Putrajaya Autoshow

Source by:
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1020133&id=1409921192&fbid=1365556184847#!/album.php?aid=53145&id=1409921192&page=2

These are some pictures I randomly choose to publish as the rest will be below as what my slide show player will show yeah. Have a check ya. Happy Viewing







Below are the slide shows of all the cars that participate in the Autoshow @ Putrajaya.

How a Timing Belt Works

Introduction:

Timing belt
Is used to drive the engine's camshaft. The engine crankshaft utilizes a drive sprocket to connect with a larger camshaft sprocket via a timing belt. A typical timing belt is constructed of a fiber enforced rubber belt with horizontal ribs molded to the inside of the belt. Tension is held on the belt by a belt tensioner which is spring loaded, oil pressure activated or set manually. Timing belts can be used to drive accessories such as a water pump or power steering pump. Some engines utilize a timing belt to drive balance shafts inside the engine that help neutralize engine vibration. When a timing belt fails it will allow the horizontal ribs to shred allowing the driven shaft to stop or become misaligned resulting in engine operation failure. Each engine has a unique set of timing crankshaft, camshaft and accessory marks that can be located: timing belt marks or in a car repair manual.

Timing and Balance Shaft Belts with Tensioners

To check the condition of the timing belt (engine off) remove the top dust/safety cover from the upper section of the engine front by removing a few bolts you can access the timing belt. Next, using a flash light inspect the condition of the belt, check for cracks, especially at the base of drive teeth. If the timing belt shows signs of wear or if you are replacing it for maintenance purposes complete exposure of the belt and related components are necessary. For step by step instructions for your particular car engine you must consult a car repair manual.

Basic Replacement Procedure:

* Remove all obstructions from engine front, if an engine mount is in the way, support the engine from the top or bottom whichever is more convenient
* Remove upper and lower timing belt covers to gain access
* Remove or loosen timing belt tensioner to release the timing belt
* Remove timing belt and clean all debris from area
* Use a timing belt diagram to time the crankshaft to the camshaft - Timing belt diagrams
* Replace timing belt with tensioner (if needed)
* Re-install timing belt and reassemble as needed

Note: If the timing belt drives the water pump it is a good idea to replace it at this time to avoid failure. Occasionally when bearing tension is released and then reloaded it can have an adverse effect on internal bearings.

For manufacturer procedures on how to replace a timing belt on you particular car please consult a car repair manual.

Basic Maintenance
A camshaft is driven by the crankshaft of the engine by a timing chain or timing belt. The timing belt or chain needs to be replaced per manufacturer's specification they can wear out and fail without warning and stall the engine. Because a timing chain configuration is more durable when compared to the timing belt style a timing belt will need to be replaced more often, comparatively. Timing belts are more common in overhead cam engines and are more easily serviced.

How a Gasoline Engine Works

A gasoline engine operates on the principle of combustion. A fuel/air mixture is pulled into a cylinder, the cylinder is then closed off and the piston is thrust upward to create compression. A spark is introduced to ignite the mixture to create combustion to thrust the piston downward in the engine block.

There are a number of pistons inside an engine depending on the design, 4 to12 cylinders usually. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft through a connecting rod. Pistons fire consecutively to rotate the crankshaft inside the engine block. The oil pump pushes oil through the oil filter and then supplies oil to vital engine parts including the crank and camshaft, cylinder walls and piston rings, valve train, cam lifters and the timing gears or chain. Motor oil is used to lubricate and cool internal engine parts. Oil is pumped up through the engine, then returns to the bottom of the engine and is gathered in the oil pan.

Over Head Camshaft Engine

The cylinder head is connected to the top of the engine block and allows air/fuel mixture and exhaust into and out of the cylinder block. The cylinder head has the duty of holding the air/fuel mixture charge inside the cylinder as it combusts, forcing the piston downward. The cylinder head is connected to the engine block using head bolts, using a head gasket to seal both parts.

Over Head Cam Cylinder Head

A camshaft is used to open and close intake and exhaust ports by using valve train components. These components will vary depending on the design of the engine. There are primarily two styles of valve systems: over head cam which consists of a camshaft and lifter, and the in block system which consists of a camshaft, lifter, push rod, rocker arm. Both styles utilize a valve spring to hold the valve closed.

Camshaft In Block System

There are four main sections to the internal combustion engine.
1. Engine Block: (short block) note: a long block includes cylinder heads.
a. main engine block
b. crankshaft
c. pistons
d. piston rings
e. connecting rod pin
f. connecting rod
g. camshaft (in over head valve engines)
h. lifters (in over head valve engines)
i. oil pump
j. oil pump drive
k. oil pump pick up
l. gaskets and seals
m. freeze plugs
n. oil pan
o. assorted bolts

2. Cylinder heads
a. main head cylinder body
b. intake and exhaust valves
c. valve keepers
d. valve spring
e. valve spring retainer
f. valve stem seal

3. Air/fuel intake system
a. intake manifold
b. fuel injector
c. fuel injection system
d. air filter

4. Exhaust system
a. exhaust manifold
b. catalytic converter
c. muffler

Proper maintenance is crucial to optimum performance for every internal combustion engine. Follow your manufacturer recommended service schedules protect yourself by servicing your car regularly.

Source by:
- http://www.2carpros.com/how_does_it_work/gasoline_engines.htm

How a Neutral Safety Switch Works

An important car electrical component is the neutral safety switch. This switch disables the starter operation when the vehicles transmission is not in neutral or park. If the engine was allowed to start in gear the car would immediately begin to move once the engine started. Neutral safety switches are equipped on automatic transmission vehicles only. On most vehicles the reverse light function is integrated into the neutral safety switch. The location of the switch can vary; designs can include a transmission selector shaft or steering column mounting location. A neutral safety switch carries starter solenoid voltage when the ignition key is turned to the start position. This switch works the same way a normal switch would work except the neutral safety switch is controlled when the vehicle gear selector is moved throughout its range from park to 1st or low gear. When a neutral safety switch fails the starter or reverse lights will not operate.

Testing Neutral Safety Switch
Required Tools:
* Test Light/Voltage-meter
* Wiring schematic
* Neutral safety switch location (component location)

Test Procedure
* Locate the neutral safety switch
* Disconnect the wiring connector at the switch
* Using a test light or volt-meter test for power at the wiring harness with the key in the "engine crank" or the gear shifter in the "reverse" position. (do not start the engine)
* If power exists reconnect the neutral safety switch and probe outgoing wires at the connector.
* If no outgoing power is present the switch has failed and needs to be replaced.

Tip : If the engine will not crank over with the car in "park" push down the brake pedal and try cranking the engine over with the car in "neutral". What you are doing is bypassing the "park" position in the switch and now are using the little used neutral circuit. If in neutral the engine starts the switch is probably bad.

Tip: Sometimes a neutral safety switch can become misadjusted. This switch adjustment can change due to normal wear of mechanism that controls switch slider.

Other complications can occur if there is a loose connection somewhere in the system. While this condition is not a shorted circuit problem, it is a condition that simply breaks the flow of electricity intermittently. To troubleshoot this problem consult a car repair manual to locate the wiring schematic for your car. Repair the broken or shorted connection as needed and recheck system. Electrical problems are less complicated when the proper information is available. If technical assistance is needed, ask our team of certified technicians.

Details on may 1st new fuel subsidy system to be revealed in march 2010

This is the silver lining in a dark cloud. According to Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, we will know the details of the new fuel subsidy mechanism in March 2010, ahead of the system’s expected implementation date in May 2010.Although most of us dread the thought of having to pay more for fuel soon (and with more hassle as well), at least now we will have a one to two month head start to planning our finances instead of only knowing at the very last minute.

Datuk Seri Ismail declined to provide any details (in an interview with NST), but he did say that it would make people happy. I am hoping that this could indicate a fair system that would not trouble the low to middle class income earners. Let’s hope the government has not been out of touch with the reality of things on the streets in formulating this new subsidy system, otherwise it will indeed be a bitter year of the tiger for us.

What we know so far is that foreigners (even those who consider Malaysia their home and work here with local and not typical expat level of salary) would definitely not get any subsidies because they will not hold the MyKad, which is said to be a key element in how the system works. Your MyKad will identify you (a newspaper report has even cited you need a thumbprint scan like at the airport with your passport or with your MyKad at the bank) and how much of subsidies you are eligible to get.

The system is said to be managed by MAYBANK, the first time this has been revealed in the newspapers, though I’ve heard rumors of this for months. A pilot project to test out the system will go live sometime in end March or perhaps April – a rather short test time for a large scale nationwide roll-out of a new system!

You could get between 200 to 300 liters of subsidies per month depending on various factors such as socio-economic and the dreaded engine capacity factor. The threshold is said to be 2,000cc and the Company cars are said to be not eligible for the subsidy. Once you run out of subsidised liters per month, you will have to pay full price, which is expected to be RM2.10 per liter for RON95.

Even for those who qualify for the liter amount of subsidies that they need every month, they will not likely to continue paying the RM1.80 per liter for RON95 and RM2.05 per liter for RON97 we are paying right now. Sin Chew Daily reports that the government is expected to announce a new subsidized price of RM1.90 per liter for RON95 and RM1.80 per liter for Euro 2M diesel. Nothing was said about RON97, so that can either be a very good thing or a very bad thing! But I have a feeling there will not be any ’subsidised’ option for RON97. If unsubsidised RON95 is RM2.10 per liter, unsubsidised RON97 might touch RM2.50 per liter!

Whatever it is, we’ll know the full details next month, if the minister keeps true to his word, and hopefully we’ll be ‘happy’. The March announcement date may coincide with a ‘registration exercise’ as mentioned in newspaper reports previously.

Source by:

- http://paultan.org/2010/02/22/details-on-may-1st-new-fuel-subsidy-system-to-be-revealed-in-march-2010/

Proton Hybrid Concept car to revealed at Geneva on March 2010

PROTON HYBRID CONCEPT 

PROJECTOR HEADLAMP

Italdesign will put up one different photo of the new Proton Hybrid Concept that they will be jointly exhibiting at the Geneva Motorshow from the 2nd to 14th of March 2010. Today’s teaser image is quite obviously the projector headlamps for the car. What I really want to see is how the back of the concept car looks like – so far none of the teasers or even the initial full image have revealed this. We might just have to wait until the march @ Geneva to find out more about this concept car by Proton designed by Italdesign.

STYLISH FRONT GRILL

CUSTOM DESIGN SPORT RIM

SIDE TRIM

 CUSTOM DESIGNED FOG LAMP

Source by:
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/20/italdesign-teases-the-proton-hybrid-concept-day-2

Related Post on the Proton Hybrid Concept Car:
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/12/photo-of-new-proton-concept-appears-online/
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/12/more-details-on-protons-geneva-2010-concept-car/

How an EGR Valve Works

Introduction
An EGR (exhaust gas re-circulation) valve is designed to lower NOX (NO2) gases that occur in the combustion chamber when temperatures reach over 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. NOX gases have been proven to cause brain damage in humans, therefore EGR valves have been mandatory on most vehicles since 1976. An EGR valve controls exhaust gases and allows them to enter the intake manifold and flow into the combustion chamber at certain times in the operation of the vehicle to reduce combustion chamber temperatures.

Electrically Operated EGR Valve (Linear)

 

Vacuum Operated EGR Valve

To test your vacuum operated EGR valve remove the vacuum line that is connected to the valve, apply vacuum using a vacuum pump to the valve while the engine is running. If the engine stalls the EGR system is working, if not, the EGR valve may have failed or the passages may be plugged with carbon deposits. Testing of a Linear (electric) EGR valve requires a scan tool capable of applying the valve on command.

Source by:
http://www.2carpros.com/how_does_it_work/how_an_egr_valve_works.htm

Audi R8

I really like the preview of it and check out the video below.
Audi R8 LMS

After having a look at the review by Top Gear, it really gain my knowledge about the magnificent Audi R8. This car is build with a combination of carbon fibre, magnesium, and aluminium and has the engine in the middle. Although the car do look small but it is as spacious as you wish for and you would not manage to hear the noisy sound even though you're running on 100mph and it's a V8 engine which eveyone would thought of hearing some screaming sound out of it like what ferrari does.

This car impressed me when it runs a 0-60mph @ a 4.6 seconds.
Audi R8 Review By TopGear

Air Runner Lexus LS

This is what I called Vip style. This video is specially dedicated to all the Lexus lovers where they can do this to their ride by adding air runner kit to adjust the height whenever you want and check out how low can it gets.

Toyota Passo VIP Style

Check out this Toyota Passo VIP Styled.
 
This car look absolutely Stylish with the metalic white paint on it and a Chrome rim fitted to it. One word, sweet.

How Does a Clutch Work?

Introduction

When your car is stopped or coming to a stop the engine needs to be disconnected from the transmission or the engine will stall. With automatic transmission vehicles a torque converter is used to separate the two units, but with manual transmission vehicles a clutch assembly is used to do the job. This clutch kit or unit is composed of a clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out and pilot bearings. (Some front wheel drive vehicles do not use a pilot bearing). Both types of vehicles use a flywheel but are designed a little differently. An automatic transmission has a lighter weight unit that the torque converter bolts directly to and is sometimes referred to as a flex plate. A manual transmission flywheel assembly is made heavier to help engine inertia and to make shifting smoother. The clutch pressure place bolts to the flywheel trapping the clutch disc in-between. The throw out bearing presses against the pressure plate to engage and release the disc. The pilot bearing is mounted in the flywheel and holds the input shaft for the transmission steady.

Clutch and Flywheel Assembly (Cut Away)

Most clutch assemblies operate on the same principle; hold a clutch disc against a flywheel under pressure with the ability to release the pressure to allow the clutch disc to freewheel. The clutch disc is connected to the transmission using an input shaft to the transmission gears and then through to the drive shaft or axles.

Typical Fly Wheel Configuration

When replacing the clutch assembly always resurface the flywheel clutch disc surface. As the clutch wears it can cause the flywheel surface to become un-even, much like a worn brake rotor. If a new clutch disc is installed on and old flywheel it can cause the clutch to not operate properly. If the flywheel is dual stepped (example shown) it must be machined the same way or the clutch clamping pressure will be incorrect causing the clutch to slip or not disengaged.

Typical Clutch Pressure Plate, Disc and Throw-out Bearing

There are two different types of clutch activation methods. Some manufactures use a cable that is fastened to the clutch pedal and then to the clutch fork. While other manufacturers use a hydraulic clutch master cylinder that is connected to a slave cylinder which is positioned at the bell housing, also connecting to the clutch fork. When the clutch pedal is depressed it will force the clutch fork onto the pressure plate causing the pressure plate fingers to release the clutch disc.

Typical Clutch Fork

When installing a new clutch assembly always clean and lube all pivot points including the input shaft splines and throw out slide surface. Do not use grease in excess because it can contaminate the clutch disc causing the clutch to grab and not operate smoothly. Always tighten the clutch pressure plate evenly; never tighten one bolt at a time because it can cause the pressure plate to warp inhibiting clutch disengagement. Use a clutch disc alignment tool to center the clutch disc while the clutch assembly is hand tight. The transmission input shaft will not allow the transmission to be installed completely if the clutch disc is not aligned properly.

Typical Clutch Fork, Throw-out Bearing Installation

To replace a clutch disc the transmission must be removed. To perform this operation a car repair manual is needed because every manufacturer is different.

Basic Step by Step Removal Instruction:
Read Completely Before Beginning
• Raise and support car in a safe and secure manner
• Disconnect the battery (negative side)
• Drain the transmission of fluid
• Remove any obstructions such as exhaust and heat shielding
• Remove driveshaft assembly
• Remove starter assembly (if needed)
• Support the engine as you remove the transmission support member
• Allow the transmission and engine assembly to hang down about 2 to 5 inches. This position allows you to access the upper transmission bell housing bolts easier.
• Remove all but one bell housing bolts
• Support the transmission as you remove the last bolt
• Remove the transmission
• Remove the clutch pressure plate (note: the clutch disc will fall out when the pressure plate is removed)
• Remove flywheel to be re-surfaced
• Clean and lube all pivot points including the input shaft splines and throw out slide surface.
• Re-install flywheel
• Reinstall clutch using a clutch disc alignment tool to center the clutch disc while the clutch assembly is hand tight. (note: the clutch disc can only be installed one way, if the disc is in backwards it will cause the clutch not to disengage) Most clutch disc's have a sticker telling which side is the "flywheel side". If not, most common installation is the raise part of the disc is toward the transmission.
• Tighten the pressure plat evenly to avoid bending
• When re-installing the transmission never allow the transmission to hang without the mounting bolts. If the transmission is allowed to hang it can bend the clutch disc causing the clutch not to disengage.
• Finish reassembly and refill the transmission
• Adjust as needed (note: some cars have self adjusting clutched so readjustment is not required)
For manufacturer specific instructions please consult a car repair manual
Troubleshooting Noise and Problems - Clutch Problem Information
• If the vehicle is running and a whirring sound is heard and then it goes away when the clutch is depressed, the transmission input shaft bearing has failed.
• If the transmission is quiet in neutral but when you depress the clutch a squealing noise is observed, a clutch throw out bearing has failed
Tip 1: Never let little noises go unattended; a small noise can cause a large problem and transmission operation failure. Never overload a vehicle or tow beyond the capacity this can cause premature transmission failure.
Tip 2: Cars with automatic transmissions are equipped with a torque converter that when it fails will cause the engine to stall, but only when you put into forward or reverse gear.

** WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an accident. Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine is cranked over keep hands and clothing free from rotating components.

Toyota Alphard 2009 Sanuki Okazu Style

Check out this Toyota Alphard customized with Sanuki Okazu Style. Truly Japan luxurious ride.

Volkswagen R32 Review

Volkswagen Golf R32 Car Review by Rob Fraser


BMW 130i M pack vs Volkswagen Golf R32 (Top Gear)

Mercedes Brabus SL Turbo-Charged

It is amazing to see a Mercedez-benz being tuned by Brabus especially for this ride. It's a Mercedez-Benz SL equipped with a V12 6.3L Turbocharged engine by Brabus and the original of it would be a 5.5L engine, such a drastic modification though. It can makes your adrenalin goes up huh. It produces a 730bhp and a torque of a 1000. Sounds scary huh but that's the fact of it. Do check out the video by Top Gear from BBC for more info yeah.

VIP Style Cars

Low Riders
This is what I called VIP. It's really nice but I don't think this can be done in Malaysia due to the pot-holes, Bumps, and many other reasons.


VIP Style cars by Junction Produce


VIP STYLE Mercedes Benz W140,and W126 models by ARES-Junction Produce

Models of Phat & Furious 2010

Check out the models of Phat & Furious that poses with the rides. =)

Top 20 Finalist for Phat & Furious 2010

Below are a few of the finalist for the Phat & Furious 2010 happening @ Mist Club, Bangsar. Have fun viewing yeah..





The following are the slideshow of the remaining cars for the Top 20 Finalist for Phat & Furious 2010 happens at Mist Club, bangsar. Have a view and check out the rides.

Phat & Furious FINALE @ Mist Club On 5th January 2010

Spend my night at mist club taking couples of shoots and enjoying the atmosphere there. It was crowded with many automotive enthusiast and also car clubs representative around there. That night which is the finale and the chosen cars will promote and show offs their ride to let the judges to judge on it. Check out the pictures and slideshow below ya. Stay tuned for more Automotive fantasies.







Slideshow

Engine Harmonic Balancer

Source: http://www.2carpros.com/how_does_it_work/harmonic_balancer.htm

A harmonic balancer is connected to the front of the engine crankshaft and is designed to help reduce vibration. The harmonic balancer is comprised of two separate pieces, the first is the mass which connects to the crankshaft and the second is the energy dissipating element. These elements are separated by a rubber insulator. The mass is designed to absorb vibration created from the crankshaft while in operation.

Harmonic Balancer

Failed Harmonic Balancer

Almost all vehicles are equipped with a harmonic balancer. Due to the stress and strain that is placed upon the harmonic balancer the unit can sometimes crack or separate. If upon inspection the harmonic balancer shows signs of weakness such as cracks, missing pieces or misplaced insulator you will need to replace the balancer. To replace the harmonic balancer a special tool is required. A balancer that is damaged can cause excessive strain on the engine

crankshaft. In extreme cases it can require the crankshaft to be replaced as well as the harmonic balancer. If the harmonic balancer is exposed to oil it can cause the balancer to fail. Check for oil leaks to prevent failure of the harmonic balancer. Proper engine performance

can keep the harmonic balancer operational. The balancer can be overworked by a poorly running engine.

How a Convertible Top Works

A convertible car is a type of automobile which has a retracting or folding, soft or collapsible top. If the top is made out of steel, it is called as a retractable hardtop and not a convertible. A convertible top is made from a flexible material, such as vinyl or canvas, and is made to fit over an articulated folding frame which is made out of steel, aluminum or rigid plastic. The folding design of the frame is elaborate and can vary. An electrical retraction mechanism can be designed to fold and unfold the frame which is also known as a power top. Before a manual top can be lowered it must be un-fastened from the windshield frame before it is retracted. A Convertible car in Europe is known as "cabriolet" and a retractable hardtop
is known as a "coupe convertible" or "coupe cabriolet"

Convertibles are desired by many because of the look and the adventurous feeling it gives the passengers. Presidents and celebrities are featured riding in a convertible for the added exposure and easy access. Advertisements have always taken advantage of this instant factor of admiration and the association with the element of romance.

Convertible Top

Initially when convertible cars began to be manufactured they were made with two doors. Only a few cars had the option of four doors. The production of convertibles boomed in the 1950s to 1970s. Owning a car was more of a luxury at that time and was only used for special occasions. Tops have been made more durable and the plastic rear window has been replaced by heated glass which improved clarity. Structurally the vehicle top is the most important part of the car. The frame or chassis of a convertible car is built more rigid to keep the vehicle from flexing in normal usage. Convertibles cars weight more than fixed roof cars due to the added steel. The automatic convertible top system involves motors
, switches and sensors. The latching and unlatching is performed automatically.

Common Problems
Possibilities of failures and issues with convertible tops are vast. It is good practice to watch the top while in operation. Any kind of irregular motion or snagging is an indication of a malfunction and should be repaired.

Basic Maintenance
It is recommended that the convertible be hand washed. Special vinyl cleaner is available for cleaning vinyl tops. Warm water with mild soap should be safe for washing. If your water is hard, a water softener should be added to avoid spotting. Wax should never be applied on a convertible top. Soft tops should be protected using scotch guard and can be softened using a liquid fabric softener. The top should be cleaned in its entirety; spot cleaning can leave spots or rings. If the windows are made out of plastic, they should be cleaned on a regular basis with water and mild soap. Do not use an abrasive cleaner or cloth; they can scratch the plastic surface. Cleaning in a circular motion should be avoided and a side to side or top to bottom motion should be adopted. Never retract the top when wet without raising it at a later time to avoid mold. Mold can discolor the top and lead to replacement. The top should always be free of objects; even a small item such as a beach towel can damage the top.

How E85 Ethanol Flex Fuel Works

Designed as an alcohol fuel mixture this form of fuel is different from most others. E85 contains a much higher percentage of denatured fuel ethanol, hydrocarbon, and even regular gasoline. As the name implies the solution contains as much as 85% of the fuel ethanol. One major drawback to E85 is the engine
must be modified in order to actually handle running this fuel, as the popularity increases for E85 so do the number of gas stations offering the mixture.

E85 Fuel Distilling Process

Recent statistics have estimated that in the United States alone there are approximately 800 gas stations that are selling the E85 ethanol to the public. However, other countries in North America such as Canada are lacking in the expanded usage with only one Canadian station selling the fuel to the public. Other countries such as Sweden and various other European countries have already widely embraced the usage. Engines are designed to handle any form of fuel ranging from standard gasoline to 85% ethanol. In order to handle the conversion there are several adjustments that must be made including changes to the fuel lines, the fuel pump and the rest of the fuel system.
Common Problems and Solutions
The biggest problem and concern that E85 ethanol creates is the fact that in a world where gas mileage is very important it generates approximately 25% fewer miles per gallon than traditional fuel. While many vehicles are looking for ways to break 30 MPG effectively and even as much as 60 MPG when using hybrid vehicles this can seem like a huge step backwards.
However, while E85 ethanol fuel provides fewer miles per gallon it is cheaper per gallon by approximately 10% around the world. As research continues, it is estimated that the new fuel mixture will lower the price per gallon to make it much more competitive with standard gasoline's. However, at this point because of the dramatic loss in mileage combined with only a small reduction in price it is more expensive to use E85 ethanol on a per mile basis.
Maintenance
Overall, E85 ethanol has no special considerations necessary for extra maintenance. As you would need to change a fuel filter on a standard gasoline vehicle it is still required on a flex fuel vehicle. Never allow a mechanic shop that is inexperienced in E85 ethanol systems to do the service on your vehicle. There are significant differences in the E85 fuel system from a conventional fuel system that could cause potential problems. Keeping your E85 ethanol flex fuel vehicle running in top condition is as important as a conventional fuel vehicle.
Service Description for E85
How Does it Work / Ethanol e85
Check Manufacturer Specific Ethanol e85 Questions and Answers
Related Subjects

• How to Replace Fuel Filter
• Check Engine Light
• Diesel Fuel Questions
• Exhaust Questions
• Fuel Filter Questions
• Gas Questions
• Gas Additives
• Fuel Tank Question
• Checking Gauge Question
• Rough Idle Question
• Engine Pings Question
• Lack of Power Question
• Fuel Pump Question
• Low RPM Question
• Engine Stalls Question
• Car Won't Start Question
• Engine Surges Question

How an Odometer Works

The odometer is a device that informs the user on the miles traveled by a particular vehicle. An odometer is designed in two types, mechanical and electronic. The readout of the mechanical odometer uses 6 rolling disks with numbers 1 through 9. Electronic odometers give you a digital readout of the mileage. Digital odometers are usually part of a larger digital display panel in newer vehicles, odometer displays are usually under the speedometer. 

 
The odometer has been around since around 27 BC. It was first description was by Vitruvius, a Roman writer and architect. His odometer was a chariot wheel four feet in diameter turning 400 times for one Roman mile. There was a 400 tooth cogwheel that turned one complete revolution per mile. This cogwheel engaged another wheel that dropped pebbles one by one into a box. The distance traveled would be measure by counting the pebbles at the end of the trip. Odometers have been used by the ancient Chinese, by the mile markers of Alexander the Great and even Benjamin Franklin. Modern inventors like William Clayton who has created odometers that where separate gears that controlled each digit that we know today.
When purchasing a car the odometer informs you on the wear and tear the car has been through. The main problem with mechanical odometers is that the dials can become worn and the gears can strip. Since the odometer is an internal item there is no preventive maintenance needed. The odometer is equipped with a trip meter call a trip odometer that allows the user to check the mileage of any particular distance separate from the main odometer. The trip odometer can be reset by the user.

Odometer Fraud
One of the most common automotive scams involves the odometer. By rolling back the mileage a buyer can be tricked into thinking there are fewer miles on the vehicle than actually are. Here are some tips to let you know when you are dealing with a car that might have the odometer rolled back:

Look for fingerprints on the inside of the plastic cover over the gauges

Make sure the numbers on the odometer are lined up straight

When you test drive the vehicle, see if the odometer sticks

Check the maintenance record of the vehicle

Look for service stickers that may show actual mileage. These are on the inside of the door or under the hood.

Check the car's title to see if there are any corrections on the mileage.

Ask the repair facility for warranty records, this can be checked from their computer system.

Check the date to see when the title was issued. If the title date is recent then the new title might have been created to hide a mileage change.

Look for wear on any place in the car that someone would have contact with. The steering wheel or arm rests are good examples of this. Does the wear match the odometer reading?

Consult an independent car information website like carfax.com

If you are still in question about any vehicle have it inspected by a local garage. A trained technician can give you an evaluation of the car. These tips and tricks will protect you from this type of fraud the next time you go to buy a vehicle.

Tokyo Auto Saloon 2010

This time Tokyo Auto Saloon arrived @ Makuhari Messe for their 
Pictures of the models of Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 ( TAS ) by SpeedHunters :
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2010/01/25/gallery-gt-gt-the-girls-of-tas2010.aspx

Besides that, Pictures from Dzeus VIP Style Forum:
http://www.dzeusvip.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6156.html