BMW is preparing to introduce laser headlighting system

BMW has a new rumor, but it does not exactly involve a car. Rather, it involves some new technology flagship. According to BMW designer of optical systems, Hanafi Abdel, BMW will introduce the laser illumination technology for its next generation of headlights.

The first technology made ​​its debut on the i8. But according to Abdul, the technology is ready for production, and BMW has just found the right application for it, which could debut as early as i8 real.

Laser light has a range of advantages over the current standard, the LEDs. Co-developed with Nichia, Japan, BMW said the laser lighting system is a thousand times brighter and 100 times smaller than the traditional configuration of LEDs. Therefore, it is not necessary for conventional headlights.

The other advantage is that the laser system is said to be twice as efficient than an equivalent LED and Abdul said it could significantly impact fuel consumption.

The use of gallium nitride, the system produces a blue light first as a system based Xenon High Intensity Discharge. The light is then filtered through a disk of phosphorus, turning color from light blue to white. And because the technology uses a laser class 1 and has been applied in the medical and military, Abdul added that there are no safety issues or legislation and the life of the system is expected to approximately 10,000 .

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How to take care of your car tyres

Low-profile tires provide better cornering ability than the old 100 percent range - and the markings on a tire give much information. For example, 185/70 VR 15, means the tire is 185mm wide and has a profile 70 on a wheel of 15 inches. The VR means it is suitable for speeds up to 240 kmh.

However, with 50 and lower profile tires, there are some dangers to avoid. To my cost I clipped the curb in my Mercedes SLK and although damage to the rim was negligible, the tire had a small piece torn from the side making replacement necessary.

OK, it's my fault for underestimating the distance from the curb, my only excuse is that the visibility on the SLK is very bad all around. No wonder most owners fit parking radar devices. As a confirmed skinflint, I neglected this option and I am now seriously consider.

Checking all the tires visually at least once a week is recommended and every couple of weeks, they must be verified with a decent tire gauge. On many cars, the SLK included, a warning comes on the fascia to tell you when even a tire has lost pressure. It is then necessary to put in the air.

Low profile must have correct pressures if they are to do their jobs effectively. The tread is flat and too high a pressure can a convex shape. Conversely, under-inflation causes the tread contact patch with a hollow. Both mean a reduced ability to turn and rapid wear.

Make-up and tire design has come to an incredibly long way over the last 20 years or so to keep up with high performance, rapid acceleration and incredible braking of modern vehicles, but the correct pressure is essential.

Fuel economy is a selling point on any vehicle and the tires play an important role in achieving this. Modern tires can be significantly lighter than the previous ones. Rolling resistance is another important factor to consider. As a tire rotates under load the flexible side walls, as does the same tread. Every bit of energy cost of bending and fuel consumption increases. Special compounds have provided a greater reduction in rolling resistance and we all benefit.

What kind of tires you buy should largely depend on the car you drive and how fast you drive. It would be a waste of money to go, for example, a VR rated tires for your old Morris Minor, but it would be a dangerous folly to mount tires with a symbol S (180 kmh) for a car capable of 270 km per hour.

Insurance companies would not welcome a accident claim where high speed was involved, but the tires were unsuitable for her. Used tires can be fitted if the money is rare, but vet them carefully. Get professional alignment checked when new tires are mounted and at least once a year regardless. Review the steps and walls regularly for signs of wear.

Above all, when buying get several quotes. There are often specials available that offer great savings.

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Taking care of your engine alternator

We hardly give a thought to the candle. All it does is supply a gap in which a jump of ignition. But when you consider the work environment, the plug certainly deserves respect. The nose of the insulator surrounding the center electrode must operate between 350 and 700 degrees C. too low a temperature will cause the accumulation of carbon, like carbon is a good conductor, it is not wanted there.

Conversely, if the temperature is too high, the pre-ignition is likely. We can get an idea of ​​how a decision by examining it immediately after a race full power. If the nose is clean, white insulator, it is running too hot, so black, so cool. The ideal color is light brown. Use only the recommended plugs for your vehicle.

Charging systems have changed. At one point we had a magneto and dynamo. But as the demand for electricity has increased, the system was inadequate. The battery starting handles, lighting, signage and lighting, and finally all became too much for the configuration of the battery / alternator and dynamo appeared.

Contrary to the dynamo, even at idle the alternator is charging the battery which is certainly a boon when you're stuck in traffic for any length of time. The electronic controller also plays a role because it controls the output better than the dynamo and allows the use of maintenance-free batteries. The alternator is not as heavy as a dynamo, has a longer life and requires less maintenance.

Alternators require occasional check on the rings of dirt and brush wear. When a fault occurs, examine the wires for splits and damage and all connections. Check the drive belt for signs of slippage. Check the charging, if the breath of the alternator can not begin to load. Battery charge, look for cells too gassing or corrosion of the terminal.

For the basic tests that you will need a moving coil voltmeter (0-20V or 0-40V for the 24V system). Add a hydrometer, plus a high and low range ohmmeter and a moving coil DC ammeter (10-0-100A).

Attention, a thermostatically controlled fan can start turning even if the ignition is off. Before connecting / disconnecting the main generator leads disconnect the ground wire from the battery - and do not forget to contact before connecting / disconnecting any vehicle.

Connect a voltmeter 0-20V to the battery terminals and then pass on all charges except for the windshield wipers can scratch the screen because sec. Run the engine at 3000rpm for three minutes. Provided that the battery is OK, it should show 13.5V after a minute or two. If not, suspect the alternator.

Rotor slip ring brushes can stick to their owners, to clean and ensure free movement. Minimum length of the brush varies from system to system, so check the manual. Battery connections loose or corroded or a poor ground can cause the failure of diodes, as can be, even temporary connection of the battery in reverse. Note that disconnecting the alternator or the battery while the engine is running will also cause a failure.

Parts that can fail in an alternator is the power pack and diodes in the field, rotor and stator windings, brushes and bearings. When the alternator is more than a few years, I think, rather than messing around with individual parts, it is better and get a reconditioned unit with a warranty.

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"Spoilers" to stabilize your car

You should have noticed a wing like accessory attached to the back of most cars and even on trucks. Have you ever wondered what could be or what is the use of it? Many of us hold a misconception that it is an accessory to adorn the cars to look like racing vehicles. But, in fact, they are very useful to make your car fuel efficient and stable on the road. The special attachment is called the "spoilers".

Nothing changes the look of a car quite as quickly as the addition of a spoiler. A car spoiler or rear wing, consists of a piece of fiberglass style that improves the aerodynamics of your car. Spoiler wings can come in all shapes and sizes, too. The spoiler Hoop high Supra spoiler, spoiler, spoilers wings west ... there are fewer-models are available. They, of course, add to the beauty of your car, but without any embellishment they are very useful mechanical accessories to make your car stay on the road.

A spoiler is an aerodynamic device attached to a vehicle whose purpose is to design the "spoiling" unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle of some sort of movement. This can result in improved vehicle stability by decreasing lift or decreasing drag that may cause unpredictable handling in a car at high speed. Spoilers are often fitted to race and high performance sports cars, although they have become common on passenger vehicles, as well.

Spoilers for automobiles are often incorrectly confused with, or even used interchangeably with wings. Automotive wings are devices whose design is intended to actually generate the low-force as the air passes around them, not simply disrupt existing patterns of air.

Spoilers generally work by disrupting the airflow passes over a moving vehicle. This disruption main goal is to reduce the amount of lift generated by the natural shape of the vehicle as it moves. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of turbulence flowing over the shape, "spoiling" the laminar flow and providing a cushion for the laminar boundary layer.

In cars, the result is the increased contact between the tire and the road surface, thereby increasing traction. This increased traction allows a moving vehicle to stop, turn, and accelerate with more stability. Moreover, it accompanied by an increase in aerodynamic drag. In almost all cases, the resistance increases the vehicle speed increases. Thus, some spoilers that are effective at very low speeds often generate excessive drag at high speeds, and the spoilers that work well at high speeds are often ineffective while moving slowly.

The main objective of designing a spoiler in passenger vehicles is to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. The cars can be equipped with front and rear spoilers. Spoilers ahead, found under the bumper, are mainly used to direct air flow away from tires to the subfield where the drag coefficient is less. Rear spoilers, which modify the transition in shape between the roof and the back and chest and back, to take action to minimize turbulence at the rear of the vehicle.

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