Automotive News and Rumors » admin http://www.norsgear.com Car | Motorbike | Auto Sports | Parts & Accessories Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:49:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Consumers Confused by Modern Cars http://www.norsgear.com/consumers-confused-by-modern-cars/ http://www.norsgear.com/consumers-confused-by-modern-cars/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:45:10 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/consumers-confused-by-modern-cars/ New research suggests that fancy additions to today’s vehicles are leaving many Britons bewildered.

Insurance services provider LV= claims that over a third (37 per cent) of people interviewed in a recent study admitted to not understanding the function of the fancy icons displayed on their dashboards. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of people said that they would be unable to fix their car in the event of a breakdown. An extra 47 per cent had no idea how an engine works, with only 5 per cent claiming to have good knowledge of how a vehicle works.

Britain it seems is a nation that relies on breakdown and repair services, with as few as 4 per cent of car owners confident they could repair their car if it broke down, while a further 18 per cent claimed the could carry out basic repairs without help.

For those looking to fund expensive repairs to their vehicle, a cheap personal loan may allow car-owners to get their vehicle back on the road quickly providing the extra cash flow needed to cover maintenance costs.

Confusion about the varied functions of today’s vehicles were said to be compounded by a multitude of acronyms used to describe already obscure features. More than a quarter (28 per cent), said that they were unaware that the acronym MPV stood for multi person vehicle, while 63 per cent of respondents were found to hold the false belief that FWD stands for four wheel drive. In fact, the term is used to denote front wheel drive vehicles.

The LV= report also examined male and female perceptions to their own understanding of how vehicles work, with men said to be reluctant to admit their bafflement at the complexities of modern cars, the company states. Despite not knowing how to undertake basic repairs or fix their cars in the event of a breakdown, 71 per cent of men said that their understanding of automobiles was average or above. Only one in ten men admitted to knowing nothing about modern cars, compared to 30 per cent of women.

Emma Holyer, spokesperson for breakdown service Britannia Rescue, said: “There is little doubt that innovation has made driving a far more pleasurable experience, but it has made part-time weekend mechanics a thing of the past. With many cars relying on complex electronics or technology, many problems now require specialist equipment, as well as specialist knowledge, to get the problem fixed. Which makes it even more important for motorists to take out breakdown cover, at least they can then get back on the road quickly and easily in the event of a breakdown.”

The research follows reports last month by motor services group the AA suggesting that car insurance costs are becoming an increasingly prohibitive item of expenditure for many UK vehicle owners. Citing statistics from MoneyExpert, the group states that the average annual insurance policy costs 629 pounds and four pence. A personal loan quote may be advisable for those looking to fund the additional costs of keeping a car on the road.

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]]> http://www.norsgear.com/consumers-confused-by-modern-cars/feed/ 0 Car Insurance – Advantages of Owning a Classic Car (part 2) http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-2/ http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-2/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:01:55 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-2/ As pointed out in the previous article, there is a considerable amount to be saved for those that invest in a classic car compared to purchasing a modern-day car; particularly with regards to insurance, MOT costs and overall value.

Petrol costs are generally similar to an equivalently powered modern-day car. Interestingly, many classic cars can be converted to run on LPG, using the same procedure as modern-day cars. This will obviously have a positive affect on annual fuel costs.

The cost for replacing headlamps, radiator grills, bumpers etc. is usually considerably cheaper than that of modern-day cars. A typical rear lamp for a Morris Minor will cost in the region of £25, replacing the counterpart on a modern model can easily run into the hundreds! Therefore, the cost of minor repairs is also something that benefits the classic car owner.

Another not so obvious reason for choosing a classic car over a recently manufactured one is the advantages this has on the environment. It is widely believed that the overall carbon footprint of nearly every modern car has a great deal to do with their manufacture. So by choosing to re-use an already existing model you are undoubtedly doing your part to benefit our environment.

Furthermore, many of the components that make up today’s cars are designed to be binned and replaced on fault, hardly fitting with the “eco-friendly” lifestyles’ that we are encouraged to lead. Faults with older cars though, can usually be resolved by disrupting a much lower proportion of the vehicle.

Lastly, there is the social aspect of owning a classic, from like-minded individuals flashing their headlights at you to joining an owners club or attending any one of the hundreds of events – owning a classic can be very enjoyable. Such clubs and events are amass with knowledgeable owners who are often more than eager to offer a helping hand to those new to the hobby. Moreover, the larger make-specific clubs are an excellent place to pick up rare parts.

As you can see there is much more to owning a classic than you may have first thought, it’s important to note that all of the financial advantages relating to insurance and running costs are based on the premise that your classic will be of a high standard and well looked after.

The internet is an excellent place to read more about classics as well as finding classic car insurance, many of the larger car insurance comparison websites offer such features.

 

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-2/feed/ 0 Why Are Car Covers Needed? http://www.norsgear.com/why-are-car-covers-needed/ http://www.norsgear.com/why-are-car-covers-needed/#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:32:53 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/why-are-car-covers-needed/ No matter where you live your car is going to experience the weather and that means several major contributors to the deterioration of the look of your automobile’s bodywork can get to work; the sun and the rain are the two major ones but there are also instances of frost damage too.

Obviously, the best place to house a car when it isn’t being used is inside a garage or fixed shelter but that is not always possible and in fact most cars and vehicles are kept outside in the elements often for months at a time. This is not good news for your bodywork or the car generally so at least make an effort to get the vehicle under cover which means you need a car cover that is both rain and sun resistant.

There are many car covers available on the market both readymade in pre-defined sizes and custom covers made specifically for that make and model of vehicle; whichever you choose you need to make sure they protect your pride and joy. Just because you have purchased a rubberized cover does not mean it will prevent the harmful UV rays of the sun. Just as UV rays harm your skin and can do so even through clothing, so the sun’s harmful impact can be felt through an otherwise waterproof covering. You must have protection from both elements so it must be waterproof and able to block the sun’s rays.

Making sure the car cover fits your vehicle is also an issue to ensure the most effective protection you can provide. Remember, your car may be left for weeks or months (and in some sad cases, even years) and making sure that the covering is going to stay in place owes a lot to how well the cover fits and is secured. The material must be durable and able to continue providing protection for years despite being exposed to the elements itself. There is no point in using a car protection cover which ends up becoming semi-detached from the car because the wind has blown it loose and exposed parts of your car to the ravages of sun and water!

A good fitting, quality car protection cover will not just protect your car from the impact of weather conditions; a good car cover will be robust enough to provide protection from physical knocks and scratching caused by people, especially children as well as household pets and wildlife. Bird droppings for instance, will quickly cause deterioration in modern car bodywork paint and quickly provide weak areas for water to work on producing rust spots and worse.

When you are ready to use your car you need to be able to easily stow the car protection cover away for use next time and this is when a protection cover made from durable, flexible modern materials come into their own and allow for easy handling and storage. The protection cover must not ***** along the creases caused by folding and being kept for lengthy periods of time when not in use so the protection provided is maintained when you come to use it again.

Leaving your vehicle out in the open without any protection is simply going to accelerate the depreciation in value of the vehicle while using a car protection cover will only cost you a fraction of the value you will lose. Take the time to ensure that you buy a quality car protection cover which will stand the test of time and provide protection for your vehicle and you will be able to enjoy your car looking its best for that much longer.

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/why-are-car-covers-needed/feed/ 0 Can You Still Work on Modern Cars Yourself? http://www.norsgear.com/can-you-still-work-on-modern-cars-yourself/ http://www.norsgear.com/can-you-still-work-on-modern-cars-yourself/#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:32:04 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/can-you-still-work-on-modern-cars-yourself/ It wasn’t that long ago that you could pop the hood on your car and climb in to work on the engine. These days, you can barely get an arm down into the engine compartment. This begs the question of whether you can still work on your own car these days given the complexities involved?

Cars from the 1970s are essentially the same as modern cars. By this, I mean they generally have the same parts. Both cars have pistons, pumps, suspensions and what have you. The primary difference is the parts in the modern vehicle have evolved, in some cases dramatically.

The biggest difference is undoubtedly the computerization of the modern car. A computer controls the climate in the car. A computer controls the power being applied to the wheels. A computer controls the rate and timing of fuel injection into the cylinders. A computer…well, you get the idea. Given this complexity, can you still hope to work on your own car without causing a host of problems?

The good news is you can still work on your car. There are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t be scared to do so. The first is the computerization of the modern car can actually help you. How so? The computer not only contains programs for controlling various aspects of the car, but it also will give you readings regarding problem areas. You can just plug in and error codes will show up. It speeds up the diagnostic process by a factor of 10.

There is another benefit to the design of the modern car. Cars are now a collection of modular components. Let’s say you have a ***** in your from right headlight. Instead of replacing the lens, you just pop out the entire headlight module and pop a new one in. It literally takes five minutes or less. Much of the modern car is this way including many of the functioning components such as pumps.

There is, of course, a downside as well. The biggest issue usually has to do with tools. You are going to need a few specialized ones to make repairs. For instance, you can’t just plug your laptop into the car computer. You need a diagnostic tool designed for it. A secondary problem can also be the cost of the parts. Modulation is great when it comes to convenience, but the parts can cost a lot more given the fact you tend to be replacing the entire component instead of just a smaller part.

Overall, however, you can definitely still work on the modern car. If you’re like me, the problem is finding the time to do it!

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/can-you-still-work-on-modern-cars-yourself/feed/ 0 Modern car mirror for enhanced safety http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-mirror-for-enhanced-safety/ http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-mirror-for-enhanced-safety/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:39:18 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-mirror-for-enhanced-safety/ Car mirror

For safe driving it is necessary that you clearly see what is happening on the road. When you can properly see what is happening you can take whatever action is required to drive safely. There are several devices that help you in seeing in front of you, even when it is not sunny and bright. There are windscreen wipers, headlights, and fog lights etc. for this purpose. It is equally important to see what is going on behind your vehicle. Car mirrors i.e. rear-view mirrors and side mirrors help you in doing so. They inform you of the traffic that follows your vehicle. It prepares you to take whatever action may be required under those conditions.

There are rear-view mirrors, side mirrors, wide angle mirrors which show traffic behind you from different angles and covering different areas. However, a car mirror is no longer a simple device that merely shows you the road and traffic behind your vehicle. These have undergone number innovations and other features have been added. Their utility is further enhanced and field of their operation is enlarged. All such innovations add to other safety measures already included in your car.

There are automatic dimming mirrors. If a car that follows you has bright headlights which send a beam of light that prevents you from seeing clearly, these mirrors dim the reflected light. You have a clear vision of the traffic that follows you.

There are side-mirrors which also function as signal lights. They indicate to the driver following your car whether you will be turning left or right.

Large vehicles have their special problems. When a truck or a big SUV is being driven in reverse there is a danger that it may hit something. There are special wide angle mirrors that help you in avoiding such a mishap.

Special mirrors have been designed for towing. These provide visibility over a larger area.

Car mirrors are marketed in a number of designs and colors. You can know more about car mirrors at www.ilovebodykits.com. If you are buying a car body kit as well then you can choose a car mirror that matches the style and color of the car body kit.

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-mirror-for-enhanced-safety/feed/ 0 Exploding the Myths of Classic Car Ownership: Part 1 http://www.norsgear.com/exploding-the-myths-of-classic-car-ownership-part-1/ http://www.norsgear.com/exploding-the-myths-of-classic-car-ownership-part-1/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:57:12 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/exploding-the-myths-of-classic-car-ownership-part-1/  



Myth 1: Classic cars are expensive.

The honest response here is that they do not need to be expensive – and classic car ownership is all about how much you can afford to spend.

 

No-one can expect to pick up a classic Aston Martin for small change, but at the same time some great examples of much less rare cars can be picked up, literally, for just hundreds of pounds. In the same vein, a decrepit old wreck of a Ford Anglia will be much cheaper than a fully-restored, roadworthy version.

 

As a general rule of thumb though, classic saloon cars (ie family motors) are priced much more competitively than sports versions. Classic Triumph ownership is a great example – a neat and tidy Herald saloon could be bought for well under £1,000 but its sports equivalent, the Spitfire, could easily be double the price.

 

To be honest, it’s much like buying a new modern car – where top quality sports models cost much less than affordable family cars. But with classic cars you get much more fun and definitely more admiring glances. New Daewoo Matiz or old MGB? Hmmm, let me see now…

 

Myth 2: Classics can’t run on unleaded petrol.

Oh yes they can, but you need to take advice. Generally, more recent classics with alloy heads and hardened valve seats run ok on unleaded petrol, but my advice would be to check with those in the know like classic car clubs and other owners.

 

Very old engines found in cars like Morris Minors do struggle on unleaded and damage can be caused to the engine, but even then it’s a rectifiable situation if you’re prepared to pay a couple of hundred quid or so for a reconditioned cylinder head.

 

Another option is to use a liquid fuel additive, which you pour into the tank before filling up but generally avoid any weird gadgets or gizmos which claim they will enable you to run on unleaded. The easiest things is to check with other enthusiasts or owners and, let’s be honest, the internet has made that incredibly easy.

 

Myth 3: The insurance premiums are high.

There is no reason to believe that classic car insurance is any more expensive than normal car insurance, although you do have a better chance of getting competitive quotes if you use a specialist classic car insurer like Sureterm Direct.

 

Rather than add your classic to existing insurance policies, or sell something that doesn’t quite suit your vehicle, specialists understand all about classic car ownership and are able to tailor unique insurance packages to match your vehicle and needs exactly.

 

The very best thing to do is make sure you speak to a classic car insurance specialist operator, rather than relying purely on online application forms. This way, you can cover every single aspect of what you need your policy to cover.

 

And if you are a member of a classic car club, companies like Sureterm Direct offer you extra discount in your classic car insurance premium.

 





Myth 4: I need loads of tools in case my classic car breaks down.

This all depends on your level of car maintenance expertise in the first place. If you don’t drive around with a full toolkit in the back of your 08 reg BMW today (and, be honest, who does?) then why would you want to do so just because you own a classic?

 

If you get good insurance and breakdown cover, any serious problem can be dealt with quickly by the experts. If you know your way around an engine just a little bit, then I’d recommend stocking up with some water, oil and anti-freeze and carrying a set of spanners and screwdrivers. This is enough to deal with minor problems. And duct-tape is a must. It’s sticky as hell, tough and water resistant, so for a quick repair to rubber hoses and vinyl roofs, it’s a must-have. Sometimes I think the world must be held together by Duct tape!

 

Oh, and invest in a good tow rope. Sorry to be negative, but it’s essential.



Myth: UK classic cars are tax-exempt

No they’re not. Cars built prior to Jan 1 1973 do qualify for zero rated road tax. You are still required to display a tax disc to prove that when you applied for the disc you had current insurance and MOT. But you don’t have to pay anything.

 

You can thank the government for the Jan cut-off. So it means you may have to stump up while your neighbour’s car, built 24 hours earlier, is tax-free. And remember, it’s when the car was built – not registered.

 

Myth 6: Spare parts for old cars are very expensive.

Again, this depends on the type, make and model of car and how desirable, common or rare it is in the classic car world.

 

Unsurprisingly, there are specialist parts dealers and, in some cases, it’s easy to buy newly-manufactured replacement parts based on the originals’ design. If you get into classic car ownership and join a club, then networking with other like-minded individuals soon helps you navigate through the parts minefield – and it’s surprising how many serious classic car fans have actually stockpiled spares so they can help out other owners – even it’s for a small fee.

 

Once again, the internet comes into play here and it’s a fun and helpful way to find spares. Quite often, you’ll find forums and sites where some people are seeking spares and others selling them.

 

Myth 7: Classic cars are unsafe.

No, they’re not. They were roadworthy once and age doesn’t make them instantly unsafe! But it is true, of course, that they are not as well equipped with safety features as modern cars. In the not so distant past, there were no airbags, ABS or crumple zones – go further back and even seatbelts were missing!

 

Volvo’s ‘king of safety’ reputation started in the 1950’s and it took a while for other manufacturers to catch up, but a good quality classic is still a safe motor so long as it’s in good condition. Generally speaking, older cars are made more substantially (ie heavier and stronger) than more modern vehicles. And while they don’t fold and absorb crash impact energy like modern cars, the bodywork is certainly a lot tougher.

 

The sensible classic car owner has, in the forefront of their mind, the fact that while the car may be tougher – the stress and strain on the driver/passenger in a heavy shunt is a lot more uncomfortable than with a car of today. So, to compensate, they drive much more safely – leaving appropriate stopping distances, appreciating weather conditions, and respecting speed limits and road signs.

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/exploding-the-myths-of-classic-car-ownership-part-1/feed/ 0 Car Insurance – Advantages of Owning a Classic Car (part 1) http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-1/ http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-1/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:01:11 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-1/ When considering the advantages of a classic car, first and foremost are the financial implications of owning and running such a car. Purchasing and using a classic car as your main method of transport can save a considerable amount in motoring bills when compared to a typical modern car.

One of the areas that differs considerably between modern and classic cars is deprecation. This is perhaps one of the most frustrating facts for those driving a modern car – the knowledge that all of the money they spend keeping their car roadworthy is having no impact on its overall value. In fact, nearly all modern cars will depreciate a considerable amount during their lifetime. For example, a brand new, entry model VW Polo, purchased for just under £8000 will be worth a tad over £3000 in four years time, that’s a deprecation of over £1000 a year!

A well looked after classic car thankfully, will not share this same painstaking truth, in fact in some cases, albeit rare cases, they even appreciate.

Secondly there’s the insurance, which can work out considerably less when compared to a policy for a typical modern-day car. In most cases you will have to be over 25 years old to insure a classic car however, when you do, expect to pay no more than a couple of hundred pounds. This can be slashed even further if you opt for a limited mileage policy, which is advised if you do not intend to use your classic as your main method of transport.

Road tax is another area those driving classic cars reap the benefits of; as if their vehicle was built before 1973 then they are not required to pay a penny. This can save roughly £160 a year alone! It’s worth noting that a tax disc still needs to be displayed, essentially just to prove that your vehicle had a valid MOT and insurance.

As you can see there is a great deal to be saved when investing in a classic car, with regards to insurance, MOT costs and overall car value. If you need classic car insurance, then the internet is an excellent place to source and compare quotes as well as finding out all you need to about classic car insurance.

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]]> http://www.norsgear.com/car-insurance-advantages-of-owning-a-classic-car-part-1/feed/ 0 Modern Car Care Myths http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-care-myths/ http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-care-myths/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:01:15 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-care-myths/ Our vehicles can be costly, and for that reason, we all want to take good care of them and make sure we can get as much life out of them as possible. In this, most of us want to know what we should do to help our vehicles along – but we also want to know what not to do, so that we aren’t wasting our money.

So – what are some of the basic car care myths professionals have identified?

1. Myth #1 – Tune-ups – How often should you have your vehicle tuned up? Do you know? Most engines are computer monitored and controlled – the good news with this is, they don’t need tune-ups as often as a traditional engine. There was a time that with a standard tune-up, it often called for new ignition parts such as a distributor cap, spark plugs, and points and rotors. Besides spark plugs, which usually don’t have to be changed until 100,000 miles, today’s cars aren’t built with points and rotors, and many engines don’t have distributor caps that need replacement as often.

2. Myth #2 – Having Your Car Lubricated – In the old days, cars had chassis that needed lubrication. All that metal, potential rust – you name it, the car needed to be greased. But now, cars are a combination of metal and plastic and therefore need little additional lubrication.

3. Myth #3 – Flushing Your Radiator Annually – Manufacturers have made significant advancements in engine cooling systems during the past few years with closed systems that recirculate coolant. These new systems don’t lose coolant as often, and coolant manufacturers have also made advancements in their products’ chemical components with synthetic materials, making the seasonal radiator flush almost extinct. It is still important to check fluid levels periodically–especially before long trips–and use the manufacturer-recommended coolant. You should change your coolant about every four years. Coolant chemicals last longer than they used to, and newer engines aren’t going to be damaged by leaving it in long.

When changing your coolant, try a premixed formulation rather than adding tap water, which contains minerals that can cause trouble.

Some coolants will need to be mixed with water, in this case use only distilled water which doesn’t have the hard minerals in it.

For those who live in extreme climates, hot or cold, then you should be paying much more attention to your coolant than others.

4. Myth #4 – Wheel Alignment – We all want to keep our car in balance and were taught growing up to make sure our vehicle had the tires rotated frequently so that it stayed in alignment. Although it’s important to keep tires properly maintained and inflated, it’s not always necessary to have them aligned every time they are rotated. A majority of manufacturers recommend a wheel alignment and wheel balance only if there is a major issue with the car pulling to one side or another.

5. Myth #5: Winterize Your Car – Many grew up with the notion that before winter came, you had to winterize your car. Your car’s maintenance doesn’t have to be tied to the seasons. Today’s modern cars don’t require the same amount of attention. Professionals say, other than possibly changing to winter tires, modern cars don’t require special attention at this time of year the way that your parents’ car might have.

What can you do for your car before winter? During colder months, it is advisable for you to keep more gas in your car’s tank. Why – this is due to the fact air carries moisture and water, which can freeze and crystallize.  The more gas in the tank, the less air – and less chance of ice forming inside where it could get into fuel lines and cause trouble, he says.

So, don’t spend unnecessarily, in these times, we all want to be a bit wiser about where our dollar goes. And enjoy your car for as long as you have it.

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/modern-car-care-myths/feed/ 0 Sport Cars – Modified by Technology for Higher Performance http://www.norsgear.com/sport-cars-modified-by-technology-for-higher-performance/ http://www.norsgear.com/sport-cars-modified-by-technology-for-higher-performance/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:44:38 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/sport-cars-modified-by-technology-for-higher-performance/ A sports car can be referred to as an automobile specifically intended for performance driving. Almost all sports cars are rear-wheel drive, possess two seats, two doors, and are intended for accurate handling, acceleration, and aesthetics. A sports car mainly aims at high-class road handling, braking, maneuverability, low weight, and high power, and not passenger space, comfort, and fuel saving.

Sports cars come under either luxurious or spartan, but the compelling aspect is the driving mechanical performance. Drivers consider brand name and the related racing reputation and history as important pointers of sporting versatility, but some brands, even though they do not indulge in racing or constructs racing cars, is also widely respected.

A car may be classified as a sporting automobile even if it is not a sports car. Performance alterations of common, production cars, such as sport compacts, sports sedans, muscle cars, hot hatches and other cars similar to these generally are not sports cars, still share characteristics owned by sports cars. Sometimes, performance cars of all compositions are classified as Sports cars, or, often, as performance cars.

A sports car does not need a big, powerful engine, even though a lot of them do have them. Some traditional sports cars do not possess powerful engines, but were popular for excellent handling because of its light weight, a well-engineered, balanced chassis, and modern suspension. On complex and compressed roads, automobile like them achieve more efficiency than a heavier, more powerful luxury car with less flexibility.

As a result of North American safety regulations, a lot of sports cars are not in the market for sale or use in the United States and Canada. In the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle Eastern market (e.g. UAE), an adjustable attitude towards small-volume specialist manufacturers has helped companies to flourish. The drive train and engine layout decide the handling features of an automobile, and is the core to the design of a sports car.

For sports cars of any generation the front-engine, rear-wheel drive train layout (FR layout) is common. This configuration has lasted the test of time longer in sports cars compared to mainstream automobiles. For achieving of better handling and weight distribution, other formats have been developed. The RMR layout is a commonly feature seen only in sports cars – the motor is centre-mounted in the chassis (nearer to and behind the driver), and supports only the rear wheels. High-performance sports car and supercar manufacturers always show a liking to this layout. A lot of modern cars, specifically grand tourers, also employ a FMR layout, with the motor placed between the front axle and the firewall.

Only a few manufacturers still employ the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (RR layout). The motor has well spread out weight across the wheels, and this delivers exceptional traction, but is not advisable, as the engine’s weight is not between the two axles; the vehicle is badly balanced, thus, many early vehicles handled errantly. However with the continuous modifications to the design, added with the engineering developments and support of electronic driving i.e. computerized traction-stability control, the manufacturers have been able to fight against inherent weaknesses in the design. Sports cars continue to be an irresistible attraction for car fanatics all over the world.

]]> http://www.norsgear.com/sport-cars-modified-by-technology-for-higher-performance/feed/ 0 5 Security Systems Your Car Is Not Safe Without http://www.norsgear.com/5-security-systems-your-car-is-not-safe-without/ http://www.norsgear.com/5-security-systems-your-car-is-not-safe-without/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:13:41 +0000 admin http://www.norsgear.com/5-security-systems-your-car-is-not-safe-without/ The rising car theft has raised concerns about the car security to a newer height. Thus this crisis situation has led to a reinvented demand for some innovative car security systems. First of all, there are the safest and most popular immobilizer systems and car alarms.

However, if you are desperate to come out of the realm of these traditional vehicle security devices such as immobilizer systems and alarms, then there are some more security systems for your car too.

Such vehicle security products are a lot more secure as the car criminals find themselves less resourceful while trying to overcome such deterrents. Thus the following car security systems which can play a role of efficient guards are the need of the hour.

Conventional Alarms : Being used for last many years, they have got the trust seal of the most car owners. So there is no way you can\’t plan to have such one for your car. The moment your car is touched with an evil intention, the shrill sound generated by the alarm is more than enough to frighten the car thief and draw the attention of people around the car. Such car security alarms are equipped with motion detectors and shock sensors too.

Immobilizer Systems : An immobilizer system can be another safest option for you car security. However, most of the times, you are not required to buy such one as modern cars are equipped with it already. It works automatically.

Thus a car gets immobilized as soon as it is parked. It makes the cars immovable as it breaks the ignition circuit completely. In case, if you have an old car you can get it installed by any car mechanic. In this case, you need to operate it manually.

Heavier Car Locking Systems : Car locks are the most basic, safest and the most famous car security systems. It is up to you which car lock you choose to get your car protected. Steering locks are used by a majority of car owners. However, you can get other types of locks such as handbrake locks, gearstick locks and pedal locks.

They make effective deterrents to shoo away the car thieves. You can easily get them on discount from the stores. Refrain from buying lighter locks. They are easy to cut, so they prove luring to thieves. Buy such locks with heavier hinges.

Inexpensive Locking Wheel Nuts : It is always better to opt for locking wheel nuts. They are always cost-effective and extremely secure. Such locking nuts can be preferred to expensive alloy wheels. They make car stealing a bitter experience for the thieves. However, they are not needed for modern cars which come with alloy wheels. So it is up to you, what you prefer to choose. Either a new car during this recession or a cheaper locking wheel nut for the older model.

Effective Tracking Systems : Being the most expensive by nature, they tend to be the safest too. Tracking systems are mostly liked by those who drive expensive luxury cars. Of course, it is justified to use the costliest car security systems for one of the most expensive cars. You need to take the services of a tracking company which uses GPS technology to track you car. A transmitter is installed in your car which provides the leads, if it is found missing.

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