As a Ferrari owner, you know that after you have added this prized vehicle to your investment portfolio, it pays to take care of it properly. Routine Ferrari maintenance, appropriate insurance, careful driving and care all play a part in how well your Ferrari drives into the future. However, one important aspect of Ferrari care that you will not want to forget is protecting your automotive treasure from theft.
Much will depend on how you use the Ferrari. If it is a show piece that stays indoors, then protection is much simplified. If you drive the vehicle outdoors, then some steps are in order to ensure that your vehicle remains safe from harm.
Simple precautions can help prevent big crimes, such as auto theft. When you leave the vehicle, always secure it, and make sure to park in well-lit areas where there are a lot of people walking around. When you park the vehicle, turn the wheels sharply toward the curb, to make it harder for car thieves to tow away the car. Don't leave Ferrari accessories in open view inside the vehicle. Also do not leave the registration or title inside the car.
Other steps that can help prevent theft include adding visible and audible anti-theft devices to the car. Brake locks can help. Steering wheel locks that keep the wheels stationary make your car more theft-proof. Tire locks and deflators can deter a thief, because they take too much time to deal with, thus making your car less attractive to a would-be thief. VIN etching, when the VIN number is etched onto the glass of the windshield and windows can be one option you might consider in protecting your vehicle. Loud alarms also let a thief know your car is safeguarded against theft.
Computer chips can help deter a thief from stealing your Ferrari. Some ignition keys come equipped with chips that do not let someone bypass the vehicle's ignition. Preventive devices such as cut offs to the fuse; kill switches; disablers that deactivate the fuel pump, ignition and starter; and wireless ignition authentication all help to prevent theft. Tracking devices are very useful in assisting police in finding stolen vehicles. Some of these combine wireless capabilities with GPS systems, so that if the car is moved, it can be tracked on the computer. Many Ferraris also come equipped with peripheral interior monitoring anti-lift anti-theft protection, which is a camera system that is used within the car to detect movement inside the vehicle. Even when you are not with your new Ferrari, your vehicle's computer system is working round the clock to protect your car. Employing several or all of these ideas can keep your car safe.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Please Don't Buy Performance Exhaust Headers - I Don't Want the Competition
Making $11.50 an hour as a forklift driver at Dixieline I have to save up for a while to buy performance parts and I have to choose my products carefully. I saved up for a power programmer and that certainly helped my quarter mile times. And, the previous owner had added a Magnaflow exhaust system so I didn’t need to touch that. So, I asked around and it was suggested to me that I look into an aftermarket performance exhaust header. My friend told me that I could expect horsepower gains of anywhere from 10-40 horsepower.
I started doing some research by going to my local auto parts store but they seemed too expensive, I only had about $500 to spend. So, I turned my attention to the internet. I looked at JBA headers and Pacesetter headers. The JBA headers were more expensive then the Pacesetter brand. But I have heard of JBA and not Pacesetter. I had to ask myself if the JBA brand was worth almost double the price.
The JBA headers were stainless steel, so they have that “wow” factor. The base–model Pacesetter headers are just black. Both are mandrel bent and come with all the necessary mounting hardware. JBA comes with a lifetime warranty and Pacesetter only has a 3 year warranty. But my GT already has 78,000 miles, it isn’t going to be around for a lifetime.
The choice was simple and I went for the Pacesetter headers. I spent about $250 with tax and I got free shipping. I installed them myself in about half a day – I am not the best mechanic in the world but the detailed instructions eventually sunk into my head and I got them on. The horsepower gain was immediately apparent and the sound of my engine has never been sweeter. Sometimes I just go out to my car, start it up and rev the motor just to hear the sound.
Anyways, here’s why you shouldn’t buy performance headers because, now I am ripping it up at the local track. I even finally smoked that supercharged Scion that put my GT to shame two months ago. Take that you rice burner!
I started doing some research by going to my local auto parts store but they seemed too expensive, I only had about $500 to spend. So, I turned my attention to the internet. I looked at JBA headers and Pacesetter headers. The JBA headers were more expensive then the Pacesetter brand. But I have heard of JBA and not Pacesetter. I had to ask myself if the JBA brand was worth almost double the price.
The JBA headers were stainless steel, so they have that “wow” factor. The base–model Pacesetter headers are just black. Both are mandrel bent and come with all the necessary mounting hardware. JBA comes with a lifetime warranty and Pacesetter only has a 3 year warranty. But my GT already has 78,000 miles, it isn’t going to be around for a lifetime.
The choice was simple and I went for the Pacesetter headers. I spent about $250 with tax and I got free shipping. I installed them myself in about half a day – I am not the best mechanic in the world but the detailed instructions eventually sunk into my head and I got them on. The horsepower gain was immediately apparent and the sound of my engine has never been sweeter. Sometimes I just go out to my car, start it up and rev the motor just to hear the sound.
Anyways, here’s why you shouldn’t buy performance headers because, now I am ripping it up at the local track. I even finally smoked that supercharged Scion that put my GT to shame two months ago. Take that you rice burner!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
How I Fixed the Weak Brakes on my Chrysler 300
Admittedly I am a lead-foot. And, my 300 is happy to comply with my speed demands. Chrysler got that part right. But when it comes time to halt the mass of my silver bullet, the brakes shutter a little and fade fast. This can be a little scary.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to the Sierras for a weekend fishing trip. On my return, dropping down from 9,000 feet, I was made painfully aware of just how under-engineered my stock brakes were. I came hauling around a corner to find a Ford truck going way too slow and I had to hit the brakes pretty hard. To my dismay, they barely had enough stopping power to keep me from destroying my beautiful front end. My stopping power had faded so much that, I swear, it was like trying to stop a train Fred Flintstone-style – with my feet. It was at that moment I decided to replace my stock brake rotors.
I have had this thought before but haven’t wanted to fork out the extra dough for better brake rotors. And, I wouldn’t trust myself to install them properly. This incident changed my mind and when I got back to sea-level I started my research.
The first thing I did was go to Google and searched for brakes but this proved too generic. Then I did a search for performance rotors and came across a couple decent looking websites. Turns out there is a huge market for aftermarket rotors, I guess I am not the only one with this need. I don’t really know any brands so I relied on the customer reviews. The two brands that stuck out as positive from a performance and price standpoint were EBC rotors and Power Slot rotors. I thought they would be a lot more expensive but a set of front rotors is actually pretty affordable.
I also learned about slotted rotors and how they help conduct heat away from the rotors which is one of the things that creates fade. But the other thing is that these performance rotors are also larger in diameter then stock rotors so they have more surface area. The EBC brand was pricier then the Power Slot brand, I think because they also have these dimples which I presume help to cool the rotors more efficiently. In the end, I figured that it wasn’t that big of a difference and purchased the cheaper Power Slot rotors.
The next think I needed to do was decide whether or not I would install them myself. The sales agent that sold me the rotors said it was pretty simple. But, I am a musician and don’t want to destroy my hands so I contacted my local auto mechanic and asked him how much he would charge to install them. He said it would take about two hours. I figured this was worth the piece of mind that comes with proper installation.
I got my rotors in like three days, took my beloved 300 to the mechanic and now I am driving and stopping in style.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to the Sierras for a weekend fishing trip. On my return, dropping down from 9,000 feet, I was made painfully aware of just how under-engineered my stock brakes were. I came hauling around a corner to find a Ford truck going way too slow and I had to hit the brakes pretty hard. To my dismay, they barely had enough stopping power to keep me from destroying my beautiful front end. My stopping power had faded so much that, I swear, it was like trying to stop a train Fred Flintstone-style – with my feet. It was at that moment I decided to replace my stock brake rotors.
I have had this thought before but haven’t wanted to fork out the extra dough for better brake rotors. And, I wouldn’t trust myself to install them properly. This incident changed my mind and when I got back to sea-level I started my research.
The first thing I did was go to Google and searched for brakes but this proved too generic. Then I did a search for performance rotors and came across a couple decent looking websites. Turns out there is a huge market for aftermarket rotors, I guess I am not the only one with this need. I don’t really know any brands so I relied on the customer reviews. The two brands that stuck out as positive from a performance and price standpoint were EBC rotors and Power Slot rotors. I thought they would be a lot more expensive but a set of front rotors is actually pretty affordable.
I also learned about slotted rotors and how they help conduct heat away from the rotors which is one of the things that creates fade. But the other thing is that these performance rotors are also larger in diameter then stock rotors so they have more surface area. The EBC brand was pricier then the Power Slot brand, I think because they also have these dimples which I presume help to cool the rotors more efficiently. In the end, I figured that it wasn’t that big of a difference and purchased the cheaper Power Slot rotors.
The next think I needed to do was decide whether or not I would install them myself. The sales agent that sold me the rotors said it was pretty simple. But, I am a musician and don’t want to destroy my hands so I contacted my local auto mechanic and asked him how much he would charge to install them. He said it would take about two hours. I figured this was worth the piece of mind that comes with proper installation.
I got my rotors in like three days, took my beloved 300 to the mechanic and now I am driving and stopping in style.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Owning A BMW Can Cause Paranoia
There is an issue with some BMW cars whereby the steering lock mechanism is sticking, this is an electronic function and has affected cars including the 325i M Sport.
The problem arises when you insert the key and get ready to use the push button start, the dashboard is illuminated with a red steering when symbol and the push button start is disabled.
This happened to me several times a day for a few days and in the end I got stuck in Brighton after I stopped at a post office to ask for directions, I came back out got into my car and the malfunction happened. To my horror repeated attempts to start the car failed and in the distance I saw a wheel clamping van attaching a clamp to a vehicle parked just like me.
I opened the door and to my horror I realised that I was indeed parked on a clamping zone and it looked as though the clamp radar had spotted me. I quickly popped my bonnet so as to look as though I was visually on a breakdown but felt the eyes of a truly dedicated clamper burning into me from a distance.
I was late for an important meeting and was already thinking how bad the day was turning out, I had to think fast because I felt vulnerable and knew how clampers just love to immobilise smart sporty cars. I looked furtively from under my bonnet and could see he suddenly sprang into action.
I was horrified, I could see I was going to be the next victim, hurriedly I jumped back into my car, I repeatedly disengaged and re-engaged the key trying to somehow stimulate the electronic push button start but the steering lock mechanism kept firing in. How was I going to explain this at the meeting, thats if I ever got there of course, then I looked up and our eyes met, he had finished and was just sticking his label on the screen of the other car.
In desperation I hopped back out of the car and slammed the bonnet down, sort of feigning that I was ready to go and perhaps he would just drive off. I remembered a nature programme where the Mother bird pretended to be injured to draw the predator away from her nest! If only I had a disabled badge I thought to myself, I saw the van preparing to do a U turn with its lights flashing.
I took my phone out and prepared to make the call canceling the meeting and also got the BMW rescue me from hell emergency number from the user manual. I could see the look of glee on his face, a self gratifying smirk of satisfaction was spread from one ear to the other and I was at his mercy about to be nailed and become another statistic.
Bloody BMW I thought to myself, why did I ever buy a BMW?
Why did I buy this one?
Why did I not go to the dealer and get them to sort it out when I had the chance?
Why is this happening to me?
Subconsciously I had continued pressing the start and playing with the key then all of a sudden the car started! But to my horror my reflex action in continually pushing the start pushed it again and killed the engine! Argh! Lots of expletives followed, the clamper was parking next to me, taking his time and savouring every moment, he was a connoisseur of the moment, the captive lamb awaiting dispatch.
I waited and composed myself, I crossed everything and gingerly pushed the start one last time, I looked up, this clamper guy had black teeth and big earrings, tattoos and muscles, dirty fingernails and greasy hair.
He gave me a chilling smile and then suddenly it changed, like an executioner falling through thin ice his smile changed to a look of despair. The engine was running, yes! Yes! Yes! You beauty, I love you car I love you BMW! Life is great oh so great, oh yes, clutch in, gear in, 2.5 fuel injected horsepower released and racing, I let the window down all ready gloating, nothing can stop me now!
I stuck my head out ready to give the loser signals to my assailant, the why can't you get a real job, and the just because I have a nice car, lines were running through my head when his deep voice boomed, you alright mate? Just got my jump leads out in case you needed a start, lovely car by the way, I just traded mine in for an M3 always had German cars, just love the engineering!
I stammered, looked sheepish and smiled before saying, thanks for coming over, I thought you had a friendly face, but I think my car is fine now, then I drove off, looking back in my mirror I'm sure I could see a look of You got away but I will get you next time sonny!
I reflected on this event after the meeting and realised that owning a nice car can change your perception of other people and situations, it can make you a little arogant and can generate a state of mind where you are convinced everybody is out to get you.
Of course this is not the case... Or is it?
The problem arises when you insert the key and get ready to use the push button start, the dashboard is illuminated with a red steering when symbol and the push button start is disabled.
This happened to me several times a day for a few days and in the end I got stuck in Brighton after I stopped at a post office to ask for directions, I came back out got into my car and the malfunction happened. To my horror repeated attempts to start the car failed and in the distance I saw a wheel clamping van attaching a clamp to a vehicle parked just like me.
I opened the door and to my horror I realised that I was indeed parked on a clamping zone and it looked as though the clamp radar had spotted me. I quickly popped my bonnet so as to look as though I was visually on a breakdown but felt the eyes of a truly dedicated clamper burning into me from a distance.
I was late for an important meeting and was already thinking how bad the day was turning out, I had to think fast because I felt vulnerable and knew how clampers just love to immobilise smart sporty cars. I looked furtively from under my bonnet and could see he suddenly sprang into action.
I was horrified, I could see I was going to be the next victim, hurriedly I jumped back into my car, I repeatedly disengaged and re-engaged the key trying to somehow stimulate the electronic push button start but the steering lock mechanism kept firing in. How was I going to explain this at the meeting, thats if I ever got there of course, then I looked up and our eyes met, he had finished and was just sticking his label on the screen of the other car.
In desperation I hopped back out of the car and slammed the bonnet down, sort of feigning that I was ready to go and perhaps he would just drive off. I remembered a nature programme where the Mother bird pretended to be injured to draw the predator away from her nest! If only I had a disabled badge I thought to myself, I saw the van preparing to do a U turn with its lights flashing.
I took my phone out and prepared to make the call canceling the meeting and also got the BMW rescue me from hell emergency number from the user manual. I could see the look of glee on his face, a self gratifying smirk of satisfaction was spread from one ear to the other and I was at his mercy about to be nailed and become another statistic.
Bloody BMW I thought to myself, why did I ever buy a BMW?
Why did I buy this one?
Why did I not go to the dealer and get them to sort it out when I had the chance?
Why is this happening to me?
Subconsciously I had continued pressing the start and playing with the key then all of a sudden the car started! But to my horror my reflex action in continually pushing the start pushed it again and killed the engine! Argh! Lots of expletives followed, the clamper was parking next to me, taking his time and savouring every moment, he was a connoisseur of the moment, the captive lamb awaiting dispatch.
I waited and composed myself, I crossed everything and gingerly pushed the start one last time, I looked up, this clamper guy had black teeth and big earrings, tattoos and muscles, dirty fingernails and greasy hair.
He gave me a chilling smile and then suddenly it changed, like an executioner falling through thin ice his smile changed to a look of despair. The engine was running, yes! Yes! Yes! You beauty, I love you car I love you BMW! Life is great oh so great, oh yes, clutch in, gear in, 2.5 fuel injected horsepower released and racing, I let the window down all ready gloating, nothing can stop me now!
I stuck my head out ready to give the loser signals to my assailant, the why can't you get a real job, and the just because I have a nice car, lines were running through my head when his deep voice boomed, you alright mate? Just got my jump leads out in case you needed a start, lovely car by the way, I just traded mine in for an M3 always had German cars, just love the engineering!
I stammered, looked sheepish and smiled before saying, thanks for coming over, I thought you had a friendly face, but I think my car is fine now, then I drove off, looking back in my mirror I'm sure I could see a look of You got away but I will get you next time sonny!
I reflected on this event after the meeting and realised that owning a nice car can change your perception of other people and situations, it can make you a little arogant and can generate a state of mind where you are convinced everybody is out to get you.
Of course this is not the case... Or is it?
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Where To Locate A BMW Part That You Require To Repair Your Car
When you own a car that is imported, for instance a BMW, there are times when it can be difficult to locate the parts you require if the need ever happens for you to fix your vehicle. Because of this, you'll find many retailers in the industry who specialize in BMW parts. BMW parts are not difficult to obtain if you are aware precisely on who to call and where to go.
Hence, where is the best place to start if you are in need of repairing your BMW and you have no clue on which avenue to pursue? The answer is as easy as pulling out and opening your local yellow pages.
Seek out dealerships
There are times, you can locate the BMW part you require by making a phone call to the dealership you purchased your vehicle. It may cost you some extra money to get them to order it and install it, for instance labor costs, but it is much more convenient to get your BMW back on the road in a faster time so that you can return to driving the luxury vehicle you always enjoyed.
If the details the dealership is asking is too complicated, or if the case is that they don't have what you are searching for or you're not willing to pay the extra costs, you can always go out and find and purchase the BMW part yourself.
You can attempt to utilize the Yellow Pages to locate a BMW part that is in your area or you can use the Internet. Nowadays, you can locate just about anything you require on the Internet and that includes BMW parts.
Auction Sites on the Internet
If you have the skill to put in the BMW part on your own and you are aware of exactly what you're searching for, auction sites on the Internet, such as eBay, are excellent places to locate the BMW part you're searching for. You can obtain your part from just about anywhere in the country, even in the world, and have it shipped straight to your door.
Also, if you put in your auction bid at the ideal time, you can potentially get the BMW part at a significant savings. This makes a place like the Internet a very valuable tool when seeking out the parts you require as long as you know what you are doing. If working on cars is something that you neither know nor are interested doing, the smart thing to do is have a professional do the work for you.
BMW parts can sometimes be challenging to obtain, that is unless you have the knowledge and where to look. The enjoyment of driving a BMW is a great experience but at times you need to get them repaired as well. Because of this, you should always have the knowledge on the best place to go for the part you require, when you need them. By preparing in advance, if you're BMW were to break down, you will be back on the road in no time.
Hence, where is the best place to start if you are in need of repairing your BMW and you have no clue on which avenue to pursue? The answer is as easy as pulling out and opening your local yellow pages.
Seek out dealerships
There are times, you can locate the BMW part you require by making a phone call to the dealership you purchased your vehicle. It may cost you some extra money to get them to order it and install it, for instance labor costs, but it is much more convenient to get your BMW back on the road in a faster time so that you can return to driving the luxury vehicle you always enjoyed.
If the details the dealership is asking is too complicated, or if the case is that they don't have what you are searching for or you're not willing to pay the extra costs, you can always go out and find and purchase the BMW part yourself.
You can attempt to utilize the Yellow Pages to locate a BMW part that is in your area or you can use the Internet. Nowadays, you can locate just about anything you require on the Internet and that includes BMW parts.
Auction Sites on the Internet
If you have the skill to put in the BMW part on your own and you are aware of exactly what you're searching for, auction sites on the Internet, such as eBay, are excellent places to locate the BMW part you're searching for. You can obtain your part from just about anywhere in the country, even in the world, and have it shipped straight to your door.
Also, if you put in your auction bid at the ideal time, you can potentially get the BMW part at a significant savings. This makes a place like the Internet a very valuable tool when seeking out the parts you require as long as you know what you are doing. If working on cars is something that you neither know nor are interested doing, the smart thing to do is have a professional do the work for you.
BMW parts can sometimes be challenging to obtain, that is unless you have the knowledge and where to look. The enjoyment of driving a BMW is a great experience but at times you need to get them repaired as well. Because of this, you should always have the knowledge on the best place to go for the part you require, when you need them. By preparing in advance, if you're BMW were to break down, you will be back on the road in no time.
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