LOL Car

Featuring the LOL car! The above picture shows the LOL car (name I gave the said car). LOL in internet slang means “laughing out loud.” By merely looking at the picture, you can explain to yourself why the said car is laughing out loud.

 

I think the said car will match those people who laugh out their problems. Aside from that, it is a perfect design for those who are craving for unique cars.

 

Gibbs Humdinga vs. Hellbender

This article is entitled as “Gibbs Humdinga vs. Hellbender” because this will feature another amphibious vehicle─ the Gibbs Humdinga. It is also capable of traveling on both land and water.

 

Gibbs Humdinga is an enormous five seat amphibious vehicle─ 3 up front, and 2 at the back. It is powered by a 350 bhp engine. It can run up to 100 mph on land. On the other hand, it can run up to 40 mph on water. Unlike the Hellbender, Gibbs Humdinga navigates water the moment its wheel fold away. The manner of folding wheels aids to drive switches to a water jet.

 

Gibbs Humdinga is a certified unique amphibious vehicle. Actually, there are lots of vehicles of this kind invented nowadays. Take a look around you. Who knows, there might be one near you!

Hellbender to Conquer Land and Water

Nowadays, it’s no longer impossible to run your vehicle both in land and water. In fact, other land vehicles can even travel under the sea. This article will feature an amphibious vehicle, which is a product of students and staff at Mosquito net Sanyo high school.

 

The vehicle creation is labeled as Hellbender. The concept behind it is to create a lightweight, road legal and amphibious vehicle. In addition, the vehicle doesn’t require boating license. To picture what Hellbender is, several features are discussed in the next paragraph.

 

The Hellbender’s body is built from FRP plastic. Then, the vehicle’s power emerges from a 50cc air cooled two stroke engine. In fact, its engine can develop 5.6 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Have you noticed the two orange pontoons behind the driver? What is their use? Well, the moment they are lowered down, you can drive through the water.

 

Hellbender is another design from creative minds. It is surely a great addition in this unique vehicle’s list. Conquering both land and water without leaving your vehicle is possible with Hellbender!

Uniquely Crazy

Kerry Mclean of Michigan, USA created a uniquely crazy vehicle. The said vehicle is known as the Mclean V8 Monowheel.

 

The said vehicle is probably the most extreme monowheel constructed. From the term itself, monowheel, means single wheel. By merely looking at it, uniqueness is observed. It is powered by Buick V8 car engine, running at 53 mph. Theoretically, its speed can reached up to 100 mph. Well, what’s not good for this kind of vehicle is the difficulty in controlling, balancing, and stopping.

 

Monowheels are basically designed as recreational vehicles, which mostly run on private lands. However, this V8 powered monowheel is legal to hit US highway.

 

Toy Car

How do you define a toy car? According to a source, toy refers to a plaything, specifically an artifact designed to be played with. With that, can you say that “toy car” is a car designed to be played with? At some point, you can define it that way. Hence, in this article you will discover different meaning for a toy car.

 

I was browsing the internet when I happened to open a site with a picture that captured my attention. The picture is actually captured by someone, walking to the grocery store on a lovely spring day. It revealed a car entirely covered with toys, dolls, action figures, and other miniatures. In addition, the car was also painted creatively. It seems that several colors of paint accidentally spilled on its body.

 

What could be the reason of the owner to design his/her car that way─ that I don’t know. All I know is the “toy car” I am referring in this article is surely a head-turner. It’s really another unique car to hit the highway! Below are some pictures of the same “toy car” I am referring to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speeding Vehicles’ Physics

Everything has its own limit. In driving for example, you have the so-called speed limit. Speed limit refers to the maximum speed allowed by law for vehicles. Limits are commonly set and enforced by legislative bodies of nations or the provincial government. Aside from that, there are also explicit maximum speed limits reinforced, to adjust driving speed in varied weather conditions. Thus, recent studies show that driving above the speed limit increase the risks of accidents. Most drivers cheat while driving. They cheat by increasing their speed beyond the set speed limit. Say for instance if the speed limit is 60 kph, the police won’t pull over if the speed sits on 65 kph. For that reason, some are happily over speeding unknowing the probable accidents they may encounter. Accidents in relation with violating the speed limit can be explained through Physics.

 

Specific aspects that can be related to over speeding are reaction time, braking distance, impact on a pedestrian, impact on a large object, and less control. The first reason for increased accident is the reaction time. In this case, reaction time is associated to a person perceiving a danger and reacting to it. It is specifically the elapsed time between the presentation of sensory stimulus and behavioral response. In vehicle arena, different vehicle may have different mass, speed and reaction time. For example, there are two vehicles approaching and a boy driving a bicycle. Then, suddenly the boy emerges just the two vehicles are side-by-side. Both drivers of the vehicle applied brakes instantly (1.5 seconds is the reaction time for average drivers). The moment they applied brakes, the vehicles still traveled few meters. But, the difference between their travel distances meant life and death for the child. A driver who is distracted (listening to loud music, using mobile phone, or has drunk alcohol), and has not obeyed the speed limit may take as long as 3 seconds to react. The second aspect is the braking distance that means distance the vehicle travels before stopping when the brakes are applied. In Physics perspectives, braking distance depends upon several variables like slope and frictional resistance. In terms of slope, the steeper the road, the easier it is to stop for a vehicle going uphill because of gravity’s help. On the other hand, the frictional resistance is helpful in increasing the frictional force between the tires and the road. Ideally, dry road and new tires will result to increased frictional force, so the braking distance is lesser. If in case the two are equal (slope and frictional force), the factor that will greatly influenced braking distance is the initial speed. In terms of impact on pedestrian, the lighter one will experienced much speed increase than the heavier one. In the given example, the child’s speed will greatly increased, so accident is great. If on the other hand the impact was on large object like a tree for example, the kinetic energy will be dissipated as the vehicle hits the tree, by vehicle vent and smash. Another aspect that comes into the scene when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit is less control. Difficult to maneuver vehicles are result of over speeding. As explained in the Newton’s first law of motion, there’s resistance from an object to change its state of rest or motion – inertia. It is inertia that keeps your vehicle moving when you applied break suddenly. In driving, to counteract inertia especially when navigating a bend you need to apply the force. The said force needed is supplied by turning the steering wheel- thus changing tires’ directions. Unfortunately, high speed increases error while maneuvering that results in accidents.

 

The aforementioned aspects are only some that can be associated in beating the speed limit. That’s why it is still important to obey traffic rules, since they are formulated for safety. Treasure lives! Drive within the speed limit!

 

Bits of PCV Valve

You might have heard something about an auto part specifically its name. Take the automobile’s PCV valve as an example. You might have heard something about the PCV valve. But, have you seen one? Do you know what its functions are? Are you aware when it is needed to be replaced? If not, then read this article.

 

What is a PCV valve? PCV valve stands for positive crankcase ventilation valve. PCV valve acts as a vent to the upper engine. The narrow portion of the valve at the top connects to manifold vacuum, while the bottom is to the crankcase. Gases from the crankcase flow from top to bottom, the moment the valve is opened. It is an emissions control device and one of the oldest emission control. Its role is to route unburned crankcase blow by gases back into the intake manifold. After that, the unburned gases will then be burn again. Aside from that, the constant recirculation of air through the crankcase helps remove moisture. In return, the lives of the oil and engine are extended. Most importantly, it eliminates crankcase emission totally, thereby reducing source of air pollution. Regarding its components, it has the manifold vacuum, spring, and several disks.

 

When you disassembled the PCV valve, its components will be revealed. The intake manifold side of the valve includes the spring and disk. The spring is inserted into the port, while the disk is on the top of the spring. The role of the spring is to press the disk against the valve seat on the crankcase, when the engine is not running. By doing so, the PCV valve closes completely. Inside of the crank case side of the valve is continuous circular valve seat. When the intake manifold becomes pressurized, the PCV valve seat is forced against the said seat, preventing backfire and explosion. Actually, there are other components in the PCV valve that aid in its function. However, these components will not function properly if not maintained. The valve and filter for instance should be replaced somewhere around 30, 000 to 50, 000 miles. Aside from that, you need to change oil at timely intervals. Those will then prevent almost all PCV valve problems. If the PCV valve gets plugged or nearly to gets damaged, several things may happen to the vehicle.

 

Faulty PCV valve may cause excess crankcase pressure. Then, it begins to back up the engine’s breather tube, into the intake air tube upstream of the throttle body. The engine management system may also sense absence of air from plugged PCV valve. As a result, the engine makes slightly less power. In view of the oil, it may begin to be pumped into the air intake tube through the breather hose to the throttle plate. Oil may also runs down the intake tube into the throttle body. The idle air control valve may be contaminated and may begin to stick due to faulty PCV valve. Noticing blue smoke out of the tailpipe is also another way to determine that PCV valve is malfunctioning.

 

When you’ve got a faulty PCV valve, the solution is to fix it or replace it. In looking for replacement, be sure that you will get the right replacement auto part for your vehicles specification. Mismatched PCV valve mounted on your vehicle may also be a potential source of vehicle malfunctions.

Whatever is the auto part, proper understanding of it is very much essential in maintenance and repair. Thus, owning a vehicle is similar to having a baby. If the baby needs care, so with your vehicle since both are incapable of caring for themselves.

 

Foggy Driving Tips

It is said that driving through fog is just like flying through an airplane. What is fog? How is it formed? Does it affect driving conditions? What is the right thing to do while driving through foggy areas? These questions might probably bother you. Well with the aid of this article, those questions that bother you in relation with fogs will be answered.

 

Fog is a cloud on the ground composed of tiny fine droplets of water suspended in the air. Fog formation occurs when moist air mass is cooled to its saturation point/ dew point. There are different kinds of fog depending upon their formations. The radiation fog is the result of radioactive processes; advection fog, advection of warm air over cold surfaces; precipitation or frontal fog, evaporation of precipitation; upslope fog, from air being adiabatically cooled while being forced up a mountain or slope; and valley fog, result of air being radiatively cooled, during evening, or on the slopes of topographical features. As long as there is fog, there is also low driving visibility up to 1 kilometer. That’s why, in driving through foggy areas, one must be extra careful to avoid accidents. In addition, there are also some safety “foggy driving tips.”

 

Driving through foggy areas is among the many types of dangerous driving situations. The very important thing to consider is to drive slowly. Most fog related fatalities are results of careless driver speeding, so be extra careful. It is essential to keep your fog light on at all times, to be able to increase visibility. Some drivers are using other driver’s tail lights as a guide. But, remember that they also have limited visibility so you may end up in accidents. Another thing to consider is to keep your defroster in good condition in case your windshield becomes foggy. However, if the condition becomes intense, better pull over, and stop driving. But, be sure to have a safe location or pull off spot.

 

As mentioned earlier, a kind of light installed in your vehicle that greatly aids in driving through foggy areas is the fog light. What is fog light? Fog light is mounted on the front of your vehicle. Actually, there are various kinds of fog lights available nowadays. There comes variety of colors. They also vary in intensities. Traditional fog lights are yellow. Good fog light produces wide, bar-shaped beam of light with sharp horizontal cutoff. Aside from that, they should also produce white or selective yellow light. There is also a common claim that fog light needs to be a single color light rather than white light. The reason is to minimize dispersion as the light hits water vapor and scatters in different directions. Others said that red is an ideal color for fog light. Thus, it is already used for both stop lights and brake lights. The next suitable color then is yellow. Plus, yellow has the next longest wavelength of visible light. Fog lights nowadays, especially those modern ones are halogen lights. Halogen lights burn at much hotter temperatures than traditional ones. In addition, they tend to have tighter beam than incandescent fog lights. On the other hand, high intensity discharge lamps are seen on some newer cars. This particular type uses different minerals to operate such as mercury, sodium, and halide. They are actually distinguished to have purplish hue, then the traditional yellow color.

 

Weather is unpredictable. It may be a sunny one. It may also be rainy at some times. Snow may also fall unexpectedly, so with fogs. That’s why make sure that your vehicle is equipped with fog lights and other components to ensure safety.

 

TPS as a Variable Resistor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a tiny gadget on the carburetor throttle linkage or fuel injection body. It is actually a variable resistor that changes resistance as the throttle opens wider. The throttle opening is the one that informs the engine control computer in order to change air/ fuel mixture.

 

The TPS is designed to provide throttle angle input to the ECU on fuel-injected engines, thus contributing to vehicle’s efficiency, performance, and emission control. Aside from that, it also helps engine to maintain stable idle speed. Just like any other vehicle components, TPS should also be in good shape and working condition to avoid vehicle problems.

 

The TPS is another “behind the wheels” feature. Knowing it is another step in knowing your vehicle and its functions.

 

Voltage Regulator in Action

Inside your vehicle’s alternator is the voltage regulator. What is a voltage regulator? What are its functions? What are some of maintenance tips/suggestions to make alternator lasts long? Answers to these questions will be delivered in this article.

 

Voltage regulator is an electronic device housed inside the alternator. It is a component that maintains consistent voltage output, within the range that the electronic component can safely accept. It specifically manages alternator’s output. It is the one that provides balance needed by fully charged battery, long battery life, accessory loads, and long light bulb life. On most new vehicles, voltage regulator is located inside the alternator. However, the power control module (PCM) regulates the alternator on some cars. Defective voltage regulator may bring harm to your vehicle.

 

Once the voltage regulator malfunctions, it may cause several unnecessary things to your vehicle. One is it can produce too much voltage, which will eventually damage the battery, lights, and other electronic components. It may also be the other way around, wherein it produces less voltage, which is not enough to keep the battery fully charged. Thus, it is tough to determine whether the alternator or the voltage regulator gets damaged. By using the so-called “full fielding the alternator,” you can reveal which component is malfunctioning.

 

Full fielding the alternator means to activate the field with full battery voltage. By doing so, you can check for high alternator output. However, it should only be done momentarily because overcharge may occur. Since the hottest rated alternators are P-type, you can full field it by disconnecting the field terminal to the regulator. Then, connect the alternator field wire to battery voltage. After that, expect to get a spark or two. As the alternator starts charging, you should hear the engine load down. To avoid great damage to your alternator, maintenance tips are important.

 

Some alternator maintenance tips are essential for longer lasting alternator. But before that, you should first know some symptoms of malfunctioning voltage regulator. Symptoms may include discharged battery, short battery life, poor accessory and lighting operations, frequent bulb replacement, lower than normal dashboard voltmeter readings, illuminated charging system warning light, frequent battery’s electrolyte topping off, and diagnostic trouble codes stores in the vehicle’s PCM. If you don’t want to experience those problems, then prevention is really better than cure. It is still wise to have your vehicle’s charging system be tested regularly as part of complete starting, charging, and battery test. Also, keep in mind that bad alternator may cause repeat failures of voltage regulator. Therefore, keeping alternator in good shape and good working condition may lead to good voltage regulator functions.

 

As a whole, knowing the auto part/component, knowing how it works, and knowing how to maintain it are essential things an owner must be aware of. With these, it is easy to have good vehicle that performs at its best.