A Cars HVAC System
Not only do we depend on our cars to get us where we want to go, we also depend on them to get us there without discomfort. We expect the heater to keep us warm when it's cold outside, and the air conditioning system to keep us cool when it's hot. We get heat from the heater core, sort of a secondary radiator, which is part of the car's cooling system. We get air conditioning from the car's elaborate air conditioning system. Despite its relatively small size, the cooling system has to deal with an enormous amount of heat to protect the engine from friction and the heat of combustion.
The cooling system has to remove about 6,000 BTU of heat per minute. This is a lot more heat than we need to heat a large home in cold weather. It's good to know that some of this heat can be put to the useful purpose of keeping us warm. Air conditioning makes driving much more comfortable in hot weather. Your car's air conditioner cleans and dehumidifies (removes excess moisture), the outside air entering your car.
It also has the task of keeping the air at the temperature you select. These are all big jobs. How do our cars keep our "riding environment" the way we like it? Most people think the air conditioning system's job is to add "cold" air to the interior of the car. Actually, there is no such thing as "cold," just an absence of heat, or less heat than our bodies are comfortable with. The job of the air conditioning system is really to "remove" the heat that makes us uncomfortable, and returns the air to the car's interior in a "un-heated" condition.
Air conditioning, or cooling, is really a process of removing heat from an object (like air). A compressor circulates a liquid refrigerant called Refrigerant-12 (we tend to call it "Freon," a trade name, the way we call copy machines "Xerox" machines). The compressor moves the Refrigerant-12 from an evaporator, through a condenser and expansion valve, right back to the evaporator. The evaporator is right in front of a fan that pulls the hot, humid air out of the car's interior. The refrigerant makes the hot air's moisture condense into drops of water, removing the heat from the air.
Once the water is removed, the "cool" air is sent back into the car's interior. Aaaaaah! Much better. Newer cars have R-134 as the refrigerant, but work in the same way as R-12. Sometimes we worry when we catch our car making a water puddle on the ground, but are relieved to discover that it's only water dripping from the air conditioning system's condenser (no color, no smell, and it dries!). Note: Refrigerant is extremely dangerous.
Many special precautions must be taken when it is present. It can freeze whatever it contacts (including your eyes), it is heavier than air and can suffocate you, and it produces a poisonous gas when it comes in contact with an open flame. The above information is directly from the Auto Insight program, which you can buy online from AutoEducation.com. Common Problems:
?From time to time the A/C system needs to be recharged to bring it back up to maximum efficiency. Sometimes a leak may cause loss of refrigerant and will need to be fixed before refilling.
It's difficult to tell if a leak is present without specific test equipment so let it up to a professional. ?Corrosion will cause the heater core (secondary radiator) to leak. This will manifest itself by leaving steam into the passenger compartment and fogging your windows. You will know there is a leak by the sweet smell coming from your vents. Unfortunately changing the heater core is usually not the easier job in the world, as engineers tend to squeeze them into some pretty tight spaces under the dash..
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.comResearch on the Road to Intelligent Cars
(ContentDesk) March 10, 2006 -- Although safety is improving on European roads, every year over 40,000 people die on Europe's roads and 1.4 million accidents occur. Clearly, there is still plenty of work to be done if the EU is to halve road fatalities by 2010, a target fixed in September 2001.Although safety is improving on European roads, every year over 40,000 people die on Europe's roads and 1.4 million accidents occur. Clearly, there is still plenty of work to be done if the EU is to halve road fatalities to under 25 000 by 2010, a target fixed in September 2001.Although intelligent ICT-based systems already exist, their market take-up has been very slow. Reasons for this include legal and institutional barriers, competition among car-makers, the relatively high cost of intelligent systems, lack of customer demand, and above all a general lack of information on and awareness of the potential benefits of such systems. Partly to counter this, the PReVENT integrated project is devoting...
Research on the Road to Intelligent Cars
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Passion for Food, Fast Cars and Adventure Earn Rachael Ray, Danica Patrick and Eileen Collins A Bodacious Woman Award
Richmond, VA (ContentDesk) February 14, 2006 -- Whether it be for food, fast cars or adventure, what drives Rachael Ray, Danica Patrick and Eileen Collins is passion.
Its that passion that has earned them and seven other well-known women to become the recipient of the Bodacious Woman Awards (www.BodaciousWomanAwards.com).
The new awards, established by former AOL insider and author Mary Foley, recognize women in the news who are exceptional role-models.
Valentines Day isnt the only day these women have passion.
Theyve got it the other 364 days of the year as well says Foley, author of the award winning book Bodacious! Woman:
Outrageously in Charge of Your Life and Lovin It!
Passion is what drives their success personally and professionally.
You cant make this up.
What these women did over the last year is amazing.
They are truly...
Used cars > Passion for Food, Fast Cars and Adventure Earn Rachael Ray, Danica Patrick and Eileen Collins A Bodacious Woman Award
Nitro Powered RC Cars - Tips for Choosing Your First Gas RC Car
RC (radio controlled) cars, especially the nitro or gas powered RC cars, are becoming increasingly popular. With speeds up to 70 mph, realistic looks, and racing clubs in virtually every large city, it's easy to see why.If you want to join this exciting hobby, there're a few things you should consider before you buy your first nitro-powered RC car. The basic considerations are: size, type, 2 or 4-stroke motor, maintenance, 2 or 4 wheel drive, and ready-to-run (rtr) or kit cars.SizesThe two most popular sizes to choose from are 1/8 and 1/10 scale. 1/10th scale is the industry standard for on-road racers, while 1/8th is more popular for off-road trucks and buggies. The larger 1/8th scale on road car comes standard with a 2 or 3 speed automatic transmission.TypesThe touring and racing cars are are the popular choice for on-road use.
For best performance, they should be run on a smooth surface. Trucks and buggies are the choice if off-road action is what you want. Though not as fast...
Nitro Powered RC Cars - Tips for Choosing Your First Gas RC Car
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Detroit, Hybrids Are Not Just Cars Anymore
It seems that Detroit is not the only ones listening and delivering on what the consumer expects when shopping for a better more efficient gas powered car and as the result Detroit spent hundred's of millions of dollars in creating and improving HYBRID vehicles. This push to satisfy consumers in every aspect of buying a new vehicle is evidenced by the consumers ever increasing relevance of internet shopping where a person in pajamas at home can purchase a new vehicle. Purchasing on the World Wide Web is another automotive segment effected by the consumer who demands top efficiency in every technological convenience, Case in point, The internet's online automotive purchasing segment with its Autobytel and Cars.com.E-commerce, 11% bought their cars online, 9% through newspaper ads. Car shoppers are now empowered by the Internet. Most of the estimated 61 million consumers who bought a new or used cars last year began their search on the internet.
In 2004, Web sites generated 22%...
Detroit, Hybrids Are Not Just Cars Anymore
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3 Volvo Concept Cars To Be Unveiled At SEMA Show
The Sin City, which is known for its surprises, will be sheltering three remarkable concept cars from Volvo. The revelation of said concept cars will be held at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The show will run start this coming October 31 and is scheduled to end on November 3. At the SEMA show, Volvo will showcase three highly modified C30's built by Evolve, ipd and Heico Sportiv, the latest concept cars from the renowned automaker.
Evolve, ipd and Heico Sportiv, were given modifications and enhancements to effectuate sleek, sporty and vivacious cars. Custom fabrications which include race inspired engine enhancements, powerhouse audio-visual systems, catchy interior and exterior as well as modifications to Volvo C70 parts to create eye-popping vehicles.
EVOLVE
Evolve's design is influenced by the all-new Volvo C30.
It exudes modern style and performance...
3 Volvo Concept Cars To Be Unveiled At SEMA Show
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A Kids Tree
During my youth kids were required to pass through a tree climbing phase as part of the transition from being a kid to becoming a teenager. Not just any old tree would do of course. The majestic oak was always a tower of strength but the limbs were too high up for it to be a good climbing tree. Likewise, the tall pecan trees that grew in our yard would have required a chain of ladders just to make it to the first limb.Back toward the center of our property grew a very beautiful Sweet Bay Magnolia...
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Tax Treatment for Coverdale IRAs
A number of publications, including my own, have mistakenly reported over the past year that Coverdale IRAs, formerly known as Education IRAs, are tax deductible. Coverdale IRAs are not tax-deductible.Originally the concept of education IRAs was meant to provide a tax-deductible benefit that would defer taxes on contributions until the time of withdrawal, but the accounts were limited in size to only $500 per year. Due to the small allowable account size, these Education IRAs were not very popular...
Tax Treatment for Coverdale IRAs ira Used cars
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Diamond Flashes
Beyond magnificence and splendor, the world of diamonds evolves on stirred grounds. When the stake is so important, interests collide. But technology develops following its onward course. Here are some interesting off-stage events in the diamond industry and innovations in technology.De Beers sued by head of the Diamond BourseDerek Parsons, the president of the Diamond Bourse of the Southeast United States has filed a lawsuit against De Beers, on the charge of the company's disregard of American...
Diamond Flashes Used cars
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The Advantages of Memory Foam Pillows
Along with the success of mattresses and mattress pads made of memory foam came the advent of the memory foam pillow. Made of the same gel-like polyurethane compound that both cushions and supports the contours of your body, memory foam pillows are a great way to rest your neck and head. Say goodbye to neck aches, both at home and on the road. With a memory foam pillow, you can say goodbye to a lot of the neck aches and cranial pressure points associated with regular cotton pillows. Memory foam...
The Advantages of Memory Foam Pillows Used cars A Cars HVAC System
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Should You Hire An Accident Attorney
The following article was written for Resources For Attorneys.com by David Hallstrom, a private investigator, he is not now nor has he ever been an attorney.You have been in a accident, automobile, slip and fall, workplace, etc.. Should you see or speak with an attorney?As far as I am concerned, the answer is always yes.When should you consult with an accident attorney? You should seek the advise of an accident attorney as soon as possible...
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