New Drivers Read It!---How to Remove The Rear View Mirror?

 Many new drivers are confused by a problem of removing and replacing the rear view mirror especially when they have no idea about what electronics or tools are needed and don’t want to damage the cars.Here some suggestions will be provided and hope it will help you.
You can just remove it just like a normal mirror.You are not supposed to remove the rain sensor, if it does not work after that. However, a mirror removalis much easier.Just unplug the connectors and there would be a t-15 or t-20 torx screw that holds it to the glass mount.
Sometimes, a sensor may look like easily to be removed from the Service Manual, but there is a mounting bracket that is bonded to the windshield. The mounting bracket is not set to be removed.If you remove the bracket and reinstall it, some ill-effects will be caused on the rain sensor. It may not work well or even be not working at all because of the specific “trim” and angle there that are set to be met for the sensor to “see” the rain.

It may be useful for a new drivers,if you have any problems for your driving, you may leave it here and we will try to help you out!

Overheating Due to Overfill of Coolant

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is an essential part of maintaining optimal car function. The main ingredient in antifreeze is glycol, with most modern car engines using a mixture of glycol and water. Filling and maintaining your coolant is a relatively simple procedure. However, if it is not done properly, you can cause serious damage to the engine of your car. If you are unsure about to correctly measure the coolant for your car, have it done by a professional auto repair person, who also can show you how to refill the coolant yourself.

What is Antifreeze?
The main purpose of antifreeze is to lower the freezing point of water during the winter, and raise the boiling point during the summer. For cars, this can be a necessary part of vehicle maintenance if you live in extreme climate conditions. After being placed in the car, the antifreeze circulates through the engine system. The coolant runs through the internal combustion system, preventing the different sections of the vehicles engine from becoming too hot.

Overheating: Too much Coolant
Using straight antifreeze in your car can be just as, if not more detrimental, than no antifreeze at all. Antifreeze must first be mixed with water to produce the desired effects for your engine. Simply running antifreeze through your system alone can cause extremely high temperatures in your engine, resulting in overheating. If you have mistakenly filled your car with only antifreeze without pre-mixing the substance, loosen the bottom radiator hose and drain about half of the coolant. Add water to make about a 50/50 antifreeze water mixture.

Lack of Coolant
A refractometer is the best method for measuring how much antifreeze you have in your car. Too much coolant can cause significant problems to your vehicle. Overheating, as previously described, corrosion, water pump failure and increased engine wear. Too much water however, results in a mixture that will not produce the desired effects of using coolant in the first place. In some instances, for example in very moist and hot temperatures, lack of coolant can also cause your engine to overheat. Without enough coolant, there is no substance to absorb and remove the excessive heat in the engine. Unless you are clear on how to properly refill the coolant in your car, it may be worth the expense and trouble of having a professional do it for you.

Coolant Types
Different types of coolant are available, depending on the climate in which you live and your specific needs. Coolants usually are made of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. It is recommended that you do not mix different kinds of coolants, but flush your system before adding a different type. A new type of coolant available is referred to as "long life" coolant. This type of coolant contains organic acid inhibitors and is thought to last longer than other kinds of coolant.

The Cooling System
The cooling system of an engine is a sealed system. As the pressure in your engine system increases, the temperature will increase. As the water in your engine increases past the boiling point, the water will turn into steam, which is not as effective as liquid at keeping your engine cool. By adding coolant to your engine system, you increase the boiling point of the water, allowing your engine to stay properly cooled. Otherwise, you will experience overheating of the engine.

What Is ASR on Cars?

Anti-Slip Regulation, or ASR, is a secondary safety feature that works with the Anti-Lock Braking System, or ABS, on cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. Also called Traction Control System, or TCS, the ASR helps prevent the vehicle’s wheels from losing traction by using an electro-hydraulic system that controls the engine and brakes in adverse road conditions or if the driver uses excessive acceleration and the wheels slip on the pavement.
Origins
ASR is common in most cars and motorcycles since about 1992. It can trace its history to the early 1930s when Porsche developed the limited slip differential that allows one wheel to spin slightly faster than the others to improve traction. ASR is closely related to ABS, which originated in aircraft landing gear to shorten landing distances. ABS first appeared in 1966 in the British-made, four-wheel drive Jensen FF Grand Tourer. An early user of ASR, which in effect complements ABS, was BMW in 1979. Another early user to employ ASR was the Saab 9000 in the late 1980s. By 1992, the Chevrolet Corvette began using ASR. ASR has since evolved to feature systems that may retard ignition timing, cut fuel flow or reduce the number of engine cylinders operating. Other systems apply brakes to an individual wheel instead of manipulating engine power. Contemporary versions of ASR combine both braking and engine power to supply traction when necessary.

Purpose
ASR helps correct driver error in adverse road conditions. Drivers may use excessive acceleration when road conditions are poor, causing the wheels to slip and the vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane on wet pavement. It may cause tractor-trailer rigs to jackknife, particularly on steep grades and when carrying lighter loads. ASR helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle. ASR stops the spinning wheel by maintaining tractive power and limiting acceleration. Most vehicles have an indicator light to warn the driver of slippery conditions.


Novice Driver’s Friend
ASR is a safety device. Although professional drivers complain ASR compromises performance, it’s standard equipment in high-performance vehicles because the throttle is very sensitive. Likewise, novice or casual drivers often overestimate their ability to control a vehicle in adverse weather conditions by reasserting driver control in unanticipated circumstances.

Function
An engine control unit (ECU) monitors the wheels’ rotation after the ignition is turned on and after the vehicle begins to move. The ECU monitors and compares the acceleration and speed of the powered wheels to the non-powered wheels. The ECU activates the ASR when the wheels’ rotation exceeds the slip threshold. The ASR activates the differential brake valve to control the brake cylinder, and the engine’s driving torque is applied to the braked wheel. This causes the propulsion power on non-powered wheels to increase. ASR then shifts from differential brake control to engine control to reduce engine power. In some systems, ASR will retard the ignition or reduce fuel flow to specific cylinders to reduce power at speeds above 50 mph.

How GPS Works in Cars

Features

For those of us who are "directionally-impaired", a GPS device can go a long way towards simplifying everyday life. Also known as a "global positioning system", this technology is now included within a number of newer model cars. This is made possible through a receiver antenna on a car that communicates with satellites in space. Its main purpose is to let you know where you are, and how to get to your destination.

In addition to providing directions, GPS locators track vehicle mileage and speed, keep a record of your driving activity and track distance traveled. The more sophisticated devices can alert you when your car is stolen, and even let you know when your speeding. Car manufacturers that include this technology in their vehicles are Ford, BMW, General Motors and Lexus.

Function

Global Positioning Systems work off of a network of satellites that orbit the earth on a continual basis. The satellites act as locator devices that pass information back and forth with a car's antenna. Whenever a driver activates her GPS device, three satellites work together to locate the car using signals meant to narrow down the area and location. A fourth satellite analyzes the data generated from the other three to pinpoint a car's exact location.

The mapping interface inside the car is generated by information received from the satellites. Based on longitude and latitude calculations, the location of the car is indicated by an arrow-shaped icon on the console screen. The information that goes into the map is compiled by specialty map-making companies. GPS manufacturers purchase these map databases for inclusion in their navigational systems.

Differential GPS

Most GPS devices have a touch-screen display where the driver enters in his desired destination. The better the system, the more user-friendly this display will be. The display maps are based on real-word surveying, and data compiled from government sources with satellite imagery. When first using the system, users have to program the system for use with their vehicle. Once set-up, just enter a destination address on a touch screen using an onscreen keyboard.

The system relays direction information through a built-in speaker console as you drive. This voice automated feature can be turned on or off at your discretion. The map display can be set up to show close-up diagrams of each intersection as you progress towards your destination. Arrows on the diagram indicate which direction to turn. The more sophisticated systems display city attractions like hotels and restaurants, as well as provide alternate routes to destinations.

Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps and Traffic

Product Description
Edition: 3490LMT - Lifetime Maps & Traffic
Thanks to Garmin Guidance 3.0, FREE lifetime traffic¹ and map² updates, advanced lane guidance and much more, Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator  provides the most comprehensive navigation capabilities available. And at just 9 mm, it’s also our thinnest navigator yet.

Navigate by Touch or by Voice
With its innovative speech recognition, you can control Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator  with your voice — allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply wake up nüvi with a customizable voice command and begin speaking menu options that are clearly displayed on the screen. When you’re stopped, you can still control the nüvi using its 4.3-inch (10.92-cm) glass touchscreen.

Garmin Guidance 3.0 allows you to quickly look up addresses and services and be guided to your destination with voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names. It comes preloaded with maps that feature 3-D landmarks and terrain for North America. It also comes preloaded with more than 8 million points of interest (POIs) and offers the ability to add your own.

Avoid Traffic Tie-ups
With FREE lifetime traffic updates from Digital 3D Traffic, our most extensive traffic avoidance system, Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator  can help you avoid delays. Digital 3D Traffic provides updates every 30 seconds over the HD Radio broadcasting system, so you can easily reroute around congestion and arrive on time.

Enjoy FREE Lifetime Map Updates
With FREE lifetime map updates, you always have the most up-to-date maps, POIs and navigation information available at your fingertips. Map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates.

Know the Lane Before It’s Too Late
Now there’s no more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Available in select metropolitan areas, photoReal  junction view makes unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. When you approach an exit or interchange, nüvi 3490LMT will enter split screen mode and show you a realistic depiction of junctions on your route, complete with road signs and arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. Bird's Eye junction view also is included for a top-down look at upcoming interchanges.

Go Beyond Navigation
Point-to-point navigation is just the beginning. Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator  features a microSD™ card slot so you can store and use detailed cityXplorer™ maps or download custom voices and vehicles for free from the Garmin Garage It also comes with a powered mount that charges while you drive while dual-orientation functionality lets you hold nüvi vertically or horizontally for added convenience driving or walking. And for added convenience and safety, built-in Bluetooth® connectivity lets you make and take hands-free calls and texts.

Garmin nüvi 3490LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator ’s "Where Am I?" emergency locator provides your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and  intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and more. And Enhanced Exit Services tells you what services you’re approaching on the highway.

Product Features
Less than 9mm thick
Make hands-free calls and texts
Voice activated navigation
Lifetime Map and TrafficUpdates
Lane assist with photoReal junction view

Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch BRT 300-Watt Ultra Compact 4-Channel Amplifier

Product Description
The PBR300X4 is a full-range 4-channel amplifier designed for stereo front/rear systems that requires little space. Rockford's Boosted Rail Technology provides an ultra efficient-design generating 300 Watts of power, and the amplifier also boasts a variable hi-level DC offset turn-on circuit for easy installation into any OEM system. Great for motorcycles and recreational vehicles.

300 Watts in an Ultra-Compact Amplifier

CEA-2006

Power ratings on Rockford Fosgate amplifiers conform to CEA-2006 industry standards. These guidelines mean your amplifier's output power ratings are REAL POWER numbers, not inflated marketing ratings.

Discrete Surface Mount

DSM--An industry-leading manufacturing process, DSM utilizes high-speed robotics, high-quality 1% tight-tolerance parts and large board traces. The discrete components are laser etched to meet a particular value and a very low tolerance. This lower tolerance improves the efficiency of the circuit, decreases cross-talk from other discrete components and lowers operating temperature. These superior components are used by aerospace, automotive, and cellular manufacturers.

Dynamic Thermal Management

Heat is often inefficiently dissipated across a heatsink causing "hot spots". This impacts important design goals, which are:

Keeping internal components cool.
Maximizing potential of all components.
Reducing distortion for better sound quality.
Increasing efficiency to produce more power.
Rockford Fosgate engineers have developed an award winning cooling design called DTM. This patent pending design seamlessly manages the output of power supply temperatures, while evenly distributing the excess heat across the entire amplifier.

MEHSA3

MEHSA3 (Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application--gen. 3) is a proprietary process that yields up to five times better heat transfer than traditional FET mounting techniques, using the exact same components. A multi-layer insulated metal substrate operating with minimal thermal resistance spreads heat both downward & outward to quickly dissipate heat from each device across the heatsink. This process combined with our optimized heatsink designs, DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) technology and MOSFET devices, allows Rockford Fosgate to squeeze more watts per cubic inch from every output device as well as provide consistent thermal stability. The 3rd generation creates a dielectric layer between the ceramic topside and the aluminum base that retains all of the electrical isolation and capacitive coupling of the original MEHSA material increasing it's thermal conductivity. The higher power handling results in a 20% reduction in thermal impedance.

NOMAD

NOMAD is a "real time" analog computer that protects your amplifier from shorting speaker wires and dangerously low speaker impedances.

Punch EQ2

In the early 70's, Jim Fosgate studied the acoustical properties of automobiles. Utilizing a real-time analyzer and pink noise, he would graph out the acoustical characteristics of each car he tested. Jim discovered three problems that were common to all cars:

A midbass hump between 100-275Hz
A steep roll-off of high frequencies from 2kHz up to 20kHz
Reduced bass response below 50Hz
The Punch EQ on-board equalization circuit helps correct for these acoustical deficiencies in the listening environment. When set to Low-Pass(LP) operation, it becomes a variable Bass Boost. When set to High-Pass (HP) operation, it acts as a variable Mid-Bass and Treble Boost. When set to All Pass (AP) operation, both Bass and Treble frequencies are boosted.

About Rockford Fosgate

Setting the standard for excellence in the audio industry, the Rockford Corporation markets and distributes high-performance audio systems for the mobile audio aftermarket and OEM market. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Rockford Corporation is a publicly traded company and manufactures its products under four brands: Rockford Fosgate, Rockford Acoustic Design, Lightning Audio and InstallEdge.com.

Car Audio Rview -- Top 5 Car Audio Components

It can be a great idea to have a quality car audio and video system, especially if you spend a lot of time in your car each day. Assembling and installing car audio components yourself can be especially rewarding. You just need to know a little technical jargon and you can make choices like a car audio professional. To help you get started selecting items for your car audio system, here are the top five car audio components to install in your vehicle.
Car Audio Component Essentials:

Car stereo
Your car stereo is the heart of your car audio system. Make sure you select a car stereo that fits your dashboard. They typically come in 2-inch and 4-inch models. Also, choose whether you want to include MP3, satellite radio or other
capabilities in your stereo.

Car audio speakers
Depending on what type of music you listen to and how loud you play it, you will need different speakers. If you want clarity and high-fidelity sound, you'll want to go with car audio speakers that have good frequency response. Use multiple speakers to cover the full hearing spectrum, from 20Hz to 20kHz. A car audio system with a good frequency range will give you good sound reproduction.

Subwoofer
Subwoofers reproduce extremely low frequency sounds, which give your music deep, rich bass. They are great for serious car audio systems. Be sure not play it too loud. Subwoofers have been known to crack windshields and damage hearing.

Amplifier
The amplifier can increase the output of your speakers and subwoofer. Amplifiers do draw a lot of power, so if you experience dimmed lights or other problems when running your car audio system, you may need to make changes to your car battery or power system. Be careful not to run the amplifier too close to its capacity, as this can cause your car audio quality to degrade, quickly.

Car video
LCD screens have opened exciting possibilities in car audio and video. Installing a DVD player in your car audio system, with LCD screens in the headrests or ceiling, can make long car rides more bearable with children in tow.