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Evolution of tires

Evolution of tires

Tires find applications in varied fields so much so tire production and consumption is considered a yardstick for the economic strength and performance. Tire types are innumerable. Automobile, two-wheeler, tractors, heavy duty vehicles, aircraft, all need tires and that too of various attributes. The tire has become a major industry today. All tires have some quality that runs through the whole ambit of application. The factors that run throughout the industry are strength, long life measured in terms of distance covered, high road grip and low running friction to minimize fuel consumption and a host of safety considerations. Tires have to encounter different surfaces and different speeds. Then again, if the tire is being developed for special applications, the specification would include features to accommodate the special needs. Rubber was discovered about 3500 years ago by the South American Indians. They extracted the latex from the tree The botanic name is Hevea Brasiliensis (Para Rubber Tree). They boiled the latex and made the first rubber ball. Christopher Columbus brought the rubber ball on his second return from South America. In mid-1880 solid rubber tire made their appearance. These were simple tires and the rubber took all the load and cushion the shocks.
Here’s why SUV crossovers are so popular

Here’s why SUV crossovers are so popular

A sport utility vehicle or suburban utility vehicle (SUV) is classified as a light truck vehicle, but are operated as a family vehicle. The term ‘SUV’ refers to a large vehicle which is basically designed to be used on rough roads but it is often used on highways. Whereas, crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is built on the features of SUV. Crossover combines SUV’s features. Here are some basic reasons why SUV’s are most sought after: • Comfort Zone: Unlike normal cars, SUV’s offers great space and comforts and enables a comfortable ride. • Fuel economy: The best model of these vehicles offers excellent fuel economy. On a long trip in your SUV, you would save fuel by taking less space in traffics and parking lot. The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the good examples for fuel savings. • Safety: Usually, during crashes bigger vehicles tend to be safer than smaller vehicles. In comparison with the normal cars, crossovers have gained top safety pick status from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). • Favorable to adverse road conditions: During heavy rains or storms it becomes an obstacle for a driver to encounter on the highway. Whereas an SUV can just drive over drifts, or through them.
Best hybrid cars – Going green

Best hybrid cars – Going green

With the surge in gasoline prices affecting car owners’ pockets and environmental pollution causing a constant rise in global warming at an ever increasing rate, the birth of hybrid cars has contributed majorly to fuel efficiency and pollution control. Although gasoline prices keep varying, in comparison to a traditional gasoline/diesel car powered by internal combustion engines, the advent of hybrid cars since 1999 has thrived on the advancement of technology to ensure that by using both the old-school engine with electric motors these cars can be fuel-savers for regular everyday commuters who travel quite a long distance. Apart from the fuel perspective, these cars also have other exclusive advantages for regular drivers like easy navigation at closed traffic, incentives from the federal government through tax credits, exclusive right to use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when stuck in traffic, and definitely the added advantage of a good resale price. Although the market is still fluctuating in terms of steady sale of hybrids, Honda and Toyota have ensured that their hybrids have all the features similar to the traditional cars for only a minimal higher price so as to ensure that their customers go for the new green technology associated cars as an alternative to save the environment while people can still be able to use the luxury of a car.
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid – the best in hybrid sedan class

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid – the best in hybrid sedan class

The use of hybrid cars for its fuel efficiency and controlled emission is definitely a winner in today’s scenario. Although these cars come with a hefty price tag, some of the bestsellers of the 2017 year at a reasonable price tag are the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius. Ranked within the top 5 hybrid cars, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, priced at around $37,500, the car has a wide range of features including comfort and easy navigation for consumers. Although the car is not a luxury class or very bright looking sports kind of sedan and is highly simple in terms of cosmetic looks, the Avalon Hybrid is one of the best cars within this range due to the amount of safety measures integrated into the car by Toyota. While most hybrids compromise on both the exterior and interior in order to make up for the engine performance, the Avalon Hybrid tends to stand out for the fact that Toyota has made up the car with good interiors with ample legroom and roomy seats for the everyday commuter. The cabin interior is definitely a hit in this hybrid car due to the integration of standard technology and essential safety features.
The best electric cars out there

The best electric cars out there

An electric car or electric vehicle (EV) is an automobile that is powered by one or more electric motors that use electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries. These batteries are recharged by common household electricity. Approximately three times as efficient as cars with an internal combustion or gasoline engine, EVs were popular until advances in internal combustion engines and mass production of cheaper gasoline vehicles led to a decline in their use. With improvements in battery technology, increased energy storage, and reduced costs, top automobile companies are popularizing these vehicles now, thus reducing our dependency on oil and at the same time producing no direct emissions. With renewable energy such as hydro, wind and solar, the emission benefits are dramatic. Convenient recharging of electric cars can be done in a few hours at home, about 20 to 25 miles of range in an hour of charging from a 240-volt source of electricity. Also, the only maintenance it requires is that its tires have to be rotated and kept inflated routinely. Quiet and smooth with better drive quality, electric cars have surprisingly high torque and provide an exhilarating driving experience. ‘Range Anxiety’ that usually worries electric car drivers is no longer such an issue because most electric cars are increasing their MPGe* and the option of a backup range extending engine is available for some too.
Dealing with the car owner – Things you should know about

Dealing with the car owner – Things you should know about

Planning to buy a car? Are you confused whether to visit a dealer or to buy directly from a private party? Generally, buying a car from a dealer takes a lot of pressure off, as the dealer handles all the paperwork and the whole transaction feels safe. Whereas, buying directly from a private seller means you and the seller must take care of the entire transaction. Here are the few advantages of buying cars directly from the owner (private party): Less expensive Buying a used car from a private owner is often less expensive than buying it through a dealer. Private owners sell their cars at very low prices than commercial sellers. As there are no middlemen the buy and sell spread is effectively zero.You can save heaps of money buying from a private seller. Easier negotiation Usually, the private individuals will be in the motivation of getting rid of the vehicles. Therefore, their prime motive will not be maximization of profit. Moreover, they are not professional negotiators compared to dealers. They expect you to buy somewhere between the price they fixed and they let you make your offer a price as per your satisfaction. When buying from a private party negotiation is comparatively easy, rather it takes time for the buyer and seller to settle on an acceptable price.
Popular sedans of 2016

Popular sedans of 2016

The most favorable choice of many, luxury sedans is functional and efficient too for everyday use. In addition to their dapper looks, they are powerful performers too. Check out the list of top luxury sedans of 2016. Mercedes-Maybach S600 Conservatively styled but a pinnacle of opulence. This super spacious model fitted with a 6L twin-turbocharged V12 engine that makes 523 hp and zooms from 0-60mph in 5 seconds, features the best in class interiors that is super tranquil. Audi A8 This sizeable one, with sublime craftsmanship and modern technology, is crisp inside and out. With standard leather seating, the Audi virtual cockpit, options of three robust, energetic engines, this lewd machine is for those who simply enjoy power. In abundance. Bentley Flying Spur With wood and hand sewed leather interiors, this one comes with two engine options – a 500 hp twin-turbo V8 and a 616 hp twin-turbo W12, both featuring an eight-speed automatic all wheel drive. This is one plush treat purely devoted to pleasure. Porsche Panamera Sporty and athletic, the Panamera is clearly a driver’s first choice. Scintillating acceleration is catered by a wide range of engines and trims that enable sharp handling. Its exquisite super luxurious interiors are customizable to suit differing tastes.
Chevrolet Colorado – Why the best?

Chevrolet Colorado – Why the best?

Chevrolet Colorado is a compact pickup truck sold and marketed by American Automobile manufacturers General Motors. The first generation of this vehicle hit markets in 2004, after which it has been quite successful. The mid size pickup is an excellent vehicle with its igneous design, modern security features and versatility. General Motor’s North American Operations, their Brazilian operations and Isuzu, jointly designed the first generation of these automobiles (2004-2012). The Second generation of these vehicles launched in 2012. It is available in three different cab sizes- that are regular, extended and crew cab. The automobile comes with all the features of a truck except its large size. It comes with at 8-speed automatic transmission system, which provides a smooth and easy drive. The engine is built in-house, and its superior design keeps both revs and the noise levels down, even at highway speeds. In 2017, General Motors released their latest addition to the series, in the form of Colorado ZR2. Colorado ZR2 is a class in itself. Although it really is an off-road truck, it offers the best of both worlds as it is comfortable to drive around the city also. The vehicle is loaded with certain exclusive features like Multimatic Shocks and front and rear electronic locking differentials.
Top tire service provider in the country

Top tire service provider in the country

Sam’s Club is a leading tire service provider who believes in rendering quality tire management services to both its members and customers alike. Although members may have added perks like discounts, free checkup coupons etc., the professions at Sam’s Club treat all their customers the same in terms of service. This tire service provider is a one stop shop for all automotive needs of cars, SUVs, and trucks. While providing all services from branded tires, specialty tires, mounting, wheel checkup, car services, etc., the pricing at Sam’s Club is rated the best in the market due to the wide range of services provided as a package with each purchase. Typically, a club member would have to spend only about $15 per tire in order to get a tire installation package. This deal would include services such as mounting/balancing, new valve stems, lifetime balancing and tire rotation, flat repair, waste tire disposal and road hazard protection. In the case of vehicles that are furnished with a tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS), free resets would be done at the time of service. Believing in the perpetual needs of its customers, Sam’s Club also has a dedicated 24/7 roadside tire change service available for three years from the date of purchase.
Buying rare auto parts – online and offline shopping

Buying rare auto parts – online and offline shopping

With the whole world available at your fingertips, you might be too tempted to live out your whole life online. But there are certain aspects of life that still need your presence offline. One of them is when buying a rare auto part for your favorite car. Not all the times would you be able to find the right part at the lowest price online. In most occasions when you are purchasing a fairly common part, you usually find it in most online stores. But when you are looking for a rare part for your older model, the first lookout would be your trusted mechanic. Vehicle mechanics deal with all types of cars and have a good knowledge of where to get the key components for your car. A good mechanic will be able to source the right part at a good rate through his or her network so as to retain their loyal customers.If they are too busy, they might direct you to the right place to find it. If your trusted mechanic is not able to find it, the next best place to look for will be the junkyard. Junkyards are a haven for used, scrap and unusual treasures.
AutoZone – Why the best in the automotive aftermarket

AutoZone – Why the best in the automotive aftermarket

For more than 30 years, AutoZone has been providing the best auto parts, prices and customer service in the automotive aftermarket industry. One look at their website makes it extremely clear that they offer one of the most comprehensive product range in the Country. Their pledge is intriguing indeed! It goes as follows: “AutoZoners always put customers first! 
We know our parts and products. 
Our stores look great! 
We’ve got the best merchandise at the right price.” Their goal is to provide customers with Trustworthy Advice and real solutions ensuring the customer has What It Takes To Do The Job Right, or better known to AutoZoners as WITTDTJR. A diverse and rapidly growing company, here are the key ingredients that make the company stand apart from any other in the market. Trustworthy advice Not everything comes for free and certainly not advice! However AutoZone offers thousands of parts and accessories in their stores, but the best product that is offered is the Trustworthy Advice. The AutoZone shopping experience is created keeping the customer in mind. The stores have friendly, knowledgeable AutoZoners who are glad to help you find the right merchandise at the right price. Z-net, the latest automotive technology, available only at AutoZone, lets their AutoZoners not only look up parts fast, it also helps the customers get the job done right the first time, every time by providing complete job solutions, advice, and information for their vehicles.