A timing belt is used to turn the camshaft at precisely half the speed as the crankshaft. The camshaft causes the intake and exhaust valves to open and shut in time with the pistons as they move up and down in the cylinders. When the timing belt breaks, you aren’t going anywhere as the engine can no longer run. In some cases a timing belt failure could damage or even ruin a car’s engine. Unfortunately, too many motorists do not replace their timing belt until it has broken. This can be a real problem when you are miles away from the nearest help!

There is no absolute certain way to check that a timing belt has worn out. Instead, changing it at prescribed intervals will lessen the chance that the timing belt will break before it is replaced. In addition, many mechanics advise changing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt – even if it hasn’t failed – as most of the labor related to replacing a water pump has already been accomplished when changing the timing belt. This is your call as a water pump could last as long as your car or it could fail at some future point. If the latter, you could be faced with a big repair bill in addition to the inconvenience of having your car out of commission for several days.

Many weekend mechanics feel comfortable enough to replace their car’s timing belt themselves. With a trusty Chilton or Haynes auto maintenance and repair manual by your side you can pop the hood and remove and replace the timing belt in no time. Shop via a reputable online wholesaler such as the Timing Belt Pros to compare your replacement timing belt options and to find a product that is right for you. Save a bundle of money by doing the work yourself and avoid the hassles and expense of traveling to your dealer’s repair shop.

People who want to start playing the game will easily get the hang of it by just watching how others swing and putt the ball into the holes. The first thing that one needs is some equipment such as the different types of clubs, the proper shoes and the ball.

The most expensive thing that a person has to use money on are the clubs. The price depends on the brand the person wants to buy but since one is just a beginner, that is the least of the worries. If that person isn’t sure yet whether to invest in brand new equipment, then that person can either borrow from the club which rents this out to players or buy one that is second hand.

Used equipment can be purchased at the golf club or at specialty stores. This can also be seen on the Internet and ordered online. Some players who have played for some time may also want to sell the used one for a brand new one so it just takes some time to look around and get the best deal to start playing the game.

When everything is ready, one can start by working with friends who do know how to play or hire an instructor to teach the basics. The first putt can be practiced on driving ranges then when one gets good at it, on the actual course itself.

Playing golf early in the morning with people from work or friends is just one of the many forms of relaxation people can do these days. It is a time for bonding and a great escape from the pressures of the city.

Nobody can become an excellent golfer overnight. This will take a lot of practice. There are some public and private golf courses to choose from. Such facilities offer 18 hole and 36 hole courses and can be found by searching the web or by checking the local directory. This is usually advertised so it is kind of impossible to miss.

It doesn’t really matter if one wins or loses being in the golf course and playing the game. It is all about having fun.

Reliable Tires

Remember different kinds of vehicle require different kinds of tires. So, you must do some research on your car type and its matching tire type. Do not trust the previous owner if you are buying a used car. Make sure it has compatible car tires. Tires are good for varying conditions, last for varying lengths of time, and cost varying amounts to replace. You must know what type of car tires would work the best in your area. Conditions such as extreme heat, frequent rain or snow, or heavy winter weather are some to consider when you are looking to purchase tires, or to purchase a vehicle with its unique tire needs.

Savings

Buying the appropriate tires for your car ensures lowered risk of mishap thus, lower insurance premium. Again for special usage cars such as racecars you can get a good insurance premium value if you make sure you use tires specifically made for such cars. High performance tires may cost more than the normal tires but using them saves a lot of money. Driving on tires with worn-out tread can be extremely dangerous, especially in severe weather conditions. If any accident is caused in such conditions you will not only loose money in insurance but also have pay from your pocket to reimburse for the damage caused by your car and to your car. Different vehicles need different tires and also come with different insurance rates charged by different companies that insure you and your vehicle under different amounts. Thus, make sure your car tires are safe so that you are saved from insurance hassles later on.

Before pump failure becomes obvious, you will usually hear buzzing or whining noises coming from underneath the hood. On the other hand, if you notice a gradual loss of power as evidenced by an increasingly difficult time moving the steering wheel [as when attempting to parallel park] or if you notice the problem when you first start up your car in the morning, then your steering rack may be going.

Steering racks fail gradually, but when they do you must take action before total failure occurs. Otherwise, control of your car becomes impossible and failure could then happen at any time, as in those times you are on the interstate. A real threat to your safety and to the safety of other drivers!

To find out if it is the steering rack causing the problem, check the power steering fluid closely to see if you notice small metallic pieces of metal floating around in it. If you do, then your steering rack is wearing out and the metallic pieces are the evidence that the rack is coming apart piece by piece.

Either way you slice it, you can expect that a major repair bill is looming for you. Not the news you want to hear, but not the news you have to hear either. Yes, taking your car in to your local garage or to your dealer’s repair department will cost you dearly. You will pay a mint for labor and pay a premium for a replacement steering pump or steering rack. High labor costs and huge replacement parts price mark ups are all part of the equation.

Fortunately, if you are even somewhat handy you can do either job yourself. Many weekend mechanics love grabbing a hold of their Haynes repair manual and with the replacement part at their side, go after the job. Of course, where you buy the replacement part can really matter, but strong savings can be gained if you shop online. Yes, auto parts wholesalers such as the Steering Rack Pros have what you want and at deep, discount prices. Reputable online wholesalers buy directly from the manufacturers and pass on big savings to you. No dealer mark ups, no third party charges. Just every day low prices on the parts you want and need.

So, go ahead and replace your power steering pump or steering rack today and save big on labor costs and replacement parts. There isn’t much better in life than to do a job yourself and gain a strong sense of satisfaction when you know you have successfully overcome a challenge and saved a bundle of money in the process.

People who want to start playing the game will easily get the hang of it by just watching how others swing and putt the ball into the holes. The first thing that one needs is some equipment such as the different types of clubs, the proper shoes and the ball.

The most expensive thing that a person has to use money on are the clubs. The price depends on the brand the person wants to buy but since one is just a beginner, that is the least of the worries. If that person isn’t sure yet whether to invest in brand new equipment, then that person can either borrow from the club which rents this out to players or buy one that is second hand.

Used equipment can be purchased at the golf club or at specialty stores. This can also be seen on the Internet and ordered online. Some players who have played for some time may also want to sell the used one for a brand new one so it just takes some time to look around and get the best deal to start playing the game.

When everything is ready, one can start by working with friends who do know how to play or hire an instructor to teach the basics. The first putt can be practiced on driving ranges then when one gets good at it, on the actual course itself.

Playing golf early in the morning with people from work or friends is just one of the many forms of relaxation people can do these days. It is a time for bonding and a great escape from the pressures of the city.

Nobody can become an excellent golfer overnight. This will take a lot of practice. There are some public and private golf courses to choose from. Such facilities offer 18 hole and 36 hole courses and can be found by searching the web or by checking the local directory. This is usually advertised so it is kind of impossible to miss.

It doesn’t really matter if one wins or loses being in the golf course and playing the game. It is all about having fun.

before driving? And for how long?

If you use your car infrequently let the car run for a few

minutes before moving. This warms up the cold, thick oil

and protects your engine from damage.

When starting a vehicle in cold weather allow the engine to

idle for no more than 30 seconds before driving off to

insure proper oil flow and lubrication. Older vehicles may

need a little longer warming up time. Only warm long enough

to prevent stalling when driving and that the windshield is

defogged.

A cold engine will warm up faster when the vehicle is being

driven than when idling. In unusually cold temperatures

drive at a slower speed for a few miles to give the car time

to warm up.

Use a block heater when the winter temperature drops to -5°F

or below. A block heater helps to keep oil and coolant warm,

makes the vehicle easier to start and reduces gas use by as

much as ten percent. Turn the timer on one to two hours

before planning to start vehicle. Use a timer for

convenience.

Never warm car in a closed garage. Drive car out of garage

as soon as motor starts. There is not enough ventilation to

remove carbon monoxide in even an open garage.

Never leave a car running alone. Car thieves watch for

these cars that they call puffers.

Warming up the vehicle before driving off reduces moisture

condensation on the inside windows.

At low temperatures the battery’s starting power drops.

Turn off the heater, radio, lights, etc. before starting the

car so all the power can be directed to the engine to start.

Be prepared with jumper cables in your trunk for a jump

start if necessary. Even better, a self-charge auto jumper

that plugs directly into the lighter can be a lifesaver.

Main Attraction

These beautiful motorcars are show quality. So having a contact with a car club is essential. Individual clubs have different rules and regulations for displaying cars. If you are planning a classic car attraction, you should contact the car club as soon as you decide that you want to have a car show. Time is of the essence to work out the details, and get on their calendar, in the car show season. Prepare questions prior to making the call to appear organized and save time. Some frequently asked questions are:

• What is the donation amount for your service?
• How long can the cars be exhibited?
• How many cars will you bring?

A car show requires a large venue with sections for exhibitors, vendors and visitors parking. Overall, you will need an area big enough for everyone’s ease of movement and equipment storage.

Sub-Attractions

Some car show events feature the main attraction, which are the classic cars without considering sub-attractions such as:

• Disc Jockey and musicians
• Food and beverage vendors
• Swap meet exhibitors
• Children’s activities

Just think about it. A car show with just a main attraction could possibly be boring. A great attraction is built with layers such as automobiles for visual, food for smell, music for sound, and games for interactivity to stimulate visitors—all of which contribute to having a good time—and will make your car show much more attractive.

The Bentley Continental GT’s roaring engine, its sleek design, and its hand built wood-and-leather interior belies the car’s core task: To take this sumptuous brand downmarket.

A snip at £110,000, the Continental GT will be much cheaper than traditional Bentleys when it goes on sale in its home market this month.

Consequently, the car will be up against the likes of Aston Martin’s four seat DB9, due to be launched in Frankfurt this week, and Ferrari’s forthcoming four seat supercar, expected to be named 460 GT, rather than serious luxury cars like the Maybach and Rolls-Royce.

If you go downmarket a little bit, of course the average wealth of the customers you talk to is a little less than the traditional customers Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen Bentley Motors chief executive

The car is expected to do well.

Four-wheel drive grip and acceleration to die for makes cruising along Welsh mountain roads feel like a flight in an executive jet: smooth, comfortable, fast, exhilarating.

Bargain

Brad Wernle, who covers the car industry for Automotive News Europe, is impressed.

“I suppose the Bentley [Continental GT] looks like a bargain,” says Mr Wernle, BBC News Online’s co-pilot during a test drive.

Bentley’s chief executive, Franz-Josef Paefgen, is keen to explain why.

“If you go downmarket a little bit, off course the average wealth of the customers you talk to is a little less than the traditional customers.

“This segment would have slightly younger - not young but younger - customers, and we also hope to talk to a lot more female potential customers with this car.”

Bigger market

Bentley’s traditional customers are not only phenomenally wealthy.

Mr Tennant: “Volkswagen is not doing this as a hobby”.

They are also scarce.

Globally, there are only about 80,000 people with more than $20m-worth of net investable assets, according to Cap Gemini Ernst & Young’s World Wealth Report 2002.

By comparison, there are as many as one-and-a-half million people who have net investable assets in excess of $3m.

It is this group that Bentley sees as its new potential customers.

Racing car

But, acknowledges Mark Tennant, Bentley’s director of marketing product strategy: Selling cars to rich, successful 40-somethings is not a joking matter, at least not when your company is viewed as “very British, very conservative, very Establishment”.

To get around such prejudices about the marque, Bentley has decided to play the heritage card.

Its marketing strategy is based on Bentley’s past as a racing brand during the 1920s.

“We are going forward to our roots,” says Dr Paefgen cryptically, noting that Bentley is back in the racing circuit, having won Le Mans earlier this summer.

Strong demand

And, looking ahead, the car is set to win a few hearts too.

During our drive across North Wales, this four-seat Grand Tourer performed like a Ferrari and turned even more heads.

Even the hard-nosed motoring press is drooling over it, with Car magazine screaming: “The Bentley Continental GT, friends, is a lot more than good. It’s brilliant.”

So there is no surprise that demand for the car is strong.

“We already have a 12-month order book,” says Mark Tennant, Bentley’s director of marketing product strategy.

Volkswagen parts

One reason for this could be the car’s relatively low price.

Bentley, which is owned by the German automotive group Volkswagen, has managed to curb costs from soaring by cherry picking parts from other luxury cars within the group.

“The car shares a number of underlying components with the Volkswagen Phaeton, so some of the cost is shared and not borne entirely by this car alone,” explains Mr Wernle.

“That makes it more economically feasible.

“In the current automotive environment, more companies are sharing their components, and the key is to do it in a clever way and preserve the integrity of the brand, which I feel Bentley has done in this case.”

Large potential

Indeed, the Continental GT will be Bentley’s first ever mass produced car - though the numbers churned out will remain very low when compared with true mass market vehicles.

Dr Paefgen: “We are going forward to our roots”.

Next year, about 3,500 Continentals will leave the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire.

But over time, this number is set to more than double.

“The total potential of the plant is as much as 9,000 per year,” says Dr Paefgen, referring to plans to produce a four-door version of the Continental GT and possibly even a third version of the car in the years ahead.

And soon, these new Bentleys should bring benefits for the parent company too.

“I can assure you that Volkswagen is not doing this as a hobby. It produces a very decent commercial return for them,” insists Mr Tennant.