31 Dec

Understanding How Car Tires Are Made

Author: Car Parts Guy  |  Category: Autos and Cars

Understanding How Car Tires Are Made

Of the myriad components and systems that comprise your vehicle, the wheels are the only car part that touch the ground (hopefully). Besides keeping an eye on the air pressure and the wear of the treads, most drivers don’t give the rubber that meets the road much thought. They can be forgiven for thinking that their car’s tires are constructed solely of hardened rubber. But, there’s much more to them than that.

I realize that very few of you will find as much interest in tire construction as I do. Not everyone is an enthusiast. However, think about it from this perspective: the more you know about your car and its parts, the more educated you’ll be when taking it to a repair garage. And that can translate into a lower bill. Because you’ll be replacing your vehicle’s tires periodically, you should understand how they’re made. So, let get dig in.

Improved Construction

In the old days, wheels were built from simple materials (including rubber). The problem was that early designs delivered a rough ride. To be fair, the technology behind their construction was limited and we know much more today. Modern designs now employ hundreds of materials to improve traction, preserve the treads, and improve the handling and responsiveness of the wheels. Plus, they deliver a far more comfortable riding experience.

How They’re Made

You’ve probably heard the term “steel belted radials.” I’m going to describe how they’re built. First, each wheel has 2 steel threads (they’re actually called “beads”). Polyester cords form a network of layers (similar to collagen fibers underneath the skin) that connect to the beads. Then, an air-sealed liner is added to complete the casing.

Once the casing is built, a mesh of steel strands are used to cover it. This network of steel strands has three main jobs: to add durability to the frame of the wheel, protect the underlying casing from damage, and to ensure the treads have traction. Next, the treads are installed over the network of steel strands.

The Advance Of Tire Technology

Tires have already come a long way from the designs that were used over a century ago. And it’s likely that the technology behind them will continue to improve. Scientists are not only interested in making the treads last longer, but also to increase the level of safety, traction, responsiveness, and comfort.

High-performance vehicles already employ designs that are more heat-resistant than conventional models. Over the next few years, it’s likely that such formulas will be made available on sedans and other “traditional” vehicles. In the meantime, you can now impress (or try to, anyway) your mechanic with your newfound knowledge about how tires are made.

Related posts

Comments (0)  |  Add Comment
30 Dec

What Is Power Steering?

Author: Car Parts Guy  |  Category: Autos and Cars

What Is Power Steering?

Prior to the early 1950′s, you couldn’t buy a vehicle with power steering. Although the convenience of the option was very popular, some folks didn’t like the additional expense and chose to drive cheaper vehicles that didn’t have the luxury. In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1990′s that the feature became standard on all newly manufactured vehicles.

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of needing to maneuver quickly in a car or truck, then you probably don’t take the innovation of power steering for granted. Those who have never attempted to drive a vehicle that lacks the option would probably be surprised to see how big of a difference it makes. At high speeds, the momentum of your car makes it much easier to turn the wheel., But, at low speeds or when idling, turning the wheel requires strength. For example, when you’re trying to parallel park, there’s no momentum to leverage. Cranking the wheel can become a problem.

So, how exactly does it work? Well first of all, you should know that the feature is technically referred to as “power assisted steering.” True “power steering” is reserved for bigger, industrial type vehicles. The vast majority of cars on the road use a type of system called “rack and pinion”. Other, larger vehicles, like SUVS and full-sized pickup trucks, commonly feature “recirculating ball steering”.

Rack and Pinion

This type of setup uses a power unit that is built right into the rack assembly. When you turn the wheel, it causes the rotary valve to direct the flow of fluid towards the end of the appropriate power cylinder. The contrast of pressure created on either side of the cylinder aids in the movement of the rack, thereby drastically reducing the amount of force needed to turn the wheel. The excess fluid is then collected and returned to the tank by a control valve.

Recirculating Ball System

As with a rack and pinion system, this type of setup also features a control valve that regulates fluid pressure. However, in contrast to rack and pinion, recirculating ball steering uses steel balls that serve as rolling threads between the rack piston and the shaft. Using hydraulic pressure, the piston is moved up when you turn right, and down when you turn left.

Electric Systems

Some newer cars have been implementing a system that uses electric components in the place of hydraulic systems. However, a rack and pinion system is usually in place to serve as a backup in case there is some sort of electric component failure.

The most common cause of failure is low fluid. Always make sure to maintain adequate fluid levels (along with every other fluids your vehicle needs, of course).

Related posts

Comments (0)  |  Add Comment
22 Dec

Reasons For Buying Car Seat Covers

Author: Car Parts Guy  |  Category: Autos and Cars

Reasons For Buying Car Seat Covers

When you buy a new vehicle, the interior looks immaculate. The dashboard is clean, the floors are spotless, and the seats are untainted by dirt, grime, or damage. Over time, if left unprotected, you can count on your car’s upholstery becoming dirty, worn out, or even cracked and ripped. If the sun and cold weather don’t claim them, constant exposure to passengers (including pets) will.

Most drivers are happy with the interior of their vehicle when they sign the purchase contract, so they usually won’t consider buying seat covers. That’s a mistake. Just like floor mats protect your vehicle’s carpet from unsightly stains, seat covers protect the upholstery. Here are the 3 most important reasons to invest in them.

#1 – Inexpensive Interior Design

It’s not uncommon to want to change the interior aesthetics of your vehicle, especially if you’ve owned it for several years. Keep in mind that most permanent changes (for example, reupholstering) are expensive. If you’re on a limited budget, you can enjoy the same visual appeal with seat covers. In fact, by purchasing a few of them, you can modify your car’s interior as the seasons change.

#2 – Protection From The Elements

Don’t underestimate the potency of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the cold weather. If your vehicle’s interior is cloth, the sun can slowly cause it to deteriorate. After a few years baking in the heat, the cloth can weaken and easily rip, making the interior look unattractive and uninviting. If the interior is made from leather, the sun and cold weather can cause cracking. Plus, the leather can develop small fissures that lengthen with time. By covering the upholstery, you can protect it from the elements.

#3 – Keeps Upholstery Clean

If you have passengers, the upholstery will get dirty. It’s inevitable. Whether there’s a constant rotation of children, people with recent stains on the back of their pants, or even your dog, lightly-colored upholstery will attract grime. You can always reupholster your vehicle’s interior, but as noted, it’s expensive. The most cost-effective option is to keep your seats clean with covers.

Covering For Long-Term Appeal

If you don’t care about how the inside of your vehicle looks, then covering the cloth or leather of your upholstery won’t be an issue. That said, most drivers want their cars to look attractive. The problem is that the fabric can either wear out and rip, or develop unpleasant dirt and grime stains. Consider buying a set of protective coverings. You can purchase them to fit high-backs, head rests, and other configurations. It’s the best low-cost alternative to reupholstering your car.

Related posts

Comments (0)  |  Add Comment
« Previous Entries