Braking methods

Modern brakes were invented in the late 19th century, around the same time as the tyre. Up until then, vehicles had wooden wheels that were stopped by large wooden blocks, lowered into position by the driver using a simple lever system. When tyres were invented, the wooden block system wasn’t good enough to stop them at the higher speeds they could achieve, which meant that a new braking system had to be invented. To see the basic principles of modern braking, it is easiest to look at a bicycle. Basically, when you put pressure on the brakes, the pressure is transferred through cables to pull small pads onto the side of the tyres, and the force of the friction against the tyres causes them to stop. In fact, cars originally used this very same cable system, but it was found not to work so well at high speeds. Instead, the cables were replaced with hydraulic fluid, which works to transfer the pressure the driver puts on the pedal to the brakes. This works because the fluid cannot get much smaller when pressure is put on it, meaning that pressure at one end is transferred to the other – much like water flowing through a pipe. However, if this brake fluid leaks even a little, then the brakes may not work properly any more, which is why it’s very important to check your brake fluid regularly. Of course, in modern cars, there are other mechanisms apart from pure pressure to help you brake. Most cars now have a vacuum system to create more friction in the brakes, and a servo system that uses the car’s own speed to help your pressure have more of an impact. One word of warning, though: some cars now have fully computerised brakes, where pushing on the pedal sends an electrical signal to turn on electrically-powered brakes. While this makes it much easier to brake, it is also more prone to failure, meaning that if your car’s computer breaks you might find it impossible to stop. Until this technology has been around a little longer, it’s probably best to stick to traditional mechanical braking methods.

The lowdown on looking after high end autos

As publisher of Celeb-rity car magazine, I see the specs for some of the world's most desirable automobiles. The celebrities that appear in the magazine know how to be seen, and nothing grabs attention like a high-powered vehicle. But owning a cutting-edge vehicle does more than add another accessory to a portfolio of luxurious items. It inducts you into an elite club, complete with the privileges and responsibilities of maintaining a vehicle that needs "special attention." For celebrities and amateurs alike, here are a few expert tips to keep these beauties purring for years to come: 1. Preventive Maintenance. Every month, check key fluids such as oil, coolant, power steering and transmission. Use high-quality products as recommended by the manufacturer for any top-up or fluid replacement. Also, make sure to follow proper OEM recommendations and visit a specialist for a tune-up, replacing spark plugs, changing oil and lubricating your engine as needed. Don't forget to regularly change your wiper blades, too. If Mother Nature rains down on your joyride, you want to be ready and safe. 2. Build a Relationship with a Good Mechanic. You own a specialty car-it's time to find a specialty auto mechanic. Don't be afraid to ask your specialist about the causes of problems you notice, either. It makes you a better owner and helps build rapport. Owners of classic cars especially need to do this. When parts that operate perfectly for 40 years begin to break down, it's vital that your mechanic is familiar with your golden oldie. 3. Use Top Tier, High-Octane Fuel. Pay attention to the gasoline your high-performance engine is burning. All gasoline available today should meet minimum detergency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency, but according to some automakers, that is not enough to keep critical engine parts free of carbon deposits. Recognizing that a cleaner engine performs better, BMW, GM, Honda and Toyota developed a Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard that exceeds the EPA standard and raises the bar on fuel quality. Fuels meeting this standard can enhance your engine's performance because they're designed to keep intake valves and fuel injectors free of deposits. Shell V-Power actually surpasses that standard with two times the amount of detergency required by the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline standard. These cleaning agents actively clean carbon deposits that low-quality fuels leave behind, giving your car better performance. 4. Invest in Quality Tires. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the ground, so they're one of the best ways to give your car added performance. Every product has a class, from engines to gasoline, and tires are no different. Make sure your wheels have an optimum strength-to-weight ratio and minimal rotational inertia. Find a tire brand you trust and make sure the speed rating gives you freedom on the open road. Also, be sure you check the tire pressure on a regular basis in order to get the best performance and mileage. Improperly inflated tires can be dangerous. To find the proper pressure for your tires, check the number on the inside of the gas door or on the inside of the side door, not the number that appears on the tires themselves. Remember, your vehicle manufacturer always knows best. 5. Detail on a Regular Basis. Last, but certainly not least, maintain the form of your car as well as its function. Having your beauty detailed regularly by an expert is a no-brainer. Like at the pump, the car wash is not the place to start being frugal. Protect your dashboard from sun damage with a sun shield or a protective polish, like Black Magic Pro Shine Protectant. Other motorists are watching, so make sure to give your car a good cleaning at least once every two months. Whether you're a first-time high-end owner or a sharp-eyed collector, treat your ride right, because your high-performance automobile is a powerful machine that makes driving more adventurous and luxurious.

Are you watching your fuel guage more than your speedo

Are You Driving on Fresh Air? Do you travel miles to save pennies on fuel costs? Do you watch your fuel gauge more than your Speedo? Is the rising cost of Gas strangling you? Fear not...Help is at hand...GET A BICYCLE! Seriously, there are a few things that can be done without throwing your car keys away and walking everywhere. (PHEW)! A lot of the things you can do to save fuel are easy and free. When was the last time you checked your tires to see if they were inflated to the correct pressure? Under inflated tires are one of the main causes of excess fuel consumption. It's easy to check your tire pressures daily with a cheap tire pressure gauge; if you don't know how asks your local garage mechanic to show you (A free beer works wonders). When you buy your fuel can have an effect on what you get. Gas is sold by volume and as we all know from school, liquids expand when warm, so if you buy your gas at the hottest part of the day you will get less than if you buy when it is cold. So the logical time to buy your gas is just before dawn (Who' s Dawn?) when it's coldest. With 24 hour shopping it would make sense to do your weekly shop while others are asleep and fill up your tank at the same time. The roads will be quieter so less traffic to get stuck behind and waste fuel. There are various (free) websites that will tell you the cheapest gas prices in your area. How about just washing your car. It causes less drag, ... Honestly. Why do you think that swimmers shave their heads (i. e. Duncan Goodhew)? Or what about those skin tight smooth figure hugging suits worn by downhill skiers? ( Just going for a cold shower). Make car washing fun, get all the family involved. Hose down the dog, hose down the kids. Hose down the whole neighbourhood. (If winter you may ignore this one) Sitting at the lights revving the engine may impress the boy racers but it uses gas. Rev the engine 15 times and you use enough fuel to travel one mile. Remember this next time you have to push your car to the gas station. Is your car due for a service? (I know a good priest who can give the last rites at a reasonable price). I know it costs money for servicing your car if you are unable to do it yourself. But the cost in extra fuel if your car is not running right is even more. (Blocked air filter, worn spark plugs, sticking brakes, etc.) Best of all drive safely. Do not tailgate! if you do you will have to brake harder when the car in front does. Give some distance to the car in front. You will use your brakes less and still get there at the same time. Watch the traffic far ahead and try to read how they are going to act, if you see brake lights up ahead you can react a bit sooner. If you are driving in the wet you can sometimes see the reflections of brake lights on the wet road surface. This allows you to slow down sooner and avoid harsh braking.