VW Amarok pick-up truck vs. the new Toyota Hilux

Pick-up trucks are very much popular among people who often transport loads with large dimensions that cannot be fitted inside mini vans. Its main feature that separates it from other vehicle types is the open-top rear cargo area which is popularly called as the bed. The bed is usually separated from the cab to enable chassis flex in times that very heavy loads are being carried or pulled. Pick-ups are very versatile because they can be converted into full time delivery trucks for business purposes or they can be excellent sports vehicles. At present Toyota’s top pick-up truck which is the Hilux leads the market sales. The 2010 Toyota Hilux model is the latest version of the Hilux which has been enhanced for better performance and features. Meanwhile, Volkswagen automobile company is also planning to release their latest pick-up truck model within this year. The vehicle is called VW Amarok. The company announced that the 2010 Toyota Hilux was used as a benchmark in manufacturing this model. Amarok is believed to go head to head with the Hilux in terms of market sales as soon as it will be displayed in car shops all over the world. Since that the latter was the benchmark in producing the former, the automotive repair manuals for Amarok shows features that are more advanced than its soon to be rival. We will compare these two pick-up trucks in this article.


Both the new Hilux and Amarok are four-door pick-up trucks which almost have the same size, shape, and dimension with each other upon first glance. The Amarok has a payload capacity of 1.15 tonnes and 2.8 tonnes max towing limit. It boasts of its cargo area of 2.52 square meter having dimensions of 1,555mm long and 1,620mm wide which is the largest in its class. The frontal design of the Amarok is also an adventurous combination of the Transporter and Golf models. Furthermore, the more advanced features of Amarok include an electronic differential lock (EDL) and a dedicated Off-road ABS for shortened distances of braking in rough terrains. Another interesting thing is that it has a Hill Descent Assist that can be activated when it is running under 20 mph. Also, its ESP Plus system involve Hill Hold Assists that keep it from rolling back by making it stay in place on inclined planes until the accelerator has been pressed. Moreover, it is also environment friendly because it is Euro5 compliant. Its engine is a fuel efficient 2.0 litre TDI that can produce 163 PS and having a torque of 400 Nm at 1,500 rpm. The engine has a six-speed manual transmission that has the lowest C02 emission in its class at less than 200g/km. It consumes lesser gas than the Hilux by far at 600 miles per 80 liters. You can have a VW Amarok if you have around $35,000.


A fully equipped new Toyota Hilux on the other hand is slightly more expensive than the VW Armarok. Compared to its previous version, the 2010 Hilux is equipped with a revised engine which is a D-4D type that can produce 142 bhp which is 20% more powerful compared to the old one. This new power was derived from the bigger pistons as well as the new high-output turbocharger and fuel injectors. The Hilux is already tested and proven to last for a very long time and it also has a high resale value. However, the 2010 Amarok is simply better in almost every aspect based on its haynes repair manuals. It is more spacious, more fuel efficient, relatively cheaper, better acceleration and handling. The Hilux has poor handling and it creates irritating engine noise based on several road tests conducted. Not to mention it also failed the moose test proving that it is less reliable than the Amarok as far as safety is concerned. The VW Amarok will surely be a hit this 2010. VW has high expectations that their model will put an end to the reign of the Hilux in the global pick-up trucks market.

The evolution of Ford Pick-up Trucks

Ford Pick-up trucks are very popular around the world especially in United States and Canada because of their reliability, power, face value and durability. It is believed that Ford built their pick-up trucks to be very tough that many rednecks as well as adventure lovers prefer to use it for heavy duty purpose. When we speak about Ford pick-up trucks, it is not possible for us to skip discussions about the F-Series.

The Ford’s F-Series refers to the series of full-sized pickup trucks that have been in the market for more than 50 years now. Out of all the models included in the F-series and automotive repair manuals , the most popular is the F-150. It was considered as the top-selling vehicle in the United States for around 23 years and was characterized as the best-selling truck for more than 30 years excluding the joint sales of General Motors pickup trucks. It has also been claimed by the automobile analysts that Ford’s F-series alone comprise half of the company’s income for the past few years. Other popular models within the F-series include the F-250 HD and F-350 whose bodies were modified to fit the Super Duty series in their tenth generation.


Ford pickup trucks or the F-series and haynes repair manuals have undergone 12 generations of improvements and modifications since 1948 until 2010. The first generation was in between 1948-1952, second generation from 1953-1956, the third generation from 1957-1960, fourth generation from 1961- 1966, fifth from 1967-1972, the sixth from 1973-1979, the seventh from 1980-1986, the eight from 1987-1991, ninth from 1992-1996, tenth from 1997-2004, eleventh from 2004-2008, and the twelfth was from 2009 up to the present.

At least the first five generations of the Ford pickup trucks include models which have very vintage looks. Early models looked very masculine to the point that interior comfort is not so satisfactory as compared to more recent models. Moreover, the early designs of Ford pickup trucks possessed very poor aerodynamics because of their very bulky faces that produce a lot of air drag while traveling. Poor aerodynamics means that they are not advisable to be driven in high speeds or they are not capable to run that fast at the first place. The present generation of Ford pickup trucks look more elegant. A lot of improvements and innovations have been made to the present generation of Ford pickup trucks such as the F-100, F-150, F-250, F-300, and F-350. Recent models also come in several variations such as the type of fuel that the engine needs in order to run. It could either be gasoline or diesel. In addition, buyers can also choose whether they want it in four wheel drive or two wheel drives. Four wheel drive variations are usually the more expensive and powerful ones as they are being used to climb mountains and the roughest of the terrains. The two wheel drive on the other hand is very convenient for transporting heavy loads within the city where the streets are not so difficult to manage. The twelfth generation of Ford pickup trucks boasts a lot of exciting enhancements. You can ask the nearest Ford dealer in your area for the details.

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Guide

The chain is an extremely important piece of any motorcycle, since it's in charge of delivering all the horsepower to the rear wheel. If your chain is not in good condition, your motorcycle will be less efficient, producing less overall power.

Why Do Motorcycle Chains Need To Be Maintained?
Typical road conditions and weather like dust, dirt, rain, mud, etc. all put strain on your chain, lowering its efficiency and life span.
A lot of motorcycles are made with what is called an "O-Ring sealed chain." This type of chain is completely open to the atmosphere, and utilizes a normal chain guard to avoid any serious damage to the chain. These chains usually wear out much quicker and need more maintenance than conventional chains, but all motorcycle chains need standard maintenance.


Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Tips:
You want to keep your chain clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to lengthen its lifespan and get the most power out of your bike. If you have a conventional chain cover, you will need to remove it to properly service the chain.

Cleaning:
Don't use water to clean the chain, since it will rust the links and will permanently damage the chain. Use a high quality motorcycle chain cleaner as recommended by your owners manual. If it is very dirty, use a soft brush to remove any dirt and dust particles. When the chain is clean, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.

Lubrication:
There are many types of motorcycle chain lubricants, from chain wax to spray lubricants, and some people swear by using used motor oil. Check your owners manual to see if there are any specific recommendations. If not, try a good quality chain wax.


Chain Tension:
Your motorcycles chain must have the proper tension, or you will lose power, and the sprockets and chain will wear out quicker. Most bikes need approximately 2 - 4 mm of free play in a vertical motion.

One thing to think about, is that any moving piece of a bike is very important to its overall performance, and the chain is certainly no exception. Keeping a good motorcycle chain maintenance routine can help keep your bike in optimal condition.

Chris Miller is the Webmaster of a custom motorcycle forum, and a motorcycle picture gallery.

File a Truck Accident Claim Wisely

Why is it necessary to file a truck accident claim wisely? This is because truck accident laws stipulate it as something that is difficult as you need to overcome a lot of hurdles that need to be covered by the victim and truck accident attorney before a claim is established. This may be true, although as every victim can file a claim. Hence, you need to have an attorney who is experienced in the truck accident laws. Better experience allows your attorney to maximize your benefits. Generally, the truck accidents are considered as different from that of other motor vehicles. This is due to the debate over who the liable party is.

The parties who are involved according to the radius of truck accident laws are the company that has employed the driver. In cases of negligence, the other parties involved may be the trailer manufacturer, manufacturer of the defective part or the trailer designer. At times, the party is held as responsible for maintenance of the vehicle. The truck accident laws permit the attorney to consider all the sources present while determining the case of liability. Generally, trucking companies have a law firm that is available all the time to view the site of accident, which is actually an advantage to the trucking company or provider.


Aspects Taken Care of by Trucking Companies for Filing a Claim

However, the victims may have different experiences while trying to access the tenets of truck accident laws through a truck accident lawyer. In a lot of situations, the victim is taken to the hospital, thereby removing them from the actual scene of the event from which evidence is collected. The trucking company is well aware of the fact that getting their own attorneys and investigators on the situation of accident will go to their advantage. They are also equipped with substantial resources and this is why you should be ready with an appropriate attorney to support your case. The attorneys of the trucking companies will not look at the truck accident laws from your point of view.


Make sure that your attorney is equipped with the financial resources for investigating you’re the claims of truck accident laws appropriately. Trucking companies are also aware of the fact that the victims cannot afford high end attorney fees due to medical bills, job loss etc. Hence, a truck accident attorney works on the basis of contingency where you don’t need to pay the attorney until your case is won. The attorney should also know the functioning of truck accident laws and help you fight through insurance companies and corporations that are working against offering compensations. Hence, the lawyer must know the legal inns and outs to prevent the victim from getting discredited.

5 tips to keep your motorbike in tip top condition

Keeping your motorbike in tip top condition will not only help to keep you safer on the roads, but prolongs the life of your motorbike. Try our 5 tips for looking after your bike:

1. Familiarize yourself with T-CLOCS
T-CLOCS is the acronym used by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and stands for Tires and Wheels, Controls, Lights and Electrics, Oil and Other Fluids, Chassis and Chain, and Stands.

T – Check your tires and wheels regularly and look out for signs of wear or damage as well as tire pressure.
C – Check the levers, switches and all cables for anything unusual. Damaged controls could result in a good ride turning bad.
L – Carrying out maintenance on your lighting and electrical systems when needed can help you to avoid having to carry out repairs at the side of the road in the rain.

O – Keep your oils and fluids filled to the correct levels and change your oil at regular intervals to prolong the life of your bike.
C – Check for signs of damage to the chassis and chain, and keep your chain well oiled.
S – Make sure you stand retracts fully when riding to avoid it catching on the road or pavement and causing an accident.

2. Clean after use
Keeping your motorbike clean will keep it looking great and provides an ideal opportunity to perform your T-CLOCS checks .

3. Cover after use
If you don’t have a garage or other facility to store your motorbike, invest in a good quality motorcycle cover. This will help to keep it dry when not in use and helps to prolong its life.

4. Prepare for long term storage

If you’re intending to store your bike for an extended period of time, there are a few steps to follow. After a few weeks petrol changes to a varnish like substance that can be damaging, so add a fuel stabilizer. Change your oil and brake fluid to avoid corrosion. Finally, take out your battery and keep it in a specialized charger that will prevent it from being overcharged or running flat.

5. Security
Don’t run the risk of having your motorbike stolen – get a security device. Motorbike insurance is also a necessity to protect yourself and others from the financial impact of an accident.

How to lower your Trucking Freight Rates

There are a number of different factors that impact trucking freight rates and being an informed shipper will go a long way in reducing your transportation costs. Below are some important considerations that will have a direct impact on your trucking quote:

1. Size of your truckload freight: An obvious factor is the size of your freight. Over sized loads cost more than LTL or regular full truckloads. The smaller the footprint the cheaper, but you shouldn't sacrifice the quality of the packaging for space.

2. Type of equipment: Moving your freight in a dry van will typically reduce your truckload rate. Flatbed prices are typically more than dry van, truckload rates. Step decks, reefers, and other specialized equipment, including tarps, will increase your transportation costs.


3. Time of year: Trying to get a competitive truckload quote going into Florida during citrus crop season is an exercise in futility. Same with Idaho during potato season and California during avocado season. In the summer, fuel prices tend to be higher than in the winter. If your freight can wait, you may want to consider the timing of your shipment.

4. Carrier selection: Smaller truckload carriers are sometimes cheaper than larger transportation conglomerates. One carrier may be significantly cheaper than another for moving the same freight in the same lane during the same time of year. Supply and demand, and a carrier's equipment availability will in large part dictate how much they charge to move your freight. Be sure to check the carrier's credentials, including their licenses, insurance, and safety records. This is where a reputable truckload broker can save you time and money.


5. Negotiate your trucking quote: Knowing the market will go a long way in lowering your trucking freight rates. Again, a good freight broker would be able to provide some valuable advice.

There are a number of considerations that shippers should take into account when moving their freight. Because truck freight rates vary considerably, a properly informed shipper can go a long way in driving down their trucking freight rates. One way to save time and money is to choose a reputable freight broker.

John Dsoza has been in the transportation industry for over 15 years and has extensive experience as a freight broker in truckload freight, partial loads, flatbed trucking, air freight, international shipping, and other modes of transportation.

Restoring Classic Cars/Trucks

Restoring a beautiful vehicle after long periods of inactivity and many decades of rust and dents is a tough job to say the least. Whether it’s a 1920 Ford Model T truck or a 1907 Cadillac Model H, when it comes to restoring, almost everyone has an opinion on what to replace or repair, from the engine, to air-conditioning, to truck floor mats and seat coverings.

Despite their historical or sentimental value, vintage cars and classic trucks require some degree of restoration. Interior items and old engine parts that are as old as the first Sherman tank need to go.

For those who want to buy vintage cars and trucks, it is important to note that most these classic autos are sold as they are, which sometimes means 35 or so years with no maintenance of any kind on the vehicle. Vintage cars and trucks are usually in varying conditions and needing different levels of repair. Sometimes, seat covers are in tatters, while their engines are coated with layers of grime and gunk.


First and foremost though, a vintage car should be registered as a historical vehicle with the Classic Car Club of America. By definition, an automobile built between 1925 and 1948 is considered a classic by the said organization. However, a petition can be made by the applicant if their car does not meet certain specifications yet satisfies most of the group’s requirements.

Now for the restoration part -- Restoring vintage car accessories like shift sticks, steering wheels, and car floor mats is not as hard as most tend to think. Many auto shops have opened specifically to cater to such needs. However, when restoring a vintage truck or car to its former glory, one needs to have some good contacts with regards to auto parts. Finding genuine auto parts for older models can be very tricky. Extensive research on the car’s model and maker is necessary to make sure the car owner gets the right replacement parts at a good price.


Fortunately, an increasing number of auto parts manufacturers are now producing a line of replacement parts for old auto models. Most replacement manufacturers turn up at car shows and the like. Such events provide a venue for car aficionados to exchange information such as where they can get great deals on car floor mats and vintage accessories to fit their classic cars.

Today, drastic changes like rebuilding the transmissions or replacing engine valves to make them fit for drag racing purposes seem to be the trend. Making changes to the interior like seat covers, sound systems and truck floor mats are also being practiced.

While these trends are being done mostly by modern car enthusiasts, car purists tend to be stricter on the restoration process. Minute details on car seat covers, seat belts, upholstery, and car floor mats are just a few that this group of car collectors want replicated, down to the last details.

While car enthusiasts and experts can do restorations and modifications themselves, like creating exact replicas of truck floor mats and seat coverings, major types of work are often left to restoration companies. A vintage car’s frame can be easily damaged when removing rusted or frozen bolts, so the utmost care is required. While having vintage car restoration experts revert your car to its heydays can be costly, no amount of money can top the feeling of owning a vintage car.

Driving around in a 1928 Bentley Le Mans Tourer, matted with the exact replicas of 1928-era car floor mat and seats upholstered in classic leather, is definitely something to be proud of.

About the Author:
Dan Bodrero has owned and operated his own store, manufacturing and selling seat-covers and dashboard mats for nearly every make and model of car truck or SUV. Dan takes pride in the quality of his workmanship and stands by every product that leaves his store. Each custom made seat cover is hand crafted from quality materials and is guaranteed to protect your automobile and fit securely and snugly.