Automotive Business

Archive for April, 2011

Like many other ancient tools, the history of the potter’s wheel is based primarily on remnants of the past and resulting assumptions. It’s gradual development is thought to have started around 3000 BC but there is some evidence that it may have begun even as early as 8,000 BC. Earliest discoveries were from Mesopotamia (now southern Iraq) and told the tale of people moving away from the use of heavy stone containers, animal skin pouches and leaky baskets to clay pots to hold liquids.

The first pots were built with coils of clay stacked on top of each other, smoothed with a simple tool of wood or leather and decorated by the potter. The pots were then allowed to dry and buried in a fire pit to harden. The potter found that by turning the platform on which the coils were placed – usually a leaf or stone – the coils could be added more easily. Soon after this discovery, a small turntable was developed to set the clay on and speed up the coil work. The practice of coil-building still exists in many village pottery shops as well as in the shops of modern-day potters who prefer this form of molding clay pieces.

By 3000 BC, the population had grown and with it an increased need for pottery. The women, who were thought to have been delegated that task in the early stages, returned to the primary task of child-rearing and the pottery-making was taken over by the men. In 2500 BC, pictures by the Egyptians show men at a pottery wheel that they are turning by hand. They continued to build with coils until a faster, heavier wheel was developed. They were then able to throw the clay onto the middle of the wheel and form it into a more controlled shape. The regularity of shapes and the use of a spiral design were outcomes of this new procedure. The wheel was turned with a large stick or kicked by the potters foot on a circular platform attached to the wheel. Sometimes, the process required two men to turn the wheel and work the clay.

The potter’s wheel of today is lightweight, faster and much more controllable. It requires only one set of hands. Even though our dishes and bowls are mass produced from every material possible, the simple elegance of hand-thrown pottery remains a treasured possession.

MLC

The Wagon Wheel has been an institution in Escondido, California for over 40 years now. On what seems to be only the second set of owners in it’s history the restaurant gives patrons the chance to step back in time to enjoy a home cooked meal in a comfortable red leather booth while paying prices that would remind you more of 1985 then 2005.

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy dinner on a Friday evening at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Escondido, CA. Located off of the 78 Freeway it is easy to locate with plenty of parking both in front and in back, an old wooden building houses one of the oldest running restaurants in San Diego county.

After finding my way to a corner booth I started by ordering a soda to drink, the restaurant does not currently carry a liquor license in part to keep to their family friendly attitude. I then found a special board (located just above the entrance to the kitchen and written in chalk).

I ordered the baby back ribs special which was accompanied by a salad to start, side of potatoes (I chose French fries), another side dish (I chose vegetables), as well as a choice of bread either roll or cornbread.

So how was everything? Extremely good. The salad was the classic house salad which was a nice place to start. The ribs came out and had clearly been cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time, the sauce was perfect. The French fries when combined with my wife’s onion rings ordered showed off the best of 1950′s American cooking. Lightly battered and fried when it was ordered and served piping hot. Lastly I found some space for dessert as there was an old portrait above a window of a piece of cherry cheesecake. To put it in a word: splendid.

I hope anyone living in San Diego county or south Riverside county will consider the Wagon Wheel restaurant in Escondido next time they are looking for a restaurant to visit. As opposed to the generic chain restaurants like TGI Friday’s, Chile’s, Applebees or Denny’s you’ll be paying less while getting much better (and more) food from a family owned restaurant. I always enjoy being able to stop in say hello and be able to have an owner there working the restaurant and making the food. Personally, I’d rather spend my money in a restaurant where I know the family that I’m supporting, as opposed to a large corporation to which I have no connection with.

Why Wheel Alignment is Such a Crucial Component in Maintaining Your Vehicle

The most important aspect in maintaining the life of tire and to have a risk free journey is wheel alignment. It is a process in which the wheels are set in an angle that it perpendicular to the ground surface and the wheels are parallel to each other. This condition will improve the life of the tire and makes the car to travel straight when the steering wheel is left idle. One should not confuse the concept of wheel balancing with wheel alignment.

Wheel balancing is a method through which the wheels are properly mounted over the disk. This imbalance can occur while replacing the tires after repair. The condition can be easily felt in the steering while driving. Similarly wheel alignment error can also be detected in the steering. If your car moves forward straightly when the steering wheel is not touched, then the condition of alignment on the wheels is perfect. If there is any fault then your car will go in a same direction either to the left or to the right. This is applicable to all kinds of vehicles and not only the car.

Other signs to detect the irregularity in wheel alignment are the damage to the tires and the brake shoes. The thread of the tire will be damaged on the edges which will wear out immediately. You can also see the lining metal in side the tire if the case is worst. Camber and Caster angles are adjusted in order to make the alignment condition to the correct condition. Wheel alignment depends on various measurements and even a variation in single concept will cause the improper wheel alignment.

Steering center is a factor used in wheel alignment. The concept behind this is the wheels are to be straight when the steering wheel is adjusted to straight condition. This is a easy way to find improper alignment. This occurs due to the difference in the caster and camber angles. Four wheel alignments is a method of aligning the tires. In this method the device is placed on the rear tire and the front wheels are aligned according to it. The two wheel alignment will cost around 30 to 60 US $. The four wheel alignment will cost around 50 to 95 $. There are many latest techniques for wheel aligning and one should have a test drive after a wheel alignment in the vehicle. This is because; sometimes the steering will get harder.

It takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle, which is why proper wheel alignment is important. Simply put, all of components that make your vehicle go straight are called alignment. Misalignment can be caused by many factors including merely driving your vehicle. Potholes can be common culprits. A sizable pothole can bump your suspension out of the precisely calculated set of measurements that dictate proper wheel alignment.

Why is wheel alignment important?

Improper wheel alignment can effect driving performance as well as cost you money. Total alignment sets all four wheels positioned straight ahead and parallel. The following are benefits of wheel alignment:

oImproves gas mileage. In the recent economy and a year of outrageous gas prices, everyone is looking to better their gas mileage to save money. By having your vehicle aligned properly, it decreases any resistance while rolling which increases your gas mileage. It is also important to make sure that your tires are properly inflated as this will help gas mileage as well.

oReduces tire wear. Premature tire wear can be costly. One of the signs of wheel misalignment is excessive or uneven tire wear. If your vehicle is not aligned properly, your tires can show wear more quickly due to their not rolling straight and being dragged in the wrong direction. You will have to replace them more often, costing you more. Proper alignment can save you money in the long run.

oImproves the handling of your vehicle. Other signs of improper alignment pertain to the handling of our vehicle. These signs can be if your steering wheel pulls to the left or right, if it is not centered when driving straight ahead or if it vibrates or shimmies. Steering wheel vibration can also indicate tire wear or if they have not been inflated properly. While driving, your vehicle can also have a feeling of looseness or wandering. All of these signs can be corrected with total alignment which can absorb any road shock and provide a smoother ride.

oImproves safety. Proper wheel alignment can help you drive more safely by improving steering and tracking problems. The improved handling and control of your vehicle can help you prevent or avoid accidents.

Why is four-wheel alignment recommended?

Simply put, your front wheels “steer” or drive the vehicle while the rear wheels “direct” the vehicle. Four-wheel alignment solves handling problems by referencing all four wheels to a common centerline.

Yearly maintenance is recommended.

Regular vehicle maintenance is recommended for optimal operation of your vehicle and its safety. It is important that you follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations listed in your owner’s manual, however as a general rule your wheel alignment and tire check up should be scheduled every 10,000 miles or at least once per year.

Often a suspension system inspection can be included as a part of this regular maintenance. This inspection can allow your ASE Certified Technician to spot potential problems or worn parts now before they become costly problems later.

Absolutely one of the most fascinating cards of the Major Arcana is the Wheel Of Fortune. However, this is another one of those cards that is often misinterpreted by not only those who aren’t familiar with the Tarot, but also by experts as well. The truth is, the Wheel Of Fortune has nothing to do with wealth or good fortune. As a matter of fact, the wheel itself basically goes from bad to worse. This article will reveal the hidden meaning of this card in both its normal and reversed key so that there is no doubt in your mind what the Wheel Of Fortune means in a spread.

Might as well start out with the bad, because it only goes downhill from there. Yes, this is one card that I never want to see turn up in a spread. In its normal state, the wheel does its least amount of harm. It basically represents a bad situation that however does show hope on the horizon. This is a time for the subject to look for new opportunities as the ones at present aren’t doing very well to say the least. The card shows that a definite change is in order. Look around and see what’s available. The card also shows that the subject needs to adapt to different circumstances. As I like to say, when I get this card in a spread, there is only one way to go and that’s up.

In reverse, the Wheel Of Fortune indeed goes from bad to worse. In this case, everything is going wrong. As a matter of fact, if it can go wrong, it will. There is a tendency to be depressed and throw in the towel. In many cases, on over-inflated ego is what’s causing the problem. It’s important for the subject to analyze everything as carefully as possible. You have many forces working against you so no matter how hard you try, it seems you can’t find the solution. This is when it’s time to take a step back, evaluate the situation and think your way through it.

As I said, the Wheel Of Fortune is not a card I want to come up in a reading. Some say that it builds character. I can think of better ways to build character and I don’t need a Wheel Of Fortune to build it for me. If you see this card in a spread, especially in reverse key, it is important to tell the subject that they need to take stock of the situation and not let their emotions get to them.

With the proper attitude, there is a way out of this hole.

To YOUR Divination Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Wheel of Commerce – Are You Holding Back the Economy?

All physical manifestations have a spiritual counterpart. When I visited Jamestown, Virginia, I saw the wheel of commerce* (in my mind’s eye) stagnant. With clearing, the wheel began to move. Unless this wheel was moving on a spiritual level, the economy in the United States would not. The last time, I checked, however, it was again stagnant.

When I looked further into it, I saw it surrounded and impeded by the thoughts of fear attached to it. The thoughts of those frightened about the economy, fears of not getting a job, worries about money and fears of survival are slowing and stagnating the economy. Unless everyone decides to take a stand and release those thoughts, the wheel of economy will stagnate.

People have the power to get the economy moving should they decide to take a stand and make a difference. It is imperative for people to take their power of creation back. It is time mankind knew who they were and how powerful they are to make a difference. At the moment, they are giving their power away to the economy and outside events. If they recognized that the power lies within and that they can change the economy with their thoughts and approach to life, the economy would improve.

It has to start with you. Do not wait for the economy to change. Change it. Make a choice to change it rather than be a victim of it. Unless you change your mind about it, it will not change for you. Are you willing to make a difference? Are you willing to change your mind? Are you willing to change your approach to the economy?

The time to change is now if you want the economy to change. If you are worried about money, getting a job, keeping a roof over your head and food on the table, it is time to change your mind about money.

I am not saying it will necessarily be easy but it can be easier than you think. Years of programming have stymied your results. You are an extremely powerful being with the ability to create a world suitable for all to live healthy, happy and prosperous lives. The world that currently exists for many is one of limitation and in some cases, extreme limitation.

Break through those limitations to create the life desired rather than one of default. Be an example to your children and those around you of power and prestige. I do not mean someone who is arrogant and overpowering. I mean own your own power. Do not give in into the illusions surrounding you that have kept you playing small.

Your life is at stake! Do you want to live it as a coward? Or, would you like to live it powerfully? Take a stand that your life will be lived as you desire. I am not speaking of greed here either. Greed is one of the contributing factors to the economy taking the turn that it has. Create a life out of integrity. Live the life you were meant to live. Own the job you were meant to do. Do not succumb to leftovers and what is available. Be true to yourself. Make a difference to the world by being true to yourself. It is time everyone took their right place and all took responsibility for the state of affairs that exists in their own life and the residual effect left for others in their wake.

You have the power to change the world. Do so by changing your own for starters. Think about every aspect of your life that you sell out, give your power away or play small. Think about how you think. What do you believe? What are your thoughts about your life, your job, the economy and your abilities to have exactly what you want and need?

If these thoughts are not optimal providing you the results you desire, then it is time you changed them to thought patterns that will garner you better outcomes. Remember this, that every thought you think today will impact the experiences of tomorrow. If you want a flow of abundance in your life tomorrow, then you had better start thinking abundant thoughts today.

If those thoughts are a challenge to change, then ask for assistance. There are professionals who use a variety of modalities who can help. You can ask God for assistance and to be directed to the resources to help you release your sabotaging thoughts, patterns and behaviors as well as ask Him to release them directly.

The key is to let go of all that is not working and contributing to the life you desire. Your thoughts and beliefs are at the base and they need to elevate to the position of power and having positive impact to attain the life you desire.

If you want the wheel of commerce* to move, you have to start moving it!

*Channeled response to the question, “What is the wheel of commerce?”

The wheel of commerce is the mechanism by which the economy flows in this country. Every country has one. The peoples of each and every country can effect, either positively or negatively, the wheel of commerce by their very own thoughts about the economy. When the wheel of economy is healed, it moves freely. As it turns, flow occurs. As it stagnates, so does money. Money flows as readily as the wheel turns. If you want more money, you need make sure that you are in flow about money.

Portable Wheel Chair Ramps – Six Types For Added Convenience

Portable wheel chair ramps provide accessibility for wheel chairs to classrooms, buildings, fairs, churches, offices, hospitals, restaurants, public buildings, a family or friends’ residence, and many other locations. Portable ramps are also the ideal choice for loading and unloading a wheel chair or power chair from a vehicle, allowing you and your family more freedom to come and go as you please. There are several types available on the market today.

1.) Threshold ramps are used in doorways, over sliding door track systems or to enable a wheel chair or power chair to negotiate raised landings. These ramps are most often constructed from aluminum or recycle rubber products and have a high traction surface. They can be used outdoors or indoors.

2.) Track wheel chair ramps are designed for use with manual wheel chairs or power chairs. These ramps are two separate pieces that are meant to line up with the wheels of the wheel chair and are used to maneuver the chair up or down steps, into a vehicle, or to negotiate a curb.

3.) Single-fold portable ramps are easily transported from one location to another. This style of portable ramp allows for easy transport of a wheel chair or power chair in a vehicle. The ramp unfolds to a length of between 2 to 6 feet so you have greater flexibility and safety. A single-fold ramp folds lengthwise and can be easily transported to your next location.

4.) Multi-fold portable ramps are very similar to single-fold, but offer lengths up to 10 feet for even more flexibility and accessibility. A portable extended reach ramp is another style that is designed with lip on one end in order to securely attach to the back of a large van or SUV.

5.) Van ramps mount to the floor on the side or rear door of a van, enabling you to load and unload power chairs, wheel chairs or scooters with ease. They feature a high traction surface and can be folded up and stored or transported.

6.) Rollup ramps do just that – they roll up into a carrying bag for easy transport to any location. This small, durable, and lightweight portable ramp will bridge the gap over steps, raised landings, curbs, and for loading a chair into a van. Designed with special hinges, this ramp can be rolled and unrolled easily and quickly to accommodate any situation.

Portable wheel chair ramps feature non-skin surfaces to ensure your wheel chair or power chair won’t slip or slide while on the ramp. Sandpaper tape, extruded aluminum, or raised button style surfaces are three of the surface materials available on portable ramps. Ramps manufactured from durable steel or aluminum offer more stability and will last longer than their original wood counterparts. Portable ramps often come with built-in handles so transporting them from one location to another is simple.

The ramp width, length, and incline are all important considerations when it comes to purchasing a portable wheel chair ramp. Be sure to discuss your options with your physical therapist or professional wheel chair associate to make sure you get the one that best fit your needs.

Are you having an issue with your lawn tractor and know it may need a few repair parts, but you’re not sure of the parts names or model numbers? Identifying the problem and the correct model name and number for your lawn tractor can be easy to resolve by simply doing an online search on your computer. Online sales and service dealers have provided databases with the names and model numbers of the most common lawn tractor parts, so once you have determined what you need, then you can search eBay, YouTube, or a sales and service center for the best price and delivery time.

Some consumers may feel rather uncomfortable giving their credit card number or other private information to the online dealers; if you’re one of them, then shopping for your lawn tractor parts will require a visit to your nearest sales and service center. Most operators who need parts want them to be delivered quickly at a great price, but if you happen to have time on your hands and don’t mind shopping individual owners until you get the price you’re looking for, you may want to try that avenue. Although many parts are interchangeable from model to model, double check you part number and the individual’s return policy before purchasing.

If the old adage is true that “you get what you pay for” then paying a bit more for lawn tractor parts built with integrity and known for quality will be your best bet. For best results, use genuine lawn tractor parts from the same manufacturer that are the same name and model numbers. Whether you’re needing mower blades, engine or electrical parts, carburetor kits, drive parts, roller chains and links, or spark plugs, establishing yourself as a loyal customer with a reputable lawn tractor parts dealer will give you the inside information for future sales and discounted items.

The condition of the box can be a dead giveaway that your parts could have experienced damage during shipping, so be sure to check for large dents or tears before you sign off on the delivery. If your tractor part is one that is commonly stocked, and waiting 7-10 days for online delivery won’t work for you, go through a local sales and service center or search the paper for an individual seller. For the “right now” jobs, lawn enthusiasts and professional landscapers have learned to keep spare lawn tractor parts on hand so as to experience few delays in keeping their yards and gardens looking their best.

One decision that is always faced when buying a new car is, “Should I get rear wheel or front wheel drive?” Well, here are some things to consider when answering that question. Most cars today are designed with front wheel drive as they’re typically safer, where you’ll find that commonly sports & race cars are packing rear wheel drive.

First things first, if your car is front wheel drive, this means the engine powers the front wheels, so the front wheels is what powers the vehicle along. Rear wheel drive is when the engine powers only the rear wheels causing them to push the vehicle along. The main difference is the fact that front wheel types are easier to handle, especially for beginner drivers.

Rear wheel types can be a bit more difficult as the car tends to over turn when cutting sharp corners, that is, unless you specifically know how to handle these vehicles. However, with front wheel drive, the car can do the opposite and under turn if taking a corner too sharp. In the end, they are easier to control than the over turning of rear wheel drive.

Another good thing about the front wheel type is that the engines tend to be smaller, giving more room for the inside of the car and giving the car less weight to pull, thus giving you better gas mileage. This is due to the fact that in a rear wheel drive car, an extra engine compartment is usually installed in the back of the car where, of course, it is used to power and push the back wheels along. The placement of the engine in the front of the car also helps with traction especially in rainy or snowy conditions, as the increased front weight helps give the tires traction on the road. However, if trying to go up a hill, it doesn’t provide as much traction, as there is nothing pushing the car from the back. This is where a rear wheel types can become more helpful. Another bad thing is that the CV joints in front wheels tend to wear out quicker because there is more weight consistently being applied to the front of the car and those two front tires. The universal joints used in rear wheels do last longer as the entire weight of the car isn’t always bearing down on them while driving.

As you can see, both front and rear wheel drive have their pros and cons, but over all front wheel drive is the safest way to go; especially for those less experienced drivers.

Tripod 5th Wheel Stabilizers – How to Finally Stop Your RV From Shaking

For RV owners, 5th wheel stabilizers are a big help in stabilizing their mobile homes. When you have reached a camping site, there is really no assurance that the ground would be stable or solid. That is where stabilizing equipments like 5th wheel stabilizers are greatly needed.

5th wheel stabilizers (a.k.a. stabilizing jacks) are generally located at the back of home trailers and are connected to a pickup truck, which can be detached to be used as a separate means of transportation. As what the name suggests, stabilizing jacks reduce the shaking movements of trailers. As you might have experienced, a shaky trailer could really disturb your sleep and other important activities.

However, you have to be aware that there are different types of stabilizing jacks: C-shaped stabilizer, telescoping jack stabilizer, hydraulic jack, and tripod jack – the type of jack you will use will also determine how much shaking would be reduced. Whether you are using the manual or electric kind, these jacks (with the exception of tripod jacks) are made from rigid spring coils that are relatively pliant and do not provide a firm grasp on the trailer.

Why is a tripod jack (a.k.a. king pin jack) preferable? Well, setting up a tripod jack doesn’t normally require a lot of time (around ten minutes). Plus, you don’t even need to hire someone to install it. If you’re concerned with the price, tripod jacks are not exceedingly expensive. Depending on the manufacturer, you’ll be spending around $90 to $200 for it. Tripod jacks are also specially designed to take up less space for storage.

When looking for a reliable tripod jack, Ultra-Fab’s king pin tripod stabilizer claims to be the most durable tripod out in the market. Its slide and glide feature allows easy installment and the braces firmly locks to keep it from being stolen. The Olympian Fifth Wheel Tripod King Pin Stabilizers are easy to maneuver and provide utmost steadiness. With three completely flexible legs, BAL’s tripod jacks are able to extend longer to reach an uneven floor and significantly stabilize your mobile home.

Before purchasing tripod stabilizer jacks, take note of its capability to elevate your mobile home – if it can easily do that job, then you could also probably use it as levelers too. And the best way to get the most suitable product for you is to do a comprehensive research about 5th wheel stabilizers.