As we get to feel that Christmas is just around the corner, as an initial reaction, we start doing necessary preparations for it. We start having a Christmas list—among other lists—in order to make sure that we will not miss on giving something to those people who are dear to us. Aside from the shopping and the rush, the streets are covered with snow. Is your car ready for it? Have you prepared it to run on snow-covered streets? It is a well-known fact that snow can affect the performance of vehicles. Aside from that vehicles get harder to handle when trudging on slippery roads, the engine as well as other components are likely to suffer a bit from the cold. Others find it hard to start their cars when it is exposed to the cold for a long duration of time.

This is also the time to check the car’s heater. It is simply unbearable to travel if there seems to be something wrong with the heater. Among the things that one must also check on are the tires. Since the tires are the vehicle components that have direct contact with the road, it is important to make sure that it will be able to handle the slipperiness. One must check on the condition of the tires especially on how the tire tread looks like. Signs of wear and tear like the presence of “wear bars” that can normally be found running across the tread. It is quite easy to determine if there is a need to replace the tires. If the worn on the tread of the same height as the wear bar, it is time to get a new one. It is wise to use snow tires to enable better road grip.

Apart from the heater and the tires, it is also a must that one checks on the vehicle’s suspension system. As the suspension system of the vehicle is the one responsible in connecting the vehicle’s wheels to the frame of the vehicle, having a suspension system in good condition does a lot in providing safe rides. The suspension system, side by side with the steering system makes it possible for the driver to have control of the vehicle. It is primarily for this reason that malfunctions in suspension components such as shocks, struts, wheel bearings, ball joints and steering components must be addressed at once. For Suzuki shocks, Saturn shocks, and Lincoln shocks among others, visit the Bilstein shocks website.

With the erratic prices of fuel, various goods in the market are continually rising. It is primarily for this reason that quality performing vehicles that come easy on the budget or those that give the best bang for one’s buck is the one that possible vehicle buyers go for. Auto manufacturers are doing what they can to come up with low-priced vehicles without trading off its performance. Dodge has come up with a vehicle as such. It is the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. It is introduced in the market for $24,995. With the capacity to deliver 285 hp, equipped with a six-speed short throw manual transmission, large brakes and 19 inches wheels, one can say that the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is truly a bargain.

For those wondering what SRT is, it is the performance division at Chrysler. SRT stands for street and racing technology. By the name itself, one can expect the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 to be particularly engineered in order to provide quality and comfortable rides. In fact, the SRT4 is said to have a top speed exceeding 240 km per hour. The SRT4 has a 2.4 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and can go for five-speed manual or CVT transmission.

Dodge may have just re-set the best bang for the buck bar with the 2008 Caliber SRT4. For $24,995, the SRT4 delivers 285 hp, a six-speed short throw manual transmission, brakes so big the car needs 19-inch wheels and a top speed (don’t try this at home) of more than 240 km/h. In line with its mark for having a bang for one’s buck, the SRT4 has good fuel economy. It has a good suspension system as well. It is equipped with springs uniquely SRT4 and twin-tube Dodge shocks with bigger stabilizer bars. It has a stainless steel exhaust with three inches in diameter that promotes more room for the exhaust gases to exit the vehicle. Having a Dodge SRT4 truly is economical. With the quality rides it provides, it is not surprising that many people are going for it.

As shocks are important components of every vehicle, when the need arises to have them replaced browse at the Bilstein shocks website for a new one.

As Volvo is now part of the Ford’s Premier Auto Group, one can expect that Volvo will be able to come up with more top-quality vehicles since they now have access to an array of powerplants. The V50 is one of the Volvo-made vehicles that benefited from the powerplants that Volvo now has access to. Aficionados of Volvo can avail of the V50 and choose from the 1.6 petrols and diesels, 125 bhp, 1.8 and 145 bhp 2 liter five-cylinder petrol and a 180 bhp five-cylinder D5 diesel that has six-speed manual transmission.

The V50 has almost a similar chassis as that of its counterpart, the S40. Similar to the Ford group models such as the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3, the V50 has the same underpinnings. Even though these three vehicle models have the same suspension layouts, subframes, and underbody, these vehicles each still has their individuality. In spite of the similar components, the V50 is a unique model in itself and provides a different ride feel and comfort than that of the S40, Ford Focus and the Mazda 3.

One can really tell the difference upon taking the three for a drive. The Volvo V50 is a bit lighter and sharper than the Ford Focus. Not to mention it comes a lot easier on the budget. Apart from this, the V50 features noise insulation as well as damping capabilities. If compared with the V40, one will find that the V50 is a smarter choice. It is 2mm shorter but is 27mm taller and 54mm wider. These modified measurements provide for more room for the passengers to relax. It has a unique wheel-at-each-corner design that creates a wheelbase that is 78mm longer than the track. This enables the V50 to be more balanced than the previous Volvo models. To top it off, it is equipped with Volvo shocks that heighten its damping capability. In order to have the benefit of having good quality Volvo shocks or any other shocks that one may need, one can always visit the Bilstein shocks website to read on what’s available.

When one takes a good look at it, the front end of the V50 has chrome-framed ‘egg-crate’ grille. This is a rather special feature of the V50 for it has been reprofiled and includes bigger Volvo badge with clear lensed headlights, LED tail lights and a wider air intake to be able to make the vehicle’s presence more pronounced. As for the interior, one may noticed the modified controls and the centre tunnel storage area introduces a smaller handbrake and a reformed armrest to enable better driving comfort. Apart from this it has improved cup holders, bigger door bins as well as an auxiliary input for the stereo that is located under the armrest. For more options, those who want to avail of the V50 now have a choice between having a Nordic Light Oak for their floating center stack or the Virtual White. The latter better suits a minimalist. The V50 is a testament of things that are already great but is further improved on.

In order to live up to its mark of excellence, Lexus continuous to improve on the already good quality of its vehicles. The people at Lexus have given statements that the second-generation of the IS luxury sport sedans (the IS 250 and the IS 350) have already been modified to further attend to the growing needs of Lexus enthusiasts. The improvements done on the IS 250 and IS 350 focus more on enhancing the driving experience it provides. Convenience is also one of the things that the people at Lexus focused on further developing. According to the Lexus group vice president and general manager Jim Farley, “the second-generation IS has been an outstanding success for the brand, reaffirming our two-car strategy in the entry luxury segment along with the ES 350.” It is primarily for this reason that the IS has been the major target of Lexus when it comes to further enhancements.

As many are aware of, the Lexus IS is designed to cater the needs of those who go for a rather sporty driving experience. It has a double-wishbone front suspension that makes use of a high-mount upper control arm. To further enhance the suspension system of the IS, its lower arm makes use of a large liquid-filled bushing at the rear. This considerably reduces vibration as well as harshness.

The new IS 250 and IS 350 features the Lexus’ L-finesse design. It is powered by a V6 engine that offers tremendous power to the vehicle. As for the developments in the IS 250 and 350’s 2008 models, more safety features are installed on the vehicle. It is said that among luxury brands, Lexus is the only one that offers a unique choice when it comes to the entry-luxury segment. There are the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive for those who are more into the sporty models. On the other hand, there is the front-wheel-drive ES 350 that is especially made to cater the needs of those who go more for comfortable rides. According to statistics, the IS models account for 40 percent of sales in Lexus while the ES 350 accounts for 60 percent. This only goes to show that more people are particularly keen on their driving comfort. It is primarily for this reason that every Lexus vehicle comes equipped with Lexus shocks.

The Lexus shocks have monotube shock absorbers that make use of larger pistons than that of conventional twin-tube shocks. This enables the shocks to further enhance its damping-force response and control particularly at low piston speeds. It features a rather sophisticated design that makes use of multi-leaf linear control valves in order to improve damping force. It has rebound springs that makes it possible for the shocks to offer improved body control. Lexus struts can be availed of at Bilstein shocks.

The latest model that came out from Toyota, the 2008 Toyota Sienna minivans, is said to give the optimum performance and driving confidence one expects of a Toyota. The said vehicle has a 3.5 liter of V6 engine that boasts of a lightweight aluminum alloy block. Apart from this, it has dual overhead cams, variable valve timing that is equipped with intelligence and multiport electronic fuel injection. With these, the 2008 Toyota Sienna has the capacity to produce 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and an average of 245 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.

If you are seeking out a new car to buy, the 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan is a good choice. It has heavy duty components, a reliable starter, alternator, among others. It has a stainless steel exhaust system that enables it to have an emission that qualifies as an emission friendly Tier 2. As we know, vehicles with Tier 2 emissions technologies have significant fuel advantage compare to other vehicles. As the price of fuel continuous to go up, having a car with the Tier 2 advantage will significantly help one save on fuel costs and have good exhaust emissions as well.

In fact, studies show that front-wheel drive Toyota models have as much as a fuel efficiency rating of 11.7 L/ 100 km in the city and 8.1 L/ 100 km on the highway. As for all-wheel drive models, they have the average of 13.3 L/ 100 km in the city and 9.5L/ 100 km on the highway. The new 2008 Toyota Sienna models have vehicle stability control that considerable increases the car’s cornering stability. Aside from this, the 2008 Toyota Sienna has as a standard, a traction control. It is an active safety system that adds to the Sienna’s general performance and overall driving feel.

As for ride quality, the 2008 Toyota Sienna is equipped with gas Toyota shocks and Macpherson gas struts with a stabilizer bar that enables the driver to have better control of the Sienna. In order to have a similar ride quality as the 2008 Sienna, one can always look for good performing shocks at Bilstein shocks.

What’s good about this minivan is that buyers have an option of having a DVD System package included. This will add a rear seat DVD entertainment system that has audio, DVD remote control, two sets of wireless headphones (to enable one to share the entertainment), a 10.2” LCD rear monitor that is big enough to allow one to have a good view of what he or she is watching, an iPod connection, and Dolby Digital Sound that has MP3 capabilities. All these to better provide quality and comfortable rides.

This comic strip is inspired by my previous post on Monroe shocks and the company’s advocacy campaign to inform various vehicle owners on how important shocks and struts are. I still find myself laughing at the idea of this strip. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as my friend and I did. For more information on shocks and struts, visit the Bilstein shocks website.

Tenneco, which is the company behind Monroe shocks, has recently conducted its Tenneco Technology Tour. As part of the said tour, Patti Feck, the area sales manager of Tenneco stood at the parking lot of the Chautauqua Mall and looked out at Route 394. She said that their statistics indicate that seven out of 100 cars that drove by need their shocks replaced. Sadly, most of these people seem to be not aware of it. It is for this reason that Tenneco have thought of conducting the Tenneco Technology Tour. Many vehicle owners must know about these things. If I am to put it simply, I would say that the Tenneco Technology Tour is an awareness campaign—a how-is-your-shocks-awareness campaign.

The Tenneco Technology Tour served as an event where area mechanics and auto part suppliers did a lot of auto mechanical stuff like compare the steering, stability characteristics of vehicles with OEM shocks, stopping characteristics of vehicles as well as Monroe replacement products (that we know is produced by Tenneco). According to Ms. Feck, ‘‘[w]e bring in our technicians from independents and shops to learn about our (gear).’’ This is actually a good marketing strategy if you ask me. But aside from being a marketing strategy, this also gets to open the minds of auto experts like the mechanics and auto parts dealers to give due importance to the shocks of the vehicle for it seems like there is not much attention given to it.

Those who took part in the tour/event were given the chance to ride the vehicle as passengers around an obstacle course that were made up of sharp turns, pot holes, speed bumps, and even a fake deer that the driver must avoid. Having a ride on a vehicle with faulty shocks and one with good ones, Ms. Feck hopes that those who were able to have a ride on them would “feel the difference.” I hope they do as well and Bilstein shocks is always there to answer the needs of those who needs to have their shocks replaced.

In this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Saab had a public debut of its restyled 9-3. They introduced a special limited edition model tagged as the Turbo X. The predecessor of the Turbo X, the 99 Turbo was also unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show 30 years ago. Isn’t it wonderful? The Turbo X will be presented to the world in similar ways with the 99 Turbo. I think Saab thought of the presentation quite well. I find it really appropriate. I won’t be surprised if it trudges the same path the 99 Turbo did and a number of people are most probably expecting it to.

The Turbo X boasts of a 2.8 liter V6 engine that is able to deliver 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It is said to have mated to the XWD that enables it to bundle active torque management as well as an electronic limited-slip differential. To add on to this, Saab equipped the Turbo X with larger brakes in and stiffer Saab shocks and springs that enable the vehicle to have self-leveling dampers at the rear. The Turbo X is also equipped with 18 inches titanium-finish alloy wheels. I think it is also important to note the Turbo X’s interior that is said to have black leather upholstery highlighted with carbon-filter accents and an easy to grip leather steering wheel as well. These components definitely churn out an edge for the Turbo X’s ride comfort.

The Turbo X features Saab’s new XWD all wheel drive system and is said to be the ultimate Saab as of the moment. I don’t know the prize of this Turbo X. It could cost a lot. For those who want to achieve the same ride comfort as this new Saab, one can opt to have their Saab shocks replaced with a new one. There are many shocks available at Bilstein shocks.

Brian Lock was able to claim the ST Pole at Miller Motorsports Park in the Second Career Koni Race. It was quite amazing for Lock scored a time of 3:16.541 in his first pole. He co-drives the No. 93 GOTO Racing Cobb Tuning/ Calculated Risk Subaru Legacy with his brother Mike Lock. The first time they raced was at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May. In that race, however, their team suffered from an accident and they have not raced since then until the Koni race came.

With the Koni race, Lock’s goal was really to win the pole. According to him, “[t]he car was just amazing,” Brian Lock said. “We finally hit the setup right on the nose on the new Koni shocks. The power was awesome and everything was working. I got some clean track in the beginning, and then managed to get another clean lap and take some more tenths off. Unfortunately, we don’t get the greatest fuel economy with the turbocharged engine. Our plan was to start from the pole and try to pull out a gap, and hopefully, that gap will be big enough that when we make our second fuel stop, we’re still in the lead when we come out of the pits. Tire wear is not an issue at all. We’ve got the balance so perfect on this car right now, with all-wheel drive we wear the fronts and the rears perfectly evenly. We don’t even plan on changing tires.”

I guess that’s really how it is in racing. Every stop at the pit counts. If one can opt not to make a stop, it is best not to. One can really have a lead especially when one runs at the time other cars stop on the pit and do necessary replacements for their car components. It’s all a matter of strategy and pacing as well. I’m glad Koni shocks worked for Brian Lock. To experience the Koni shocks, just browse on at Bilstein shocks.