Automotive News

In the past generally petroleum based motor oils have been used but although they are cheap, they are extremely bad for the environment. With consumers becoming more aware of their carbon footprint they are switching to synthetic motor oils but it is often difficult to decide on the best synthetic motor oil for your vehicle as not as much is known about it.

Synthetic motor oils are not only stronger but they can improve the performance of your engine dramatically compared to the older style petroleum based motor oils. They can even help your engine to improve its fuel economy which is a huge plus for any vehicle owner with soaring gas prices.

If you choose to use synthetic motor oils in your vehicle then you are also helping to aid the restriction of using the planets scarce natural power resources also. Not a single ingredient from synthetic motor oils cannot be reproduced forever so eventually it is hoped that petroleum based oils are diminished from use entirely.

Synthetic motor oils are made in varying different grades and qualities and each is to be used with different vehicle types and for different uses. For example, if you use your car or motorbike to race on track then a higher grade motor oil will be required to cope with the added stress put onto the engine.

If you have a lot of cars which you wish to service regularly then using normal synthetic motor oils may eventually become quite costly. In these cases you have the option to use a synthetic blended oil. This means that it is part synthetic and part petroleum based, but of course not very good for the environment.

Now that you know what type of oil that you require for your vehicle, you can select the best synthetic motor oil for your needs. By taking time to understand how different oils work you could be saving money and increasing your cars productivity at the same time.

Amsoil is one of the best synthetic motor oil products for an automobile. Synthetics or synthetic blends are beneficial for your car or truck and beneficial for the environment. This and other unique content ‘motorcycles’ articles are available with free reprint rights.

categories: motorcycles,automobiles,4 wheelers,RVs

A word of caution about the all-new Kia Soul; enter the showroom with a mindset to be sold on the funky concept before you go making comparisons with the retail price.

Kia Motors is breaking new ground in releasing what design chief Peter Schreyer, formerly Audi/VW design head, describes as a “new kind of urban crossover” and a new direction for Korea’s oldest auto company. The new shape and design is the first of a new generation of vehicles that will clearly identify the direction that Kia Motors will be taking in the future. That future direction will also contain the new corporate Tiger grille seen on the Soul and which will be visible on other Kia models going forward.

There is no denying the Soul is a huge step outside the square for the Korean manufacturer, it is a car with a character and personality all of its own, designed to charter new territory in the market place. It has a hint of SUV but lacks any four wheel-drive system, a touch of hatchback without a wide opening rear and a dash of wagon without a well designed folding rear seat arrangement which would vastly improve useable interior space. Sort of something for those who don’t really do anything to extremes but like to be noticed in something more than a shopping basket.

The Soul is more a large leap rather than a small step in design change direction for the Kia brand.

The all-new platform the front-wheel drive car is built on, featuring a compact 4104mm overall length with an unusually long wheelbase of 2550mm, creates generous overall interior space. Add to that a high roofline which tapers back to the rear and wide opening front and rear doors means the Soul will comfortably absorb those who normally struggle to get comfortable in vehicles marketed in the compact segment of the market. It is a pity however, a bit more thought could not have gone into making better use of the interior space available.

There is only one body style, but the Soul is available in three different models; the entry-level Soul, the mid-range Soul Plus and the top of the range Soul Burner.

The entry-level model is the only variant fitted with a 1.6 liter petrol engine (91kW) and 5-speed manual transmission, the two other models feature a second-generation 1.6 liter CRDi diesel engine which is mated to a 4-stage automatic transmission. The 16-valve DOHC diesel engine produces an impressive 94kW of power and 260Nm of torque @ 1900rpm.

The entry level Soul is fitted with 15-inch steel wheels, the plus 16-inch alloys while the Burner comes standard with 18-inch alloys. All three have a space saver spare wheel.

The automatic diesel has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100km while the manual petrol is 6.5L/100km. As with all diesels we encourage potential buyers to do the sums and add Road User Charges and the higher registration costs into the overall running costs equation.

Electronic stability programme (ESP) and a full complement of six airbags (including side curtain and front side airbags) are standard on every model. Kia claim the Soul is designed to meet the revised, tough 5-star Euro NCAP safety standard.

The Soul Burner features a rear-facing camera image displayed in the rear-view mirror when reverse is selected – other models have rear parking assist. For those who like a bright interior the Soul Burner will not disappoint with its red themed ‘burner’ layout including the dash panel.

All Soul models come with a CD player/radio, with MP3 compatibility, plus USB, AUX and iPOD connections and a speed-rated volume control. The Soul Burner system has the up-rated 315W 8-speaker system incorporating a large diameter dash-top center speaker, external amplifier and sub-woofer.

All models have manual audio controls integrated into the steering wheel.

Sound Sensitive Mood Lighting (SSML) is standard with the Soul Burner, with adjustable LED lighting rings around the speakers in the doors.

There are 14 individual storage zones around the cabin, including a hidden tray under the rear luggage floor in the Soul Plus and Soul Burner.

Lack of telescopic steering on all models means the seating position is compromised a little while it’s difficult to understand why the base model does not have a drivers power operated switch to adjust the outside door mirrors. The use of hard plastics on some interior trim and the lack of a quality feel with some of the electrical switches is also a disappointment with the Soul.

So, should the new look Kia Soul command a premium price bearing in mind the Korean brand has long been seen as a good value for money proposition rather than a direct threat to its higher priced competitors?

We think not, but it’s hard to gauge who its competitors really are.

used Kia Soul for sale Ireland is offered by Kia cars for sale in Meath

The SsangYong Actyon’s radical styling remains largely unchanged from the model launched back in 2006. Since then, South Korea’s fourth largest car company has had its fair share of problems, with 2009 being a year they’d probably rather forget.

With the receivers being appointed in January 2009, followed by a 77 day strike and worker riots, production finally re-commenced in August 2009. While it seems that the company is not out of the woods yet, trading continues and sharper pricing has revitalized the brand’s presence here in New Zealand.

According to SsangYong, the name Actyon derives from the words “Action” and “Youth”.

Well, maybe we were away from English class on the day that particular part of linguistics was being taught or maybe the people at Ssangyong have a deeper understanding of the English language than us, but we would never have connected those dots!

Having driven the double cab Actyon Tradie for a few days recently, any signs of youthful action eluded us, but maybe we’re missing the point.

An Aussie colloquialism for “Tradesman”, the “Tradie” is the no frills entry level model, equipped with steel wheels, a manual transmission, air-conditioning, electric windows and a tough tray liner.

The 104kW 1,998cc four-cylinder common rail diesel power plant lugs the unladen 1,912kg pick-up truck around adequately if not startlingly, and while we didn’t put it to the test, we wonder how capable the Actyon might be when fully laden.

With a braked towing weight quoted at 2,300kg, which seems fairly impressive for a 2.0 liter vehicle, we also wonder how realistic that would be in real world pulling power terms, given that most of the competitors quote similar towing capability with 2.5 or 3.0 liter diesel power.

Color options, just like Henry offered.

Currently, white is the only color on offer in Australia and New Zealand but we’re told that future models heading down under will be available in the full color range and with alloy wheels.

Safety equipment is limited to driver and passenger airbags, with an absence of any hi-tech electronic active safety aids such as ESP or even ABS brakes. The rear brake set-up of good old-fashioned drum/shoe combination is a rare sight in the 21st century.

Like any ute, ride comfort is fairly agricultural, but in keeping with other competitors in the sector. With the double wishbone front coil spring and 5-link rear coil spring suspension set-up, handling is as good as anything in its class.

A part-time shift on the fly four-wheel drive system is easy to operate and proved useful in the small amount of slippery country we did encounter.

It’s fair to say that the Actyon Tradie isn’t the most refined, highly equipped or (arguably) prettiest double cab ute around, but at $31,990 plus on road costs of $800, outside of the recent arrival of Chinese utes, there’s nothing to touch it for keen pricing.

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One of the most effective ways so that you can purchase your own car is to attend some seized vehicle auctions. There are several of these kinds of events that are being conducted all over the United States and at almost every county. They are also being held at almost anytime of the year so it will be wise if you are going to try to attend some.

However, even if these seized vehicle auctions are already very popular, there are still those instances when they are not being promoted aggressively by the organizers. So if you want to know some more details about them, then you might want to browse through your local paper. Perhaps you can also personally inquire with the organizers but you can also search through the internet.

Attending some seized vehicle auctions is a great way for you to have your own automobile without you having to splurge too much on your savings. Indeed, during these times of financial and economic troubles, it is no longer important that you have the best looking car there is.

These automobiles are being sold at a very low price because they are only confiscated from their previous owners because they failed to meet their financial and legal obligations.

However, this does not mean that the units being featured in these events are just junks and rejects. In fact, some of them are still 2 or 3 years old and several are still working in excellent condition.

But if you really want to be sure that you are getting what your money is worth, it will be very wise if you will inspect your prospect if it is still working fine. You can personally inspect the automobile and see if they underwent some major repair or accident.

But if you are not sure about these kinds of things, then you might want to bring a mechanic friend to assist you with your dealings in these seized vehicle auctions.

It is also very important that you do your research before you place any bid. You have to compare their prices from the actual market value and see if you can really land on a great deal. When attending seized vehicle auctions, it is really very important that you are prepared and ready.

Discover more tips about cheap car auctions such as where to find cheap public car auctions near your home. Also, read to find out even more on impounded car auctions.