http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/regular-replacement-of-bmw-oxygen-sensors-needed-for-preventive-maintenance.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/regular-replacement-of-bmw-oxygen-sensors-needed-for-preventive-maintenance.html Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
An automotive oxygen sensor is a small electronic sensor inserted into the exhaust system of most engine-fueled vehicles, especially on those manufactured after 1980. Vehicles manufactured in the 1980s are usually equipped with one or two oxygen sensors, usually located on the branch manifold before the catalytic converter. This number, however, has been doubled after the introduction of the Onboard Diagnostic II (ODBII), with the added sensors usually placed after the catalytic converter to measure its efficiency.

The main function of automotive oxygen sensors is to measure the volume of oxygen remaining on the exhaust gas. The data obtained by the oxygen sensor would then be delivered to the engine management ECU computer. Based on this data, the ECU computer would then adjust the amount of fuel to be delivered to the engine. If the oxygen sensor gets damaged, this function of the ECU computer would be compromised, usually resulting to feeding the engine with more gasoline than what it actually needs. Such richness in the fuel-to-air ratio would also cause the catalytic converter to run hotter than normal, a condition that may lead to the eventual failure of the converter.

To prevent such things from happening, oxygen sensor manufacturers advise that oxygen sensors be replaced at regular intervals. For vehicles manufactured prior to the implementation of the OBDII, unheated oxygen sensors must be replaced after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles while heated oxygen sensors after every 60,000 miles. For those vehicles with OBDII (vehicles manufactured in the mid-1990s and newer), the replacement of oxygen sensors is recommended after every 100,000 miles.

By replacing the BMW oxygen sensor at the said intervals, BMW owners will be assured that the emission levels and the fuel consumption of their vehicles will be held at the minimum. The power generation of the vehicle’s engine is also guaranteed to become more efficient.

In an attempt to be of better service to every BMW owner, Auto Parts Corner offers high quality and high performance BMW parts over the Internet. BMW oxygen sensors are among the newest products being offered by this reliable online auto parts supplier, which also offers other high quality auto parts and accessories like speed sensors, harmonic balancers, sound deadeners, billet grilles, AC compressor, and others. And because Auto Parts Corner is available 24-hours over the Internet, BMW owners can be assured of a BMW O2 sensor source whenever it is time to replace the sensors of their vehicle.


--
Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-parts-online-offers-greatest-discounts-on-top-quality-ford-explorer-parts.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-parts-online-offers-greatest-discounts-on-top-quality-ford-explorer-parts.html Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
One of its contemporary and most popular vehicles is the Ford Explorer, the best-selling Sport Utility Vehicle in its class since its introduction in 1991. Ford Parts Online, one of the country’s most trusted auto parts dealers and the most reliable Ford parts source online features this time this one-of-a-kind SUV, a pride of Ford and of the auto industry.

The store is offering great Ford Parts Discount deals on thousands of high quality replacement Ford Explorer parts made by the most reputable auto pars makers in the world. Each of the aftermarket and replacement Ford Explorer parts available at Ford Parts Online is designed to meet to the highest quality standards set by the industry and by meticulous Ford owners. They are perfect-fit to every Ford Explorer model’s specifications, too.

Among the most sought after replacement Ford parts for the Ford Explorer are Ford headlights and other Ford lights, Ford wheels, Ford mirrors, and Ford front bumper. All these and more are available at exciting Ford Parts Discount deals. In case you would want to modify your Ford Explorer, or enhance its safety and performance without spending too much, Ford Parts Online’s superior quality and discount-priced Ford parts are your perfect options.

Keeping your Ford explorer in tip-top shape and condition all the time is important for it to maintain its high level of performance. This is especially true if you are often taking this SUV off-road. Driving conditions off-road make things harder for your vehicle parts, especially the engine and the external or body parts. Parts like your Ford wheels and tires may eventually wear out; hence they need replacement.

Accidents are also major factors that contribute to your auto parts’ early deterioration. Parts such as the Ford Explorer bumper, Ford hood and the Ford Explorer fender are the ones that suffer most damages during a collision since they are designed to absorb the force of the collision so as to diminish damages to other parts of the vehicle and of course, to the occupants. When totally wrecked, you have no other option than to replace them.

It is important to get your replacement auto parts from trusted sources to ensure the highest quality of these parts and their long lasting service. In the end they are far more inexpensive compared to extra cheap and low quality auto parts since they lessen chances of another repair or replacement, which would require you again to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars.

When it comes to high quality Ford parts, one name stands out in the replacement auto parts market, the Ford Parts Online. With its longtime experience in the business, you can trust that this store perfectly knows you needs and wants.

--
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/econoline-hood-windshield-well-protected-with-air-deflectors.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/econoline-hood-windshield-well-protected-with-air-deflectors.html Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
An air deflector is a panel that is positioned at an angle on the front of an automobile’s hood, although there are also air deflectors that are mounted on the roof of vehicles, especially if the vehicle is a truck. The main function of an air deflector in a vehicle is to redirect airflow so that it would travel up and over the vehicle. This prevents a lot of wind, along with the minor road debris and small insects it carries with it, from hitting the hood and the windshield of the vehicle. Thus, air deflectors can really help protect the hood and windshield of your Ford Econoline van from nicks and scratches.

There are many kinds of air deflectors (or air foils as they are sometimes called) available in the automotive parts market today, whether online or offline. Most of these panels are made of transparent plastic, although there are also air deflectors in black matte, ready-to-paint finish. Air deflectors installed in front of a vehicle’s hood are also often designed to match the style of the vehicle’s bumper.

Aside from the air deflectors that are installed in front of the hood or on the roof, there are also other accessories that are sometimes referred to as air deflectors. Among them are those installed in front of a vehicle’s sunroof, the main function of which is to reduce wind noise and turbulence when the sunroof is open. Then, there are also those spoilers that fit on the side windows to prevent air from rushing into the vehicle, although these components are better known as wind deflectors.

At Ford Parts Discount, hood/front air deflectors for all Ford Econoline van models manufactured from 1992 to 1996 are widely available. These Ford Econoline air deflectors are made from high-grade plastic and are painted to match your Econoline’s bumper type. For more information about these Ford Econoline air deflectors as well as other Ford parts, just visit Ford Parts Discount.


--
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/engine-overheating%97not-a-problem-for-ford-radiators-from-ford-parts-discount.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/engine-overheating%97not-a-problem-for-ford-radiators-from-ford-parts-discount.html Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
The radiator is that component of your Ford’s engine cooling system whose main function is to dissipate the heat that the coolant has absorbed to the outside atmosphere. For this reason, the radiator is often installed just in front of your Ford’s grille, allowing it to make use of the air that passes through the vehicle’s grille insert.

Although its name would imply that it radiates heat, the radiator actually dissipates the coolant’s heat not by radiation but by convection. Hot after absorbing all the heat in the engine block, the coolant enters the radiator through the radiator’s upper hose. From there, the coolant trickles down or across the small tubes that makes up the radiator core. These tubes are attached to flat, metal pieces called fins that allow air from the grille to pass through the radiator. As the coolant passes through the small tubes, it transfers the heat it has absorbed to the blowing air from the grille.

But while the radiator is the main component that actually keeps the engine of your Ford running at the proper operating temperature, it only has the ability to do so if it is working properly. Sadly, your Ford’s radiator is also prone to a lot of damages, and the most common problems that your Ford radiator may incur include: leaky fittings or seams, fin deterioration and bond failure, electrolysis, cracked tank, and fan damage. As soon as you notice any of these problems on your Ford’s radiator, it is recommended that you have it repaired or replaced immediately.

Ford Parts Discount, one of the leading online source for Ford radiators and other Ford parts and accessories in the U.S., have long been providing high quality and high performance Ford radiators to many Ford vehicle owners. Their avid customers can attest to these. In fact, the Ford radiators listed on their comprehensive online catalog of parts are designed not to fail any year soon after the radiator was bought or installed.


--
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/toyota-hoods%3A-made-for-protection-and-customization.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/toyota-hoods%3A-made-for-protection-and-customization.html Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600
At present, it has 12 manufacturing plants in North America. In the year 2004, Toyota has been able to produce more than 1.44 million vehicles and automobiles, and is still counting. Toyota predicts that by the year 2008, they will have the annual capacity to be able to manufacture 1.81 million cars and trucks.

One of the leading automobile parts produced and crafted by Toyota is the Toyota hood. Toyota Parts Online holds an extensive collection of these. These Toyota parts have gone through and passed testing to provide Toyota owners great satisfaction.

The Toyota hood is certainly an essential part of the vehicle for it has the function of serving as a “door” or a shield to the automobile parts underneath it. Providing strength is its inner panel for they have braces crisscrossing in the underbelly making the hood strong and rigid. And, on the other hand, the outer panel of the Toyota hood is a metal cover which provides covering – it serves and is used to shield the engine from rain and other foreign materials. The underside of the hood is most of time covered with a sound-absorbing material so as to minimize the roar of the engine.

Some of the hoods created have openings which are called as hood scoops. This kind of hood enhances the Toyota engine’s efficiency by allowing air to pass through directly to the filter. Some people consider the Toyota hood as another door of a vehicle for the reason that it serves as an entry point to gain access to the vehicle’s engine.

Toyota hoods have also been accessorized and customized. Some of these accessories are for protection and performance enhancement while others are just for personalization and aesthetic purposes. Whatever purpose these Toyota hoods have been crafted for, Toyota has certainly kept in mind to make them the best kind of hood that only a Toyota would be worthy of.


--
Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/rover-clutch-parts%3A-handling-high-standards.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/rover-clutch-parts%3A-handling-high-standards.html Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The Rover is a car with a considered purpose in life. The company says that if you sit inside and switch off from the frantic pace of the present world, you could find yourself in a personal cocoon of peace of pleasure. That is the Rover’s purpose. To achieve this purpose, they come fully-fitted with luxury leather interiors and wood-style facades as part of their high standards. To add to the high quality ambience, air conditioning and alloy wheels have been supplemented. Rover professes that with these, it will become apparent to passengers how the Rover could become ‘your space’. Along that line, it is a four-wheel drive vehicle and part of their list of models are the Defender, Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover.

Land Rover Parts and Range Rover Parts offers Rover parts focused on reliability, quality, great designs and affordable price. With the Rover tradition of designing efficient and innovative cars, Land Rover parts and Range Rover Parts has in its stock the widest array as well high standard Rover parts, performance parts, and replacement parts. Check out Land Rover Parts and Range Range Rover Parts’ impressive array of highly durable and reliable Rover parts to match the equally impressive performance of your Rover. Included in their long list of these parts are the Rover clutch parts.

Rover clutches are very useful in devices with two rotating shafts. In such devices, one of the shafts is typically driven by a motor or a pulley, and then the other one is driving another device. The Rover clutch connects these two shafts so as they can be locked together and so they could spin at the same speed, or also so they could be decoupled and then spin at different speeds. In your Rover, the clutch is essential because the engine spins all the time and the car wheels do not. So that the car could stop without killing your engine, the wheels of your Rover need to be disconnected from the engine for that time being. This part allows us to smoothly engage a spinning engine to a non-spinning transmission by controlling the slippage between them. The Rover clutches has been specifically crafted so as to keep up and reinforce the Rover’s purpose of space, luxury, and comfort.


--
Carol Mitchel is an executive assistant in one of the leading automotive magazine in Los Angeles, California. She is a certified car lover and loves extreme sports.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/from-ford-aerostar-to-ford-windstar.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/from-ford-aerostar-to-ford-windstar.html Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600
As part of the long list of creations from the Ford Motor Company, Ford, the brand, has come up with its own unique list of vehicles crafted to make an impact on each person that it has come in contact with. One of these is a minivan that was produced and sold by the company from 1995 to the year 2003 bearing the name Ford Windstar. This was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the brand’s first minivan which was the Aerostar. However, come 2004, this model was replaced by the Freestar. This vehicle was made available with a 3.0 L and a 3.8 L V6 engines.

Originally, this vehicle’s project code name was supposed to be WIN88 which stood for “wagon intermediate, North America”. Speculations have it that it was this code, WIN88, which had inspired the name Windstar. Later, ensuing redesigns and revamps for this Ford Windstar for the years 1999 and 2001 had then used VN, which then stood for “van, North America”, for its code name.

While it was still being made available in the market, the Ford Windstar has undergone two major changes in its crafting and design. Four years after it was introduced, the update was made on its overall shape. It was made to look more modern and sportier. Its grille was also altered to a grid array. Also, the window posts that could be located between the front and side doors were hidden away from view. Come the year 2001, the company rejuvenated the Ford Windstar by changing its grill once again by using a tighter array of smaller rectangles this time around.

Everything that you may need for your Ford vehicle like Ford Windstar parts are made available at Ford Parts Online. Quality products can be purchased and delivered to your doorstep through their online shop.

As per the Ford Windstar’s drive through history, this minivan was introduced to the market as a replacement for the Ford Aerostar. And come 2003, the Ford Windstar that had replaced the Ford Aerostar had then been replaced, this time by the Ford Freestar. Ford claims and asserts that the Ford Freestar is all new, in essence, this “new” model is an updated Windstar. The name has been changed, however, it is this platform’s third generation vehicle.


--
Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Techonology.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/flying-through-the-years.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/flying-through-the-years.html Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The company, Ford Motor Company, described this car as a personal luxury car, which had then begun the start of a new market segment. And after three years since its introduction in the market, this automobile then gained a second row of seats for more practicality.

The years 1955 to 1957 proved to be a success for the Ford Thunderbird since many people were clamoring for two seat roadsters. However, most of them wanted the convenience and practicality of a vehicle with more passengers and cargo room. It was redesigned then and became an instant success as it was named Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year.

Come the year 1961, this vehicle then went through another stage of restyling. And it came out with an all-new body shell that featured a pointed front nose, modest fins located above the traditional round tail lights, quad headlamps buried under the oblong housings, and it was also given much softer roof lines for the hard-top versions. Its interior was then dashed in with a dash that curved at its outboard ends so as to have the capability of blending in with the door panels.

Over the years, the Ford Thunderbird has undergone lots of restyling, refurnishing, and redesigning, for the purpose of keeping up with the lifestyle changes and also with the latest in technology and design. As for the most recent of these, in 2002, the Thunderbird was done over with modernized design elements from the 1955-1957 and 1961-1962 Thunderbirds; these elements had included port-hole windows, a hood scoop, rounded headlamps, tail lamps and fog lamps, and the trademarked badging. Moreover, the Motor Trend Magazine then gave the Motor Trend Car of the Year award for 2002 to the Ford Thunderbird.

Ford Parts Discount offers top of the line Ford Thunderbird parts. Customers have a choice from the wide collection of performance parts, replacement parts and also accessories. It offers new and used Ford Thunderbird A/C condensers, bumpers, fenders, lights, mirrors, wheels, radiators, and more.

The Ford Motor Company has chosen and decided to continue this line of models – the Ford Thunderbird – and it could prove to be a good one. These vehicles are considered to be one of America’s most treasured classics. And for many years to come, it surely could still be named so.


--
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/acura-mdx%3A-redesigned-for-2006.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/acura-mdx%3A-redesigned-for-2006.html Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The new 2006 Acura MDX is a 4-door, 7-passenger luxury sport-utility vehicle that is made available in 5 trims, from the Premium to the Touring Package with Navigation System and Rear DVD. Standard for this vehicle is a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It is also a carryover from 2005.

In years past, the Acura MDX has won the North American Truck of the year award back in 2001, and it also bagged in the Car and Driver magazine’s Best Luxury SUV and also the Motor Trend magazine’s Sport/Utility of the Year for that same year.

For this new 2006 Acura MDX, a new drive-by-wire throttle system is included, along with the state-of-the-art VTM-4 four-wheel drive system which was purposely revised to give the vehicle an enhanced control during acceleration, cornering, and braking. Its exterior styling was also updated to give the MDX a muscular, performance-oriented look representative of its impressive powertrain. Its front end has been done over with a shaper, more tapered look and an integrated chin spoiler applied on to reinforce this time the new styling and direct air to the sides of the vehicle.

This new model also receives an assortment of new features that have been designed to make it even more comfortable and refined. This list includes the brushed metal-look instrument panel trim, ambient foot lights, and welcome illumination. The 2006 Acura MDX models that are equipped with the Touring Package made available, it has the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that has been enhanced to feature the power-adjustable lumbar support that flexes to match the natural curve of the driver’s spine.

Auto Parts Discount renews its commitment in delivery excellently crafted and manufactured Acura parts with its remarkable selection of stocks of floor mats, fenders, splash shields, starters, and many others that are the best in the industry.


--
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/the-beetle%3A-more-than-just-a-bug.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/the-beetle%3A-more-than-just-a-bug.html Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The original shape of the Beetle had long outlasted predictions of its lifespan. It has been regarded as something of a “cult” car being that during the flowery 1960s, it had become associated with the hippie movement. Other than that, it has powerfully maintained a very strong following through out the world. Clubs and organizations currently have been formed which bears concern regarding the Beetle, with their members being a diverse crowd of sorts. The Beetle also has had different looks associated with it that included the resto-look, Cal look, German look, resto-Cal look, buggies, Baja’s bug, old school, and rat look. Part of their cult status has been greatly attributed to being one of the few vehicles with an air-cooled engine design and the consequent ease of repair and modification, as compared to the more conventional and technically complex water-cooled engine design.

The Volkswagen Beetle has become so popular. It has been Volkswagen’s baby that has been manufactured and sold for the longest time. Looking back at its history, Volkswagen could trace its foundation and roots to the Beetle. This vehicle has been designed by Ferdinand Porsche as per Hitler’s desire that every German household has to own at least a car. At that time, it was called the KdF-Wagen, and the company had bore the name KdF-Stadt. The Beetle’s production was cut short because of war. However, after the war, the company, Volkswagen, had grappled due to losses and damages done to the factory. Come the year 1948, the company was able to claim its status in the automobile industry – with the very same car designed by Porsche.

Auto Parts Fast has high quality Volkswagen parts, which is capable of maintaining all of the impressive qualities of the Volkswagen. Years of delivering superb product line up have made Auto Parts Fast a favorite among Volkswagen and car enthusiasts. Genuine and quality Volkswagen hub caps, fog lights, wheel covers, grilles, and radiators, to name a few, are made available.

New Beetles, the latest and contemporary counterpart of the Beetle, is related to the original only in name and appearance. However, if you look more closely, under the hood, it is a modern car in every possible way, and has been based on the Volkswagen A platform. It has also been awarded best safety ratings in its class at the time of its launch by the Insurance Institute for Highway and Safety.

--
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>