Understand Anti lock Braking Systems - ABS

Stop without skidding, and maintain control of the vehicle. That's the premise of ABS. It was first introduced in the 1980's and has been undergoing constant refinement ever since. The system is typically comprised of 4 ABS rings, 4 sensors, an ABS computer and a pressure-management system in the brake line. The ABS rings are attached either to the wheels, or more often, to the brake discs.

The sensors are magnetic field sensors which are held very close to the ABS rings and can detect the slight change in magnetic field as the teeth on the ring pass them. The pulsing field tells the ABS computer that the wheels are spinning, and how fast they're spinning.

When you brake, the wheel rotation starts to slow down. The ABS computer "listens" to the input from the sensors and can detect if one wheel is slowing down much quicker than the others - the precursor to the wheel locking up. This all happens in milliseconds, by the way. When the computer detects this condition, the pressure regulator interrupts the pressure in the brake lines by momentarily reducing the pressure so that the brakes give the wheels a chance to keep spinning rather than locking up. The computer then instructs the regulator to re-apply full pressure and again measures the wheel rotation. This on/off/measure cycle happens around 15 to 30 times a second. If the ABS kicks in, you'll feel it through the brake pedal as a vibration because the pulsing in the brake circuit affects all the components.

All You Need To Know About HID Lighting!

HID Technology:

XENON HID lamps do not have a filament. Instead the light is created by an electrical discharge between two electrodes in an air tight tiny quartz capsule filled with xenon gas, mercury and metal halide salts. This improves durability as road vibrations can cause damage to coil lighting technologies. These light sources also produce a blue-white light that is safer because it is closer to natural daylight. The color temperature is approximately 4200 K compared to 3200 K for halogen. The increased light output from a 35 watt XENON HID lamp is approximately 80% more light then a 55 watt halogen bulb. The XENON HID system will also draw less power from your vehicles electrical system.

Temperature:

Color Temperature is a measurement in Degrees Kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source. Many people believe the misconception that color temperature is a rating of the brightness of the bulb or HID kit. This belief is completely false. The reality of the matter is that the higher the color temperature, the less useable light output you will obtain. A perfect example would be a black light. This light has a color temperature of approx 12,000k and has almost no useable light or lumens output. Higher K kits such as 7000k, 7500k, etc. have been manufactured for individuals that are more concerned about the actual color output of their lights as opposed to the actual useable light output they produce.

Hurricane Air Filter

H U R R I C A N E A I R F I L T E R : I n t r o d u c t i o n

The air intake system of any combustion engine is very critical. A well designed air intake system will give the best performance in low, mid and high-end torque.

The air intake system usually incorporate a simple filter element for prevention of foreign objects. This simple filter is usually made of paper or fibre which is low cost and needs to be replaced periodically. This simple filter although gives good filtration, but it also restrict air from entering into
the engine.

After market drop in panel air filters are introduce to give better air flow. This usually come in the form of cotton(sandwhiched by wire gauze), sponge, or high quality fibre. Most of these filters need oil to trap particles. The disadvantages are:

• Needs dedicated cleaning solution and oiling
• Not easy to maintain
• Fine oil droplets with dust contaminate mass air
flow sensor

H U R R I C A N E A I R F I L T E R : W h y H u r r i c a n e ?

Hurricane believes in quality and performance. Hurricane Air Filter Element uses Japan's highest rust proof Stainless Steel for our filter element.

The uniform microscopic holes on Hurricane wire mesh ensures very consistent filtration and airflow. Thus allowing engines to breathe better as compared to the inconsistency airflow of cotton/foam filter.

With a simple Hurricane panel filter, you can expect a decent horse power gain from mid to high RPM. Acceleration is smoother and faster. The feeling is like changing to an open pod air filter.

Hurricane filter will still deliver its promised filtration without compromise under extreme temperature. The filter element is strong and will not be easily shifted even under
extreme pressure.

Unlike oil-based filters, Hurricane filter causes lesser contamination to the MAF Sensor due to the absence of oil. (Note: Oil + Dust = Sticky Dirt)

Hurricane filter frames are made from specially treated rubber instead of injection molding, thus ensuring a stronger structure and longer lifespan.

FUEL SAVER
With a noticeable increase in torque and power due to an easier breathing engine, one may gain extra mileage of up to 10% just by changing to Hurricane Stainless Steel Air Filter with the same driving style

SIMPLEST IN MAINTENANCE
Hurricane Filters are the easiest to maintain. Just use water and light soap. Blow dry and its ready to use ! Cleaning is recommended during every oil change of 5,000km
or 10,000km.

Benefits
More Power, Smoother Acceleration	Increase in Power due to higher air flow. Significant Mid to high end torque gain
Prolong lifespan of MAF sensor	No more contamination of MAF sensor
Easiest to Maintain	No Oiling needed, Wash and blow dry.
Longer lasting, more durable than other leading brands	Element made from Stainless Steel, frame made from high quality treated rubber. Will not melt or warp melt under extreme heat.
Fully LTA Compliant	Fitting Hurricane air filter will not affect the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Battery Life Span

Battery Life Span

Batteries have an average life span of between 18 and 24 months.

The car battery can last a considerable period in a normal-functioning car that is driven every day because the alternator keeps the battery at full charge. However, if the battery is left for days or weeks in a semi-discharged condition, crystals formed will cause adverse chemical reactions within the battery. This will in turn damage the battery cells, and the battery would no longer be able to hold a full charge.

The lifespan of a battery is however not totally dependent on the amount of work it has done. Since the battery is a chemical device, its capacity will decrease as the battery grows older and loses some of the active material from its plates. Therefore, the common belief of economizing on the use of electrical equipment, such as headlights and the radio, to extend the life of a battery is incorrect.

Normally a battery "ages" as the active positive plate material flakes off due to the normal expansion and contraction that occurs during the discharge and charge cycles. This causes a loss of plate capacity and a brown sediment called sludge or "mud," that builds up in the bottom of the case and can shorten the lifespan of the cell plates. Deep discharges, heat, vibration, fast charging, and overcharging all accelerate the "aging" process. The major cause of premature car battery failure is loss of water caused from high heat under the hood, or overcharging.

Battery Failure

The signs of impending battery failure include:

• Sluggish cranking of engine
• Weak horn
• Instrument panel lights and headlights that brighten very noticeably as the engine is revved

If you come across any of the above symptoms, call the AA Roadside Assistance at 6748 9911 for an appointment to check your car's battery condition.

Common mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes often made by car owners:

• Many people have the misconception that they do not have to check on their car batteries because they possess maintenance-free car batteries. However, a large number of batteries still provide an indicator for car owners to inspect and add water to the battery cells when necessary.
• Never run the engine with your battery disconnected.
• If you should ever need to change the battery on your own, always remember to take out the negative (-ve) end first, followed by the positive (+ve) end when removing the car battery. The sequence for connecting it back is the reverse, i.e. positive end first followed by the negative end. You should also check with your car agent whether the battery change will affect the car's computer memory system.

Basic maintenance checks to get the most out of your car battery:

• Keep the battery casing clean by using hot, soapy water and dry the casing well. The battery terminals should also be cleaned at every car service. Apply petroleum jelly or terminal protector to keep corrosion on the terminals to minimum.
• Check the electrolyte level every two weeks, filling with distilled water just above the plates or between the maximum and minimum markings indicated in the battery casing.
• Keep cigarettes and other naked lights well away when checking the battery.
• Secure the battery so that vibration would not cause any damage to the plates. The connections on the battery terminals should be inspected regularly.
• Ensure that the charge rate is correct at every car service, as either overcharging or undercharging will reduce battery life.
• Ensure that the car's electrical appliances (e.g. headlights, aircon, car stereo) are switched off before you start your car, to prevent a current surge that could cause the battery plates to buckle and thereby shortening the battery's life.
• AA provides quality batteries that come with an extended 12 to 18-month warranty period against manufacturing defects. As a value added service, a reminder will be sent to all members to alert them nearing the end of the warranty period. Battery delivery service is also available 24/7.
  

GPS - Room Mirror Monitor

Have you ever experienced any of following situations:

- Unable to locate the place you are going to

- Rushing in time and do not know or cannot decide how to reach your designation on time.

- Lose your orientation in new place.

Our high-tech but user friendly in-car GPS navigation has the solution for your problem to finding designations and ensure you a safe and pleasant driving in Singapore as well as entire peninsula Malaysia.

Enjoy surfing our website and give us an opportunity to share our value added information with you.

GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM (D-700)

D-700 is stand alone touch screen GPS Navigation with 7" Digital TFT LCD Monitor.

It displays superior quality of graphic display on its built-in monitor.

It also comes with AV-In input which can be linked with DVD/Video CD player or rear view camera.

As it is stand alone, we can even share this cool garget with your friends and relatives.

The map software is stored in CF card and it is easy to update the map data and software through on-line.

SPECIFICATIONS

S/N	Description	Specification	Remarks
1	OS	Windows-CE 4.2 Core
2	CPU	Intel X-Scale PXA-255, 400 Mhz
3	Graphic	Composite, RGB Support. 800 x 480	NTSC or PAL
		7" TFT Digital LCD Touch Screen Panel
4	TV Encode	FS 453, NTSC/PAL	Option
5	Memory	SDRAM : 64MB. Flash 32 MB	On Board
		CF Card, HDD (Support up to 5GB)
6	Audio	AC97 Codec, Mono & Stereo Out	Built-in Speaker
7	GPS	12CH (9600 bps), SPS	Removable
8	I/O	RS-232, AV IN, AV OUT, ANT
9	Power	DC 1.2V (10V~16V available),
		Less Than 500mA
10	Operation	Touch Screen, Remo-con (option)
11	Operation Temperature	-5 ~ +65 Degree
12	Size / Weight	206 x 123 x 34mm, 570 g

Mitsubishi Evolution - 2006 All-Star Award

Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief Jean Jennings (Right) presents the 2006 All-Star Award to (L-R) Mitsubishi Motors North America Co-President and Co-CEO Rich Gilligan; new President and CEO Hiroshi Harunari; and Exectutive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Dave Schembri on Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Evo is one of only six vehicles to win this prestigious award for best overall vehicle. This is the second consecutive year the Evo nameplate has achieved this honor. (Mitsubishi/Joe Wilssens)