Category General

Interesting facts about cars / automobiles

Automobiles have been produced since 1760, when steam engine driven automobiles were first made. In 1807, a man called Francis de Rivaz designed the first automobile that had an internal combustion engine using fuel gas. The modern car has its roots in 1886 when Karl Benz, a German inventor, made an automobile which had wire wheels and a 4- stroke gasoline engine mounted on the rear wheels. The “Benz Patent Motorwagen”, was the first automobile that produced its own power. For this reason Karl Benz is called the father of modern automobiles and was given the automobile’s patent.

Interesting facts about cars and automobiles

The first road worthy automobiles had a control lever and not a steering wheel. The interesting fact is that the lever was designed and functioned like a joy stick.

In 1895, Frank Dureyea won the first automobile race to be held in the United States.

In his youth, Henry Ford was a watch repairer. He became a car maker and in 1916, 55% of all automobiles worldwide were Model T Ford, a record that still stands today.

Models from the Ford’s F- series have been topping the best seller list in Canada for the last 40 years. In 2013, over 122 000 of these units were sold across Canada.

Rolls Royce Ltd, an engine manufacturing company was founded in 1906, and in the same year produced the first Rolls Royce car, the Silver Ghost. The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost set a record in 1907 for covering 24 000 kilometers in reliability tests.

In 1930’s, German dictator Adolf Hitler ordered German engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, to produce a “volks wagen” which means “people’s car” in German, leading to the Volkswagen Beetle. An interesting fact is that the sketch of the car is thought to have been done by the dictator himself.

A car is made with about 30 000 parts, including the bolts, screws and washers.

An interesting facts about cars is that Vehicle windscreen wipers were invented by a woman.

In 2010, there were 1 billion cars in use in the world, 250 million of them in the United Stares of America. In 2012, about 165 000 automobiles were produced per day, this translates to more than 60 million automobiles per year.

An interesting fact is that the “new car smell “comes from several chemical compounds inside a vehicle and some emit volatile organic compounds (VOC). It is these VOC’s that produce that lovely scent and not the leather!

The most expensive automobile ever sold in a public auction is a 1954 Mercedes Benz Formula 1 race car. It was auctioned at Bonhams in 2013 for $30 000 000.

Paul Gavin invented the first car radio in 1929.

An interesting facts is that Car airbags kill one person for every 22 people they save.

The biggest speeding fine ever awarded is 1 million dollars in Switzerland to a driver who was doing 180mph.

The “Midnight Rider”, which is the heaviest limousine, weighs 50 560 lbs, houses 40 passengers, and has 3 lounges and a separate bar.

The German vehicle, the Auto Tram Grand, is worth over a million US dollars, measures 30.8 meters long and can carry 256 passengers.

These are just some of the interesting facts about automobiles. The world of the automobile is large and dynamic. New and interesting facts arise daily!

When Music Becomes Enjoyable

There is a stage in the life of every musician when playing an instrument or several instruments becomes really enjoyable. This stage usually happens after the time when you already have mastered an instrument and want to buy something such as Auralex to improve your overall experience that changes on a daily basis. It only becomes better with time, so it is a good idea to keep it in mind.

Attributes Of The Best Car Wax And Polish Products

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Washing and waxing a car can be a daunting task, but a rewarding one as well. However, it does not have to be as hard as some products tend to make it. If you own a classic or a luxury car, chances are you will want to bring out the best possible shine in the vehicle. This not only gives you a sense of pride in the car, but it ideally increases the car’s resale value over time. However, if you are going to make your vehicle look at its best, you can’t just use any wax or polish you come across. Some cheap products tend to leave messy streaks, and this only makes the car unsightly. To avoid such hurdles, it is best to settle for products that actually deliver their promises. That being said, what attributes should you look for in the best car wax?

Paint protection

The body paint of your car can be quite expensive and so before you dive into the first wax or polish product that you find, ensure that it has the ability to give out a nice coat without taking a toll on the vehicle’s natural paint job. Get something that can be evenly placed without hurting the paint job. Remember that fixes can be quite expensive and they are certainly not worth whatever you might be planning to save by skimping on the selection process.

Quick & Easy Application

Some car waxes need the addition of water for proper use. While there are pretty good products that require water addition prior. You might want to go for something that will make for easy and quick no water application while bringing out your vehicle’s natural appeal. So, go for products that are self-moisturizing which you can use right out of the bottle. Technology is not slowing down, and that means companies will look for ways to speed up the car waxing and polishing process without compromising the quality.

High Value When it comes to finding the best car wax, cheap is not the operative term. What you are looking for is value. While the price of the product is still a factor, I would not recommend basing your final decision based on cost alone. Instead, focus on what you get on the cash you are spending. If it does what it promises and it’s easy to apply, then it might well be worth the extra bucks.

Transport and Deploy Ladders with Ease

When you use ladders for your business, it’s important to have an easy and efficient way to carry them on your vehicle. A company like National Fleet Products offers an effective solution with quality van ladder racks designed to make it quick and easy to mount and deploy your ladders. Whether you are a roofing contractor, painter or a residential housing inspector, when you want an excellent way to carry and use ladders during the course of your work day, ladder racks offer an ideal solution.

What are ladder racks?
Ladder racks come in a variety of design styles and offer various features, depending on your needs. Operators can use a hydraulic system to deploy their ladders with ease. This system allows the operator to always remain safely on the ground and the ergonomic deployment ensures the safest maneuverability possible. Racks come with shock absorbers and a balance mechanism to always ensure smooth action. Additionally, just about any ladder can be used with a ladder rack, so you can take your ladders with you, no matter what kind you have.
Ladder racks offer a number of design features to ensure excellent performance. There are quality ladder retainers that are easily adjustable for any size ladder. These retainers ensure you never have to worry about sideways movement. You’ll also find ladder racks with heavy duty rubber that is designed to protect both the lift as well as your ladder.

How can Ladder Racks Help Improve Work Efficiency?
When you outfit your work vans with ladder racks, you’ll have an easy to use system that is safe and efficient. You’ll no longer have to waste time trying to wrestle ladders off the top of your van or tying them down after your work day is finished. You’ll also be able to make sure that your employees have a safe way to deploy and store the ladders they need, even if they are working on their own. With ladder assist racks, you never have to worry about wasting valuable time, especially when you have customers waiting.
Regardless of what type of business you own, when you need to carry ladders, a safe and efficient ladder rack offers a quality solution. You can minimize the danger of accidents while saving time in deploying and storing your ladders. Of course, a quality ladder rack also helps ensure your ladder is protected from possible damage.

Tips for Avoiding Accidents During Inclement Weather

The best tip for avoiding accidents during bad weather is not to drive in it – but if it were that easy, there wouldn’t be any weather-related vehicular accidents. You’ve got work and school to get to and other commitments. Perhaps you’re already out and you just want to get home. Whatever puts you behind the wheel during a bad rain or wind storm or ice and snow, be careful if you want to avoid accidents.

Pay Attention

It’s more important than ever that you’re not distracted when driving during bad weather. Find a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents and other legal auto issues for advice on how to avoid becoming another statistic. Turn your phone off – your calls can wait and you don’t even want a ring to distract you. Don’t multi-task. Ask passengers to be quiet. Focus on the road.

Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Condition

Get your car looked at on a regular basis, especially before winter if you live in an area where snow and ice are problems. The better shape your tires are in, the faster you’ll be able to break even when the roads are slippery. Keep your gas and oil levels high when the temperature drops to avoid anything freezing up. Make sure your windshield wipers work without leaving streaks that can impede your vision.

Drive Slow

Driver slower than the speed limit calls for when the weather is really bad, as high speed can make it more difficult for you to stop in time for something unexpected or even a traffic light or stop sign. (A light rain shouldn’t make much of a difference to your speed, unless the temperature is close to freezing and the roads might be icy or it’s foggy and your vision is impaired.) Even if someone gets on your tail and wants you to go faster, don’t feel pressured to increase your speed unless you think you’re in danger of being rear-ended. (Even if you do get rear-ended, though, that other driver will likely be found at fault given the weather conditions.) They’ll likely pass you at the first opportunity and you’ll be free to continue driving at your own pace.

Even if you’re as careful as possible, you still have to be cautious about other drivers on the road who may still be driving too fast for conditions or may be inattentive. Driving during bad weather should always be avoided if possible, but if not possible, do what you can to make it safely to your destination. If the worst occurs and an accident happens, make sure to call the right lawyer fast.

5 interesting facts about Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz needs no introduction as the name has become synonymous with stylish, luxury cars that demonstrate class and elegance like no other automobile brand has yet been able to achieve. It is an amazing display of style coupled with technological excellence that spells luxury at every step. The vehicles of this brand are famed for its reliability and supreme comfort that can have a mesmerising effect on its owners. The rich and the elite population of the world do not hesitate to swear by its name and ensure that Mercedes cars are the mainstay of their car fleet. Such is the brand loyalty that Mercedes enjoys.

It is therefore no surprise that the brand of car that first made its appearance in 1887at the Paris Motor Show has withstood the test of times and have positioned itself as one of the most trusted and lovable car brands for more than a century. During its long course of journey, the brand that has now become a part of history has been associated with several notable personalities and there are many interesting facts that add to its charisma.

Origin of the brand name

Way back in 1902 the Mercedes brand was registered by Daimler Motoren Gesselschaft in Germany.  There is a strange history about the name’s origin. An Austro-Hungarian ambassador invested in the company and wanted to incorporate his daughter’s name in the brand. But the name was so lengthy and complicated, Adriana Manuela Ramona Jellinek, that he simply put it as Mercedes. Later, the name was changed to Mercedes-Benz as a result of merger with Karl Benz, who was the founder father of Mercedes.

The relevance of the logo

The logo comprising of a three beam star has an interesting interpretation. At the beginning, Mercedes produced engines for ships and aviation engines before moving on to automobiles. The three prongs of the star commemorate the company’s success in air, water and land. After its enormous success in automobiles, many people interpret the prongs of the star to represent convenience for passengers, drivers and mechanics.

Taking care of your health

The seats of Mercedes cars are designed in consultation with orthopedic specialists so that comfort and health parameters are well addressed.  The seats are ergonomically designed to provide the right support to the knee-joints, back and kidney so that possibilities of being afflicted by back aches and other complications that arise during driving can be eliminated.

Steve Jobs’ exclusive choice

Do you know the name of the car that Steve Jobs used? It is only Mercedes-Benz SL-55 MG. And not stopping at it, he had the privilege of changing the car every six months that the dealership had agreed to provide him so that he could enjoy riding the car without license plate as desired by him. In California, you are allowed to drive a car without license plate for six months only.

The experience of using a Mercedes- Benz is simply one of its kinds that makes people put so much of trust and faith in the brand. This article was written by the leaders in auto warranty insurance – http://www.click4warranty.co.uk . If you need a quote on auto insurance for your brand new BMW you can visit the following link – http://www.click4warranty.co.uk/bmwextendedcarwarranty.aspx

Investing in Classic Cars: What You Need to Know

For many people, owning a vehicle is an absolute necessity, but newer cars are typically not the best investments. Cars will begin to depreciate as soon as they are driven off the lot, but that all changes once the vehicle hits a certain age. For those who enjoy working on vehicles, antique cars can be an excellent investment. If you are ready to delve into the world of classic cars, then read ahead for a quick look at some tips you can use to make the most out of your money.

Look for Historical Importance
Just because a car is old or attractive does not necessarily mean it is a good investment. Buyers who want a great return on investment need to find cars that have a history to them. This includes vehicles designed by famous individuals such as Carroll Shelby. You might also want to consider cars that have been made famous by old movies or TV shows.

Don’t Overestimate Your Skills
One of the most common mistakes that car buyers make is overestimating their skills. Anyone can learn to restore a car with enough time and energy, but the process can be lengthy and expensive. Unless you are an experienced mechanic, you will most likely want to look for vehicles that are mechanically sound. Minor cosmetic work can easily be fixed, but the engine and transmission should be solid. It is also important to thoroughly search the vehicle for any signs of rust. Few things will bring down the price of a vehicle as dramatically as rust damage.

Showroom or Daily Driver?
Just because a car is meant to be used as a daily driver does not mean that it isn’t a good investment. As a general rule, daily drivers are cheaper and easier to obtain. This makes them excellent entry-level investments for those who have never purchased a classic car. Showroom vehicles, however, are an entirely different matter. The value of a showroom car is often determined by obscure factors such as matching VIN numbers and period-specific colors.

According to the Historic Automobile Group International, the market for classic cars has done better than almost every other collectible including coins, stamps, and traditional artwork. Hopefully, these few tips will help you find a car that will make the most out of every penny you invest into it.

Alternator Starter Rebuilders

Buying your first car can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially if you are not entirely comfortable with the nuances of the market. You don’t want to end up paying more than you should for a car that breaks down soon after or suffer from preventable problems down the road. The best way to save money on your first car purchase is to first decide exactly what you are looking for in a car, then doing sufficient research about the car in question, and then seek professional help for any problems that occur. Following this advice can save you a lot of automotive heartbreak in the future.

First, ask yourself what you are looking for in a car. Will you be using it for long drives every day or just short stints around a city? Do you plan to haul large items or make deliveries in your vehicle? What kind of parking options are available at your home, place of business, or school? Use your answers to create a picture of your ideal car. Make sure its shape, size, abilities, and features fit your needs and will make you comfortable. Don’t waste time or money on a vehicle that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

Next, do a great deal of research about your automotive options. Go to the library and read up on comparable models. Online forums provide an invaluable resource, where you can get real life opinions from regular people who’ve bought the cars in question. Find out about any recalls or controversy surrounding the type of car you are considering. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for advice.

Finally, turn to professionals before you make your final car purchase. Enlist the service of a reputable mechanic so you will know in advance about any problems and get them fixed. You may be able to get problems fixed for a very reasonable cost. For example, look into affordable alternator starter rebuilders from an experienced business like AJ-elec. You might be able to save money in the long run by getting parts fixed or replaced before you even take the car on the road.

Your first car buying experience doesn’t need to be a stressful or miserable task. You can take control of the situation and come out a winner. Think it through, do your research, and get professional assistance and you will have a happy and successful purchase.

When to Repair a Car

If you are a car owner, and you probably are because most people own at least one vehicle, you are aware of the fact that you need to repair your car from time to time. Sometimes, those repairs need to be done when you don’t expect them, while sometimes you can simply schedule a check to see if everything there is alright with the vehicle and if some repairs need to be undertaken to ensure that the car runs smoothly.

If you know that you need to conduct an auto repair check from time to time, it really makes sense to know a mechanic whom you can trust and who will do everything that needs to be done at a fair price. There might be many mechanics in your area, but not all of them might be qualified enough or even honest enough to offer you the services that are affordable yet quality.

If you trust your mechanic, you can rest assured that every time you bring your car for a check you won’t be charged for the services more than you are supposed to be. I have had a few mechanics over the years, and because of this, because of this personal experience of mine I know exactly whom I can trust. I ended up going for the services of a person who charges me a bit more than all the others, but I believe that the services that he offers me are second to none. It took me a while to find him, but in the end I am very happy with him and everything he has done for my car. Thanks to him, I haven’t had any unexpected situations when my car would require urgent repairs for a very long time and I would be willing to recommend him to everybody who is looking for a trusted mechanic.

Number of electric cars in Britain doubled in the last year

2According to new government data, the number of electric cars on the road in Britain has more than doubled in the past year.

There were a total of 45,326 plug-in and hybrid cars on the roads at the end of 2015, compared to 20,522 at the end of 2014, which is an increase of 120%. This compares to just a two per cent rise in the sale of traditional engine cars over the same time period.

When you compare these figures to 2010 where DVLA data shows were just 134 electric vehicles on the roads, the rise of plug-in and hybrid cars is incredible.

The growth increased quite substantially at the start of 2011, after the Government introduced the plug-in car grant scheme which offered up to £4,500 off the price of a new electric vehicle.

The best-selling full electric car in the UK is currently the Nissan Leaf, with 11,219 recorded as on the roads at the end of 2014. This is an impressive number, but it is still dwarfed by the best-selling hybrid car, which is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV currently with 16,100 models on British roads.

Electric vehicle manager at Nissan GB, Edward Jones, believes that the electric vehicle market in the UK is currently at a tipping point.

Speaking of people changing to electric vehicles, he said, “each year we see thousands more motorists switched on to the capability, performance, and reliability of pure electric motoring.

“With current electric vehicle ranges enabling more than 90 per cent of daily driving needs, we believe the UK is at a tipping point for mass EV adoption.”

Advancements in technology are helping more people confidently switch from petrol or diesel cars to electric, as they can travel greater distances confident in the knowledge that the car will be able to handle the journey.

The increasing numbers of charging stations opening across the country, and other incentives such as some bigger cities allowing drivers of electric cars to use bus lanes are also encouraging more people to make the switch to an EV.

The amount of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) being sold are also increasing as people choose to opt for a car which offers the cleaner output of an electric car, whilst maintaining a back-up combustion engine to help them travel even greater distances.

For example, figures from BMW show that their upcoming 330d PHEV is already sold out until 2017, and the trend of more people choosing electric and PHEVs over a traditional car is expected to continue.

As it stands, the number of electric vehicles is still a fraction of the 31 million petrol and diesel engine cars in the UK, but it is encouraging to see more people making the change.

If you are one of those people looking to make the change to a hybrid or electric vehicle and are looking for an easy way of selling your current car, why not take a look at our free app?

With the Wizzle sell my car app, you have the power to appraise your own vehicle, which is then broadcast directly to hundreds of dealers all looking for your exact make and model. They then contact you with a price for your car, and will even come and collect it at a time and date which is convenient for you.

Wizzle is a free service for you to use to sell your car, and with no hidden costs, you will get the best possible price for your car without all of the usual hassle.