question is "Will it work for my car, and will it fit without a hassle?"
Tires size alone has nothing whatsoever to do with traction -- well, not directly, anyway. The physics of tire traction depends on three factors: the vertical force pressing down on the tire, the mass of the vehicle it's trying to accelerate and the tire's coefficient of friction. Increasing traction has a lot more to do with taking advantage of the tires' dimensions than it does with simply increasing them.
It's a fact: Everyone who loves cars loves big tires. After all, apart from the engine, what is a car but four tires and some stuff in the middle to hold them together? Whether you're talking about cruising your local boulevard, thundering down the 1320 or ascending the Slickrock of Moab, tire selection is the ultimate statement of purpose for any type of vehicle. But exercise caution, for what looks cool and works well in one venue may prove your undoing in another.
Trucks, as entities, might as well live in a completely different universe than their undersized road-going brethren. Trucks live in a world where mileage is measured in the millions, tire revolutions measured in the trillions and where nearly immeasurable angles and differences in weight can have profound effects on wear and maintenance costs. A truck's tires bear the brunt of its 80,000-pound-plus curb weight, which makes learning to read their wear patterns a vital skill for any trucker.
Checking tire pressure is like glancing down before sitting on the toilet; it's not difficult or time-consuming, but it can spare you a serious pain in the rear later. The tools required should be part of any basic kit, along with a flashlight, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers and a bit of beef jerky to distract rampaging bears. Application of the last tool may or may not apply to sitting on the toilet depending upon your particular neighborhood, a presence or absence of housing structure and the prevailing winds.
Taller tires are a favorite upgrade for many truck owners, but the increase in ground clearance and improvement in off-road performance they offer comes at a hefty premium in terms of vehicle dynamics. But it's a trade-off that many are willing to make, especially those wheeling rides that just don't look right with anything else.
A lot of myths are circulating out there concerning tires, perhaps none more relevant or dangerous than those concerning air pressure. While it is true that jacking a tire's air pressure up can decrease rolling resistance and power requirements at speed, the simple fact is that doing so will decrease your tires' safe top speed.
Cars are like two-year-olds: A good one will bring you endless joy and prove itself a pride to its guardian, while an ill-tempered one will keep you up nights and do almost anything for attention. High-speed tire rubbing is a fairly rare occurrence, but it isn't the only thing that can cause a grinding vibration at high speeds. Giving your ward the attention that it needs isn't the cheapest solution, but -- like dealing with a toddler -- it's at least a bit more permanent than just turning up the radio.
Wheels are typically made up of a rim (the periphery or the outer part) and the wheel disc to which the rim is welded. Although terms technically refer to two different things, many people use “wheel” and “rim” interchangeably. Various types of wheels are available in the market, but traditional steel wheels have not lost their appeal.
Tire maintenance can greatly affect your vehicle's performance. Properly maintained tires can increase gas mileage and make the ride smoother. Bad tires can lead to a rough ride, blow-outs and accidents. Most car owners know to replace tires before the tread gets low enough to cause problems. However, dry rot can cause a bad tire, without depleting the tire's tread. There are ways to spot tire dry rot before further problems arise.
Brushed aluminum, also known as burnished aluminum, is a popular finish for automotive rims. This type of aluminum finish looks like lustrous, polished aluminum that has been rubbed with a pencil eraser. Since brushed aluminum is a sensitive finish, you need to properly clean your rims to prevent damaging them.
The CM 646 chain hoist is an ideal tool to have if you need to lift heavy objects on a regular basis. The hoist is capable of lifting objects weighing up to 1,500 pounds and is equipped with a braking mechanism to prevent the lifting of objects that exceed the hoist’s rated weight limits. Assembly is required if you recently disassembled the hoist for repair and cleaning. The assembly process may take an hour or more.
Chrome is an integral part of any classic car or vintage bicycle. The lustrous, mirror-like finish that chrome gives a piece of metal exudes timeless attitude and an expensive appearance. Because chrome is thinly plated onto a metal surface, it must be looked after and cared for over the years. Road salt, dirt and other grime can cause scuffing and scratching on your chrome wheels, leaving them looking gray and dull. With some light cleaning and a few household supplies, you can bring back your chrome's original shine.
A Craftsman riding lawnmower, much like a vehicle, requires regular maintenance to run properly and last for many years. Maintenance, unlike repairs, is done before a problem arises for the specific purpose of avoiding that problem altogether. A well-maintained Craftsman mower will last longer than a mower that isn't cared for and will also require less money over the duration of the mower's life since maintenance is often cheaper than repairs.
Digital pressure gauges measure the difference between a system and its surrounding atmosphere. They can quantify water pressure and air pressure. These gauges are mainly used in fields in which precision and accuracy are critical, such as chemical processing plants. Unlike its mechanical counterpart, this type of gauge gives the user a larger reading range because of its high accuracy and very specific digital readouts.
During the plating process, the surface of an expensive metal, such as chrome, is transferred onto the surface of an inexpensive metal, such as aluminum, through electrolysis. This is often done to refurbish old metal tools, enhance the metal's luster or give a metal object a new look. Plating is also preferred because it is cheaper than purchasing an object composed of the more expensive metal. The process is meant to be permanent, but there are ways to remove an object's metal plating to reveal the original metal surface.
Wood structures in home construction often suffer from moisture intrusion and rotting problems. If not repaired, the rotting can increase and spread, deteriorating the wood in surrounding areas. Periodic inspection of the areas such as window casement frames where dry rot is commonly found will allow you to repair small problems before they become a significant expense.
Often an axe will spark just from use. It can happen while splitting wood, chopping down a tree and especially while sharpening the blade. The reason that the axe sparks is because it is made of steel. The main component in steel is iron, which oxidizes quickly while rusting. The oxidation process actually creates heat, turning the metal red and causing the spark as little pieces break off. The smaller the pieces that you can break off, the more sparks you will create. The harder the steel your axe is made from, the smaller the pieces that break off.
When purchasing new or used tires, age matters. In used tires, age matters slightly more than in new ones, as the former have been on the road and been subjected to rain, heat and other climatic occurrences. New tires, on the other hand, have sat on a shelf since their manufacture date and may have developed flat spots or been subject to industrial cleaning chemicals. You can easily determine the exact year by way of a number stamped on the tire’s sidewall.
Aluminum alloy wheels make a car look sporty and enhance its appearance -- as long as they’re clean and shiny. Cleaning the wheels every time you clean the car cuts down on the amount of work, but removing the film of dirt and grease that builds up on the alloy wheels requires special care, especially with salt and brake dirt on the rims.
