Bolt-On Doors - Safety ATV Accessories for Your Dream Ride

ATV accessories are used for a variety reasons. With the boom in their demand, manufacturers have started a large number of options for ATV enthusiasts to add power, functionality as well as sturdiness to their dream rides. These accessories range from high tech motion sensors to state of art Global Positioning Systems, better known as GPS. However, when we talk about ATV accessories, it wouldn't be unfair to say that safety accessories are the most critical upgrades you must consider for your ATV as the power held under the hood of ATVs clubbed with the conditions these monster vehicles have to cope with often leads to mishaps.
In order to ensure you are safe from a possible mishap, one of the highly recommended ATV accessories is bolt-on doors. These are side doors especially made to be mounted on ATVs. Owing to the rise in their demand, these doors are now available in a number of designs and construction options to fit different types of ATVs perfectly. Hence, before you may buy a pair for your ATV, it is extremely important that you assess the exact type of doors that will fit the model of ATV you have, unless you wish to go through the hassles of getting the buy changed or returned.
Furthermore, in order to lure customers a large number of cheap imports have also entered the market. However, despite their remarkably low prices, buying them is not advisable. This is because the poor quality of material such doors are made from makes them absolutely useless. Neither they provide the required sturdiness to your ATV nor do they serve any considerable lifespan. Hence, when you are out to buy bolt-on doors, it is recommended that you always go for reputed names in the business such as RZR doors, Ranger doors, and the likes.
Being market leaders; no matter whether you are considering to buy RZR doors or Ranger doors, you are sure to find a suitable match for your ATV at the local store you go to for your ATV needs. However, with the globalization of internet reforming the way we used to buy things, it is recommended that you buy the required ATV accessories from a web based small business. This is because by buying the required doors online, not only will you be able to save a great deal of time, you may very well save a considerable amount of money as well.

Mud Flaps For Your ATV

When you own an ATV or when you are planning to buy an ATV of your own, then naturally you will want to add some accessories to it because you want it not only to look good but because you also want it to function better. Granted, there are some accessories that are just there to improve on the looks of your ATV but there are also some ATV accessories that are actually there to improve the performance of your ATV, so you see, accessories are not all about looks.
One ATC accessory that adds to the overall look of your ATV as well as improve its performance are mud flaps. Yes, they don't sound overly glamorous but they do a lot to improve on how your ATV runs. When you get mud flaps, you then reduce the amount of mud that gets splashed onto everything. This prevents mud from getting into areas that they shouldn't get into so that you machine runs in tip top shape all the time. Mud can do a lot of damage to the moving parts of your ATV and it can even affect the smoothness of the ride and the general move of your machine. If you want an ATV that moves as smoothly as the day you got it, then these mud flaps are your best friends.
Now, you may be a simple guy and you just want normal looking mud guards for your ATV; you can get them in plain black or if you want something with more flash then perhaps you can get them in flashy colors and even flashier designs. Some of these even come with prints that will blow your mind. Of course looks are just one part of what makes a good mud flap, you also have to get them in materials that are easy to wash and also durable so that they last a long time and also so they do not keep wearing out and that leaves you having to buy a new one every time the old one bites the dust.
These things vary in cost and sometimes, you will find that a flashy one made of good material will cost you more than a plain black one. It all depends on your budget and your tastes. So remember ATV users that if you want to keep the mud at bay, get a mud flap or two so protect your ATV.

Why My Clutch Is Smoking On My Go Kart

I have written several commentaries on this subject in the past, but I think it warrants rehashing, because there are two possible reasons why your clutch is smoking. I usually discuss one most likely reason, but in this article let's talk about the two possible causes of why your clutch is smoking on your go kart.
First the fundamental understanding of go karts is needed. The drive line typically consists of a clutch driver and the driven axel sprocket. The driven axel sprocket is mounted directly to the rear driver axel which turns the drive wheels. This is a one step system, or a one ratio system.
The centrifugal clutch which is used on most go karts, uses weights that are mounted internally in the clutch that fling out and press against the clutch bell housing. The bell housing then in turn moves the sprocket driving sprocket teeth.
The typical clutch has 10 to 12 sprocket teeth. As a rule of thumb any clutch that has more than 10 to 12 sprocket teeth is going to give trouble to the drive line. Trouble as in smoking clutch.
The engagement of the weights to clutch bell housing occurs at a certain rpm. Typically this rpm is around 1800 to 2000 rpm. The engine needs to blast through this level of rpm and get the clutch pack to stick and finally engage to the walls of the clutch bell. The smoking aspect occurs when the clutch is engaging but is not fully grabbing. If the prolonged engagement occurs for too long, the clutch will start to smoke and eventually damage it to where the weights will only slip and perhaps even crack and break apart.
As I stated at the start of the article, the prolonged engagement occurs because of two possible reasons:
1.) The engine is not powerful enough to get past the engagement stage
2.) The clutch weight rpm is not high enough.
The engine not being powerful enough typically is the result of a mismatch in ratios to the rear drive wheels. So the real reason is that the ratio is not steep enough, and therefore the engine smokes the clutch.
(Another possible issue can occur and that is if the clutch is made to engage at lower rpm than the engine can grab at, the engine may not have enough power, and the engine will suddenly (more like violently) shudder and stop. It is not uncommon for the engine to be so overpowered that it rotates backwards momentarily.)
The second way the clutch will smoke is if the clutch rpm never reaches engagement speed, or it is in the neighborhood of engagement speed, but is not high enough above the engagement speed to get a lock. This will smoke the clutch and is prevalent in mismatched jackshaft systems.
The remedy for the first clutch smoking problem, is to alter the drive line so that the overall ratio is steeper. The simple method is to increase the rear sprocket diameter. Programs have been written that will estimate if you clutch will smoke or not, they typically are found on web pages or are available for purchase through various web pages. Typically what occurs is that the hp-ratio just will not be possible using the simple one ratio system. So a jack shaft needs to be added to make the ratio even steeper. In other words, making it a two ratio system.
This is where guys who install jackshafts need to be aware. The clutch typically cannot be put on the driver of the jackshaft, with a ratio in front of it. This will make the clutch rotate too slowly, even though the overall ratio is correct. So the clutch engagement rpm needs to be taken into account otherwise the clutch will smoke on the secondary jackshaft mounting position.
The bottom line is if clutch is not engaging because of either too little hp, or too slow of a clutch speed then the system need to be changed by altering the ratios either behind the clutch or in front of the clutch.

Robert Gamble is a go kart building expert with over 25 + years of experience. He has various published works on go kart building from metal framed go karts, wood go karts and even pedal go karts. Using his engineering background he has developed several in depth and easily understood books on drivelines.

Go Kart Safety And What You Can Do About It

I have my web email alert system set for the keyword "go kart" and periodically some person is injured or killed on a go kart because of something that could have been avoided; namely, cars.
The way cars affect go karts is obvious, but let's review lest we think this article is not for us:
- The car is moving
- The car is parked
More often than not a go kart is driven into a busy street and a moving car will hit a go karter killing the individual. I have not ever seen a good outcome when a go kart is hit by a car, regardless if the go kart has a roll cage and seat belt system. Go karts cannot ever be driven in the street for this very reason, cars cannot see go karts, they are too low to the ground. The car always wins, the go kart always loses; Simple physics.
The other mistake that go karters make is assuming that parked cars are safe to be around because they are not moving. Wrong, go karts can slam into cars. More specifically under cars making the body of the person the first object to slam into the car and hence yield in poor results.
For these very reasons go karts should never be ridden anywhere near obstacles of any kind, such as trees, cars, bushes, fences, parking curbs. Additionally unsafe terrain such as steep hills, narrow trails with trees on each side, are just as dangerous because of the risk or roll over and or slamming into a tree are very great.
Though go karts are fun, they need to be driven in open and approved areas such as track designed for go karts.
Usually a go kart incident occurs because a younger driver, not used to the controls, slammed into a parked car, or drove out into a busy street. These unfortunate accidents could have been avoided had the go kart owners not allowed the go karts to be driven in the areas with parked cars or busy streets. Secondly, proper safety equipment is equally as important in saving lives should a mishap occur.
And finally, there is no substitute for good driving habits and proper safety protocols when using ATVs or go karts. Go karts are dangerous vehicles themselves and those around the go kart are in equal danger to those riding the go kart. The go kart in motion is a moving projectile that can cause bodily harm to anyone who gets in it way.

Go Kart Plan

I remember my first go-kart. It was made out of wood and had some metal handlebars off of a push mower as its main frame component. My grandpa had helped me put it together. My grandpa had a farm so anything that I could find sitting around was fair game. He gave me several lawnmowers and the target was to make a go-kart out of a lawnmower in three days.
Well the endeavor was pretty lofty to begin with. I did make some headway, but it was too little too late by the time the three days were up. We managed to scrape together a go-kart frame, but the lawnmower engine part was elusive and difficult.
Bottom line is that three years after that endeavor and my grandpa now passed away, the frame sat until I came up with a plan and stuck to it.
What I would have been able to do if I had a plan before! The go-kart plan is so vital for making headway in a go-kart because the following things will keep you in the dark:
- Steering
- Go-Kart Drive Line
- Brakes
- Go-Kart Frame
- Center of Gravity Placement (vital for good go-kart cornering)
Very often we will get some of the pieces working, or partially working and then have to scrap the whole project because we did not think it through properly. That is where a plan, one where someone has figured out the difficult parts for you, comes into play.
If you are considering making your own go-kart you may want to get a good go-kart plan and look at what is going on with the frame work, steering, drive line and brakes before you just start welding stuff together. More often than not, the go-kart may work, but will steer funny and tend to go straight. Or the clutch will smoke because the drive line was not matched properly to the engine, the clutch and the rear sprocket.
The steering of the go-kart should consist of an Ackermann style system where the wheels are designed to move at different rates to accommodate the proper tracking arc for optimum cornering performance. Additionally, the steering should be such that the mechanism is tucked away and not interfering with the foot pedals. Often go-kart enthusiast will miss this point and end up having the throttle and brake pedals interlocking (on accident) with the steering linkage causing an unsafe directional control problem.
The steering system should also be placed optimally for the center of gravity to be in the proper spot for excellent handling. Again what occurs is the wheels are usually placed too far forward (from the center of gravity) causing the weight over the wheels to be too little. This will cause the wheels in front to not bite enough and the go-kart will tend to just go straight, a condition known as severe under steer. A good go-kart plan will accommodate for larger drivers and smaller drivers. This allows the steering system to be moved to the optimum location for center of gravity placement.
The drive system usually is either the last or the most overlooked item on the go-kart. Typically a go-kart will be designed with too little ratio causing the go-kart clutch to smoke. Additionally the go-kart will require pushing to get it to start. The go-kart will also have crummy acceleration and obviously not be able to climb any sort of hill. This is where most give up and throw in the towel, because it seems that lots of dollars are going to be needed to get this go-kart to work properly, if at all.
There is an optimum set of drive line ratios for climbing hills or for going on straight ways. The optimum ration can be calculated easily either by hand or with a computer program.
And there is always that guy who wants to take a lawnmower engine and use it on a go-kart. There are several ways, but knowing and using the most durable system can be elusive if you don't understand drive lines and what makes clutches slip. Again a good go-kart plan will show you how to leap past these hurdles.
Finally, a good brake system is needed to stop the go-kart. Smack into a fence or a bush once and you'd had wished you had taken the advice of installing so good brakes. Don't go light on the brakes, stopping the go-kart is more than just jamming a stick into the ground. There are several types the most primitive being the rubbing style brake. The other two are the drum brake and the disc brake. The most stopping power can be had out of the disc brake, because it dissipates the heat better and does not fade like the rubbing and the disc brake.
A good go-kart plan will take into account brakes and how to install them properly. A final note on go-kart brakes, the biggest complaint about them is the floatation that is required for the brakes the work properly. The little trick to keep the go-kart brake working properly is to realize that the disc need to float so that the system does not bind up.
And lest we forget, safety is of utmost concern when designing a go-kart. Are there safety devices such as roll cages, seat belts, or retention columns? And a word of advice when playing around with go-karts always use safety equipment such as helmets, gloves, thick cloths, heavy shoes (boots) and drive safely.

Basic Low Cost Belt Drives For a Go Kart

Go Kart Drive Line components can be quite expensive, especially if you are thinking of making your own reliable cheap go kart. Typical costs for drive line components can be in the range of 100 to 200 dollars. The cheap alternative, however, to the traditional chain-clutch driven system is the belt drive.
The basic belt drive consists of a driver on the engine and a driven on the drive wheel or axle. The belt is tensioned either by moving the engine forward or by pushing a belt tensioner on the belt.
There are several important requirements for a belt drive. First the proper ratio and second the proper type components.
Go Kart Belt Drive Ratio
The belt drive system in order for it to work requires a steep ratio of 8:1. Any less of a ratio and the engine will stall and the go kart will require pushing in order for it to go. (This 8:1 ratio assumes the wheel is 12 inches in diameter.) The rule of thumb for the pulley size is that the driven pulley needs to be as large as the tire. Any smaller and the ratio will be too little and the engine will stall or the belt will smoke.
Proper Component Selection
One of the big mistakes that first time go kart builders will make is to use a pulley that is made out of zinc. Typically these pulleys can be found at hardware stores; however, they are not able to handle the horsepower requirements of go karts. In fact if you do use a pulley that is made out of aluminum or zinc the pulley will melt after about ten minutes of use. The pulley needs to be made out of steel.
The next important design criteria about an engine pulley is that is needs to be as small as possible. A diameter of 1.75 is about at large as you can go before the ratio becomes out of range and the engine stalls and smokes belts.
Additionally, the pulley will get piping hot and needs to be held in place with Loctite and a bolt on the end of the engine to prevent it from coming off of the engine. And obviously the pulley needs to be keyed to the engine to ensure proper torque transmission to the pulley-belt.
The driven side of the go kart is an entirely different matter. The pulley can be made of sandwiched plywood as the low cost homemade alternative or the pulley can be bought at a local tractor supply store. The wood pulley is attractive because it is very cheap and can be mounted directly to a wheel via bolts.
The belt tensioner system requires some durable tensioner pulleys. Those too can be purchased at a local hardware store. The belt tensioner is basically a pulley that is jammed into the face of the belt causing the belt clearance between the engine driver and the wheel pulley to lessen. This now tensioned belt grabs much better and causes the wheels to turn.
It is important to be on the slack side of the belt when using a tensioner; otherwise you will be fighting the engine and constantly burning up belts. The way to look at a belt is to view it as a glorified rubber band. The belt stretches as it passes the engine pulley.
The tension side will always be tight, but the tensioner on the slack side encourages full belt wrap; and that is the key to the belt drive: at least 180 degrees or more of belt wrap around the engine pulley.
The idea is to get as much surface area grabbing the belt so that it efficiently transfers load through and to the remainder of the drive system.
The tensioner system can be activated by a lever arm or a cable. Usually a spring is used to deactivate the system so that when the clutch is unlatched the engine is not spinning the tires.
Important Note About Belt Tensioners
This is an important note about belt clutch systems. Always make the system deactivate by itself when no human input is being done. For example, the foot releases the pedal, the clutch automatically releases. The reason for this is if the engine is being started, the last thing you want is for it to be in gear. This will cause the go kart to lurch forward during start up. Again, it is important to have the clutch system deactivate automatically.

Look For Quality, Warranty, and More in an ATV Battery and Snowmobile Batteries

Enjoying riding your all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile demands reliable equipment. This includes reliability of all your vehicle's parts and systems. A premium ATV battery or snowmobile batteries are your best choice for reliability.
Let's consider an ATV battery first. Your search for a good product means finding a reputable online supplier.
The best suppliers carry batteries and chargers for a variety of machines. These include All-Terrain, Quad, Trike, and Four-Wheeler vehicles. This means you can access what you need from one vendor.
Look for a premium sealed AGM battery for your riding needs. These provide robust performance to your four-wheel machine. Consider batteries with QuadFlex technology for long-lasting performance.
Your choice of battery manufacturer is important. Consider a top brand that offers a sealed lead acid replacement ATV battery. This would be of the maintenance free type.
A battery of this type means no leaking acid and no tarnished chrome. Furthermore, there is no terminal corrosion.
In addition, a good online supplier offers batteries for major ATV brands. Examples include Arctic Cat, Bombardier (Can-Am), Dazon, and Honda. Additional examples include John Deere, Kasea, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha and more.
A top supplier offers a substantial inventory. They carry premium lines of batteries, which cover a great number of part numbers. This expedites your searching so you're back on your ATV sooner.
For snowmobile batteries, consider an all weather maintenance free power sport battery. As you brave the elements, you want robust reliability. A premium battery means safe snowmobiling in cold temperatures.
A leading online vendor carries batteries for the top snowmobile brands. These include Arctic Cat, BRP-Ski-Doo, Kawasaki, Polaris, Ultranautics, and Yamaha. Use an online vendor's snowmobile battery selector to find exactly what you require.
Use this selector to look for a sealed lead acid AGM type. Snowmobile batteries of this type mean no more filling or leaking acid. They also mean no more messes to clean up.
A warranty is vital when purchasing an ATV battery or snowmobile batteries. You want to protect your investment. Find a manufacturer who offers a two-year warranty.
While you're at it, look for additional benefits. An online vendor who values you as a customer goes the extra mile.
An example is offering free shipping on all ground orders. This includes orders for all types of batteries and chargers.
When researching products, use a supplier who has an easy search function. With a myriad of inventory available, you want to narrow your search quickly. You want a simple process.
This process involves selecting a manufacturer, engine size, model and year. Moreover, a good search function lets you search by model number or OEM part number.
Finally, look for a supplier that offers battery chargers, testers and accessories. A smart trickle charger increases the life expectancy of your power sport battery. You get more years of use using a charger.
You can leave a premium charger on your batteries indefinitely without causing damage. They are safe for use on most all lead acid battery types.
Look for quality, warranty and other top features in an ATV battery or snowmobile batteries. Do your due diligence when researching these products. Then, revel in the enjoyment of outdoor riding with trustworthy batteries.

Go Kart Drive System Enigma: Tire Size Versus Sprocket Size: What Is The Best Combination?

Question: "I have this go kart and I want to make the rear tires bigger. If I change the diameter of rear sprocket so that it increases correspondingly with the rear tire, will the performance of the go kart suffer? In other words will the go kart go slower than before and will the go kart have really poor off the line acceleration?"
Good question, I have often thought about that myself. I have often said that the rule of thumb for a go kart to have optimum performance is to have the rear sprocket be nearly 85% of the rear wheel diameter. The question is, does that apply just for 12 inch diameter wheels or does it apply to 16 inch rear wheels too?
The answer to that question may surprise you. It surprised me. When I ran through the calculations a funny pattern emerged:
- A 12 inch diameter tire with a 12 inch diameter rear sprocket yielded a speed of 22 miles per hour at 7.3 feet per second squared of acceleration.
- A 16 inch diameter tire with a 16 inch diameter rear sprocket yielded a speed of 22 miles per hour at 7.3 feet per second squared of acceleration.
I thought that was erroneous so I ran a whole slew of tires sizes with corresponding sprocket sizes and still came up with the same numbers.
So the answer is no. No, your performance will not suffer if you increase your sprocket size correspondingly with the wheel size.
What will happen if you do not increase your sprocket size is that the clutch will become over loaded and smoke. The go kart will require pushing to start and will have horrible low end performance.
But if you increase the diameter of the sprocket so that it is 85% of the rear tires diameter, the performance should stay nearly constant.
That is an unexpected result, but one you can depend on if you are designing a go kart from scratch. The rule of thumb stands: "The rear sprocket should be nearly 85% of the rear tire size for optimum acceleration and speed performance."
The belt drive system for example is quite dependent on this relationship. The reason is that the drive pulley for a belt drive can be quite large, 1.75 inches in diameter, and requires that the rear pulley be as large as possible.
In the case of the wood go kart that I designed, in order to keep the ratio a simple one to one system (versus adding a jack-shaft) the rear pulley had to be the same size as the rear tire. I was able to get through this problem by making a wood pulley which was durable enough to handle road conditions, cheap enough to make myself and best of all gave the performance that was needed for good acceleration and overall speed performance.

Bushwacker Fender Flares for the Bold Look

n the 4-wheel drive community, Bushwacker is a common name, as Bushwacker is a manufacturer of high quality Jeep accessories and fender flares that established itself decades ago. The products are not only high quality, they are stylish and what the Bushwacker name has been built on.
Bushwacker backs all their Jeep accessories and fender flares that come with a limited warranty for the life of the duration of the accessories or fender flares life and they are manufactured so that they are easy to install. For the 4-wheeler, there is nothing better than decking out their ride, and Bushwacker definitely provides the high quality, stylish parts and accessories for this.
Bushwacker has many different styles in their flares which will transform your Jeep in a stylish manner and within minutes.
Bushwacker Fender Flares
Bushwacker Pocket Style Flares: When you size up to a wider, larger tire, you must keep your Jeep legal. The Bushwakcer Pocket Fender Flares are the perfect flare for the job. The installation of the flares is quick and convenient and require no drilling. Features of the Pocket style flares include no warping, cracking or fading. The fender flares come with a stainless button-head torque head bolts.
Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender Flares: These Bushwacker flares are another stylish flare with the cost much less than most flares. The Extend-A-Fender Flares provides the Jeep with a sharp, bold look that sets it in a class of its own. These flares provide a 6" coverage can easily be custom painted.
Bushwacker Cut-Out Flares: The Bushwacker Cut-Out Flares provide extra tire coverage to the Jeep, and protect its paint job. Cut-Out Flares are designed for Jeeps with bigger tires and provide 6" of tire and made of Dura-Flex 2000® for optimal flexibility and durablity. Features include no warping, cracking or chalking. These fender flare come with self tapping button head stainless torque screws which provide a fast and easy installation process. On some models, drilling may be required.
Bushwacker Flat Style Flares: Bushwacker Flat Style Flares, are stylish flare, as well, and add additional tire coverage to the Jeep, as well as, protection. Installation is easy and within minutes the Jeep will be transfored to a distinctive looking vehicle that shines. The process is fast and adds that off-roader look to the Jeep that so many Jeep enthusiasts admire. Bushwacker Flat Style Flares do not warp, crack, or chalk.
Bushwacker is definitely a name that has bult it reputation through high quality and durablity products over the last four decades. Fender flares are just one of the many Jeep accessories that sets the Jeep aside from others, and gives a sharp, bold look that makes 4-wheel vehicles. There are many online suppliers that offer Bushwacker products, such as, 4WD.com, which is a reputable supplier of 4-wheel drive vehicles. 4WD.com carries the best in high quality products from leading manufacturers in the industry such as Bushwacker and Smittybilt, as well as, other quality manufacturers that are known throughout the 4-wheel drive community

How to Buy Quality ATV Batteries Online

If you are buying ATV batteries, you won't find a better deal than most dealers for motorcycle batteries. If you want to save money on batteries, then you should consider them.
However, before you make your purchase, you may want to consider shopping around first. If you don't, you could end up losing your shirt, and who wants to do that? So, to get the best value for your money, here's what you need to do:
First, you'll want to visit the search engines. You'll get the best results using Google, so you may want to consider going there.
Do a search for your search term in quotes. Since you're replacing ATV batteries, you'll want to search for that.
Once you reach the appropriate site, then your next step is to search the site for a battery for your brand of ATV. Start by comparing cost. Next is the shipping and handling because this can actually cause the cost a lot more than you expected, so avoid buying from a site that charges it if you can.
Look for additional accessories. For example, you may also want to consider looking for portable battery chargers, especially if you plan to travel and want to take your ATV with you. This will allow you to recharge your battery in remote locations if you need to, as well as perform any necessary maintenance.
One important thing you want to remember here is to never use a car charger on your battery. If you do, you will destroy the battery as a car battery charger isn't made to be used with this type of battery.
You could also hurt yourself, so it's best just to avoid this altogether. Since most of these types of sites will sell accessories too, then this will help you buy everything you need and save money at the same time.
Customer service is one of the final issues you want to consider, as well as being able to buy locally. If you need it now, you'll want to locate a company nearby that sells what you need. Consider using Google Business Local for this one. You can search by location and topic.
If you have problems, good customer service will help you get it solved more quickly. Many sites will offer you a phone number, email address or maybe even chat.
When you have finished your research, place your order. Don't forget to check when you can expect to receive your battery.
Depending on who your company uses to ship your order, you can determine how quickly you'll receive your order. If you need it now, you don't want to order it online. Otherwise, you'll have to wait to get it, so you'll need to decide here how long you can wait.
When you receive your order, check to make sure it's complete. Install your new battery and make sure everything is working. If you run into problems, contact customer service and get their help. They will also be able to assist you with installing the battery if you're a little nervous and want some help.
Buying an ATV battery is a simple process, especially if you buy one online. Take the time to do your research before making your purchase. Don't forget to bookmark the site you purchased from when you're finished. you'll save yourself a lot of hassle, as well as a lot of time and money in the long run

Needed Equipment for an Off-Road Trip - ATV Battery and Motorcycle Batteries

Trip planning is often stressful, especially if you're going completely off-road and miles into the wilderness. An extra ATV battery and motorcycle batteries may not seem terribly important, but they could save a lot of headache. No one wants to be miles away from civilization without tools, a flashlight or other necessities.
Don't let planning your next trip be overly stressful; keep this checklist handy:
Flashlight: Don't underestimate this small, but much needed item. Even if you're just planning a day trip, take a flashlight just in case you're out past dusk and something happens to prevent you from getting home safely.
Toolbox: This may seem redundant, but a little reminder never hurt anyone. Always make sure your most-needed tools are in the toolbox and the toolbox is in the vehicle with all of your other necessary items.
Jack: Make sure to take a jack in case you need to change a tire or get under the ATV to fix something. You never know what may go wrong when you're miles away from everything familiar and need something so simple.
Pry Bar: Thin and easy to stow away in the back of the truck or in the trailer with your ATV or motorcycle, a pry bar could come in very handy for lifting heavy items.
Spare Tires: Flats happen. No one likes them, but tires do occasionally go flat. Take a spare tire for each motorcycle or ATV you take on the trip. A can of tire fixer and portable air pump is also a nice addition to any off-road trip.
Electric Drill: Changing parts in the middle of the wilderness is time consuming. An electric drill with attachments and extra batteries could save a lot of time in the event something breaks down.
Tape: Both duct tape and electrical tape should always be kept in your toolbox for emergencies. You never know when something electrical may malfunction, requiring on-the-spot repair. Duct tape is strong enough to hold some pretty serious weight if needed for parts that don't generate heat.
First Aid Kit: Never leave home on a motorcycle or ATV trip without a first aid kit. Simple first aid should always be understood by all participating in the trip. Advanced first aid is preferable in the event of serious injury. Consider first aid and CPR classes in case of emergencies.
Batteries: Extra flashlight batteries, motorcycle batteries, or an ATV battery are absolute necessities. You may not always have cell phone service, but make sure you take a fully charged phone just in case of emergencies.
This is a very basic checklist for the bare necessities. Your list of personal necessities may be a bit more entailed. Other items you decide to take may be added to the list on an as-needed basis. Some other items may include a sleeping roll, a hammock or tent, or even cooking utensils for overnight stays.
The checklist for a full camping trip will, of course, be much bigger. Aside from motorcycle batteries, an ATV battery, and tools; you'll need canned foods with a manual can opener. Don't forget the toilet paper. Every trip should also include a ready-to-leave checklist so you make sure to leave the wilderness as clean as it was when you arrived.

How To Select The Best Catalytic Converters For Off-Roaders

Truck and jeep owners who participate in off-road adventures need quality vehicle products including Catalytic Converters. These exhaust products must be able to handle rough terrains, rock crawling, and mudding. 4 Wheel Parts is a leader of vehicle products for off-roaders including catalytic converters which are required for vehicles that are used both on and off the road.
There are several types of catalytic converters. Some are legal for street use while others are not. This may be state-specific so be sure to know your state's law regarding it. Each type of converter has individual benefits. All are critical to an effective vehicle exhaust system.
Converters play a major role in reducing vehicle emissions. These exhaust products convert emissions from vehicle exhaust systems into non-toxic outputs. To do this, a chemical reaction occurs in the converter that changes toxic pollutants created by an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances.
Many view trucks and jeeps as particularly responsible for producing harmful vehicle emissions. This is particularly true for those that run on diesel fuel. The larger the vehicle's engine, the more pollution. Or so it seems. In reality, there are several high-quality catalytic converters that truck and jeep owners can purchase through 4 Wheel Parts to significantly reduce toxic exhaust emissions.
When you buy a "49-State" catalytic converter, you get a product that meets EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and emissions requirements for vehicles. Two types are made: universal fit and direct fit. Universal fit converters can be used with most vehicles. However, installation requires customization with cutting or welding equipment. You will need to have this type of converter professionally installed.
If you prefer to install the converter yourself, the "49-State" direct fit model is your best option. This type of catalytic converter meets the specific requirements of each vehicle make and model. While you can keep it simple by using the bolt-on installation procedures, you may want to further secure it by welding it to insure it stays in place.
A "California" catalytic converter meets CARB (California Air Resources Board) and emissions requirements for vehicles. Like the "49-State" converter, the "California" catalytic converter is available as a universal fit and direct fit product. The universal fit product will require professional installation while the direct fit can be self-installed. Both are for legal for street use. Unlike the "49-State", the two "California" converters cannot be modified beyond stated applications and remain compliant with CARB.
If you are planning to use your truck or jeep for off-street racing, there are race converters available that produce limited back pressure. This allows you to meet racing as well as emissions requirements. Diesel catalytic converters are also made for racing vehicles.
Off-roaders need high-quality converters because they push their vehicle's engine which produces more exhaust. That is available from 4 Wheel Parts reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Through a chemical reaction that results when specific pollutants and exhaust chemicals interact with one another, converters help keep our air and environment clean. And they are ideal for off-roaders who are rough on their vehicles.

Preparing for Your MOT

Although submitting your vehicle through an MOT may seem like a time consuming and expensive hassle, truth is, that without your MOT certificate, your vehicle simply isn't roadworthy. As long as your vehicle is in good condition and it's been regularly serviced and maintained to manufacturers specification, your vehicle should pass the MOT test.
The Directgov website explains, "your MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle, without dismantling it, met the minimum environmental and road safety standards required by law."
In order to prevent your car from being off the road for any longer than the duration of the test - which is usually around 40 minutes - you can give your car a quick once over in order to check for any potential problems. This way, you can get them fixed before your vehicle enters its MOT. Please note that maintenance checks should be done on a regular basis, not just prior to the MOT test. So, what can you do in preparation for your vehicle's MOT?

• Give your car a quick clean and wash off any mud or dirt from around and underneath the vehicle. Not only does it look more professional when you bring a clean car into the MOT, but a tester can actually refuse to examine your vehicle if it's really mucky. Your number plates should also be clean and legible. Quickly take it through the car wash prior to the test.
• It's best to empty the boot so that the vehicle isn't carrying any excess weight. Any clutter could potentially hinder the test.
• Test the brake pedals by pushing down on them with your feet. If they feel a little resilient and springy then you should get these checked out prior to your MOT. The brakes should have a firm bounce.
• Pull the handbrake lever up and assess whether it's as it should be. If you're able to pull the handbrake lever too far or it feels a bit loose then cable may need adjusting.
• To check the vehicle's ABS, hold down the steering wheel and keep it help down while your turn the engine on. If the wheel pulls down and then returns to its normal position then your ABS is fine. You should also check that there are no abnormal or unusual movements in the steering wheel when you turn it.
• If possible, ask someone to help you out and hold a cloth over the end of the exhaust while your start up the engine. If the engine stalls then this is good; it means there are no leaks within the exhaust system.
• Look out for any large and noticeable cracks that may obstruct your vision of the road. Minor cracks are usually OK, but it's best to get them sorted prior to your MOT.
• Ask a friend to help you check all of the vehicle's lights. Test the brake lights, indicators, headlights and number plate lights etc. If a light is blown or become broken then replace the bulb.
• Keep an eye out for any tyre damage and objects that have become jammed in the tyre's tread. If the tread is less than 1.6mm then you must replace your tyres immediately. Worn and uneven tyres are deemed unsafe and are a common factor to vehicle's failing their MOT.
• Check that the horn, ignition, wipers, washers and seat belts work.

Important Facts About the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of ATV Tires

People often overlook important details about the maintenance of their automobile, thus most of the times decreasing its life span, and in some extreme cases, even putting lives in danger. Even though tampering with vehicles is not recommended (and also illegal in most countries), an owner still has an active role in deciding what parts can fully satisfy his needs.
When talking about vehicles, there are two elements that must be known and properly understood: services and parts. Generally, automotive services such as oil changes, wheel alignments or brake repairs are done by professional mechanics, in authorized services that can give guarantees of their quality work. However, this commodity is not a reason why people should not know how to perform a simple oil change when in need. Regarding oil changes (and most automotive services for that matter), most countries consider it mandatory that they are made at least on a yearly basis. The simple oil change is one of the actions that can prolong the time that the car can run well and can be necessary anywhere between three or twenty-four months, depending on the driver's habits and, of course, on the type of vehicle.
Even if a certain quality control is imposed for all services, things tend to change when talking about the automotive parts industry. Most of the times it happens with a poorly made mirror or headlight, but when important elements such as tires are not properly manufactured, the safety of the driver and passengers can no longer be ensured. This is even more relevant for ATV enthusiasts, who rely greatly on the quality of their tires.
Different models of ATV tires exist, and even if some of them are regarded as "the best for any terrain", in reality you must know what you need them for. The main choice is usually between comfort and resistance to tough terrain. When used on a daily basis, most manufacturers usually recommend less aggressive ATV tires, for more "enjoyable" rides; however, if used rarely and in extreme driving conditions, an 8 plies carcass tire will surely suit your needs a lot better. The same comfort factor is essential when choosing between radial and bias ATV tires. Of course, most distributors and manufacturers offer guidance in the decisive process, so you should always address any questions to the specialized staff.
No matter what you desire to invest in, always look for products with a quality guarantee because they will almost always prove to be reliable in the long run.

Things to Know When Choosing an Online Car Financing Company

A bad credit rating is one of the most common problems of people today. This can be an issue especially when applying for auto loans. The good news is some car financing firms today are offering car loans for people with bad credit. If you are one of those people troubled with poor credit, this article will help you out.
Many lenders understand how hard it is to have bad credit especially when you need a loan to start anew. If you are looking for a car financing company, you can start your search online. Web-based lenders can help you get your car regardless of your credit history. The following are some of the things you should remember to have a successful online loan application.
Connection to Lenders
It is important to know about the connection of the online company to actual lenders. Choose a financing company with lenders providing direct loans to customers. Doing so will save you more time because it can mean faster approval of the loan application. This will also give you the chance to shop like a cash buyer.
Partnership with Car Dealers
Affiliates of most online firms can be individuals or agencies specializing in poor credit car loans. Choose a company with a good connection to car dealers. They can provide better assistance in processing your auto loan application. They are ready to assist you when there are problems in your papers and other requirements.
Other Services and Conditions
Almost all online financing companies providing car loans for people with bad credit apply the same loan processing. Most of the time, they differ in additional services, as well as terms and conditions. Knowing this, you must choose a company that can work for your needs and preference. Ask about their conditions on when and where the loans and other benefits apply. Knowing their various terms of payment will let you see which can work best depending on the mode of your salary.
Reminders
Remember, deals can get better as your credit rating improves. This means you have the chance for a re-finance. Lenders can let you negotiate for a better agreement when they see that you have improved your credit rating. By refinancing your loan, you can enjoy much lower interest rates. This is why you must pay your debts in time and cut down on unnecessary expenses.
You cannot expect the best interest rates when you have bad credit rating. This is understandable since creditors want sure profit from taking in a customer with a less than perfect credit history. Finding a lender that understands you situation and is willing to help is the secret of finding an online financing firm.