Automotive Mobile Audio Video

In the 21st Century, few people remain unaware of the need for seeking the latest upgrade for a personal computer. Yet some people still lack an appreciation of the fact that computers are everywhere. Any car owner who has a car speaker system has a computer inside of that system.

Like the computer programs that control a personal computer, the programs inside of a car speaker system control that device. Those programs are found in the drive. Often an upgrade to the car speaker system provides the car owner with high frequency drivers. That fact represents one of the reasons why one should upgrade a car speaker system.

A full appreciation of the importance of upgrading a car speaker system comes most readily to anyone who understands the role of the transducer. The transducer, i.e. the car speaker in a car audio system, carries out the important energy conversion. The transducer converts the electrical energy in the system wires into the sound energy that the car passengers want to hear.

The conversion of electrical energy into another form of energy requires use of magnets. When a car’s transducer contains strong magnets, then that car speaker system will have a powerful car speaker. The strong magnets easily pick-up all of the electrical signals and convert them into a strong and audible sound. When a car owner upgrades the car speaker system, then the car owner can request stronger magnets in the system’s transducer.

Now review again the role of the car speaker. The transducer converts the electrical energy into sound energy. Using the speaker cone, the car speaker sends that sound energy out into the air. In other words the speaker produces the sound. In light of the importance of the car speaker system, the car owner should hesitate to question the need for a regular upgrading of that car speaker system.

By the same token no car owner should push for a fast and haphazard upgrade of the car speaker system. The speakers need to be paired with either a receiver or an amplifier. Therefore the individual performing the upgrade must make sure that any new speakers have a power rating that matches with either the receiver or the amplifier.

# posted by Medical Information : 8:38 PM  0 Comments

1. How to choose a repair shop. What you should look for when choosing a repair shop

Ask for a recommendation from friends, family, and anyone else you really trust. Look for a repair shop before you need one so you are not rushed at the last minute to find one.

Use the telephone, shop around by phone to compare prices and Warranty policies on the repair to find your best deal.

Ask to see their current licenses if local and/or state law requires shops to be licensed or registered. Also your state Attorney General office or local consumer protection agency, BBB and Chamber of Commerce may know if there are a record of complaints against a particular shop.

If you have an Extended Warranty Contract and intend to use it present it to the shop to make sure it will be honored before any work is started.

2. How To Find The Right Automotive Technician. And is one automotive technician better than another.

Look for shops that display various certifications of their technicians, like an ASE certification seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet a basic standard of knowledge and experience in a specific technical area, if the certification states the tech is a Master certified tech that means the tech has passed tests and meets the standard for all areas of repair.

Also make sure that the certifications are all current as the mechanics have to be re tested every few years to make sure they stay up to date with changing technology, but remember just because the shop is certified does not always guarantee good or honest work. This is where investigating the shop/techs will pay off.

And make sure you ask the shop/mechanic if they have experience working on the make/model of your vehicle as some shops may not have the experience working on your import if the specialize in domestic cars and vise versa.

3. Unlocking the Mystery of Repair Charges

Before arranging to have any work done to your car, ask what the shops pricing policy is. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on vehicle repair. The rate is based on an independent or manufacturer estimate of the time required to complete a repair. Some shops will charge actual time the tech works on the vehicle. Most shops use the flat rate system and this is usually the best for the customer as there is no wiggle room for the tech to "make time" on a repair.

If you need an expensive repair or a complicated repair or if you question the required repair, consider getting a second opinion. Just think of it as going to a doctor for major surgery and you want to make sure the doctor is right.

Find out if there is a diagnostic charge if you decide to take the vehicle some where else for the repair. Many shops will charge you for diagnosis time if you have repairs done or not, most will deduct it from repair bill if work done at their shop.

Where ever you get the repairs done, make sure you ask for a written estimate and the written estimate should include the following: It should state what is being repaired, the parts and parts cost needed and the labor cost for the repair. Make sure you get a signed copy before you leave the shop.

Also the Repair Order should state that the shop will contact you before they do any extra repair or time that exceeds the original estimate. State law requires this. In most states shops can only charge up to $25.00 over estimate on repair before contacting you. Most honest shops will contact you first before doing adding any excess charges.

Make sure you know about parts that are to be repaired or replaced, parts are classified as:

New-These parts are made to original manufacturer specification either by the vehicle manufacturer or and independent company, such as NAPA etc. Prices will vary from Original Manufacturer original equipment or an after market manufacturer and you should be informed of what is used or decided which you want replace on your vehicle.

Re-manufactured, rebuilt or reconditioned.-All three of these terms generally mean the same thing. It means the respective part has been restored to original working condition. Most of these parts will have standard warranty on them from 30 days to a lifetime depending or the part and reman. company. Usealy this includes just the part and not labor to replace it.

Salvage-These are used parts taken from another vehicle without any alteration from vehicles in a salvage yard. These parts carry a 30 day guarantee depending on the part and salvage yard. Most electrical parts from a salvage yard is bought as is.

After the repair is completed make sure you get the completed repair order showing work done and parts replaced. It should list the repair , parts used, cost of parts and cost of labor. Make sure you check the odometer from when you brought the vehicle in and when you pick it up, there should not be any difference in the miles unless a road test was needed after the repair to make sure everything was working properly. Ask to see all the replaced parts, you are entitled to take them with you if you want with the exception of a part that was replaced and needs to have the old part returned as a core. The shop is charged a core charge for the old part until it is returned to Parts store, if you want to take this part you can if you pay the core charge. Sometimes these are very high depending on the part as they are sent back to a rebuilder to be reconditioned, large parts (transmissions, engines etc.) and electrical parts are most expensive.

I will be adding additional articles on this and other Automotive subjects, so if you found this interesting and informative go to www.jtcbiz.com and click on the Article button bottom left to read more CarFacts and information. While you are at www.jtcbiz.com check out the other information there.

# posted by Medical Information : 8:37 PM  0 Comments

Could a car owner have custom car audio added to a vehicle with “lambo doors”? That question has popped into the head of a freelance writer in California. The writer has previously witnessed all of the operations involved in the process of adding custom car audio to a Jeep Cherokee. Now she has learned that car owners are being encouraged to get Lamborghini-like doors.

That freelance writer hesitates to imagine what she may next find in her driveway. In November of 2005 the writer found two young adult males using her driveway as the site for the addition of custom car audio. One of those two lads had taken a course on auto mechanics with the former instructor at Culver City High School, a school close to Sony studios. He had agreed to share his knowledge with the writer’s son. Hence, the two of them had commenced the long process required to complete a custom car audio job.

At one point the writer’s son called to his mother and invited her to come outside and to see for herself what her son and his friend were doing. What that writer saw was two car doors with the “stuffing” pulled out of them. The quest for a custom car audio system had led those two young men to place speakers in the doors of the Jeep Cherokee.

The two “stereo specialists” did not show the writer how they had wired the speakers to the power source and to the amplifier. Their failure to grant the writer a look at their wiring operations has caused that writer to now ponder on a particular question: Could a vehicle with car speakers in the doors also have “lambo doors”? In other words, could a car owner who enjoyed the sound delivered by custom car audio logically expect to add “lambo doors” to that same car?

The writer has seen pictures that show how the “lambo doors” swing upward, instead of swinging out. Wiring speakers into such doors would seem to present a real challenge. Could one have custom car audio in a car with such doors? One writer in California wants to know.

# posted by Medical Information : 8:37 PM  0 Comments

All cars have their own unique type of car speaker installation issues although installing speakers is a relatively simple process. Most speaker installations can be finished in about an hour or less. The intricacy of the installation will vary depending on the vehicle. And again, depending on the vehicle, speakers may be installed in the dash, doors, or rear deck.

Most importantly, remember that safety should be considered when installing speakers. Damage can be caused by not installing speakers properly – this can impose added cost and even possible injury. Protection for hearing/vision should be used as necessary.

Here are fundamental steps to consider for installing speakers. Remember, some vehicles may require extra steps. Although the location of the speakers in your vehicle may vary from the mounting locations noted here, the method should be comparable.

For installation of dash and door speakers, you will need to ascertain if the vehicle has speaker grilles that are removable. If they can be removed, take the grilles off utilizing the appropriate tools, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness that was attached to the speaker, connect the speaker harness to the new speaker, plug the speaker harness which is connected to the new speaker to the harness in the car, set the speaker in the opening and reinstall it using the screws for mounting, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker. If installing speakers in the door, make certain the depth of the speaker will not interfere with the window operation after installation.

If the grilles cannot be removed, the dash pads or possibly the door panel will have to be removed. Be sure to keep an eye on any screws/clips removed should this be the case. Next follow the same steps shown above except you will need to reinstall the dash pads/door panel. If removing the door panel, be aware that screws can be mounted in the armrest or inside the door latch space and may be behind the trim panels. After all the screws are removed from the panel, raise it up so you can disconnect any wiring harnesses.

If installing rear deck speakers, you must determine if the speakers are top-mounted or bottom-mounted as this will determine your steps. If top-mounted, remove the grilles, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness, connect the harness to the new speaker, plug in the harness connected to the speaker to the vehicle side of the harness, place the new speaker in the opening and mount with the screws, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker.

If the speakers are bottom-mounted, reach in the trunk and remove the screws mounting the speaker. Then follow the same basic steps as above.

Eventually, you’d have to turn on the radio and check the operation of the new speakers.

# posted by Medical Information : 8:36 PM  0 Comments

If you are in the midst of shopping for a new car then you need to know what you are doing. If you don’t take the time to learn the ins and outs of buying a new car you are going to get taken for a ride, an expensive one.

Here are the top tips to make sure that you get a deal on your new car:

Find out what kind of car you are looking for

If you walk onto the lots with a clear idea of what you are looking for, you will be much less likely to get talked into a more expensive car. All of the car salesmen are going to be trying to get you to spend as much money as possible, that is what makes them the big bucks so keep that in mind. Know what you want and go for it and that is all. Don’t look around and let yourself get too tempted by other cars or vans that you know you cannot afford.

Shop around

You should always shop around for the best possible deals on the kind of car or truck that you are looking for. This is the only way to get a deal that will save you some serious cash. With the money that you save you will be able to get some extras on your car if you want to, like air or a better stereo system.

Think about used vs. new cars

Think about if you really want to get a brand new car. These cars lose a massive amount of their value as soon as you drive it off of the lot. This money is not money you can get back even if you sell it right away, it is just gone. By purchasing a new car you will be able to get a car that is just as wonderful but that cost a significant amount less.

Buying a car is a big deal and it is one that you need to think about and plan for. This is the best way for you to get the car that you want while saving some cash at the same time.

# posted by Medical Information : 8:35 PM  0 Comments