For most of us it is very important when purchasing a car, van or suv to get relevant and useful information about the item before we make the all important decision.
How do we get that information?
Well in fact there are a number of options open to us, like reading the car journals and monthly magazines that you will find on most shop shelves whether you live in England, Germany, Ireland or the United States. But I guess the simplest way is to ask a representative at your local car dealer. He has been trained to to give advice and you will find that the majority of these men and women are very helpful and pleasant.
What do we look for?
Before you get down to the nuts and bolts, try and find a make and model that you like and that makes you feel safe.
There are many to choose from, like BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln and Rolls Royce.
Don't be afraid to sit in the car, ask for a test drive and get testimonials from other drivers of the car. Read the brochures and also do research on the internet.
Basic Car Knowledge: Engines
If you’re familiar with cars, you probably know that engines come in many variations. All engines operate using the same mechanical principles: fuel and air are ignited to create a twisting force called torque. The two types of engines that are used in military cars are rotary engines and piston engines. Piston engines are by far the most common type of engine used in cars. Piston engines use pistons seated in cylinders to drive a crankshaft which spins a flywheel. Rotary engines use a special rotating disc to produce power. Rotary engines are typically smaller and operate at higher RPM’s (revolutions per minute) than piston engines. Most rotary engines are similar, although some have more than one rotor. Piston engines however come in many different shapes and sizes.
The first characteristic that makes a piston engine unique is the number of cylinders it contains. Most small passenger cars contain a four cylinder engine. Trucks and SUV’s typically have either a six or eight cylinder engine. Engines are also made with as many as sixteen cylinders, but these are very uncommon. The more cylinders an engine has, the more power it is capable of producing and the more fuel it uses. For example, an engine revolution is completed when every cylinder has fired once. This means that a four cylinder engine creates power from four cylinder strokes, whereas an eight cylinder creates the same motion with eight strokes, creating much more power.
The next main characteristic of a piston engine is the arrangement of the cylinders. Most four cylinder engines are referred to as inline fours because the cylinders are arranged in a straight line. Inline six cylinder engines are used as well. The other common type of cylinder arrangement is the V shaped engine. V engines have a bank of cylinders on each side, creating a V shape. V shaped engines usually have six or eight cylinders, but can have as many as sixteen.
The third major characteristic of a piston engine is the cylinder displacement. This number is always expressed in liters. The displacement of an engine refers to the volume displaced by all of the cylinders combined. Therefore, the more cylinders an engine has, the more displacement it has. Each type of engine has its advantages and disadvantages. A buyer must consider his or her uses for the car before deciding on an engine type.
Spend a few hours research for years of safe driving.
While driving is a serious business, it should always be enjoyable and comfortable. Always obey the rules of the road in your home country or indeed your host country.
Don't speed or you may be in for a double whammy, just like this guy.
Listen to good advice from both your colleagues and your auto advisor or sales person.
Be wary of the fast talking jewelry donned know it all!!!!!
You will recognize him.
