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Random Automotive Articles http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Dirt Bike Racing http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/dirt-bike-racing.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/dirt-bike-racing.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 What’s so good about dirt bike racing?

The adrenalin is flowing, heart beat racing and blood pumping; the dirt bike racing is about to begin. As far as adrenalin fuelled sports go, you don’t get much more action packed than dirt bike racing. It’s fast, and to coin a well-used phrase, it’s furious. People from age 4 to age 64 love the thrill and regularly take part in dirt bike racing.

What should I consider when dirt bike racing?

First and foremost, you should consider your safety. The very nature of dirt bike racing as a sport means it’s dangerous and it’s even more dangerous if you don’t take it seriously. Any reputable dirt bake track won’t let you on if you don’t have a helmet, goggles, a jersey, pants, chest protector and in some cases a neck protector. You should always pick gear that fits because if it doesn’t fit it isn’t safe.

Dirt bike riders don’t appreciate people who ride recklessly, and if you are a reckless rider you will undoubtedly get an ear bashing for your dangerous behaviour and quite possibly kicked off the track. Dirt biking is one of the most dangerous sports in the world, but taking it seriously and following all the proper safety rules will help you make the most of it.

The bike also plays a serious part (obviously) and when you are selecting a dirt bike either for yourself or for your children you should always make sure that the rider can sit on the bike with their feet touching the floor and legs bent slightly. If the bike is too big there is no way you can have full control and the same can be said if it’s too small.

Also, consider how practised you are. The more experienced you become as a rider the better you become. Don’t try getting air of incredible heights until you really know what you are doing. Beginners should be happy with a foot or two of air; the riders you see on TV who are climbing up to ten feet have been riding for years and years to be able to do that.

As a beginner you will probably find a line you are happy with and stick to it. While this is unlikely to win you any big races, it will give you chance to hone your skills and gain confidence. Once you’re a bit more experienced you will be able to take different lines to overtake people and win races.

Dirt bike racing is not something you can just throw yourself into. It takes plenty of practise to become any good and you should never try anything you aren’t confident with. If you stick to this and find yourself a reputable track then you won’t go far wrong.

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Dirt Bikes HQ, for lots of information about dirt biking.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Car Repair 101 http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/car-repair-101.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/car-repair-101.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you'll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you're mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.

“See No Evil”

Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure.

What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!

A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.

A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.

A puddle of clear water usually isn't a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. Whew!

“Smell no Evil”

Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle's problem.

Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don't drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.

How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!

A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh… memories.

The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.

A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.

Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.

The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!

A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> In the Garage... http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/in-the-garage.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/in-the-garage.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 Are you the kind of a rider who enjoys the garage all the time? How about treating it as your own room? Hmmmm. If you are not one of them. Well, let me tell you that there are riders who are like that.

They are making the garage space as comfortable as the rest of the parts of their dwelling. How do they do that? That's pretty easy. They are just maintaing it and keeping it away from mud, dirt, oil and all the unwanted mess and eyesore.

Every season brings in different surprises but the most disgusting to the garage is that which carries with it rain, mud, slush and grime. To those who are particular with their garage cleanliness, this means a lot of effort to maintain and clean the garage.

How do they do it? Probably, this query might have tickled your mind. Actually, it is not that taxing. What they need to do is have the right materials at the right place. What are these materials? In connection with bikes, a motorcycle mat will do the trick for its master!

Mat usually covers the entire motorcycle. It allows the floor to remain pleasant and clean.
Every drop of dust, dirt, mud that fall from the bike is catched by the mat. Therefore, no extra effort is needed on the part of the garage owner. Another plus factor is the avoidance of slips and falls.

Another garage help is the oil absorbent pad. By its name we can already grasp its purpose. It is used to absorb the dripping oil from the vehicle parked in the garage.

Detergents are also a must. These are used to wash and clean the surfaces corners and dirty part of the garage. When the mess is not that worse, shop wipes can be resorted to.

Vacuum and drier are also used for the cleaning routine. This will make cleanliness and orderliness of the garage lasting enough to give comfort!

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> How to install Neon & LED Under car lights http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/how-to-install-neon-and-led-under-car-lights.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/how-to-install-neon-and-led-under-car-lights.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 We at All-Neon-Car-Lights.com will do our best to help you install under car lights to any vehicle, even if your totally new to electrical work on cars, or you do not have a set of instructions for your undercar kit, or your just looking for a second opinion to make sure you've installed them correctly.

So you've got your Neon or LED under car kit, and can't wait to have it installed and running... am I right? No problemo, we'll have you up and running in no time!

Just in case you're wondering about how to install other neon or led lights sold at "out-lets" other then the All-Neon-Car-Lights.com website, I can assure you that most of the instructions that come with each of the various kits are easy to follow. They have been designed with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. (Or at least they "should" be). However, if you are in need of any special advise about a particular car lighting product, please continue reading, or you can contact us via the email link provided below and we will do our best to help you with your enquiry.

For some people, a car is a means of transport and nothing more. As long as their vehicle gets them from point A to point B and back again, has nice comfortable seats, a good sound system and a coffee mug holder, it serves all of its purposes well. And of course there are other drivers for which a car is much, much more -- It can be an extension of their personality or an object of their fixation. In this huge world of automotive accessories, there is no product that screams louder than the underbody light kit for this type of individual. If you consider cruising in your car is among your favorite hobbies and you relish the stares of pedestrians and fellow-motorists, then a may be for you.

These lights, which mount to the body around the perimeter of the vehicle's undercarriage, come in kits that contain the elements you'll need for installation. The "how to install under car lights" instructions that you'll be directed to shortly, are fairly straight forward, but since it requires drilling into the body of the vehicle and substantial electrical work (depending on the kit you buy), it's best left to the more experienced do-it-yourselfers. If this project seems a little too hard for you, rest assured that there is a growing number of custom shops that perform this type of installation. If you do decide to take on the installation yourself, which anyone can do with the correct instructions, be sure to purchase a kit that is compatible with your vehicle, and read and follow the instructions that come with the kit carefully.

Ever wondered how long car lighting kits have been around? Well Hot Rods were the first cars to have undercar lighting installed on them, (although, the lights were nothing like they are today) back before import and export was a big industry world wide. And today, thanks to the World Wide Web and the fact that import and export is now more commonly practiced throughout the world, they have become more popular then ever before.

So this is the reason why we set out to write up these "How to install under car lights" instructions, as they are *required* by people like yourself.

Our team of dedicated Market & Product Researchers and including myself, have spent an enormous amount of time & money installing under car kits from a variety of manufacturers, and as a result after all this testing, we can now provide you with generic instructions on how to install under car lights on your vehicle. We also found after this extensive testing was carried out, that Plasmaglow had the best, "all round" car lighting products available on the market today, outlasting and out-performing the competition in every aspect, hence the reason why we recommend their products on the all-neon-car-lights.com website.

As a related note, please keep in mind that the main issues we face with having neon or LED car lights on our vehicles these days is the fact that they are often frowned upon by the authorities. So to avoid any uninvited fines, its best to install neon lights under a car so as they can be activated through a separate switch rather than having them come on when the headlights are turned on. To do this, you can run a power wire directly from the car battery to the kits operating switch, thus by-passing the vehicles headlight wires.

The "How to install under car lights" instructions below have been designed & written with ALL "under car kits" in mind. These instructions will benefit those who have LED under car kits to install, and/or Neon under car kits.

Enjoy your new undercar lights, and drive safely.

Kind regards

Antonio Gabellone

Please choose the instructions below that suit your needs:

For LED under car lights installation instructions - visit:

How to Install LED Under Car lights

For Neon under car lights installation instructions - visit:

How to Install Neon Under Car lights

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Antonio Gabellone is a enthusiast for all things related to neon/led car lights. His website, is a great resource of articles aimed at car lighting products with "life-time Warranties". Copyright All-Neon-Car-Lights.com 2005. Permission is granted to reprint this article provided you supply a live link to the authors website at;

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Road Warrior http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/road-warrior.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/road-warrior.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 Did you know pinstriping has a long history? Even before the invention of automobiles, pinstriping was used as an ornamental decoration for horse and buggy carriages.

Custom pinstripes started appearing on automobiles in the mid-1950s. Although pinstriping had been on cars long before that, the last American car to appear with auto pinstriping had been made by General Motors in the late 30’s. For those individuals with muscle or sports cars, customizing their ride is an important part of owning and showcasing the vehicle, and pinstriping is a final touch.

Pinstripes are commonly painted in two colors: one that sets off the body color, and another, thin line, in a color contrasted with the stripe to make it stand out.

Mechanical pin striping is the best way to stripe larger vehicles- trucks, vans, or station wagons. The benefit is it lays down stripes of constant width, letting you focus attention on getting the stripe oriented properly along your working surface. You can set up your stripe lines using magnetic pinstriping strips with center grooves designed to be paint templates. They hold fast to steel surfaces, and can also work as guidea for your hand.

Striping with stencil tape is also popular. There are several types of stencil tape that are suitable for auto pinstriping applications. Stencil tape striping uses brushes, and a specialized pinstriping brush is an essential ingredient in a successful project. Stencil tape allows you to apply different color stripes without needing the other stripes to dry.

Freehand pinstriping is the most difficult method, requiring the most practice to master, but permits unrestricted creativity. The simplest plan for a freehand striping newbie is to lay a strip of masking tape down approximately a quarter inch from where you want the finished line to be, and then use this tape as visual guiding for your stripes. Whatever you do, don’t use regular masking tape, or your pinstriping paint will bleed under the edge. Get some auto body masking tape from an auto supply store.

No matter what method you use, pinstriping is one of the finest ways to make your vehicle distinctive. Just like anything else worth doing right, practice makes priceless results but having the best equipment you can get your hands on helps too.

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Carlo Morelli writes for

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ugh! My groin! http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/ugh-my-groin.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/ugh-my-groin.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 If you happen to fell off your bike with your pelvic first, that would probably result to pelvic and groin injury. Excruciating as it is, you compare it with the pain that you will experience when you ride behind a raised tank for hours. Now, what's the difference? Mere ramming into the raised tank can give a rider certain dose of injury, what more if the rider is having his most bumpy ride? Further, what more if that same rider meted a collision along his route. That can probably be the worst that can happen to his groin!

It's pretty ironic how manufacturers can tend to be oblivion of the comfort that they should deliver to their pool of purchasers. If they are faced with a dillema of having to choose between design and comfort. Which must they choose? Why should they limit they limit the benefits when they can give both. Nonetheless, what is happening is that they prioritize design.

Alright, let's face it, design is the first thing that amuses purchasers however, it is the comfort that determines a good ride. Riders can feast on the design for the first few days or months but the amusement will cease the moment they feel the discomfort and other drawbacks.

A lot of motorcycle manufacturers these days have designs that include a faux tank just behind the rider. Though a number are well-planned and designed, their bikes are enticing for some customization. Some riders add in gauges and controls that make the bike more dangerous.

These new breed of motorcycles expresses: comfort begins when design ceases. Why can it be not comfort and design unite?

The next time you choose your motorcycle, prioritize comfort because that will be your gauge if you are going to enjoy the rest of your rides or fret out...

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Please visit for comments and inquiries regarding this article

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Biker's Revelations http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/bikers-revelations.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/bikers-revelations.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 I have loved motorcycles from the moment I have mounted on it and roam around the neighborhood. Even though it has caused me several falls, bruises and injuries still, I consider it as a passion. I like the feel of dominion. The way I can control power and speed. Learning to control something that was, at first, frightening is satisfying.

Learning to control the motorcycle involves both physical and mental prowess. To make turns, rider must lean forward to fight the forces of acceleration and lean backward to fight the forces of deceleration. Concentration is likewise essential so as to focus on the road and other factors that may affect the ride.

Knowing the needs of the bike and knowing your own needs is a good starting ground. The bike must be treated as an extension of the rider's mind and body. It must respond to the rider's command and will.

Motorcycles are universally appealing. Young and old alike are fascinated by the thrill and fun that they are offering. It is different to riding cars in the sense that the involvement with the machine brings greater joy to riders. Involvement makes it more addicting. It is as if you are riding with a vehicle equipped with manual transmission. Whatever the consequences of your command are, you will also be part of it.

Your body, your mind are united to achieve a goal and a destination. If those objectives are met, no matter how hard the journey, no matter how perilous the adventure was, it still pays off when you get it!

Skilled riders come in waves. Some young amateurs are now even replacing the guys on top. However, the latter will not put up an easy battle. I am seeing a brighter future in the riding community...

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Please visit for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> eFormMailer http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/eformmailer.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/eformmailer.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 You will not find an easier or quickest way to create your online php mailform . - We have intentionally created eFormMailer to be extremely user friendly. We will even install it for you without charge if need be! - You can use eFormMailer to create as many forms as you like for your own website to get instant feedback sent to your email or perhaps you want to use eFormMailer as a standalone service on your website for your visitors to use to create their own online forms. - No longer do you have to be a technological genius to add a web form to your web site.- With Eformmailer there is no need for CGI bins, configuration, complicated programming, or additional software. - eFormMailer will automatically and instantly create the complete web form for use online. Adding a mailform to your web site creates an interactive dimension between your site and its visitors. All you need to do is decide what data you would like to collect through your web site, fill in the basic elements on-line, and eformmailer will generate the ready to use form. Copy the completed form onto your web site and start benefiting from formmail without the coding. You can also set up an auto response (maybe a thank-you or an acknowledgement) to be sent automatically when visitors to your web site submit their details on the form. Within minutes you will be receiving answers, feedback and data through your web site: View the demo to see how easy eFormMail is to use. The interface in the demo is what you will get. You can customize your own header and logo. Take a look at www.mysmartscripts.com and take a test run

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Writer - Coder - Designer

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Parking Your Bike http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/parking-your-bike.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/parking-your-bike.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 Parking is probably the easiest thing to learn about riding. Nevertheless, there are a great number of riders who are violating it.

Parking is not a driving skill to master. However, if you take it for granted, chances are, you may cause scatches, bumps or traffic jam. The rule is so simple that you can even use your common sense alone. Of course, you have to park where it is legal and safe. You can be guided by the signs, signals, curb markings, warnings and the likes.

There are important pointers that a rider must know about parking and these are the following:

1.Place the transmission in first gear after shutting the engine off.
2.Push the bike forward to accommodate the transmission.
3.Then, lock the front wheel.
4.Provide ample space for other vehicles so as not to hit the motorcycle when they pull over.
5.Your bike may have side stand, center stand or both. However, bikes are maneuvered from the left side of the driver thus, to be comfortable dismounting can be done on the left side also.
6.Avoid parking your bike on a hill or an accelerated area.
7.Also avoid parking on a soft surface. Look for a harder surface. If there are none, just insert a stone or piece of wood under the bike's stand. If there is a center stand then use it to avoid rolling of the bike.
8.Do not forget to bring the ignition keys with you.

A lot of the riders are violating the rules just to show off or brag about it. But there's no good in ending in jail or injuring another person just for the sake of bragging about breaking the rules. In the first place what is there to brag? Noone can take pride on a wrong act simply because it is wrong.

The rules are simple but we complicate them. No matter what we do, where we are, it is always good to go by the rules. You will never regret it!

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Dirt Bike Jumps http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/dirt-bike-jumps.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/dirt-bike-jumps.html Fri, 21 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500
If you ever want to ride on a motocross track you are going to have to learn to beat the dirt bike jumps. At first they are a very daunting affair, and riding at them with any pace seems almost suicidal but to get anywhere in dirt bike racing you need to face them and you need to beat them otherwise you won’t get anywhere and you won’t have any success. When you first start dirt bike racing you’ll be lucky to get a couple or feet of air and stay upright when you land, but this will all change when you have a little experience and a little knowledge behind you. The only real trick to being any good over dirt bike jumps is to practise and keep practising.

The best way to beat dirt bike jumps.

It’s true that there are no quick fixes to beat dirt bike jumps and the real key to success is to practise and keep practising. However, there are some basic guidelines that will increase you chance of success and it is these guidelines you should be practising.

Firstly, you posture should be that of a standing up position but crouched slightly and gripping the bike with your legs; if you don’t grip with your legs you and the bike are likely to become separated and this will ensure that you can land relatively comfortably in a sitting position. It also stops the bike from kicking out sideways if you hit a bump on the way up the ramp.

As you approach the ramp you should know pretty much exactly where you want to be on the up ramp; finding the line on the ramp and keeping an even throttle all the way up. Again, this will mean less chance of the bike jumping if you hit a bump or a rock.

If you want to land with your bike upright and you on the seat, then when you’ve got air you need to be looking where you’re going to land and amend your bike position accordingly so if you’re landing on the flat lift your handle bars before you hit the ground; this way your back wheel will make contact first and will take most of the pressure of the landing. If, however, you are landing on the down slope then you need your bike to be at the same angle as the slope. To alter your bike’s position, you can either rev while in the air which will drop the rear of your bike or you can let up on the clutch and apply the rear brakes giving the opposite effect.

The second before you land get straight onto your clutch, the revs will help your rear suspension take the blow and will give you good acceleration on landing. One of the hardest things about dirt bike jumps is having the confidence to pull it off. If you’re confident then you’ll stand more chance of doing everything as well as you can so practise and practise hard; don’t get too carried away at first though, just take it at your own pace.

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Dirt Bikes HQ, for lots of information about dirt biking.

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