GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices

by: Jim Kesel


It is said that had it not been for a GPS tracking device in OJ Simpson’s mobile phone, he would not have been found to be tried on his wife’s murder. A GPS vehicle tracking device is much like driving around in your car with your mobile phone. It allows a person to locate the current position of a moving vehicle or identify where it’s been and as well, where it is heading. This is ideal for chasing criminals who has just fled the scene of the crime or finding where a suspicious vehicle will be heading next.

A GPS tracking device calculates its position by measuring distances between itself and other GPS satellites. In return, the signals emitted by the satellites carry information about the GPS carrier’s location. Aside from absolute location, other civilian benefits from having GPS vehicle tracking devices include relative movement. Relative movement is useful in ships and vessels to calculate certain time distance calculations including velocity made good toward your destination and crosstrac error calculations.

Additional benefits of using GPS vehicle tracking devices is the ability to know let the carrier know exactly where their vehicle is located and its direction of travel. This technology can also create a digital view of the vehicle’s current position in a geographic map. This information can be valuable in remote locations that do not have established road names or where the vehicle may be traveling off road. More advanced GPS devices can even tell you which turn to take or which roads to take to reach a destination. Life is now easier drivers who simply get on their cars and start their engines without knowing where to go. GPS in vehicles has given everyone the ability to navigate to about any location on the earth. As a result the world is a much small place than it was just a few short years ago. Now we can find our present location, where have been or going to, with a simple click of a button.

So, if you ever wonder where your car may be, your GPS can track where it is to within a few meters. If by chance your car gets stolen, you can easily find where it is heading or where it currently is. Suppose a vehicle stops in the middle of nowhere because of some car trouble, the driver could easily ask for help, or his location could easily be tracked for emergency assistance, that is for as long as there is a signal. GPS tracking will not work without it. This feature has the potential to decrease car theft or even robberies with getaway vehicles. This can also give cheating husbands or spouses a second thought on their actions. Moving around in vehicles with GPS can very well ruin a secret affair because of its non-discreet ability to identify one’s exact location.

Having this new and useful technology, GPS tracking devices in your mobile phones or GPS vehicle tracking devices in your vehicle, we are giving away a part of our lives to be known to others for a price. This loss of privacy is of great concern may many people. Basically we are giving away information about our lives for sake of more information. If you do purchase and install GPS vehicle tracking devices, then you should expect that somebody else can use the GPS tracking information you provide for their own benefit. Unless we a doing something illegal or immoral we really have little fear from the misuse of any GPS tracking information we generate each day.

Chevrolet Suburban – A Smart Choice

by: Kathy Austin


Something that also brought a bright future for Chevrolet is the Chevrolet Suburban keychain. This is a keychain range which consists of seven extremely well crafted designs. The ranges offer two colors. Both the colors are universally liked by Car and speed lover i.e. black and silver.

Chevrolet Suburban is the largest Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Chevrolet. This company has been there in United States since 1935. Chevrolet Suburban was first introduced as the Chevrolet Suburban Carryall in 1935. Suburban has been produced under this name for a most anticipated and bright future for Chevrolet.

If you are not too much into style and want something simple you can go for the Chevrolet Suburban leather silver keychain or for the Chevrolet Suburban leather gold keychain. Both the keychains are set in absolute black leather of the best quality and gives you that posh look.

If you are someone, who wants to look different you can go for the Chevrolet Suburban metal oval keychain. This has a mosaic look at the base and a black circle on top, which makes it unique.

If black is not the color of your choice then this range has three silver keychains. These three keychains are very different from each other and each has an appeal of its own. The Chevrolet Suburban valet key chain and the Chevrolet Suburban teardrop key chain have that perfect look for those, who like to leave their keychains hanging from pockets, or who like to use them as zipper accessory.

The best of the lot and the most unique is the Chevrolet Suburban Steering wheel keychain. This looks like a real steering wheel and is tiny and yet is very attractive. For people who love to sport that speed look, this is a great accessory to have.

The Chevrolet Suburban Chrome circle keychain is another design which is there for those who love simplicity and black. All the keychains can be engraved with anything that you want.

The key chains are ones with novelty that will keep the keys in order and in style. They are beautiful pieces of art. The silver key chains have a solid ring with the logo and Suburban written on it. The name and logo is a perfect harmony with the Chevrolet Suburban keychain. The key ring is made of extraordinary quality of stainless steel. It is definitely an excellent piece of accessory that should be bought.

Chevrolet Suburban key chains make a wonderful gift to the guests and friends. It is unique and people can use and take them wherever they go. You can get anything you want engraved on this and give it that personal touch. If you own a Chevrolet car, this makes your car and your look complete. It gives you the custom made finish with all that you want engraved behind it, and all this for a cost of just a few dollars.

Confused about what to present your son, neighbor, husband or boss, give them one of these key chains and you are sure to make their day.

Do You Have A RDX Too?

by: Kathy Austin


The RDX, as in Acura RDX from Honda, is a Japanese SUV. This key, on my new custom Acura key chain, operates a worldly vehicle. The creators are Japanese, but it was designed for the American market. The topper is that it drives like a German sports car.

My satin chrome valet key chain is engineered to last a lifetime, just like my new Acura RDX. The valet key chain is designed to come apart so the vehicle key will be on one end and the home and office keys will be on the other. It is really two key chains in one. The Acura RDX is really two vehicles in one, a sporty sedan, and a load carrying SUV perfect for all those outdoor trips camping or skiing. Just check out the innovative storage compartments, plus comfortable seating for five in this shamelessly under priced car.

The Acura RDX is turbo charged, and when it kicks in, it makes a wonderful whooshing sound. It has the same excitement factor when driving that can be possible with the BMW 3 series. You are strongly tempted to pull out all the stops and drive it hard. In a 1,000 mile southern California comparison test with 4 compact SUVs, the RDX came is first, no sweat.

Comfort along with major performance is the goal of over 20 years of research and development. A good example of high tech is the tilt steering wheel which also telescopes. Safety has not been neglected with the Acura RDX. It was rated highest (5 stars) in frontal and side crash tests, as well as having electronic stability control. No wonder this company is a leader in safety, putting into practice their goals of creating and improving an environmentally sound line of automobiles.

Acura’s concern with the environment includes recognizing the impact they have on the community in Lincoln, Alabama where the factory is located. Acura has made it a point to preserve the environment at the manufacturing facility and beyond by installing state of the art pollution control devices. Acura commits to efficiently using materials and energy to preserve the natural state of their factory location. The goal of producing greener, more fuel efficient cars, with lower emissions, and excellent aerodynamic designs, keeps everyone striving to build better automobiles and environment.

Acura has just celebrated their 20th anniversary of producing better and better cars. Among the innovations, are offering up to $1,000 towards the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment so those with disabilities will have the same opportunities to drive and ride in this vehicle.

Just as the Acura has several models in their line of vehicles, there are also several choices in the style of key chain, you choose to compliment your car. Most of these are designed to be handsome and long lasting, can be customized, and may well be the collectible of the future. So you may want to order more than one of them, so you and your spouse and everyone else in the family can each have one.

Convert Your Car To Run On Water - Save Money, Save Gas!

by: Alexandre Sol


Convert your car to run on water – save gas, save your car, save money and save the planet.

Fox News recently broadcasted an interesting and very important video report.

A savvy automobile owner has come up with a very simple yet incredibly efficient way of boosting his old car’s gas mileage by up to 100% - that means several thousands of dollars economy every year.

The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.

Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.

Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;

• Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.

• Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.

• Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage

• Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.

• Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.

Our cars’ engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel – the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at 3$ a gallon – per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and 2.40$ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.

Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system – but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.

Is it not only the “saving money” part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car’s engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently – which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor’s parts.

The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.

Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?

I hope this article gave you enough of useful information to consider converting your car to run on water.

The Soul Of Kia

by: Dan Mercurio


Kia has Soul and is trying to sell it to the American car buyers. But this probably comes as no surprise to the American public The Soul we are talking about was announced earlier this year in 2007 at the International Auto Show. It is believed that this car was named “Soul” to represent the cars Korean origin and the combined efforts of both Korea and their North American counter parts in California. The 2008 Kia Soul combines tastes and design in an effort to bring new life to a concept car that truly does have a soul of its own.

Kia’s new Soul concept car has a design that hopes to attract a younger, more active group of buyers. The modern stylish package offered standard along with new exterior features puts it all together for those looking for taste and style all in one.

The interior of the Soul is cram packed with one awesome and fully customizable multimedia communications system. In addition, mood lighting, a wide cargo area and a remote powered lift gate rounds out an interior that meets everyone’s expectations and then some.

When we look closer at the exterior of this wonderful pint sized new vehicle, we find a roof that houses not just one but two sun roofs, one in the front that is moveable and a rear window that is hinged. This design creates a panoramic sun/moon roof that adorns the Kia Soul’s sloped roofline. This allows Kia Soul occupants to enjoy open-air driving while also taking advantage of panoramic views. In addition, the Soul’s roof features adjustable roof racks integrated into the design. This design is intended to create an open, uninterrupted passenger cabin.

To add additional style to the interior, the audio systems speakers were made part of the overall design by making them a different color than the dash board which allows them to stand out. The small thin framed seats are a slight shade off the color of the speakers, and provide seating for four with a long center console that divides the first and second rows.

With its efforts to appeal to a younger more active generation, and realizing that today’s vehicles are becoming more of a mobile office, the Soul comes equipped with a video game monitor and a laptop computer that swings out of the glove box. The design allows it to be operated from either the driver or passenger side seats.

The hip, urban feel of the Kia Soul is enhanced by unique interior lighting. Rather than utilizing a standard dome light, lighting shines from around the moon roof, as well as from the trim of the door panels.

Kia wants to inspire passion in young car buyers, and to accomplish this, the Kia Soul will provide a unique and dynamic vehicle in the increasingly crowded compact SUV market allowing the Soul Concept crossover SUV to be its roadmap to success.

Kia Motors is stepping outside of the shadow of its competitors and making a significant place for itself in the key SUV sector.

If You Want To Sell Your Car Online Then Use A Reputable Used Car Website

by: Louis Rix


There are many advantages to selling your car online rather than taking it to a dealership or advertising in newspapers and free-ads. To start with you will not get ripped off by a used car dealer and will be able to get what the car is worth. However perhaps the biggest advantage to selling online is that you will be able to reach a wider range of audience and some of that audience will be searching for the particular make and model of car that you are offering. However to make the most when of it when you want to sell your car online you should choose a reputable used car website with which to advertise.

The bigger the used car website then the more people it will attract so the better chance you will have of selling your car; you should look for one that offers an extensive range of tools for both the buyer and seller including a powerful search tool. If the buyer can search for the make, model and color of the car then the chances are that people who are looking for the model you are selling will come across yours.

If you want to sell your car online then you will have to give a lot of thought to the listing you are going to put on the site, you will want to try and make your car stand out as there can be hundreds of cars similar to yours online. However you do have to be totally honest in the description of your car, if the car has any faults then you have to list them and honesty is always the best policy. You should of course list all the features that could make your car stand out above the rest, pay special attention to any additional features of your car such as any extra safety measures you have installed on the car or features such as electronic windows, DVD players or features which you think make your particular car special.

One of the things which can make a huge difference as to how successful you could be when it comes to selling your car is the photographs which you take to accompany your listing. You should always take photos in clear light so that potential buyers can get a clear look at your car and also take them from different angles such as front, side and back and perhaps the interior. However a good point to remember before taking photographs is to give the car a wash and polish, making your car sparkle will go a long way to successfully attracting buyers. When advertising your car online one point to remember is to include your contact phone number, this is one of the most important points and it can be easy to make a mistake so always double check your contact details.

Choosing to sell your car online is one of the best choices you can make, a specialist used car website will give you all the tools needed to get your car advertised in the quickest time possible and brings thousands of potential buyers right to you.

Easy To Follow Driving Safety Tips

by: Kelly Hunter


Over the years, cars have leapt from a tool of convenience and productivity to a status symbol, achieving iconic status. Driving has gone from a privilege to a rite of passage. The legal driving age varies little from state to state, and generally hovers around 16. A few states don’t even require kids to have a learners permit before letting them out on the road. So basically, before we’ll allow them to buy tobacco, alcohol or a firearm in most places, they’re turned loose with a large, heavy and more widely destructive weapon.

More American teens die from car wrecks each year than from any other cause. The statistics are appalling. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, a 2005 survey conducted by the Allstate Foundation reported that out of 1,000 drivers between the ages of 15 and 17, more than 50 percent said they routinely use their cell phone while behind the wheel. Forty-seven percent said they find passengers to be distracting. In fact, statistics show that vehicle-related death rates among drivers in this demographic increase with each passenger.

Kids aren’t the only ones being irresponsible on the roads. Many busy adults also use their daily commutes to multitask, taking care of missed morning chores like shaving or even applying makeup. That’s only a good use of your time if you are aspiring to be the prettiest girl at the multi-vehicle pileup. Everybody has cell phones these days, and it is not at all unusual for people to use their drive time to chat with a friend or return important business calls. Next time you stop at a traffic light, take a brief second to glace at the drivers in either side of you. Chances are very good that at least on of them is talking on a cell phone.

Odds are also good, that at that very same light, some parent is turned around tending to children in the back seat. Anyone who has any kind of experience with kids at all knows that it’s unrealistic to expect them to sit quietly all the time, and they don’t have the maturity to comprehend the dangers of distracted drivers. The best solution is to make sure children are properly strapped into car seats, or booster seats, appropriate to their size before the vehicle starts moving. If and adjustment needs to be made, or some other situation needs to be seen to, then pull over.

Food is another common distraction for most drivers. Think about it; if you’ve got one hand on your Big Mac and the other one on your extra large soda, neither one is firmly on the steering wheel. What would happen if you suddenly had to depend on your French fry-greased hands to make a sharp turn to avoid hitting a small child or a semi truck? The seconds wasted as the wheel slides around clumsily in your hands could save someone’s life. You can visit http://www.driving-safety-guide.com to learn more about driving safely.

A lot of risky behavior can be avoided by making a point to ask yourself if it’s worth someone getting hurt or even killed. For example, “Is the few minutes I’ll save by applying my lipstick while driving worth the possibility of a collision?” It sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s a choice so may people make several times a day.

Before Thinking About Driving Theory Test, Practical Test

by: Mahwesh Ugale


Minimum ages and rules

You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid.

Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.

So, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test.

Disability living allowance

If you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate your provisional licence will come into effect when you are 16, but you can apply for it within three months of your 16th birthday.

Motorcyclists Direct access scheme

Direct access is a scheme, which allows a person over the age of 21 to avoid the two year/25 kW restriction by taking a test on a machine of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact. You should also wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

Accelerated access

Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW (33 bhp) machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). They may practise on bikes over 25 kW (33 bhp) under the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status while practising (on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW (33 bhp) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.

Mopeds and tractors

If you want to ride a moped you can take your theory test when you are 16, but again you must make sure you have a valid provisional licence. If you are 16 and already have a provisional licence for an agricultural vehicle or a moped, this will give you provisional entitlement to drive a car when you are 17.

Rules for learner drivers

Before you start to drive, you must:

• Hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland

• Make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured

• If you want to practise your driving with an accompanying driver, the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years.

• As a learner driver, you must display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.

• You're limited to less powerful motorbikes.

Apply for provisional license

If you have never held a driving licence before you will need to apply for a provisional licence. You cannot start to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and in your possession.

About driving theory test

Preparing for your theory test is essential if you want to become a safe, responsible driver or rider. If you are a learner driver, you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test. The theory test is a computer based test and can be taken at various tests centres around the country.

Passing your driving theory test is your first step towards being a safe driver on the road.

DSA driving theory test consists of two elements:

A. Multiple choice questions

This section is designed to tests your understanding of the theory behind driving. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests. There are 50 randomly selected, multiple-choice questions and you need to get at least 43 answers right to pass.

B. Hazard Perception Test

This is the second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.

Hazard perception test is conducted to test the ability of learner drivers how they will respond to hazards on the road while driving. There are 14 videos, each about a minute long.

This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.

The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.

There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

Preparing for your theory test

We recommend you to study following -

§ The Highway Code -

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders. It contains most up to date advice on road safety and the laws, which apply to all road users.

§ Traffic signs -

It is important to know road signs and markings that you are most likely to encounter.

§ Driving Theory test questions -

Is a set of latest questions published by DSA from which the exam questions are taken. DSA may change questions time to time it is important that you study the books where latest questions are published.

Preparing for hazard perception test -

It is best to practice hazard perception skills on the computer if you have access to one. There are many websites and PC-CD ROMs in the market, using which you can practice your hazard perceptions skills.

About car practical test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.

Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.

The driving part of your test lasts about 40 minutes. Throughout the test, your examiner will be looking for overall safe standards of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

About motorcycle practical test

Minimum test vehicle requirements

Any vehicle presented for use in a driving test must meet minimum test vehicle standards. These standards are part of European Community legislation on driver licensing. Great Britain as a member of the European Union is obliged to comply with these requirements. Below are the minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds and motorcycles.

Minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds

A moped must have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, and a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour (km/h), which is approximately equivalent to 31 miles per hour (mph). If first used before 1 August 1977, it must be equipped with pedals by which it can be propelled.

Minimum test vehicle requirements for motorcycles

If your motorcycle is less than 75 cc it is not acceptable for the practical motorcycle test. If you pass your practical test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, this will be recorded on your licence. Your full licence entitlement will be restricted to motorcycles in this category.

A light motorcycle (category A1) is defined as a solo motorcycle between 75 and 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kilowatts (kW) (maximum 14.6 brake horse power (bhp)). Please see note 1.

A standard motorcycle (category A) is defined as a solo motorcycle between 121 and 125 cc, capable of exceeding 100 km/h (62.5 mph). Please note that the BMW C1 motorcycle is not a suitable machine for a practical test. Please see note 2.

Vehicles used for the accelerated access and direct access scheme can have an unspecified engine capacity of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp), with an unspecified speed. Please see note 3.

The minimum test vehicle requirements for a motorcycle and side-car are the same, as the solo machines, but categories A and A1 must not exceed a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg. Passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test. Only candidates with certain disabilities can use a motorcycle and side-car combination for the test. The licence obtained as a result of this test will be restricted to this combination of vehicle.

Notes:

A light motorcycle licence (category A1) will give you full licence entitlement to ride machines up to 125 cc with a power output of up to 11 kW.

A standard motorcycle licence (category A) will restrict you for a period of two years to riding machines with a power output not exceeding 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After the two year period you may ride any motorcycle.

If you are aged 21 or over you can take the test on a motorcycle with a power output of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). If successful you can then ride any motorcycle.

The practical motorcycle test is made up of lots of different elements, an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions, a test of driving ability, a test of specific manoeuvre and a question about riding with a passenger.

At the test centre you must present a valid certificate DL196 unless the test is being conducted on one of the exempted islands. A rider who is upgrading a full moped licence obtained by passing a two part test since December 1990 is exempt.

Vehicle safety check questions and eyesight test

Before you actually start your practical riding test you will be asked to read a number plate to prove you can meet the eyesight requirements. You will also be asked two machine safety check questions before moving away.

The practical test

After the usual pre-test preliminaries e.g. licence and identification check the examiner will help the candidate with the fitting of the radio and earpiece.

While accompanying the candidate to the machine the examiner will explain how the test will be conducted and how the radio equipment works.

The law requires anyone riding a motorcycle, scooter or moped, with or without sidecar, to wear protective headgear securely fastened. The test cannot therefore be conducted unless the candidate is wearing properly secured protective headgear.

Note:

An exemption to this requirement exists for followers of the Sikh religion if they are wearing a turban.

At the end of the test

When the practical testis over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass...

If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004, the examiner will ask you,if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.

If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.

Once you pass your standard motorcycle test you are restricted to machines of 25 kW (33 bhp) with a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg for two years.

If you fail...

If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You must wait 10 clear working days after your practical test before you can book another one.

Sheet Metal in the Automotive Industry

by: Melissa Rivers


Historically, sheet metal has been used extensively to produce automotive body panels. Although sheet metal use has decreased with the advent of fiberglass body panels, sheet metal is still the most popular material for manufacturing automobiles today. The addition of lasers and robotics to the automobile manufacturing process has further expanded the way that sheet metal is processed.

Lasers

Lasers have been used in production facilities since the 1960’s. Today, they are used to cut, form holes, engrave, weld or heat treat sheet metal for use in automotive production.

Lasers are used in applications that rely on precise measurements and exact alignments.

The adjustment of lasers is measured in micrometers, or millionths of a meter.

There are many different types of lasers used to alter sheet metal and plastics in the automotive industry.

Carbon dioxide laser- uses a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium to produce a continuous laser output

Continuous-wave laser- this type of laser produces light beams continuously rather than in controlled pulses

Excimer laser-emits light in a UV spectrum that is used for producing high quality edges on parts that are prone to cracking or thermal damage; it falls into the category of pulsed-gas lasers

Gas laser-any laser that uses a gas mixture as the lasing medium; common gases are argon and carbon dioxide

Pulsed laser-emits light in controlled pulses and is preferred for thin materials ; it can be used to create intricate details and work in tight corners without burning

Ruby laser-a solid state laser that uses a synthetic ruby crystal with a chromium impurity as the lasing medium

Solid-state laser-a type of laser that uses a crystal or glass as the host for an impurity to produce the lasing action; especially useful for precise measuring and spot welding

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser-ranges in power from a few milliwatts to more than 400 watts; used for cutting, drilling, heat treating and welding operations

Robotics

Robotics are often used for repetitive tasks, monotonous jobs or those parts of the manufacturing process that are physically difficult or take place in environmentally unpleasant conditions. They are directed by computer programs and perform precise operations without human intervention.

Lasers and robotics have significantly increased the speed at which sheet metal can be processed in the automotive manufacturing process. Continued technological advancements in these two areas will further increase the cost effectiveness and productivity of automotive manufacturing facilities.

Your Used Cars Search Is Quicker When Conducted Online

by: Louis Rix


There is a much faster and easier way to conduct a used cars search than walking around car dealerships or buying ads magazines - you can search from a whole range of used cars online with the help of a specialist website. A specialist used car search website will offer a huge range of tools that can help you on your used car search including an extensive search facility which can narrow down the time spent looking for a used car considerably.

By using a search feature you are able to quickly find the exact model of the car you are looking for right down to the colour and any other extras which you would like. A website such as this opens up your search considerably and enables you to search in as wider range as you wish to travel, if you want to stay close to home then type in the radius. The majority of specialist websites will have sections for private sellers and used car dealers which can give you a wide scope to choose from when it comes to conducting your used cars search in the shortest time frame possible and all from the comfort of you own home.

The specialist used car website is a virtual showroom but instead of just having a few cars which might not even be the type you are looking for you are able to compare the exact make and model using the search to narrow down the choices. All listings on the site will be accompanied by photographs which give a great indication as to whether you are going to consider looking at the car and are usually taken from different angles so that you can see the car just as you would in the showroom.

To help you narrow down your choices even further the photographs will come with a detailed description of any special features that the cars have and of course details such as how many miles the car has done, any extras such as electric windows, security features and of course the price of the car and details of how to contact the seller.

To help you get the best out of your used cars search a specialist used car website will also offer help by way of articles and hints and tips on how to get the best from a used car search online and this is of course the best place to start when looking to buy a used car. Gaining the information and knowing what to look for before buying a used car can save a lot of problems later, there are many honest sellers online but then again there is the odd one that will try to sell a rust bucket. It is essential that you gain information on what to look for in a used car before you actually make the arrangements to go and view the car, a specialist website will offer tips on what to look for and what you should avoid when buying a used car.