Idhaya – Engineering & Technology Blog, Industrial & Mechanical Engineering Information

Customizing automobiles or getting modified sports cars is a popular pastime for decades. It enhances the performance of the vehicle and adds a unique personal touch on the automobile to make it stand out from the rest. According to recent market report, the fastest little modified sports car in Utah is Bill Gordon’s 20-valve Norwood MR2 Turbo. To give it a boost in power, manufacturers have streamlined the design to eliminate air resistance, allowing the vehicle to reach speeds of over 120 mph. This speed is equal to the speed of a free-falling human body through the air.

As sports cars cost a huge amount, not every individual can afford to buy one. However, they don’t have to lose heart. They can still enjoy the feeling of riding a sports car. They can give their ordinary automobiles a sporty look by fitting skirts. Thus, the automobile will get the look of a typical sports car. One can also give his automobile a sporty look by having a racing mesh fitted on the front bumper. Not only it will look good, but it will also improve the air flow around the engine compartment.

You can also customize your vehicle by fitting plastic “eyebrow extensions” to your vehicle’s head lights. These extensions are available in a wide variety of colors and the cost is also relatively lower. Another way to enhance a car’s performance is engine mapping, which basically involves re-programming the automobile’s CPU. In the new program, fresh instructions are given on how to fuel the engine. You can also upgrade your car by fitting improved brakes and expensive high quality tires. It will make for high speed performance and traction for handling the extra engine power.

However, before investing your hard earned money in having modified sports cars, you should have full knowledge to select the right combination of modifications. You can go through the different online sites and get a general idea on the accessories needed for your automobile.

One such reliable automotive community is Carz.com. You get to choose from a wide variety of car accessories and parts. You can pick your own model, body, color, and other things. All the items are reasonably priced. Just imagine the looks of admiration on beholders’ eyes as you go whizzing in your modified automobile!

Automobile production has grown from an industry of small companies that made simple carriages to the international corporations that now mass-produce advanced and reliable automobiles across the globe. Innovations and changes in any industry take time to hold ground, require the participation of the consumers, and have to deal with the government regulations. New technologies can be applied to one area at a time and the practical implementation requires many processes. As regards the automobile industry, any part or a new component for its full development may take a long time. Processing may involve years to incorporate new concepts into a practical use-able model. Time is required for multiple reasons such as, for designing, building and even for installation of production tools and then testing the new systems using mock ups. In preproduction vehicles to see what happens to overall performance, it takes additional time to monitor the pros and cons of the product.

Automobile companies and corporations are focusing and responding to the many sectors of this industry in quite an effective manner. The emerging fuel-consumption and air-quality demands are on the rise and need innovations. Diesel engines, catalytic converters, electronic fuel injection, turbochargers, high-strength steels, aerodynamic bodies, front-wheel drive, and other technologies are introduced to cut and maintain operating costs. Industry developments of the late 1990′s focused on joint international ventures among the strongest companies and global expansion into new markets. Globalization has made it increasingly difficult to identify an automobile as the product of one company or country. At the beginning of the 21st century, the trends of global manufacturing changed with new technological methods. Computerized auto designs are producing splendid results and the search for alternative fuels and more efficient automobile designs is a subject of hot pursuit.

In the auto industry, researchers analyze market trends, consumer surveys, and buying patterns to determine what consumers want, and then suggest what kinds of cars to make. Before a new car is built, it must be researched, designed, and developed into a workable product. The designers work to shape new ideas into tangible parts or products. Engineers adapt existing parts for the new model and draw up new plans for a custom-built working example of a new design and so manufacturers build a few prototypes before they set up a factory to build the new car. Product planners monitor the process along the way and make sure that an approved new car program finishes on time and more over within its permissible budget. However, technology is still moving at a great pace and microelectronics seems fully incorporated in the future automobiles and may become as commonplace as radios once were. On-board systems are becoming available that enable drivers to find destinations through voice-activated navigation or make cellular calls using the computer. These computers can access the Global Positioning System or GPS and display maps to help drivers avoid congested freeways and find better routes to destinations.

In the future vehicles will be made of different materials such as improved plastics or composites that will reduce car weight, provide fuel economy, allow smoother surfaces and shapes that are more complex, better management, easy controls and safety in cases of crash.

Every automobile has a number of complex parts that help in efficient and accurate functioning of the car. Some parts may be trivial but it is vital for the smooth working of the car. Automobile parts are being manufactured all over the globe with precision and advanced technological methods. Some of the important automobile components include the engine, gearbox parts, drive axle, steering and suspension, brakes, and so forth.

Variety of Automobile Components

Each and every component in an automobile has its significance and is quite indispensable for the right functioning of the vehicle. Some of the important components include:

• Engine: this is the most important component of an automobile. Different types of fuels are used by engines like diesel, ethanol and gasoline for the functioning of the vehicle. Some vehicles are also run on batteries these days.

• Gear box: this is also known as transmission which has a number of gears in it. These gears transfer the engine’s power to the wheels of the vehicle. There are many types of gearbox parts in different cars. Transmission is available in two types mainly the manual and the automatic models.

• Brakes: a hydraulic fluid is transferred through steel lines to the wheels of the vehicle when the brakes are applied thereby stopping the vehicle at once. Brakes are another important component of an automobile

• Drive axle: another important component includes the drive axle which propels the vehicle.

• Steering: both the suspension and the steering help the driver to choose the travelling direction with the aid of steering wheels. There are sufficient shock absorbers that ensure comfortable journey.

• oil filters: filters are essential in removing dust and abrasive particles from the engine oil. Such particles can harm the engine and prevent proper functioning.

Gearbox Parts and Oil Filters

There are quite a variety of gearbox parts included in the transmission. Most of these parts can be availed from the online stores for replacement and for brand new purchase of the component. Some of the parts include the gearbox cover, the shifter fork, the shifter rod, gearbox fork, synchronizer rings or hubs,

There are many manufacturers and suppliers listed in the online portals who supply precision manufactured gearbox parts of different varieties.

These parts are highly resistant to corrosion, tensile and of superior quality. Most of the components produced by these manufacturers are guaranteed against thermal and chemical reactions. It also produces lesser noise and vibration and is therefore in great demand in the markets today.

In addition to gearbox parts, there are different types of oil filters available today. According to the specific design and type of filter material, these filters are classified as high efficiency filters. Superior quality filters must be used in vehicles to avoid clogging of the engine with dust and abrasive materials. The efficiency of these filters is assessed by the amount of particles collected in the filters including the miles travelled by the vehicle.

More than a hundred varieties of automobile parts and components can be obtained easily through the online business portals at reasonable rates.

Over the last few decades technology has become an increasingly more important part of our daily lives, in fact there is very little of our lives that is not affected by some variety of technology. The advances that have been made in various industries in recent years have been nothing short of astounding.

There are not many industries where this is more evident that the motor industry. The vehicles that are on today’s roads have technology within them that is simply amazing. The most noticeable changes that have been made in recent times have been with the operating systems of the vehicles. In the past, there was a minimal amount of electronic involvement but today there is more than ever. A console manager or some kind of onboard computer manages almost every part of the vehicle.

These onboard computers or electronic management systems are equipped to provide the driver with a vast amount of useful information to help make their driving experience safer and more enjoyable. They can literally provide them with everything from how much oil is left in the engine to the temperature outside and inside the car. All of this information is given to the driver on a digital display inside the car. This display will vary depending on the actual manufacturer but the information provided will generally be the same.

Safety has become increasingly important to car manufacturers over the last few decades with a number of laws and regulations being passed by governments that carmakers must pass before their vehicles can be deemed safe to drive. This is obviously fantastic news for the consumer but not so good news for the car manufacturers. The inclusion of power steering has become almost standard on all modern vehicles as has anti-lock braking systems. Both of these additions have helped the driver to attain a great deal more control over the vehicle they are driving and thus prevent road traffic accidents from happening. Neither of these additions would be able to function correctly without an onboard computer system or a console manager.

Many higher end vehicles on the roads today will have some sort of satellite navigation system fitted to them. These ingenious inventions are designed to help the driver navigate their way around new areas they are not familiar with and are gradually replacing the map as a form of providing directions.

One part of the car that most people take for granted is the tyres. These are one of the most important parts of the vehicle as without a high quality set of tyres the driver will struggle to maintain control of the car. Fortunately, the modern tyres are equipped to provide maximum grip on the roads even during extreme weather conditions.

The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is an economy- car designed with quality performance that promises a pleasurable and exciting ride for the whole family. Great new features include audio systems, a 3- spoke steering wheel, and remote vehicle start.

The 2008 Chevy Cobalt is available as a compact coupe or sedan. Coupes come in LS, LT, SS and SS Supercharged. Meanwhile, sedans come in LS, LT, LTZ and SS versions. 15- inch wheels, air- conditioning, a driver- seat height adjuster, a split- folding rear seat and standard CD player are available in LS models. On the other hand, LT offers cruise control, full power accessories, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a sport- tuned suspension. However, the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe is the fastest model with 18- inch alloys, supercharged engine, and firmer suspension tune.

The LS, LT and LTZ Cobalt models are powered by 2.2- liter in line 4- cylinder engine with 145 horsepower, and 155 pound- feet of torque. On the other hand, the SS features 2.4- liter version with 171 hp and 163 lb- ft of torque. The SS Supercharged coupe has a supercharged 2.0- liter with 205 hp, 200 lb- ft of torque and a 7- second 0-60- mph time.

The Chevy Cobalt comes standard with attractive gauges and a full- featured stereo head unit. With regard to safety, an Antilock Brake System, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control Systems, and Daytime Running Lamps are available to keep passengers safe and secured. In addition, a Driver Information Center that gives early warning is also provided. Emergency button like the Onstar offers immediate access to a network of live advisors 24/7 for any emergency. Other safety features include a safety cage and crush zone, safety belts, and the LATCH system for child safety seats.

The 2008 Chevy Cobalt is a satisfactory choice for an economy car that excels in performance and ride quality.

As soon as the automobile was developed towards the end of the 19th Century, the first things engineers and enthusiasts alike wanted to do was to go faster. The need for speed on four wheels was born but it took Henry Ford to bring the automobile to the masses with the Model T, launched in 1913, and using what was then state of the art mass production techniques. While the Model T hardly fits anyones description of a sports car, it was the fastest mode of personal transport then available.

The trend towards faster cars emerged from the development of the motor car, but it also spurred on further advances and technology. As soon as the car was invented, people began to race them and technologies and advances in the racing field spilled over into the mainstream production of cars.

As a spectator sport, motor racing scored a hit from the very beginning too with many people flocking to see the new and innovative mode of transport as well as enjoy the thrills and spills of car racing. Manufacturers quickly saw the advertizing and marketing advantages for having their car brand competing and winning in the car racing circuits and car rallies which sprang up around the world. The Paris-Dakar rally, the 24 hour Le Mans and speed trials on Florida beaches from which Daytona Speedway emerged, all owe their existence to the development of the car and our fixation with competing and going faster.

Chevrolet emerged as a car brand using the name of Louis Chevrolet, a well-known car racing driver of the early 20th Century. Chevrolet as a car brand grew from a racing pedigree into the well-known car marquee we know today. This development is echoed by all the famous car brands we know today Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, the Ford Mustangs (especially the Shelbys) all of these owe their existence to the racing pedigrees established by racing.

While the race car of yesterday and today are not suitable for everyday use, some of the design features were obviously attractive to mainstream consumers. Having a sleek, aerodynamic body shape lends a certain aesthetic but consumers also expected greater performance than a regular production car, not least because they were also looking to race the cars themselves. This brought the need for speed to the mass market, and many notable car racing drivers emerged from the amateur circuits established in Europe and North America.

During the 1980s as the Japanese car manufacturers sought to establish a more up market reputation for their cheap car imports, one of the major sales tactics they used was to partner with established racing teams. By partnering with established companies with a racing pedigree, this allowed for the rapid adoption of technology which ultimately resulted in some Japanese and other Far Eastern manufacturers entering the racing circuits as competitors in their own right Subaru is a very good example of this. Success on the race and rally circuits almost certainly ensured success in showroom sales, and this is as true today as it was back in 1913.

The original Porsche company, started by Professor Ferdinand Porsche in 1931, didn’t even design or develop cars under it’s own name. They were purely a consultancy and development company. In fact, not many people know that it was the Porsche corporation that originally designed what became the Volkswagen Beetle!

It was until 1939 that Porsche released a car under it’s own name: the Porsche 64.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the war meant that luxury cars were put to one side and, when Germany fell, Professor Porsche was arrested, though never charged, for war crimes. At this point, his son, Ferry, was put in charge of the company and it was under his management that the iconic Porsche 356 was developed.

Over the subsequent 50 years Porsche have remained at the forefront of luxury car production, with a succession of classic autos, such as the Porsche 911 and the Cayenne. Sleek and beautifully designed and engineered, these are not cars for taking the kids to and from school.

In fact, these are super cars for the super rich. It is telling that in a May 2006 survey, Porsche was awarded the title of the most prestigious automobile brand by Luxury Institute, New York. The survey only questioned more than 500 households with a gross annual income of at least US $200,000 and a net worth of at least US $720,000.

Considering that the 2010 Porsche 911 costs around £90,000 new, it is unlikely that most of us will ever be able to afford to own one. Luckily, with the advent of gift experience companies, we can now get to drive one – if only for a few hours. Still we can dream about what it would be like to do that all the time and a Porsche 911 is definitely at the top of my wishlist of all time great birthday gifts.

The heart being an indispensable part of the human body, in case of automobiles it is the battery, which makes it run. Although there are other parts, also without which both the bodies cannot work but the heart and battery are the essentials. A small problem can become a very big problem in just no time putting you at risk, in both the cases whether it’s a car or a human being.

Coming to its literal meaning, the major function of an Automobile Battery is of supplying electrical energy to the electric motor and controlling the ignition system of an automobile. Usually it is referred to as SLI battery (starting, lightning, and ignition), it powers the motor, lights the head and tail lamps and ignites the engine.

How it works? Automotive starter batteries are generally of lead-acid type provide a minimum of 12-volts. It works by connecting six galvanic cells, which are in series. Each cell approximately provides 2.1 volts on a total of 12.6 volts. Lead-acid batteries are made up of lead plates and separate plates of lead oxide. These lead plates are submerged into an electrolyte solution of about 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water causing a chemical reaction that as a result releases electrons, allowing them to flow through conductors to produce electricity. When the battery starts discharging , the acid of the electrolyte reacts with the materials of the plates, changing their surface to lead sulfate. And it goes further.

Its different types Lead acid batteries, the different construction technique depends upon the application of the battery. The Flood cell batteries, which indicate liquid electrolyte are more commonly used in today’s time. AGM or Absorbed glass mat battery is without liquid electrolytes and is gradually gaining acceptance by the SLI users. Batteries specified with SLI systems deliver a heavy current and has a low degree of discharge on each use. They constitute of many thin plates, which are separated by thin separators and have a higher specific gravity electrolyte, which reduces internal resistance. Deep-cycle batteries have fewer, thicker plates and have a greater depth of discharge on each cycle, but do not provide high current on heavy loads.

Use and Maintenance Fluid Level- Car Battery having lead batteries require regular watering up to maintain the water amount which was lost due to electrolysis on each charging cycle. More recent designs have lower water loss unless overcharged. Modern car batteries do not need much of maintenance, and many a times do not provide caps for addition of water to the cells. These batteries have extra electrolyte above the plates, which allows loss during the battery life.

Battery Storage- Batteries should be charged timely if stored to retain their capacity. Stored batteries should be fully charged and cleaned of corrosion deposits and should be put in a dry environment for its longevity. Expensive assets like cars are not purchased on a daily basis so one should look after it. As a human being takes care of his heart and his body, not only the battery but also the car should be properly taken care of.