GM Goes Smart - For Their Vehicle Parts

Aside from developing functional systems like GM tailgate handle for the company's trucks, SUVs and hatchbacks, GM is also developing new high-end materials for their vehicles in various GM brands. Last week at the General Motors Corp. Research and Development Center, researchers and scientist demonstrated their latest development in using the so called "smart" materials technology for GM products. These GM smart materials include shape memory alloys and polymers, which can change their shape, strength, and stiffness accompanied by heat and other certain factors.

Here are some few examples of GM's development in smart materials:

To control of the airflow into the engine, a shape memory alloy-activated louver system will be used. This smart material functions to reduce the cooling airflow into the engine compartment and reduces aerodynamic drag. The result is improved aerodynamics and drag reduction and rapid warm-up during cold engine start up. While air dams are frequently damaged by low-speed impacts during parking situations and certain objects like ramps, snow, and ice, GM developed an "active" air dam that is activated by a shape memory alloy. The active air dam can monitor vehicle speed, and with the use of 4-wheel drive (4WD) configuration, the vehicle lowers or raises the air dam to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. Lastly, GM also developed and tested a grab handle that also uses shape memory alloys to move into position by using a temperature-activated shape memory combined with the changes in the handle's stiffness. All of these three newly developed auto parts features a shape memory alloy.

According to Alan Taub, GM Executive Director of Research & Development,
"These new smart materials follow a long list of material applications we are already using. A few examples include novel aluminum forming processes that provide enhanced body panels and lightweighting, polymer nanocomposites that provide superior mechanical properties at lower cost, and magnetorheological fluids for improved chassis systems."

"The properties inherent in shape memory alloys and polymers have the potential to be game-changers in the automotive advanced materials field, eventually leading to vehicle subsystems that can self-heal in the event of damage, or that can be designed to change color or appearance." he further explained.

General Motors plans to incorporate the smart materials technology in GM branded vehicles starting in 2010.

Profit Big on Auto Parts

There are many different ways one can make profits from the comfort of their home, but today we are going to share a different way. We say different because the online auto parts trade is still in its infancy stage and not many people are familiar with the opportunity.

Look around you when you are on the road. There are millions of cars, buses, motorcycles, boats and not to mention sports vehicles. They all require or will require some maintenance or parts down the road. It is just a matter of time. In fact according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Statistical Records there were 241 million registered vehicles in 2007 in U.S. alone, and this does not include the vehicles in stores, salvage yards, auto auctions, and countless other places. Now, multiply this many vehicles by the number of parts an average vehicle has, and you get into trillions.

Before the internet age the auto parts industry had been primarily occupied by the big conglomerates such as NAPA, Checker and a few others but thanks to the internet this is changing. Today anyone who has an access to the internet has the opportunity to unlimited potential, and better yet create it from the comfort of their home. According to eBay motors 4.5 billion dollars worth of automotive related items are sold annually making it the most profitable sectors on eBay. The majority of sellers are ordinary people who buy and sell for a profit.

There are two different ways of profiting in this business. One is to open a brick-and-mortar place. The second way is to do it online. In this chapter we are going to skip the brick-and-mortar method as it takes tremendous capital investment, time and effort, and we will devote our energy to online strategy. The great part about running any online business is it allows you to be flexible, it operates 24-7, and gives you an access to global marketplace.

1. To generalize auto parts business involves buying some auto parts from various places, and selling it for a profit. The auto parts can be anything from small clips to big engines. We suggest that you sell the parts that are fairly easy to handle, not bulky or too fragile. For example window shields are big, fragile and difficult to ship. Very heavy parts are also difficult to work with. With this being said there are many online stores that specialize in handling these big, bulky and fragile auto parts and they do extremely well. It is a matter of your preference and choosing the parts you want to work with.

2. It is always better to play it safe before you dig in. So, we strongly suggest that you be patient and run a small test before asking a manufacturer for 100 headlights. If you happen to have some spare genuinely used auto parts or you know someone that might have some you can try listing them on the web. It doesn't cost you anything and you will be rest assured that you are not wasting your money. To list your parts we suggest that you choose a website that specializes in the industry, allows you to pay on per-sold basis, and offers automatic re-istings.

3. If you want to go straight to the big game and skip the test mode then you will need to equip yourself with some inventory for cheap. The best way to obtain such inventory is from international supplier. The reason is the price. You can buy 100 headlights or any other parts for darn cheap. There are hundreds of auto parts manufacturers in China, India, Taiwan and many other countries that you can contact and purchase your inventory. Once you find a few manufacturers that you are interested in e-mail them with some questions. Ask them about minimum order, price per item, shipment terms and delivery time or any other requirements. This information is important as it will allow you to determine the selling price for you item. Check some good name stores to determine a competitive selling price for your auto parts.

4. It is vital to fulfill all the necessary legal requirements to operate on a bigger scale. Like with any business you must apply for business license to sell. For this you will need to contact the Department of Revenue. You also will need EIN (employee identification number), and register your business name through your state. Although optional but you might be interested in registering you trade mark, open business account and get a 1-800 number but again this is not required and we suggest that you fulfill only the basic minimum. The process takes less than one hour.

5. Contacting manufacturers, discussing the requirements details, getting your shipment and listing your parts - the entire process usually takes about 3 weeks in the beginning. Once you start selling, the process becomes your second nature, and the profits start flowing. The more parts you buy and sell, the more profits you reap.

6. The last piece of advice we want to give you is not to expect instant results. Success takes time to build. So be patient, follow the steps and your efforts will pay off big time.

Good Luck!

Automotive Equipment And Auto Lift Repair Parts

There are millions of automobiles riding along on the roads. Their repair and maintenance is crucial. Automotive equipment and auto lift repair parts are a very important part of these two processes.

An auto lift is the equipment that is used to lift the heavy vehicles well above the ground. This is done either to transport them to higher ground or to do repairs underneath them. These lifts come in many forms like in-ground lifts, runway lifts, four-post lifts, two-post surface mounted lifts, etc. These lifts operate in different ways and they require different sets of maintenance drills. It is essential to make sure that these lifts are in good working condition and maintained frequently to avoid accidents and injuries. The auto lift repair parts purchased should be of good quality and able to withstand wear and tear to a large extent.

There are many suppliers who supply these parts. Many of them are already dealers in the automotive tools and equipments and know exactly what is required for their maintenance. Other automotive equipment generally supplied by these companies include jacks, reels, tire changers, air compressors, lubricant pumps, battery chargers, etc.

It is always wise to buy these parts from reputed companies and brands to avoid the purchase of cheap and faulty parts. Ensure that the parts are industry approved and meet the industry standards. It is not wise to go for the cheapest stuff in this case. Quality is more important than price here.

An important point to remember is to ensure that the repair work is carried out by a well trained technician who is experienced in the field. He will not only do a good job in making the repairs but will also be able to give sound advice regarding maintenance.

Repairing the auto lift is a much better option that buying a new one for several reasons. For one thing, new equipment is very costly. It is more feasible to do the repair work with auto lift repair parts. Another thing is that it is possible to store a few spare parts along with car parts in the garage.

This makes them easily accessible and saves a lot of time spent on ordering and waiting for delivery. It also beats buying a new machine that would take to time to get delivered and set up. It also helps if the parts are replaced from time to time, before the machine breaks down or an accident occurs due to wear and tear. For this, regular checkups can be arranged from an expert. One thing to note in all this is that the spare parts are not just one or two in number, but may go up to hundreds and getting the help of a technician is always a good way to go in case of repairs.

Problems with auto lift equipments can cause productivity slow-down and accidents. This could not only result in the loss of business but also in the loss of employee morale. Maintenance and repairs is a very important part of the whole automobile industry.

Auto Parts Online?

It is no secret that the rise of the Internet has completely changed our world. It has brought people, ideas, cultures and merchandise together from around the globe. One of the more mundane benefits from this exchange of information has been to free people from the restrictions of obtaining goods only in their local surroundings. Twenty or thirty years ago, if you needed something, such as spark plugs, you went down to the local parts shop and bought them. If they didn't have them, you could either travel to another store, or request a "special order", which might take weeks to arrive, if at all. The only other option was to browse a parts catalog and either place an order yourself, or have the parts shop order it for you.

Today, nearly any conceivable part for your automobile can be ordered online and shipped to you within a few days. You're no longer tied to the existing inventory of a single shop or catalog company. Amazon.com for example, not only has their own formidable array of parts, they also represent hundreds of smaller merchants, who may offer anything from the ordinary to the truly bizarre. And since many parts do not need to be inspected by the customer beforehand (all things being equal, a piston ring is a piston ring), it's also much faster to order from the web, to say nothing of cheaper since you cut out the middleman.

Another consequence of shopping the Internet is that you don't have to try and lug something large and/or heavy back to where you need it. You can actually order an entire engine block, and let the shipper deal with getting it to your front door. Or at least the front of your garage. If you're involved in a restoration job, how much easier to preorder all the parts you know you'll need, from a crankshaft to valve lifters to headlight covers.

Speaking of restoration or customization work, where can you find a manual for Mustangs from 1967 to 1970? What about converting a 1995 Jeep for offroad driving? A world of manuals, owners guides and project ideas is at your fingertips, or at least a few mouse clicks away. Many sites that offer this often hard to find paperwork will also have reviews of the material, to guide you towards books that will be truly informative and worthwhile reading. A useful feature you won't get with the small selection spinning around on a tiny rack at many brick and mortar parts stores.

Yes, like many other sphere of human activity, even the humble act of getting your car repaired or upgraded has been vastly improved by the spread of the Net. You can shop at home, at one in the morning, to buy parts from the other side of the country (or farther!). And they'll be delivered directly to you, with no need to worry about how you'll get this axle home, since your car obviously isn't working! Auto parts online is an idea whose time has come.

Forget Used, Buy Discount Auto Parts Instead

The average online shopper looking to buy auto parts inexpensively will mostly likely first think, "Used is the way to go." What's unfortunate about this scenario is that this unassuming customer probably isn't aware of the auto part's life story; how and from where it arrived at the shop, and the ways it might put their safety at risk. Yes, "used" can be synonymous with "cheap," however "safe does not a cheap auto part make."

Here's why.

1. Used auto parts are most often taken salvaged from wrecked, or accident vehicles, and studies show that these parts require the highest rate of failure and repair. Unknowingly installing a faulty part from an accident vehicle may not just affect safety. Depending on your auto part, your comfort, gas mileage and other factors could be affected and go unnoticed.

2. It's difficult to have used auto parts properly tested. Very few agencies, government or otherwise, regulate used auto part testing. While some do exist, locating an agency is likely an effort you'll want to forgo. Fortunately, you can focus your efforts on searching for discount auto parts instead; these are always new, safety tested and ready for install.

3. The most in-demand used auto parts are also the most safety deficient. The most expensive auto parts, are those that are the most sought after at discount prices. These parts are usually smaller, important internal components. Replacing these with used, untested, refurbished or junkyard counterparts pose the most risk to your safety, given their importance to the over all proper functioning of your vehicle. For example, while a discount air filter can easily be found used, these are typically not expensive anyhow. A general rule of thumb is that the more expensive the part, the more risk there is posed by untested replacements.

4. Salvage Yards don't offer safety. While appropriate for body parts like fenders and doors, internal components can vary in quality from "junker to junker" and verifying safety just isn't an option. Wrecks resulting from faulty parts require more spend than simply purchasing new parts at a higher up front cost.

So what's the alternative? Buy new auto parts at discount prices.

Here are a few methods of finding cheap auto parts online without sacrificing quality or safety:

Look for Online Stores Labeled "Discount."

By lowering overhead costs and reducing profit margins, online auto part sellers can reduce prices on brand new auto parts in order to stay competitive. These sellers own what are called "discount stores." Even if an online seller isn't labeled as "discount," if the price is right, (and the auto parts aren't used) it's a safe bet that "cheap" in this case doesn't equal unsafe.

Discount sellers most often operate online since doing so significantly decreases cost, allowing them to offer quality auto parts at affordable prices.

Buy Direct From a Wholesaler.

Many online stores operate as dealers for the direct manufacturer, and these stores will mark up costs for profit. You can bypass online stores directly when looking for discount auto parts by searching for auto parts wholesalers online. Most reputable wholesalers will have an online storefront, offering you wider product selection, lower prices, ease of ordering, and quick service. Be sure to exercise due diligence prior to ordering. Talk to someone directly if possible.

Revealed - Workshop Secrets to Car Bodywork Repair - Collision Repairing and Auto Restoration

When a professional collision repairer wants to bring a vehicle to its pre loss condition the best takes its cues from the aviation industry because the fasteners are very important to the life and safety of the vehicle they are working on. They have predestinated specifications for airplanes fasteners and many times these are scrutinized to make sure they are tightened correctly and if an accident ever occurs this is one main component that is looked at with great length to find out if it was a bolt or screw that loosened that could be a contributing factor!

With that being said although, vehicles may not go through the rigorous stresses an airplane may suffer it is still essential to make sure the right bolt or screw is fastened correctly. If not you, may experience squeaks, rattles, and it may ultimately impair the safety and resale value of the vehicle and cause premature failure. Many buyers are now informed on what to look for including missing bolts or different sizes not meeting specs.

When automotive engineers choose fasteners they do it for a reason and those who repair vehicles have to follow the specific requirements. This is essential, because of the different torque qualities these fasteners must be installed 100% correct. Not only can the look of your car can be affected, but the performance as well. Reports have been done that show certain fasteners on your bumpers and quarter panels if reinstalled incorrectly can cause certain expansion and allow movement, which can ultimately lead to serious damage to your vehicle after time.

When Clamping Down Fasteners:
Fasteners all include certain characteristics. They have a grade and tensile strength, which determines how much they can stretch before breakage. The diameter and type of material determine the resistance of this. The English system defines the strength of a bolt by radial lines with property numbers such as 4.6, 4.8, 5.8, 8.8 9.8 and 10.9 and the nuts must be appropriately classed to each fastener to ensure the same grade and work equally to the fastener that is installed. Nuts attached to the fastener have their own grading system with some using dots to determine their tensile strength and some using actual numbers. Always be fastidious to match the correct pair and that will ensure optimal matching connection. If you deviate from this, you can lose the connection state.

Some Important Variables:
You need to ensure the parts are secured correctly .This just means that enough force is needed to bind the components within the specifications so that parts cannot shift under regular movement.

Many times a factor of a connection can be achieved by using a pitch gauge, which can determine if a bolt or screw is tightened to its specifications. A thread pitch can sometimes be a factor and by reading the manufacturers design codes you can decrease the problems of making a bad connection which can lead to problems down the road.

Go Online And Look For Auto Parts And Accessories

Do you have a domestic or import car? Or perhaps a SUV or a truck? Whatever kind of automobile you have, surely you are concerned with finding the best auto parts and accessories that would complement it. It can be pretty tiring indeed to make rounds and go to stores and shops just to look for the best with the most competitive prices. Well, you need not make the actual rounds anymore at actual auto parts and accessories. What should you do, then? Well, just go online!

The World Wide Web is teeming with great online stores or shops were you can find a wide selection and unbeatable assortments of auto parts and accessories. The main attraction? They are available at wholesale prices! If you are worrying about deliveries, you can pick them up yourself!

Many online companies perform the function of either wholesale distributors or resellers of a wide range of auto parts and accessories for the 600 or more automotive parts and accessories manufacturers all over the world.

According to a recent report, the annual spending of the worldwide market for different automobile parts and accessories reach billions.

So how do you search for the particular car parts you need? Well, you just have to log on to a search engine like Google, Yahoo! Or MSN then enter the particular model, make or brand of auto parts and accessories that you need. Presto! You will find many web sites that offer the things you require for your beloved vehicle. You are also going to be offered with a choice of whether you like a new or used part or accessory for your car, truck, RV, etc.

Thousands of online auto parts and accessories also offer a great range of discount prices for their stuff. And they are offered all over the world, they can be accessed 24/7 and you need not worry because their online sales are based from real time and secure inventories. If you are quite a busy person, it is very convenient to just log on into online stores from all over the world and find major sources of parts and accessories that your vehicle requires.

Shopping for car parts online will also benefit you greatly since the web sites offer lots of free information and advice. They also provide news and updates regarding upgrades in automotive parts and accessories. These allow you to make informed assessment regarding the qualifications and experience of the online vendor you are considering buying from. Not enough information about purchasing after market auto parts and accessories? Well, you can also avail of free advice for these matters and many other concerns you may have concerning your vehicle and the specific part and accessory that it needs.

Online stores and shops also have many catalogs that feature a complete selection of original equipment manufacturer (OEM), replacement automobile parts and accessories and all of the top makes and brands of after market performance auto parts and accessories. What more, they are often available for low, low discounted prices!