Learning The Fundamentals Of A Manual Transmission

By Bj Jamison

Most of us drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. They're more convenient for daily commuting and they're more prevalent; automakers equip the majority of their fleets with them. Having said that, cars with manual transmissions are generally more fun to drive, especially on highways and roads uncongested with traffic. The magic is in the control given to the driver. In effect, the motorist chooses which gears to hit and when to hit them, allowing him or her to maximize engine performance.

Even though manual trannies are becoming rarer each year, they continue to be the main ingredient in performance vehicles. In this article, we'll take a quick tour through manual transmissions. I'll describe the basics regarding how they work, including how moving the shift knob through the gears translates into drive power to the wheels.

Keeping Below The Redline

Your vehicle's engine has limits; it's generally referred to as the "redline." When you put pressure on the gas pedal, you'll hear the engine grow louder as the RPMs climb. The redline is the point past which your engine becomes in danger of failing - or blowing apart under the stress.

Most engines enjoy their peak performance at approximately 5,500 RPMs. The trick is to come as close as possible to that level without crossing it. That's what a manual transmission does. It lets the driver set the gear ratios that allow the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range without exceeding the redline.

Clutch And Gears

In a manual 5-speed or 6-speed, the driver controls the gear ratios through the clutch, a component that connects the engine with the transmission. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the connection is severed. When the clutch pedal is released, the connection is reestablished. When connected, engine powers the revolutions of the output shaft which in turn powers the layshaft. The teeth of the gears interlock so that the spinning of the gears coincide with the spinning of the engine.

How The Shift Knob Contributes To Gear Selection

From a top-down perspective, the positions of the shift knob look similar to an "H" formation. When you move the knob into a particular position, it powers a gear selector fork. That fork powers a collar within the tranny. The collar is outfitted with dog teeth that fit into the grooves of the 1st through 5th (or 6th) gears. Depending upon the position into which you move the shift knob, the corresponding gear will be engaged.

A car's manual transmission follows a beautifully graceful design. That is not to suggest its design is simplistic. On the contrary, like a Swiss watch, the gears, dog teeth, and other components adhere to a well-honed precision. For car aficionados, that level of precision translates into irreplaceable engine performance. - 21396

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How To Choose A Good Air Compressor

By Ricky Green

Air compressors vary in size and power. The best way to purchase an air compressor is to determine what types of tools you will use with the compressor. Pay attention to the power requirements of the tools. You will need a compressor that runs the most powerful heavy duty tool you own. Just to be on the safe side, you should probably purchase one that is the next step above what you know you need. That way you will be prepared for any job, even if it requires a new, more powerful tool.

A very important consideration when you begin to use an air compressor is safety. Be sure to wear safety goggles when you operate your tools. Also wear protective clothing, which should include long pants, long sleeved shirts, and safety shoes. Shoes should be heavy duty work boot if possible.

One of the most common portable air compressors is a portable rotary screw compressor. This machine ranges from 65 to 1600 cubic feet of air per minute with a rating from 100 to 350 pounds per square inch (psi). Once you determine the types of tools you use, you will be better able to make an informed decision.

Truck mounted compressors are easy to use space savers. They are very popular because they can be mounted in the bed of a truck or under the hood. They use the engine of the truck for power. The only consideration is that you have to keep the truck running while you use the compressor.

A deck mounted compressor will be mounted in the bed of a truck. It is portable and can be removed and left on the job site. This makes set-up and work convenient. Deck mounted compressors have their own engine, so they aren't reliant on the power from your truck.

Air compressors can be electrically powered or gas powered. In both types, air is housed in a holding tank. The power tool is attached to a hose. The pressure is checked by gauges on the compressor and regulated by a valve. Quincy brands are one of the best brands of air compressors available. Quincy rotary screw compressors range in size from 10 to 350 horsepower. Quincy machines are well known for reliability, durability and quiet running. These compressors come in all tank sizes from small to large models housed in a stationary cabinet. - 21396

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Find a large selection of cheap air compressors and choose some cheap portable air compressors for your DIY projects at home.

Getting Your House Ready to Sell

By Selma Avdagic

Selling your own home is never easy, and the difficulties are more than just missing an agent. There are those memories and sense of belonging to get over, for one. You want to make sure the house you've lived in moves to the best buyer possible - and you want to make sure they're willing to pay what its worth. Do you really think you can do this? A lot of people manage to sell their own home quickly. Here are some tips that might help:

Ensure that all the legal issues have been dealt with before you even consider handing your house over. Does your state law require you to give property disclosures to potential buyers? It's always a good idea to invest in a qualified lawyer to help you.

A lawyer also comes in handy for helping you draw up the contract. Selling your own home requires a contract that will protect both you and the buyer - think about the buyer's deposit and the local estate laws.

A useful but underrated tip in selling your own home is make sure you pick out the best picture to put in the advertisements. Like humans, not all houses are photogenic, so choose the best angle that still represents what your house has to offer.

An agent is likely to be more experienced than you, especially in observing buyers. The large amount of potential buyers coming to your house should not convince you that everyone can finance for a house. If you're selling a house on your own, more buyers will come in hope of a more flexible negotiation - check them all. Ask if they're able to buy your house immediately, or do they need to sell their own house first.

Cleaning and preparing your house for home showings is only a part of your effort. Some potential buyers love to do drive-bys, and rely on that first impression. Ensure that your lawn and the front part of your house is well maintained. If your curb appeal is low, clients are reluctant to see what's inside.

These tips on selling your own home came from people who managed to sell their house successfully. There's a lot to consider before you take every next step, so take your time. And remember, it's useless to do the selling on your own if the revenue taken from not hiring an agent is spent heavily on fixing your own mistakes! - 21396

About the Author:

Selma Avdagic is an expert in selling houses, and lots of other things. She runs the well-known classified ad site BibasList

The Beginning of the Rally Car: Audi Quattro 4WD

By Blaise Sellberg

The Audi Quattro has been around since the year 1980. This vehicle has the distinction of being the second road car to have had four wheel drive capabilities. Jensen FF was the first, having been produced in 1966. Although it was the first road car of its kind, it was not considered to have a reliable transmission.

4WD was considered useful only to SUV style vehicles. In 1980 the view changed, especially with rallies and the Quattro.

Audi's genius was to keep the four wheel drive system as simple and as light as possible, and instead of using a traditional transfer box and associated driveshafts, Audi used a small differential off of the front mounted gearbox to power two driveshafts, one to provide power to the front wheels and the other to the rear.

With the four wheel drive system the Quattro has superior levels of grip and traction, even in slippery and wet conditions, whilst in the dry the 200 bhp turbocharged engine could launch the Audi Quattro to sixty in just 7.1 seconds, and a top speed of 137 mph which are impressive figures even by today's modern standard. However whilst the Quattro was a superb road car it was on the world rally stage that it really made its name.

For the 1980 Rally rules changed. It was this modification which allowed the Quattro to enter even with the 4WD. Other car manufacturers were of the impression that the Audi would not do well. These thoughts were based on the heaviness of the 4WD system. The manufacturers were in for a surprise when it was learned what Audi did in order to make the vehicle lighter. The rally car was on the top at world rallies for six years. There were numerous series of the car, ending with the Audi Sport Quattro S1.

The S1 had one objective and that was to win. They added front spoilers and a 2.1 litre, five cylinder engine that could produce 590bhp.

The 80's marked a new era for the rally, one that could not be inclusive without the Quattro series using its turbo around the track.

The name Quattro is still used today despite the end of the road car in 1991. In German Ur means original, which applies to the Audi Quattro. It is a much esteemed car to own. - 21396

About the Author:

The Ur Audi Quattro is a fabulous road car and highly successful rally car. If you want to recreate the powerful and bright lights that the Quattro had on the infamous night stages for your own vehicle, you will need to upgrade your Car Bulbs. As automotive lighting advances its is now easier than ever to install the latest Upgrade Upgrade Headlight Bulbs to allow you to see better at night.

Comprehensive Liability Insurance Is Necessary

By Graham McKenzie

We would be in a huge amount of financial worries if insurance was not on our side. If you think about it; if you get in an accident, what happens? The first things people do that have insurance is call their insurance company; those who do not have a hard time coming to them. Face it; having insurance is an everyday occurrence. Car insurance keeps us level headed when we are in the car.

We have all used or will use our insurance at some point in our lives. Most of the time we do not need the insurance and we complain about the premium that goes along with it. It isn?t until you actually make a claim that you were glad you had it. Other than that, we find it useless and just another bill; but we still keep it around.

The most basic form of car insurance is Liability Insurance. This insurance covers all the basics when you get into an accident, big or small. When an accident occurs, someone will pull away from it being liable, or the cause of the accident. All structural, mental and physical damages are the responsibility of this person. When it all adds up, this is a very expensive and sticky situation to be in.

Third party Cover, or Liability Insurance, will save you from financial ruin. In accidents that deem a person responsible that does not have insurance, it will leave them all the way to declaring bankruptcy. They will be taken to court and drained of whatever assets and money they had. This will be for all the damages listed above and some court costs to go along with it. This type of situation lasts for years and a person truly never fully recovers from a situation as described.

Taking out insurance is just that; it insures you will be OK. It gives you that upper hand when life throws you a lemon. In other words, if you get into an accident, you will not be the one going up to bat. This is what you insurance premiums you constantly play are for. Your insurance company will take care of all the payments and legal matters that go along with a vehicular incident. The only part you will personally be responsible for is the excess. When you get in the accident, you will have to pay the amount you and your insurance policy writer agreed on when you sign the insurance policy contract. The excess is usually anywhere from 250-1,000. Once this is paid, the insurance will make all necessary payments to clear it from the books.

You might want to talk to your insurance agent to check for the best vehicle insurance available so you can be fully covered and secured. There are many aspects of an accident and liability insurance is the first step. Explore your options so you do not get caught off guard. - 21396

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car and vechile portal.