The Online Mechanic, Auto Repair Help

I’ve always relied on my mechanic from my hometown for every minor, but mostly major repairs on my car. But here, of course, I’m expecting equally good mechanics but the costs are definitely not friendly.

While I can change a tire (when I’ve got friends to help me out), I really need serious help when I need the engine fixed.

But before I shell out cash, I’d like to explore more options. If I’m going to fix my car myself, I’d have to know exactly what I’m going to do, when I’m supposed to do it, and how.

A lot of car care and auto repair guide may be found online. You can check the internet for great tips on the following:

• Auto body repairs

• Automatic transmission replacement

• Bleeding brakes

• Car audio systems fix

• Changing oil

• Finding the causes for a bearing failure

• How to install a replacement ignition system

• How to upgrade an exhaust system

• Troubleshooting car stalling

• Troubleshooting car starting problems

Car repair guide found online are great because they are done by ‘regular people’. If something seems questionable, others would correct them and teach something new – a lot different from having one person check your car. People share what they know based on personal experience. If something seems complicated, most of the time, expert mechanics frequent and moderate these sites, with that you’ll know that a professional mechanic is overlooking all the discussions.

For emergency fixes, car repair tips online are available any time and any day. You won’t need to wait for the repair store to open to get it fixed. Even if it is late at night and you need a minor repair, help is just a few clicks away, and it’s free as well.

Car manuals are also available for download. With the exemption of luxury and sports car, most car manuals can be downloaded through forums, and the car makers’ official websites.

While the internet may be helpful in many ways, the one thing it cannot help you with is when you need to have the car checked of course. While discussions may be done online, for someone to actually check on the car is a different story – and your car can get fixed right away with it.

Also, while car repair is purely technical, some process might work with some cars while others would not. At times, it is a case to case basis where the solution might be unique to you. Because of the mechanical and electrical aspects, some are interconnected that it is difficult to discuss and offer advice when you only know certain portions of what’s going on.

Getting the web to help for car repair may help you compare prices or eliminate them all together when you do them yourself. If you are going to do so, prepare some muscle strength as handling cars isn’t easy nor light – literally. If you’ve got money to spare, you can go to a repair shop but still it is best to know how your car works. Just always be careful, when you are not sure of what you’re doing you might as well go to your trusted mechanic in town.

More motor guide ideas in my next posts. (;

KTM shows off electric motorcyles at Tokyo Motorcycle Show

KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label "KTM Freeride". Read more detail here.

Ride safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Kawasaki launch the D-TRACKER

Kawasaki Motors UK has announced the launch of the Kawasaki D-TACKER to the UK Market. This is a 125cc compact Super-Moto styled bike with soft compound tyres and a fuel injected engine and described as a "first real bike".

Its great to see Kawasaki producing models that are aimed directly at younger buyers encouraging them to get in motorcycling. This is their second 125cc model on top of their two successful 250cc motorcycles.

With a price tag of just £2849, it features racing style digital instruments, petal disc brakes and competition style front forks and a air-cooled four stroke engine (10 HP) with electric starting.

Ride safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The Harley Custo

A collaboration between Harley-Davidson and the fashion designer, Custo Dalmau who has resulted in the exclusive Harley Custo. Read full details here.

Ride safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Motorcycle test debacle revealed!

The Transport Committee has published its review of the new European motorcycle test and revealed what we all already new.

Launching the report, Transport Select Committee Chair, Louise Ellman MP said, “many candidates and trainers now have to travel too far for their motorcycle test. This adds to the cost , and in some cases, exposes candidates to fast and dangerous roads on the way to a test site — before they have even taken their test. The Driving Standards Agency needs to give much greater priority to customer service and convenience for test candidates and trainers.”

In its report, MPs conclude that the Driving Standards Agency was slow and dogmatic in its approach to test centres, failing to listen adequately to the motorcycle industry. Smaller test sites could have been retained, saving millions of pounds. No other country in Europe has found it necessary to build ‘super test sites’.

So now this mess is in the public forum, will it get sorted out? I wonder!

Ride safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Saving Money, One Car Accessory At A Time

I feel like MacGyver today and end world hunger and save the world. Okay, maybe not the world, maybe I’ll just work on my car (and also write some motor guide articles here on my blog). This beauty has been with me for quite a long time and with maintenance expense kicking in, maybe I need to be more resourceful – I believe there’s nothing a few duct tape and cloth can’t do. How hard can it be, I’ve been to art class, and I was able to turn my old pants to a bag - swell, isn’t?

DIY accessories are next on my to-do list. They’re car accessories – I can make them as cute, and I don’t have to study computer programs to make ‘em.

Here are a few tips that can save you a few bucks.

Here’s an easy one – air fresheners.

• Using a lightweight cardboard, cut a small piece into your desired shape.

• Soak the cardboard in a mixture of scented oil and water. You may choose any scent you want – maybe the one you’re used to buying at the store for that familiar scent.

• Punch a small hole at one tip and put a string through it.

• Tie or hang the other end of the string to your rear-view mirror. Because of the mixture of oil and water, the scent can last for a number of days.

Having kids and messy adults as passengers is anything but nice – and the dirt and different smells that are left behind are not always pleasant. If you can’t keep them out of the car, have a small wastebasket instead to keep their stuff out of the car.

• Get a plain clean can with at least 8 inches in diameter and cover the entire can in plain colored paper, safest would be black as background.

• To add color and design, put artsy sticker designs (nothing sexual or pornographic if you have kids hitching for a ride).

• Put it in the car for passengers to place small garbage.

• Empty the garbage can daily (or hourly – really depending on your passengers and the type of trash they bring in the car).

To make your car look organized (making your life organized is a different thing), make the following:

• Get a sturdy box – one that’ll fit your CDs or mobile phone.

• Cover the box with plain or decorative paper of your liking. (Maybe a photo of Tom Cruise would do, but, nah… some things just get old.)

• Decorative marbles placed at the bottom of the box can keep the box from rolling around inside your car.

• Place your iPod or CDs inside the box so they won’t be all over the place.

• If you’re worried about the marbles being harsh to your iPod, you can place a small cloth on top of the marbles to protect your techie thingamajig from the marbles.

I’m sure having these auto accessories, and me making them will give my car an updated look. Save for the usual overheating, I’m still keeping this car.

As easy as art class in grade school, right? Damn, I should really get a new car.

Suzuki launchs limited edition GSX-R600

As part of its 25th anniversary Suzuki GB have launched the limited edition Suzuki GSX-R600.
With an exclusive colour scheme replicating the 1999 factory machine, the GSX-R600 will be limited to just 25 models.

With a Yoshimura exhaust, exclusive top yoke plaque and certificate this will be an exclusive model.

Available for reservation from 1st April, interested customers can visit www.imgsx-r.com for more information.

Ride safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

What's with red cars?

More often than not, you’d see that in movies or in TV shows, the ‘cool’ lead actor or lead actress drives a red car. Whether it’s a convertible or dad’s old truck, it has to be red – and whatever shade of red. Hollywood indeed knows its stuff. Red is attributed to so many things, and well, mostly good things at that.

For starters, the color red is used to symbolize power. When people wear red ties in business and when people walk on red carpets, it symbolizes that they are powerful and important (and fashionable too, to pull it out). Red drapes, red linens – all suggests that the event or the person holding the event is a powerful personality.

Famous cars are mostly known for its red color – the Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and the most well-known of them all, the red Ferrari car. When car racing began, countries were given the designated official color, and for Italy, the color red was assigned. Until now, Ferrari retained their famous red cars. And the black hue horse on the logo? That’s power and speed – the ultimate in cars.

To be more scientific about it, the color red is a stimulant color and studies indicate that the color can increase blood pressure. Thus, a person who is angry or is feeling intense emotions tend to turn ‘red’ – blood rises causing the cheeks to turn noticeable red in color.

If not cars, red is used in different cultures to denote goodness. In Chinese culture, the color symbolizes wealth, good luck, good health and prosperity. During Chinese New Year, no other prominent color can be seen apart from red. During Christmas, red is combined with other colors to signify a joyous occasion. Even in birthdays or in most celebrations, the color red is used to show energy and vibrancy.

If you see red on the road, you will stop. Literally. The color red is also used to denote emergency and warnings (one analogy is because fire is also red in color). It is a color that will really demand your attention that’s why stoplights use the color red to signal stops.

A specific color makes all the difference. While a black car is sometimes not chosen by some because it tends to be ‘unseen’ during evenings, or the color white as it is often associated to be ceremoniously used during weddings, the color red is chosen by some car owners to signify power.

But whether scientifically explained or a part of human culture, the color red is simply appealing and attractive. And in romance (and seduction for that matter), the color red is often used. Simply, the color red in almost anything is given a second look and is a color that is ‘taken seriously’ unlike, well, pink.

Some say that a red car doesn’t get pulled-over. Well, we’re not sure if all red cars don’t get pulled-over but a certain red and white car called Mach 5, well, that we believe.

Thinking of the car color of your next ride? Make it a red hot car.

I hope you have fun reading this another motor guide article of mine.  See you!