Are You Paying Too Little for a Home Inspection?

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Choosing a home inspection company based upon the fee is the worst way to choose who will help you finalize your decision on buying a home. Home inspection is no longer some “Bubba” working solo out of his truck. It is a serious business and you need to choose a home inspection company wisely. A home inspector offering a low fee is a red flag to look into.

People who own and operate a home inspection company as a serious business offer many benefits and protections that less serious inspectors can offer.

Error and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a large expense for companies offering this. E&O is the insurance that comes into play if something expensive was missed during the home inspection and it needs repaired, such as a major foundation issue.

Other benefits and protections that can be offered for 90 days are: warranty on the mechanics such as furnace, etc, sewer line warranty, discovered mold, recall research on major appliances, and a termite protection plan. One of the newer protections for home buyers provided by top level home inspection companies is a 5 year roof leak protection plan.

These benefits and protections for home buyers do have costs that naturally are passed on in the cost of business. If a home inspector offers a fee that is low there is a very good chance that they do not provide E&O insurance or any of the other protections. Other protections that can be offered to a home buyer are: 90 day warranty, sewer line warranty, roof leak warranty, a radon plan, discount on a second inspection if a person does not buy the first place, a 200% money back guaranty, termite plan, check appliances for recalls, mold warranty, same day report delivery, pictures in the report for easy reading and provide ongoing consultation and home ownership materials for you.

Checking the company for the quality and quantity of reviews they have on places such as Listen360, Google and Yelp is also very valuable information. Having a large number of reviews that are consistently providing good to great comments is far more telling than the one positive or perhaps even the one negative.

Deciding who to use is an important decision and it should not be based upon finding the cheapest. Buying a home is not a cheap event. It is not the time to short change yourself and add risk to yourself by using a company that does not offer you the protections you and your family need. Be careful who you use and do not use the cheapest because they are cheap for reasons.

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Source by Jim Troth

How DOT Drug Testing Is Made Simple

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When you have truck or bus drivers out on the road, DOT drug testing is vital. There are ways to simplify the drug testing process so you don’t have to spend a fortune – or a significant amount of time managing everything. This will allow you to remain DOT compliant while ensuring your employees are safe out on the roads.

Random Drug Testing

You may have a lot of different drivers out on the road. If everyone knows that you drug test on the 10th of every month, they will know how to take action in order to pass. This means that the testing is not going to be efficient, and may even be against DOT compliancy. The best solution is to random drug test, and this can be done by a third-party. It simplifies everything for you, and keeps your drivers guessing at the same time.

Automated Systems

Software can be your best friend with drug testing. Especially when you want to make it random, you need to know who you are testing every month or quarter. Additionally, the results need to be recorded within driver qualification files, otherwise it will be hard to maintain what’s going on with your employees. If something happens with an employee, such as an accident or a car crash, you want to be able to pull up a drug test and see when the last time they were tested and what the results were.

Verified by MROs

MROs or medical review officers will do a lot of the work for you. This takes the responsibilities out of your hands and puts them into the hands of someone else – someone who has the know-how to deal with DOT drug testing. It makes it easier for you to get the work done, and you will have time to do various other things within your operations. It is federal law under DOT to use an MRO.

Monthly and Annual Reporting

Whether you are new to the game or have been doing it for years, you have already discovered that there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be submitted to the DOT. This includes mileage records, time records, and more. The drug testing has to be done as well, and so it’s one more thing to add to your list of things to do. If you fail to submit a report on time, it can lead to fines – and these can and should be avoided at all times. The reporting doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. You can set reminders as to when reports are due, and MROs can submit the reports on your behalf in many instances. The reality is that testing is only as hard as you make it out to be. You can work with the DOT consortium, medical review officers, and more to assist you. Plus, these third-party administrators will ensure that everything is verified so you don’t have to question the results. You work too hard to add more to your plate. If you want simple DOT drug testing, all you have to do is to ask for it.

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Source by Jeff Weigang

Car Paint Scratches – Seven Things You May Be Doing to Cause Damage to Your Car Paint Finish

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What you need to know about how to avoid the most common type of car scratch (swirl and spider). This article covers what to avoid and the single easiest way protect your car paint from the most common type of scratches that degrade the overall look of your paint finish. If you decide to remove micro swirl scratches yourself look for a car scratch remover designed to give professional results at home with a guarantee and good product support.

You may have noticed numerous ultra fine scratches known as a swirl or spider that is most noticeable on the hood, trunk and roof of cars. They usually stand out on a sunny day when you look straight down at them. If you really want a shock pull your car in a garage under direct overhead fluorescent lighting and brace yourself for car paint scratches galore. The majority of swirls or spider scratches can be traced to a poorly maintained car finish that is not regularly waxed or sealed. The 7 innocent things you may be subjecting your car to that can cause a micro swirl car scratch.

– Automatic drive through car washes are hard on paint.

– Automatic car wash workers with poor hand drying technique and substandard towels.

– Abrasive or dirty at home or self serve “brush wands” the type that connects to a hose.

– Using dish washing soap when washing your car at home.

– Wiping or rubbing dust or grit off a dry paint with a dry towel, rag or paper towel.

– Not using a chamois or premium micro fiber towel to dry a car paint finish after washing.

– Improper at home hand car washing technique – a subject all by itself.

NOTE: Anything from under the kitchen sink should never be used on your car because household cleaning products are designed to remove grease etc and are not properly pH balanced for automobile paint therefore over time they have dire effects on not only the paint but rubber and plastic as well. A high quality car washing shampoo is designed to gently lift dirt from car paint and leave behind luster enhancers that help protect the paint.

Pro trick to reduce the incidence of micro swirls after hand washing a car. Dry hoods and trunks front to back in one motion, not circles. Only use a chamois or micro fiber towels to dry car paint. Wipe the side of your car, side to side in a horizontal motion, not circles. The reason for this is any micro scratches you may induce will not reflect light as much as circular micro scratches will. Additionally, a professional quality car scratch remover designed for home use can remove fine micro spider scratches with great results.

The single most important thing you can do to protect your car from micro spider swirls is to use a quality sealant or wax at a minimum of twice a year . Preferably a quality car sealant which bonds to the paint which will last longer and stands up to the environment much better than ordinary car wax. Properly sealed paint will resist all sorts of scratches because the paint is protected with a slippery barrier.

A neglected paint finish allows dust, grit and substandard washing accessories to dig into the paint thus causing micro swirl automobile scratches. To prove my point about a properly protected car finish and scratches I took a plastic fork and ran it hard across the hood of my black BMW with barely any visible damage. Next I did the same to my friend’s car hood … he NEVER waxes or uses a sealant on his car… and it left a HUGE scratch… which I of course then had to remove since he went through the roof.

The point is, using a high quality auto paint sealant makes your car so slippery that you can’t even make a plastic fork bite in to cause car paint scratches. Simply using a high quality sealant on your car finish at least twice a year goes a long way to protecting your vehicle paint from typical micro swirl car scratches.

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Source by Karl B Eberhardt

Vitamins and Supplements – Essential For Truck Drivers Driving Across the Country

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The diet is one of the first casualties when one becomes a truck driver. People think that they become invincible and immortal when they start driving the truck. However, the truth is that you are equally fallible and should take good care of your health.

Make sure your diet contains adequate vitamins and supplements. Which vitamins should you worry about?

Vitamin A is something that you should definitely consume in adequate quantities. This vitamin is very essential for good eyesight. You cannot afford to have poor eyesight. Your driver license may be revoked by the state if your eyesight is not good enough. If you depend on truck driving for your living, then you should definitely consume this vitamin in adequate quantities and make sure your eyesight is always good.

As far as supplements are concerned, you should consume all those supplements that are necessary to keep you strong and fit. Driving a truck is a lot more exhausting than people imagine. If you do not want to take frequent breaks because you became tired, then you should make sure your diet is fortified with supplements.

Which supplements should you eat? From where should you buy the supplements? How to find out whether any supplement is trustworthy or not? The smartest option is to make sue of the World Wide Web. Just stop at an internet café and get all the information you want from reputed websites. This is a much better option as compared to relying on just any and every medical store owner that you find on your travels.

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Source by Nazimabee Woozeer

Automobile Business Plan – Four Steps to Success

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Like other business plans, the contents of an automobile dealership business plan cover four primary steps towards success. These steps are “opportunity”, “capacity”, “activities”, and “results”.

Opportunity

The industry, customer, and competitive analysis in your business plan proves the opportunity. This should identify that customers in your local market are in need of a dealer of the type you’ve chosen to be because competitors are not fully serving their needs, or because their demographics are changing (more population, richer, poorer, more families, etc.) The opportunity could also be that a certain combination of services by your dealership could improve on what competitors are currently doing. The overall industry situation should look ahead to how the car sales market will be doing six months, one year, or more in the future, when the dealership will actually be open.

Capacity

The experience of the management team, your license as a car dealer, and the financial resources the partners can bring to the table cover the capacity of the entrepreneur to jump on this opportunity. Funders reading the business plan expect that there will also be an element of cash missing from the entrepreneur’s capacity at the moment. Otherwise, they would not be reading the plan in the first place.

Activities

Marketing and operations plans cover the activities the company will engage in to bring in car buyers (and car sellers if you are a used car dealer as well), and run the business as efficiently as possible. As a small car dealer, consider how you can make up for this lack of scale, and the cost savings that come with it for dealer chains, through creativity and hard work.

Results

Finally, the projections of business success and financial section of the plan show the results that you and investors should expect. If results take into account the full costs of the methods you’ve described, and include adequate compensation for staff and key team players, readers will be less likely to question elements on the cost side. If your revenue projections are based on reasonable, researched assumptions about the car buying behavior of your local market, then readers will be more likely to accept this side of the projections as well.

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Source by P. R. Kennedy

Categories of Ethical Dilemmas in Business

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First published in Exchange, the magazine of the Brigham Young University School of Business, the following twelve categories were developed to cover the root or cause of most ethical business dilemmas that one might encounter in their jobs. I have summarized them to keep them short and simple.

1. Taking Things That Don’t Belong To You

Everything from taking highlighters from the storage room, to sending personal mail through the mailroom, to downloading unauthorized games to play on your work computer fall into this category. A CFO of a major corporation took a cab from the airport to his home in the city. When he asked the cabbie for receipt, he was handed a full book of blank receipts. Apparently this dilemma of accurately reporting business expenses involves more than just one employee.

2. Saying Things That You Know Are Not True

When a car salesperson insists to a customer that a used car has not been in a previous accident, when it has, an ethical breach has occurred. When a clerk in a store assures a customer that a product has a money-back guarantee, when only trade-ins are allowed, another ethical violation occurred (and perhaps a violation of the law).

3. Giving Or Allowing False Impressions

There is an urban legend in which 2 CD’s were being sold on a TV infomercial that claimed that that all the hits of the 1980’s were on the CDs. The infomercial emphasized over and over again that all songs were performed by the original artists. When they received the CDs, upon closer inspection, they found that all songs had been covered by a band called The Original Artists. While technically true, the impression given by the infomercial was false.

4. Buying Influence or Engaging in Conflict of Interest

When a company awards a construction contract to an organization owned by the brother of the attorney general, or when a county committee who is charged with choosing a new road construction company is traveling around the state looking at roads at the expense of one of the bidders, a conflict of interest arises which might affect the results of that choice.

5. Hiding or Divulging Information

Failing to divulge information from the results of a study on the safety of a new product, or choosing to take your companies proprietary product information to a new job are examples that fall into this category.

6. Taking Unfair Advantage

Have you ever wondered why there seem to be so many product safety rules and procedures? It is primarily the result of laws passed by government institutions to protect the consumer from companies that previously took unfair advantage of them because of their lack of knowledge or through complex contractual obligations.

7. Committing Acts of Personal Decadence

Over time, it has become increasing clear that the acts of employees outside of work can have a negative effect on a businesses image. This is one of the primary reasons companies are minimizing social interactions or events, outside of the office, so that drug or alcohol related events can not be tracked back to the company.

8. Perpetuating Interpersonal Abuse

At the heart of this category of ethical misbehavior is the abuse of employees through sexual harassment, verbal lashing, or public humiliation by a company leader.

9. Permitting Organizational Abuse

When an organization chooses to operate in another country, it sometimes butts up against social culture in which child labor, demeaning work environments or excessive hours are required. It is at this point that the leaders of the company have a choice…whether to perpetuate that abuse or alleviate it.

10. Violating Rules

In some cases, people or organizations violate rules to expedite a process or decision. In many of these cases, the results would have been the same regardless, but by violating the rules or required procedures for that outcome, they can potentially scar the reputation of the organization they work for.

11. Condoning Unethical Actions

Suppose you are at work one day and you notice that a colleague of yours is using petty cash for personal purchases and fail to report it. Perhaps you know that a new product in development has safety issues, but you don’t speak out. In these examples, failing to do right creates a wrong.

12. Balancing Ethical Dilemmas

What about a situation that would be considered neither right, nor wrong? What should be done here? Should Google or Microsoft do business in China when human rights violations are committed daily? Sometimes an organization must balance the need to do business with any ethical dilemmas that might arise from doing business.

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Source by John Bascom

11 Great Ways to Introduce Yourself in an RV Community

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We have all been the new person in the neighborhood. We all know that feeling, and we know that sometimes the first step to introduction can be the hardest. Personally, when I am with people I know and am comfortable with. People that I have known for a while, I am not introverted in the least. I am not quiet, I talk until they tell me to shush. Rarely can we be that comfortable with people we just met.

Traveling around recently and having to meet numerous people, I have found that when people have used these ideas with me, It has made the introduction situation much easier for all. The next eleven great ways to introduce yourself, specifically in an RV community, may help you work around social shells and help start great relationships in the community you will be staying for the next few days, months, or years (depending on your travel plans).

So let’s get started, the first four ideas I like to consider the gateway to introduction. Anyone can ask a question, make a comment or give a compliment. Any of these make easing into an introduction a little easier.

1. Wave and Smile

Unless the other person is in an auto, RV, truck, or motorcycle, most people are outgoing will stop and talk to you. Smiles are proven to be inviting. Smiles invite conversation with others. Conversations usually need introduction.

Since visiting several RV communities, when going out with my husband (who is a very outgoing person), I have personally noticed that smiles have started countless conversations with community members. Previous unknown community members that now I can’t wait to go back and visit later.

Many great friendships in RV communities, start with a wave and a friendly smile.

2. Ask a question

If you are new to any community, unless it is a model of a previous place you have visited before, you are going to have questions. Most small and medium size communities have maps and welcome packets that include a lot of information. But asking a question is a way to not

only start an introduction, but get more detailed information. You can ask your neighbor, Where is recycling located? Which direction is the black and gray tank dump?

Very rarely will you run into someone who will answer your question and walk away. I am not saying it will never happen, it is just rare.

3. Make a comment

This idea is similar to asking a question. Making a comment is extremely easy. A simple statement about the weather is a gateway for introduction. It also invites further conversation. You may also be able to find common ground with the other person. There are times when first finding you have things in common, will put you at ease and make conversation that much easier.

4. Give a compliment

Have you ever been walking by someone and thought, (Wow, that’s a great…) just fill in the blank. Those are all opportunities for introduction. Take the opportunity if you like something, say so. Almost everyone enjoys compliments.

Example: “I like your Sun hat, it’s a pretty shade of green. “

This example may seem silly but remember, it is a simple and easy way to start a conversation and introduce oneself.

5. Walk our Canine Companion

Most RV communities have areas designated for canine companions. For their exercise and interacting with other dogs. Walking your companion not only gives your pet needed exercise while living in an RV, but opens the door to talk to neighbors. Mainly about dogs, but this too is a gateway to introduction.

While walking you may be asked about your pet, many will want to stop and say hello and potentially pet your companion. Or later they may mention that they saw you walking him or her earlier. Then in conversation, introductions are usually made.

6. Go to the Community Center/ Area

All of the RV parks we have visited in 2016 have a community gathering area. When living in such a small community of people community centers are great places to gather for games, ice cream socials, card games, and other activities. Perhaps the parks welcome packet will have a calendar of events. This is another great way to meet your community neighbors.

7. Take a tour of the Community

Most RV communities offer tours of the RV sites. This helps with continuity in the community, since most people living the RV lifestyle travel a majority of the year. There are people coming in and going out on the regular. Sign up for a tour of the entire RV park. Your guide may introduce you to the people you see along the way.

You may also be able to remember where you met others which may also help

you remember their names better.

8. Give a useful gift

Finding something useful for others living the RV lifestyle is easy. Think about the things that you Use or need daily. Does your neighbor have a pet?(cat or dog) Give something for them instead.

(A toy maybe). It does not need to be extravagant. When in doubt, keep it simple. My previous example where my neighbor gifted us the reusable (handmade) bag. I use it every time we go shopping. And it is very much appreciated.

9. Give a handmade item

Do you have a hobby that you enjoy? Do you knit or sew? If you have an hobby or skill that you enjoy, you can use that to your advantage when introducing yourself to others.

When we first arrived in the desert around southern California, we did not know anyone. We met our host and they basically gave us the rundown on who was already there and who would be showing up. One of our neighbors came over and as an introduction she gave us a hand-made bag. It is not only my favorite bag, but I remember her name because I associate it with the bag.

10. Have a gathering at your area/ space

You can have a small potluck lunch at your RV site. Have everyone bring something. If that seems like too much for you. Have a small get together with your immediate neighbors. Invite them to play a card game or chess. (If you have a set. )

If you invite others to your area, remember that not everyone will love fufi jumping on them. Until you get to know your neighbors, keep your canine companion in a controllable area.

You have a few options when inviting people over also. You can write hand invitations for your neighbors to the left and right. You can also put up a small sign in your community center in the RV park. More people will show up with this option. Before putting anything up, don’t forget to ask what is allowed on the board.

11. Introduce yourself

The last one is as simple as it gets. Just dive right in. If your neighbor is outside, go for it. You can walk right over to them and say “I would like to introduce myself. ” and go from there.

Do you know of great ideas that I did not put on our list? Any helpful hints for other readers.

Leave a comment below. And if you found our article useful remember to share it with others.

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Source by Keisha D Jackson

Need-To-Know Facts About Convertible Cars

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Convertibles are defined by having a retractable roof – they represent the wind-in-your-hair dream car designed for pleasure over practicality.

While previously convertibles were purely two-seater sports cars which were also broadly called roadsters, these days you can even find open-air sedan type models. Most convertibles fall within the luxury-range of vehicles, however there are also several affordable models now on the marketplace.

There are two main types of convertible cars, distinguished by their roof type – soft-tops and hard-tops. A soft-top convertible is also known as a cabriolet, cabrio, or spider, and hard-tops are variously described as coupé cabriolets, coupé convertibles or retractable hard-tops.

The following guide will give you some of the key facts about convertibles to keep in mind so you can decide which model is right for you.

Size

As mentioned above, convertible cars range in size from two-seat roadsters to roomier four-seaters. Even if the vehicle seats more than two however, while there are some models which have normal space for adults in the rear of the car, the majority have only enough room for children or pets.

When it comes to cargo space, convertible cars are limited by the roof top being folded down. With the top pulled up however, some models offer a decent amount of cargo space. The best way forward to gage whether you’ll have enough room for your needs is to make sure you have a look at the boot space with the roof in both an up and down position when shopping around.

Roof Type

Soft-top canvas convertibles used to be the original standard, but both canvas and vinyl covers are prone to damage if not looked after carefully. Currently car manufacturers are releasing an increasing range of hard-top convertibles which feature automatically powered retractable roofs that break into two or three pieces and then elegantly lower into the boot. While these are more durable, crime proof and easy to operate, their complexity can often reflect in the price, they add more weight to the vehicle and they also take up more boot space. Modern soft-tops have been improved with multiple layers that protect the car from the elements and reduce noise just as well as hard-tops.

Engine Capacity

Generally, most mid-sized convertibles use four- and six-cylinder engines, while pricier luxury models mainly use powerful V6 or V8 engines.

Fuel Consumption

Four- and six-cylinder convertibles are able to achieve a good combined mileage in the low-to-mid-20-mpg range, but most eight-cylinder models deliver less than 20 mpg.

Safety

Modern convertibles usually feature a fixed or pop-up roll bar to protect the passengers if a rollover accident occurs.

It must be said that most convertibles have small rear windows, which creates large blind spots. If you’re extra vigilant about safety, you’ll ideally want to go for models that offer blind-spot warning systems, parking sensors and rear view cameras.

Premium-brand convertibles will have side airbags that deploy from the seats as a standard, and it’s a good idea to choose this as an extra feature on a less expensive drop top. Look out for airbags that extend upward to protect the head, since convertibles don’t have the protective side curtains that solid-roof vehicles provide.

Top Extra Features

Extra features to consider that will make your driving experience even more luxurious include automatic climate control, heated seats, navigation systems, keyless start-up systems, Bluetooth and an iPod interface. Other additions that can make all the difference are built-in wind deflectors, heated and cooled seats and sun-reflective leather upholstery.

Another factor to think about is that in most convertibles the rear is very compact, so features which make access easier come in very handy. These include front seats that automatically return to their previous position and seatbelts that move out of the way for rear passengers but are still easily accessible for the driver.

Conclusion

Convertible cars are without a doubt one of the top choices you can make when it comes to pure enjoyment while driving. And with larger models increasingly being released, now you can combine a let-your-hair-down sporty feel with the space capacity of more practical vehicles.

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Source by Anthony Blascara

Various Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Alloy Wheels

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The wheels of cars and other vehicles are manufactured from various materials. Nowadays, you can easily find some beautiful wheels that not only enhance the looks of your car but also deliver better performance. The most common metal which are used in the manufacturing of wheels are magnesium and aluminum alloys. The use of these strong metals results in durable, lightweight and strong wheels which look more stylish than ordinary wheels. The process involves casting the metal alloys.

Advantages

  • The most impressive characteristic of alloy wheels is that they light in weight and are mainly used in racing or sports cars. Such wheels are either made from forged magnesium alloy or aluminium alloy. Cast alloy is not used as it is heavier. Though these wheels are lighter and stylish, you will have to spend a good amount in order to get one for your car.
  • The light weight of the wheels provides a better grip on the road, thus delivering outstanding performance. This not only delivers a good mileage but also enhances the life of the car.
  • These stylish wheels also provide an appealing look to your car. You can easily get a uniquely designed wheel matching the color and make of your car.

Disadvantages

  • The continuous use of alloy wheels can damage them. It is due to this fact that they need to be repaired after certain intervals and this might cost you huge bucks. There are various reasons due to which the wheels get damaged. It might be due to hitting hard stones, running on rough surfaces at a high speed etc.
  • Most of the times, it is seen that individuals get the scratches on the wheels during parking that gives it a discolored and ugly look. You need to get it dented in order to recover its beauty and deformation.

Repairing Alloy Wheels

  • Before taking your alloy wheels for repair, it is your duty to examine the extent of damage. Sometimes the dull appearance of the wheels is due to the dust and dirt deposited on them. In such a situation, you need not to take it for repair instead you can clean it thoroughly in order to regain its shine and stylish appearance. You can find various cleaning agents in the market which can help you in giving a final touch to your cleaning mission. The tires that have dents and scratches are required to be taken for repair. There are various mechanics and garages that provide effective repair solutions to overcome the issues with the wheel.
  • There might be many car drivers who might wish to chance the wheel instead of getting it repaired. If you are also looking forward to replace the wheel, you should be aware of the fact that a new alloy wheel can cost you huge bucks. So, if the wheel can be repaired you should consider it rather than purchasing a new one. This will not only help you in saving your hard earned money but will also provide you an opportunity to retain the beauty of your car at economical prices.

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Source by Abhinav S Sidana

What’s the Difference Between Passive and Active Wheel Speed Sensors?

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There are two types of wheel speed sensors currently in use: magnetic inductive, more commonly known as passive sensors and magneto resistive, or active wheel speed sensors. Both of sensors do a similar job, but they function in completely different ways. Both function effectively in their own ways, but the more modern active wheel sensor is generally regarded as the more reliable.

Passive sensors have been around since the early days of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). These sensors function on the generator principle. The speed sensors work with the toothed tone wheels to monitor and provide the anti-lock brake module (ABM) with wheel speed information. The actuator is a toothed tone wheel that rotates with the individual wheel. Each tooth on the tone wheel acts as an actuator for the wheel speed sensor. As the tone wheel rotates, the teeth go in and out of the proximity of the sensor. The result is an alternating current (AC) voltage that is generated in the sensor coil by magnetic lines of force fluctuating as the tone passes by the magnetic sensor.

The output of the wheel speed sensor can vary from vehicle to vehicle due to: winding type, air gap, magnetic strength of sensor, metal properties of the tone wheel and wheel speed. Unfortunately these types of passive systems have been prone to false cycling, which is the term used to describe an ABS cycle even though the road conditions do not dictate the need for this cycle. This condition is very prone to happen at slower speeds. This tends to happen because of wheel damage or rust build-up on the tone wheel. An incorrect sensor air gap will cause this condition, as well as debris on the wheel speed sensor tip.

Active wheel sensors have been in use since 1999. This style of speed sensor helps to increase performance, durability and low speed accuracy. Active sensors do not appear to have the same false cycle problem of passive sensors do. Most vehicles with active sensors still use a toothed tone wheel which acts as the trigger mechanism for the sensor. Some vehicles use a magnetic encoder in place of a traditional tone wheel. The encoders have north/south pole magnets imbedded into the ring. The ring is then pressed on the axle shaft just like a tone wheel. In either case the result is a digital square wave signal.

On this system, the ABM sends battery voltage to the speed sensor to power it up. The sensor, in turn, supplies the ABM a constant 7 milliamp (mA) signal on a signal return circuit. Depending on the tone ring or magnetic encoder position, this 7 mA signal is turned on or off. The output of the sensor sent to the ABM is a Direct Current (DC) voltage signal with changing voltage and current levels. The ABM monitors the changing digital signal from each wheel speed sensor and is interpreted as wheel speed.

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Source by Jason H Walker