Your Drive Train Explained

The drive train serves two functions: it transmits power from the engine to the drive wheels, and it varies the amount of torque. "Power" is the rate or speed at which work is performed. "Torque" is turning or twisting force. Multiple ratio gearboxes are necessary because the engine delivers its maximum power at certain speeds, or RPM (Rotations Per Minute). In order to use the same engine RPM's at different road speeds, it is necessary to change the "Gear Ratio" between the engine and the drive wheels. Just like a bicycle, the car has to switch gears in order to move at a wide range of speeds. Unlike your bicycle, the car's drivetrain also has to allow you to back up. (Well, you could push it backwards if you ate your Wheaties)

There are actually two sets of gears in the drive train; the transmission and the differential. The transmission allows the gear ratio to be adjusted, and the differential lets the drive wheels turn at different speeds.

Manual transmissions usually have four or five speeds, and often have "overdrive", which means that the output shaft can turn faster than the input shaft for fuel economy on the highway. Some use an electric clutch and a switch that controls whether the overdrive is engaged or not. An interesting development on a few cars is the "clutchless" manual transmission, which uses a stick shift and an automatic electric clutch. Speed and position sensors, mini computers, and throttle controls keep the engine from over-revving when the driver shifts gears. As with many automotive "inventions", this is an old idea, which may now reach feasibility due to the computer revolution.

Automatic transmissions commonly use three forward gears to blend speed and torque. In the case of a three-speed transmission, first gear delivers maximum torque and minimum speed for starting. Second gear offers medium torque and speed for acceleration and hill climbing. Third gear allows maximum speed with minimum torque for highway travel. A reverse gear permits backward movement.

A transmission is a speed and power-changing device installed at some point between the engine and driving wheels of a vehicle. It provides a means for changing the ratio between engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and driving wheel RPM to best meet each particular driving situation.

Some types of drive train layouts use a "Transaxle", which is simply a combination of the transmission and the differential. These are usually found on front wheel drive cars, but are also used on mid- and rear-engine cars. Some exotic cars have their engine in the front, and a transaxle in the rear of the car for better weight balance.

Torque is derived from power. The amount of torque obtainable from a source of power is proportional to the distance from the center of rotation at which it is applied. It is logical, then, that if we have a shaft (in this case, the crankshaft) rotating at any given speed, we can put gears of different sizes on the shaft and obtain different results. If we put a large gear on the shaft, we will get more speed and less power at the rim than with a small gear. If we place another shaft parallel to our driving shaft and install gears on it in line with those on the driving shaft, we can obtain almost any desired combination of speed or power within the limits of the engine's ability. That is exactly what an automobile transmission does by means of gears and other devices.

There are two types of transmissions; manual and automatic. If you have a manual transmission, you have to shift the gears yourself, usually with a stick located on your console and the clutch pedal. If you have an automatic transmission, the mechanism changes without any help from you. This is accomplished through a system that works by oil pressure. Each shift of the gears is controlled by a shift valve; the gears shift change depending on speed, the road, and load conditions.

Another basic component of all drive trains is some form of a clutch. it allows the engine to continue rotating while the gears and wheels are stationary. Automatic transmission cars use a "torque converter" in lieu of a clutch.

The last component in the drive train is the axle. In a rear wheel drive car the axle is in the rear. Engine power is transmitted from the transmission to the axle via the drive shaft. The drive shaft is basically a metal tube with joints on each end called universal joints. These joints allow the tube to move in relation to the suspension and keep power flowing to the rear. In front wheel drive cars the axle is integrated into the transmission thus the term transaxle.

From the back of the engine to where the rubber meets the road, the drive train encompasses one of the most complicated systems of your car. Some people say looking at a transmission "makes their brain hurt".

The above information is directly from the Auto Insight program, which you can buy online from AutoEducation.com.
Common Problems:

· Manual transmissions suffer from wear mainly in the synchronizers. The synchronizers make shifting easier and help to prevent gear clash. Over time the synchronizers, which are made of brass, can wear out causing hard shifting and grinding.
· Automatic transmissions can also wear out, causing slipping and uneven shifting patterns. Universal joints can wear and cause vibrations while driving. Many newer universal joints are sealed and cannot be lubricated, leaving replacement as the only option.

Preventive Maintenance:

· Change the fluid in your transmission at recommended intervals. Your owners manual will give you a time schedule in miles and or months. If you tow a boat or trailer be prepared to change the fluid even sooner. Most owners manuals will give you recommend intervals for severe use like towing or off-road use.
· Do not "ride" the clutch if you have a manual transmission. Learn to release the clutch in a smooth motion without revving the engine too much. Revving the engine too much while pulling out can cause premature wear on the clutch.
· If you do tow a boat or trailer, consider getting a transmission cooler for your automatic transmission. Temperatures can approach the boiling point in severe conditions. Most newer trucks come equipped with transmission coolers if sold with a towing package.
· Make sure your universal joint is lubricated at oil changes if they are the type, which can be lubricated. When replacing universal joints try to find replacements with lubrication fittings so you can lubricate in the future.
· If you have a front wheel drive car, avoid applying the gas to the floor while the wheels are turned at full lock. This puts stress on the universals and can cause premature failure. This can happen when stuck in the snow and trying to get out.

What to discuss with your mechanic:

· If you are noticing a vibration in the car while driving, make sure to describe when it happens. While accelerating? braking? maintaining speed? when turning?

About the author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com
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Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers

Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them “seasoned citizens”) want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates.

Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.

1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.

3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.

4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.

5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.

6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.

7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.

8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.

9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.

10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.

11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.

Reprints of this article are allowed (and encouraged) for your site or newsletter with proper credit to the author and a simple link to http://www.hometownquotes.com.

About the Author:
Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com.
This article was posted on August 27, 2005
Article Source: articlecity

Driving Safely as You Get Older

Driving a car is a very complex task. You need good perceptual and judgement skills and you must pay constant attention to detail from your car and the world around you. As 90% of the information you need for safe driving comes through your eyes, any drop in vision due to age may compromise your safety. Although vehicle accidents usually have multiple causes, one of the more common causes is YOU, the driver, failing to see something important. Lose visual concentration at the wrong time, even for a second, and you may miss seeing a potential danger that could kill you and your passengers.

Despite nationwide driving fatality numbers decreasing, drivers aged 70 and over are more frequently involved in driving accidents (particularly fatalities) through decreased driving performance. Decreasing vision through ageing and common eye diseases is often a major contributing factor to such cases. With a rapidly ageing population and 19.8 million drivers over 70 already on U.S. roads, declining driver competence is fast becoming an urgent public health problem. One frightening statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that older driver involvement in fatal crashes will increase by 155% by the year 2030.

With increasing age many physical and mental changes will affect your ability to drive safely. Some conditions clearly make driving dangerous. If Dementia or Alzheimer's impairs your thinking or serious Cardiovascular disease makes you pass out from time to time, you need to immediately stop driving for your own and others' safety. Other less obvious problems may be just as dangerous at times. You may be temporarily unfit to drive if your prescription medicine makes you drowsy or if you are diabetic and your blood sugar drops too low. Impaired vision is another less obvious problem for older drivers. You may think you can see well, particularly in familiar driving locations, but as vision can deteriorate gradually over time, you may be totally unaware that your vision is not safe to drive!

Driving authorities impose a number of vision standards for safe driving. They may differ slightly from place to place but there are some common requirements. You need good visual acuity. This is the ability to see far enough ahead of you to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. You need good peripheral (side) vision. This is the ability to see out to the sides when changing lanes or merging. It helps you to detect pedestrians and other roadside hazards. Night vision is also important. Poor night vision due to problems like cataract can affect may elderly drivers. They may require a conditional driving license that only allows daytime driving.

Although eye disease such as Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration are relatively common in seniors, they are not the most frequent vision problem affecting drivers. The most common visual impairment in older drivers is uncorrected refractive error. Many drivers are either unaware they need eyeglasses to drive or they fail to keep their prescriptions up to date because they have not noticed the gradual loss of vision.

It is important to make sure eye diseases are monitored regularly to ensure vision remains adequate to drive. Cataract surgery may restore driving vision when cloudy lenses affect your vision but some eye diseases progress to the point where you need to stop driving altogether. As many older drivers equate their driving license with physical independence, losing this ability can be a terrible event which can force major lifestyle changes.

In this fast paced mobile world, driving is almost a necessity for many people. It can be devastating when age and deteriorating vision limit this ability. Although you can't turn back the clock, regular eye examinations and good communication with your Eyecare practitioner can help you keep driving as long as possible. Check your eyes regularly and make sure your eyes stay safe to drive!

About the Author:
Ian Williamson
For More Driving Articles by Ian Williamson please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Cars/145
Submitted: 2006-04-17
Article Source: GoArticles

Fatigue at the Wheel: Root of Serious Traffic Accidents

Last year in Germany, the police authorities reported a total of 3034 accidents triggered by fatigue, including 1786 collisions resulting in personal injury. This equates to about 0.5 percent of all serious accidents. Nonetheless, safety experts believe that the figure is much higher. This is because at the present time it is difficult to verify signs of fatigue by the time accidents are reconstructed.

Scientific studies revealed that between 10 and 20 percent of traffic accidents is caused by drowsiness. According to investigations conducted by insurance companies in said territory, 1 out of 4 fatal motorway accidents are caused by fatigue. Further, the probability of being killed in a road accident due to fatigue is 2.5 times higher than for other causes.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States, over 100,000 accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Out of which, 1500 people are killed and 71,000 are injured.

In Canada, a study about fatigue at the wheel established that 1 out of 5 has at some time nodded off while driving. Finding also showed that two thirds of fatigue-induced accidents occur during nighttime. Majority of incidents occur in the early hours of the morning between 2 and 6. They can also occur in the middle of the afternoon.

Moreover, safety experts employed by automakers are concentrating on improving safety features of their lineup. According to automotive reports one of the major causes of serious traffic accidents is – over-fatigue. Moreover, safety experts are trying to develop a system that recognizes fatigue to warn the driver. This system will be integrated to automobiles to be accessible to drivers.

Engineers from the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre also conducted several studies and testing regarding this potent auto system. Said engineers have tested more than 200 motorists on motorways and in the driving simulator. This system is expected to be released in a few years' time.

In order to obtain objective indicators of fatigue, Mercedes safety experts employed electroencephalogram (EEG) and other physiological readings. Another method used is the analysis of dynamic driving data.

Mercedes assistance systems will be mated to Mercedes-Benz car parts to avoid real-life accident scenarios. Today, Mercedes safety systems like Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist, have contributed significantly to the reduction of serious road accident.

According to studies, many motorists are actually able to recognize when they are tired, but by then it is often too late. Moreover, safety experts recommend that drivers should take a break when they are tired to avoid road accidents.

About the Author:
Stacey Wilson
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.
Added: 27 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/44043.html

Driving In Ireland - Your Essential Guide

Most visitors to Ireland either bring their own car by ferry from Britain, or they fly and hire a car.

If you are hiring a car, you need to know that an automatic will cost half as much again as the identical manual gear box model.

Petrol is currently about 1.20 euro a litre, that’s about 80 pence sterling and about $1.50 a litre in USD. That’s about $6 a US gallon. Diesel is a small bit cheaper. Most hire cars will give you 40 miles to the gallon or more.

Visitors are often surprised by how big Ireland is. It will take you seven hours to drive from one end to the other. The Island of Ireland is actually two countries, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of Britain. From Dublin to Belfast will take you a good two hours motorway driving. Dublin to Cork will take you between four and six hours depending on the time of day.

The only motorways in Ireland are around Dublin. The motorway speed limit is 120 Km/Hr (75mph) The speed limit on National roads, N7, N8, N25, etc is 100Km/Hr (62mph). On Local roads the limit is 80 Km/Hr (50mph). National roads go through all sorts of towns and villages where you will find shoppers double parked, so your average speed off the motorways is 40mph over any distance at all.

Speed limits are enforced by the Gardai (pronounced gardEE). The Guards do not stand silhouetted against the skyline wearing bright orange jackets, as they do in Britain. In Ireland they hide behind lamp posts, crouch behind walls and hide in the bushes. You will not see them before they catch you on camera. Believe me – I drive 30,000 miles a year in Ireland, I know.

If you are driving a UK registered car, including Northern Ireland, the Guards will not usually stop you. If you have hired a car in Ireland they will stop you, but will probably let you go once they see you are a visitor, driving on a US or UK licence. At the moment only Irish drivers can be given penalty points, though other nationalities can be fined.

Driving in Ireland is extremely hazardous, especially between 11pm and 6am. Drink driving is common, seat belts are rarely worn and drivers are aggressive and totally discourteous. Never expect another driver to give wayif he has the right of way. Drive defensively. Expect the absolutely ridiculous to happen.

About the Author:
Sebastian Romero drives 30,000 miles a year in Ireland. Find more info here. Check out Defensive Driving or Drive Defensively.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Vision Care and Night Driving

Most of us are aware that night driving demands greater concentration and is more stressful than driving during daytime hours. While we make allowances for these more testing conditions it's a fact, nevertheless, that more road accidents occur at night than during the day.

All the more reason, then, that as a driver you should take vision care very seriously. Ask yourself: 'Can I really see as well as I would like?' Night driving might be highlighting the need for an eye examination.

Here's a quick self-test to show how far you can see at night. Find a suitable place to test yourself, and see if you can stop by the time you reach an object that falls within the range of your lights. This is a surprisingly difficult task to do with dipped headlights on an unlit road even if you have 20/20 vision. If you can't stop in time you should get an eye check.

Perhaps you're beginning to notice that things are getting a bit blurred when night driving. Of course, road lighting levels are lower than those during the day. This has the effect of dilating the pupil of the eye and allowing the maximum amount of light to fall on the retina at the back of the eye.

This increase in pupil size will highlight any smaller refractive errors you might have which remain unnoticed under normal lighting conditions. These minor focusing errors will result in blurred vision at night, however. If blurring becomes more noticeable, your glasses or contact lenses might need changing or perhaps an optical correction is required. Ask for advice from your eye doctor.

If you've had your lenses checked, but your eyes feel uncomfortable as you're noticing haloes and reflections round lights and headlights, the problem might well be lack of "vision care" of your auto. When night driving, your auto lights are the most important source of information both for you and for other road users.

The principal reason for haloes and reflections is a dirty windscreen, both inside as well as outside. They can also be indicative of eye disease, macular degeneration, for instance, or post-operative symptoms of corrective vision surgery. In these cases, however, it would be unwise to attempt any night driving. You might find ,anyway, have restrictions placed on your licensure.

What, besides a clean, condensation-free windscreen, makes for good vision care of your auto before night driving? The following are very important:

- Your mirrors and windows should always be kept clean and clear (no dangling objects to distract your attention).

- Keep your washers topped up and wiper blades efficient.

- Keep the mirror and glass inside the auto mist-free.

- Icy weather and heavy rain at night exacerbate the problem of low light levels.

In icy weather, wait until your demister and heater have cleared the whole of the screen and rear window before starting off.

Rain can also drastically reduce your view through the windscreen and windows, and in the outside driving mirrors. In dirty weather conditions, clean your windscreen, windows, indicators and lights as often as necessary.

As you clean your auto's windscreen, so you should clean your glasses before night driving. Dirty lenses can contribute to a scattered light effect, and reflections from the surfaces of lenses can sometimes cause multiple images of lights at night. Anti-reflective coatings will eliminate this scattered light problem.

Unfortunately, as we age, a number of changes in the eye can give rise to contrast and glare sensitivity. We have already mentioned how important a clean windscreen is, but if you are an older driver with cataracts, a cloudy retina will produce the same effect as a dirty windscreen.

Glasses will be of no use in overcoming this visual impairment, and it may be best if night driving is minimised or eliminated altogether. If oncoming headlights are a problem, you could try focusing on the nearside kerb as you drive. Don't forget, though, you'll need to slow down if you adopt this compensatory technique.

You might not have cataracts, but you might be considering amber-tinted lenses or a windscreen tint as a solution to the glare problem. Blue night driving lights for use in your auto are also on the market and advertised as a vision care aid for night driving.

Neither of these will improve vision on the road. In fact, they are likely to make matters worse. When tinted lenses are worn, or blue lights used in the auto, the pupils of the eye dilate. This reduces glare but also makes it much more difficult for the eyes to adjust and keep a clear view of the road ahead.

For the same reason the use of the amber-tinted lenses for computer work is not recommended. A reduction in glare is achieved, but at the cost of the eyes' focusing muscles. They are constantly having to make adjustments as you look back and forth between the monitor and keyboard, and, as a result, they become fatigued and you get blurred vision. Use an anti-reflective coating on your lenses instead.

Safe night driving requires good vision care both for yourself and your auto. If you have any doubts about your fitness to drive at night you should get an eye check up. Your safety, and the safety of others, could depend on it.

About the Author:
© 2006 Maureen P Cook In this article, Maureen Cook shows you why good vision care for the auto is as important as your own vision care for safe night driving. To read more, go to Vision Care
Article Submitted On: August 09, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Driving On Wet Roads

Summer may be coming soon however there is still a chance of having rain. In fact, rain could fall anytime without your knowing. And sometimes, light rain could turn into a torrential downpour that could leave you cold and miserable while driving on some highway.

Rain also is one of the causes of many road accidents. This is mostly because of the road and driving conditions. The roads become slippery. And oftentimes, the rain blurs the visibility of the driver.

After a long dry season and the rain starts to fall, be very careful if you are caught on the road. Engine oil and grease has built up on the road during the dry season. Now when these are mixed with the water from rain, it can make the road extremely slick and slippery.

When it is starting to rain and you have to travel somewhere, make sure that you start driving with a little time allowance. This is because you would not want to start speeding through the roads in the rain. Also, if you need to brake, make sure that you do it with less force. Sudden or strong braking could lead you to skid and you know what else happens after that.

If the rain is pouring harder than you thought it would be and you observe that your visibility is lessened because of the downpour, do not hesitate to turn on your headlights. Added lights could actually help you see the road better and these also assist other motorists to know that you are on the road also. However, do not try to be brave and drive through a great downpour when you simply cannot see the road. Pull over and wait for the rain to subside. There is no harm in doing that. In fact, it could save not only your life but other lives as well.

Headlights and fog lights could assist you greatly as you trudge through rain. If there is a need for such items, Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts is one of the trusted auto parts stores by car owners around the globe. In fact, it is also quite famous for its collection of Volvo 960 parts that are quality made and very durable.

About the Author:
Kevin Anderson
As a former news correspondents for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.
Submitted: 2006-04-19
Article Source: GoArticles