How To Replace a Car Battery

As you trundle along towards your car, you reach for the remote, hit the unlock button and…?! Somehow, you don’t seem to be able to unlock your car! By the time you manage to get in, by using the old-school key, you realize that you cannot start your car. This most probably means that your car battery has gone flat. As that happened to me this morning, trust me—by the time the mechanics arrive, you’ll want to know how to get it fixed yourself.

This has to be the best step-by-step instructions out there.

1.     Purchase the new battery recommended and rated for your car (the parts dealer and your mechanic will have that information). Be aware that the old battery is usually exchanged for the new one for recycling purposes, so you can either take it with you or drop it off later.

2.     Open the hood of your car and locate the battery.

3.     Disconnect the cable terminals from the old battery's terminals (negative/black first and then positive/red).

4.     Remove the frame or bracket holding the battery in place, and lift the battery out.

5.     Clean the cable terminals with a wire brush, baking soda and water if they're corroded or dirty.

6.     Use a wire brush or a battery terminal cleaner (a very inexpensive tool) to scrape the inside of each cable terminal to expose new, clean metal to the new battery terminal. If the cable terminals are damaged, they need to be replaced.

7.     Lower the new battery into position, with the positive and negative poles in the same relative positions as before, and secure the frame.

8.     Connect the cables to the new battery securely - positive to positive and then negative to negative. The cable ends should not be able to move at all; any looseness can prevent your car from starting.

9.     Test the battery by starting the engine.


Find out even more at | eHow.com

For extra help, I find that this video straightens things out even more:
http://www.ehow.com/video_512_replace-car-battery.html#ixzz1MP4G1rHX

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

•       Referred to as a milestone in manufacturing, let’s see what the new
facelift has done to this icon of motion…
•        Design & Engineering:
At first glance, the face lifted S-class is immediately contrastive
from the pre-facelift model. LED daytime running lights flank the face
of the car, along with a sharper front and rear. The new bumper design
increases both standard and long wheelbase versions by 20mm. The
latest addition to the S-range would be the S400 hybrid, now the world's mos economical luxury saloon with a 



petrol engine.
•       Interior
Touch the re-designed multifunction genuine leather steering wheel.
Immediately, the word luxury rings through the all-around standard
speakers. Glancing down, you realize that the digital speedometer is
actually an LCD screen. As you glance to the center console, it looks
simple enough to use—even with all the technology hidden inside. For
instance, ambient lighting can be adjusted to your taste, along with

built in massage seats, optional Split-Screen—a feature
 that allows a
passenger to watch TV, while the driver utilizes the GPS at the same
time. Mercedes ups the class by using an actual timepiece—enhancing
the word ‘class’. Being Merc’s flagship car, customers have a wider
scope in personalizing their car, from simple things like wood grain
to the quality and colour of the leather. Moving into the back, one
perceives that space is of no shortage—whether on short/long
wheelbase. Rear passengers are pampered by central and side
air-conditioning, an option of rear-massage seats, vanity mirrors,
side window sun curtains, electrically adjustable seats, etc. Though
less than Lexus’s flagship, the LS, the S-class still manages to
satisfy all. The word safety doesn’t need to be mentioned, as it comes
standard on all Mercedes’s—from all around airbags and night vision,
to Brake-Assist Plus and PRE-SAFE As you make your exit from the
vehicle, closing the doors are effortless, as the S-class now
incorporates soft-close suction doors, providing an even more relaxing
and luxurious feel.
•       Ride & Handling
“The ride feels so smooth as if driving on glass, or sitting on a
duvet, completely drunk.” Having heard this statement being repeatedly
said by other S-class owners, you must wonder how? Well, for starters,
on the S300 and S350—the most sought after trims, a butter smooth 7-G
TRONIC transmission is mated to quiet and refined V6’s. Software
controlled anti-roll bars are able to take on the S-class on the fly,
churning out a car refined at low-speeds, yet agile and safe at
high-speeds. Ride quality is nevertheless smooth. Other more popular
engines are the S500 V8, S600 V12 bi-turbo, and the re-known S63 and
S65 bi-turbo AMG’s.
•       Verdict
The face lifted S-class always has, and always will be the most
discreet limousine out there. Nothing seems to match up to a car that
commands so much respect and awe.

o       Personal advice: Go for the S350 as the S300 lacks power on the go.
If you’re eyeing the S500, must as well step it up a notch and go for
the S600. The S500 seems to be a niche filler in between the S400
hybrid and S600. Looking for speed, comfort, and exhilaration? Don’t
go for the S63/S65 AMG. A normal twin-turbo charged BMW 760li does the
job a lot faster.
o       Pictures from:
o       http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/2010/fd/2010_mercedes-benz_s-class_actf34_fd_1_815.jpg
o       http://cdn-www.rsportscars.com/images/mercedes-benz/2010-mercedes-benz-s-class/mercedes-benz-s-class-2010-rear-quarter-main_w800.jpg
o       http://vehicle-pedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/mercedes-benz-s-class-facelift-2010-27.jpg

Volvo S60

In the past, the word ‘Volvo’ was referred to grannies, snails, along with the word ‘boring’. With the introduction of the funky S60 in the market by new parent owner GEELY, things seem to change…
·         Design & Engineering:
Modern. Sleek. Aesthetic. These are the words that come to mind when I glimpse at the fierce, ready-for-anything face of the new S60. Characteristics of the XC60 are visible on the face of the car, simply with the word ‘sexy’ mixed in. Conventional headlamps stay put on both the 2.0T and T6 trim, with an option of bi-xenon headlamps. Brushed aluminum outlines the rear and front of the car, increasing sportiness. From the side, the roof seems to slope upwards, giving the S60 a swifter and more aerodynamic look. The rear seems a tad narrow, due to its somewhat pinching design. Eye-catching 18in. rims come standard on all trims. This new S60 seems to wear the classic VOLVO sash across its grill with the help of re-known designer Steve Mattin quite well…

·            Interior
A leap above other VOLVO’s, just on par with German rivals. Interesting to look at. Open the driver’s door, and you’re greeted with a grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel, S80 style speedos, 7-inch display screen, along with an array of buttons to play with. A remarkable 8-speaker stereo with AUX-in/USB input enables tunes on the go at all times, making sure those at the back still have a good time. The S60 is relatively spacious for rear passengers, with more than enough head and legroom. Boot space is cavernous enough to swallow 2-3 golf bags. With the introduction of Volvo’s City Safety, there is a 99.99% chance that you will never crash into anything or anyone while you luxuriate in the vehicle. Settle into the soft, high-quality ergonomic leather seats, and you’re ready to go.

·            Ride & Handling
Let’s start with the 2.0T, 6-speed, 4-cylinders-in-line 16-valve engine, that is able to leap from 0—100km/h in 8.2 seconds. Thankfully, there are no signs of turbo lag. Acceleration is swift and snippy, and surprisingly not lethargic at all! Sticking to its roots, paddle shifters are omitted on the steering wheel, as old-school +/- manual shifts stubbornly stay put on the gear shifter. Mated to a lively, leather-wrapped steering wheel, whether working with the default Comfort chassis, or the optional Dynamic chassis, body control is quite impressive. Bumps and uneven roads are soaked up by the car, and barely felt on board. As with all Volvo’s, wind and road noise are barely evident. Moving on to the T6, 6-cyliner-in-line, 24-valve engine, with a sprint from 0—100km/h in 6.5 seconds. Incredulously fast. Acceleration in this trim is brisk and robust, with all the needed traction available from the All-Wheel-Drive system. Firmer bushings, stronger damping rods, and a stiffer front sub frame all work together to increase sportiness on the standard Dynamic chassis. Then comes the BUT—as the T6 embodies an AWD system, understeer is evident when going round bends. Also, fuel consumption on this model is relatively thirsty at 9.8km/l.

·            Verdict
Impressive. Not much to argue about with this car, due to the moderate pricing, array of safety features, technology, quality, and drive. The 2.0T is the most practical model to buy—safety is still there along with technology quality, drive, features, etc, ALONG with a much better fuel consumption. The T6 trim is for those who appreciate safety and quality, but have a desire for more spunk. Nevertheless, both models are a tempting and sexy alternative to German rivals.

o   Personal advice: What is your lifestyle? Find out yourself and then choose between the 2.0T and T6 engines—both enjoyable to ride in.
   

 Pictures from: http://automiddleeast.com/wp-ontent/uploads/2010/11/2011-volvo-s60-f3q-a2.jpgo    http://www.tunner.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2011-Volvo-S60-T6-AWD-interior-view-575x359.jpgo   

BMW X3

As the spotlight searches for a new player in the game, the new and revised BMW X3 comes up on stage…
We knew the 1^st generation 2003--->2010 model X3. We saw it. We knew what it was like—rubbish. Has the magic BMW put into this model worked?

·             Design & Engineering:
From the front, the mature characteristics of its older siblings—the X5 and X6 are clearly visible. Feminine classic angel ring lights are now in white, differentiating the X3 even more from its predecessor. Masculinity is enhanced by the sweeps on the bold face of the SUV. From the side, one word comes to mind: mini X5. Looking at the rear of the vehicle, you see developing features of the X5, along with matured looks of the X1. The X3 clearly models after the X5—not a bad thing I guess. The most well known variants of the car would be the 2.5i (seen on the 125i, 125i, 523i), the 2.8i, and the renowned 3.5i twin-turbo charged V6, all mated to an 8-speed gearbox.

·            Interior
There seems to be a superb lasting impression when the front doors of the X3 are opened. Although the center console seems to be a cut and paste job from the 5 series, it seems to be more apt for a modern SUV like the X3. The interior boasts of a multitude of storage places, cup holders, and compartments. I-drive comes standard on the X3, making life much more 21^st century on board, while giving passengers more gizmos to play around with. Features on this car, as with all BMW’s are endless, as you have access to Bluetooth, an electric boot, and cruise control; the list is endless. What I like about BMW’s is that the interior incorporates technology, is neat, and yet simple to use. The X3 is no exception. At the rear, legroom has been increased by 17mm, ensuring a more comfortable and relaxing ride for those at the back. The boot has space from 550 to 1,600 liters, which BMW claims to be the best in its segment.

·            Ride & Handling
Recalling the quote that states, “ Joy is BMW”, does the new X3 manage to live up to those three words? The VCD system comes with a ‘sport’ and ‘sport plus’ option, which control everything from the steering weight to the throttle response, enhancing ride quality and performance. Obviously, leaving the car in the ‘normal’ mode does just fine for most situations. Permanent all wheel drive now comes standard on the higher trim models. Unlike the 1^st generation X3, the all wheel drive is now proven and tested certified boosting confidence whether traveling on mountainous winding roads, through icy snowstorms, hilly conditions, or even when driving on the highway during a storm at night. When this car was driven, there was a relaxing mood in the air, despite traveling on different terrains. The range-topping twin-turbo engine provides boost and throttle on the go, but seems to impinge on ride quality while adding on to interior noise. The 2.8 and 2.5 V6’s propel the car forward with just the right amount of throttle, and even manage to overtake others at red lights. For the most part, ride and handling seem to snuggle in closely with the word “joy”.

·            Verdict
Much better than the previous generation—especially with the 21^st century gizmos. As this car still manages to provide a soft ride, women would adore it especially. Few SUV’s match up to the X3 in ride quality. Another alternative would be Volvo’s XC60.

o   Personal advice: Avoid the 3.5 twin-turbo charged engine as it overloads the X3. Keep it simple with the 2.5 and 2.8 V6 models.

o   Pictures from:

o    http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_photos.php?CarCode=10981&CUR=12#P

BMW 3 Series Convertible/Coupé

BMW 3-series Convertible/Coupé

·            BMW has recently given the prominent 3-series convertible/coupé a facelift. We already know that the range topping 335i twin turbo engine has set a new mark in the auto industry. But given this facelift, is there really any major change?

·             Design & Engineering:

The new convertible/coupé now proposes thinner fog lights, sleeker aerodynamics, a subtle change in the rear lights, a wider front grill, along with a change in color for the signature ‘angel rings’—white light. BMW has rid the 323i, and offers a 4-cylinder 320i, a 6-cylinder 325i, and the signature 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged 335i.

·            Interior

Same as the pre-facelift model. The convertible/coupé still has full leather seats, 4 seats, BMW professional audio system, etc. I-drive is still an option.

·            Ride & Handling

“Joy is BMW.” This is where the obvious difference lies. Unlike the pre-facelift model, the new convertible/coupé beholds a sharper handling, more comfortable ride, and has a springier feel towards it. The 320i feels slightly underpowered when pushed on the expressways, but for city driving, it would be your better bet. The 325i is a somewhat oddball. As this particular trim uses a 3.0-liter engine, power is not a problem, but there is a lack of joy in the drive. As we progress onto the 335i, the word joy is clearly defined. A heart-racing purr emits from the engines as you floor the pedals, and you feel the forces of gravity pushing you back into the well-bolstered seats. “Joy is BMW.” “Joy is 335i.”

·                                        

               Verdict

Slight facelift, barely a difference from the pre-facelift model. Ride quality has improved. Interior becoming ‘boring’ as it has been in the market since ’07. Sorry BMW, try again.

o   Personal advice: Live in the city? Buy the 320i. It’s the most fuel-efficient, and adequate for city driving. Looking for some thrill? Definitely the 335i. Forget about the 325i—BORING.

o   Picture from:

o   http://www.chrisleso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/BMW-3-series-Convertible-2011.jpg

o    http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/bmw/3series/2011/fd/2011_bmw_3series_actf34_fd_309101_717.jpg

Aston Martin Virage

·            As the mellow sound of an M5 roared out of the car depot, the energetic feet of James Bond pounded toward his… new Aston Martin Virage? As the 2^nd generation Virage, I perceive that the engineers have taken the ‘good bits’ from the 1^st generation Virage, along with the even ‘better bits’ of the DB9. But really. Can it be that simple?

·             Design & Engineering:

If you find that it looks like a DB9, you’re absolutely right. The body of the Virage is pure DB9. You have the same curves, classic grinchy front grill, sweeping rear, and the portholes. Take a closer look—the sills and skirts have been beefed up, the front grille slightly larger, Rapide headlights, along with bolder and sharper looks. As with all blue-blooded Astons, a coupé or cabriolet is available. Being a car priced higher than the DB9, only the signature 6.0 liter V12 attached to the same six-speed automatic gearbox. Indeed, it definitely does its job…

·            Interior

One word. DB9. The interior is the same as the DB9, or even the DBS, simply in slightly better build quality. You have the classic speedo and rev. dials which spin in the opposite directions. You have the same ‘hidden’ Bond style pen. You have the classic glass key fob and buttons. You have the same flappy-paddles. The only major difference would probably be the redesigned GARMIN GPS with a better resolution, and higher graphics. But being an Aston, interior finishes are catered to your choice. It’s simply how much more you care to add on.

·            Ride & Handling

Being a tried and proven V12, the Virage’s engine propels the car forward in what seems to be a mere seconds. The engineers have given the engine a slight tweak, producing a noticeably higher BHP. Punch the ‘Sport’ button, and the Aston seems as if a double dose of adrenaline has been ingested All of a sudden, your classy Aston transforms into the refined beast it was built for, and gobbles up the open tarmac. When not on ‘Sport’ mode, the Virage civilly rumbles along, careful to not tread on any toes—with an air of class. Handling is superb, as on all Astons, and a certain aura of alertness fills the air. Despite on ‘Sport’ or not, a good ride can be expected, due to an improved steering and suspension—true bliss.

·            Verdict

A redesigned interior would be nice. Smooth ride; power on the go, incredulously sophisticated. Bond would have approved~

o   Personal advice: Cater to your choice. Being an Aston, what can go wrong?

o   Picture from:

o    http://trendsupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/aston-martin-virage.jpg

Audi Q5

·            You’ve seen it. You’ve heard about it. Its even won awards. But what is it?

The Audi Q5 has been in the market since 2009, and since then, it has become one of the most sought after SUV’s in its category.

 Design & Engineering:

The Q5 comes in two variants—a 2.0 TFSI s-tronic and a 3.2 FSI s-tronic engine, both powerful in their ways. As an SUV, the Q5 comes with a standard 4-wheel drive that gobbles up most road conditions. LED lights flank the front and rear of the car, along with a large signature Audi grill, giving it a more modern and sporty appeal.  Cavernous wheel arches along with large sport rims flank the car, making it look prepared for anything—and indeed, it is.

·            Interior

The Germans have set the benchmarks for build quality, comfort along with safety. For this, the Q5 definitely excels with flying colours. The MMI system (along the lines of Mercedes’ COMMAND system, and BMW’s i-drive) wedges itself in the middle of the front seats and houses all the necessary information needed. A muti-purpose knob and 4 easy buttons control the MMI system. Although the interior seems to be a little ‘plasticky’, it is balanced out by the effective use of (either) high-gloss wood, or brushed aluminum, alongside the high-quality leather. The factory fitted sound system dominates the interior of the Q5, and it comes with an optional BOSE surround system. Sitting at the back, it is relatively cavernous, and provides comfort for all.

·            Ride & Handling

There are 3 modes to driving this car, comfort, dynamic, and automatic, now Audi trademarks. As the Q5 is mated to powerful charged engines, once in dynamic mode, every square centimeter of the car suddenly feels more alive and on the ball, providing more twist out on the road. Due to the highly fuel efficient and power-on-the-go engines, going from 0-100 km/h is accomplished in a worthy 6.8~7.2 seconds! The steering is alive, and responds quickly. Unfortunately, body roll is evident when cornering, which adds to the fear of tipping over, due to the stature of the car. As an Audi, build quality is top-notch, therefore wind and road noise are kept to the minimal. Out in the wild, the Q5 manages to conquer a variety of road conditions with the help of the 4-wheel drive system, and an array of technology. High-profile tires and larger rims are traded in for ride comfort, for the suspension tends to be slightly stiff at times.

·            Verdict

Less plastic could be used in the interior, as it tends to take away that expensive German feel. Apart from that, the Q5 meets all the criteria in the SUV market, and appeals to many. The price tag might not.

o   Personal advice: Go for the 2.0 TFSI, and ignore all options—it’ll still bring about a smile on your face~

o   Picture from:

o    http://uncrate.com/men/images/2008/04/audi-q5-1.jpg