The Definitive Automotive Dictionary provided by Action Auto and Boat Donation Services:Amorphous silicon – Used in a variety of electronics. A non-crystalline form of silicon that can be laid in thin layers of film to produce photovoltaic cells, it can be used on plastic substrates and metal.Ampere-hour – A measurement of a unit of electrical charge of current, over a specific period of time, usually used to find the strength of a battery.Amp/hr. rating – The measuring of current to determine the ability of a battery. The higher the amp, the stronger the batteryAmplifier – Used in auto radio systems, to produce a greater electrical signal, by increasing the electron flow in a vacuum or electric circuit.Air Management Unit (AMU) – Located in a chassis cross-member and using the multiplex electrical system, it is pressure switches put together in such a way as to control the pneumatic accessory functions of a […]
The bombing of Pearl Harbor remains one of the most traumatic events in recent United States history and there are a number of museums that commemorate it. However, few museums are like The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, a museum dedicated to the submarine known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.”On December 7, 1942, exactly one year after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the Bowfin was launched into war. It was named after the bowfin, a predatory fish known for its voraciousness and it lived up to its name. It would go on to sink 44 enemy ships during nine separate and highly successful war patrols. The Bowfin was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation. It was also one of the only 15 ships saved from becoming scrap metal for the army when it was acquired by the Pacific Fleet Memorial Association in 1979. Subsequently, it was […]
If you’re traveling between states, make sure you learn the towing laws of both states as laws can be quite different from one state to another. However, most states have very fluid towing laws and the laws are not enforced too stringently. There are a few general rules pertaining to trailers that carry higher weights that require breakaway switches that automatically engage in case the trailer disengages from the car. Other than that, there aren’t many laws absolutely set in stone because most laws are aimed only at truckers who drive large big rigs. Brakebuddy: Brakebuddy offers an interactive map with a good guide to general towing laws, broken down by state. Department of Transport: Has a list of general rules and regulations. AA1Car: Has very good information on trailer brakes, which are very important for trailer safety.Trailer Towing Laws: Provides a list of things you should focus on when […]
Defensive driving goes beyond the basics of motor vehicle operation on public thoroughfares. By educating drivers on how to be proactive in their use of mirrors, headlights, and seatbelts, as well as teaching them concentration skills necessary to focus on the constant changing view around them, a defensive posture is learned and applied behind the wheel. Most adults do not take continuing driver’s education courses unless they are required by the courts, as in the case of traffic school to avoid points from their driving record. Young drivers do not have the experience to apply what they have recently learned in driver’s education classes, but experienced drivers are often overconfident and fail to employ all the tactics they know in order to navigate safely out of a potential traffic problem. Too much multi-tasking in today’s society offers more distractions than ever before with cell phone calls, text messages, and a […]
Since the invention of the automobile in the 1700’s, there have been many different models built. Today, with all of the technology available to car manufacturers, automobiles are much safer than they once were. Most people remember their old cars, and whether you still own that car, have sold it, or donated it; you may be surprised to learn that it might be considered one of the worst cars in history.Yugo – The first Yugo was made in 1978, and sold in the United States from 1985 to 1991. This car is known for having very poor transmission performance, and it also needed constant replacement of the timing belt, failure to do this would result in the engine being destroyed. The car was also very lightweight which made it dangerous, and the Yugo is very well known for being the car that blew off a bridge in Michigan in 1989, […]