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The History of the Car Computer

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The car is a very complicated thing in the modern world, with a whole host of mechanical and electronic systems working together to keep the car running, and to keep its levels of operation at maximum efficiency. The engine control unit is the centerpiece of a car’s electronics, which makes millions of processes each second to make slight adjustments to the actuators depending on the information the central CPU gets from the various number of real-time sensors. This goes alongside the transmission control unit, which ensures that gear changes within automatic cars are most efficient. These car computers not only keep the car running, but minimize the amount of fuel wasted, which keeps efficiency and economy high, whilst helping to protect the environment with minimal emissions.

The cars of today present a marked contrast between now and the early days of the automobile. From the turn of the century when the first commercial automobiles emerged, to the end of the 1960’s, there were obviously no electronic components, and vehicles were designed simply and included simple and robust mechanical control parts and basic methods of control. Back then a better car meant a car with a bigger engine, more speed and more horsepower, and little heed was paid to efficiency, economy, and the environment. However, the issue of the environment, and certainly the issue of economy became more and more pronounced in the 1970’s, with the inclusion of mandates, and the notable fuel crisis of the mid 70’s.

Around the same time, electronic technology was reaching the point where it was physically able to be included in automobiles, alongside the transmission from carburetors to fuel injection, but is wasn’t until the 1980’s that electronics became practical and economic enough to be included. Control over the ignition in the interests of minimizing fuel usage drove car electronics. The first pieces of circuitry used to control spark timings where large pieces of solid state circuitry, and would need replacement every few years. By the middle of the 80’s, the industry would be founded on fuel injection completely controlled by electronics.

Naturally, as commercial electronics boomed in the 80’s and on through the 90’s, becoming smaller, cheaper and more sophisticated, on-board car computers would take on more and more functional responsibilities, sensing more and more data and controlling more and more aspects of the car engine, among other things such as braking and climate control. Indeed it was not long before the computer became the central and integral component in the car.

With the rise of the computer came the potential for customization, with access to a programmable computer providing immense control other a vehicle’s power and other variables.

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Source by Denise Beresford

12 Amazing Car Care Tips You Should Know About

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Whether you are a person using public transport or a person who has your own vehicle, either way transportation is such a pivotal component of each of our day-to-day lives and certainly it is a dream for anyone who doesn’t have his own vehicle to one day own a vehicle that belongs to him or her. It’s a goal for most of us to eventually own our own car and once we do it’s important for us to know how to maintain our car so that we can use it without problems and in good running condition which will make our day to day activities a lot easier.

We have gathered together for you some expert car care tips which not only can be done by anyone but will only take a little bit of time and it certainly will improve the service that your car gives you.

1. Engine Oil

What good is a man without a heart? Similarly, what good is a car without a well-maintained engine which is considered to be the heart of any vehicle. A car’s service manual usually provides information as to how often you need to change the engine oil. In most vehicles, you can test the level of your engine oil by checking the dipstick which is usually yellow in color and you can get an idea if the necessary amount of oil is present.

2. Spark Plug

This might not be a component which can be seen easily in your car but it is a tiny hidden part which plays a main role in the cars ignition. If you have trouble starting your car it may be the case that the spark plug has worn out with use and time and needs to be replaced. This too is a very useful car maintenance tip for you to keep in mind.

3. Car Battery

You can check to see if your car has enough energy to run well by taking your battery to the mechanic and getting it checked by a multi meter. It’s a good idea to make sure you get it checked once a year.

4. Tire Pressure

When refilling tires with air it is always advisable to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow them accordingly. The manufacturer’s recommendations are usually found on a sticker attached near the driver’s door.

5. Air Filter

This is responsible for efficient airflow and overall performance of your car. If you feel that your car’s performance is no longer as good as it used to be then it might be because your air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced.

6. Wiper Blades

Even though the significance of your wiper blades is not that obvious through the spring, it is obvious when winter comes when we can see the importance of them and their effectiveness. Just to be on the safe side it is advisable to replace your wiper blades every year during spring time.

7. Brakes

If you come across symptoms such as a squeaky noise coming from your brakes, or you are planning on going on a long distance trip or even if you have a general ill feeling about your brakes it is best and advisable to get them checked as soon as possible since they are a vital component of your car.

8. Radiator

The radiator keeps the car’s engine cool with its coolant fluid. However, say the radiator has run out of coolant and you aren’t in a position to get the fluid replaced, a stopgap is you can use still water too in order keep your engine cool when it over heats.

9. Washing and Vacuuming Your Car

Washing your car daily or at least once every 2-3 days will remove all the road salt and debris that your car catches while on the road.

10. Hoses and Belts

If you don’t check regularly you will never know when a belt or a hose in your car will break so it is advisable to get your hoses and belts checked by a mechanic at least once every three months.

11. Changing Tires

It’s quite dangerous to run your car on worn out tires, and it is very important to know how to change your tires in case of an emergency. If you get the feeling that you have a punctured tire try to stop your car on the side of the road in a place that is safe and not causing trouble for other cars. Then take your jack and make sure you place it under the metal part of the car frame. Then raise the car just enough to take the pressure off the tire so you can remove the lug nuts. Also watch out as tires are quite heavy. An important car care tip is to remember to get the punctured tire repaired or replaced because you never know when you’ll need it again.

12. Emergency Contact

Above everything else is the safety of your life, so make sure to have contact details in your car in case of an emergency. Make a contact list of the following and make sure you have a copy of it in your car and your mobile devices. Emergency contacts such as the AAM Hotline, contact for ambulances, your car insurance company, trusted friends and family. Also try your best not to panic but to keep calm during emergencies.

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Source by Bob Tom

Reasons To Change Your Car Insurance Company

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1. Paying too much for Car Insurance, its time to seek change.

2. When you must think of a new car insurance company.

Auto insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. And in order to get the maximum advantage experts recommend that you should shop around for auto insurance every 2-3 years. As policies change and newer players enter the market there are so many new attractive auto insurance schemes that you could benefit from. You should consider changing your auto insurance when:

O You are availing a huge mortgage to buy property and the bank or institution offers you a lower interest rate on home and auto insurance through their tie-ups.

O You have moved to another state where the auto insurance rules are different and you will make a saving by transferring your insurance to a new car insurance company. Or when your old car insurance company does not offer service in your new state.

O You want to cut costs and are trying to run your life on a budget. Shop around online for competitive auto insurance rates and change the car insurance company to one who offers the best deal.

O You have purchased a new car and the dealer is offering free insurance for three years. New cars have lower insurance rates so it is best for you to do a comparative study and find a car insurance company that offers a great deal. Car insurance rates vary greatly between car brands and types; Find out which car insurance company offers the maximum coverage for the lowest rate.

O You are getting married and now will have two cars. Think about lending your individual car insurance policies and getting a joint one for both cars. Similarly if your family is growing and you have many cars used by adults as well as kids, ask auto insurance companies about group insurance schemes that will cover all the cars and drivers in your home. Most companies offer great discounted rates for combining car insurance policies.

O You are retired and now a senior citizen. Car insurance companies offer discounts to those who are 55 and above. There are a great many discounts available for a car that has a good insurance claim record, a car that is not driven every day, and a car that is single driver driven and well maintained.

O You are eligible for coverage through your new job. Many large companies have facilities like auto insurance schemes at premium rates lower than the market. If you are working in such a firm then you must consider refining your old policy and taking a new one with the car insurance company chosen by your workplace.

O When the rates being paid by you are high and your car insurance company shows no inclination to offer you a competitive rate. If you are paying too much for car insurance its time you changed your car insurance company to one that is offering you great facilities and rates.

Whatever the reason to change your car insurance company, the World Wide Web has sites where you can compare offers as well as quotes. Sites like LowerMyBills.com give quote comparisons in a click. So, read all you can about car insurance and the companies and determine which car insurance company offer will suit you best.

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Source by Aaron Brooks

How to Buy a Used RV – Secrets RV Dealers Don’t Want You to Know

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What is the Dealer mark up on a used RV?

The typical dealer mark up on a used RV is 30 to 45% above wholesale RV invoice price. With extremes at 10 to 60%. The Manufacture’s suggested retail price is generally 30-40%, but most RV dealers are free to sell the RV for a price that they can get the most for it. High volume RV dealers typically sell more RVs at lower margins. Smaller volume rv dealers may sell less but expect more profit on each unit.

What is the wholesale invoice price amount? This is the price that the dealer paid for the motor home. Most dealers will not let you see this price up front. A few will. Even though they have list prices of 30 to 50% above RV wholesale invoice, most dealers like to make at least a 30% margin on their inventory. You should always be able to talk them to at least 30% over wholesale invoice. If I can buy a car for $500 over the wholesale invoice, can’t I do the same think with a motorhome? To stay in business a dealership would have to sell for a minimum of 10-20%. RVs are much more expensive then cars and require more overhead.

Are their any other advantages to being a high volume dealer? Yes being a high volume dealer also allows you to get manufacturers rebates from $50 to 15% cash back from the manufacture. This depends on how aggressively the manufacturer is working to promote products or increase market share.

What amount should I offer the RV dealer and how do you calculate this amount? If you know the rv wholesale pricing or invoice amount (the amount the dealer paid) for the motorhome, in a competitive market just add 15 to 20% to the wholesale amount to make your offer. If you don’t know the wholesale amount, here is a good way to estimate it: 1) Divide the SRP(suggested retail price) by 1.4. (This Assumes the average a 40% mark up) ex. List price 140,000/1.4 is equal to 100,000 wholesale invoice price. 2) Add a 30% mark up to the invoice price to bring it to $130,000 this an offer that a dealer will almost never refuse. 3) If you are a bargain shopper or feel that the dealer is in a pinch or in a competitive market offer of invoice plus a 20% mark up =$120,000 4) Probably the best deal you will find on the current years model is a 10% mark up for $110,000 above the wholesale RV invoice. Most dealers won’t accept this though.

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Source by Spencer Arnold

How To Get A Hack License In New York City

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A New York City Taxi Drivers License is called a “Hack License”. Officially it is known as a New York City Taxi Operators License. The license allows the holder / driver to operate a Yellow Medallion Taxicab in the Five Boroughs of the City of New York. Only a Yellow Medallion Taxicab is permitted to pick up passengers hailing from the street in the City. The Hack license, issued through The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission, is the only license for operating a Yellow Taxicab.

There are other licenses issued by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission for car service and limousines but they can not be used to operate the Yellow Taxicab. The Hack license however can be used to operate a limousine or car service vehicle. This fact makes the Hack License the most valuable of NYC T&LC issued operator licenses, as well as the most prestigious.

There are approximately 44,000 drivers carrying a Hack License in New York City today.

HOW TO GET A HACK LICENSE IN NYC

The Process and Requirements

o All applicants for a New York City Taxi Hack License must be no less than nineteen (19) Years of age

o Applicants are required to have, a Class A, B, C, or E N.Y. State Drivers License, or a license from New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania of a similar class.

o Most licenses in New York State are Class D.

o To change a license from a class D to a class E one must go to the Department of Motor Vehicles and pay an upgrade fee.

o There will be no test.

o The fee will be approximately fifty dollars.

A problem with how to get a hack license is that an applicant must owe no outstanding parking, or traffic summonses. If money is owed to the New York City for parking or traffic violations it must paid, or a documented settlement agreement with the appropriate agency must be presented to the NYC T&LC licensing division.

All applicants for a New York City Taxi Hack License must be citizens, or legal residents of the United States.

Applicants are also required to attend a New York State certified, six-hour Defensive Driving Course.

o This course must be attended no longer than six months prior to the date an application is filed with the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission for a Hack License.

o The number one provider of defensive driving courses for New York City Taxi Drivers is the Master Cabbie Taxi Academy. Classes are available six days per week. The price is $45. or $39. with online registration.

The medical requirement for How to Get A Hack License is contained on Form B of the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission Taxi Drivers Application which must be completed by a certified Medical Doctor.

o The application for the New York City Hack License must be submitted in person to the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission at either 32-02 Queens Blvd. Long Island City N.Y. 11101 Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM.

o There is a second submission location in Staten Island. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays at 1893 Richmond Terrace Staten Island NY 10302.

o No walk-ins are permitted at the Staten Island Location.

o To make an appointment call: 212-227-6324.

o At the time of application submission the applicant will be required to pay a sixty dollar application fee. The fee must be paid by money order made payable to the NYC TLC.

o At the time of application submission the applicant must pay a seventy-five dollar for fingerprinting fee. The fee must be paid by money order made payable to N.Y.S.D.C.J.S.

All applicants for the Hack License are required to be tested for illegal drugs. The Hack License will not be issued to any person not completing the test.

o The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission approved drug testing center for new applicants is located at 31-00 47th Ave. Long Island City NY 11101.

o The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

o Payment must be made by money order made payable to Lab Corp. Inc.

o Persons applying for the Hack License and failing the drug test will be directed to a licensing standards hearing conducted by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. Following the hearing the application for the Hack License may be denied a license.

The most time consuming aspect of how to get a hack license in NYC is mandatory pre-license training for all New York City Hack Licensees. The training is in taxi related subjects, conducted by approved training institutions. The minimum training requirement is a twenty-four hour program. The program consists of a three day course, eight hours per day, with three basic components. Geography/Map Reading, Rules and Regulations / Defensive Driving and Customer Service.

There is also a course for Eighty Hours available consisting of nine eight hour days of classroom training, and one day of testing. (The NYC TAXI OPERATORS EXAM.) The eighty hour program is the original taxi driver training program on which the New York City Taxi driver exam is based.

There are other programs for how to get a hack license available which have no time constraints. The most prominent such program is conducted by Master Cabbie Taxi Academy. The programs are unlimited in length, so long as the student maintains a regular schedule at the school, and does not have to re-learn what had been taught previously.

Certain unlimited programs include all fees needed for the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. This service allows persons utilizing credit to have Master Cabbie Taxi Academy make the fee’s available when the student is ready for each phase of the Hack licensing process This removes the need to purchase money orders for which only cash can be used.

The taxi driver test for how to get a hack license in New York City consists of two parts. It is administered by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission each week at the Master Cabbie Taxi Academy.

o The Hack License applicant must successfully complete an English Proficiency as part of the exam. It is a low level ESL exam for basic, English proficiency, consisting of four parts. There are thirty questions, fifteen of which are fill-ins, and fifteen of which are multiple choice. An applicant must score twenty-one correctly to pass the exam. Applicants failing the exam are allowed to sit for a second exam on another date. Applicants failing the exam for a second time must submit a new application to the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission if they wish to continue the process of obtaining a New York City Hack License.

o The final step in the process of How To Get A Hack License in NYC is, The New York City Taxi Operators exam. The Taxi Operators exam consists of two parts. One part is open book and the other is closed book. Part One consists of ten questions. The applicant is allowed to use a Five (5) Borough New York City Atlas and a Street address locator during this portion of the exam. For this portion of the exam forty-five minutes is allowed.

o Part Two of the New York City Taxi Operators exam allows the applicant seventy-five minutes and consists of forty questions. Approximately twelve questions will pertain to rules and regulations and defensive driving questions. The remaining twenty-eight questions will pertain to geography, landmarks, highways, air, bus and train terminals, etc. Applicants must answer thirty-five questions correctly, scoring seventy percent, or better, to pass the exam. Applicants failing the exam are allowed to sit for a second exam on another date. Applicants failing the exam for a second time must submit a new application to the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission if they wish to continue the process.

Taxi drivers in New York City earn as much as one thousand dollars per week and more.

If you wish to apply for a New York City Hack License you should contact Master Cabbie Taxi Academy. At: 718-472-1699 or 1-800-955-TAXI.

© Terry Gelber October 2007

Terry Gelber has a NYC Hack License.

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Source by Terence Gelber

8 Mile Rap – Are These Raps For Real?

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8 Mile rap battles are as entertaining as they are unrealistic. The film follows B. Rabbit -which seems to be a lightly altered version of Eminem’s bio- and his rise through rap fame in his hometurf in Detroit, affectionately known as “8 Mile.” 

In his first rap battle against Papa Doc, B. Rabbit chokes. OK, he’s new, he’s nervous, fine. But still, I’ve seen terrible rappers without an iota of skill spit freestyles no matter how nervous they were.

In his first battle outside the lunch truck, Eminem- er, Rabbit- comes with it against fellow worker. By far his best line of the rap: “You’ve worked at this plant so long… you’re a plant/ Look at his boots… they’re starting to grow roots!” Genius. It’s this type of delivery that’s gonna take this guy far in the 8 Mile rap battle circuit.

The next battle is at the local 8 Mile battle championships, where B.Rabbit has to battle his way through two other rappers before getting a shot at Papa Doc. Unfortunately, we don’t really get a chance to see the other battles going on -which were filmed in an afternoon as extra footage. Basically, we’re supposed to realize these guys mean business.

The first victim is named Lickety Split, seriously. Rabbit makes quick work of him with lines like “He sounds like Erik Sermon… the generic version” and concluding with the same finishing line used against him “I’ m gonna walk my happy a** back across 8 Mile.”

The second- and best- battle is with Lotto, who comes with the line “I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from Leave it To Beaver.” Rabbit comes responds back with “Ward, I think you were a little hard on the Beaver/ So was Eddie Haskell, Ward and Ms. Cleaver…” and the single best line of the movie “Is that a tank top or a new bra? Look, Snoop Dogg just got a boob job!”

While both these 8 Mile rap battles were somewhat believable- most freestyle battles tend to involve the crowd more- the final battle against Papa Doc is ridiculous. B. Rabbit drops some ill verses that review all the points that can be used against him: namely, that he’s broke, white and lives with his mom, and apparently Papa Doc is left speechless while the crowd cheers up Rabbit.

Huh? In the countless rap battles I’ve been to, no one has ever walked away from a championship round like that. Sure, you get a rookie who’s drops it in the first round (like Rabbit) but not an experienced freestyler. No way. And the fact the crowd wouldn’t let Papa Doc get on? Again, this would never happen. These people came to be entertained, and what better way to be entertained than watching the two 8 Mile rap champs duke it out?

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Source by Andrew Tucker

Taking Advantage Of Tow Truck Services

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Tow truck services are getting popular these days. A lot of people have taken advantage of this service especially when they are in a situation that can certainly cause them inconvenience. Aside from the usual machine trouble and road accidents, here are five situations that will require you to take advantage of the services of a licensed tow truck service provider.

– When your stolen sports car has been found. Great news: Your stolen sports car has been found on some highway. Bad news: It’s out of gas and you have to come get it yourself. You don’t actually have to retrieve your stolen car on your own. Call a licensed tow truck operator that specialises in stolen vehicle recovery. This ensures that you get professional service that keeps your beloved sports car in good condition when it is delivered to your home.

– When you’ve locked your car and you can’t find your keys. It happens to every driver: getting locked out of the car. Sometimes, a locksmith helps and sometimes, it’s better to get cheap towing. Expert operators may have a variety of keys to help you get back inside your car.

– When your 4×4 can’t get out of a sticky situation. Whether it’s getting stuck in mud or you’ve driven into a ditch, you’ll need the expertise and might of a tow truck service. Don’t wait to figure things out and come up with a MacGyver-type solution to getting your 4×4 out. By calling a tow truck as soon as it happens, you’ll get out of the sticky situation faster and without any stress.

– When you’re moving and that includes moving your motorhome, too. Motorhomes or caravans are excellent for holidays on the road. But they can be a bother when you have to move from one suburb to another. No worries. Towing your motorhome or caravan could be simpler and cheaper than having a removals company do it.

– When the car just died. In some cases, when a car simply refuses to go, it means the battery’s dead. Why did your car battery die? It could be one of three things: It’s old and it hasn’t been cleaned, you’ve got a bad alternator, or – the reported number one reason for dead batteries – you’ve left your headlights on for too long. Whatever the reasons are behind the “death” of your battery, you know you’ll need to jumpstart it. And in order to guarantee that jumpstarting is done right, call a tow truck service. Know more about truck towing services here.

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Source by Jon Ryan Zimmerman