Vehicle Classics

An Overview Of Headlight Types

Headlights allow drivers to safely navigate their vehicles in the dark or in low-visibility circumstances. Since their invention in the late 1880′s, the standard automotive headlight has gone through several changes. Technology continues to develop lamps that are bigger, better, and brighter than ever before.

Headlamp Technologies

In the beginning, headlights were constructed with tungsten filaments identical to those found in a standard incandescent bulb.

Soon after the development of the tungsten bulb, halogen technology arrived. While halogen bulbs still used the same tungsten filament, the addition of a halogen vapor such as bromine or iodine allowed the devices to produce more light at the same energy input. Alternatively, halogens can produce the same amount of light at less power resulting in improved efficiency. Halogen bulbs produce a soft white light, unlike the harsh blue found in HID lamps.

HID lamps, otherwise known as high-intensity discharge lamps, are the latest advancement in headlamp technology. Lacking a filament, these bulbs operate by passing current through a vapor-filled bulb. The most common chemical used is xenon, noted for its harsh, distinctive blue light. Compared to halogen and tungsten-filament bulbs, HID lamps are far more powerful.

Optical Systems

The two main headlamp varieties are reflector lamps and projector lamps. With reflector lamps, the light source is placed at the focus of a reflector (either parabolic or non-parabolic), from which the light bounces off and travels through a lens. The lens is molded with prism and Fresnel optics for optimum delivery.

Projector lamps use a condenser lens in order to intensify the beam of light. The bulb is placed in the focus of an ellipsoidal reflector, and the light produced reflects off and is concentrated at the lens. A shade is placed between the lens and reflector in order to modify the beam and in some cases, switch between high and low beam settings.

Low And High Beam Usage

Regardless of the light source or optical system, headlight use is broken up into two modes: high and low beam. With low beams, the light is directed downward to prevent glare from impacting other motorists. Pointed down, they can illuminate the road surface several feet in front of a vehicle. With high beams, a secondary set of lamps is activated, producing light that is uncontrolled and directed forward. High beams are powerful enough to blind other drivers, and should only be used when there are no cars on the road in front of you.

In addition to high and low beam settings, many modern cars are now coming equipped with DRL or daytime running lights. Daytime running lights operate on reduced voltage and are intended to increase driver visibility. That said, in the constant pursuit of improved driver safety, manufacturers continue to develop new headlight solutions for tomorrow’s vehicles.

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Preventing Car Transmission Damage

Your car is obviously a complex machine with hundreds of parts working together to make it operate properly. Ideally, the ignition, charging system, cooling system, and every other component would work perfectly without your having to think about them. Of course, wear and tear take an inevitable toll. Over time, parts wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.

In this article, we’re going to explore transmissions in the context of how they can sustain damage. Repair work normally performed on them can be expensive. The more you can avoid causing unnecessary harm (or, at least preventing it from happening), the more money you’ll save.

Factors That Cause Damage

If you’re driving an automatic (ATF), one of the most common sources of long-term damage is heat. When your engine is running, the ATF undergoes a significant amount of internal friction. That friction generates intense heat. The purpose of the transmission fluid is to absorb that heat. If it can remain at approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit, the ATF will likely last as long as 80,000 miles or more. However, if the temperature climbs past 200 degrees, the part can start oxidizing from the heat. That’s a problem.

The ATF can also suffer from other issues (though, they’re less common). For example, if it was rebuilt by a poorly-trained mechanic, it can fail for a number of reasons. Also, if the fluid levels are too low, or you’re driving extremely aggressively (i.e. constant racing, abrupt starting and stopping, etc.), you can cause damage over time.

How To Prevent It From Fail

As implied in the previous section, you’ll need to make sure that the transmission fluid is at an appropriate level. If the fluid always seems low, place cardboard under your car to identify whether a leak has formed. If it has, have a mechanic fix it. Also, pay particular attention to the color of the fluid. A dark color usually signals that it’s dirty and needs to be replaced. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, always check your owners manual to determine the proper replacement intervals.

You can also preserve the life of your transmission by the manner in which you shift. For example, press your brake pedal down to make sure your car isn’t in motion when you shift out of Park. Similarly, don’t shift into reverse if your car is moving forward. Doing so can put enormous strain on the ATF.

Preventative Maintenance And Service

Eventually, you will need to replace your transmission. Like all of your car’s moving parts, it will give out and fail one day. The good news is that you can prolong its useful life by taking a few preventative maintenance steps. Make sure the fluid is at an appropriate level, don’t drive aggressively, and avoid shifting when your car is in motion. Those simple steps can help ensure that your transmission will last for several years.

For all your guaranteed used auto parts and used transmissions needs the leader in parts is http://www.everdrive.com

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How To Know It’s Time For A New Car

Cars don’t last forever, obviously. Sooner or later, no matter how much you love your vehicle, you’ll be forced to retire it for a newer model. Even if you have maintained it properly, changing the oil every 5,000 miles and visiting the repair shop for routine tune-ups, its days are numbered. Understandably, a lot of drivers don’t know when the pull the trigger, severing the relationship they’ve cultivated over the years. After all, there’s a level of comfort that develops after years of owning a car; handling it becomes practically intuitive.

Today, we’re going to talk about an often sore subject: getting rid of it. Specifically, I’ll explain how you can identify the telltale signs that your vehicle is nearing the end of its life.

Cost Of Repairs

During the first few years, very little goes wrong under the hood. The parts and systems typically perform flawlessly; if something unexpected does happen, the warranty will likely cover it. So, there’s no out-of-pocket expense even if a component fails. However, after six or seven years, it’s not uncommon for the normal wear and tear to begin taking a toll. Your alternator might fail; you might develop a short in the electrical system; or, the transmission may start skipping.

In most cases, the parts won’t be covered by the warranty after that much time has passed. Any repairs or replacement parts will cost you a few dollars (and often, a few hundred). Over time, you’ll find that the systems are failing more frequently, requiring additional trips to the garage. When that happens, it may be time to retire your vehicle.

Is It Safe?

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are built to comply with strict safety standards. When they come off the factory floor, they’re designed to protect drivers and passengers from injury. That said, the systems that are responsible for keeping you safe can malfunction during your vehicle’s twilight years. For example, the airbags might fail to deploy during a collision. Or, your car may develop a short in the electrical system, effecting an important component.

Sometimes, a mechanic can repair the problem cost-effectively. But, as vehicles age, these issues happen more frequently. It may make sense to consider buying a newer model.

The Curse Of Aging Car Parts

Unless you own a high-performance vehicle, you’re probably not budgeting for constant repairs and replacement auto parts. Unfortunately, the older a vehicle gets, the more often these things become necessary. If you’re spending more time with your mechanic than you are with your family, it may be time to put your car out to pasture. Chances are, doing so will not only save money over the long haul, but provide a safer driving experience for you and your passengers.

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