Gallery Updated
That’s right people, the gallery has been updated with more detailed vehicles. Please feel free to view them at http://www.lidetailers.com/gallery.html
October 2, 2008
June 16, 2008
The Importance And Benefits Of High Fuel Economy
Gas prices continue to increase, with no end in sight. This trend further accentuates the need for every human to purchase more fuel efficient cars. Having an automobile with good fuel economy is not only helpful in saving money, but it is also an integral part of repairing the environment.
The official definition of fuel economy is how much gas is needed to move a certain distance. In the United States, fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon, while in the rest of the world, it is mostly calculated in liters per one hundred kilometers. These measuring systems vary greatly; a higher number in the US system is optimal, while a lower number is desired in the metric system (the lower the number, the lower the amount of fuel needed to travel one hundred kilometers).
Governments are taking notice of the importance of fuel economy, and are establishing guidelines which will regulate efficiency in the future. The European Union has decided that, starting in 2012, gasoline cars must have at least a 47mpg rating, and diesel cars must have at least a 52mpg rating. The United States currently taxes vehicles that do not adhere to environmental standards, as a means of discouraging their production. These taxes and penalties are expected to increase drastically within the next few years.
Engineers are constantly working to find ways to increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles. Several factors affect fuel economy, so it is a matter of altering those factors to produce better efficiency. The weight of a car is one of the biggest factors in fuel economy, so engineers are always trying to make cars lighter.
This can be done through replacing traditional materials, such as iron, with alternative options like carbon fiber. Wind resistance and drag require cars to exert energy to overcome them, so vehicles that are designed to experience these factors minimally have better fuel economies. Anything that can increase or save energy is beneficial. For example, shutting off the engine while the car is stopped saves energy.
Improving the efficiency of engine combustion is a key factor. Most engines only exploit 10-20% of the energy released from burning fuel; the rest is lost to heat and other forms of energy. Fuel cells are so desirable because up to 80% of their produced energy can be directly utilized. Different types of combustion, such as lean burn and HCCI combustion are being tested to identify what method is most efficient.
Average consumers can play their part in increasing the fuel economy of their vehicles. Fuel efficiency increasing products are popular in the market right now, but most of them do not actually improve efficiency at all. Simple things, like keeping the air pressure in tires high, and slowly accelerating and decelerating, can expand a vehicle’s rating a fair degree.
Hybrid cars are the best option currently for those who want speed and great fuel economy. These models combine electrical and gasoline engine components to create something which does not feel like an electric car at all. Hybrid vehicles recapture wasted energy during breaking, shut off gasoline power during idle periods, and utilize gas and electric power simultaneously to reduce the total amount of fuel consumed. All of these factors combined result in fuel ratings of over 50mpg, as well as lower emissions.
April 26, 2008
HID Conversion Kits Reviews and Features
High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are a type of electrical
lamps which produce light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes
housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina tube.
HID automotive lamps are using the technology similar to the common vapor-filled
street lamps. And HID lamps are also called xenon lamps , just refer to the
gas inside the lamps. In a Simpler wordings, HID is the upgraded lighting kits
from the original halogen bulbs, it’s getting more popular this few years, as
most of the new car models are all equipped with the HID Light Kits.
Advantages for HID Lights :
HID lights generate a greater output of light compared to the original halogen
bulbs, which can up to 3 times. And its light covers almost 70% of the road,
so it’s good for road safely as driver has a better vision on the road. If you
have the experience in using the original halogen bulbs, the bulb life is always
short, but HID lights can last up to 4-10 years with a greater durability, can
withstand a greater amount of vibrations and shocks. HID light is a good choice
when you are planning to upgrade your car headlight system, as it provides greater
light with lesser power consumption, can save it up to 25%.
Color Temperature:
HID Color temperature refers to the degrees (K) , which simply the measures
of the color for the lighting output, like golden yellow, white, crystal white,
blue. Degree (k) refers only to the color, while lumen refers to the lighting
intensity. So the higher the color temperature (degrees K) doesn’t mean a higher
light intensity (lumen). Here is the summary for the common color temperature
on the market — 3000K (Golden Yellow) , 4300K (Bright White), 5000K (white),
6000K (Crystal White),8000K (Crystal Blue), 10000K (Aqua Blue), 12000K (Purple-Blue).
Bulb Size :
The common bulb size is H1, H3, H4, H7, h13, 9004, 9005, 9006, 9007, D1S, D2S.
And it has single beam conversion, hi lo kits, Telescope and Bi xenon kits. Here
is the summary for the features and bulb sizes ranges for all those kits.
Single Beam Conversion Kits — H1, H3, H4-1, H7, 9004-1, 9005, 9006, 9007-1,
with 2 ballasts and installation clamps.
Hi-lo Beam : H4-2, 9004-2. 9007-2 hid for low beam and halogen bulb for high
beam, with 2 ballasts and installation clamps.
Telescope Kit : H4-3, 9004-3, 9007-3, single HID can switch between high beam
and low beam, with 2 ballasts and installation clamps.
Bi-xenon Kit : H4-4, 9004-4, 9007-4, 2 HID bulbs on each bulb, which works for
high and low beam, with 4 ballasts and installation clamps.
April 17, 2008
Top 5 Tips For Buying A Personal Number Plate
When it comes to selecting a personal number plate, there are literally 1000’s to choose from. Most of us select a registration number that means something to us. But we also expect the cherished number plate to go up in value. And often we’re surprised that it hasn’t gone up as much as we thought.
So why do some (apparently similar) personal number plates go up more than others? Choosing carefully can make all the difference.
Here’s 5 tips when you’re buying a personal number plate:
- Buy the best cherished number plate you can afford.
If you’re buying a private registration number with an eye on investment, this is very important. Unless you’ve spotted a bargain, chances are that if it’s cheap there’s a good reason. There are many similar number plates on the market or there aren’t many potential buyers… or both!
That could mean it’ll be slow to sell.
- Buy low digits.
Whether buying a prefix number plate, suffix number plate, or dateless number plate, choose low digits. The fewer the number of digits the better. If your budget only allows for 3 digits or more, choose numbers that have a more aesthetic appeal. Such as 777, 100, or 101. Numbers such as 18, 21, 30, and 40 have some appeal as they represent significant birthdays.
Don’t choose 27 just because it’s the date you were born.
- Buy an early prefix number plate.
If you’re buying a prefix number plate, buy as close to the letter A as you can. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as ‘H1′ which represents ‘hi’ or ‘X5′ which signifies a BMW model. Other popular options are X11 or X111 as these can be viewed as Roman numerals.
Don’t choose 27 just because it’s your birthday. Choose a single digit or number 11 instead, if they are available.
- Shop around.
Look at lots of personal number plates on as many websites as you can, before making up your mind. Compare number plate prices, as they can vary significantly. That will help you to spot a good price when it comes up.
- Minimise the squint factor (TM).
Maximise the quality. If you’re aiming to make a name or word, try to make sure you’re not relying on strategically placed screws or tape. It’s not cool, and it’s not legal.
Also, try not to rely on too many letters being replaced by digits.
For instance, G88 OLF is preferable to B160 LFX (where the 6 and 0 help create the word ‘GOLF’). In the second example, there are also letters and numbers left over, and the target word is lost in the middle. Think carefully about how hard you have to work to ’see’ the word or name.
It’s also illegal to mis-space or misrepresent a registration number. That means no strange fonts, bits of tape, or stray screws. You risk a fine, and possibly losing your personal registration number if you flout the rules.
In essence, choose something that has a meaning for you. But if you’re also hoping the registration number increases in value, choose wisely. A little more time and perhaps a little more investment could pay dividends.
April 16, 2008
Ways To Improve Gas Mileage
This has to be one of the most popular subjects around the Internet today thanks to the war and rising costs of fuel. It’s funny how little things you do can give your vehicle gas mileage improvements everyday. Now, with the information we are about to provide you, don’t expect it to increase your mileage at a rate of 100% or anything of that nature. However, just keep remembering that every little bit helps.
1. Gas Mileage Improvements Without Spending A Penny
There are three ways to improve gas mileage an individual or family can do without it becoming a financial burden. The first deals with simply parking your car in the shade. Sounds a little absurd right? Well, it’s not, and in fact, it can give your vehicle gas mileage improvements because the sun on hot days in the spring and summer can evaporate gas just from your car sitting there. The other two deal with keeping your tires inflated, checking them at least once week, and making your car lighter, getting rid of dead weight.
2. Other Ways For Just A Little More
Yes, gas mileage improvements can be easily made, but sometimes they cost a little to reap the rewards. Something as simple as purchasing an air filter and replacing your old one is just one of many ways to improve gas mileage. If you want another 3% increase then go out and purchase radial tires. We aren’t saying today, but the next time you need new ones make sure they are radial. Then, of course, getting an engine tune-up will always improve your gas mileage and is necessary to keep your car in the best shape.
Understanding The Situation
These have all been proven to help your vehicle get the best gas mileage improvements possible. There are others as well, like turning on the AC while you’re driving on the highway. Whatever the reason we need everything we can get right? If you just feel like the money you are making every week is mostly going to gas to get back and forth to work, its time to make a change. Take back the $3-$4 a gallon you are spending on gas today and instead of having to buy more in a week, make it ten days. Over time if you use these suggestions above they will help more than you know.
Are you looking for ways to stop paying high prices at the gas station? Want to double your gas mileage without spending $1000’s of dollars?
April 15, 2008
Customize the Interior of Your Vehicle with LED Lighting
Automotive lighting technology has reached new innovations and frontiers. Now you can just light up any place imaginable as long as you are confident with your design. From the car exterior which aesthetically improves your car’s visibility, LED lighting tubes are now used in the car’s interior for that cool cozy effect that sets up your mood.
Interior LED lights come in all shapes and sizes, each with the objective to make your car stand out. You can choose from a wide array of rods, tubes, and strips that can fit seamlessly in your car to give your interior an immediate radiant glow; all with the help of the patented lighting technology.
LED lights are known for their economic value due to its durability, low power requirement, and efficient brightness. Because of its versatility, they allow illumination of any interior as its fits anywhere inside your car. LED lights are adapted for their fashionable design that delights the car enthusiasts. With the extended durability, LED light producers can offer more generous warranties which make LED lights a safe buy.
One viable example of interior LED lights is LED rods. These rods can glow in one direction, or radiates in wide angles. The wide angle feature makes your lights glow smoother and brighter. With LED rods, much of the car’s interior and padding is illuminated to a radiant glow. This LED tubes can be mounted anywhere, from the side of your trucks, to undercar lighting, and to interior lights. If you can find the right mix, LED lights create an unbelievable effect.
LED tubes can be easily installed right out of the box with convenient connection to the car lighter or permanent wiring. LED tubes can hold as much as 2.1 million colors with room to hold more. With the mass variety of colors available, advanced LED interior tubes can be programmed to strobe, flash, and dish out patterns that pulses through music with built in digital sound activator. Interior LED tubes are used to highlight the bottom of the car interior that produces an inert aura in your car’s interior. Coupled with an already tight configuration, these interior LED tubes could be the deal breaker in customizing your car.
Other LED tubes can be placed strategically to highlight your dashboard, seats, amplifiers, speaker boxes, air vents, doors, and a lot more. It is important to have a variety in LED tube lengths. Placing them on the underside panels will create a glow effect in places where you don’t think it is possible to decorate.
With a proven LED technology, paired with state of the art product lines, you can never go wrong if you decide to shell out money for these lighting tubes. Not only do these products put you to the echelon of car customization but it will also help reflect your personal taste. It is a definite must have for hardcore drivers who always look to add a little more glitz to their vehicle.
April 14, 2008
Increasing the Efficiency of Diesel Performance
If you don’t have a clue about what diesel performance is, the answer is simple: It refers to the increased performance and power that diesel powered vehicles deliver today. Back in the old days, diesel was only used for heavy working purposes. This has changed when manufacturers started to manufacture engines that are superior compared to the old ones.
Nowadays, engines are more powerful, quieter and more efficient regarding fuel consumption. Also, engines today are friendlier to the environment. In fact, diesel engines are now being used for luxurious vehicles with great features, leather seats, great styling and all the features that you can ever imagine.
And now, as the number of diesel powered vehicles increases, the demand for performance and power also increases. This is the reason why manufacturers are coming up with more ways to increase the power of vehicles such as diesel performance modules.
Diesel performance modules help in increasing the torque and the horsepower of your engine. With the diesel performance modules, you no longer have to reprogram the vehicles computer chip. These performance modules are easy to install in places such as the gap between the fuel injection and the computer.
The diesel performance modules provide additional horsepower by changing certain settings of the main computer chip. There are some modules that electronically blueprint the injectors. It is done by taking out 20% variance which was set originally at the factory. Variance is referred as the fuel pressure, injector pulse and fuel volume.
The good thing about diesel modules is that it can provide up to 35% torque increase and 150 additional HP. Also, the fuel mileage can be increased up to 10%. In regard to emissions, some of the modules do not violate the rules. Diesel performance modules boast about the increased engine life that it gives. You will also get interested in other gauge that determines whether your diesel engine is running at its peak performance or not. Gauges include temperature gauges, pyrometers and turbo boost gauges. These gauges may not help to increase your diesel engine’s torque or power but they can definitely inform you if your engine has less then desirable conditions.
April 13, 2008
What To Do About Car Stereo Problems And How To Prevent Them
A stereo is the main part of the music system. Whether at home or in the car, entertainment without a stereo is impossible Competition has increased quite a bit, since there is a demand for the best quality stereo system — not only for the home, but people want the best stereo system for their cars also.
But sometimes due to lack of maintenance, it starts showing problems. However, car stereo problems can be avoided and even solved if some good measures are taken.
A stereo is a technical device; therefore the car owner should have some basic knowledge about it. Many a times it might not be possible to find a dealer or a mechanic to repair the stereo. Therefore, the first hand repairing of the car stereo problems has to be done by the owner.
However, there are various problems that can occur with the car stereo. Some of the complaints that are made regarding the car stereo problems are like this:
A problem occurs when the car stereo gets cut-on and off suddenly. It may happen while turning the car and while driving.
The next problem that usually occurs is the blowing of a fuse. The fuse sometimes blows even more than twice. In this case, changing the fuse can help sometimes. However, it is better to check all the fuses. Sometimes it may be that the problem has occurred due to e.g. , the lights mistakenly remained on. Here, the fuse of the interior lights and dashboard light should be checked properly.
In the first case regarding the car stereo problems where it goes on and off, the problem might happen due to the alternator having problems. When the car is running, there are demands for other power. In addition, if the alternator has a problem, then it will result into poor voltage, producing poor performance from the player.
Speakers are a vital part of the stereo system. Sometimes car stereo problems include speaker problems. In case the speakers are not working, sounding dull, getting stopped or may have a fuse problem, there are some actions which can be taken instantly.
- Check that the speakers are not disconnected.
- Check all the fuses that are related to the auto speakers.
- Tighten the butt connector to the speakers. Replacing some of the butt connectors may help sometimes.
Moreover, the auto speakers also need to be tested This includes checking to see if the speaker itself is the problem or if it is something else like the wires or the deck connection. However, if the stereo speakers are found dead, they have to be replaced. If it is the wires, then it is time to rewire.
But before any kind of issue occurs regarding the car stereo problems, owners have to be cautious. This includes buying the whole stereo system from a renowned place. In fact, if possible the branded ones should be preferred. Secondly, it will be better if the connection can be done from the factory. Thirdly, while choosing a stereo, it should be checked that it has built-in power source. This is to prevent any kind of power problems.