How Oracle became a Hit at SEMA 2012

When it comes to advances in the world of headlights, you can’t really talk about the changes without Oracle Lighting being mentioned. The Louisiana based company have been making waves in the auto lighting world for quite some time now, but it’s fair to say that thy really caught the attention of a mass audience when they put their products on display at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. There are all kinds of aftermarket auto parts on display during those events, but it was Oracle that many believe shone the brightest during the event.

While the 2012 SEMA show marked the third straight time that Oracle Lighting had a display there, it was what they had to show off that caught the eye of so many. Their presentation booth was expanded to be biggest than ever before, and they brought not just one, but two custom builds to the show. The highlight may well have been the Polaris RZR, featuring halo lights that had never been seen before, as well as off-road head lights that were brighter than the sun.

While to Oracle lighting booth got a lot of attention at the show, the company was incredibly well represented at a number of other booths. Their projector headlights, halo, and other kits have been gathering steams for a while, featured as they were in a number of celebrity builds, but the Oracle Lighting name definitely too another big leap forward thanks to their products being highlighted in a number of other high profile displays.

One of the displays that grabbed a ton of attention was put together by Kia Motors. They brought a bunch of vehicles from their line-up, all of which had been given the superhero treatment. Among those was the Rio 5-door, which Kia had decided should be used to represent Aquaman. It was a stunning looking design, made all the more memorable by the use of Oracle LED accent lighting to give the vehicle a look of real power. While many aspects of the car drew raves from the crowd in attendance, it was the lights that seemed to catch the eye of a large number of SEMA visitors.

One thing that tends to make people take notice of an auto parts of lighting company is when they receive a celebrity endorsement. That holds even more water when the celebrity in question has ties to the automotive industry. It’s fair to say that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart would definitely fit that bill.

Chevy worked with Stewart to deliver an amazing looking ride that fit the personality of the driver. The red tribal designs definitely popped on the charcoal grey exterior paint, but it was the Chevy Camaro ZL1 lights that were the highlight for many. The lights in question were red halo’s from Oracle Lighting, which once again proved that they were among the big movers and shakers at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Photo credit: Oracle Lights

Read More

6 Simple Things that Can Help Protect Your Vehicle

It's okay to love your car! You took the time to select the perfect make and model to reflect your tastes, and you may have upgraded it with special car accessories like custom headlights and taillights to help it stand out in a crowd. You've invested time and money in your vehicle, so it's natural for you to want to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. Many drivers don't realize that the way that they drive can impact the longevity of their vehicles by causing excessive wear and tear on their cars' automotive parts. By following these six tips, you can help to protect your car's auto parts and keep it on the road for as long as possible.

Make fewer short trips.

1. Driving a car exclusively for very short trips is a surefire way to reduce its lifespan. During short trips, the oil in the engine does not become hot enough to turn moisture in the engine into steam. As a result, the oil gradually becomes thick like tar, which can cause damage to the engine. Be sure to take your car on the occasional long trip and consider using public transportation or car-pooling to reduce short trips. Changing the oil more often can also help to minimize the effects of short trip driving.

Start and Stop Less.

2. Making many stops and starts when you're out and about can lead to wear and tear on the engine. When possible, plan to shop at malls and shopping centers where you can make a single stop to accomplish many different tasks or divide your errands between different trips to reduce starts and stops.

Let Your Car Briefly Warm Up.

3. After turning on your car, allow it to run for 30 to 45 seconds, so that the car can begin distributing fluids to the autoparts before you drive.

Break Your Car in Slowly.

4. A brand new car needs some tender loving care to help avoid damage to its automotive parts. Keep your speed and engine RPMs to a minimum while you're racking up those first few miles on the odometer. Avoid freeways and major highways until your car is broken in.

Exercise Care in Bad Weather.

5. You need to be extra cautious when driving conditions are hazardous to protect both the auto parts and yourself! You should always utilize fog-lights instead of high beam headlights when visibility is low. If the roads may be slippery, don't make sharp movements. Even if you feel yourself sliding, you should apply the brakes slowly to avoid skidding. Keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated to ensure safe driving in all types of conditions.

Learn How to Handle an Emergency.

6. Your owner's manual has a special section that provides tips on what to do in different types of emergencies, such as if any of the autoparts would suddenly fail. Take the time to read the procedures and then review them on a regular basis. Handling an emergency properly can go a long way toward keeping you safe and protecting your automotive parts.

Read More

What Are You Riding On: An In-Depth Look at Tires

All cars have tires, and every car owner must purchase new sets from time to time. Still, tires are among the auto parts that car owners often think and know the least about. Having a better understanding of what goes into these automotive parts can help you make a more informed decision the next time you're in the market for a new set.

Basics of Radial Construction

The majority of cars on the road today are running on radial tires, which have been on the market since the 1940s. The body or casing of a tire is constructed out of cords called plies. Most tires feature plies made of polyester, which are lightweight and temperature resistant. In a radial tire, the plies are positioned so that they are at a 90-degree angle to the direction in which the tire moves.

This differs from bias tires, which have criss-crossed plies. Radial tires are popular because they are more flexible and do not get caught in ruts in the road, helping to improve the maneuverability of vehicles. Diagonal ply construction is still used for some tires, but typically, this type of auto parts is reserved for commercial trucks rather than passenger vehicles.

The Structure of Sidewalls

The strength of the sidewalls of tires greatly determines the overall strength of the tires themselves. Manufacturers of tire auto parts must balance this need for strength with flexibility requirements to ensure that the tires allow for easy handling on the road. As a result, tire makers produce special rubber compounds for each type of tire that they manufacture, ensuring that they are the perfect balance of weather resistant, UV resistant, strong and flexible for different types of driving. They may also add steel or nylon to reinforce the sidewalls and improve handling in vehicles that are being driven at high speeds.

The Importance of the Tread

The tread or outer surface of the tires is added to the tire last, but it is what largely determines what type of automotive parts the tire will be. Engineers and product designers at tire companies are constantly researching and experimenting with new tread patterns, looking for ways to improve the performance of the auto parts that they produce. Different types of patterns provide different benefits, and when combined with various types of rubber compounds allow for tires to be made for rain, snow, conserving gasoline, moving at top speeds and more.

There you have it--the ins and outs of tires. When it's time for you to shop for these auto parts next, be sure to take the time to closely compare your options. As you can see, tires can vary dramatically in their types, making it important that you select the right type for your vehicle and your driving needs, just as you would any other types of car accessories.

Read More

Volkswagen Scirocco get a face lift and LED Lights

Volkswagen Scirocco has been on sale since 2008. Many years after SW Scirocco has been on sale, it is still maintains its attractive look. During the present year, VW has just got some face lifts. This includes the tweaks that have been made to bumpers. LED lights have also been added on either end. This has increased the appearance of the VW Scirocco making it a 2014 model.

VW Scirocco is expected to get another revamp in the next two or three years. But the present changes will give a fresh appearance to the VW Scirocco until the next changes are due.

VW Scirocco is yet to be made available in the US. Many people have been on the lookout for its introduction to the US market. But this remains a dream for lovers of enticing coupe of VW Scirocco on US soil.

This is because unless VW has a rethink, this fantastic turbo changed and super changed 4-cylinder engine automobile is still out of the reach of US citizens. The reason for the decision manufacturer not to introduce it to US is still unknown considering the potential market that exists in the US soil.

Volkswagen Scirocco has been recently given revised engine line-up. This, of course, will improve fuel efficiency and it will also lower carbon (IV) oxide emissions.

The headlights have been stylishly modified. The bixenon unit option is now available. LED tail lights have been added to increase the beautiful appearance of the VW Scirocco.

Moreover, the cabin has been refreshed to give it a facelift. Other new features that have been recently added include revised air vents, new storage area that is very close to hand brake, redesign seat materials and aluminium trim flashes that is useful in brightening the dashboard.

You have two 2.0 litre diesel to choose from. The more powerful of the two is 181 bwp motor returns 65.7mpg and 111g/ km. There is also another one with 148bwp unit which gives combined fuel economy and Carbon (IV) oxide emissions of 68.9 mpg and 107g/km. The best of the changes come under the bonnet. The VW Scirocco engine line-up has been made more efficient and powerful 1.4 Tsi engine can be ordered with a dual clutch automatic gearbox

All these facelifts will no doubt re-brand VW Scirocco and it will surely increase the value in no small measure. The public is waiting in anticipation for the release of 2014 VW Scirocco model to the dealers.

Photo credit: Marc Urbano and Volkswagen

Read More

Top Car Technologies That Came From Racing

There are excellent car racing technologies that have been incorporated into production cars. These technologies have influenced the car manufacturing industries in no small measure. The aim of racing car manufacturers is to build the fastest and best performing cars. Some of the features of racing cars have been incorporated into many cars that are produced in the factory. Many components of the automobile are influenced by race technology. The ten features that top the list are discussed as follows:

Transmission:

Automatic transmission role play the same role whether in race or road car: it translates the power of the engine to the wheel and this give rise to a crushing experience. Automatic transmission shifts gears without any input from the driver. This saves a lot of time in trips. Besides, manual transmission is prone to human error. Automatic transmission helps to avoid unnecessary mistakes on the part of the drivers.

Push to Start Button, Time Savers:

Every time counts in a racing competition. In order to save time the manufacturers of racing cars introduce push button ignitions. This allows a driver to start a car without having to fumble with the ignition keys. This allows race cars to go faster than their completion. This has influenced speed in production cars. Some cars like Porsche also come with push button ignitions.

Suspensions:

This is the feature that determines the stability of a car on the roads. It plays important role in the mobility of a car. The front and rear suspensions of a race car are independent of each other. There are production cars that have incorporated this feature into their car model. Independent suspension allows each auto wheel to move without affecting the other. This makes it possible to transfer all the power form the engines into the wheels.

Tires:

High performance tires are employed in race cars and the tires are often tailored to the type of racing. This feature is being put to use in modern automobiles. For instance, NASCAR car employs the use of tires with very soft rubber. When the tires are heated, it increases the friction between the tires and the road surface. This results in a very tight grip which aids smooth movement. This is a feature that is useful in production of modern cars.

Brakes:

Ceramic brakes have been used in race cars than disc brakes. Racing technology is one driving force in automobile development. While many cars still use cast iron disc brakes, race cars uses materials that are lighter and durable. The brakes of race cars can be applied at any speed and a stop is always guaranteed.

Engine Air Intake:

This is like the breathing components of a car. There are some engines that perform better when the engine is cold. Engine air intake of race cars have been incorporated into some production cars and this has greatly improved their performance on the road and on long trips.

Dual Overhead Shafts:

This is also known DOHC. Engines have valves that let in air and release exhaust out. The presence of two shafts makes it easier to be completed with convenience as each will serve a purpose. Many production cars have now made use of dual shafts in new models of their cars.

New Materials:

Many new materials, such as Carbon Fiber are being put to use by race car manufacturers. The focus of introducing new materials is increased performance and faster movement.

Exterior Design:

Most of the exterior designs in race cars are not just for fun. Each of the exterior designs has the purpose they are serving. This has influenced the designs in many production automobiles.

Safety:

Many safety technologies have been incorporated into race cars and most of these safety features are being used in many automobiles nowadays.

These ten top car technologies that came from racing have greatly impact every aspects of automobile production. The convenience and comfort that are derived from these features are making them desirable in modern automobiles.

Read More

Five Mordern Gas Engine Technologies That Save Fuel

There are many new technologies that have contributed greatly to fuel economy. The improvement may be small but the fact that many cars on the roads makes this to be a significant way of saving large amounts of fuel on the long run. Despite campaigns for alternative fuels, hybrid and electric vehicles, the majority of cars is still running on gasoline. The demand for gasoline engines will still persist for the foreseeable future. Some of the reasons responsible for the continuous use of gasoline engines are basically that people are used to it and there are infrastructure that supports their use. So, it fits nicely into the American way of life.

Gasoline has its own disadvantages like environmental pollution. It is a nonrenewable energy. The heavy dependent on gasoline has led to incessant hike its prices. There has been the introduction of auto features recently to improve power, fuel efficiency and emissions. Some of these new auto gas engine technologies are focusing on reducing the amount of pollutant and money spent on the gas. Discussed below are five new gas engine technologies that keep new automobile affordable and appealing to buyers.

Variable Valve Timing and Lift

Car manufacturers have updated gasoline engines with the introduction of variable valve and lift. Valves open and close to control how the fuel or air mixtures enter. It also controls how the exhaust exits the combustion. The rate at which valves open and close determine the amount of fuel that will be consumed by the engine. Varying the opening and closing time of automobile valve allows the engine to get enough fuel and air to perform the current task. This conserves fuel.

Direct Fuel Injection

Another way gasoline fuel has been improved upon is by the modification of how fuel gets into the combustion chamber. It has been discovered that heating and pressurizing the fuel prior to injection into the combustion chamber helps ignition and there is no any need for sparkling that use up fuel. This ensures cleaner and efficient fuel burning.

Cylinder Deactivation

This works similar to valve timing and lift. Each engine needs different amount of fuel to perform different tasks. An engine usually needs different amount of fuel for various tasks. For instance, V-8 engines have eight cylinders. All the cylinders are working when the engine is on. This results in burning of fuel and air. Cylinder deactivation in vehicles helps to shut down some cylinders when they are not working. The cylinders that are shut down are not receiving fuel, hence gas is conserved. Cylinder deactivation can also improve energy efficiency by about 7.5 per cent.

Turbo Chargers

These are fans that are powered by gases from the car exhaust system. This helps the compressed air to move into the cylinder with ease. This also gives room for higher compression ratio which is similar to direct injection. Turbo chargers allow cars to save fuel and encourage fuel economy.

Light Footed Drivers

The amount of fuel that is consumed by automobile is not entirely dependent on technology. It is also a function of how a vehicle is driven and handled by the owners. Gradual acceleration consumes less gas than flooring the accelerator. To increase fuel efficiency, car manufacturers have included efficiency indicator on modern automobiles. Fuel economy can be achieved by heeding warning signals from the indicators. There is also introduction of eco mode in some cars. Eco mode allows the use of less gas most especially if you are driving around town. Eco mode is not advisable on the high ways.

These are just few of the gas technologies that have been introduced by car marketers to increase appeal for gasoline engines.

Read More

Are Piggyback engine Superchips a Super chip for performance?

Piggyback ECU Superchips are the chips that are wired to work with the factory ECU of an automobile. If the factory ECU is controlling some parts of your vehicle, then you have a piggyback ECU.

Piggyback are of two types. These include the piggyback engine superscripts that intercept signals from sensors and modify those signals in such a way that the stock ECU is tricked to make the automobile behave the way you want.

The second piggyback engine is Post ECU manipulation. This works by modifying the signal after it has left the stock ECU. For instance, this can work by rising and lowering the injection time but the ECU does not have control of the fuel.

Piggyback Engine superchips have their advantages and disadvantages. These are what raise the concern whether they are really superchips for performance.

Advantages of piggyback engine Superchips

• Piggyback engine superchips are easy to set up and tune
• Piggyback engine superchips are very cheap when compared to stand alone auto parts.
• They are fully compliant with all sensors and gauges in the dash. There is no need for modification of the auto settings before they function.

Disadvantages of Piggyback Engine Superchips

• Piggyback engine superchips can be difficult to set up and tune depending on the factory settings.
• There is a limit to make it work properly to the full capabilities.
• Modification of the engine harness may lead to complication when trying to revert back to the modified auto wiring.

Are Superchips really super chips for performance?

Superchips have been widely accepted as cheap ways to upgrade your vehicle’s horsepower performance. They are also known as aftermarket performance chip. The superchips are made to adjust parameters that lead to increase in engine torque and horsepower. Engine Control Unit determines the quantity of fuel to be injected into the engine at a given time.

The development of piggyback superchips was borne out of the desire to reduce fuel consumption that will increase fuel economy. After market superchips are also installed to increase auto performance and at the same time, to increase fuel efficiency.

Piggyback Engine Superchips cost between 300 and 700 USD. Some of these superchips can increase the engine performance by up to 30 Horse Power. Installation of these superchips is very easy in majority and most of them will plug into the ECU directly. There is also option for resetting to revert the factory settings when the need arises.

It is no doubt that ECU upgrade with piggyback superchips is a sure, simple and low cost alternative for many contemporary automobile lovers.

Read More