Transmission Belts - The Advantages

We get asked quite often how transmission belts compare to chains and gears.

The fact of the matter is, belts are the cheapest utility for power transmission between shafts that may or may not be axially aligned. They run smoothly and with little noise, and cushion motor and bearings against load changes.

Belt drive is simple, inexpensive, and does not require axially aligned shafts. It helps protect the machinery from overload and jam. It damps and isolates noise and vibration. Load fluctuations are shock-absorbed. They need no lubrication and minimal maintenance, thus saving substantial efforts, amounts and time. Belt drives have high efficiency (90-98%, usually 95%), high tolerance for misalignment, and are of relatively low cost if the shafts are far apart.

As you know, transmission belts are looped strips of continuous material used to link rotating shafts, usually looped over pulleys. They are specifically used to transmit power as part of a larger system of pulleys and gears, though with the development of newer technologies and materials new applications have been discovered for this type of equipment.

Transmission belts are essential parts of heavy machinery like presses, spinning machines, industry fans, roller conveyor and textile machines. Belt systems are often compared with chain systems and you should carefully review the pros of this type of system before deciding exactly what you need for your purposes.

The benefits that transmission belts offer:

1) Smooth operation: Transmission belts help the whole system run efficiently and without any hitches. They require minimum maintenance and provide maximum comfort for the operators.

2) No lubrication: In this respect, transmission belts score over chain systems, but there is another huge advantage, since lubrication (usually in the form of oil or petrol) represents a significant drain on your resources.

3) Low noise levels: Transmission belts produce very little sound when operating, which is an important advantage in any work place and adds to the level of comfort.

4) Less wear and tear: With proper maintenance, they can be quite long lasting. The maintenance required is cost-effective and less frequent. Moreover, it involves less abrasion for various other parts like pulleys.

5) Higher speed and efficiency: Not only is this type of system easier to operate, it also provides higher operational speeds and reliable efficiency.

Thus with belt systems, you will save on a lot of money and hassles. You have to make sure that you get top quality strips which are made using high-grade materials (plastics or rubbers). The best quality results from the use of engine-specific blends, and ensuring perfect compatibility.

The design should offer safety and protection from accidents. Further, it should be low stretch material, preferably made of glass fibres, which should be properly tensioned before being installed. The tooth profile is also significant in creating optimum transmission values.

The Hardest Driving Tests in the World

In the UK, there has always been a constant discussion about the difficulty of obtaining your full driving license. Some will declare that anyone can pass and was much harder 'back in my day', while others will shout from the rooftops that it must be the hardest driving examination in the world, and it is a wonder anyone can pass at all. However, while the UK is high on the list in terms of difficulty, there are many more treacherous tests around the world that are designed to push the capabilities of prospective drivers to the limit. Here is a round-up of the most maddeningly hard tests from across the globe that will hurt your brain just thinking about passing them!

Finland

Although you may hear people boasting how they passed in two days with only one lesson (which is most likely completely untrue), the average time in the UK to pass a test is around 8 months. Compare this to Finland, where it takes a minimum of two years of driving to obtain a full licence. During this probationary period, if the licence holder gets one fine, the period can be extended by a maximum of two years. If this doesn't seem harsh enough, before a person can get the preliminary license they are subjected to a litany of tests and lessons. They must take two tests, one in the summer and one in winter, and attend over 19 theory lessons in which they learn about Finland's strict driving regulations. A lengthy and difficult process, Finnish driving tests may be one of the hardest.

South Africa

A lot of the stipulations in the South African driving test seemed to be designed to create the most complicated examination in the world. In fact, in 2007, there were actually riots surrounding the problems associated with obtaining the licensee. This may seem extreme, but some of the minute rules that have to be obeyed make the UK's equivalent test look like a walk in the park. For instance, you can be penalised for the most minuscule of errors. If you engage your handbrake and it makes a clicking sound you lose points, if you glance at your gear stick whilst driving you lose points, if you forget to check your headlights and tail lights are attached properly you lose points and if you forget to check for leaks under your car you, of course, lose points. In fact, if the car rolls back by one inch during the course of the lesson, you instantly fail. Unfortunately, these extremely strict rules have actually served to make South Africa's driving standards worse, as many people simply drive unlicensed rather than be driven insane by trying to pass the practical test.

Japan

Japan's driving test is different to many other countries, as it takes place on a course resembling a fake Japanese town. However, this doesn't make it any easier, as the fiendishly tricky test only has a pass rate of around 30 percent. Drivers must remain under 19 MPH at all times and instantly fail if they run over a kerb, fail to do the correct checks or stop the appropriate distance from traffic lights. Weirdly, drivers won't pass if they don't come closer enough to the curb when performing a left turn, as you aren't supposed to leave room for overtaking cyclists, which is the exact opposite of what most road laws say! You can also be denied a licence if you don't bend lower enough to inspect under the car for cats or children.

These Bold and Beautiful Diesel Cars Are Too Good to Resist!

In recent times, vehicle owners have been exhibiting their penchant for diesel cars. Manufacturers are also pushing the envelope and trying to bring enhanced features in their vehicles to match the requirements of customers. Apart from mileage and price, vehicle owners are also on the lookout for an upscale build with ravishing exteriors and interiors. Below is an insight on the most popular diesel powered cars which are revered for their exquisite body styles, and offer a tempting

proposition:

Mahindra Bolero

The Bolero, the flagship SUV of Mahindra & Mahindra, has bagged the title of the highest selling SUV in the country for the last several years. Launched in the year 2000, the company has been improvising the model to incorporate additional features to suit the contemporary lifestyle and expectations of its customers. When it comes to appearance and feel, the sturdy Bolero is second to none. With remoteless key entry, attractive headlamps, stylish dashboard, classy steering wheel, integrated digital display, and various other plush features, this car is surely a treat to the eyes.

Mahindra Scorpio

In order to compete with the likes of the Renault Duster, the giant manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra, recently made major enhancements to the iconic Mahindra Scorpio. The new generation Scorpio now looks chic and gorgeous with an all new platform, suspension, gearbox, front grille, dual projector headlamps, fog lamps, and LED tail-lamps. Available in five colors including the new red and blue hues, it also flaunts features such as 6 inch touch screen for controlling audio & navigation, automatic temperature control, splendid steering controls, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, auto headlamps/wipers, and an amazing voice assist system.

Honda Amaze

The Honda Amaze boasts of a spacious cabin, sufficient boot space & leg room, great quality upholstery, impressive heat absorbing glass for windscreen, large tail lamps & eye-like headlamps, fantastically chiselled bumper, and much more. Offering a spectacular mileage of 25.8 kmpl, this sub-4 metre sedan is truly unique and charming.

Hyundai Grand i10

The zesty Grand i10 from the house of Hyundai is another lucrative option in the diesel vehicle segment. The large hexagonal grille, premium plastic quality, tastefully designed air-con vents, amazing steering-mounted controls, comfortable seats, and the abundant legroom at the rear, account for a nice driving and travelling experience.

Apart from the above-mentioned four-wheelers, there are several other stylish cars in this diesel segment, such as, Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, and more. Of course, the final decision depends upon the buyer's preference, budget, and requirements.

10 Best Cars for Students

The back-to-school period is full-on and brings its share of emotions and memories. As an automotive enthusiast since my early days in high school, I've had the chance to drive, own, love and hate several vehicles of different makes and models. Therefore, I present to you my top 10 of the best cars for students. Thanks to their affordability, reliability or stunning features, those vehicles made the list and caught my attention. Moreover, I would recommend these to a member of my family or a close friend without any doubt.

Since most students can't afford a brand new vehicle because of their steep price, this list majorly features pre-owned vehicles. Therefore, I would highly recommend a complete inspection before purchase to avoid unpleasant surprises.

10. Volkswagen Jetta

Fitted with the extremely reliable 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the Volkswagen Jetta is classy, spacious and fun to drive. The most affordable vehicle of the VW lineup, this sedan will perfectly suit any summer road trip and everyday ride to school. Several other engine options are available, however, models equipped with the 2.0 liter are usually the most affordable.

9. Mazda3

A replacement for the Protégé, the Mazda3 quickly established itself as great car that is both fun to drive and affordable, either new or pre-owned. Some older generations faced huge rust problems, beware.

8. Kia Rio

Thanks to its original design and great fuel-efficiency, the Kia Rio is a functional vehicle that packs a lot of punch and style. Naturally, newer models are both better equipped and more reliable.

7. Toyota Corolla

A vibrant symbol of reliability, the Toyota Corolla is a true performer that offers astonishing fuel efficiency and low-cost repairs. Sportier than ever in its 2014 edition, the Corolla is one of the safest bets when it comes to uncompromising reliability.

6. Nissan Versa

Look for the hatchback version which is far more functional than the sedan. Thanks to its popular CVT transmission, the Nissan Versa provides great fuel economy and boasts one of the roomiest cabins in its category.

5. Nissan Micra

The smallest car of the lineup, the Nissan Micra made the top 10 of the best cars for students thanks to its ridiculous price (starting from $9 998), original style and compact size.

4. Honda Fit

Powered by a fuel-efficient and agile 4-cylinder, the Honda Fit perfectly reflects its manufacturer's motto: It's a small car with a lot of punch and enhanced reliability. A huge plus: the Magic Seat which greatly enhances storing possibilities.

3. Hyundai Elantra

Rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the Hyundai Elantra is spacious, fuel-efficient and more reliable than it ever was before which makes it an easy pick from my Top 10 best cars for students list.

2. Toyota Yaris

First there was the Tercel, then the Echo and now the Toyota Yaris. Powered by one of the most fuel-efficient engines and Toyota's finest technologies, the Yaris is one of the greatest examples of Japanese reliability and also one of the most solid vehicles in its category.

1. Honda Civic

My first car as a student, like so many other teenagers, the Honda Civic is the perfect example of what a student's car should be. It is agile, fun to drive, fuel-efficient and incredibly cheap to fix thanks to the outstanding popularity it gained over the past 25 years. Some used and even new models are sold at a lower price than the Fit even if the vehicle is slightly bigger, making it one of the most interesting options for those who spend more time on the road.

Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

If I name some of the most popular pieces of public safety equipment, the warning lights, siren speakers, push bumpers and grille lights of different types will come to mind. With the increasing rising risks for first responders, the need for these essential items is critical. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of police, fire fighters, and EMS for the safety of the public.

These products are used constantly; all having and meeting the same purpose, public safety. The light and sound systems used by the police and other first responders are a type of safety equipment.

Public safety radio and speakers

All through the hours of an emergency or patrolling, the police are largely dependent on their vehicle's flashing lights, emergency radio systems, sirens, and speakers. These devices are made to comply with and act perfectly during their emergency operations.

Though these devices are often left un-maintained, neglected, and taken for granted, but they indeed are an important utility that should be taken well care of. If these systems would not work properly, first responders and those they serve could be imperiled.

The manufacturers of public safety equipment incorporate unique features that ensure these perform their duties robustly, during the emergency hours.

Power backup - The first blueprint of public safety radio, which are nowadays installed in police vehicles, did not have any provision for power backup. Additionally, it would consume a large amount of energy, which used to affect the operations of the vehicle.

The safety radios and speakers of today come with smart design, which does not consume high levels of power and keeps them on for longer duration of time.

Water resistance - Lighting systems on vehicles are an electronic utility, and just like any other electronic device, they too can get affected with the water, moist and rainy weather conditions. To ensure the safety of lights, speakers and radio systems of the police vehicle, it is a must for them to be water resistant. They are assembled in casings that are watertight.

The feature of water tightness gives them a shield against the moisture occurring due to weather-borne conditions. On vehicles, the water tightness of the lights will have a chief role in the success of police operations, especially during night hours.

Frequent maintenance - Last but not the least, the lights, radio systems, alarms, sirens, and speakers should be properly and routinely checked, and adequate measures should be taken to keep them working and in well-maintained condition. Though the systems of the present generation are usually water-resistant, yet that does not imply that they will be working perfectly well in moist surroundings. They need to be check at frequent intervals, and as some discrepancy is experienced in their operations, they should be sent for service and repair.

New Technology in Tyres

Tyres don't seem even remotely complex on the surface. Rubber, steel belts and air, not much technology involved here, right? This may have been the case decades ago, especially in regards to the consumer market, but it isn't the case any longer, not by a longshot.

In recent years tyre manufacturers have been implementing completely new concepts in tire construction. These concepts create more durable, higher performance and safer products that are every bit as important as any other advancement in automobiles.

This article will review some of the newest advancements in tyre technology as well as the designs and engineering principles that are expected to become industry standards in the near future.

Advances in Pneumatic Tyres

Pneumatic tyres are the industry standard for all consumer vehicles. Early rubber tyres were solid, however, ever since John Dunlop designed the first pneumatic tyre in 1888, the world embraced this form of tyre, in spite of the durability of solid rubber, they were downright uncomfortable.

In approximately 455 factories around the world over 1 billion tyres are produced every year containing the same basic ingredients; rubber, carbon black and various chemicals.

Tyres are constructed on a drum and cured in a press under heat and pressure. The heat creates a polymerization reaction that links the rubber monomers and creates long elastic molecules. This allows the tyres to compress where the rubber meets the road and then reform to their original shape.

Different manufacturers uses their own compounds to deliver a combination of durability and performance. However, most tyres all start out the same way.

Digital Tyres

Tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been testing "digital tyres" on the Ferrari FXX K supercar to collect data about coefficient of friction, footprint and pavement grade. This information is then transferred to the car's ECU and the traction control systems to optimize power delivery based on grip.

Evolving Tyres

Michelin has made some very impressive developments in the longevity of tyre wear. The tire manufacturer has invented a tyre that will evolve as it wears out, preserving its road-gripping performance until the bitter end.

This new technology uses main tread grooves that get wider as they wear down, leaving plenty of space for water to still escape. The new tyres have tiny slices that expand into teardrop shapes and compensate for having shallower grooves, making the tyres safer as they age.

Self-inflating Technology

Self-inflating tyres for the consumer market are also being currently explored. This technology is already being used for heavy machinery and military vehicles, and uses sensors that measure the tyre pressure. If the pressure drops too low, an air compressor inflates the tyre, if the air is too high, a pressure relief valve deflates it.

Airless Tyres

Hankook has been experimenting with a tyre design that doesn't require air. One of, if not the biggest drawbacks to pneumatic tyres has always been punctures and leaks. The new "iFlex" tyres are being made from completely eco-friendly materials.

The tyre manufacturer has been working with geometric shapes, in place of air, to offer pliable, bouncy qualities of a typical tyre. When tested for durability, hardness, stability, slalom and speed the Hankook NPT (non-pneumatic tyres) performed comparable to traditional air-filled tyres.

Car Dealerships Adapt New Practices

The consumer purchasing process in the auto industry has dramatically changed over the last decade. Consumers now have access to endless amounts of information online. Websites feature reviews, pricing, financing offers, comparison shopping, and much more. Certain websites make comparing models, filtering search criteria, and calculating trade-in values and monthly payment estimates quick and easy. In the past, customers would make multiple trips to showrooms to conduct research and to test drive different makes and models before signing a contract. Today, consumers do most of the research online. In order to promote brand awareness and to create a rich customer service experience, automakers have to adapt. Some are developing innovative retail strategies and new programs to stay abreast of a rapidly changing retail experience.

Cross-Industry Innovation

One manufacturer looked to brands in other luxury retail sectors to identify retail trends and inspiration. Drawing from a computer company, the manufacturer established a new system, called the Product Genius, at locations across the country. The non-sales position of this system serves to strictly educate consumers about the manufacturer and available makes, models, and technological features. This structure allows salesmen to focus on the transaction and financing aspects instead of guiding the customer through the vehicle's features and capabilities. Initially, the concept experienced some resistance from automobile dealership owners. But after receiving positive feedback and proven sales numbers, car dealerships are rethinking employee structure and hiring more than one "Product Genius" to meet the growing demand.

Digital Car Dealerships

On the other hand, another auto company took an entirely different approach by creating the world's first digital showroom. The showrooms, known as Cities, do not have any physical automobile displays. The test displays were built in London and Beijing. They are engineered and designed for large metropolises, like Berlin, Shanghai, and Paris, where a traditional car dealerships simply are not a practical option. The city displays the automotive fleet on wall-to-wall screens called power walls. The power walls operate much like smartphones, allowing visitors to swipe for viewing and exploring different options. This concept has an infinite inventory, allowing a brand to display every possible model, color combination, and style option. The experience also caters to the senses, because even the sound of the engine corresponds to the model on the power screen.

These two automotive companies approached the changing marketplace differently. Both avenues explore original and positive purchasing experiences. As technology continues to boom and the consumer shopping experience evolves, car dealerships will continue to reinvent the wheel by offering new services, creative displays, and convenient customer-driven experiences.