The History Of Lamborghini

Learn about the history of the Italian supercar company maker, Lamborghini, founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963.

Lamborghini was founded o n 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, who after serving the Italian army started his company of manufacturing tractors. Before the magnanimity of his success, he started with a car and motorcycle repair shop, after returning from the armed forces where he served as part of the mechanical corps. His tractor business grew in abundance and in 1960 he began making air conditioners and heaters for buildings. His success was commemorated in Santa Agata Bolognese, Italy, where the headquarters of Lamborghini stands ‘till present. His inspiration to build high-speed and high powered vehicle was prompted and provoked when he met Enzo Ferrari.

Ferruccio complained to Enzo about the clutch of his Ferrari car. His complain was replied by telling him that "the problem is not with the car but with driver"... and was advised to look after his tractors instead. Disappointed and resentful, he dismounted the transmission of his Ferrari car and found out that transmission used were the same transmission being used in his tractors. Then encouraged Ferruccio Lamborghini combined the talents of Giotto Bizzarini, Franco Scaglione, and Gian Paolo Dallara, who previously worked with Enzo Ferrari. Upon his invitation they have created the rival of the Ferrari, the Automobili Lamborghini. Quite a very interesting Lamborghini history; the very first Lamborghini was the prototype GTV and the very first car production was the Lamborghini 350GT. It contained all functions and parts that a Ferrari was inferior of.

You might notice that a Lamborghini supercar is less popular compared to other sports car in the race track, this is because of the "no racing" policy of the founder itself that is in contrast to his rival’s reason where the main purpose of the Ferraris production was to generate revenue to sustain motor racing participation and events. This resulted to the development of Lamborghini model, Muira; a car with a mid engine that has the potential for racing, which was designed and engineered by his ex-Ferrari colleagues who are race-enthusiasts and are against the "no racing" policy of Ferruccio.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on 28th April 1916, under the Taurus Zodiac sign, thus the crest of the company was taken after. Almost all Lamborghini models, past and present were named in relation to bull fighting or the famously bred bull in Italy. Muira, after Don Eduardo Muira, who was a bullfighting breeder; Islero, was after a bull that killed famous matador, Manolete; Espada, which means sword, a weapon of a matador; Jarama of Lamborghini Jarama, was either taken from the popular area for bullfighting and or the racing circuit; however, the Countach, which means "wolf whistle" in Italian was the first Lamborghini to break the traditional relation of names in the Lamborghini line. Again, after which, the tradition was rectified with Diablo, which was a famous fighting bull; Murcielago, which was one of the bulls of the Muira breed; Gallardo, another famous bull in the Muira breed; and the Reventon, the name of the famous bull that killed matador Felix Guzman.

By Joe Hayes

The History of Ferrari

Learn the history of the Itialian supercar manufacturer Ferrari, from it's humble beginnings in the early 1900's.

On February 18, 1898 – Enzo Ferrari was born, near Modena, Italy. When he reached the age of 10, his father brought him to Bologna to witness an automobile race. Finally, after attending many other races, Enzo Ferrari made up his mind to become a racing car driver. This was the beginning of Ferrari history.

As it turned out, he did become one, taking up racing while working at a small car company that was involved with converting the surplus of war. In 1919 he entered the Targa Floria and finished at the ninth place. This got him a job with Alfa Romeo and joined the 1920 Targa Floria, driving a modified production car. This time, Enzo Ferrari finished second.

While racing at the Circuit of Sivocci in Ravenna in 1923, Enzo Ferrari was approached by Count Enrico and Countess Paolina Baracca, parents of Francesco Baracca – the heroic Italian pilot. Francesco Baracca was known of as the Italian ace of aces. During the war, he died on Mount Montello. He had a squadron badge, which had a prancing horse on a yellow shield. This badge was given to Enzo Ferrari by the count and countess. The Ferrari history continues on.

For many years, Enzo Ferrari was with Alfa Romeo; however, there were only a few cars he built, bearing his name and the design of the badge given to him by Francesco Baracca’s parents. In 1929, Enzo Ferrari kept himself busy forming and organizing the Scuderia Ferrari, which had the goal of organing races for the members. The Scuderia Ferrari team entered in 22 competitions and bagged 8 victories along with many good placings.

By 1940, Enzo Ferrari parted ways with Alfa Romeo and put up a new company he named Auto-Avio Costruzioni Ferrari. The Ferrari workshop moved from Modena to Maranello during the Second World War. Ferrari’s workshop fell victim to the war in 1944 – completely annihilated by bombs. Rebuilding of the shop was done a year after the war in 1946, and this was when the first Ferrari motorcar was worked on: the 125 Sport.

This car brought Ferrari many winnings, that winning became a tradition. It was in 1947 that the first Ferrari car ever competed in a race; and since then, Ferrari has had more than five thousand race track successes all around the world. Fifty percent of the Ferrari’s share capital was sold by Enzo Ferrari to the Fiat group in 1969. By 1988, the figure was raised to 90%.

Enzo Ferrari was 90 when he died, August 14 1988, in Modena, Italy.

By Joe Hayes

Enter New Ferrari With Promise of More Excitement

Ferrari unveiled their 2009 car the F60 complete with cleaner aerodynamics and an energy-saving system

The reality of formula one's most wide-ranging technical changes in more than a decade became clear yesterday when Ferrari unveiled their 2009 car at the Mugello race track in Italy. The Ferrari F60, named in recognition of the Italian team having competed in 60 years of grand prix racing, is the first of a new generation of cars to break cover prior to the opening grand prix in Melbourne on 29 March.

A full-length front wing and a narrower and taller wing at the rear are the obvious signs of the changes that are compulsory for all teams. It is hoped that these amendments, coupled with a cleaning-up of the car's aerodynamics, will allow cars to overtake more easily and create a greater spectacle for TV viewers. A return to slick tyres and the introduction of Kers, an energy retention device beneath the engine cover, should also improve racing.

Ferrari's regret was that the new car did not carry the number 1 in recognition of having the world champion in the cockpit. Felipe Massa, who drove the F60 for the first time yesterday, lost the title by a point to Lewis Hamilton in Brazil in the final race of the 2008 season.

Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari's team principal, said that the necessary rethink of how a formula one car works will level the playing field and make life difficult for all of the teams. "Our aim is to rank among the first teams," said Domenicali. "We have always shown this over the years, but this year our project will be more complicated and more difficult."

The revised front and rear wings were devised by engineers tasked with making it possible for one car to run in close company with another without having turbulent air from the leading car upsetting the aerodynamics of the one following. Similarly, the removal of barge boards from behind the front wheels and the elimination of myriad flaps and winglets on the bodywork not only cleans up the appearance but also reduces the surfaces that could be affected by air from the leading car.

The aerodynamic tweaks may be a variation on a familiar theme but the introduction of Kers (kinetic energy recovery systems) is new. By saving the energy generated when the car is braking, the driver can re-use that power in seven-second bursts at the touch of a button. The sudden availability of 80bhp is a sizeable advantage on a car with an engine developing 750bhp, but the method of storing the energy ? Ferrari have chosen a battery system ? is complex and potentially hazardous.

The use of Kers is not obligatory and Ferrari summed up the potential problems by deferring a decision on whether to race with the system. Ferrari's difficulties have been compounded by a severe restriction on testing, introduced in the interest of cost saving. "When we realize that the performance guaranteed by Kers is up to expectations, then it is our task to use it,' said Domenicali. "This is our goal if we want to win the world championship. Today's presentation is important for us, because this is the first set of tests [for the new car] on a race track.

"I imagine that we will have problems, and we will have to solve them in a different way. Tests are reduced, we are down to 15,000km and there are no tests during the season, so we have to be as efficient as possible. We will have to use the testing benches [in the factory] a lot more than in the past. I expect to see problems and issues. I cannot give a yes or no answer now [to whether Ferrari will race with Kers] because we need to see what the performance will look like. We will try to be ready as soon as possible."

Domenicali is aware of the importance of reliability since an engine failure robbed Massa of a commanding win in last season's Hungarian Grand Prix and, it transpired, the championship.

"The first objective to meet is to have a car that is highly reliable," added Domenicali. "Reliability played a very heavy burden on us last season, so the first objective is to understand the potential of Kers and then solve all the reliability problems."

Domenicali ruled out the supply of Ferrari engines to Honda, should the British-based team find a buyer following Honda's withdrawal at the end of November.

McLaren launch the car in which Lewis Hamilton will try to retain his title on Friday.

© Guardian News & Media 2008

Car Insurance Savings for Premium Cars

It’s not just the price tag of a sports car that can be off-putting it’s the premiums you will have to pay on car insurance too. The faster the car you drive, the more you’re likely to pay – so how can you keep your car insurance costs down?

Car dealers are desperate to attract business in the New Year after a rough ride in 2008. Though petrol prices have slumped from their peaks during the summer, the consumer appetite for gas guzzlers has fallen, prompting dealers to put forward some tempting offers on those usually highly sought after premium cars.

If you’re tempted to buy a premium car however, you should be wary of a lot more than the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The long-term costs of a car with a large engine can make the purchase questionable - particularly the car insurance costs.

Insurers charge premium rates for premium cars because they are generally driven at faster speeds. Even though their drivers are often enthusiasts and better than most, some accidents are unavoidable and at higher speeds the results are generally more devastating resulting in higher pay-outs for the insurance companies. Should an accident occur, repair costs are generally higher for premium cars such as Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, and they have lower depreciation levels making them more expensive to replace.

Furthermore, premium cars don’t just attract the interest of genuine car buyers – they also attract the attention of opportunist thieves who would much rather drive away in an attractive vehicle with a higher black market value than a conventional old car.

So it seems that higher car insurance costs for premium cars are inevitable – but how can you keep these expenses in check?

Why specialist car insurance companies may hold the key

One of the simplest ways to find cheap car insurance for any type of car is to compare as many quotes as you can using a comparison website. These tools could potentially compare deals from as many as 90 different providers giving you a great overview of what’s available to ensure you’re getting the cheapest deal.

However, it may also be worthwhile contacting several specialist providers directly and explaining your circumstances. There are a number of specialists on the market that are used to dealing with premium cars and consequently offer a number of incentives to their customers.

Some of the specialists in the UK market include Adrian Flux, Insure Your Motor, Performance Direct and Quote Line Direct. There are also several mainstream insurers that offer specialist teams for premium cars.

So what sort of incentives can you expect from these companies? Among the possible options are discounts if you are a member of a car club; coverage for track days and club events; consideration for all vehicle modifications; and discounts for limited mileage.

The key however, is to not limit yourself to these specialists alone. Though they should be considered it may still be possible to pick up a more affordable quote from a general car insurance provider. So take a full overview of the market with a comparison website and pay close attention to the vehicle options you choose to ensure you’re getting a cheap quote and one that is right for your needs.

Other ways to drive premium car insurance down

There are several ways to keep premium car insurance costs in check. Firstly, if you are a member of a car club be sure to inform your insurer – this could earn you a discount because it proves to the provider that you take care of your vehicle and are knowledgeable about how it works.

If you only use your premium car for special occasions – perhaps it is a convertible that you only drive in the summer – then ask your insurer if it will offer a limited mileage discount. According to the AA, if you drive below 12,000 miles a year you could cut your premiums by around five per cent – and there are even larger savings to be made, the less you drive. Think about how you use your vehicle too – if your premium car isn’t used for commuting then ensure your policy only reads ‘social, domestic and pleasure use’ rather than ‘commuting’ or ‘business use’.

From there, think about the ways that you would limit your car insurance costs with any insurer – these carry even greater weight when you are insuring a premium car.

For example, pay close attention to the car’s security. As premium cars are targeted so heavily by thieves, keeping your car in a garage overnight could slash your premiums, as could installing security devices, such as an immobiliser, car alarm or tracking device.

If you can afford to, pay your car insurance premiums upfront each year to cut out monthly interest charges and remember to drive safely to build up a no-claims discount.

By Alex Gregory

Curb Car Insurance Costs While Premiums Rise

The latest figures from the AA British Insurance Premium Index show that average car insurance premiums in the UK have hit a new high and are continuing to rise. So how can you keep your car insurance costs low?

If you thought that the New Year would offer a financial reprieve after months of turmoil that saw energy, mortgage and food bills rise then think again. Even though petrol prices have tumbled from their 2008 highs, motorists have been dealt a blow with the news that car insurance premiums have hit a new high.

Figures show that car insurance premiums took a sharp upward turn during the final quarter of 2008 with the AA British Insurance Premium Index reporting that they rose by an average of nearly one per cent every month. The Index, which has been tracking premiums on both car and home insurance since 1994, is considered the industry benchmark.

There is no reprieve for drivers looking to downgrade their cover in order to find cheaper premiums. The research finds that premiums for third party, fire and theft car insurance, which is typically bought by young drivers, have risen by an average of 3.4 per cent during the same time period and now average £931.31. This average premium is now significantly ahead of that for comprehensive car insurance despite the reduced level of cover, reflecting the lack of experience of the motorists that typically take out these policies. If the same drivers took out comprehensive cover, their premiums would be much higher.

For comprehensive car insurance, average premiums rose by 2.4 per cent over the same period and now have typical costs of £741.66.

What has caused car insurance premiums to rise?

There are several reasons why car insurance premiums have risen - and why the upward trend is only likely to continue.

Despite the fact that the Bank of England base rate has fallen to 1.5 per cent, motorists have been stung because the costs that car insurers face are rising. There has been an increase in the number of personal injury claims and legal expenses - costing the industry around £6.16bn last year and expected to rise to £10.9bn by 2012. Indeed the Index estimates that whiplash claims alone are adding around £66 to a typical car insurance policy premium.

The industry has also been hit by the lack of capital available with some insurers looking to reduce the amounts they tie up in their business to cope with the current economic climate. Experts now predict that premiums could rise by 10 to 12 per cent during the course of 2009.

How can you keep car insurance premiums down?

While the industry as a whole may suffer from rising premiums there is no reason for individual motorists to rest on their laurels and accepting increasing quotes.

According to the Index, the average shop-around premiums for comprehensive car insurance and third party, fire and theft insurance are £550.54 and £618.91 respectively - slashing nearly £200 off the average comprehensive quote and more than £300 off the average third party, fire and theft quote. Clearly therefore the message to consumers is not to accept renewal quotes from their existing car insurance provider and instead to take an overview of the market to see if they can find a better deal elsewhere.

This can be done comparatively quickly by using a car insurance comparison website of which there are a large number based in the UK. Users simply enter their details and the websites search for quotes from all the providers in their listings in some cases as many as 90 different insurers returning the cheapest quote at the top of its table based on your circumstances. Generally the cheapest car insurance quotes are found online because providers save money by doing business on the internet with reduced overheads. They also offer their best deals to new customers and generally offer sizable discounts.

Of course if you’re in the middle of a car insurance contract and your premium isn’t up for renewal any time soon, shopping around at this stage may not be an option because it would cost you a high penalty fee to break your existing contract. If that’s the case then contact your existing insurer and ask for guidance on bringing your premiums down.

Insurers will generally reward you if you take steps to reduce your risk level. For example, if you fit approved security devices such as alarms, immobilisers and trackers you will cut your risk of car theft and this could earn you premium discounts upwards of 10 per cent. Insurers may also offer rewards if you park your car in a garage overnight, reduce your mileage limit, pay your premiums annually instead of monthly and take an advanced driving course.

Note down your policy renewal date however - then when the time to renew is close compare car insurance online to see if you can find a cheaper deal elsewhere.

By Alex Gregory

Low Budget Car Insurance

Many of the low budget car insurance companies have online and offline brokers. You can compare the car insurance quotes provided by the insurance brokers before settling for a policy that is not only affordable but also provides maximum coverage. Read on to know more.

It is mandatory for all car owners to procure car insurance. The first and foremost reason is, driving your vehicle without an insurance coverage is against law. The second reason is, in case of a road accident you would be left with a huge medical bill and damage to property charges. That is, if you do not have car insurance or if your insurance is not renewed on time, during a road mishap you would have to meet the medical expenses and the other charges from your own pocket. You can avoid this risk by purchasing low budget car insurance.

What is low budget car insurance

Low budget car insurance is an inexpensive car insurance, which offers only a minimum coverage to the driver. The coverage that is offered by low budget car insurance varies from state to state. However, any low budget vehicle insurance will provide cover for the third-party injuries and damages to property. There are a certain low budget car insurances, which cover the medical bills of the car driver/owner in case of a road accident whether he is insured or not. There are many auto insurance companies that offer low budget car insurance depending on the vehicle and traffic laws of each state. You can check out the quotes offered by various insurance companies online and offline before selecting a car insurance that is most suited.

Low budget car insurance

If you are on a tight or restricted budget, it is wise to purchase low budget car insurance because auto insurance is mandatory in most of the US states. Here are a few things that you should know before choosing low budget insurance.

Shop around for the budget car insurance rates before purchasing budget car insurance. Some insurance companies may charge you more for the same coverage offered by another company.

Suppose you own a couple of cars and other vehicles, you can ask the insurance company to avail you a discount on the premium rates. There are many car insurance companies, which would provide cover for both the driver and vehicle if you purchase a group car policy or a multi-vehicle insurance.

One of the factors that you have to keep in mind while purchasing low budget car insurance is the model of the car, the make and the year of manufacture. The insurance companies have a list of cars that are categorized as low-risk cars. In reality, any car that is less expensive and considered as risk free is likely to get a low budget insurance coverage.

If you reside in an area that is considered to be free of crime and car theft, there is a possibility of getting a low budget car insurance easily. Moreover, if you have car alarms installed in your car, the premium for the car insurance would be less. An insurance company would take into account all these factors before giving you a discount on the insurance policy.

You can purchase low budget car insurance, if you are not using your vehicle frequently. The policies included in budget car insurance are comprehensive and collision insurance, and liability insurance. For a new car it is wise to have a comprehensive and collision insurance because in case of an accident, the insurance company will replace your car. However, avoid purchasing comprehensive and collision insurance if you have purchased a used car.

There are many insurance companies that have specific insurance policies for women drivers. One of the benefits of car insurance for women are, the premium rates are low. The car insurance companies also avail them good discounts.

The factors such as your driving record, your age and any insurance claims you have made in the past are assessed by a car insurance company before deciding whether you are eligible for low budget car insurance. However, it is wise to settle for a less expensive car insurance that provides a maximum coverage.

By Maya Pillai

How to Change Your Own Engine Oil

A good number of Americans don’t know what it takes to take care of their cars. Get tips on how to change your car’s engine oil yourself.

Most of us know that when the car beeps, it is time to get gas, but that is as far as our narrow scope on good car maintenance goes. For many, a visit to the mechanic only happens when major car problems have occurred. Most mechanics would say that the majority of car problems could be avoided if the car owners only changed their motor oil on a regular basis. With the rising price of gas, many Americans are taking the initiative to learn how to be more car repair friendly in order to avoid spending any extra dollars than they have to on their automobiles.

Everyone has heard that the first step to maintaining your car’s healthy condition is by changing the motor oil regularly. And we all have seen those signs advertising a 10 minute oil change at local gas stations or quick stop car repairs. But what if there’s a way to save $50 bucks and do it yourself? There is and it’s easy to do.

Here are the steps you’ll need to get you started in changing your own car’s engine oil.

The first thing you will need to get started is your car owner’s manual. This will tell you how much and what kind of oil is required. You will need to go down to your local auto parts store and make sure you get the right filter for your vehicle. You will also need to purchase a funnel so that you don’t get any oil spillage on your engine, which could cause major problems. In addition, you will also need a pair of filter pliers or a wrench because sometimes the lid to the oil is stubborn coming off. You will also need the right size socket for your specific vehicle. Note that some cars include the socket with the car’s maintenance kit. If your car doesn’t have this, then you can always find one at the auto parts store. Also, make sure to have a rag around to clean up any accidental spills that may occur.

Open up the car’s hood and pull your car up onto a ramp. Make sure your emergency brake is on so that the car doesn’t go anywhere while you are changing the oil. Use a drain pan to catch all the dirty oil and place it under the car by the drain bolt. Use a ratchet or a wrench to remove your car’s drain plug bolt. When the oil is drained all the way down to a drip, screw on the drain plug and tighten it with the ratchet or wrench. Next locate your car’s oil filter and use your pliers or wrench to remove it. Before you install the new filter, take some oil and use it as lube on the "o" ring of the filter. Then reinstall the new filter as tight as possible by hand.

Now that the hard part is done, here comes the easy part. Remove the oil cap from the engine. Place the funnel in the hole and put in the specific amount of oil that your vehicle requires according to the owner’s manual. Screw on the engine oil cap. Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then once you turn off your car, check to see if you have the correct amount of oil in your engine. Congratulations! You have successfully changed your engine oil.

By Tim LaGanke, Jr.

The Importance of Oil Changes for Cars

A list of the benefits associated with routine oil changes, and other automobile maintenance.

Changing your oil every 3,000 miles is not just a suggestion, it is a necessity. Getting oil changes for your cars on a routine basis will help to ensure the life of your automobile for many years to come.

There are a number of benefits that are associated with routine oil changes including increased gas mileage, increased performance and improved engine stability and life.

The first major benefit that is a direct result of routine oil changes is an increase in gas mileage. Dirty oil in a car’s engine creates friction between the moving parts. The more friction an engine must deal with, the more heat it will produce. This combination of friction and heat will lead to a decrease in the total number of miles per gallon each engine can go in between fill-ups. With the current gas spike that is occurring across America, wouldn’t it be great to get the maximum number of miles per gallon that your car can get?

Another major benefit of changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles is that it’s a great way to ensure the life of your engine for years to come. An engine that is maintained on a consistent basis will remain cleaner. A clean engine is less likely to seize up on its owner. Careful and diligent maintenance of the key engine components of your engine will keep your engine running long after the body has begun to show the signs of aging.

A car’s performance depends largely on the condition of its engine. When every car is brand new, the manufacturer will release specification numbers about the car’s performance. These numbers will include the maximum horsepower and torque. As the years roll past, these numbers can decrease due to engine deposits and buildup in a number of the moving parts. Routine oil changes are a great combatant to engine buildup. New oil acts as a recycling agent and helps to remove deposits, while lubricating the engine in the same process.

Along with routine oil changes, there are a number of other things you can do to your car every three months that will help to keep your car running great.

Some of these maintenance jobs include checking the rest of your fluids, removing the air bubbles that may have accumulated in the brake lines or bleeding the brakes. The final area of quarterly maintenance that should not be forgotten is to rotate the tires of your car. This aids in helping to equally distribute the wear on each tire by placing them in different positions around the car. The rotation of the tires is dependent on the drive train of the specific car that you drive. For example, a front wheel drive car should have its tires rotated in a "front cross" pattern. This means that the back two tires should be crossed and placed in the position diagonal to them, while the current front tires are moved to the two open spots directly behind them.

In order to keep your car running its best, tri-monthly oil changes for cars is a necessity. The combination of the oil change with the other maintenance measures listed above will help to ensure a well running reliable automobile.

By Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Automatic Transmission Problems

Following a few simple tips such as making sure that the correct grade of transmission oil is put in during a transmission oil change will ensure that that the automatic transmission of your car will never give you a major problem during its entire working life.

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What is an automatic transmission
A transmission is the device that transmits the power of the engine to the drive wheels of your car. This power is transmitted via the axle. Your car could be a front-wheel-drive if the power is transmitted to the front wheels, back-wheel-drive if the power is transmitted to the back wheels, and an all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive, more commonly known as a 4X4 if the engine power is transmitted to all the four wheels.

How do you know whether a car has a manual or an automatic transmission? Very simple: a manual transmission car will have three foot pedals - clutch, brake and accelerator. An automatic transmission car has just two - brake and accelerator. A manual transmission car has a gear shift; this is replaced by a lever for parking, neutral, and engage in a car with automatic transmission.

The engine of a car runs best at a particular RPM. The job of the transmission unit in a car is to transfer optimum power at any stage using a variety of gears, keeping the RPM in a comfortable range. This is why you will always use the first gear when moving from a standstill. As your speed increases, you will keep shifting into a higher gear. You do this gear-change manually using the clutch and gear lever in a car with a manual transmission. A car with auto-transmission will not require you to make the gear changes, it will do it automatically using various sensory equipment.

Older car models using automatic transmission were pretty simple and depended more on mechanical components. The latest cars depend on a host of components - mechanical, hydraulic and electronic - all working in perfect synchronization. What causes your automatic transmission to cause problems is when all of these various parameters stop synchronizing perfectly.

It is much easier for you to know that there is a problem with the transmission when it is manual. Many a times you get the feeling of the gear not shifting the way it should when you do it manually. You immediately take the car to an authorized mechanic, and the fault is rectified, causing a minimum dent in your pocket. This is usually not possible with an automatic transmission, since you could notice something strange only when it is too late. This can sometimes involve major work with high costs involved.

Problems with an automatic transmission
The automatic transmission on the latest automobiles consist of a variety of components. These include: Planetary gear sets, the hydraulic system to control and activate the clutch, the torque converter which acts as a clutch allowing the vehicle to come to a standstill with engine running and in gear, the governor and throttle cable monitor that senses when to shift gears (in older models), and the onboard computer which senses various parameters allowing for precise gear shifting allowing you the freedom to choose between settings for high power or better mileage.

How all these components work is a very complex subject. The working of all of these components in perfect harmony requires high precision and split-second accuracy. The malfunctioning of even one component can cause undesired results during gear shifting. Smooth gear shifts happen when you can't hear it, but feel it when at the same acceleration your power suddenly drops down but speed increases. There is something wrong when you can feel the gear changing, but at the same time also hear a clinking sound. There is something really wrong when you feel a shudder with each gear shift.

Taking care of your vehicles automatic transmission
Since you do not have any role in gear-change when using a vehicle with automatic transmission, the chances of the gears getting faulty due to human error are non-existent. The main ingredient that will keep the automatic transmission performing like new is the transmission oil. You know how important changing the engine oil on time is, and the serious damage that can occur in case you don't. Same is the case with changing transmission oil, but this is one area that is very often neglected, resulting in sudden and serious damage to the transmission.

If you get your vehicle serviced at a company specified service outlet, chances are that you do not need to worry about the various oil changes that your car requires. In all likelihood your vehicles entire service details will be maintained and all required changes and servicings done on time. The problem is that most will go to such service outlets only when their vehicles are new. Once the vehicle gets older, the local mechanic will do. This is one reason why you must keep a maintenance record of all servicings and oil changes made since the vehicle was new. Engine oil change is a regular feature and will be done at every servicing. Not so with certain other oils such as the axle oil, brake oil, coolant oil, and transmission oil. You should know when these oils were last changed and when they need changing next.

Always follow what your vehicle manufacturer suggests. They have done a lot of R&D to know what suits your vehicle best and will need changing at what interval. If your manufacturer suggests that you change your automatic transmission oil after every 40,000 miles, do it on time. To be on the safer side, get the oil change done around the 35,000 miles mark. This will not harm in any way and ensure that the transmission unit keeps performing like new.

One of the prime reasons for automatic transmission problems occurring after the oil is changed is using of the wrong grade of oil. Every manufacturer clearly mentions what grade of oil is to be used in case of an oil change. Make sure that your mechanic used only this grade of oil for the oil change. Using any other grade of oil, however small the difference may be, could prove extremely fatal for your vehicles transmission unit. It is also possible that your mechanic has told you that he has used the specified grade of oil, but in reality has used oil of some other grade, possibly left-over after changing the transmission oil for some car of a different make. Always make it a point to be present when your mechanic is getting the oil changed. Also make very sure that he changes the oil filter. Using an old filter will result in the clean oil getting dirty with all the previous oils contaminants.

There are several other minor problems that may occur with an automatic transmission. Proper and timely care is all that is required to avert any damage. Most of the problems that you may notice might just require some minor tuning.

If you notice that the gear does not shift smoothly or shifts at odd times, the problem could be a minor one with the onboard computer. Some settings could have got disturbed, causing the problem. What is usually required is reconfiguring the computer resulting in smoother and timely gearshifts. A delay in getting this done will have no impact on the computer, but on the mechanical parts that help in the gear change.

When you give your car for a normal service always ask the mechanic to check for even the slightest leakage of oil from the transmission unit. If a leak is noticed ask the mechanic to get the leak sealed off. If the leak is of extremely minor nature and the mechanic says that the oil leak requires a gasket change that would require him to remove the entire unit, forget it for the time being. Get it replaced when going in for an oil change. Just make sure that the oil level is maintained and occasionally keep checking for an increase in the oil leakage.

When a problem is noticed, act immediately
Once you get used to the transmission changing gears smoothly, you will surely notice even the slightest change when the unit performs undesirably. Do not hesitate or wait for later, visit your mechanic as soon as possible and tell him of the change. It could be something very minor that can be solved immediately. Ignoring it may result in this small problem getting bigger and in turn involving more components. This in time can lead to major malfunctioning resulting in the requirement of a total overhaul. What could have been solved in a few dollars will now cost you a great deal more. This will also require precious time, so you will have to do without your car for a few days.

Always be alert and wise. The moment you notice or feel something amiss, get professional advice immediately. This applies not only for your automatic vehicles transmission, but to absolutely any vehicle, and absolutely any component.

Remember: Once you notice even the smallest of problems in your vehicle, get it solved immediately. The more you delay solving the problem, the deeper will the hole in your pocket get!

By Kevin Mathias

Keeping Your Car in Tip-Top Shape for Winter

Now that the cold weather has arrived with a vengeance, it’s more important than ever to be sure your car is prepared for the onslaught of winter.

The holiday season usually marks the beginning of snow, sleet, ice, and dangerous driving conditions for many parts of the country. This is the time of year to take care of some basic maintenance chores for your car and bone up on winter driving rules, to make sure you stay safe on the road.

Check your tires:
A worn tire with little or no tread driving on a rain-slicked road is a recipe for disaster. Hydroplaning on a wet surface causes the driver to lose control, which could result in a simple fender-bender or a serious wreck. To check your tire’s tread, experts suggest slipping a penny inside one of the treads in the center of the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then it’s time to get new tires. Adequately inflated tires with proper tread provide more traction on slippery roads.

Check your wiper blades:
The summer heat beating down on your windshield can deteriorate the rubber blades of your windshield wipers. When cold air arrives, the blades may start to crack. If you notice that the blades are streaking when it rains, then it’s time to have them replaced. Replace your windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture that can help melt ice.

Have the radiator system serviced:
Be sure your radiator and heating systems are working properly. You can check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester.

Keep your gas tank full:
Driving on fumes is risky even in the heat of summer, but it’s particularly dangerous in cold weather. To help avoid ice in the gas tank and fuel lines, keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter.

Prepare for an emergency:
Every car should already have some basic emergency supplies such as road maps, a spare tire, a flashlight and extra batteries, and booster cables. But in the winter you should put together an emergency kit containing items you may need should your car end up in a ditch in bad weather and you have to wait for help to arrive. This emergency kit can contain items such as blankets, a first aid kit, a windshield scraper, a collapsible shovel, a tool kit for minor repairs, a container of water, a can of compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repairs), and a bag of sand or cat litter to pour on ice for added traction.

Learn about driving in winter weather:
No matter where you live, icy roads are always a possibility. Even just a slight bit of moisture on the road, when combined with very low temperatures, can result in slippery roadways, especially bridges and overpasses. Here are some driving tips that may save your life:

- Improve visibility before you leave home by clearing all ice and snow from your car.
- Use your low beam headlights when driving in a rain or snow storm, for improved visibility.
- When you approach a patch of ice on the road, apply the brakes during your approach, not when you reach the ice.
- Move, turn, and brake slowly. Sudden changes and fast movements make it harder to maintain control.
- Always leave plenty of room between your car and the car ahead of you.
- Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal road conditions, not for bad weather.

Preparing your car and yourself for driving in winter weather is not difficult, and it may mean the difference between leaving home and arriving at your destination safe and sound, or leaving home and ending up in the hospital or worse. Take the time to plan ahead so you can enjoy a safe and happy winter.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies

How To Save Money With Car Maintenance

As a car owner it's crucial to take your car maintenance seriously. Too often we see that unnecessary expenses are generated just because of ignorance, lack of knowledge or even lazyness. If you neglect the maintenance of your vehicle it may not only give huge car repair costs, it can make you and others injured for life or in worst case you can loose it. For this purpose I have crammed together a few tips for how to perform a regular maintenance of your car, focusing on the most important tasks.

Tip #1 - Regular Fluids Check - When I say fluid I don't mean gas; although it's vital to know when you have to tank. I mean oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant. It goes without saying that these are crucial maintenance issues that shouldn't be taken easy on. If you find that the levels are too low, add enough fluid immediately, thus preventing engine collapse that can take your leg and your arm to repair.

Tip #2 – Get Regular Oil Changes – Another important thing to remember to keep your car in great shape is to make sure that you get regular oil changes. The oil in your car is the life of your engine, so if you don't change the oil often enough, it could ultimately cause engine problems. You should have the oil changed about every 3000 miles for the best results. So, be sure that you take the time to make sure that the oil is changed on a regular basis for the best performance.

Tip #3 – Check the Air in Your Tires – Checking the air in your tires is important when it comes to car maintenance as well. If you don't have enough air in your tires it can cause the tires to wear down faster and too much air can be a problem as well. Tires often lose air in the winter due to the cold; however, you should be sure that you routinely check the air in your tires during any season. If the air is too low, make sure that you add some. You can check the specs on your tires to find out how many pounds of air will be the best for your tires.

Tip #4 – Keep the Car Washed and Waxed Regularly – Of course you will need to keep the body of your car up as well, so it is important that you keep the car waxed and washed on a regular basis as well. This will help to keep the body clean, shiny, and of course free from any corrosion problems, which is important as well.

As you can see, car maintenance is extremely important. Once you have a nice car, you want to do all you can to preserve it and to save money as well. Proper maintenance is important to the life of your car, so be sure to use these tips. There are many other great maintenance tips that you can find as well, and if you want to get the most out of your car, take the time to learn even more about car maintenance.

Terry Bolton is and internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about purchasing cheap used cars online as well as car parts online

By Terry Bolton