Hybrid cars with 250 mpg fuel mileageWritten by Ansh Shukla
Continued from page 1
In future, gasoline engine could also be replaced with more fuel-efficient hydrogen fuel cells. It is estimated that these cars would cost $3 to $7 for gas and $4 for electricity per week, which is much lower, then $14 for hybrid cars and $36 for conventional cars. As environment is degrading each day and fuel is depleting even faster, these types of technology could help stabilize situation largely. Let us see if dreams of Bellevue auto visionaries come live. Think of a situation if oil imports from Middle East stops due to some reason.
Ansh a car enthusiast could be reached at New car updates
| | Alloy Wheel Repair: Depends on Extent of Damage to Alloy WheelsWritten by Tim Gowens
Continued from page 1
The repair process is straightforward. First, we mount wheel accurately on a vehicle simulator. With proper heat, consistent hydraulic pressure and light vibrations under pressure, alloy wheel will move – without cracking – back to its original condition. If there is a crack that can’t be seen by naked eye (under chrome or paint), it will instantly pop out; our certified welders will then fill and repair crack. After wheel has cooled, it will retain its original strength. Heat, consistent pressure and vibration are key to an excellent wheel repair. When a wheel is delivered to Metro Wheels, it is either dropped off by owner, shipped in or picked up in metro Atlanta area from our wholesale customers. We generate a work order for each individual wheel detailing customer’s information and any special instructions. Each wheel is assigned a unique work order number that is engraved on inside of rim, so that Metro can track its history precisely. This number also makes it much easier to track wheel throughout repair process. Once identified, each wheel is washed thoroughly to remove all brake dust, because dust could be hiding additional scratches, gouges or cracks. Metro uses a pressure washer system with a diluted acid-based cleaning compound that will not damage a wheel’s existing finish. This is particularly important because brake dust removal is essential to determining level of damage to a wheel. But it must be done correctly, because wheels with a polished or anodized finish can be damaged if wrong washing compound is used. For instance, a two-piece wheel with a bright lip that is not chromed is typically an anodized finish, a chemical treatment that is very hard to see. If wrong cleaner or acid is used on such a finish, wheel surface will be streaked; however, this anodized finish can be stripped off and any scratches buffed out. Once thoroughly cleaned, one of our expert technicians performs a complete inspection of wheel for radial and lateral runout. Radial runout is vertical, and Metro measures to see just how much wheel is out of round with a micrometer gauge that measures to 1/1,000 of an inch. If a wheel has 5/1,000 of an inch radial runout, you could put a dial indicator on wheel and then spin wheel. The distance wheel traveled up and down while spinning would be 5/1,000 of an inch both in high and low position – or swing. Lateral runout, on other hand, is how much damaged wheel will wobble from side to side. On some larger diameter wheels subjected to a hard pothole hit or curb, wheel will be bent and, if hit hard enough, it will bend and twist spokes. Most lateral runout can be corrected with pressure on back of wheel. But when lateral runout cannot be corrected, wheel is not repairable. Lateral runout is hardest type of repair to accomplish. It also happens to be most deceptive, because while a wheel may look like it has only minor rim damage, it can actually be fairly significant and not easily seen to naked eye unless wheel is spinning. This is especially common on newer front-wheel-drive cars, where much of force is cantilevered to back. The next point of inspection is for alloy defects such as curb rashes and cracks. Metro recommends that tires be removed for this inspection because most damage cannot be seen otherwise. Our website: http://www.metrowheels.net
Tim Gowens has over 16 years experience in the wheel and tire industry and has been the owner of Metro Wheels & Accessories since 1989. He built a 22,000 square foot facility to house the wheel repair plant and a retail/wholesale show room. Tim is also a classical guitarist.
|
