Automotive Business

Archive for August, 2011

The ATV wheel is a rim made of metal composites or pure metal that is meant for use on any all-terrain vehicle. The wheels propel your vehicle forward using an axle and they are protected by tires that withstand passing through terrains that are sandy, muddy, and rocky. Having the right wheels allow you to make the most of driving your ATV and be confident in letting it pass through any type of road. Here is an ATV wheel guide to help you achieve those benefits.

Kinds

The size of the wheel should have the same diameter as the tires and they are usually 12″x8″ at the back 12″x6″ on the front. We’ll also discuss the kinds of wheels you can choose for your ATV in this ATV wheel guide. Here are your options.

*Metal: The most common and standard type of ATV wheel comprised of 2-piece materials made of aluminum and steel that are welded to the center. Metal wheels have a diameter of 10 to 12 inches and you have to be careful with them since they easily bend upon landing from 30-foot jumps, when rocks hit them, or if you get a flat tire. When that happens, you need to replace them.

*Composite: More durable than metal are composite wheels that can resist fatigue and absorb more energy. Aside from that, they are lighter and last longer because they are flexible. Glass and carbon fiber mix make up these composite ATV wheels.

Choose the right wheel

To conclude this ATV wheel guide, choose something that is resistant to rust to avoid fast corrosion. If you have metal wheels, replace them immediately once they bend. Just make sure to buy high quality ones if you are replacing them so you can also upgrade your ATV.

Racing Games have never been so exciting! The technology now exists to provide realistic racing environments through the use of steering wheels with forcefeedback, LCD screens with crystal clear display and speakers delivering the right acoustics (with bass!). And of course, the ring type of gaming seat, or gaming chair (I don’t call them cockpits, I’ll leave this to the flight-sim people!). We’ve been so impressed by GranTurismo, that we’ve been looking for things to improve the experience of the game.

We have been testing the best steering wheels on gaming seats such as the VisionRacer and Fanatec, and now we’d like to share our findings so you can get the same experience.

Driving Force Wireless

Before we had the GT and G25 in the labs, we had so much fun with the Driving Force! For us, this was one of the devices that really started a revolution in gaming…. bye bye controller pads and keyboard! We had two people on a couch (sofa!) and one playing on a bean bag.

The Driving Force is wireless, and although I’m not a big fan of wireless devices for precision gaming, the Driving Force works fine. More importantly, the feedback you get from the device covers bumps on the roads, car crashes and traction loss.

The controller can be used on the lap, which is pretty much where it was designed for – racing from the comfort of your armchair, although you can fix it to a table or desk. The Driving Force also comes with Pedals, which is something that is really the missing piece when playing racing games.

On the PS3, we tested GranTurismo and Burnout – I have to say, the playability was much better on the PS3 than the PC, but at the end of the day we were testing the Driving Force – and I don’t want this review to represent that the Driving Force was deficient in any area, it worked fine on all the games.

Summary…

The Driving Force is a fantastic product, it falls short of the G25 and GT – but its less than half the price, which more than justifies it’s position (specifically being on the lap). Recommendation – buy one, have fun,   sell on ebay – then buy an upgrade!

Driving Force GT

yummy. Thats my first words on this!

This is where force feedback really comes into itself, and with the full rotation it really does give you the feel of a real wheel.

The difference we found with this wheel compared to similar priced wheels is that the steering wheel has a rubber coating, as opposed to just cheap plastic. This really gives it a realistic feel. When you play GT or Need for Speed, you really want to hammer the wheel to get the best experience, and the Logitech is good to handle it.

We initially tried the DFGT on a table, as we were in the middle of rebuilding the VisionRacer, and we’d dismantled the Fanatec kit – and we found two things. Firstly, once you’ve played (sorry – experienced!) a racing game with a wheel – you can’t go back to a keyboard or joypad. Secondly, when you’ve been in a gaming seat – you can’t go back to a table…. its all good. Its also easy to see why the wheel is the official wheel of Gran Turismo.

The wheel has been around for sometime now, and we’re glad to say it’s aged well and still current. As this product replaced the Driving Force Pro, we wont be covering that Wheel.

Summary…

Fantastic Product. I’d say its the beta version of the G25.

Logitech G25

The G25 is the next model up from the Driving Force GT. The packaging is great on these products, although the reality is that its what’s inside that’s important. So when you know that the pedals are made of metal (and not plastic) it gives you some idea of what to expect in the product -something that’s solid and hard-wearing. This is good, but what about the playability and the experience?

What we liked to see is that the gearbox is also part of the ‘evolution’ of the game pad, and has been brought into the mix. Specifically, you get a D-Pad and the expected eight buttons, which is great when you need to change views on GT or program for another game.

The majority of people I know have previously preferred the automatic approach, although I’m knowing and seeing more people prefer the manual approach for the added realism, and the gearshift box supports 6 gears – one of which is reverse! Cool!

There’s a choice of gear shifting modes too, so you can have sequential if this is your preference for F1, or just stay with gated gears.

Apparently the steering wheel is made from hand stitched leather – I can’t confirm this other than saying the wheel looks and feels as if its come straight out of a steering wheel.

We never bothered connecting the G25 to a table – after you’ve experienced a gaming seat, there just isn’t any going back! The real value in these components is when they’re integrated with a gaming seat, 5.1 surround sound and a good LCD. Seriously, there is no going back!

In Summary…

Well, we discussed the need for feedback on the pedals for sometime, and only came to the conclusion that its nice to have and would improve the game, albeit marginally.

For realism the G25 is the way to go, although the Driving Force GT does exactly the same, albeit not quite as polished.

We’d go as far to say that the feedback electrics are quieter on the G25, rather than the DFGT – but hey, with 5.1 speakers rearing, who cares!

Today, the wheel has grown from just a tool that was used in making pottery in ancient times, to an essential driving force in our modern world. Today, we have them in different sizes and they have become the most important element in the automobile industry. Discovered and patented by R. W. Thomson, the pneumatic one used overblown tubes encased in leather. The tubes can be deflated for puncture repairs and pressure can also be adjusted to ensure smooth rides.

This discovery has seen Crager wheel design tires for the many automobile needs including haulage, public transport and even in one of the most rewarding sports, motor sports. As you may have noticed as you drive around, they are mounted on almost every vehicle you come across on the roads, including off-road vehicles, street rods, dragsters, pickups, etc.

Crager tires, which have over the years earned exceptional accredits in the motor racing world are Alloys of wire, aluminum and chrome, that were invented by Crane Gartz and Harlen in 1930,though the brand was not launched until 1964.

For those out to make a quick buck by imitating the Crager wheels, better be warned. They are solely made in the United States and to precise standards. S/S Super Sport, 390 Street Pro, Keystone Classic, Star Wire, and Super Supreme are the different products of the brand. While they also need some sort of maintenance, for shiny appearance and also durability, you need to take care of them and that means regular cleaning and polishing. As for the maintenance kit, you need not worry since the company manufactures a range of polishes too.

3 Wheel Electric Scooter – The Ideal Solution to Prevent Fatigue

If you have difficulty standing for an extended period of time or walking long distances, then you may want to consider purchasing one of the electric motor scooters that are available. They are also known as mobility scooters and they have become a very common sight at shopping malls, amusement parks and other public areas.

They are available as a 3 wheel electric scooter or as a 4 wheel scooter. While they are both capable of comfortable and smooth rides, they each have their own set of unique features. The biggest question to ask yourself is what will you be using the scooter for?

In general, the 3 wheel scooter provides more maneuverability, as the design allows for a turning radius that is quite a bit tighter. Normally, these powered scooters are lighter, more portable and narrower, and are especially suited for indoor use. The lighter weight and 3 wheel variety designs are not nearly as effective and have less stability for navigating on uneven roads.

In contrast, the four-wheel scooters are actually built more for outdoors, as the design gives more stability. That, along with more weight and tougher tires ensures that you will get better traction. However, they do lose some maneuverability and actually increase the turning radius quite a bit. Many people enjoy the lightweight feel and the ease of navigation with the 3 wheel electric scooter, and find that they really have no need for the increased performance of the four wheel design.

The 3 wheel scooter is a very popular choice and is available in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles from many different manufacturers. Also remember that it is possible for the electric mobility scooter to be changed and upgraded with different features in case you do cannot find exactly what you are looking for.

Since it can be difficult at times to find everything you need on one 3 wheel electric scooter, it may be possible to perform upgrades to a basic model. You may get a higher seat back, all-terrain tires or increased suspension along with other upgrades. Keep in mind that unless your doctor can verify that these upgrades are a medical necessity, then it is likely that your insurance company will only cover the basic amount. Even with your doctor stating this is needed, getting the insurance to cover the upgrades to your electric mobility scooter can be frustrating.

Organizing interactive events can be a good way to engage employees, customers, business partners and other stakeholders to get to know each other. Except for formal meetings, most events today require a lot of interaction and entertainment to keep the audience attentive and curious. Each event, like employee motivation meetings, corporate meetings, sales meetings and product promotions has a specific set of objectives. Many times, those objectives can become stale and boring, thus losing its effectiveness; with interaction fueled by reward games, skits, Q&A sessions, and quizzes, today’s meetings can be a place where much is achieved. Interactive games bring a new dimension to otherwise dull interactions at a gathering.

Using a Prize Wheel

The most versatile of all interactive games is the Prize Wheel, also known as a spinning wheel. This wheel is a spinning wheel that is typically made up of a number of slots containing various prizes and awards. Winning offerings on a spinning wheel could be a combination of various products, gift vouchers, or special discount coupons. With up to 24 slots for prizes, gaming wheels offer a variety of creativity for each unique setting. With every prize wheel having the ability to customize the prize slots, the prize wheel is a great investment game that can be used over and over again.

Create Your Own Prizes

Though a spinning wheel can be used for multiple events, it is recommended to keep the customized prizes creative and unique. With many different color options and a variety of 12-slot, 18-slot and 24-slot prize wheels to choose from, you are sure to find one that is perfect for your events. The wheel’s slots are customizable using easy templates. With just a little time and creativity, you can change your spinning wheel slots in minutes. Templates are offered for free in Microsoft Office Word(R), Adobe Acrobat(R) and Adobe Illustrator(R) files.

Travel With Your Wheel

Prize Wheels are easily transported. If you are traveling, you might consider purchasing a travel case. Created with recessed foam inserts to protect the spinning wheel in transit and storage, the travel case has two 1.5″ adjustable straps with snaps to prevent the case from opening during transport. The travel case is about 19lbs in weight, and excludes the weight of the actual game wheel. This travel case is a must for event organizers and meeting facilitators.

Antique Spinning Wheel or New Spinning Wheel, Which One Is Best For Me?

Okay, you have decided to learn how to hand spin. Wonderful choice! You have made the decision that you are going to invest in your very first spinning wheel. You have been looking all over that that perfect first wheel.

Now imagine that you have just entered a wonderfully quaint antique store and have your eye on this marvelous antique spinning wheel. You move closer and touch this rich, wonderful, handcrafted spinning wheel. As you move your hand over the wheel you can see in your minds eye the many women that have stood in front of a fireplace spinning at the end of the day. You put yourself in their place and can’t wait to take this wheel home! But wait!

Now you face a dilemma! What kind of what kind of spinning wheel to buy. Should I get the antique spinning wheel I have just found or a new spinning wheel? What would be best for me? Here are some things to consider when choosing between an antique wheel and a new wheel.

Many of the antique spinning wheels have been stored in old attics, wet basements or have been housed in antique stores that don’t have adequate ventilation. Remember that the wood that was used to make this spinning wheel is now very old, and even though it was hopefully stored with loving care, it still may have many problems associated with where it was stored as well as with its age.

If the wheel was stored in an attic, did the attic get too hot or too cold? This could lead to problems with the swelling and shrinking of all of the wood in the wheel but most importantly with the moving wheel part itself. The heat and cold in the attic could cause the moving wheel to warp. Another consideration is that the actual moving part of the wheel could warp simply because of not being used or not being used properly.

Suppose this beautiful spinning wheel were stored in the basement for the last fifty or seventy-five years, there is a possibility that the legs and treadle of the wheel could have been submersed in water at sometime. If this is true, then you might have possible wood rot in any part of the wheel that came into contact with the water over time. Basements are also notorious for being wet and damp which could lead to the wood swelling which could also damage your beautiful wheel.

If you have now decided that you cannot live without this historically rich antique spinning wheel that you have just discovered, and believe me I would give my eye teeth for one, then consider using it as a focal point in your home. This beautiful wheel should be placed where all could see your investment but not where you would be tempted use it to spin. Please, please do not put your antique spinning wheel in front of a picture window. I once drove by a house where a large, beautiful Great Wheel or Wool Wheel was displayed in the front picture window for all to see. It was a real thing of beauty, but I was also saddened because this beautiful wheel was taking daily abuse with the harsh sunlight and temperature change that it was being subjected to for years.

My advice then is to purchase the antique spinning wheel if you want, but use it as a focal point. If you wish to spin on a wheel, purchase one of the new wheels that are on the market. There are many beautiful wheels made today. Many companies still make the centuries old Saxony wheel or the Traveler Wheel that many spinners use today. There are even a few craftsmen that are still handcrafting the Great Wheels or Wool Wheels as they did decades and centuries ago. The new wheel is most likely the one you want for daily spinning use.

Since the Mini was introduced, owners have been customizing their special car. The fastest way to change the look of the interior is to stylize the steering wheel. These Mini cars are often painted in bright colors. A Wheelskins EuroTone, 2 color, steering wheel cover is the perfect way to complement the Mini color designs. Installing a Wheelskins wheel cover is also the most inexpensive and effective way to give your interior that sporty, race inspired look.

For many years, a large number of aftermarket parts manufacturers have offered custom steering wheel replacements for the Mini. These replacement wheels are generally of high quality and can enhance the look of your interior. They are, however, usually expensive and require special tools and serious mechanical skills in order to install. Adding a EuroTone, 2 color, leather steering wheel cover, however, is the perfect way to make your steering wheel the focal point in the seating area without the expense, tools, and knowledge needed to install a whole new wheel.

The Wheelskins Eurotone, 2 color, leather steering wheel cover is an inexpensive way to add that racy look to your Mini cockpit. You can design a Wheelskins cover to meet your own preferences and needs. The leather panels that you select can be one color, or you can select the sportier two-color combination. You can choose to have all or some of the panels styled in the Europerf style. Let your imagination work to create the perfect look and texture for your vehicle’s interior. You can select panels perforated on the top and bottom, the sides, or all around the cover. You decide!

Since 1977, Wheelskins has established a proven record of quality manufacturing of leather automotive accessories. Wheelskins are always made from the top or softest cut from domestic hydes. This gives you not only very supple leather, but also leather that is extremely durable. Absolutely the best dyes are used to ensure not only great colors, but also, extended life. Wheelskins can be custom ordered to fit not only the BMW Mini, but also all the original Mini Cooper models.

When you are planning the style and look of your interior, remember that Wheelskins makes a kicking leather shift boot cover. Shift boots can be designed to either coordinate with or match your steering wheel cover. You can really pick up the look of your Mini with a EuroTone, 2 color, steering wheel cover and a matching 2 color shift boot cover.

These simple, easy to install products from Wheelskins will really make your Mini stand out in a crowd.

· Easy to install steering wheel and shift boot covers

· Only the highest quality materials are used

· Handcrafted in the USA

· Inexpensive stand-out custom look

· Custom orders to fit all the original Minis

The Original Big Wheel Tricycle & Great New Models of Ride On Toys

If you have a child who’s craving for the current hottest toy on the block, the big-wheel is the way to go. The big-wheel is a safe and fun way for your kids to get around in style.

This ride-on-toy has been around for ages, and is still going strong. When our children get to an age where they want to be mobile, we start the hunt for something that will help them to learn coordination, balance and can be hours worth of fun. The big-wheel is the way to go if you’re looking for something with an affordable price that is durable and easy enough to handle for your child.

The Big Wheel was introduced by the Louis Marx Company, maker of many other metal and plastic children’s toys, in 1969. It remained very popular during the 1970s, particularly because its plastic construction made it a much cheaper alternative to other ride-on toys, such as metal, that were then being produced. Its construction, which left the rider very low to the ground, was also said to be safer than the traditional tricycle style, bicycles, or other ride-on toys.

The big-wheel is an affordable, well rounded, ride-on toy for your child. This toy promotes being active at an early age for your children.

Your kids will pedal their little hearts out to get around the neighborhood as fast as they can, offering both an upper and lower body workout. As they’re touring the neighborhood they’ll be stimulated by everything around them in the environment.

The big-wheel has been around for ages and was an instant hit for children all over the world. Your child will enjoy countless hours with their new big-wheel. Today, there are many different models of Big Wheeled Tricycles. There are many new models produced by The Original Big Wheel manufacturer.

Home wheelchair lifts are the best solutions in residences where users have to access different floors. Wheelchair lifts are especially useful for wheelchair bound persons who crave independence and wish to move about on their own.

Advanced Features for Safe and Reliable Operation

For safe and reliable operation, home wheel chair lifts are equipped with advanced safety features such as antiskid flooring, grab rails, obstruction sensor, cable safety device, alarm button, emergency stop switch and manual lowering device. Moreover, with home wheel chair lifts you can enjoy all the added benefits including:

-Greater independence-Reasonable pricing-Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications-Better portability-Easier to operate

Home Wheelchair Lifts in Different Models and Types

Plenty of wheel chair lift models are now available in the market. You can find them primarily as two basic types – hydraulic powered and electric powered ones. For flawless functioning without shocks or jerks, the hydraulic lifts use fluid for operation. Electric powered lifts that function with the support of electricity also come with a battery backup system for functioning even during power outages. They are flexible to use and are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

Home wheel chair lifts are now available as portable lifts, platform lifts, inclined chair lifts and many other models to complement your residential settings.

Brand Name Products from Reliable Manufacturers

Savaria Concord, Garaventa and ThyssenKrupp Access are the manufacturers offering quality home wheelchair lifts that are in great demand. You can buy these branded products from leading dealers and distributors.

How The New Wireless Xbox Racing Wheel Is Exciting Xbox Fans

The Racing Wheel – A New Addition for the Xbox Crowd

People who enjoy racing games on their Xbox 360s will love what we are about to say , Xbox has came out with a new wireless racing wheel that you can use when playing racing games. All you need to do is go out and buy them racing wheel and start playing. Even though it may be expensive it will be worth it to play with a new racing wheel that is wireless.

All gamers will love the new racing wheel when they see it. You can play any type of racing game now and you do not have to use a joystick anymore when you play. All you need to do is go out and buy your new racing wheel and you are set to go. Any gamers who have used racing wheels before will think that they are useless and don’t really work. This new racing wheel is different it is wireless which gives you the advantage to sit as close to the TV or as far away from the TV as you want and still be able to play the game flawlessly. So if you are a gamer that loves to race then you should go out and buy a new Xbox 360 racing wheel it will be all worth the money and time to go out and buy it.

After you buy your new racing wheel you will be able to either race with it on the ground on top of your lap or you will be able to mount it on a table top and be able to race and use it without it falling off your lap. This new racing wheel can turn up to 270 degrees and that is pretty good for an Xbox racing wheel. Where as other racing wheel just turned a little bit they were not as life like. With this new racing wheel you don’t have to worry about it falling off your lap either it was made so that you could either play with it on your lap or on a table top. Once it is on your lap you don’t have to worry about falling off and losing your race.

If you had played racing games in the past you probably know how bad those racing wheels are from the past. All the flimsy foot pedals that slide around are over with the new Xbox racing wheel its different you don’t have to worry about anything sliding around. The new racing wheel is made so that when you play with it, it doesn’t slide around on you or where you are playing with it. So if you don’t have one and you own an Xbox 360 you need to go out and buy yourself a new racing wheel because it will make you feel like you are actually in the race. So if you like to race and you own an Xbox 360 you need to go out and get yourself one of these wireless racing wheels.