In Sep. 2012, we posted about the 10 Most Interesting Facts About Ford.  As we point out in that post, Ford was founded in 1903.  With 110 years of business for Ford, and such wealth of stories about its founder and history, we thought we should expand our list.  Here are more three more interesting facts about Ford.

The Ford F-Series

The Ford F-series started production in 1948, and Ford introduced the F-150 in 1975.  At the end of 2012, the Ford F-Series was the best selling pick-up for 36 years running.  For 31 of those years, it was the best selling vehicle of the year.  In 2012 alone, Ford sold 645,316 F-series trucks–just under 30 percent of all Ford’s vehicle sales.

The King Ranch edition of the F-150, introduced in 2001, is based on a real ranch–the King Ranch, located in south TX.  The King Ranch was founded by Richard King in 1853. Today it covers 825,000 acres, and continues to run nearly 4000 head of cattle.  That Running W you see on the truck logo?  That’s the King Ranch brand–still in use today.  You can read more about the ranch here.

History:  Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum

Henry Ford would turn 150 years old this July.  Ford, The Henry Ford Museum, and Greenfield Village are celebrating big.  If you get to Michigan, make sure to include a tour of The Rouge, the Ford assembly plant that Henry Ford started building about 1917.  What do they build there today?  Ford F-150s, of course!

The 1901 Sweepstakes Finances Ford Motor Co.

In 1901, Henry Ford’s company, the Detroit Automobile Company was failing, and he needed a way to raise money to pursue his idea of mass production of automobiles.  He gambled, and built a car to race: The 1901 Sweepstakes.  In the only race he ever drove, Henry Ford beat the heavily favored Alexander Winton on October 11, 1901. From the race and the resulting publicity he was able to raise the funds to start Ford.

If you’re looking for more facts and stories about Ford, you can find even more information here.  Ford is a company with a long American tradition, and we’re proud to support drivers of Ford vehicles from the Mustang to the F-150.  Contact us for more information about how can help you with your automotive needs.

When you drive from point A to point B, safety should be your number one concern. Driving a vehicle is dangerous, and the risks involved should never be ignored. These are seven ways you can easily improve your car’s safety.

1. Maintain and Replace Tires

It is extremely important to maintain and replace the tires of your car when needed in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. TireTeam online has many options to choose from, and they even help you find an installer. In addition, they ship right to your specified installer. TireTeam has all of the main brands including Mastercraft and Yokahama tires. With convenience like this, there’s no reason to neglect the life of your tires.

2. Practice Defensive Driving

Another easy way you can increase your car’s safety is to practice defensive driving while on the road. You should always be on the lookout for reckless drivers and possibly dangerous situations. Don’t ever go looking for trouble.

3. Get Side Impact Protection

Many accidents involve one car hitting another in the side, where the driver is most vulnerable to injuries or death. To combat this, consider strengthening the sides of your vehicle with side impact protection. You’ll be happy you did if another driver ever ends up unexpectedly t-boning you.

4. Keep the Vehicle in a Locked Garage

Practicing proper car safety doesn’t just mean driving defensively and maintaining your tires; it also means protecting it against criminals and other unfortunate mishaps. Be sure to keep your car in a locked garage to be as safe as possible while you’re not physically with it.

5. Keep the Car Serviced

Obviously, you should get regular, basic maintenance servicing for the vehicle. This means getting your oil changed, checking filters and running diagnostics on the vehicle regularly.

6. Be Mindful in Bad Weather

Don’t aggressively or drive unnecessarily fast in bad weather. For example, don’t slam on your breaks or abruptly stop in snowy or icy conditions. Be careful on your turns in rainy weather. Many people make the mistake of thinking their vehicles are immune to succumbing to bad weather, but accidents happen often. Don’t fall victim to an avoidable situation.

7. Drive with Full Awareness

Lastly, do not drive when your attention is not fully on the road. This means you shouldn’t be driving under the influence, driving while texting or driving while you are tired or drowsy. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle it. It is extremely dangerous and opens the door for loads of possible disasters.

Truck drivers always seem to always get a bad rap. It’s because of this that a program began in 1983 to improve the public perception of responsible and heroic drivers from the trucking industry. The North American Highway Hero Program was launched by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to “locate, honor and publicize those truck drivers who clearly qualify for the rare label of ‘hero.’”

The four intrepid men nominated for the 30th North American Highway Hero Award placed themselves in harm’s way and took courageous action to save the lives of others. The winner of the Goodyear Tires event, Kevin Harte, was announced on March 21 during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. He received a plaque, a special Highway Hero ring and $5,000, according to TireReview.com. The three other finalists received a plaque and cash award. The nominees were:

Chad Dickey – Wadena, Minn., Tony’s Transfer

One night while driving near Chattanooga, Tenn., Dickey encountered the debris of an 18-wheeler strewn across the highway. He stopped his truck and investigated the scene with his flashlight. The beam illuminated the tracks that lead to a nearby ditch. A truck driver, Lewis Boyd, was strapped to the 18-wheeler’s seat with a massive laceration in his leg. Suffering from rapid blood loss and passing in and out of consciousness, Boyd was kept alert due to Dickey’s actions. Dickey mitigated the bleeding by applying a tourniquet to Boyd’s leg for 30 minutes until rescue personnel arrived on scene. Boyd was subsequently airlifted to a local hospital, where he remained for more than a month to recuperate from his injuries.

David Williams – Angier, N.C., Schneider National

During a rainstorm in Wilmington, N.C., Williams happened upon a disabled car facing oncoming traffic. He set safety cones around the car and directed traffic away from the site. A pickup truck suddenly approached him at an unsafe velocity. Williams leapt from the speeding pickup’s trajectory and narrowly missed being hit. The pickup struck the back of Williams’ rig and combusted. Williams pulled the truck’s passenger from the fiery wreck while the driver escaped. He then assisted to extinguish the pickup’s flames.

Christopher Burgess – Ravenna, Ohio, Independent

Burgess was driving down a steep hill in Akron, Ohio when, after picking up 15 tons of sand when the truck’s brakes failed. Struggling to remain in control of the vehicle, which was speeding toward a busy intersection at approximately 50 miles per hour, Burgess flailed his arms and honked the truck’s horn. He adeptly steered though the intersection, avoiding all automobiles and pedestrians. Burgess maneuvered between two occupied buildings and drove toward bushes and trees. After his vehicle struck the tree, it dropped into the river below. Burgess did not survive the accident.

Winner: Jason Harte – Rogers, Ark., Sammons Trucking Driver

As Harte drove down a Wyoming interstate, he witnessed a pickup truck push a minivan off the road which then struck another car and pushed it onto the highway median. After dialing 911, Harte rescued a trapped man, woman and their six-month-old baby from the van. To rescue the three other children from within the van, Harte utilized his past EMT experience. He pulled out the most accessible child, then began performing first aid on the second child from the van’s back hatch. He rescued the third child by pulling apart seats and cutting seatbelts. Even after rescue crews arrived, Harte tending to the victims’ injuries until ambulances hauled them away.

Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems director of marketing, Gary Medalis, commented on Jason Harte’s heroic deed, as stated on GoodYearTruckTires.com. “Jason’s decision to offer assistance is a powerful example of the selflessness exhibited by professional truck drivers. Because of his actions, lives, in all probability, were saved. For this, Jason has earned the right to be called a hero.”

Ford car owners take great pride in driving their beauties and are very concerned about the maintenance of their cars. Just like Ford, every other car brand has its own group of loyal followers who cherish the respective car and its brand. One important aspect of maintaining cars is to find its spare parts in case the existing parts are damaged after an accident or are worn out due to rough use. Some users who are crazy over their cars are always on the lookout for its spare parts even if not required at the time. This is because most often, what you are searching for cannot be found at the right time. Furthermore, even if the correct parts can be found, sometimes the prices are so high that you would think twice before purchasing it.

A few years ago, Ford began gradually reducing the prices for its spare parts. This is a good thing for models like the Ford Ikon because it has now moved down to the position of an entry-level saloon. Some of the service parts for this model have not seen much of a price cut but other mechanical parts like the pressure plate and the clutch are much cheaper than before. Even the accident repair prices of Ford vehicles have seen a big drop as compared to previous years.

In addition to the lower segment models, the spare parts of upper midsize models have also seen a drop in prices. For instance, the Fiesta Diesel model saw almost a 50% reduction in the pressure plate and clutch prices. This model is more cost effective than the Verna Diesel model because the spare service parts of the latter cost more than the Fiesta Diesel model.

Furthermore, to move away from the high priced parts image, has slashed prices of the premium Fusion model. With the reduction in prices of accident repair parts, the overall price basket for this model has seen a great drop. Moving on, premium SUVs such as the Ford Endeavour is experiencing price increases in some service and mechanical parts too. However, the clutch price of this model has reduced a lot along with the price of the front bumper. While even some spare parts and car accessories like the waterproof boot liners are increasing in price, some are experiencing a big reduction. Therefore the overall result is a reduction in prices and evidence also suggests that Ford is now focusing on reducing ownership cost of its automobiles.

In today’s world, rising input costs, along with difficult market conditions are a burden to all manufacturers. Furthermore, manufacturers are aware that passing even a small burden of this price increase to their customers will immediately lead to a loss in market share. In difficult times like these, and sensitive market conditions like ours, lower costs are the key to success. This is why the spare parts price reduction from Ford is a remarkable move from the perspective of the company. Especially with some premium models like the Fusion which sells only low volumes. For this reason, any cost reduction on spare parts is not something that would be easy on the company.

Whenever you watch a car commercial, it will always say just how much horsepower that car can put out. But, how do they reach that number? Are they just pulling it out of thin air?

No, they are using a dynamometer. What is dynamometer you ask? A dynamometer is a device used to measure the amount of power, speed, or mechanical force that a machine puts out.

But, how does it work? Well, let’s take a day trip back to middle school physics class. It is with the equation that force equals mass times acceleration that allows dynamometers to work. With this equation it is then possible to calculate just how much power is being created.

For car enthusiasts, there are two main types of dynamometers that are used. The first is known as the Chassis/Intertia dynamometer. It measures what is known as the wheel horsepower and torque. To measure this, the car is strapped in to a computer and the car is revved to it’s full RPM. Once the test is finished, the computer calculates the numbers and the results are delivered.

The second and last one is known as the Brake/Engine dynamometer. This test helps identify the power output of the engine.  This dynamometer can only be used effectively if the engine is out of the vehicle. Once connected, The dynamometer uses either hydraulic fluid or water to create resistance to the engine’s spinning force. This resistance continues until the engine’s turning force is measured at every RPM. Once the test is finished, the tester is able to read the final torque.

For any further questions regarding dynamometers or any questions about our products, please contact us.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to do an oil change. Most car manufacture manuals will tell you to change your oil after 7,500 miles of driving. However, this advice is for cars that drive in ideal circumstances.

Do you know what’s not ideal? The answers may shock you.

1. Stopping after 10 miles of driving, especially in the cold
2. Stop-and-go traffic
3. Driving on gravel roads, or in other dusty conditions
4. Turning the cruise control on the highway when it’s hot outside

These circumstances, which are familiar to pretty much all of us, are actually considered “severe service driving,” and under these conditions, you should change your oil after 3,000 miles, or after every six months, NOT after 7,500 miles.

Now, you can get away with changing your oil less frequently if you have a brand new engine or if you don’t drive in these conditions, but there are consequences if you don’t change your oil when your car needs it (such as accelerated wear on your engine). So, it’s probably safest to change your oil every 3,000 miles/six months anyway, and it actually will save you money in the long run–a car that has been maintained properly and frequently will have fewer problems down the road.

Likewise, it’s a good idea to change your oil filter every time you change your oil. This prevents possible blockage, accelerated wear-and-tear, and will help your car live longer, as well as save you money.

If you change your own oil, here are a few tips:

1. Make sure you get the right size filter (see your car’s manual)
2. You can change your oil when the oil is hot (it runs more quickly, but you might get burned) or when it’s cold (it will take longer, but it might be a little safer).
3. Visit http://www.meezer.com/, and we’ll help supply you with all the tools you need to properly change your own oil

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

The Name Ford has been synonymous with the motor industry for well over 100 years. Ford Motorsport’s Racing Division has many top teams and highly ranked drivers in a huge number of different motor sports. Whatever you are into, there really is something for every kind of speed junkie out there…

NASCAR Series

America’s hottest motor sport is second only to the National Football League for TV rating viewership figures. It’s a huge business with millions of fans that started in the Southern States and took the country by storm. Stock car racing is a big deal in the USA and Ford is well represented, with 6 teams driving Ford cars, including Wood Brothers Racing, Front Row Motorsports and Germain Racing.

Drag Racing Funny Car Series

Drag Racing started out as a illegal race that would literally take place on the streets. Drivers would use changing traffic lights to start the race and the first one to the finish was the winner. Such a simple concept ended up leading to some of the most unorthodox cars. Funny Cars are real monsters with engines that are some of the meanest motorsport equipment experts can put together. Running on incredibly strong fuel, these things are grounded one man rockets, designed to send you off as fast as possible in a straight line, ideally without taking off or exploding. It’s a great spectator sport that showcases the wild side of racing. Ford is represented with John Ford Racing, Tasca Racing and Team Wilkerson Racing in “Funny Car” drag racing competition.

World Rally Racing

Rally Racing is extremely popular throughout the World, with a number of high profile car manufacturers involved. The World Rally Championship Series consists of thirteen different two to four day events, which can take place on sand, dirt, ice or mud. The events take place on closed roads across Europe, Mexico and South America and feature car models that look like regular street cars, but are highly powered and enhanced for super performance. Many consider Rally racing to be the most demanding motor sport in the world. Ford is represented by its own M-Sport World Rally Team. World Rally is a big hit on television worldwide and Ford are one of the top teams.

Road Racing – Grand-Am Series

Grand-Am Road Racing is based across the USA and Canada (with the occasional trip into Mexico) and focuses on high performance sports cars that are purpose build for these series of events. Most of the races are endurance tests, the most famous of which is the Rolex Sports Car Series which draws manufacturing teams from all over the globe. The Grand-Am Series is due to merge with the American Le Mans Series in a year’s time, making a super league of sports cars. There is a strong focus on limiting the money spent and the technology used on these cars, making for an even playing field. Ford is represented here with Michael Shank Racing and Starworks Motorsports using their cars and professional motorsport equipment. Please visit this page for more on the wide world of racing sports.

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Can you even remember the world before the SUV? You’d have to be a respectable age to recall the time when all we had was saloons, estates, sports cars and giants like the Landrover. The sports utility vehicle is now an established part of the motoring market, and a lucrative one, which is why Ford has spent so much time listening to what drivers thought of the old Kuga and tried to answer their complaints with the 2013 version.

They’ve improved the cabin size and added an automatic tailgate and SYNC system for starters and this new look Kuga is a good addition to the market, though the prices at the top of the range are a bit steep.

Drive

The drive in the Kuga was always the best in its class, but while it was fun, it was too pokey to really qualify as an SUV and didn’t have the capacity you would expect for something that is supposed to have utility as well as sportiness.

The look will be carried through the entire Ford range, with a narrow grille looking out at the world. This new version is slightly longer – just over 8cm – than its predecessors. That’s meant a very decent 573-increase in carrying capacity and a much comfier ride in the back seats, even for two six-footers. The wide expanse of glass in the roof floods light into the cabin.

Interior

If you’re seen the latest Focus you’ll have an idea what to expect on the dashboard. It looks great with its massive central display window. The SYNC system brings us into the 21^st century with smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity for entertainment. With an eye on safety, SYNC is controlled by voice or steering wheel buttons.

The tailgate is clever too. It shuts when you sweep a foot under the car. You can buy self-parking and blind spot warning packages as options.

The drive has benefitted from some technical tinkering too. Curve Control helps you through, guess what, curves and the steering adjusts power to the wheels for a good, smooth four-wheel drive. It’s still fun, but it feels ever so safe.

Ford haven’t released the final engine specs for the UK market yet, but the Americans have a good range to choose from, with manual and automatic gear boxes and the obligatory green option.

Engine

The 0-60mph (again, unofficial) is about 8.5 seconds, and it handles speed and gentle cruising equally well. If test drives are a good measure then 35 mpg should be about right for the fuel consumption. That figure could almost double if you buy the greenest diesel with all the right options.

You’ll have to pay more than you would for the last of the old Kugas. But the price curve is steep towards the top, car leasing deals may well look an attractive way to get your hands on one. As a  Frontier contract hire lease deal price is based on depreciation rates, it’s a little too early to know what sort of value that ownership option will represent.

The Mustang Boss 302 is as classic a car today as it was 45 years ago. Depending on how old you are the mere mention of the name will either bring back memories of the car you used to watch racing in the Trans Am Series, or remind you how lucky you are to be able to drive one today.  The Mustang has been an American favorite since 1964.  The Boss 302 is the name of the V8 engine that was designed specifically for racing, and speed is it’s legacy.  In the early days of the Boss 302, Carroll Shelby raced them in SCCA events as well as the Trans Am Series.

The story about how this engine got it’s name begins with the designer of the car, Larry Shinoda.  In appreciation of the President of Ford Motor Co., Semon Knudson, who had headhunted him from GM, he called the engine “The Boss”.  Those lucky enough to own one back in the sixties loved their cars as much as Larry loved Mr. Knudson.

There is a story of one such lucky owner, a local race car driver, who bought a 1969 Boss 302 from Von Wil to race on tracks around his hometown of Wharton, Texas.  He was only able to drive it a few times, 169 miles to be exact, before he died.  His wife, had the car locked away in the garage on their property and there it sat, for almost 40 years.  Once it was discovered, it was put up for auction.  They hoped to get $200,000 for it.

The current Boss 302 is cheap in comparison.  It is also a completely different looking car.  The current body style is easily as popular as the car built in 1969.  If you have been thinking about owning one yourself, act fast because there are changes in the wind.  Ford built this model for just two years, and there will be no Boss 302 available in the 2014 lineup.  2015 will bring us a brand new Mustang with a changed body style and featuring new colors and cosmetic touches.  Only time will tell if the Boss 302 will return.

If you are a current owner or if there is a Mustang in your future, we want to be your source for the best motorsport parts on the internet.  We sell performance car parts we believe in so you can believe in them too.  We also sell them all over the world so we are there, no matter where “there” is.  Contact us today for more information!

The owners of Ford cars are driving their beauties with pride and they take very serious about caring and maintaining of their cars. Each brand of car has its own group of fans that idolise and cherish the respective car brand. One main problem of maintaining cars is finding the spare parts when the car starts to get old or maybe after an unexpected accident car might need some repairs.

Some who love their cars so much constantly looking for spare parts even before they need any. This due to the simple fact that we do not get what we are searching for at the right time. So some do not mind investing some money when they see an advertisement to sell any ford car spare parts.

There are a number of websites that cater for the car lovers. It comes really handy as it gives a chance to discuss with the others who got a similar car. Also it gives a chance to exchange the car spare parts. For instance one might have bought a car spare part and met with an accident but the part required to repair the car is not the part he bought. In that case he can get in touch with someone else who needs exactly that part. So the money you invested is not wasted. And the same time you can find out someone who has the car spare part that you are looking for to be sold. Repairing after an accident is not the only time when you need car spare parts. Sometimes the car owners want to enhance the look of the car. Or they want to make it more comfortable. Some car models change the interior and other parts each time they release a new model. But there can be car lovers who prefer to have a different feel and look for the interior of the car. That is another time when they buy the old parts of cars. Buying the body parts also can be done from an individual seller as it is not affecting the performance of the car.

If the car parts you are going to buy are going to affect the performance of your car it is advisable not to buy the old parts. It can be risky as we do not know the condition of the parts and also there is no guarantee when you buy from an individual. It is always advisable to purchase the motor spare parts produced by the company. You will be paying more money obviously but you can be sure that the goods are genuine and reliable.

If buying online is really the only option for you to buy the spare parts for your ford car you can try to buy from ebay if there are sellers available. Since the ebay has a merit system you can check who are the reliable sellers who have a good track record. Since the sellers do not want to tarnish their ratings on ebay they will always provide you with the best car spare parts and even if the parts they have are faulty they will inform you about it in advance so you have the choice of buying it or not.

It is very important to buy the car spare part just right for your car. Or else it will compromise the performance of your car and driving it will not be a satisfying experience.

By Charles Rodrigues

There’s no question as to the usefulness of car haulers or the exceptional service that they provide. Transportation and life as a whole has been made so much easier due to these beautiful beasts on wheels that effortlessly ship cars from manufacturer to auto dealerships, from owner to second-hand owner, and from state to state. Whether you’re a lover of all things on wheels or not, you really can’t help but marvel at the way car hauler trailers make life so much easier.

Car-carrier trailers are a type of trailer or semitrailer that can transport passenger cars by truck. In the early days of the car-carrier concept a car hauler was known as a car carrier trailer, car-carrying trailer, or an auto transport trailer and was more of an over sized truck that could carry passenger cars. Today there are more modern varieties of Car Hauler Trailers and they are either closed or open carriers, most of which have built-in ramps that are for loading and unloading cars. Some even have power hydraulics so that raising and lowering the ramps are a stand-alone accessibility.

Depending on the company that has Car Haulers for Sale, you can usually choose from over a dozen of types of trailers which all have different features, colours, and builds. Most trailers go into the two categories of open-air trailers or enclosed trailers. Open-air trailers are the most common kind of car haulers available. An open-air trailer can also be used for the transportation of ATVs, bikes, components that need to be disposed, or yard equipment, but these are exceptional uses and not a norm. Enclosed car trailers also come in handy in a variety of other ways and can be used for transporting household furniture, general cargo, ATVs, vehicles, motorcycles, miscellaneous equipment, and even snowmobiles.

If you are buying a car hauler trailer choose carefully between the two and decide which you feel will suit your needs best. Between the two car hauler trailer types, enclosed trailers are usually the most frequently opted for because they provided valuable protection against the forces of nature and other mishaps. When transporting a vehicle with an open-air car hauler the vehicle is exposed to the elements of nature, UV light damage, robbery, vandalism, road hazards, flying debris, and robbery. An enclosed car hauler on the other hand, ensures that your vehicle or other belongings are safely tucked away and out of the eye of nature and the public. When you are buying a Car Hauler Trailers, be mindful to consider the requirement for which you will need it. Make sure that the maximum weight and load of the hauler’s carrying capacity will match with your tow vehicle.

There is a huge difference between OEM and aftermarket parts. When you buy a new car, it is equipped with Original equipment manufacturer parts. These parts may be made by the car maker itself, or by some car parts supplier. So, if you buy an OEM part, it means that you are getting a part that is made by the same company that has supplied the car maker with the original part. An aftermarket part, on the other hand, is a part that’s not made by the original car manufacturer. Although both aftermarket and OEM parts serve the same purpose, they are not completely the same, and they mainly differ in price and quality.

OEM parts pros

If quality is your biggest concern when looking for a replacement part for your car, it’s best that you get an OEM part. That way you would be getting a part that is exactly the same as the one that was installed in the factory where your car was assembled. That is the part that the car manufacturer recommends, which means you get a certain assurance of quality and reliability.

Another advantage of OEM over aftermarket parts, is that they are easier to find. The car dealership you bought your car from, always has all sorts of OEM replacement parts in stock, and you know that you are getting a quality part.

Perhaps the most important benefit of OEM parts is that they come with a warranty. If you choose to install an OEM part, you go to the dealership that sold you the car, and they will vouch for the quality of the car and their labor.

OEM parts cons

These parts are usually more expensive than aftermarket parts, which is understandable considering the higher quality and the warranty they come with.

OEM parts have to be bought at an authorized dealership, which means you have a limited choice of places where you can buy them.

Aftermarket parts pros

The most obvious upside of aftermarket parts is that they are cheaper than OEM parts, and you can save a lot of money by shopping around.

With aftermarket parts, there is a wider choice of brands, and you can choose the one you like the most. This also means that there are a lot of places you can buy an aftermarket part at, and that different aftermarket auto parts stores sell the same parts at different prices.

While you are limited to car dealerships when looking for an OEM part, if you decide to buy an aftermarket part, you can go to any gas station or an auto body shop, and find the part you need.

Aftermarket parts cons

When it comes to aftermarket parts, one thing you can’t be sure about is their quality. Since there are a lot of companies making such parts, it’s easy to make a mistake and choose a part that is not too reliable and one that is not made of quality materials.

Original equipment manufacturers offer warranty for their products, but aftermarket parts manufacturer often don’t. So, you don’t get any assurance of the quality of the product you’re buying.

Author’s bio:
Jordan Perch is an automotive fanatic and ‚Äúgreen cars‚Äù specialist. He is an author of many how-to articles related to safe driving, green technologies, auto insurance and he’s currently blogging for DMV.com.

New Ford Cargo 1648T is the maximum exponent of globalization in the production of trucks from Ford, between the divisions of Brazil and Turkey, with which the US manufacturer prepares to tackle new markets.

The productive activity of Ford trucks currently focuses on its factories in Sao Bernardo do Campo in Brazil and Inonu, in Turkey, once the manufacturer of the oval falls off its truck business in the United States. However, centered in their respective markets, the South American countries in the case of Brazil, and the Central Europeans, North Africa and East medium, supplied by the Turkish division, the activity of each one of them has been developed independently, with its own range of products, offline just between them.

Therefore, the unit of business trucks Ford, established in the year 2010, sought to combine strategies and leverage synergies, unifying the ranges of both divisions. Thus, in the last edition of Fenatran, the Salon of industrial vehicles of Sao Paulo, Brazil Ford launched the new range position, the first product of the collaboration between both divisions.

A few months later, Ford Turkey presents its new truck Cargo 1846T, which is part of the new strategy of trucks Ford, which aim to tackle new markets and reach double the countries in which they are present, in the next five years to reach 50 in the world.

Ford design:

Externally, the Ford Cargo 1846T does not go unnoticed. Their lines reflect the concept of Kinetic Design, which Ford is developing all designs of their latest releases, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, that while it is attractive in these, in the case of the truck it seems, much less, surprising.

Its development began after many surveys and meetings with customers from Turkey, Brazil, Russia and markets where Ford truck sells its products, in order to be able to offer a product that is very close to the tastes and interests of carriers that was intended, and that the price and reliability are the most required values in a truck.

This new Ford truck equipped with an engine designed and manufactured by Ford Otosan, the Turkish subsidiary of the oval brand. It is a group of six cylinders in line, belonging to the series Ecotorq, cubing 10.3 liters, with 460 HP at 2,100 RPM and a maximum torque of 214 MKG. Combustion has been optimized, which offers savings of around 1.5% consumption. In addition the engine brake offers 282 kW at 2600 RPM power.

For a transmission will have two options of gearbox, series Cargo 1846T equips known ZF 16-speed manual, and as option has an automatic gearbox, ZF, also with 12 speeds and integrated intarder.

Cabin for long distances

New 1846T position is intended to transport long distances, so the cabin is designed in long periods of stay within it. With 1,945 mm interior dimensions 1.948 mm in width and height, it lends itself perfectly to accommodate a driver and his passenger, although we had the feel of a true boxing, surely facilitated by the provision of all the elements in our touchdown.

Externally, aerodynamics have been the more care aspect, so that all the elements that affect the flow of air around the cabin, as top and side deflectors, roof, hood, bumper design are optimized. In addition, the access steps are covered by an extension of the door, thus improving the penetration into the air.

In the interior, practicality has predominated over the luxury, as well as the need for a truck that competes with an advantage over its competitors on price. This can be seen in materials that being correct are still somewhat below the standard that we know in the markets of Western Europe.

The Used Ford Cars are inexpensive, well-maintained and can be purchased easily , they are as competitive and high performing cars as a new Ford.

Author: Roger Abert is an IT professional and writer, editor at biggest Japanese used cars Exporting Company. Follow him on Google+.

New-car owners face the challenge of adjusting to a new vehicle — mirrors, seats, controls, brakes, steering — takes getting used to. Vehicle maintenance is no different. A new car creates new routines, used or new.

Owners of the Ford Focus know the vehicle’s balance of quality and aesthetic. Throughout the years Focus models have been known for top-of-their-class technologies. The 2013 models offer advancements like myFord touch, power shift dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission and active park assist.

If you are the proud new owner of a Ford Focus, here are some basic tips to keep the car operating smooth and efficiently.

Get It Right: Octane Levels

Premium fuel isn’t necessarily better for all vehicles. The recommended level for the Focus is 87, according to Ford.com. More does nothing for the vehicle.

How Often to Fill Tires

Under-inflated tires suck up gasoline.Tires naturally leak, so regularly check them. Tires should be checked monthly and not fewer than twice a year, according to gassavers.org. Over inflated tires wear out faster. To avoid this, fill them to appropriate pressure levels (in your owner’s manual). The new 2013 Focus comes standard with 15 x 6.0 inch wheels and 195/65R15 tires, according to Ford.com.

Change the Oil

In 2007 Ford announced that the new recommended time for an oil change is at 7,500 miles for newer models, according to Autoblog.com. If you have a used 2005 or newer Focus, never follow this rule.

New Tires

When to get new tires depends on their exposure to sunlight, heat and the ozone. Tire companies say that new tires are recommended every five years, but this varies. If you drive a lot and live in a sunny, hot, environment, changing tires this frequently may be essential. But if you live somewhere where weather conditions are less aggressive, you may be able to extend tire life to seven or more years, according to Wisegeek.com.

Necessary Replacements

Vehicles have become computer controlled which makes spark-plugs, timing belt, and coolant really the only regular “tune up.” It’s best to replace these all together, collectively they need to be replaced every 60,000-120,000 miles, according to Miata.com.

Stop: Get Brakes Checked

A general rule of thumb, if your brakes feel or sound any differently get them checked ASAP. When you visit a mechanic for routine maintenance like an oil change, they will usually alert you of any problems.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Replace windshield wipers in the fall, after the summer heat has cooled and before the snow, frost and wind chill of the winter, according to Drive-safely.net. Location dictates how often to replace windshield wipers. Dry climates like the southwest require annual replacement. But northern climates only require new wipers once every two years.

Don’t Forget Air Filters

Air filters get clogged faster when you live in a city vs. a cleaner small town. If you travel in dusty, dirty climates frequently you may want to replace your air filter twice annually or seasonally, according to Air-stuff.com. If you drive in clearer conditions, changing it once a year is fine.

No one wants to get pulled over, especially when they feel it’s unfair. There are certain things that police look for in particular that can lead to people getting pulled over even when it doesn’t seem necessary. Many studies have shown that police do pull over specific types of car and driver more often. Knowing about these things are an important part of being an educated driver and avoiding tickets that aren’t being given to other people or other vehicles.

Police have a tendency to pull over flashier or more expensive cars more often than utilitarian cars. While this may not seem fair, it’s may not really be a conscious decision on the police’s part. Flashy, expensive cars are simply more noticeable. While it’s fair to assume a few police may be pulling over these cars intentionally, it’s far more likely that they’re just eye-catching vehicles. This also includes cars that have flashy modifications, and cars that are brightly colored or have custom paint jobs.

Those who actually drive too carefully can find themselves receiving a ticket. It’s important to drive not aggressively, but defensively, and a course such as online defensive driving Texas can help drivers learn where the line is. If a driver is driving too cautiously, especially at night, police will often tail this vehicle until it makes a mistake. This is because one of the largest signs of drunk driving is actually driving too carefully rather than recklessly.

Loud music can also cause a car to be pulled over. Many people don’t know that there is actually an upper limit to how loud the music in a car can be. If the music is loud enough for the officer to hear a couple of blocks over, it’s very likely that the cop will pull the driver over. Loud music can also be one of the main things an officer will look for during a weekend night as an indication of those who have been partying and may have been drinking.

It’s important to remember that the police are not the enemy. Police are merely attempting to protect the laws and protect the road. While certain things may make getting pulled over more likely, getting pulled over still does require that the motorist is breaking one of the rules of the road. The best way that anyone can avoid getting pulled over is simply by being a conscientious, defensive driver, and always making every attempt possible to drive properly and safely.

The SCT SF3 / X3 Power Flash Programmer is a hand held tuner designed to improve the performance of your Ford Mustang vehicle. It has been said that this device is the latest replacement for the older tuner model XCal2 by SCT. SF3 and X3 have basically similar product features that recalibrate and reprogram the existing tune on your vehicle’s computer. The integrated features are a mix of custom and strategy tuners, hence the devices are an upgraded version of the older types of hand held computerized tuners available in the market today.

What makes SF3 and X3 flash programmers distinct from other hand held programmers is that the programs may be customized for your particular vehicle model and this is usually done by a SCT dealer. It may also allow modification in as far as the tune is concerned to go with your preferences and requirements as the vehicle owner. Short to say, it opens up diverse options for you to make enhancements on the tune of your Ford Mustang, apart of course, from the one installed by your dealer.

Important Features

With a memory size of 128MB, the SF3 / X3 Power Flash Ford Programmer can hold up to 3 custom tunes aside from the preloaded DYNO Proven tunes. It can also read and clear DTC trouble codes while it can improve data logging and display. The improved fuel mileage, increased horsepower and torque which enhance the overall performance of your Ford Mustang make a good selling point for the device.

These provide drivers a better advantage when it comes to their driving experience using the SF3/X3 Programmer. In general, the device basically adjusts the computer setting of your vehicle for your own convenience and comfort while on the road. Some additional integrated features that may make your driving worthwhile are the following:

• Quick and easy installation through the ODB-II port of your vehicle
• Huge LCD display with backlit for easy reading of data anytime of the day.
• View air and fuel ratio
• Saves factory tune files for easy re-installation

Installing and Using SCT SF3 and X3 Power Flash Ford Programmer

SCT X3 Power Flash Ford Programmer

With a decent price of $379.99, SCT SF3/X3 Power Flash Programmer is easy to install and use. The manufacturer’s installation guides may be downloadable online and it should be easy for you to follow instructions to prevent major issues regarding re-programming and re-calibrating your Ford Mustang’s computer.

The device features a huge backlit LCD display which lights up when you connect the USB cable that comes with it to the OBD-II port of your Mustang. It should display the menu options which are actually simple and easy to follow. The left and right, up and down arrows will guide you with your navigation and set up.

The tuning process takes place once you navigate through the options and make your selection to tune your vehicle. Turn your ignition on and the tuning procedure takes place. Once the process is completed, you may now turn your ignition off and exit from the tune menu of the device. Unplug it from the OBD-II port and you are done. The process will not take you more than 15 minutes, so it’s actually pretty easy and quick.

What makes the SCT SF3/X3 programmers great devices is its positive result in the general performance of the vehicle as well as its ease of use. At $379.99, it’s fairly a good price when you want to experience a great performing vehicle.

A brake pad is one of those car parts that needs to be regularly inspected and maintained, as they are constantly under a lot of pressure. Each time you brake, it causes wear and tear to the brake pads. How much wear and tear the brake pads are going to be subjected to, depends on how fast and how much pressure you apply to the brakes. If you need to stop the car fast, you naturally hit the brakes harder than usual, which means more wear and tear for the pads. That’s why it’s very important that your car has the best brake pads possible. However, no matter how good or expensive your brake pads are, they all become worn out at some moment and they need to be replaced. So, when the time comes to replace the pads, you have to know what kind of pads to buy, as different brake pad types have different characteristics and performances. Most common brake pads nowadays are the ceramic ones, and the ones made of metal.

Ceramic Brake Pads
As all other auto parts, ceramic brake pads have their pros and cons. One of the most significant advantages to ceramic brake pads is that they produce less brake dust, since the ceramic material is more durable. Also, they produce less noise, and they don’t put too much pressure and stress on the brake rotors. But, these characteristics that ceramic pads have, make them more expensive, and that’s why a lot of people decide to buy metallic brake pads. But, if you buy ceramic brake pads, you will be able to use them longer as opposed to the metallic ones. Ceramic pads are not perfect, however, and they do have some disadvantages. For example, they are not the ideal choice for you if you want to put them on an SUV or a truck, which you plan to do some heavy-duty towing with.

Metallic Brake Pads
Metallic brake pads are made of a mixture of steel, graphite and copper. These materials are heavier than ceramics, which makes them less suitable for two reasons. Firstly, it’s not recommended that metallic pads are used in fast race cars, as they add extra weight to the car, and race cars need to be as light as possible to provide the best performances. Additionally, fuel economy is also affected by that extra weight. Due to the nature of the material, metallic pads are noisier and produce more dust than ceramic pads. Also, if you use metallic pads, the brake rotors will endure more wear and tear. But, they are more suitable for heavy-duty towing, which is a huge advantage over ceramic brake pads, and they are more affordable.

So, with these arguments for and against ceramic and metallic brake pads in mind, it’s up to you to decide what type fits your needs the most, but you also need to be aware that most new vehicles nowadays are equipped with ceramic pads, and if you feel that metallic ones are better for your car, you will probably have to go to an aftermarket supplier.

Author bio:
Jordan Perch is an active promoter of the new developments in the automotive industry. He is an author of many how-to articles related to DMV, safe driving, traveling, buying/selling vehicles, auto insurance etc.

Does your car feel like it is lagging behind all the rest? Does it feel slow and need bringing alive? Or perhaps you simply have a taste for adrenaline and want to take your motor vehicle to the next level? No matter which one of these notions applies to you, you will benefit from chip tuning. This allows you to get the most from your vehicle. Your car will have a new zest of life and will be able to achieve maximum performance levels.

Before delving any deeper, it is essential to determine what chip tuning actually is. This concept refers to the modification or the altering of a vital chip found within a car’s electronic control unit – otherwise known as ECU. By changing the chip one can make mass altercations to their automobile. These are wide ranged; varying from an improved level of fuel efficiency to a greater level of power.

If this sounds appealing to you then there are two ways you can go about it. You can take your car to a mechanics who offer this service. This is the best option if you are feeling unsure regarding what to do and would rather your tuning was left in the hands of professionals. Nevertheless, you can actually carry out the chip modification yourself. There are handheld devices available online that allow you to do this. You will simply have to plug in the device and then you can embark on your remapping of the chip.

But, before you make up your mind regarding what chip tuning option to use, you should learn more about the benefits associated with changing this component. The performance of your car will increase dramatically. This is represented via an array of qualities you will see improve through the remap. The power you will experience when driving your vehicle will amplify extensively. Not only this, but you will find that the engine responds a lot more efficiently than it was doing beforehand. As soon as you press the accelerator your will notice the difference. In fact, not only will you notice quicker reactions and more power, but the drive will be smoother as well. A smooth drive is not only useful for better drivability but increase safety as well.

Aside from factors relating to the performance of your car, you will also gain on the monetary and environmental front as well. By remapping the chip found the ECU of your vehicle you will reduce your fuel emissions and carbon foot print. At the same time, because your car is more efficient you will save on the cost of fuel as well. These are both qualities that are very important. In relation to the reduction of fuel emissions, pollution issues have been well publicised as of late and it is important that you do your bit to help. Furthermore, saving money is always a good thing, but even more so at present. After all, when you consider the rising price of fuel in the current day, it is always good to be as economical as possible.

If you want to get the most from your vehicle then you will need to carry out chip tuning. You can get a mechanics to do this for you or you can give it a go yourself. No matter what you choose you will benefit from increased drivability and more efficiency.

The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular pickup truck series in recent history, but for all the virtues of the F-150 ñ rugged durability, style, convenience, etc ñ one thing it has never been renowned for is its fuel efficiency.
Ford is out to change that.

The bestselling pickup truck in America is getting a makeover for model year 2015, and the Ford Motor Company has recently given insiders a sneak peak at its new F-150 concept, dubbed the ìAtlasî designed to give the popular utility vehicle a much-needed boost when it comes to fuel economy.
And the best part about it is that Ford seems to have achieved this lofty goal without sacrificing the strong, masculine look of the F-150, the power of the engine, or the utilitarian nature of the pickup.
The new F-150 will feature Fordís new turbocharged engine, known as the EcoBoost, which the Detroit automaker claims is able to considerably improve fuel economy with no significant loss of power or style.
Furthermore, Ford has redesigned the pickupís front grille and wheel shutters in an attempt to make the vehicle more aerodynamic, further increasing fuel efficiency.

The early returns from those following the automotive industry closely seem to be universally positive. In fact, the day after the F-150 Atlas concept was unveiled earlier this year, Ford stock prices rose to its highest level in almost two years.
Ford spokesmen say that the unveiling of the new F-150 is a sign that the automaker is firmly committed to improving fuel economy of their entire fleet of vehicles, in order to satisfy stricter federal standards for fuel economy and an automotive public that is increasingly wary of vehicles that get poor gas mileage.
By showing off their more fuel efficient pickup trucks, Ford is looking to make a splash with consumers. Throughout the automotive industry, pickup trucks are known to be the most difficult vehicles to make more fuel efficient; naturally they are large vehicles, with increased tire sizes, and must be capable of towing heavy loads.
Ford has been experimenting with new materials such as high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber in an attempt to cut down on the overall weight of all the vehicles in the Ford lineup. The new F-150 is a whopping 700 pounds lighter than its predecessors, and boasts redesigned axels, brakes and tires, in order to drop excess weight.
They have also indicated a willingness to at least experiment with hybrid and electric car technology, though using these innovations on their pickup truck line is thought to be cost prohibitive at this time.

One curious thing to note is that amidst all the discussion of the changes to the F-150 in design, weight, composition, etc., Ford did not reveal any specific with regard to actual miles per gallon that they expect their new concept truck to achieve.
Nevertheless, one thing is clear: Ford is responding to what they expect the market to demand, more fuel efficient vehicles, even with their light and heavy-duty pickup trucks. Most auto industry experts believe that the recent unveiling of the F-150 Atlas is a real step in the right direction, even if Ford and its competitors have a ways to go yet in making their entire lineups conform with realities of a eco-friendly buying public.
Author Jack Payton is an automotive enthusiast who covers auto related topics for the online tire retailer Tires-Easy.com

Before some of America’s greatest business tycoons had coffers overflowing with money, these men rose from humble beginnings to shape the country and the world. The stories of these four purveyors of the American Dream will inspire and energize your efforts to move toward success.

Henry Ford

Though not quite a “rags to riches” story, Henry Ford was born in 1863 and grew up on a Michigan farm with limited formal education. At 15, Ford’s father gave him a pocket watch, which he immediately disassembled and constructed again, foreshadowing his future of perfecting the assembly line process. Three years after his mother’s death in 1876, he left his family’s farm and became adept at steam engine operation and bookkeeping. After working at Edison Illuminating Company and taking instruction from Edison himself, Ford eventually established the Ford Motor Company in 1903. The Model T was introduced five years later and Ford’s place in history was locked. Were it not for his efforts, nothing in the auto industry would be the same, from our experiences with buying used cars to the highest-end Barrett-Jackson auction.

John D. Rockefeller

At the time of John D. Rockefeller’s death in 1937, the founder of Standard Oil Company was worth $340 billion dollars (adjusted for inflation), according to DailyMail.co.uk. Born in 1839, Rockefeller lived in New York until he was a teen, when his family moved to Cleveland. According to HuffingtonPost.com, he landed his first job as an assistant bookkeeper for a small produce commission, which earned him 50 cents a day. In 1863, Rockefeller opened his first refinery near Cleveland and essentially controlled all regional refineries in less than a decade, according to Biography.com. By the early 1880s, Rockefeller’s oil monopoly dominated the nation. The renowned mogul became a philanthropist in his later years, giving away more than $530 million.

Andrew Carnegie

The original “man of steel,” Andrew Carnegie was born to a poor Scottish family in 1835. Thirteen years later, he and his family immigrated to the United States. Carnegie went straight to work in a factory for little more than a dollar a week, according to Biography.com. Through his experiences working for Pennsylvania Railroad, Carnegie gained vital skills to secure his future as a steel magnate. The now famous industrialist created Carnegie Steel Company in the 1880s and revolutionized steel production. Carnegie, too, focused on philanthropic endeavors later in life.

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Before acquiring the largest fortune America had ever seen, “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt grew up poor in Staten Island, New York. After one of his eight siblings passed away, 11-year-old Vanderbilt dropped out of school to work for his father, an illiterate seaman. At 16, he built a sailboat business from the ground up. By the mid-1840s, the industrialist operated an armada of steamboats and was worth millions. His steamship company expanded into trans-Atlantic proportions by 1855. During the 1860s, Vanderbilt stretched his influence into the railroad industry, and within years he was king of a railroad empire throughout North America.