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Monday, August 24, 2009

Car Alarm Systems Guide

There are a variety of car alarm systems you can choose from to protect your car from being broken in to or stolen. Car alarms are electronic devices setup in or to your car to keep it protected. Some car alarms are built into car when they leave the factory others have to be put in. Many are reasonably priced and do indeed work. They are available at stores such as Best Buy as well as auto shops.

A great car alarm system to have is a kill switch. A kill switch is actually a small switch that you hide somewhere in your car that when you flip it on doesn't allow gas to get to the car making it inoperable to a thief.

A lojack car alarm is great because they give police the best chance of finding your car should it ever be stolen. A lojack is a silent radio transceiver that is hidden in your car that can tell where your car is. The lojack is installed by a lojack technician and once it is installed the unit is linked directly to the lojack database which is connected with the national crime information computer. Should your car ever be stolen you just report it to the police who then go into there computer system and type in your specific number which enables the lojack to send the police the location of your car. Lojack claims to have a 90% recovery rate on stolen vehicles.

An alarm with a remote starter is great because it lets you know whenever your car has been tampered with. The alarm will sound from inside the car as well as on the remote you hold with your car keys.

Choosing Car Audio

Though many drivers are perfectly satisfied with their factory speakers, the rest are seeking better ways to achieve bigger sound. There are a lot of options available when selecting the right car audio system for your car. Newcomers may want to do some careful research first because selecting the wrong system for your car or personal preference may result in a product that you have to return.

Start by getting acquainted with the various parts and components of a speaker system. Tweeters are great for perfecting the higher sounds while amps and subwoofers are designed to improve the quality of the bass. Not every car will need all of these parts just to have a nice sound. Larger vehicles may require more speakers than a small one. Determine what you need based on the size and shape of your car as well as your personal preference. Getting the right system may require professional assistance.

Comparing prices and quality is very essential when purchasing any electronic equipment. It's a great way to get the inside scoop on various products.

Some people make the mistake of loading their vehicle up with speakers, thinking that more is better. Likewise, a misplaced subwoofer or amplifier will likely get you a noise complaint rather than impress the neighborhood. For music of all types and even talk radio, the best speakers are the ones suited to your car.

The majority of people require basic speakers though there are speakers designed for competition purposes. This is a whole other category of car speakers. Choosing wisely is what makes the difference between good speakers and fantastic speakers. Having the right car audio system can make all the difference in the quality sound of your favorite music.

Cheap Radar Detectors

Herein comes the necessity of a radar detector which can save you from a speeding ticket. While you can buy most radar detectors online, the main question is, what is the pocket pinch? Well, category, type and price are the deciding factors in this regard. If you are looking out for cheap radar detectors, it might seem that you have to compromise on the quality.

In order to help you make a good choice, enlisted below are some factors which you should keep in mind while buying cheap radar detectors :

  1. Sensitivity and Memory
  2. Brand Name and Model
  3. Quality
  4. Display and Volume


You can take the help of the internet to inform yourself about the sources from where you can buy cheap radar detectors. The internet sites which enable you to buy online usually have information on the devices. By going through them you can arm yourself with the requisite information you need before buying a device. Look at the stores which sell good quality products at discount rates. You might be wondering how could they sell both quality and cheap products at the same time? You can also take a look at the print and electronic media to buy second-hand cheap radar detectors.

One important thing that you need to be aware while using the internet to buy radar detectors is the threat of scams. Numerous cases have been detected where dishonest people have set up fake websites to extract personal information from the buyers.

Dension Opens the Door to a World of New Media For BMW Vehicles

Dension has been working hard in recent months to increase the compatibility and functionality of the BMW kits in the Dension Range. The new kits are part of the Dension gateway range and offer increased performance over the older and now obsolete Ice>link Plus in many ways. Due to the complexity of the BMW vehicles and production and installation options when purchased from new, Dension have had to design numerous variations of the BMW kits.

The kits produced mainly differ in the different types of connection looms, as many head units (Stereos) have different physical compatibility. In addition to this, the software (Firmware) installed on the stereo also differs from unit to unit adding to the complexity of the Dension Gateway range.

Dension has produced two types of kit depending on which vehicle and stereo you have installed. Firstly an option of the Dension Gateway 100 or Gateway 300 for vehicles with normal wiring looms. Usually found in vehicles pre 2004/5. The Gateway 100 and 300 share the same vehicle and stereo compatibility so if one of the kits is compatible so too is the other. These kits offer a digital connection to the stereo through the CD Changer port, and provide full control of the iPod and track selection through the stereo and or steering wheel controls.

The 100 & 300 also offer track display on select stereos and charge all iPods including the new 5V charging iPods and iPhone 3g and 3gs. The Dension Gateway 300 also provides an additional USB input for a mass storage device to be connected, enabling you to store 10,000's additional tracks or if you forget you iPod you have a back up already connected and ready to use.

The Second option is the Gateway 500, Dension's Flagship in the range. The Gateway 500 is a fibre optic kit that extends the performance of the BMW's factory equipment tremendously. By connecting into the fibre optic system the gateway 500 provides a fully integrated iPod connection controllable through the iDrive system. However it's the optional Extra's that open up a new world of in car entertainment for BMW.

The BTA1500 bluetooth adapter connects into the system to provide a hands free Bluetooth system allowing your phone to connect through the vehicle, and more importantly Dension have created a multi-source media selection device caller the AVR. The Dension AVR designed recently enables you to make full use of all the devices connected through the Gateway 500 system. Controlling multiple devices and choosing which device plays where in the vehicle, you have the iPod playing in the front while the kids are watching their favourite DVD in the Back.

Changing the Way Sound Travels

When it comes to loud pounding bass the big secret is that the quality of your speaker box is more important than the quality of your sub woofers. With your vehicle's sub woofer box, bigger is not always better. Why is proper sizing of the sub woofer box so important? Because proper sizing allows for proper placement in your vehicle, proper placement means that you and your passengers will all enjoy the same high quality sound from your stereo whether sitting in the front, back or on the left or right.

Subwoofer enclosures allow you to upgrade your car stereo system without detracting from the appearance of your car or truck. Many people have great ideas about upgrading or even building a custom stereo system, but think they'll have to sacrifice looks to get the sound.

You can buy a pre-made sub woofer box or have one custom made. If you have made a solid investment in stereo equipment for your car or truck, the cost of a custom sub woofer box is well worth it. Otherwise, the money you have invested in stereo equipment might as well be tossed around in your car - like the sound from an improperly sized subwoofer box will distribute sound.

Professionally made subwoofer enclosures allow you to add those custom components without sacrificing looks. Instead, it's all housed in beautiful subwoofer enclosures made just for your vehicle.

You'll find subwoofer enclosures for hundreds of vehicles online. Many sites offer custom manufactured subwoofer boxes so that it fits neatly into the vehicle, but that's not the only advantage. Check out some generic subwoofer enclosures that will allow you to fit your subwoofers into almost any vehicle or contact us to special build a subwoofer enclosure for you.

The biggest advantage of these subwoofer enclosures is that you have your new equipment stashed in a beautiful box that will blend with your vehicle.

Playing Your iPhone Music Through Car Speakers

Millions of people around the world love their iPhones for it's phone abilities, the ability to browse the web, and also it's iPod features as well. Set up correctly, it can be a great addition to your car for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The first problem is connecting your phone to the speakers in your car.

Some car stereos have a plug specifically for an iPod or a place to plug in an auxiliary source of sound. If yours doesn't have this, you can look into a device that broadcasts your music on the radio so that your car stereo can receive and play it. Still another option is a cassette adapter if your car still has one of these.

You can often use Internet streaming radio stations such as Pandora to have an unlimited supply of music for an extended trip.

Other passengers in the car can even watch a movie on the iPhone with the sound coming from the car speakers but the driver should be careful to not get distracted and to keep their eyes on the road! Once you connect your phone to your car, a whole new world of possibilities open up.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

How to Replace Spark Plug Wires

Replacing the spark plug wires on your automobile can be quite beneficial to the operation of your vehicle. Replacing the wires can be quite simple if you know the correct steps to follow.

Trying to perform this task with a hot motor can lead to burns or other serious injuries. Locate your first spark plug wire, which should be attached to your motor. Most spark plug wires are either red, blue, orange, or black. The number of sparks plug wires that your automobile contains usually transcribes with how many cylinders your engine has. For example, a 6-cylinder vehicle has 6 spark plug wires. Pull on the end of the wire, which is called the boot, until it comes off.

Proceed to replace the old wire with a new one of the same length. You will be able to hear when the new wire attaches and is securely in place. It is important to make sure you are replacing each old wire with a new one of the same length. Each spark plug wire has a designated length.

Remember: If bad spark plugs are present, your car may not start, run badly, misfire on occasion, or even burn more fuel than necessary. Follow these steps to keep spark plugs in good working condition.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Traveling on a Motorcycle

You know you have limited storage space, and you will find that packing for a motorcycle trip takes a little more thought than packing for a trip in the car. There is hope, the key is to pack as compact and lightweight as possible. Here are a few tips to help you plan for your next motorcycle road trip.

Planning for room
Room is at a premium, if you plan to pick up a few souvenirs along the way, make sure you reserve enough extra storage room them.

Clothing
Pack clothing in layers. The warmer it gets, the more layers you can shed, and if the weather turns colder, you can always put more layers on. An easy way to pack clothing would be to use zipper-type bags. Place the article of clothing inside, squish the air out and seal. Instant space saver.

Rain gear and a safety and repair kit
Essential pieces of equipment, so make sure they are on the top of your list. Not having them would really put a damper on your trip.

Travelling using saddlebags
If you plan on travelling with saddlebags, keep in mind balance. Pack heavier items in the bottom for a stable base, and place the lighter items on top.

Luggage Racks and tank bags
If you don't have saddlebags, but use a luggage rack and tank bags, make sure the bags or packs on the rack and tank are secured. They can be secured using bungee cords, bungee nets, or magnets, in the case of tank bags.