The invention of vulcanized rubber by Charles Goodyear in 1844 led to John Dunlop inventing the first air filled pneumatic tyres albeit for bicycles. This in turn resulted in Andre Michelin in 1895 using pneumatic tyres on an automobile which was not a success. The first successful tyre was invented by Philip Strauss in 1911.Since this invention modern tyre technology has evolved in leaps and bounds and today we even have high performance run-flat tyres which allow automobiles to continue moving forward even without air pressure which is possible due to the development of new rubber compounds and utilized in the re-inforcing of tyre sidewalls. Another method is through a rubber clip to the wheel rim which prevents damage to the tyre by the rim when sudden loss of pressure occurs.

Tyres are one of the most maintenance intensive areas of ones vehicle as they act like a membrane through which air gradually leaks out leading to loss of pressure resulting in greater tyre wear which in turn reduces road safety drastically as well as increasing fuel consumption. Tyre pressure and wear has to be constantly checked to ensure both the  safety of the motorist and the longevity of the tyre. Always go by  the manufacturers recommendations. Reputable tyre fitment centres will give you expert advice on all your tyre issues and queries. Wheels and Tyres reviews are also a good source of information in choosing the correct tyres for your vehicle. Always take into consideration your driving style and most commonly encountered weather conditions that will have an effect on tyre performance and safety. Another factor which greatly influences a motorists choice of tyres is the cost. Tyres are not inexpensive and the average motorist does not have the knowledge or budget of a racing driver to equip the vehicle with the most reputable performance tyres.

The wheel is undoubtebly the most important mechanical invention in the history of mankind. The first known use of the wheel dates back to 3200BC when a potters wheel was discovered in what is present day Iraq. This invention in turn was used in horse drawn chariots as a means of transportation and evolved into spoked wheels in Egypt in 2000BC. In the modern era of automobiles steel wheels were commonly used and still are in most commercial vehicles. Advancements in metallurgy have led to the introduction of wheels made from aluminium and magnesium and other mixed alloys which are todays alloy wheels or also known as mag wheels.

Looking 4 Spares is a free parts locator services where one can find cost-effective replacement car parts including well priced replacement wheels and tyres through an eco friendly service which links you to over 200 Scrapyards and spare parts dealers. Always remember to recycle as it saves you both money and contributes positively to the preservation of the earth’s natural resources thereby reducing global warming effects.

For more information and a Free quote  CLICK HERE “Wheels / Motor Spares / Scrapyards”  or Call Centre :  0861 7777 22

Since the advent of the invention of the internal combustion engine humankind has been fascinated and enthralled by the need for speed which immediately led to a competitive spirit amongst manufacturers of vehicles powered by these engines as well as by an  enthusiastic public spurred on by motorsport spectators. The first car race took place in Paris in 1887 and although only one car showed up for the event which it “won” this heralded the beginning of motorsport which has had one of the greatest impacts on human society in the history of the world.

This first motor race took place on public roads and many thereafter, resulting in nine fatalaties in the year 1903 when Marcel Renault had a fatal accident during the Paris to Madrid event of the same year. This led to the banning of motorsport on public roads by the French government and the construction of  purpose built race tracks began, the first being at Brooklands in Surrey, England. This was a 4.43 km concrete track featuring fast banked corners which was officially opened in June 1907 and was in use until 1939 when it was damaged by bombs in WW2 and never reopened.

During the 1930’s expensive road cars were transformed into pure racing vehicles with aerodynamic bodies and powerful multi-stage supercharged engines producing 450 kw. Between 1934 and 1936 weight restrictions limiting maximum weight to 450kg were introduced and the use of lightweight materials became prevalent such as aluminium alloys for bodywork and went  to such extremes that Mercedes actually removed the paint from their machines to be able to meet these regulations thus creating the famous silver arrows racing team.

The motorsport of today involves cutting edge technology with high caliber technicians and engineers maintaining levels of competition of a new age of performance standard production cars that are used for motor racing and private road use. This has led to a rapid advancement in technology both on and off the track which filters down to improving these vehicles that are to be found on public roads. FIA regulations are formulated not only  to make motor racing more exciting as a spectator sport but to benefit the road going public as a whole. Improvements in better and more efficient car parts, engines and gearboxes have resulted.

Vehicles of today utilize these rapidly improving technologies making them far more complex and more expensive to maintain. The expiry of auto manufacturers motorplans leaves consumers in the unenviable position of having to pay for expensive car parts whenever the need arises. These costs are exorbitant and unaffordable to many. Fortunately there are alternatives to sourcing good new and used OEM parts on the internet website Looking4spares, a free parts locator service which connect the motorist to all participating scrapyards and parts suppliers and, provides a cost effective and eco friendly solution to the end user.

For more information and a Free quote  CLICK HERE “Motorsport / Spares / Engineering”  or Call Centre :  0861 7777 22

Maintaining ones vehicle is of vital importance and auto service is the key to succeed in todays world of ever increasing fuel prices as well as the cost of purchasing new and used vehicles and automotive spares. A well maintained vehicle not only reduces fuel consumption but also increases the life of mechanical auto parts thus creating huge savings by increasing the longevity of your car as well as the distance one can travel in terms of litres of petrol used per kilometer.

Servicing your vehicle at regular intervals is of vital importance - always comply with the manufacturers recommended auto service intervals at which an automotive service should be performed. Replacing oil and air filters as well as spark plugs improves the efficiency of your engine improving performance and reduces fuel consumption. Changing your engine oil ensures better lubrication and increases the life of the engine. Always make sure your service log book is stamped by an auto service centre approved by the manufacturer as this service record indicates the service history of your vehicle and increases the resale value.

Car manufacturers often include maintenance contracts into the sale of their products which gives a buyer security in that no further costs over a certain period of time will be incurred in maintaining the vehicle in question. However the terms and conditions of these motorplans vary greatly from one manufacturer to another and it is very important to fully understand what is covered in terms of these motorplans. When a motorplan expires it is often possible to take out a new one or purchase an automotive maintenance insurance policy through independent companies. These are not inexpensive but if one can afford them it will give you security and peace of mind and may be more cost-effective in the long term.

The driving conditions are another factor that should be taken into consideration when maintaining ones vehicle. Certain driving styles are more punishing to cars than others. Drivers that extract the maximum performance have to contend with excessive brake and clutch wear. These parts will as a result have to been replaced more often and it will be beneficial to change the engine oil more frequently as to the manufacturers recommended intervals at your local auto service workshop.

For more information and a Free quote  CLICK HERE “Car Service / Motor Spares / Engineering”  or Call Centre :  0861 7777 22

4x4 Vehicles and the offroad vehicle accessories market has become a very lucrative business in South Africa. Our country offers wild open spaces where four wheel drive enthusiasts can take to the off road terrains and become part of the great outdoor country trails that our country has to offer. Your 4x4 vehicle will need to be prepared for rough terrain and therefore you will require a reliable vehicle that is well equipped with all the 4WD gadgetry you can afford. There are many 4x4 vehicle modifications and accessories that need to be addressed before taking to any bush or mountain trail. Your new  vehicle probably comes with the standard run of the mill bits and pieces for a modern 4x4 vehicle. There are however some very nice 4x4 accessories and ideas for you and your vehicle that are available that you will be required to look into.

A 4x4 vehicles most important item in todays modern times would be the GPS for easy path finding and location settings ensuring your safety first. Long range fuel tanks are a must when the reality hits you of how puny the standard fuel tank really is especially if you have a thirsty engine. Relying on GPS sometimes just does'nt cut it when you're way out in the bush and the next fuel stop is out of your reach. Jerry cans with surplus fuel play the next important role. Next up you will need decent looking bull bar and winch to go with it to protect your radiator and front end body work and headlights to a lesser degree. Most four by four vehicles come equipped with an offroad long jack for lifting the vehicle out of almost impossible situations, but the trusted winch and various 4x4 vehicle recovery accessories are always an offroaders  best friend that can get you and your vehicle out of most places when all else fails. 

The list of accessories for your vehicle goes on and on, bearing in mind that safety comes first. There are many offroad clubs and other organizations to guide the 4x4 enthusiasts, ensuring that you get yourself and your passengers home in one piece. Get the offroad knowledge and learn the skills first hand by enrolling in a 4x4 offroad course and learn how to operate an offroad vehicle in the most extreme conditions that you will probably would experience at some stage or other on your journeys. Remember you will require plenty of practice and guidance, so dont skimp here.

For more information and a Free quote  CLICK HERE “4X4 Vehicles / Spares / Scrapyards”  or Call Centre :  0861 7777 22