Differential

What does a differential do?

The differential is designed to drive a pair of wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds. When cornering, the inner wheel needs to travel a shorter distance than the outer wheel. Without a differential, the inner wheel spins and/or the outer wheel drags, which results in difficult and unpredictable handling, damage to tires and roads, and strain on (or possible failure of) the entire drive-train. All Wheel Drive and 4×4 will have two differentials, one for the front tires and one for the rear tires. A 2 Wheel Rear Wheel drive vehicle will have one differential that drives the rear axles. A front wheel 2 wheel drive vehicle will have the differential as part of the transmission.

Author: Tanvir Suri – Owner/Operator
T&K Transmission & Automotive Specialists
Addison | Irving | Arlington TX

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Transfer Case

Let’s start with a simple question for our All-Wheel Drive and 4×4 owners: What is a transfer case?

A transfer case is unique to 4 wheel drive vehicles and is what directs power to both ends of the vehicle through two separate driveshafts. The transfer case is attached to the rear of the transmission and gets its input directly from the transmission. Power is directed from the engine through the transmission and then through the transfer case to either the rear wheels or both the front and rear wheels. As the transfer case accepts input from the transmission, and the Hi-Lo range selector is in the “Hi” position, the transfer case uses the highest gear ratio. If the driver chooses the “2WD Mode” of the transfer case, power is transferred to only the rear wheels, leaving the front driveshaft without any driving duties. The transfer case is literally just a way to split the power coming from the transmissions one output shaft into two so it can drive two driveshafts instead of one.

Author: Tanvir Suri – Owner/Operator
T&K Transmission & Automotive Specialists
Addison | Irving | Arlington TX

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Transmission

The transmission is a mystery box to most people. The majority of car owners don’t know their vehicle even has a transmission, let alone where it is. That is until it fails.

The transmission on a vehicle can be an automatic transmission or a standard transmission. The standard transmission has a large clutch and needs to be manually moved into each gear by the driver. There is a third pedal in the driver compartment called the clutch pedal and shifter to push the transmission thru each individual gear. This used to be the most common transmission on the road when cars were first invented; but the introduction of the automatic transmission in the 60s began a trend that has made the standard transmission a rare item.

An automatic transmission is a type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. Most automatic transmissions have a defined set of gear ranges. An automatic uses a torque converter instead of a clutch to manage the connection between the transmission gearing and the engine. The torque converter is a fluid coupling that connects the engine to the transmission. As the engine crankshaft turns, it turns the torque converter, which will move the fluid inside it and spin a fan inside to help generate power that will turn the transmission input and output shafts.

The modern automatic transmission has over 300 parts inside it, some of them simple rubber o-rings and others large complicated metal components. The transmissions job is to literally control and transmit the power coming from the engine into something that the tires can handle. It uses various gear ratios to help the car run efficiently because the same amount of power and torque are not needed at all times. The transmission makes sure that the appropriate power output is being used at the right times. When the transmission fails, it will affect how a vehicle drives or even how fast it will move and how it moves. The transmission should be repaired by a specialist; many shops do not have the knowledge or the tools to do so.

Please do your research before you allow someone to work on your transmission; a bad mechanic has the ability to cause problems for both your vehicle and your pocketbook.

Author: Tanvir Suri – Owner/Operator
T&K Transmission & Automotive Specialists 
Addison | Irving | Arlington TX

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Engine

The car engine can be intimidating; that big loud thing under the hood that makes the car move. The engine, or motor, is where all the power for the vehicle comes from. The engine works on the premise of controlled combustion. Literally thousands of mini explosions happen inside the motor per minute to help it create the power needed to move the vehicle. This combustion requires a constant and controlled supply of fuel, air, and spark.

When people talk about a full tune-up, they are talking about making sure these three items are well taken care of. The spark plugs give the spark, the fuel injectors give the fuel, and the throttle body controls the air. This is of course simplified; there are multiple hoses, relays, pumps, wires, sensors, etc. involved in the process. But for a basic understanding, this will work.

How does the motor harness the power from the mini explosions? The explosions mentioned earlier are contained inside of cylinders that have pistons which move up and down. These pistons are on what is called a crankshaft that all of the pistons are connected to. The pistons alternate on the shaft so that when one is up, the next one is down and so on. As the pistons move up and down, they spin the shaft. The spinning of the shaft is how the power from combustion is converted into something that can now be used power the vehicle.

Author: Tanvir Suri – Owner/Operator
T&K Transmission & Automotive Specialists
Addison | Irving | Arlington TX

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Check Engine Light

The check engine light, the idiot light, the light that means you can’t pass inspection. There is an old Texan saying: You are having a good day if you haven’t had to see your doctor, your lawyer, or your mechanic. Unfortunately, this light means you have to see your mechanic so your day just took a turn. The massive amount of things that can cause this light to come on often causes confusion or even frustration. Google is both a help and a hindrance on this count.

This light can be on for something as simple as a bad or loose gas cap. It can also point to major engine or transmission failure. All vehicles made after 1996 are equipped with an ODI II coder reader (onboard computer diagnostic system, version 2) that constantly monitors your vehicle’s major operating systems. The main purpose of monitoring these systems is to ensure that the vehicle is operating at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. As fuel economy and emission control have become increasingly important and complex, your vehicle’s electronics systems need to constantly adjust and fine-tune various parameters according to driving conditions. When the computer reads that any of these parameters do not fall within the acceptable range for operating the vehicle over a period of time, your check engine light comes on to warn you that you may have a serious problem. The real problem here is that this light does nothing more than let you know something is wrong. Many people head to their local auto parts retailer to see if they can be persuaded to pull the codes for free or resort to buying a scanner of their own to read the codes.

A common misconception is that the computer in the vehicle is smart enough to figure out what is wrong with the car. The modern smartphone is 100x smarter than the computer in your vehicle. The power control module can only do basic calculations that have not taken the place of a technician. There is no magical computer that a shop can hook up and tell us exactly what is wrong. Reading the codes from your car’s computer system gives us some symptoms to check, similar to when you go to a doctor and tell them that you have a cough, a runny nose, and a bad headache. This can mean you are having an allergy attack, a bad cold, the flu, or pneumonia. The same is with any proper automotive shop. Pulling the codes gives technicians an area to check as well as certain tests to run, which usually require additional tools and knowledge. Yes, sometimes the code does point to a sensor that turns out to be faulty; just as often the sensor is doing its job and has detected a problem that needs to be remedied.

Do not fear the check engine light, just know that it means your car needs a little attention. Just like with a doctors visit, do your research and find a good mechanic to guide you through the process. Use Google reviews, Yelp, friends, family, or even ask your local quick lube shop to help you find a good shop. A proper shop should take the time to guide you and explain what is going on. They should not just pull codes and shoot from the hip. They should treat your car like a doctor treats you; listen to the symptoms and run checks before pronouncing a diagnosis.

Author: Tanvir Suri – Owner/Operator
T&K Transmission & Automotive Specialists
Addison | Irving | Arlington TX

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Now the author of this piece is not a particularly nostalgic person who thinks that everything used to be better back in the “good old days”. Sure, there are some old cars that give you that special feeling that the majority of new cars just cannot. But when it comes to nostalgia and cars, that is about as far as the author will go.

In fact, we probably live in the best age for car enthusiasts and ‘regular’ car owners alike, and it is all because of one little thing we don’t consider too often when motoring is in question: the internet. It has changed (and still is changing) our relationship with cars to a far greater extent than most of us realise. James D. Burbank writes.

More car content

Image source

Car enthusiasts who were around before the web will remember the days when you were limited to a few TV shows every week and perhaps half a dozen quality monthly publications on cars. That was it. Unless you had another car enthusiast living in your area, this was everything you could rely on when your car facts and opinions were in question.

Nowadays, the situation is much improved. Everywhere you look, you will find amazing websites and blogs that share tons of great content on cars and everything that has to do with motoring.

We are also very fortunate to live in this age of petrol fandom for all the interesting things we learn every day concerning the future of motoring. There is probably not a single petrolhead who doesn’t have an opinion or two on the issue of driverless cars and the massive shift that this kind of motoring could bring, if realized on a wide scale.

It is a great new world of motoring and the information is more immediate than ever before.

It is also a more democratic world where a person does not to have a cushy job at BBC or wherever to be able to share his or her opinion on a particular car.

Smarter purchasing decisions

Image source

Some people will say there was something almost romantic about purchasing a car thirty or forty years ago, hearing from a few people about how good it is or getting into a battle of wits with a local car salesman. In truth, it was rarely as romantic as those people will remember it.

It more often resulted in spending far too much on a car that was all wrong for you. Nowadays, things are much different and people do their research thoroughly before they commit to a purchase. This way, people know they are not wasting their money on a car that will rust away after a few rainy weeks.

For car enthusiasts who prefer older cars, being able to talk to other car owners online has made it far less likely to spend their hard-saved money on an “old classic” that will require an entire other fortune to get into shape. When we are talking parts for old cars, the internet has made this a less impossible task, for sure.

The internet has also made it harder for car dealerships and other “authorized” channels to rip off the general public. In author’s home country of Australia, for instance, people are finally able to get car parts at prices that are not artificially inflated by “official” dealers. Sparesbox, an Australian startup that also offers a mobile mechanic service has revolutionized the way people Down Under buy car parts.

Without internet, this wouldn’t have been possible, plain and simple.

The community

Perhaps the most beautiful thing the internet has done for car enthusiasts is that it has brought them together in a way that was impossible before. Today, an Australian petrolhead can reach out to a British auto blogger and find a whole new audience.

All of a sudden, instead of reading a profile on Lamborghini Miura in a magazine, you can talk to a guy from Devon who owns one and who is happy to share his opinions on this classic.

There is probably an endless number of forums and threads, some general others very niche, but all of them attracting enthusiasts who have something to say. It does not matter what you need to know, there will be someone out there who will be able to help you and glad to do it.

All in all, this is a great time to be a car enthusiast – you can talk to likeminded people from half the world away, you can enjoy great content all day long and no one is taking you for a ride when it comes to buying cars and parts.

What more could you want?

The post GUEST – How the web is changing our relationship with cars appeared first on Simply Motor.

The new Ford F150 Raptor is lean, mean and sashays off-road like a queen. With tyres upgraded to tackle the untamed terrain, the Ford F150 Raptor can easily deal with ruts and ravines for miles on end on a sandy trail. And what’s more; it can do so whilst achieving triple digit readings of the speedometer (Where it’s safe and legal to do so, of course). We just cannot stop raving about this beast. Here we have provided you with all the information you need to know about the 2017 Ford Raptor. A huge thanks to 51stateautos for providing this post

Next-generation upgrades: technological advance

There are so many crucial new generation upgrades that have completely changed our outlook towards off-road trucks. And the 2017 F150 Raptor is at the forefront of technological advances. Let’s start with the most prominent one- the engine. It’s a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, but it comes with two turbochargers, offering enhanced boosting (18 psi maximum), which is more than the previous incarnation of the F150. Ford is going from strength to strength with its range of EcoBoost engines, and this is one of the most exciting to date.

The twin-turbo V6 puts out a monumental 450 horsepower and earth-moving 510 lb-ft torque. This is really amazing when compared to other Ford Raptors. For example, the specs of the old 3.5-litre V6 are as lesser by 70 horsepower and 40 lb-ft. Suprisingly, Ford’s mighty 6.2-litre V8 can’t beat it in a game of top trumps: the new Ford F150 Raptor is higher in value by a margin of 39 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque.

The Ford F150 Raptor features a body made from military grade, high-resistance aluminium which just sounds tough. The practical advantage of this is that it, when combined with the use of a valvetrain that is lesser in weight, results in the new Ford F150 Raptor being up to 500 pounds than its predecessors. The box frame is built with the uncompromising strength of steel. According to Ford itself, this Ford F150 Raptor is the most dependable Raptor to be made to date.

As for the gearbox, the 2017 Ford F150 Raptor has a total of 3 overdrive gears. That is essentially a 10-speed automatic which, if you choose manual mode via the twin magnesium paddles behind the steering wheel, will keep you busy. The ratio spread does well to squeeze the most out of the twin-turbo and also provides improved fuel efficiency on the motorway. As little reduction as 5 percent of the aerodynamic drag increases the economy, but don’t expect the F150 to be cheap to run: with 15 mpg for city driving and 18 mpg for motorway, you’ll be on first name terms with the local petrol station staff!

Built to handle both on and off-road

The Ford F150 Raptor features very versatile handling capabilities. It has heavy duty suspension to cope with the most extreme of terrain, and yet it doesn’t compromise on-road handling: it is a very well behaved cruiser indeed. Admittedly, this is a sizeable vehicle and tight corners are not its forte. But then again; could a Mustang tackle a desert trail like the F150 could?

The Ford F150 Raptor can handle roughness to the point of abuse, and then some more. Its marvelous suspension is capable of handling potholes and chatter bumps with smooth ease.

All in all, the Ford F150 Raptor is a real winner. By improving engine technology and lightening the vehicle, Ford has made a faster yet more economical beast. Not too long ago big, American trucks were beyond consideration here in the UK. With the rise of the pick-up here as well as the advanced technology, the 2017 F150 Raptor could change that. It’s a tempting proposition…

The post GUEST – All about the 2017 Ford F150 Raptor appeared first on Simply Motor.

Used cars can offer great value for money compared to new cars — as long as you know how to avoid a dodgy deal. Follow our tips and you’ll know how to get the right second-hand car for the best possible price. Thanks to We Buy Cars For More for providing this piece.

Look out for one-year-old cars

The AA estimates that new cars lose around 40% of their value after just 12 months. That’s because buyers pay a huge premium for a brand-new car, and that value’s lost by the time the new-car smell has faded.

After this first year, cars depreciate more slowly. That means a nearly new car can offer the best value for money: you should get a great discount, and a car that looks and performs almost as good as new!
Compare

To make sure the asking price is reasonable, look around for similar used cars on the market. If the valuations are wildly different — cheaper or more expensive — alarm bells should be ringing.

Buy from a reputable dealer

We recommended buying from a reputable used-car dealer rather than a private seller. You’re much more likely to have assurances and guarantees in place. For example, We Buy Cars For More offers a 12-month warranty with every car. This gives you peace of mind that you’re not being ripped off.
Check the car’s history and current status

An HPI Check gives you insight into a car’s history. Is there any outstanding finance? Has it been reported as stolen? Are there any mileage discrepancies? It costs £19.99 for one check or £29.97 for three, and all you need to do is enter the car’s registration.

You should also use this free DVLA tool to get information such as the MOT expiry date.

Haggle

Haggling is one of the most obvious and easy ways to get a better deal on a used car, but many people are nervous of doing it. For the best chance of success, be confident and suggest a reasonable figure. It’ll help if you have evidence of similar cars selling at a lower price.
Perform some basic checks

Before purchasing the car, make sure you check it out in person. Does it look like it did in the pictures? Does all the information you were provided, such as the number of miles on the clock, check out? Finally, take the car for a test drive to ensure there are no major problems.

Got any more tips for getting a great deal on a second-hand car? Leave a comment below.

The post GUEST – How to get a good deal on a used car appeared first on Simply Motor.

Winter is fast approaching, and this always seems to cause major issues for motorists. The wintery driving conditions need not be as dangerous as you would think though, because a bit of preparation and a few checks to your car can help to reduce the risk of accidents. The following infographic, produced by Southside Motor Factors shows you the checks you can perform, and also gives tips on driving techniques when the going gets cold! Enjoy the infographic, and don’t forget to take note of all the winter ‘survival kit’ essentials to carry…

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As a nation, we have always been proud of our motoring history. Britain is considered around the world as a leader in car manufacture and thankfully, this is still the case. While some of the British car brands are internationally owned, we do still carry out expert engineering and manufacturing here. Some workers at these plants are intrinsically linked to the brands they work for, having seen generations before them work there too. This interactive StoryMap from FA Wheels is an interesting guide through some of those manufacturing greats. Check it out.

The post GUEST – StoryMap of British made cars appeared first on Simply Motor.

For most people, even those who are interested in the automotive industry, tires are often the afterthought. Most of us do not know the first thing about tire history, the different technological advancements that lead to the tires of today, or even the differences between the different types of tires for our vehicles. When it comes to the future and what different companies are working on, most of us are either disinterested or believe this is it; that tires are not going to get any better. That’s way off the mark. James D. Burbank writes.

The reality is that all the major tire manufacturers are spending quite a bit on research and development, working hard towards new solutions that will improve future tires. Some of them wish to make tires more environmentally friendly, others want to reduce fuel consumption while others look to make them safer than they are at the moment. But who is doing what exactly?

Michelin’s Search For Reduced Fuel Consumption

Believe it or not, tires have a significant influence on how much fuel a car uses; through drag specifications and aerodynamic properties of tires. According to Dr. Patrick Oliva, Michelin’s president for Sustainable Development, tire properties today make up for 10% of overall oil consumption in the world.

This is not a small number by any means, and Michelin is looking to reduce this through new technologies that will improve the fuel economy of their tires. Michelin has already done quite a bit about this, improving the fuel economy of cars which use their tires. They have managed to achieve a 10% drop in fuel consumption with the last five generations of their tires, after adopting a Green Tires initiative. In the future, they hope to do even better.

Airless Tires for Improved Safety
In addition to making tires more environmentally friendly, most manufacturers are also working on solutions that would make them safer. One way to do this is to develop airless tires which would never pose a risk of puncture and blown tires which can lead to traffic accidents.

Bridgestone, for instance, has a non-pneumatic tire in development; one which would also be more environmentally-friendly through use of special materials. Hankook are also working on this, with a concept called iFlex, an intriguing design which would also be airless and would also be compatible with existing vehicles.

Goodyear’s Two Concepts

Another tire manufacturer that is looking to the future is Goodyear with not just one concept for the years and decades to come, but two. To be honest, we expected nothing less from one of the most forward-thinking tire manufacturers.

The first of these two concepts is the Triple Tube tire. As the name suggests, the tire would feature three separate tubes which could be inflated or deflated according to road conditions and the desired behavior of the vehicle. These three “settings” would make the car safer, more responsive and also more fuel efficient.

BHO3 is the name of their second concept, a tire that would be mounted on electric cars and that would contribute to their fuel efficiency and performance. Namely, this tire is envisioned to transform the heat generated by a rolling tire into electrical energy that could then be used to fuel the battery. It is definitely an intriguing concept and one we are interested to see put in action.

Closing Word

As you can see, innovations in the tire industry are not rare or infrequent. In fact, there is quite a bit going on and you would do well to get involved, get your facts straight and join in the fun. This blog, for instance, is a great place to start.

James D. Burbank has been buried in the world of business his entire career. When he has the time, he reads about cars and follows the latest advancements in automotive technology. You can check him out on Twitter – @JBurbank2019. Don’t expect too much, though.

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