Category Archives: Automotive

Top 5 Handheld Gps Manufacturers

Handheld GPS units are extremely popular for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, geocaching, hunting, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Although there are many different GPS manufacturers to choose from there are five main manufacturers that are extremely popular for handheld GPS units. Each company has their own unique models to choose from.

Below are the five Handheld GPS Manufacturers to consider when searching for a GPS device.

GPS Manufacturers

Garmin
Garmin is likely one of the most popular manufacturers for GPS units as well as many other products. Garmin began its business 21 years ago in 1989. They comprised at that time of a few engineers who got together to develop and construct navigation and communication devices. Today Garmin has offices all over the world and well over 7,000 employees. They design and market units for:

Automotive navigation
Marine devices
Aviation
Fitness
Wireless GPS for smart phones
Outdoor receivers

The Garmin handheld GPS units are well known for offering great quality as well as the latest technology. They are often voted the best in their class.

Magellan
The Magellan Corporation has changed ownership and name several times. The original Magellan Corporation was founded in 1986 but in 2001 they were acquired by Thales, a large electronics company. In 2006 Thales Navigation was purchased by Shah Capital Partners who changed the name to Magellan. Then in 2009 they were bought out again by MiTAC International Corporation. The consumer GPS units are still marketed under the Magellan brand. They have an extensive line of handheld GPS devices as well as automotive navigation devices. Despite the constant change of ownership Magellan still does and always has produced good quality GPS units.

DeLorme
DeLorme has been in business since 1976. They create technology, mapping products, and data not only for consumers but also for professionals. Although they always produced great quality products they really earned a name for themselves in the 1990s when they pioneered GPS solutions for laptops, Palm OS devices, Pocket PCs and recently for Bluetooth applications and color topographic maps and aerial imagery. They have a fairly good selection of handheld GPS devices.

Lowrance
Lowrance Electronics Inc. is one of the oldest GPS manufacturers. They began in 1957 and have a pioneer in developing Global Positioning System mapping instruments. They have an extensive line of SONAR and GPS units for outdoor recreation as units for aviation, marine and automotive. They have a decent selection of handheld GPS units.

Bushnell
Bushnell offers a wide range of outdoor technology tools such as binoculars, scopes, rangefinders, trail cameras, flashlights and of course handheld GPS units. They have been in the high performance sports optics industry for over 50 years. They only have a few handheld GPS receivers but they are tailored for all outdoor activities. More basic in design and features than the other GPS manufacturers listed above their units are ideal for any sportsman looking for a GPS device made simple.

With so much choice in handheld GPS manufacturers it is not hard to find a model to suit your outdoor activities and all your needs.

Compare Auto Care – Automotive repair and maintenance

How many of you have gone through the frustrating turmoil of having your car breakdown, and that feeling of helplessness and dread sets in because you have absolutely no knowledge of where to turn to find information about local automotive repair shops. Without a relationship with a mechanic or repair shop you can trust, each visit to have your vehicle fixed can be an uncertain experience. Will the shop treat me fairly? Will they only fix whats broken? How can I find information on shops so I can make an informed decision about where to take my car?

This is why some basic knowledge of auto repair, maintenance and especially the car repair shops you use are vital. Listed below are some of the basics of car care and maintenance that will help increase your auto repair IQ, and help you make better decisions regarding your car.
Synthetic Oil isnt always better.If your vehicle has been running fine with conventional oil for years,and your owners manual doesnt recommend it,stick with regular oil for your oil changes.Some shops want to switch you to synthetic strictly for more profit.
Change your timing belt on its recommended interval.It doesnt give you any warning before it breaks,and depending on the engine,can cause massive internal damage as pistons crash into valves after it breaks.
By replacing your serpentine belt or drive belts when your replace your timing belt, you can save all the labor charges, as the belts must be removed to complete the timing belt replacement anyway!
Cleaning windshield wipers with alcohol and a soft rag can extend the life and improve the performance of your wipers
Learn how to check all your vehicles fluid levels including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant, and washer solvent. Dropping fluid levels is an early warning sign of potential problems.
Check your remaining brake pad life regularly. Replace the pads before they wear out and grind into the brake rotors and triple the price of your brake job.
Keep your battery posts clean.
Each vehicle has a different interval for the replacement of the cars spark plugs.Check your owners manual for your cars interval.Dishonest mechanics may recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 miles, when the life expectancy of those spark plugs may be 100,000 miles to increase profits.
Check your tire pressure regularly.Correctly inflated tires save fuel and increase tire longevity.Decreasing air pressure is an indication of a leak that should be repaired.
Inspect your air filters.Dirty air filters decrease fuel economy and performance, and can sometimes be blown-out with a high-pressure air hose instead of replaced.
Check your engine oil regularly. Older vehicles may begin to burn oil, and a vehicle can run dangerously low on engine oil without ever showing signs of a leak.For most of us however, the days of being able to work on our own vehicles is far behind us. Almost all vehicles built in the last 10 years are controlled by an array of electronic sensors and computers. The good news is that the vehicle is always making adjustments to maximize fuel economy, reduce pollution, and deliver maximum performance all by itself. The bad news is that it now requires constant specialized training, and expensive testing equipment to properly diagnose and repair vehicles.

Headed For Transmission Repair Read The Signs!

Transmissions are complex machines buried deep in the chassis of our vehicles. Regular transmission service will help post-pone or eliminate some problems, but when a transmission begins to malfunction, there are specific signs that the average vehicle owner can recognize.

Know the three common signs of transmission problems:

*Fluid leaks under the car — If there is a persistent red leak under your vehicle, is it coming from the transmission or from the power steering system? It is difficult to determine, as most power steering systems also use transmission fluid. Thus, leaks can appear on the ground in roughly the same areas as transmission leaks. If the leak is fairly small, you may be able to postpone a transmission repair as long as the fluid level is checked regularly. However, when the fluid level falls below the minimum required level, a transmission repair is inevitable.
*Color and odor of fluid Check the fluid level when the vehicle is running and on level ground. The fluid should be red and transparent. If it is cloudy or muddy looking, or if it smells burnt, take your vehicle to a transmission repair technician. They may recommend a transmission service to drain and refill the fluid, as well as replace the filter. Some transmissions may require a computer program updating.
*Noises, vibrations and irregular shifting — Modern transmissions typically shift smoothly and quietly under light acceleration. Heavier acceleration should produce firmer shifts at higher speeds. If shifting points are erratic, if there are strange noises when shifting, or whining noises that come from underneath the car, are causes for concern.

Note: Look and Listen to your transmission. If problems are taken care of early, they can often be resolved without a costly major transmission repair.

** Did You Know? — With gas prices down to less than $2.00 a gallon around the country, a growing number of motorists have been flocking back to showrooms for pickups, SUVs and muscle cars. Yet, despite that sudden surge, the days of the classic V-8 and V-6 may be coming to an end. A new study suggests that less than half of the vehicles that will be sold around the world by 2017 will be powered by conventional gasoline engines. Alternative fuels (such as diesel, ethanol, and hydrogen), hybrid-electrified vehicles and more advanced internal combustion systems will make up the majority of the global mix, according to a new report from Navigant Research. Hybrids, plug-ins and pure battery-electric vehicles still account for less than 5% of the U.S. market, but demand is expected to grow exponentially. That said, a summary of the new Navigant report notes that, “gasoline is anticipated to remain the leading fuel in the coming years, albeit in unconventional vehicles that employ a range of fuel-efficiency technologies, such as smaller engines and turbo-charging.” A growing number of vehicle manufacturers will opt for either alternative fuels or advanced technologies designed to squeeze far more mileage out of every drop of gas.**

For expert advice on transmission repair, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at http://clausenautomotive.com for more information about our transmission service. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Auto Electrical Repair Keep Current In The New Year!

For many people, the New Year continues to present financial challenges and you may need to hold onto your older car another year. Don’t overlook the responsibilities as a vehicle owner that will keep you safely on the road, including auto electrical repair. Accurate diagnosis is one of the most difficult challenges to be found when working on today’s automobiles. Considering the large number of systems that use electricity in order to operate, being able to quickly diagnose problems with starters and alternators to perform the correct auto electrical repair can be a real asset.

Consider these three resolutions for the New Year:
>Resolution No. 1 — Keep up with fluid and filter changes. Checking on your vehicle’s fluids and filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort. Circle a day on your calendar each month to check all of your fluids and make sure they are at the correct levels. Remember to schedule an oil change, or any other fluid change as recommended by your vehicle’s manual. Don’t hesitate to ask your professional auto mechanic for the appropriate interval for fluid and filter changes.
>Resolution No. 2 — Schedule two vehicle checkups during the year. You will need the help of a professional to perform an auto electrical service to pinpoint any problems that may be happening with your electrical system. A well-trained mechanic can spot potential problems before they happen, especially with alternators. Preventative maintenance is cheap insurance for a reliable vehicle.
>Resolution No. 3 — Take care of small problems early. Unfortunately, cars can’t fix themselves. Putting off minor maintenance or easy repair work can result in larger problems and costly repair bills overall. Don’t procrastinate; repair what’s wrong; have the appropriate services at the correct intervals, and your car will last a lot longer.

Do you have questions about starters and alternators? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price’s Precision auto repair shop today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information about auto electrical repair. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

Buying A Used Motorcycle

Lemon Laws also apply to motorcycles. Why? Because whether you’ve ever considered this or not, motorcycles can be lemons, too. When buying a used motorcycle there are a few checks that should be made when looking over the bike, and before handing the seller your hard-earned cash. Has the bike been wrecked, well maintained, broken in properly, ridden hard, or sat for years and years without service? Many of these questions need to be addressed when buying a used bike, and there are still many things that can be checked to help avoid buying someone elses problem. You can easily inspect a motorcycle yourself, or consider contacting a pre-purchase used car [motor vehicle] inspector.

Visual Inspection of the Motorcycle
When doing a visual inspection and before taking a test ride, you should have a check list of what to inspect on the motorcycle. Then take the list, and go down each item marking it as it passes or fails that portion of the inspection. Also, ask the owners how often he/she rides it and what type of weather conditions. If a bike sits for long periods of time, parts arent getting lubed, tires could go flat and get cracked, and the battery is draining (unless being kept on a battery tender).

Items to check on a motorcycle:

* Check the chain and sprocket
* Check turn signals, headlight, brake lights, etc work?
* Look inside the fuel tank (might need flashlight) for rust or other particles.
* Check for rust anywhere on the bike
* Check the frame for cracks and repairs and to make sure the frame is straight
* Check the brakes
* Check the forks
* Look at tires for cracked or warn tread and inspect the manufacture date

When walking around and inspecting a motorcycle, its imperative to take the time to go through the motorcycle entirely. Don’t be affraid to get dirty. Due to the size and easy access, just about everything on a motorcycle can be inspected with nothing more than a flashlight and possible a few tools to remove the seat or side covers.

Taking a test ride
Start up the bike and inspect the exhaust for excessive noise. And if a dual pipe motorcycle, verify the pressure coming out of each exhaust pipe is the same. Check the cooling and fuel systems for leaks. How does it start, stop, and shift. Shift it both up and down through all gears while riding. When applying the brakes is there the right amount of play and stopping distance? And most importantly how does it feel

It can be hard sometimes to take a used motorcycle for a good test ride, many owners might not be comfortable letting someone ride off on their bike. But, as a buyer it is always a good idea to get a feel for how well it runs, even if its not possible to get it up to faster speeds.

Getting the Motorcycle Inspected by a Mechanic!
Its always a good idea when buying a used motor vehicle/motorcycle, to get it checked out by a mechanic. The cost of having an inspection done outweighs the potential cost of repairs. On a motorcycle though, the cost of the inspection might not outweigh the cost of possible repairs. If looking at a expensive bike, or not sure what to inspect on the motorcycle, its a good idea to take it to a mechanical inspector. With a good checklist, and some research and knowledge before looking at the motorcycle, the cost and hassle of having the motorcycle inspected might not be worth it.