Automotive Backpack

Contains about automotive information

Many Problems Are Faced By The Auto Industry Due To Online Counterfeiting And The Gray Market.

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Counterfeiting is such a menace that even the Federal Bureau of Investigation has termed it the crime of the 21st century. If you dont believe this, perhaps some number crunching can shed some light on the kind of hazards that this activity creates for automotive businesses worldwide. For example, the global automotive parts industry suffers losses pegged as high as $12 billion a year, $3 billion of which is in the U.S. The total global counterfeit market is pegged at a whopping $350 billion. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), realizing the grave situation of counterfeits affecting its businesses, formed the Brand Protection council to take matters of fake counterfeit products in the automobile sector seriously.

What are fake automotive parts? How does one distinguish them from the originals?

Some counterfeits are simply imitations of real automotive parts and look exactly like the original so as to fool the buyer into believing that they are buying the original. Other times, fake or counterfeit automotive parts are simply packaged to look like the original. Counterfeiters often utilize the same brand image, colors and font sizes to ensure that the packaging looks similar to that of the real product. Some of the most common counterfeit automotive parts are things like fan belts, spark plugs, engine mountings, wheel covers, alloy wheels, air filters, fuel filters and oil filters. Sometimes the products carry the logo of the original. Other times counterfeiters simply use outdated parts that have been thrown out by the original company or dealer, renew them with some work and sell them again in the grey market.

There are many problems associated with fake automotive parts.

Such grey market products affect the brand and the reputation of the original manufacturer. Despite being made to look like the original, these products are not the original product. Even though they may be sold at perhaps 1/4th of the original price, the worth is much less than the real product. The safety of your vehicle could be compromised, and it could have many different kinds of problems, from part failure to higher fuel consumption to higher levels of pollution. The most pressing problem with using fakes is that, while you might feel you have gotten a great deal in terms of price, you will never get the intended effect that the original product can offer. In terms of quality and durability, you will always be at a loss if you opt for counterfeit products.

Sheet Metal Stamping In The Automotive Industry

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Historically, sheet metal stamping has been used extensively to produce automotive body panels. Although sheet metal stamping use has decreased with the advent of fiberglass body panels, sheet metal stamping is still the most popular material for manufacturing automobiles today. The addition of lasers and robotics to the automobile manufacturing process has further expanded the way that sheet metal stamping is processed.

Lasers

Lasers have been used in production facilities since the 1960’s. Today, they are used to cut, form holes, engrave, weld or heat treat sheet metal stamping for use in automotive production.

Lasers are used in applications that rely on precise measurements and exact alignments.

The adjustment of lasers is measured in micrometers, or millionths of a meter.

There are many different types of lasers used to alter sheet metal stamping and plastics in the automotive industry.

Carbon dioxide laser- uses a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium to produce a continuous laser output

Continuous-wave laser- this type of laser produces light beams continuously rather than in controlled pulses

Excimer laser-emits light in a UV spectrum that is used for producing high quality edges on parts that are prone to cracking or thermal damage; it falls into the category of pulsed-gas lasers

Gas laser-any laser that uses a gas mixture as the lasing medium; common gases are argon and carbon dioxide

Pulsed laser-emits light in controlled pulses and is preferred for thin materials ; it can be used to create intricate details and work in tight corners without burning

Ruby laser-a solid state laser that uses a synthetic ruby crystal with a chromium impurity as the lasing medium

Solid-state laser-a type of laser that uses a crystal or glass as the host for an impurity to produce the lasing action; especially useful for precise measuring and spot welding

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser-ranges in power from a few milliwatts to more than 400 watts; used for cutting, drilling, heat treating and welding operations

Robotics

Robotics are often used for repetitive tasks, monotonous jobs or those parts of the manufacturing process that are physically difficult or take place in environmentally unpleasant conditions. They are directed by computer programs and perform precise operations without human intervention.

Lasers and robotics have significantly increased the speed at which sheet metal stamping can be processed in the automotive manufacturing process. Continued technological advancements in these two areas will further increase the cost effectiveness and productivity of automotive manufacturing facilities.

What Is The Purpose Of Antifreeze

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Most people assume they know what antifreeze does in a car’s engine. After all, it is pretty obvious if you just look at the name. It is a chemical agent that keeps the parts of the car engine from freezing. Antifreeze does more than just that for your engine. How does it do everything all at the same time? The answer is in its make-up.

The Chemical Make-up

Antifreeze does keep an engine from locking up because of its chemical make-up. The ingredients in antifreeze combine to make a reaction where the fluids in a car cannot freeze. The reaction of the chemicals will always stay warm enough for all of the parts to keep functioning, no matter how cold it gets. The exception to this rule is oil. An oil pan might need a heat engine block installed if you live in areas that are consistently below zero for extended periods. Antifreeze does not mix with the oil to keep it warm while the car sits out in the garage at night.

Just as the antifreeze keeps the engine from freezing, it also works in reverse. The chemical reaction with the fluids also keeps the engine cool during the summer months so that it does not overheat. How is this possible? Well, it’s possible because of the science behind the ingredients used to make up antifreeze. The properties in the antifreeze also work to cool the engine so the parts do not get too hot and they can still run together without friction causing too much heat.

An engine needs to be kept at a certain temperature to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Keeping the antifreeze levels up all year will allow the engine to run at temperatures where it can do just that. Antifreeze levels can be checked at a service center when the oil is changed. The antifreeze can also be inspected during a maintenance check to see if it is the correct color or if it needs flushing. Sometimes, dirt can get in the fluids and they need to be changed, especially after there are several thousands of miles put on an engine, and if your car travels over roads with dirt.

Antifreeze Can Be Dangerous

Even though the compound is called antifreeze, it anti-boils, too. Since the compound is chemical in nature, it is dangerous to the touch. Keep antifreeze away from children and pets. There is an ingredient in antifreeze that is sweet and will attract pets. However, this ingredient is fatal and could kill a cat or a dog who was caught licking it off the garage floor or from the container in the garage.

If there is antifreeze in containers in your garage, then keep them on a shelf where they cannot be easily reached. If there is a puddle on the floor in the garage, clean it up, and then head to the repair shop to see where the problem is in your engine. Going without antifreeze is hazardous to your car, even in the summer. The name might be deceiving, since the car engine needs antifreeze during both hot and cold days in order to run properly.

How to install throw over saddlebags on your motorcycle

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This article specifically for Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles it also applies other motorcycles

We sell a great line of quality bargain priced motorcycle saddlebags in various styles that fit a huge number bikes. About once a day I get an email asking about fitting the bags on a specific bike.

Before we start let’s make sure they will fit:

Let’s assume you are interested in some of my great leather throw-overs that measure: 14″ WIDE X 7″ THICK X 11″ TALL

This means that each bag is 14 inches long (measured horizontally), seven inches thick and 11 inches tall (measured vertically)

First Measure from the top of your pipes or chain (if the chain is unguarded), whichever is higher, to the bottom of your seat. You need 12 inches, if the dimension is any less don’t buy the bags they are too tall. Don’t worry about the shocks. Throw overs go over the shocks.

INSTALLING YOUR SADDLEBAGS

1. Remove your seat. Most Sportster motorcycle seats are removed by unscrewing the Philips head screw located at the rear of the seat. Slide the seat forward while lifting up slightly to detach the keyhole bracket from the seat post. Then slide the seat to the rear to detach the seat tongue from the rear tank bracket. The process is the same for solo and two-up seats.

2. The yoke is the part of the bags that fits under the seat. Unlace the yoke, position both bags in the location you want them to stay. Overlap one side of the yoke over the other. Using a marker, mark where the yoke lays over any obstructing hardware and the outline of outer edge of the upper yoke where it overlaps the lower wing of the yoke. Note: The saddlebags typically lay over the shocks. Some saddlebags are supplied with an additional yoke extender to be used with extra -wide bikes. This is typically not needed.

3. Lay the bags out flat, place the yoke over a piece of wood, telephone book or something similar. Line the marks up that you made in step 2. The existing holes work for the vast majority of motorcycles.

If the holes don’t line up, use an awl, ice pick or drill and make about six holes through both pieces of the yoke. Use the piece of leather strip to lace them together.

NOTE: On most motorcycles it is not necessary to make new holes. Some combination of the existing holes should fit.

4. Place the saddlebags on your bike. Reinstall the seat. Use the lower tie downs to secure the bottom of the bags.

5. Give your bike a final safety check. Make sure the seat and saddlebags are secure and the bags cannot come in contact with your wheel, spokes, belt or chain.

As always don’t stab, slice, fold, spindle or mutilate yourself while using sharp instruments!

Market Your Business With Automotive Promotional Items

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Promotional automotive products include much more than key chains and bumper stickers. You can put your message or logo on everything from roadside toolkits to hitch covers. While smaller items make excellent giveaways, use larger products as customer appreciation gifts and raffle items.

Many vendors give out logo key chains at trade shows, job fairs, and in goody bags at other community events. Why not do something a little different and hand out a mini license plate, ice scraper or tire gauge? A tire gauge is a useful promotional item that will remind the recipient of your company every time it’s used. In addition, tire gauges often come attached to a key ring, combined with a pen light or a tread gauge, and as a digital gauge.

Other eye-catching giveaway items include car flags, bumper stickers, static clings and reflective decals. These types of screen imprinted items are especially useful when your company sponsors an event or a sports team. Customers are more inclined to use and display the item when the message supports the event or team. Your logo and contact information are then visible to everyone who sees the vehicle displaying the item. When choosing screen imprinted automotive promotional products, look for vendors who offer 4-color process. You want to make your item stand out with bright colors. These products can also be used as advertising on company vehicles.

The car ribbon magnet supporting various causes continues to be popular with motorists. Use these to show your support and your recipient’s support for everything from breast cancer research to a particular branch of the military. The best ribbons include a heart shape in the loop of the ribbon that provides an additional punch-out magnet to display information.

The ultimate in promotional automotive products is the roadside emergency tool kit. These make great customer appreciation gifts or raffle items. Basic kits include screw drivers, a tire gauge and jumper cables. More expensive kits can also include a flash light, a universal car starter, wrenches, electrical tape and even a first aid kit. Surprisingly, vehicle tool kits are reasonable priced from $20 to $50.

Finally, consider imprinting car organizers with your logo and message. You can put your information on CD organizers, catch-alls, glove box wallets, and mobile office and entertainment centers. Car organizers make nice gifts for both customer and employee appreciation days. Normally, imprinting is priced as one color in one location on the item.

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