Budget Auto Repair: Should I Buy Used OEM or Aftermarket Parts?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are factory installed parts. They are the original parts that came with your automobile when it was sent to the dealership to be placed in their new car inventory. One would think you would consider OEM parts to make repairs because they are new, but they are extremely expensive to purchase and depending on the age of your vehicle or the impact of the repair cost on your budget these parts may not be easy to come by or the most efficient choice. As your vehicle ages, automobile manufacturers are introducing new automobile models to the marketplace and may discontinue this option leaving you no choice but to find an alternative. Locating that alternative is easier than you think. Let's take a look at an outstanding, favorable budget solution to fix your car or truck with a used part.

Used OEM parts can be an excellent choice in locating the best part selection for your automobile repair while securing the ideal budget friendly option. Used OEM auto parts are parts that are pulled from autos in which circumstances led for them to be submitted for salvage or recycling. Many salvage car parts have an extremely viable and productive life left and are readily available to be installed in your car. In general, because the part is a manufactured clone, the guarantee that it will be an exact match and the ideal fit leaves little room for error making for a smooth transition when making your repair. Used OEM auto parts are easily located for purchase online and many retailers have extensive inventory management systems like those incorporated by AutoPartSearch.com, an online recycled part marketplace. These retailers are able to will find your exact parts quickly and ship them promptly to your door. The cost associated with repairing or replacing non-functioning parts with a high-quality used OEM part can be 50% to 70% less than the purchase of new OEM parts. Used OEM parts are the right choice if you are looking for substantial savings on the cost of your repair and keeping manufacturer specifications intact in your automobile. Many salvage yards extend 30 to 90-day warranties on used OEM parts so the consumer is easily able to return or exchange a part if it does not meet their expectations. Concerns about the efficiency of the used OEM part is alleviated so that the customer can feel confident in what they are buying.

Purchasing used OEM parts for reuse is also an important way to contribute to environmental conservation and rehabilitation. The predominant goal of the Auto Salvage Industry is to recognize, treat and dispose of automotive waste and byproducts by encouraging the reuse of operable automotive parts, maintaining proper disposal of toxic fluids and eliminating waste piling up in landfills and decreasing air and water contaminants. According to the online article "Why Use Recycled Parts", Automotive Recyclers Association, "Approximately 86 percent of a vehicle's material content is recycled, reused or used for energy recovery." The scrapping of steel reduces the need to acquire new iron ore and largely decreases the associated air and water pollutants born from the refinement of it in the automotive manufacturing industry. The consumer plays an extremely valuable part in this conservation effort when selecting and installing used OEM parts. Keeping the planet green for future generations to enjoy is a collaborative effort and both the automotive industry and the consumer can work together to take beneficial steps to accomplish this goal. Recycled OEM auto parts are a fine alternative for making factory specific repairs, however, when making custom or creative modifications on an automobile many customers may turn to Aftermarket Parts to fill the void.

Aftermarket Parts are made by outside manufacturers to be similar to the original part. This type of part seems to be the "middle of the road" option for most consumers and can be obtained easily for both new and used vehicles. They are fresh out of the box, but careful research may be needed when considering buying from an unfamiliar or unproven brand. In some cases, the Aftermarket part can be less expensive or will be sold at top dollar prices. They may feature specific refinements that may be put into place to allow it to perform better than the original, making them an attractive buy. Aftermarket choices can provide extremely positive results or a depressingly negative outcome for the consumer. The difference between the two seems to be in the quality of the part sold and paying particularly close attention to the quality evaluation and fit specifications of these parts. Aftermarket Parts are generally more expensive than used OEM but less expensive than new OEM parts. There are plenty of choices of manufacturers in the Aftermarket parts industry but not all are reliable sources and offer less or no warranty protection, unlike their counterparts. This can leave the customer holding onto a part that will not fit with no prospect of getting their money back. Aftermarket parts are popular when doing modifications that were not a part of the original manufacturer design, so if creative or advanced performance options are desired they may be the only option to perform these changes.

The Truth About Toyota Hybrid Cars

Toyota hybrid cars were the first to hit the market. After decades of quality gas-fueled vehicle manufacturing, Toyota Motor Corp. redirected its creative efforts in an environment friendly direction. The first model from the Toyota hybrid cars was Prius that made a true revolution in the world of automakers. The design of the Toyota hybrid cars is considered superior to all the other similar models available on the market: the engine, the mph rate it gets within a few seconds and all the road conditions it offers are some of the best, not to mention that the viability of the design and the price are equally advantageous for car owners.

Some of the Toyota hybrid cars are also expected to bring modifications in terms of cylinder performance so that they may come to mark a total change in independent circuit racing. Not everybody is prepared to adopt vehicles in the green line, and this is the reason why the production as such remains pretty limited. People interested in Toyota hybrid cars find info and assistance with local dealers, and they are the ones to intermediate the purchase. Before striking the deal, check the technical data and even compare them together with a pro in the field .

The main inconvenience with Toyota hybrid cars is that they are worth a fortune, with prices climbing up to $165,000. The future model expected to be presented in January 2009 is the one to keep the consumers hopes up. New Toyota hybrid cars will be designed as a more powerful and larger vehicle with an engine upgrade to 1.8 liters. The range of all-electric fuel-free driving possibility will be extended without making Toyota models bulkier.

Although the future Toyota hybrid cars will undergo some improvements, they will still operate on the nickel metal hydride batteries without providing an independent autonomous solution. Thus, the Prius is expected to be provided in a variety of models from the compact and the small SUV to the wagon and the pickup. The new Toyota hybrid cars are tributary to the first Prius models with the all-electric mode available for low speeds. Then, the combined power engine of the gas and electric motor devices will let the owner enjoy the speed of a cozy ride while saving on fuel.

Types of Linear Actuators and Their Unique Applications

Today, linear actuators find wide-spread applications in different tasks. It can be used in multiple applications such as solar electronic consumer items, commercial satellites, health and medical equipment, lawn and garden applications, agricultural, food preparation devices etc. Basically, linear actuators create motion in a straight (linear) line. This is in contrast to the circular motion that is created by the typical electric motor. For instance, the ejection system in a DVD player needs to make use of a linear actuators.

There are different types of linear actuators that are typically offered by manufacturers. Let's take a look at some of the different series in actuators:

• Ball screw actuators: These actuators combine a ball-screw with a DC motor gearbox. This linear drive system is ready for installation and can be used for several industrial, medical and agricultural applications.

• Acme screw actuators: As opposed to the ball screw actuators, these actuators combine an acme screw with the DC motor gearbox. These are also ready to install, and they are highly preferred when a rugged and reliable performance is expected. These linear actuators are also suitable for applications including but not limited to solar tracking, ventilation, agriculture, medical, ATV, lawn and garden etc.

• Worm drive actuators: These also come equipped with an acme screw. You would typically find them being used in lift chairs, medical and dental equipment, mobility and fitness products etc. These can be chosen with or without their self-control and power supply systems, which are UL approved.

• VSJ series: These are very practical actuators that are available with an acme screw in either AC or DC versions. For instance, they can be found in treadmills, floor cleaning equipment, home health care equipment and several other industrial machines.

• VI series: Such actuators can be chosen in acme or ball screw varieties. They offer exceeding versatility making them suitable for different operations relating to medical equipment, lawn and garden equipment, agricultural and ATVs. They can be bought in AC or DC versions depending on specific requirements.

• VMD series: These actuators are very compact and hence are very useful in certain food preparation devices. In short, they are ideal for light load applications. In addition, they are also used in office and automotive applications.

Apart from the above mentioned types of Linear Actuators, there are chances that industries and OEMs might need something extra. In such a case, customization is the best option. You can either send in a fresh design or idea to your chosen manufacturer or suggest modifications to an existing model. Customization of linear actuators goes a long way in increasing your overall operational efficiency.

Learn About Tinting Tail Lights and Accessories

Boosting the look of vehicles has always been an interest to the human race. It all started the day cars were created. It is human nature to want to be different and stand out in different desired styles. This is highly brought into the car world in all aspects. It's very common for any average individual to want to drive a fast sports car. The automotive industry opened up the idea of modifying cars to show off some of your own personality through your vehicle.

Smoking tail lights is a very popular car modification of this age. Back in time, it started with custom paint colors to create designs on lights. Now today, smoking is down to a science and can even be measured in percentages of darkness. The vehicle owner is who makes these decisions and enjoys the power and style displayed.

Tinting tail lights is becoming more and more popular every day. The automotive car enthusiasts notice every single little detail when it comes to cars. They have decided that the look of tinting or darkening the look of certain aspects of a vehicle also known as "smoking," really enhances the modified look of a vehicle.

The Smoking of tail lights can be done a number of different ways, and car enthusiasts are learning to do it themselves to save them hundreds of dollars. Doing things yourself to cars really gives off a certain personal pride to a car owner. So the same goes for tinting tail lights and accessories Depending on the vehicle with the amount of personal patience, it is up to themselves to do it on their own or not.

The look of smoked lights brings a dark stealth look to the vehicles image persona. While some argue the legalities on smoking lights, it is still prevalent that car enthusiasts are not letting that stop them. "Anything cool you can do to a car to modify it is always most likely illegal. Why let it stop us and have every single car driving down the road be exactly the same?" Car enthusiast Megan Vollmer out of Minnesota expresses at the HowToCar.net release board.

Factor of the matter is that car enthusiasts are not going to let the law stop them necessarily and time has shown that. Modifying cars is always not street legal, but the idea of safety does revoke around in the air. Smoking and tinting tail lights is becoming more and more popular everyday. Why not join the upcoming rise, and look into getting your tail lights tinted.

Drive More Comfortably and Safer With LED Car Lights

Drivers these days are unaware of the variations of automotive lights that can improve a car's appearance and performance. They are unaware of the countless products in markets and online stores available for them to choose. Drivers continue to drive with mediocre automotive lighting. Dull colors of red and orange are still used for signal lights. The invention of LED has brought a significant change in automotive technology that go well with cars, motorcycles, and bikes.

With the technology of LED drivers can now transit their vehicles to a better appearance and performance. The installation of LED is the best and most inexpensive way to improve your car's potential. LED is far brighter than the leading stock bulbs providing better lighting for a safer drive. The installation process of LED is quick and simple and requires no professional assistance. LED lights are long lasting and durable providing drivers comfort and no hassle.

LED headlights are commonly referred as the clear tail lights have become one of the top automotive technology used today. The superior durability and quality assures a longer lifespan of the LED lights. LED lights can improve your car's appearance dramatically at an affordable price.

The competitiveness of different cars and bikes has adopted LED technology. The brighter illumination of LED provides a more stylish and prouder aura to the vehicle. Makes like Honda Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota have all transitioned to the usage of LED.

LED has also made projector headlights which are commonly known as Angel Eyes or Halo headlights. The headlights closely similar to the sun light can illuminate light with higher wavelengths providing a more natural and clear vision at night. The style and safety of LED however are not accessible by older models of cars.

Popular designs of LED include diamond-cut that is known to resemble a bright diamond. The design is energy efficient to vehicles and emits a radiant light that sparkles like a diamond. By adding this design onto your new LED headlights can provide an even more natural and clear light.

LED lights require no modifications such as cutting or drilling of your car. The simple plug and play function provides a quick and easy installation process for anyone. The various collection of color plays an important role to suit the driver's personal taste. The small yet powerful LED provides versatility to drivers who wish to install and customize their car's lighting.

LED is so reliable that even homes have adopted the technology. LED has become very popular on brake lights. LED's lighting expands brightly on the surface of the bulb while maintaining light within the bulb. This technology has caught many drivers attention thus being a popular choice.

LED does not require any reflective function to direct light because the light is already bright and focused. LED provides sufficient light to prevent danger and to provide a more comfortable drive.

Chrysler Big Block Motors For Muscle Car Mods and Modifications

Whenever it comes to upgrading or replacing engines for those who want maximum power it seems it is always the bigger the more powerful, the better. So it goes with Chrysler motors especially when it comes to the vintage retro "Muscle Cars" of the 1960's and 1970's.

The "B" and "RB" series can be said to be the "Big Boys" or the "Big Blocks".

The basic designs of the "B" as well as the "RB" series of power plants are essentially the similar if not the same. This means to a reasonably experienced automotive person with automotive repair skills, that a "RB" series engine can be installed in place of an "R" and vice verso. Take note that if an RB block is wider and taller than its cousin or sister.

If an RB block replaces a previous B block under the hood the mechanic in charge may well find that he or she will have to proceed with additional modifications to accommodate the increased size and girth of the newer replacement engine block. In addition for clearance needs special or different exhaust manifolds or headers may be required.

The question becomes if all B engine blocks - that is the Chrysler 350. 361, 383 and 400 - are of a similar design? It seems that this group and family are all pretty much laid out the same of the same designs. Two bolt main bearing caps are the distinguishing feature in this series. You can count on the essential designs and layout being very strong and durable. So durable in fact that Chrysler never entertained the need to enhance the product line, and upscale it with four-bolt blocks, even in their very high and highest performance versions. Basically you can be reassured that virtually all the parts and components, that is except the pistons themselves, among all the different displacement versions, are interchangeable with no modifications required. Well that is the theory at least. Welcome to the real world of cars, autos and automotive and classic 60's "Muscle Cars" enthusiasts. They are a strange and unique breed indeed.

What of the "RB" blocks? "RB" engine blocks share many similarities with the "R" series but they are not exactly identical, although more than similar. The main bearing journal diameters are the same as the "R"s. However you can count on this grouping of motors being overall larger than those of the "B" set. It is often noted that the cylinder bore diameters themselves are different among the different displacement engine varieties (413,426 and that of the massive 440) and that generally the smaller displacement in real life motoring on American roads and highways do not have a thick enough bore sleeve to accommodate the strain and work to be over-bored to accept pistons from the next larger displacement version. It can be said, for good effort and results, that you can count on the majority, if not the entire groupings, of the "RB" engines to have the same reliable, durable and racetrack proven two-bolt main bearings caps setup.

With your new and larger engine especially with the 1960's Chrysler and Mopar "Muscle Cars" of legend - be they 60's Plymouth "Road Runners" or Dodge "Super Bees" or all the way to the 1970 Mopar Challengers, Barracudas all the way to the 426 Hemi Cuda the thrill of speed on the highways and roadways of America as well is Canada is always there. On top of that you cannot have too big or too powerful motor and engine block.