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Headlight Bulbs: The Eyes of the Car

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Ever wonder how would we see in the dark? Obviously, with the help of light. And how would we drive in the dark or during fog when the visibility is very low? Where would the light come from then? Well, headlights of the cars are what made for. The front headlights make the road visible in the dark or during low visibility. They not only help the driver to drive efficiently in the dark, but add to the beauty of the car too. The main function of these headlights is to lighten the road in front when it is difficult to drive during low visibility.

These beautiful headlights come in various shapes and colours. They could be chosen on the suitability to the car. The advent of the headlight goes back to 1800 when acetylene or oil was used. Then came the electric lights in 1900s which used the tungsten filament. Then to make these bulbs bright halogen bulbs were built. These bulbs have a longer life. These can be colourful headlight bulbs as they emit light of different shades. It happens basically due to change in temperature. When driving on highway, these shades are visible.

The latest of the category of headlight bulbs is the use of HID which emits the light that is three times the light emitted by halogen lamp. And due to highly focussed beams these bulbs have turned out to be most reliable in terms of safety and provide greater visibility for the driver.

It is always wise to change these bright headlight bulbs from time, as they are not for life. With time they get worn out or obsolete or start malfunctioning. There is wide range of these headlights available in after market. But it is always advisable to have some knowledge before getting them changed. One can always read the reviews about the parts that are published in different magazines and various websites.

To get these headlights bulbs installed it would be better if one hires a professional mechanic or the authorized service centre. Headlight bulbs are the reason we have greater visibility. Not only has it given a makeover to the car, but also a longer life it. Safe driving to an extent is possible only because of these life saving headlights.

The headlight bulbs from the time they arrived have been a useful part in any automobile vehicle. They have become the true eyes of our vehicle as they help us drive when it is difficult to see what is ahead of us. These at the same time also give a makeover to the vehicle providing a sense of pride to the owner of the vehicle. In true sense, they are lifesavers not only for cars, but for the drivers too.

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Tags: automotive car design

Sheepskin Seat Covers Are Top Choice for Comfort and Looks

If you are looking for the perfect type of seat covers for your car then look no further than sheepskin. Not only do sheepskin seat covers protect your seats from wear and tear and look luxurious, but they offer a great deal of personal comfort. Sheepskin is a natural insulator helping to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the warmer months. In addition to year round comfort, studies have shown that sheepskin acts as a natural mood enhancer and makes people more calm and relaxed. That makes them the perfect combination for the comfort and attitude of a driver.

It is a natural phenomenon that this material acts as a temperature control factor, working equally as well in warm and cool weather. This is due to the ability of sheepskin seat covers to be able to breathe and absorb moisture. The moisture then evaporates keeping the temperature at a very comfortable level. Sweat is actually drawn away from the body into the sheepskin fibers. Sheepskin can hold approximately 35% of its weight in moisture. It is comforting to know that the moisture that sheepskin absorbs is not a germ filled issue. The process of tanning creates a natural regeneration by absorbing any humidity and then evaporating naturally.

Sheepskin seat covers are extremely comfortable as their dense fibers help to balance your weight across the seat, contributing to proper blood circulation. This makes driving much more pleasurable and helps you feel refreshed when you arrive at your destination. The leather lining is treated to make them water resistant. Sheepskin fibers contain a natural lanolin which makes them resistant to bacteria and dirt. If they do get dirty they are washable. It is recommended to use a detergent that contains natural sheep oil to keep them looking brand new for years.

You can find sheepskin seat covers in a variety of wool sizes and colors. They are not only popular for vehicles but also great for for motorcycles, bicycles, baby strollers, saddles and wheelchairs. People who work on heavy equipment such as back hoes that vibrate constantly, love to pad their seats with sheepskin. They were found in the past to be a top choice in carriages and wagons for sitting on as well as coverings to help keep them stay warm on the cold winter rides. Choosing sheepskin covers for your car is destined to be a choice that will never disappoint.

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Tags: automotive car design

Classic Cars – The Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type was a true revelation to the motoring world when it was unveiled for the very first time at the Geneva Motor Show in June 1961. The stylish, sleek bodywork and powerful engine made it the fastest and most spectacular production sports car available at the time.

The Jaguar E-Type’s great appeal lay in the fact that its looks and specification owed so much to Jaguar’s sports car racing successes of the Fifties. But while there were strong overtones of the D-Type in the design and the prototype and stillborn Jaguar XKSS in its presentation, this didn’t suggest the unattainable to the common man. Surprisingly what was almost as stunning as the E-Type’s looks and performance was the fact that is was affordable.

At around the price of £2000 new in 1961, and straight off the forecourt of a Jaguar Dealer, the E-type offered sports car performance, style and envy at only half the price of an Aston Martin DB4 and only the third of the cost of a Ferrari.

If you are looking to purchase a Jaguar E-Type today, the price will have inflated by a factor of forty even for a poor version of the least popular model, the Mark 2 2+2 coupe. To purchase an original Mark 1 E-Type, expect to pay six figures. What began as a sports car for the common man has evolved into an artform for the richer collector.

The E-Type was manufactured and assembled by Jaguar at its Coventry Plant in Warwickshire over a period of fourteen years from 1961 until 1975. The car was originally produced with a 3.8l engine and later versions featured 4.2l six cylinder and the final 5.3l V12. There were many variations on the theme, a trait to which Jaguar Cars continues to this day, including open two seater roadsters, fixed head coupes, flat versus dished floors and the so called ‘Series1.5′ and Series 2s and 3s. Hardly surprising given the variations in model designs, prices for E-Types varied accordingly at new and continue to do so as classic cars.

The very first Jaguar E-Type was the Mark 1 3.8l, launched in June 1961 and discontinued in October 1964 with the arrival of the new 4.2l engine. The car was available as either an open top sports convertible or a fixed head coupe. Both were two seaters. The performance was stunning with the engine delivering 265 bhp at 5500 rpm, which coupled with a Moss four speed manual gearbox could reach a top speed of 149 mph and cover 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The earliest models can be distinguished by a flat floored driving compartment which was modified in 1962 into a driving well. All 3.8 Mark1′s have an embossed aluminium facia and dashboard.

In 1964 demand for a faster version led to the development of the 4.2l version of the Mark 1. The E-Type was basically the same model except for badging with an engine upgrade and Jaguar’s own new four speed all synchro gearbox. Despite the larger engine, the later version of the Mark 1 only had similar performance to the earlier 3.8, but had better bottom end torque and mid range pick up.

Various versions of the original Jaguar E-Type appeared between 1967 and 1968 which were commonly called Series one and a half. In October 1968 Jaguar finally released the long awaited Mark 2 as both a roadster and hard top, with the same 4.2l straight six engine but with many design changes.

The Mark 2 can be identified by its uncovered headlights, larger air intake, side flasher units, full width bumpers and fenders, facia panel with rocker switches, recessed interior door handles and distinctive exhaust tail pipes, splayed to clear square rear licence plates. The performance of the UK models, unlike those exported to the US which were detoxed and called XKEs, was similar to the earlier 4.2 mark 1. Maximum speed was typically 143 mph.

In 1966 Jaguar launched the E-type 4.2 2+2 ‘four’ seater coupe. It was a sort of ‘family’ car version in fixed head coupe guise, with the wheelbase lengthened nine inches to allow for rear seating. It had an awkward higher ceiling and was available as a three speed automatic version. The car was and is heavier and less desirable but much more affordable today than its short wheelbased relations. The maximum speed of the 2+2 was a respectable 139 mph and the car did 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

The final version of the E-Type, the Mark 3 was launched in March 1971 and continued in production until the assembly plant closed in February 1975. The Mark 3 featured as both a two seater roadster and fixed head hard top coupe and was fitted with the very powerful new Jaguar V12 all alloy engine with four Stromberg carburettors. At 5.3l the engine delivered an impressive 272 bhp at 5850 rpm. However the car still had the series two gearbox and came with a three speed auto option. Although its weight was up to nearly 30 cwt, the Mark 3 E-Type still managed to reach 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and had a top speed of 145 mph.

In 1975 the last E-Type was made. Financial difficulties at Jaguar and the nationalisation of parent company British Leyland in 1975, coupled with the oil crisis and less demand for high powered cars led to the decision to end the cars production. With it ended the production of what could truly be called a British Muscle car.