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3 Pro Tips for Using a Diesel Generator

There is no doubt the diesel generator is a massive asset in modern life. These incredible devices are the sole power source for many industries, and for others, they power into life when other energy sources fail like electricity. As wonderful as this technology is, it also has its risks.

Diesel generators produce harmful carbon monoxide which has been associated with about 1000 deaths over the past 15 years or so. These machines are not as easy as flicking the light switch. There are many considerations, and so in this article, you’ll read about 3 pro tips for getting the most out of a diesel generator.

1. Match Power and Load

Many people think the size of the generator is a consideration of cost. They may even think if you can afford it, the bigger the better. However, you cannot a diesel generator to any load. It is important to understand the capacity of the generator to produce a given output.

That output needs to be matched to the load it will be driving. A little bit like the fact that you cannot put any engine in any car. The car engine has to be well-matched to all the other variables of the vehicle.

If you overload or underload your diesel generator there will be a negative effect. Overloading will lead to excessive heat and damage and under-loading will lead to inefficient fuel combustion and unnecessary expense.

2. Temperature Matters

Diesel engines need to operate within a finite temperature range for combustion to occur optimally. That means external variables of temperature need to be controlled. Another consideration is how air temperature affects the diesel fuel itself.

If you’re operating your generator in cold conditions then the diesel may need to be specially formulated so that it can still be effective as a combustion fuel. At the same time, care must be taken to make sure the engine has the right level and quality of coolant so the engine doesn’t overheat.

3. Optimal Airflow

Besides the load capacity and temperature, another major factor is airflow. Of course, for your generator to be safe, there needs to be good airflow around the generator itself. The danger of carbon monoxide build-up is one reason why some consider natural gas vs diesel generators.

Air is important in the combustion process itself. Therefore, you should check the condition of air filters on a regular basis.

Cleaning or changing air filters regularly will ensure the generator is getting the air needs within the combustion chamber. It will also protect the engine from undesirable particles or fragments getting inside and causing damage.

A Safe and Efficient Diesel Generator

In this article, you’ve read about 3 tips that will help ensure your diesel generator will perform as it was designed and efficiently. A bonus is that an efficient generator is also a safer generator.

Keep these 3 tips in mind and you’ll find that your generator will be a reliable energy source or a backup when really needed. You can check out other technology-related articles on our site that will fascinate and educate you.

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Choosing The Right ATV Tires & Helmets For You Four Wheeler

Tires play a vital role in any mode of transportation. They ensure traction and control in a variety of conditions and across various terrains. ATV tires ensure a rider can predictably handle the machine with limited surprises. However, do not rush your purchasing decision.

Before you even start to explore your tire options, you should have a decent understanding of your riding style, which has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with road surface conditions, area climate, and your experience.

For any adventure riding or racing, you will want tires with excellent traction. Many ATV riders go off-road exploring or racing. The terrain can be unforgiving in these unpredictable locations. Therefore, as you begin shopping, look for the tires with the best traction ratings.

Best ATV Tires for Traction

If you are looking for some of the best tires for traction, consider all-terrain tires or those made for trail and mud riding. At the top of the list should be the ITP Mud Lite II. A few of the reasons it is a preferred tire include:

  • Toughness and durability
  • Performance in mud
  • Performance on wet trails
  • Usability on wet gravel and grass
  • Usability in the street

Unfortunately, despite the many positives, the ITP Mud Lite II is not the right choice for deep mud riding. If you want a tire specifically for deep mud traction, consider the Kenda Executioner. This tire has several advantages, including:

  • Excellent traction in deep mud
  • Excellent grip for trail riding
  • Stable and responsive on uneven surfaces

However, if you are looking for a newer tire that is gaining a lot of recognition in the ATV community, check out the Sedona Coyote tire. It is one of the newest all-terrain tires to hit the market.

Sedona Coyote Tire Review

With their ultra-durable, puncture-resistant carcass and deep treads, the Sedona Coyote tires are among the best and most affordable tires on the market. The tread lugs provide added durability and traction because of their siped or kerfed edges. You will not be disappointed whether you ride the mud or the trails.

Helmets for Your Four Wheeler

Regardless of the tires you purchase or your riding style, you need to pick up quality side-by-side helmets for your four-wheeler. While an ATV or UTV is not as risky as riding a motorcycle, you can still get seriously injured out on the trails.

Helmets help to reduce the risk of head trauma and brain injury. A correctly fitted helmet can literally save your life. Unfortunately, not every state requires ATV riders to wear helmets. Even in the states requiring headgear, you can possibly do more harm than good if you wear a too-big helmet.

Are you currently in the market for mud tires or new protective gear? If so, you can head over to a local ATV supplier and ask for advice in selecting the appropriate tires for your needs. Additionally, ask if one of the store representatives can help find a helmet that fits you correctly, not too tight but not too loose.

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2016 Honda Civic Battery Battery Size and Price Guide

Maintain your Honda Civic by monitoring repair signs and replacing key components when necessary. A 2016 Honda Civic battery needs to be replaced approximately every three to five years, or after you notice extreme signs of wear. Find out how to size your battery and how much you can expect to pay for this key maintenance component.

What Battery Size Do You Need?

A routine battery replacement can feel overwhelming as you compare the various sizes and types of batteries. There are a number of features that you need to know when comparing batteries.

First, there are the features that depend on the vehicle. Any Honda Civic battery must have the necessary cold cranking amps, terminal position and group size. For lead-acid batteries, a group size of 51R fits your 2016 Honda Civic.

Other features can vary and depend on your budget or personal preferences. A lead-acid battery is less expensive than an absorbed glass mat, or AGM, battery. However, it is also more prone to damage, discharge and other issues.

Warranty lengths can also vary. Consider choosing a three-year warranty battery for added peace of mind. A battery with a shorter warranty may still be reliable, but you won’t have the same warranty coverage to protect you.

How Much Is a New Battery?

Battery prices vary depending on the brand and warranty length you choose, as well as the group size. For a 2016 Honda Civic, expect to pay between $80 and $250 for a new battery.

A highly rated battery with a long-lasting AGM design will cost more than a basic lead-acid alternative. Batteries with a higher cold cranking amp can also cost more. Consider the type of battery you need and your budget as you search for a competitive replacement option.

How Are Batteries Replaced?

If you order a new battery from a local auto parts store, they may offer to replace it and recycle the old battery, free of charge. If you order your new component online, you’ll have to replace it yourself. Always use caution when handling batteries, as improper use could cause an electric shock.

Start your replacement process by parking your car on flat, level ground. Wait for your engine compartment to cool before opening it and locating your battery. Use an adjustable wrench or socket wrench to remove the battery cable from the negative terminal, taking care not to touch the positive terminal until it’s fully removed.

Once the negative terminal is open, remove the positive cable and any battery strap. Lift the component cautiously, as an old battery may leak. Place the new battery in the same spot and repeat the steps in reverse order.

Always verify the positive and negative cables. Touching the positive cable first could result in an electric shock. Connecting the cables in reverse order can damage your Honda and your battery.

Where Are Honda Civic Batteries Available?

Learn more about car battery disposal and proper installation steps at your local auto parts store. If you don’t have a convenient store location near you, check out a leading online store for affordable, reliable Honda Civic batteries.

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Electric Bike Motor Wattage Explained: Types, Range & Power

While you don’t need to understand everything about how your e-bike works, it can be helpful in certain situations. Plus, you might be curious as to how a small battery and motor propels you all over the countryside. When deciding between a 250-watt motor and a 500-watt motor, you will encounter some significant differences.

Your top speed, for example, will change depending on what ebike motor watt you own. At full throttle, without any pedaling, a 500-watt motor will take you to a top speed of about 20mph. A smaller, 250-watt motor, all things being equal, will take you to a maximum of about 15 mph. So, not surprisingly, a bigger motor gives you more speed.

In addition to speed, you will also notice an enhanced ability to climb hills with a bigger motor. Other things come into play here as well. A heavier person going uphill will definitely see the value in the bigger motor. A smaller person in many situations can get by with the smaller motor without much of a sacrifice in terms of speed and climbing power.

The Importance of Range

When comparing electric bikes, it is also worthwhile to consider the range your motor and battery can take you. After all, you want to be able to venture out to the places you love on your rides and spend some time enjoying the breeze in your hair. The range can be measured in both time and distance and is more a function of the battery than the motor, though they are related. 

With a 250-watt battery, you are looking at about 1.5 hours of riding time using electrical power. This works out to a distance of about 15 miles in full electric mode and 15-30 miles in pedal-assist mode. With a 500-watt battery, your bike will have these capabilities:

  • A full electric range of 18-40 miles
  • A pedal-assist range of 20-60 miles
  • A time range of about 1-2 hours

As with everything, the amount of time and distance you get on your bike will depend upon several factors: the terrain, the size of the rider, the wind speed and direction and the amount of stuff you are carrying. Once you have ridden the bike for a while, you will come to learn its abilities.

The Value of Knowledge

The more you know, the better you can enjoy your machine. You also might want to know how long do electric bikes last? When it comes to the regular components—brakes, tires, chains, seats, etc.—you can expect to get about the same wear and tear as a traditional bike. A quality motor, partially because it is not in use all of the time, should last at least 10,000 miles with proper care.

The battery has a lifespan of about three to five years. You can anticipate getting about 1,000 charges out of the battery. Eventually, though, the battery will become less effective in holding a charge and it will be time to replace it.  

The right e-bike is out there for you. It is the smart way to keep the momentum going on your bike rides.

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5 Car Care Tips You Should Know

A while back, owning a car was considered a luxury. Today, having a vehicle is not only convenient but also saves you a lot of hassle. Buying a car is a significant investment for many, and for this reason, it is only right that you take good care of it.  For it to serve you for long, it is imperative that you lavish it with some tender love and care. That said, below are a few ways you can take good care of your vehicle;

 

  • Wash it twice a week

 

Have you ever seen someone driving a dirty car around? If yes,you probably wondered aloud, “Can’t they see the car needs cleaning?” Well, one of the simplest ways that you can take good care of your car is by washing it. The number of times you will wash your car in a week will depend on how dirty it is. You can make a point of washing it at least twice a week for a clean look and remove any dirt particles or liquids that may have spilled on your car.  Ensure that you clean the interior of the car as well. Remember, the hygiene of the interior parts is as important as the exterior- Remove your 3D Maxpider mats, wash them and leave them out to dry. Also, you can vacuum the car at least once a week to remove any dirt particles inside the vehicle.  

 

  • Take it for regular maintenance

 

The other thing that you should do is to take your car for regular mechanical checkups. During the routine car checkups, the mechanics check every aspect of your vehicle from the engine, tires, oil, brake fluid, and so on. It is during these routine checkups that they may be able to identify an underlying issue early enough and work on it before it causes serious damage to your car. The mechanics also advise you if your engine needs some cleaning and also give you a date that you should go back for the next car maintenance.

 

  • Drive carefully

 

How you drive your car has a huge impact on its health. You cannot expect your car to stay strong if you drive fast through potholes, accelerate on bumps, and so on. You, therefore, need to be very careful on the roads and follow all the traffic rules and signs. This will not only ensure that your car is in perfect shape but also help you avoid causing accidents and getting in the wrong books of the authorities.

 

  • Polish and wax your car

 

For an extra shine, you may need to polish and wax your vehicle regularly. Waxing helps add extra shine while car polishing eliminates any minor scratches, oxidation, dirt, and swirls.

Taking good care of your vehicle by following the above-mentioned tips is a good practice. Also, be sure to choose a reputable car insurance company that can help you restore your vehicle in case of any damages caused by accidents.

 

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How do you get a broken down car at the garage?

Is your car broken down and the car no longer wants to start? Is there liquid leaking from under the car and do you get a fault message in the dashboard? Is there any damage that prevents you from continuing to drive? The most frequently asked question on these problems is, how do you get your car to the garage? We give you a number of options.

Sometimes you can solve the starting problem yourself and it is very annoying when your car no longer wants to start and you have to have it repaired. Sometimes a starting problem is a matter of a dead or broken battery. Does the car show no sign of life, or does the starter motor not turn around with difficulty? Then try with jumper cables and another car / battery if this helps.

Salvage service

A recovery service is a service that you can call to have your car transported from A to B. The car does not need to be able to drive for this. In most cases, the vehicle of the recovery service has attributes to lift your vehicle.

Have your car towed

Does your car have a connection for a towing eye at the front, and do you also have a towing eye, a towing cable? Then you may be able to tow the car. A car with an automatic gearbox cannot be towed. For this you have to divert to other options.

Sell   your car

Many people decide to sell their car when it breaks down. Not everyone has the money to have the car towed. Also, not everyone has the money for a repair. If your car is damaged and can no longer drive, this can also be a reason to sell it. 

You can easily sell a broken car as well as a damaged car , even when it is on the side of the road. A well-known ad site could offer a solution, but that is often not the fastest way. A car auction, on the other hand, can sell your car in just 1 day, which is desirable for most people when it is unattended on the road.

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Why Should You Use a Custom Hydraulic Cylinder?

Many car owners regard their vehicle as an extension of themselves, and they customize it to represent their uniqueness and originality. And according to a recent study, young drivers aged 16 to 24 in the United States spend $7.2 billion per year altering their vehicles, while every year, almost 7.9 million Americans modify or improve their vehicles. Car modification is an interesting and creative application that enables young Americans to express themselves. As such, larger projects become collaborative endeavors, and changes like custom hydraulic fabrication in St John, KS, give them something to speak about with their friends.

Customized Hydraulic Cylinder 

The standard hydraulic cylinder is made up of the following components:

  • The barrel
  • Connection at the top and bottom
  • Head
  • Connection between the piston and the piston rod

In the case of custom cylinder manufacturing, the customer and the engineer will collaborate to create a version with precise specifications. As such, you can adjust the diameter, length, and materials throughout the customization process. You could also change the design and structure of the valves, pistons, and valve manifolds. Finally, you can change the port placements and mountings and incorporate functionalities.

Why Choose a Custom Cylinder?

It Is Built to Your Specifications

As a result of the customization procedure, you will obtain a hydraulic cylinder tailored to your specific demands. The chosen engineers will work with you to guarantee that the result meets your specific requirements, and you can implement a customized part in your vehicle if you wish to customize your gear instead of using standard parts. Meanwhile, there won’t be any over-engineering or under-engineering, and many issues can be avoided by not attempting to push a normal hydraulic cylinder to operate in a customized machine.

Alternatives to Consider

Tie-rod cylinders are the most common off-the-shelf cylinders. They are bigger, have more installation limits, and require more maintenance and servicing than specialized hydraulic cylinders. Even with larger rods, there are choices for increasing lift or pushing capacity. On the other hand, any scenario can be covered by custom hydraulic fabrication in St. John, KS. The customized layouts of your choice will be easy, efficient, and allow you to select the return type, which is an important consideration when selecting the best cylinder for the task.

The Distinctions Between Conventional and Customized Hydraulic Cylinders

As you might assume, the cost of designing, engineering, and manufacturing a well-functioning custom hydraulic cylinder could be more than the standard alternative. And if the standard options are insufficient, any upfront expenses for a custom cylinder will be insignificant as compared to the cost of correcting any damage due to faulty equipment.

Which Cylinder Type Is Best for You?

Your judgment on whether a standard cylinder would be enough for your task will be guided by design criteria and application. For instance, a standard cylinder could get you up and running fast in low-stress scenarios. Aside from that, a custom cylinder will always outlast and outperform the competition. Meanwhile, a unique design created exclusively for your application will typically pay for itself in the long run through decreased downtime and maintenance costs. Besides, pricing and delivery may be less expensive than you think!

The customized hydraulic cylinder offers several advantages, including being produced according to your requirements and being customized. And while adopting the normal path is less expensive, you may find that some of your requirements, such as size, are covered by the equipment while others, such as rod material, pressure, and so on, are not.

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Blown Away: Is The Revolutionary Car Wash Dryer Worth The Hype?

Recently, car enthusiasts have found a better way to keep their beloved cars spotless and still flawless. We all know that car washing itself can tarnish the flawlessness of the car. It can acquire light scratches marks, spots and couldn’t remove all debris all at once. With the entry of car blowers or car dryers in the market, it intrigued many people. This article is to further educate you on the functions and advantages of owning a car dryer. So, let the facts blow you away!

How is a car wash dryer built?

Well, if we hear the word ‘dryer’, we can visualize a machine that helps evaporate water through heat. Their designs and sizes vary depending on their function and specifications. Like the BLO Car Dryer, it is considered one of the car dryers with a very lightweight and efficient design. Varieties of designs are available for every role. There’s a compact one (AIR-S), a heavy-duty one (AIR-GT) and their safest that has the touchless function (AIR-RS). They prioritized consumers’ practicality by making their hoses almost 5 meters to move around their vehicle quickly.

To further widen your knowledge about this, we will impart three things that are necessary when it comes to choosing the best car wash dryer for your own car or even for commercial use:

  • Not all car dryers are big and bulky: As mentioned, an example is the BLO Car Dryer. It has varieties suited to each model’s specifications and function. It is ideal for residential kind of car drying. While for commercials, it is better if you get a bigger unit. Although always remember that you shouldn’t sacrifice the machine’s function to get a smaller one. 
  • “If I want a fast-drying blower, I should choose something that has a high horsepower: Horsepower is not necessarily relative to the ability of the machine to dry the car easily, for this is said to be not energy efficient.
  • It will be noisy to use: This is the main issue for some users, especially those who are just using the machine at home and the noise can disturb their neighbours. So, It is strongly suggested to research very well in choosing the right unit. There’s no such thing as a quiet blower, but there’ll always be quieter than the other. 

Air Drying is still more efficient

A devoted car person would know that air drying is doing you more harm than good. The water that is being used in car washes isn’t ensured to be clean at all times. It may contain minerals and small organisms that we don’t even notice. And these minerals get left behind on the car’s surface and leave a residue that won’t be evaporated in the air immediately. This commonly happens in dark-coloured cars. The marks, spots and deposits left can tarnish the flawlessness of the car’s surface and paint quality. The liquid may not be there anymore, but it surely left a mark. Negative effects of air drying may not be obvious in one wash, but as calcium and other kinds of minerals build up on your car’s surface, it’ll develop damages for sure.

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3 Crucial Steps to Prepare Your Car for Auto Detailing

Sydney records the most number of citizens in Australia. The major economic, tourism, and cultural hub of New South Wales has 4,914,343 residents as of 2019. Most working-age residents find their jobs in the city’s Central Business District and other major suburbs like Parramatta, Macquarie Park, and Bondi Junction. 

Since the economy is good in the city, most households can buy at least one vehicle to use as a form of transportation. The latest statistics claimed that 46% of Greater Sydney residents have access to two or more vehicles. It means that industries like car detailing in Sydney are also doing well. 

If you own a car, it is important to ensure that you take care of your vehicle’s integrity for as long as possible. Regular trips to car detailing shops are very important. It will help ensure that you enjoy the smooth-sailing drive of your vehicle for a long time. 

If you are about to go to a car detailing shop, you need to prepare your vehicle before the professionals take over properly. Here are the things you need to do before you take your vehicle to an auto detailing shop.  

  • Decide on the Type of Car Detailing You Want 

Car detailing shops offer two major services, interior detailing and exterior detailing. 

The first one is perfect for vehicles that accumulated plenty of interior dirt, especially after a road trip. It will eliminate all the hidden food crumbs on the seats or all the neglected papers and receipts concealed by the carpets. It will also get rid of pet hair and stains after a thorough cleaning. 

Meanwhile, the exterior detailing will make your car look shiny and new. It will minimise the appearance of dents and scratches. This service will also eradicate all the stubborn watermarks left during your previous car wash session. You may consult with your car detailing service provider to help you decide which service is right for your vehicle. 

  • Call the Shop in Advance 

It is important to contact the car detailing shop beforehand to secure a slot for your preferred time. This step is very important, especially during the Fall when most car owners choose to get the services in preparation for the winter. 

Scheduling your car detailing session also allows the shop to prepare for your arrival. It will let them gather all the necessary tools and equipment needed to make your car look great. You may also inform the service provider to put you on a routine schedule to ensure that you have the car washed regularly

  • Clear Your Vehicle

If you want to ensure that the professionals thoroughly clean your vehicle from the inside and out, you must take out the contents before going to the auto detailing shop. 

You must leave personal items like bags, toys, and papers at home. You must also clear out the gloves box and centre consoles. It will lessen the amount of time that the professionals would use when detailing your car.  

Bonus Tip: Look For A Bigger Work Area 

Some shops for car detailing in Sydney may opt to visit your place to do their services. If you have no time to drop your car at their shop, you may ask them to head over to your place to do the work. But you need to ensure that they can comfortably access all the sides of your car and have plenty of areas to open the doors for detailed cleaning. 

You must also ensure that there are no other parked vehicles nearby. Also, ensure that there are no possible environmental hazards like trees, yard equipment, and approaching traffic to ensure the safety of your vehicle and the professionals working on it. By doing all this preparation for auto detailing, you can get an assurance that your vehicle will look new after the service. 

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To Do or Not to Do? Ceramic Car Coating

Nothing turns heads in a street but a shiny highly polished car. It can be parked, stalled, or stuck in traffic. It attracts attention because the colour stands out. On a bright shiny day, it can even shimmer like glass. And guess what, it does not matter if it isn’t a Mercedes Benz S-class or Tesla. As long as your car is shining, shimmering and splendid, you will get those ogling eyes and craning necks to check out the driver. Now, if you have not experienced that, you might want to consider getting a ceramic car coating. This new waxing technique elevates waxing to a whole new level. 

This coating system uses a special type of chemical (silica and titanium dioxide) manually applied by professionals to your car by nanotechnology. Besides giving your car added value, it gives extra protection that lasts for at least ten years, as long as maintenance instructions are followed. 

Here are its promises:

  1. Scratch protection

Car dings and scratches can tick any car owner off. When you take so much care in opening your car door so it does not hit another car or the wall, but when you come back, you notice a dot of white on your door when your car is red! Aargh! 

A ceramic coating will give your car’s finish a glass-like barrier that gives your car super protection from damages like dings and scratches. That’s peace of mind right there!

  1. UV Rays protection

Australian hot sun can wreak UV damage on your car. Constant exposure to the UV light can penetrate your car to the metal. This causes that dull finish after a few years. Damage from the sun also causes your car paint to expand that opens small pores. These are the gateways for saltwater to get in and once that salt combines with metal, you know what happens. Rust happens. 

The ceramic coating gives your car the essential layer to protect it from UV light and saltwater damage no paint nor wax can provide. 

  1. Hydrophobic 

Slow down, slippery when wet. That is a piece of good advice for drivers. But did you know that more accidents happen during light rain than on heavy downpour (70% wet pavement and 46% from rainfall)? And one more thing, light rain is bad for your car’s finish too. It is not true that hard rain and water pools give your car a good outer and under wash. Revving your car as you pass a pool of water cannot match the pressurized water’s action of removing hardened mud and grime from your car. It is best to wash your car after rain. It will remove splatters of grease and mud and will protect your car’s paint.

Ceramic car coating provides a water-repellant feature to your car. Acid rain ruins a car’s paint finish. The hydrophobic feature of ceramic coating also allows rainwater to just slip and slide through your car’s exterior. Very convenient in the rainy season and hard rainfalls when your car wiper had to work double-time to clear your vision.

Conclusion

Car maintenance goes beyond preventive maintenance schedules and vacuuming. It extends to keeping your car’s exterior polished and protected.  A vintage car costs a premium for a reason. With all the benefits that a ceramic car coating gives, how can you lose? Get it done and get it done professionally. Go to a trusted car detailing studio and as you come home, wait until your wife says, “You bought a car without telling me?”

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