Archive for March, 2009
Honda Accord The Upcoming Car
We are talking about the new 2008 Honda Accord that was launched recently in India. Honda has gone a step further this time with the eighth generation Accord by making it roomier more powerful and pricing it extremely competitively as compared to its predecessor.The new car gets a complete makeover and manages to strike the perfect balance between being sporty and elite.
The new car has bold lines and an aggressive stance which gives the car a much younger appeal. Although there is nothing overtly unconventional about its design the car still manages to leave a lasting impression on the passersby.Honda Siel India has brought in the 2.4 litre variant to the country with both automatic and manual transmission options. There are other variants including a 3.5 litre V6 available in the international range of Honda but as of now only the 2.4 litre model will be sold here in India.
The inline four cylinders displace 2354cc and the 16valve DOHC motor equipped with Honda patented iVTEC technology pumps out 180 horses at 6500rpm and 222Nm of torque again at 6500rpm. The Accord always had good driveability as its strong selling point and this remains unchanged even in the 2008 Accord. While the power on the automatic Accord feels a little sluggish initially driving into the Sport mode the response from the car is spot on.
The engine gives out a throaty note as you floor the gas thanks to the intake which is a little louder than before. The car is strongly built wellengineered and exhibits very high levels of refinement.
The gearbox is slick and gears slotin with precision keeping the entire gearshift experience hasslefree and allowing the driver to enjoy every moment spent behind the wheel of this luxury sedan.
This luxury car has a 3000cc petrol engine with dimensions of 4830L X 1820W X 1465H mm and weights 1530kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 155mm and 2740mm respectively a turning radius of 5.5 meters. It also comes with a factory fitted air conditioner heater music system 6 CD changer with 6 speakers and AM/FM stereo and has additional features like automatic gear transmission power steering amp; windows front and rear central door locking system ABS AntiLock Braking System fog lamps adjustable steering wheel amp; driver seat leather plus woody steering wheel and gear knob cover leather seat upholstery lighton reminder digital clock keyless entry aluminum wheels dual exhaust and front console panel. It also comes with security features like driver and passenger air bags seat belts for front and rear seats front and rear door side impact beams electronic force distribution EFD traction control system TCS and engine check warning.Variants available are 2.3 VTi2.3 VTi Auto2.3 VTiL2.3 VTiL Auto.
In terms of styling the car is at par with any other car in the same catagoty proving more or less the same feaatures available in any other car. But the fact remains that the car is still lagging behind its other variants like Honda city Honda Civic amp; Honda Jazz. At the same time it cannot be said as to when there will be a change in the trend at Accord will take over others in the family.
About the writer: Cardekho.com is the destination where one can purchase every type of new cars in india used cars in india. Know more about the upcoming Honda Accord amp; Honda Accord pictures at CarDekho.com.
Healthy Brakes: Top 3 DIY Tips
What’s the point in driving if you can’t reach your destination alive! And for the most part it’s your car’s brakes that ensure your safety throughout a journey. The best part about ensuring a fully functional braking system is that you can yourself run some quick checks to see whether it needs your attention or not.
And that’s not all you can even carry out some of the repairs yourself. The following three tips should help you keep your car’s braking system happy and you and your passengers safe.
1. Brake Fluid: The system’s Lifeblood
The key here is to have the right levels of brake fluids in the reservoir. It’s a lot more easier these days to check the fluid levels as most of the brake fluid reservoirs are see through and have markings on them to show the levels.
To check the fluid level lift open the hood and locate the reservoir. You’d find it at the back of the engine bay and in front of the driver’s side. It’s positioned high up for easy access.
Once you’re there check the markings wipe the dust off the reservoir if you can’t see clearly. If it needs replacement then here’s how you should go about topping it up.
A. Clean any grime or dust from around the reservoir cap before opening it.
B. Pour in the fluid slowly allowing it time to settle.
C. Close the cap and you’re done.
However it’s a good idea to check the level again after a day just to make sure that there isn’t a void after the air bubbles have escaped. Also don’t take point A lightly as any impurity that falls into the reservoir could harm the system.
2. Brake Pads: The systems cutting edge
While in some automobiles you’d need to remove the wheels in others you can carry out the inspection without it. However the important thing is to get a clear view of the pads.
To make an assessment follow surface of the disc towards the top and you should see that the outer pad is touches the disc of the disc brakes. Over time the pads do wear but if they’ve worn to the breadth of two pennies stacked atop each other it’s high time you replaced them.
3. Brake Disc: Too critical to lose
To run an assessment of the brake disk you’d need to take a look just like you did with the pads. Run your eyes from the center to the outside edges of the disc and it should appear to be shiny. Minor lines and scratches are hardly a thing to bat an eyelid but any rough areas or deeper grooves should certainly raise a big red flag. Replace them ASAP and in pairs.
You’d need to run these checks just a few times each year.
If you have your car’s braking system in order you wouldn’t ever put yourself in danger unnecessarily.
About the writer: Fred is a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though as a professional he’s reported on myriad topics his favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two platforms he’s previously worked on are Themedica and AutomotiveOnline. He now blogs at: Automobile Hotspot.
Great Cars At Low Prices: Seized Car Auctions
Every year thousands of cars go into the surplus inventory of banks and the Government. Every day governments and banks seize and repossess cars. It costs a lot of money to store and maintain these cars. So instead of keeping them in an effort to keep costs low they sell them off at seized car auctions for as little as 90 of the price at which they are sold at showrooms. Is your nextdoor neighbor suddenly driving a slick Mercedes or BMW? It may not mean they have become rich overnight. They could have got it at a seized car auction.
It just so happens that many people on the wrong side of the law have the best cars and their cars are seized. In the States the law tracks down drugdealers mobbosses and other criminals and seizes their cars. The government makes no profit from the operation. Instead of bearing the cost of maintaining these cars they quickly auction them off. This is how you can get nearperfect cars at amazingly low prices at these car auctions.
The IRS also seizes cars of those people who default on tax payments. Banks and financial institutions are also given the right to seize cars bought by people who fail to pay back loans. These defaulters often buy very expensive and posh cars with illegally made money. That is why a lot of top models like GM Ford Toyota Chrysler Nissan Honda Lexus and other brands can be found at these auctions.
Some of these cars are sold for as little as 200 onwards. The government is so eager to sell off these cars quickly that they sell them at very low prices. This provides a golden opportunity to those looking for quality cars at low prices.
At governmentorganized seized car auctions you should receive a free Car Fax VIN report before you begin bidding. There will probably be thousands of clean titles and some fairly low mileage vehicles of all models and makes. But don’t get complacent and take it easy! Research what you’re buying. Do an AutoCheck Vehicle History on the car. Titles like rebuilt’ salvaged’ and junked’ usually indicate that the car has been involved in an accident or has suffered damages in the past. You may not want to invest in such a car.
The best thing is that you don’t have to search through tons of newspapers and magazines to find seized car auctions near your home. There are online listings and databases where you can find out all you need!
About the writer: If you’re looking for a great deal come and participate in car auctions at acauction.com