Archive for August, 2011
If the safety and security of your family is as important to you as it is to me, then you will be sure to inspect the brake pads and rotors on your vehicle at least twice a year. It is easy to do and can save you money over time.
First, inspect your rotors. Remove the tire so that you can easily view all of the parts. I like to combine this with a regular tire rotation, but you can simply chock the wheels, jack up the tire and pull it off. With this done, take a look at the rotor. This is the round disk that the brakes squeeze to stop the car. It should be shiny from the inside to the outer edge. Don’t worry if you can see slight lines in it, this is normal wear. However, if there are any rough spots or pronounced grooves in the disc, you should replace the rotors. This is generally a simple process and rotors are not terribly expensive. It is a better option than having the rotors “turned” (refinished by a machine shop) because turning the rotors removes metal, making the rotor slightly thinner. Brake discs should always be replaced in pairs to ensure even stopping, a huge safety factor.
With the tire still off, take a look at each brake pad. You should see a brake pad on each side of the rotor. If you follow the surface of the disc to the top, you’ll see the outside pad touching the disc. If there is 1/8″ or less remaining on the pad, you need new pads.
There are several brands and types of pads you can get, and your budget may determine your choice. If you are looking for the best combination of braking properties, then you want to go with a ceramic brake pad. They are generally more expensive than a semi-metallic pad, but they perform better in many ways.
I don’t care how much everybody is complaining about Global Warming, cold is cold, and when you are riding during the winter, it feels even colder. Wind chill is terrible, add in the factor of speed where the quicker you ride the more the temp plummets. Using the following tips, you can survive the winter on your motorcycle. Many of you silly people enjoy cold weather, I’ll never understand that. Maybe it is because I’m a skinny man and I don’t have a lot fat to hold in the heat. I live down South for a reason, but even in the dirty dirty it gets cold now and again.
When the mercury goes down and the wind picks up I’m grabbing every article of warm clothing I can wear at once. If I look like the little brother from a Christmas Story when I’m done, so be it. Hands, are your first line of defense, and Winter gloves are generally a smart idea, something with Gore-Tex or Thinsulate is a plus. Practically every major motorcycle apparel manufacturer sells a winter glove, and many can be purchased for under $80 with different degrees of protection and insulation from the elements. But aside from riding out and purchasing a name brand glove, there are other steps you can try before you shell out your dough on specialty gloves. Take a trip down to either the local grocer, hardware, or auto parts store and pick up a bunch of disposable latex gloves.
These are great for retaining your natural body heat. And because they are form fitting, you can wear them inside your riding gloves as extra insulation. Some people may have a problem with latex, in which case sporting goods stores and outdoor outlets sell glove liners made of different materials. Even if you wear full gauntlet gloves, while in the riding position, and when you are moving around, your sleeves can slide up and let in the wind. Try a pair of wristbands, a great cheap trick for keeping the wind out of your sleeves. Warm shirts are a must, but too many at once cannot only be uncomfortable, but can impair movement. Thermal shirts are always a plus, in addition to a sweater and lined jacket. Try one of those cool max shirts as a base to your layers. Anything to wick away moisture from your body will keep you that much warmer. If your jacket lets some wind through in any areas try and pin point the problem areas from the inside. The fix for this is simple… duct tape. Patch up the problems on the inside so the breeze does not make its way through.
A thin nylon windbreaker beneath the jacket or even your rain jacket over top can be a great help. Your head and face are super sensitive. Good full-face lids with closable vents are always the way to go. If you’re in an area that gets a good amount of snow and really low temps, you may want to look into snowmobile helmets for the winter. The ones that come with heated visors would be a perfect choice. Of course, one of the most common ways to help keep your head warm, is wearing a beanie underneath your helmet. If that is too thick for a comfy fit, try the sporting goods and ski shops for balaclava’s. The ones made of nylon are typically really thin. There’s always the standard bandana as well. This will at least keep the wind off your face, and your breath will keep your face warm.
Keep breath mints handy though. Another simple trick for limiting fog and retaining heat. If your helmet does not include a breath deflector, you can build one out of duct tape. Double up the tape and form it to fit your face. Then, tape it right to the inside of the chin bar. Just be sure you do not leave any of the adhesive exposed, unless you want your face waxed while riding down the street. The feet and knees are always in the breeze. Ski socks are a definite plus. The longer they are, the better too. Insulated boots are really the smart way to go, the less wind that can get in the better.
A great piece of gear I found is motocross knee and shin guards, they are similar to hockey shin guards with plastic caps, foam padding and fabric liners. The great thing about these, is that they are thin enough to wear under loose fitting pants. The plastic deflects the wind really well while the foam helps to retain the heat. These are generally inexpensive too, they can be had for no more than $40. For the rest of your lower extremities, double up on pants. Sweat pants, Track pants, thermals, etc. Of course there is always the option of heated riding gear. This can be pricey, but if you are going to ride in extremely cold climates, it’s probably a wise investment. The cheaper option is using hand warmer packs. They are fairly inexpensive and some last up to 8 hours. If you are going to do some long-distance trips, I would suggest getting a few. You can put them in your shoes to help keep your feet warm, in your gloves to help out your hands and anywhere else you feel could use a bit of warmth.
A Car audio systems are not the easiest of technologies to grasp; yet, they range from quite simple systems to much more complex ones. For instance, quite a few car audio customers keep their systems simple by only purchasing a car CD Mp3 Player, whilst those with a little more knowledge on car audio may purchase along with their stereo, amplifiers and subwoofers. If you’re still a little confused on car audio systems, just ask knowledgeable staff at any car audio seller and they will be happy to help you. Or even drop them an email, or give a call.
Car audio is not just limited to the stereo and its extras either, as DVD systems are now also available for your car. These systems are increasing in popularity as more and more people take longer journeys around the country. Furthermore, you can have DVD systems installed that are only for the back passengers, or in- dashboard DVD players, which are for all the passengers. Both free standing DVD players and in-dash DVD players are available from car audio specialists at an excellent price. Look out for discounted and on sale items!
Car audio manufacturers have really thought long and hard over the customers’ requirements and have provided a variety of different technologies and models for their customers’ needs, from Mp3 player ‘hook up’ kits to Bluetooth players. Car audio manufacturers have utilized the best and the newest of technologies in order to bring you enhanced car audio systems that are also convenient and easy to use.
Car audio sellers can deliver car audio systems all over the U.K. They may also offer to customers, the latest Sat-Nav systems and security systems, which will help to protect your car audio systems from theft.