Don’t Know Your ABC From Your OEM? Technical Car Terms You Might Want To Know
Heading to the mechanics is one of those things in life that can be intimidating, nerve-wracking, and financially draining at the same time. When heading to the mechanics, the main concern is that they can pull your car in for seemingly trivial reasons. But when you head to the mechanic, one of the ways that you can get one up on them is by knowing your terminology. So if the car needs to go into the shop soon, perhaps you should arm your lexicon with a few of these terms…
Drag Coefficient
Fuel economy is one of those things that is on everyone’s lips, especially if you are buying a used vehicle. While you could go to car dealerships and really get to grips with the fuel economy of a vehicle, and they talk about all the cars being better, you can always bring this term into play. In essence, it refers to the amount of air resistance that a car will get while being in motion. This factors into a car’s fuel economy. The less drag coefficient your car has, the better MPH it gets.
OEM
Car sellers like Affordable Cars need to keep on their toes in terms of terminology, so you could throw this one into the mix! Standing for Original Equipment Manufacturer, this is vital when purchasing a used car. This term refers to the fact that it is an original part from the maker, not any other marketplace thereafter. If you are looking for a used car, that has been pieced back together, you could question the OEM.
A, B, C Pillars
If you ever look to buy a used car, this is in relation to the divisions between the car windows. The A-pillar is each side of the windshield, the B-pillar is between the driver and passenger windows, and the C-pillar is towards the rear of the vehicle.
Brake Bias
It’s actually not what you think. This is nothing to do with brakes in a technical sense. It’s to do with the diamond distribution of braking power. So it could either be at the front of the car or the rear. When there’s an issue with the mechanic, you could very well question this and sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Camber
This is the setting depending on which direction a wheel tilts. When visiting a mechanic, or buying a used car, depending on the camber setting, it results in a different feel to the vehicle. It’s possible to have the setting adjusted based on your own unique preference. But beware, setting your camber in a certain way can cause the tire to wear down over time.
Bed-In Brake Pads
As cozy as this term sounds, it’s to do with brake pads requiring a “bed-in” process. This improves their brake performance. This is done by putting a layer of transfer film between the rotor and the pads. Installing new brake pads is vital for the safety of any vehicle, and if you need to get new brake pads it’s worth checking if the pads need a bed-in process.
ili Laptop Stand
We been trying out this super cool sustainable laptop stand called ili. It’s really cool and to our surprise, really functional as it folds down for easy transportation!
Now Laptops allow us to work freely but can be blamed for work related back, neck and shoulder issues. The ili Laptop stand is one way in which you can prevent those sorts of aches and pains! By simply placing the laptop at eye level and using a separate keyboard and mouse!
Lightweight
So as laptops are quick and easy to move about, you got to have a quick and easy laptop stand right? Of course you do! That’s where the ili comes in. It is light portable, easy to assemble and packs really small!
It will elevate your laptop to eye level and the unique design will allow you to place your keyboard underneath the laptop itself. Giving you a clear view of both whilst bringing you closer to the screen. Therefore preventing lean and any back issues!
ili Laptop Screen, Bonuses!
With the ili Laptop stand you can even stand up to work, just simply tilt your screen back. Better yet, when used like this, there’s no need for a separate keyboard and mouse!
You will hear your speakers better when using the ili laptop stand & as the microphone is at eye level (and thus voice level) you will be able to talk to people better on Skype! It will even look more natural if you are video calling!
You may even see an increase in productivity with stands like the ili laptop stand! Better yet, you can be even more productive as the airflow underneath the laptop is increased. Therefore allowing for natural cooling and ventilation!
Purchase an ili Laptop Stand by clicking here!
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Soli: Pixel 4’s Weird (but wonderful) Feature!
Today Google announced something really ******* COOL! They showed off 2 brand new features that’s planned for their upcoming Pixel 4 device. It will include a ‘Soli’ sensor. Which is a mini motion sensor radar. Soli has been worked on for 5 years and will sit at the top of the screen next to the earpiece. Google outlined in a blog post that Soli will combine unique software algorithms and hardware to recognise gestures. It will also detect when a user is nearby.
Jedi Powers
So basically you DON’T NEED TO HOLD THE PHONE to control it!
With Pixel 4 you’ll be able to skip songs, snooze alarms and silence phone calls with the wave of your hand.
DID YOU HEAR THAT WE CAN CONTROL THE PHONE WITHOUT TOUCHING IT!
Along with Soli and Motion Sense, Pixel 4 brings face unlock. However, in Google’s version of Face Unlock, you won’t need to lift the device in front of your face or even swipe to get to the home screen. Also it will work in any orientation! (Even upside down!)
Furthermore, Soli can proactively turn on the face unlock sensors when you reach for the phone and it will unlock and open when it recognizes you.
Privacy is also a huge factor and everything is processed on the device. It doesn’t save images (of your face) nor does it share them with Google. All the data is stored in Pixel’s Titan M security chip. Soli sensor data is also processed on the device and not shared with Google either.
So, I don’t know about you but I’m off to practice my Jedi Powers
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Driving to Le Mans in a Ford
Thanks to our friends over at Ford we attended the incredible and world famous Le Mans 2019 race this year. GadgetsBoy came a long with us and we had a fantastic time! Read more via the link in the first comment!
Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Thanks to our friends over at Ford we attended the incredible and world famous Le Mans race this year. GadgetsBoy came a long with us and we had a fantastic time!
Side note: If you ever go over to France we advise getting the EuroStar Flexi-Pass. It saved our skin!
It was a trip to remember and gave us memories to last a lifetime. Not only did we get to check out some amazing racing, which not only looked amazing, but the sound of racing is mind blowing! We got to drive some fantastic cars. Both in the way that they look, but in the sheer power that they possess.
What was different about this trip was that we drove the Ford Mustang GT. 5L V8 engine with a 453BHP! It turned many heads, leather interior, full of tech and a drop top! Not to mention the Bang and Olufsen speakers with 1000w of power! So not only did we look good heading over to France we had some fun on the way there! For more information please click here! The guys said that the drive down to France was very smooth and comfortable. Even in the corners and it felt like it just stuck to the road. The guys also said that the fuel consumption was very very impressive for a V8 engine!
Their Stay
The guys stayed in an incredible mansion which you can see below, it was beautiful. Everything was just the right mix. Perfect car, perfect trip, incredible weather and a beautiful mansion! The guys also got driven around the track in cars to experience what it’s like for a racing driver who was competing in the race. A lot of G’s were pulled and they weren’t even going as fast as the main cars. Although that’s because they had to stay a certain distance between the other people who were invited. Even still it gave the guys a glimpse into what it’s like to endure the Le Mans race!
Le Mans
Le Mans is the world’s oldest endurance motor race and has been held annually every year since 1923 near the town of Le Mans. The race is one third of the crown jewel of motor sport racing. The other two jewels in the crown being the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix.
The guys really enjoyed their time and had a lot of fun learning about Ford and Le Mans. It really was a time to remember.
Check our a gallery of our time at Le Mans below:
Listen to the guys chatting about this by clicking here!
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Ford Mustang GT and Mustang BULLITT
Driving to Le Mans in A Ford Mustang GT!
We recently went to Le Mans and also got our hands on the 2019 Ford Mustang GT and it's brother the Ford Mustang BULLITT! We had tons of fun driving this around Le Mans and much like the Ford GT, the sound of it is absolutely breathtaking! More via the link in our bio!
Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 24 July 2019
We recently went to Le Mans and also got our hands on the 2019 Ford Mustang GT and it’s brother the Ford Mustang BULLITT! We had tons of fun driving this around Le Mans and much like the Ford GT, the sound of it is absolutely breath taking! As soon as you sit down in the new 2019 Ford Mustang you are immediately aware of how cool this thing is. The car will even shine a pony onto the ground when you open the doors!
It has a 12″ digital dis
play that gives you everything you ever want to know. There’s a range of settings such as Normal, Sport+, Snow/Wet, Track and Drag Strip. How much fun do you want?! – That display, yeah it will change depending on the mode. It comes with an intelligent suspension, whether you’re on the road or the track. An impressive cruise control too! Plus the brakes give you stress free driving as they’re so good at stopping this beast. This car is unforgettable!
Ford’s MagneRide™ Damping System
The new suspension system from Ford will give drivers confidence and comfort all in one. It’s so intelligent it monitors the road continuously and analyses driver intention, checking and adjusting the dampers up to 1000 times per second! While selecting different drive modes will adjust the calibration.
HUD
The new display is a first for Mustangs, it’s all digital. Designed to give you the most from each and every driving experience, it’s entirely customisable. It will change too dependant on the driving mode. Drivers get to choose from 7 different colours that’s shown to them too. Don’t like any of them. Make your own.
It’s so easy to change the performance setting and drive modes too. A simple flick of a switch will change from Sport+ to Normal or to Snow and Wet. The steering effort, throttle response and Electronic Stability control will all be affected and will suit the conditions. With MyMode you can save prefered setttings, such as the car’s active valve exhaust!
Ford Mustang’s Daytime Headlights
The headlights are now all LED Tri-Bar Headlamps. Giving an incredibly bright yet safe pattern. Auto High Beam will also temporarily dop your headlights when it detects on coming traffic or a vehicle ahead. Revering back to high beam once the vehicle has passed.
Power-assisted steering
The 2019 Ford Mustang comes with Electric Powered Steering to automatically adjust to speed and conditions. So, in low speeds, steering will feel lighter and easier. High speeds, steering will be firmer. There’s even drift control which will take into account crosswinds and active nibble control will reduce any unwanted vibration in the steering wheel.
Cruise control
Cruise Control is also on the new Ford Mustang, allowing you to choose your speed and stay at it. The vehicle is also intelligent enough to detect a vehicle infront and slow down to maintain a pre-set distance. Road clear again? Well the Mustang will speed up.
Hill Starts
Hill Start Assist will temporarily stop the vehicle from rolling back or forward during a hill start. The car will maintain pressure on the brakes for an extra few seconds. Therefore giving you time to control and move your foot from brake to throttle.
Lane Control
The Mustang can keep you in your lane by using a forward looking camera. If it detects you unintentionally drifting it will alert you by vibrating the wheel and display a visual warning. If you are too slow to react or don’t react at all the aid will provide steering torque. This torque will guide you back into the lane. It will deactivate below speeds of 43mph as it is designed only for motorways
Ford Mustang w/Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance
If you get into an accident and the airbag is deployed, the Ford Sync tech will use bluetooth paired mobile to contact the Emergency services. You can choose to stop the call or continue if you need. It will also display vital info such as GPS co-ordinates.
Roar on demand
The engine has added dual fuel high pressure direct injeciton into the Mustang’s renowned 6L V8. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine as had its overboost increased, increasing performance and reducing emissions. On both engine choices you can choose either a 6 speed manual or a 10 speed auto. For example on the manual, the short 1st hear ratio delivers excellent acceration from a standstill. Yet the 6th gear reduces engine rpm, increasing fuel economy.
The automatic will also give excellent acceleration and fuel economy. As the electronics will help opimise performance whatever mode you are in. The real-time adaptive shift scheduling, the transmission will adapt to changing conditions. Whatever the situation.
One intelligent exhaust!
SYNC 3
The SYNC 3 has enhanced voice controls and a lot of functionality. There’s larger buttons for easier use, an 8″ touchscreen which features pinch, swipe and gesture controls. Hungry? Simply say “I’m hungry” and SYNC 3 will provide you with a list of restaurants! Choose one and a GPS navigation system will guide you there! SYNC 3 also features AppLink, Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Heated Seats & Great Music!
The seats on this thing are COMFY! They’re heated too and fully adjustable. Optional extras though. The car has a Bang and Olufsen sound system that has 100w of power, to 10-in built speakers!
Share your car!
Ford Key lets you set a speed limit, a seat belt reminder and the volume of the audio system. Why? Well you can share your car with a friend or family member! Simply keep the admin key for yourself and give out your other keys to the trusted people in your lives! How cool is that!
Reversing, but with help.
With the help of the SYNC 3’s screen the rear view camera will show you what’s behind you. Making it easier to reverse. The camera will automatically activate when you go into reverse gear.
FordPass
This handy little app will show you your vehicles information, you can manage your cars service needs and help you find parking, not only that it will help put you in touch with roadside recovery! The app will also provide you with traffic info, which is up to date, with Live Traffic! It’ll show you traffic information such as traffic speed, accidents and road closures. Furthermore the app will provide you with alternate route guidance!
Pre Collision Assist
The Mustang has Pre Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection! The Radar and camera technology scan the area in front of a driver. It will then determine if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle or person ahead. The car will provide a warning. If the driver does not react in time, the car will apply full braking force. Helping to reduce the severity of a collision. Electronic Stability Control will aid the driver in keeping control of the vehicle. It detects when a loss of control is about to occur and will apply a braking pulse to individual wheels. Consequently stabilising the vehicle.
An advanced traction control system also helps to eliminate excessive wheel spin. With the vehicle monitoring the vehicle at all times (each individual wheel) and adjusting power as necessary. The Load Adaptive control will work in tandem with the Electronic Stability Control to help ensure control. It will adjust according the overall weight that the Transit is carrying helping to ensure safety at all times!
Handy Little Feature: Tyre Monitoring
The Mustang will alert you if any of your tyres start to lose pressure. It will tell you if there’s a pucture, low pressure and will tell you this via the instrument panel.
The Beast. The Ford Mustang BULLITT
This version of the Ford Mustang is in a league of it’s own. It looks mean. It’s even more of a beast than it’s little brother. It’s an urban legend. The FOrd Mustang BULLITT.
In 1968, a Ford blazed it’s way on to the silver screen, the Mustang GT Fastback. What movie was that called? “Bullitt” Now, a 50th anniversary Mustang BULLITT revives that legendary film. With an upgraded 5L V8 engine and available in Dark Highland Green, an ultra modern, performance inspired interior. This car is destined to become a legend in it’s own right. Boy did we have fun with it!
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2019 Ford GT Supercar
Le Mans 2019Thanks to our friends over at Ford we attended the incredible and world famous Le Mans 2019 race this year. GadgetsBoy came a long with us and we had a fantastic time! Read more via the link in the first comment!
Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 24 July 2019
We recently went to Le Mans and got our hands on the 2019 Ford GT and it is INCREDIBLE! We had tons of fun driving this around Le Mans and the sound of it is absolutely breath taking! The Ford GT has a lot of things to be impressed about, the 3.5L EcoBoost technology, the ultra-efficientaerodynamics, it is something to behold!
What makes the 2019 Ford GT so special is a whole manner of things, such as the rear wing. The rear wing is built into the overall aerodynamic design of the car. Which enhances airflow, even when the wing is not deployed! However, when it is deployed it can even change shape to optimise airflow. Furthermore the Buttress adds strength to the beastly chassis. It will guide airflow over the car to reduce drag and improve airflow management. The Buttress also reduces coefficient drag and contributes to the downforce. Consequently improving handling and performance.
Did you know?
The ridge height can be lowered to as low as 50mm improving aerodynamics and lowering it’s center of gravity! (Which improves performance on the track! The more you know!)
2019 Ford GT: Performance
The Ford GT has a powerful, Twin Turboed, Intercooled 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine which produces 647 horsepower. It has a lightweight carbon fibre body which is shaped like a teardrop to help with it’s aerodynamics. Maximising downforce and minimising drag. The aluminium structure of the car minimizes the weight of the high strength subframe. Resulting in one seriously light. Yet seriously strong and powerful car.
The long suspension arms and onboard damper packaging deliver track capable vehicle dynamics. The Carbon Ceramic Bremo Brakes also give strong stopping power and peace of mind.
Designed for power. Whatever the situation.
Whether you are driving this beast on the track or on the road, Ford were able to design the Ford GT to deliver extraordinary speed, exceptional hadnling which is normally only found in purpose built racing cars!
(FORD)
Listen to the guys chatting about this by clicking here!
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