The simplest electronically controlled suspension systems merely maintain a level ride height, counteracting the tendency of the weight of passengers and luggage to lower the rear end. Systems with four-wheel height adjustment lower the automobile's ride height to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy at highway speeds. In off-road vehicles, these systems can raise the vehicle to increase ground clearance over rough terrain.

Other systems are adjustable and allow the driver to switch manually between a soft-ride mode and a firm-handling mode. Some systems also offer intermediate choices. The most advanced systems automatically switch back and forth between soft and firm modes in milliseconds, depending on the condition of the road. These systems also work to keep ride height constant and to minimize roll. Consequently, the automobile has a better combination of ride and handling characteristics under various conditions than do cars with conventional suspension systems.

Electronically controlled suspension systems cost considerably more than conventional suspension systems. They are typically found only on relatively expensive luxury-class automobiles, high-performance sports cars, racing cars, and more expensive sport utility vehicles.

The latest innovation in the world of suspension systems is the active suspension. The system incorporates a microprocessor to vary the orifice size of the restrictor valve in a hydraulic suspension or shock absorber. This changes the effective spring rate. Control inputs may be vehicle speed, load, acceleration, lateral force, or a driver preference.

Fourth Step

• Now that the flat tyre is in the air, remove the lug nuts and place them in the upturned hub cap, or someplace easy to reach later.
• With all the lug nuts removed, pull the tyre off by pulling it toward you. It will be heavy, so be careful it doesn't fall on you.
• Put the spare tyre on, positioning it so that the holes line up with the lug bolts.
• Replace the lug nets and tighten them, turning the opposite way you did when you removed them. But don't tighten them all the way yet.
• Lower the car with the jack so that the tyre is just touching the car but not supporting the car's weight. Now tighten the lugs the rest of the way so they are at least as tight as they were when you removed them. Then lower the jack even further and remove it.
• Put the flat tyre, hubcap, jack and the lug wrench back in the trunk.
• Don't forget to remove the wheel blocks.
• Get your original tyre fixed as soon as you can. Your spare may be only good for short distances at low speeds.

Winter Car Care : Winter is a time when car troubles increase. So before the onset of this winter make sure your car is in a fit shape.

Make sure your battery and charging system are up to mark. Your mechanic should check the battery, charging system and belts.

Check the cooling system, making certain the antifreeze will protect your car to the winter temperatures you'll experience in your area. For most areas, you'll need a 50-50 mix of coolant to water.

Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape. Winter wipers--with the rubber coverings.

Keep your gas tank close to full.

Once fog does arrive, take some extra time to make sure your car is clean and your visibility is good. Make sure every glass surface is clear and transparent.

First Step

• When you're driving and feel the rumble of a flat tyre, slow down, turn on your hazard lights and try to park the caron level ground as quickly as possible.
• Put the automatic transmission into park and put the emergency brake on. If you have a manual transmission, leave it in first gear and pull the emergency brake.
• If you have to park on even a slight incline, try to find a heavy object to wedge up against the good tyres. This will help to keep the carfrom rolling when you have it jacked up.
• Once you've parked, take out the lug wrench, jack and the spare tyre from the trunk. Make sure the spare tyre has enough air in it.

Second Step

• Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts.
• Pry off the hubcap with a screwdriver. Sometimes the lug wrench has a screwdriver at the end of it. If it does, use that. Some cars don't have hubcaps at all.
• Now use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, which are the hexagonal bolts under the hubcap. If the lug nut has an L on it, turn clockwise. If it has an R or doesn't have anything on it, turn counterclockwise. Try to loosen the nuts an equal amount.
• Very important: Don't remove the lug nuts yet. Just loosen them.

Third Step

• Put the jack on the ground near the flat tyre, under the carframe. Make sure it is under something structural that can support the weight of the car.
• Start pumping the jack, so that the top of it reaches the bottom of the car. When it does, keep going until the flat tyre lifts off the ground. If the carseems unstable, lower the car, reposition the jack and try again.
• Very important: Never get under the car when it is jacked up.

Brake at the right time : Slow down to a safe speed before you enter a turn. Hard braking in mid-corner can upset the car's balance.

Protect your night vision : Don't stare at approaching headlights. If you're being blinded, focus on the right shoulder of the road.

Be Alert To Signs Of Fatigue: If you start to feel tired when driving pull over in a safe area and let someone else drive. If you are alone, pull into a safe location such as a well-lit rest stop and take a short nap or get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes. Stop as often as necessary. When traveling on long trips, eat light. Large, heavy meals can make you drowsy.

Maintain a Steady Speed: Go with the flow. Keep up with traffic if conditions permit. A wide disparity in speeds is dangerous.

Be Safe: Avoid cars that drive in formation on the highway so you're not involved in someone else's accident.

Keep track of traffic : Look far down the road and keep your eyes moving to spot any problems before you reach them. Check your mirrors frequently.

Do not hog the right lane : That is a passing lane, not a "fast" lane. Keep right except when passing. Don't try to block speeders.

Use the signal lights: -Signal lane changes as well as turns.

Wait to turn right : When you're stopped in traffic, waiting to turn right, keep the wheels aimed straight ahead until the way is clear. If you wait with the wheels cut to the right, someone could hit you from behind and push you into incoming traffic.

Car Maintainance

vehicle Maintenance is the most important ingredient for a happy journey and a long life of your vehicle. A well maintained car would never desert you when you need it the most. more..

Fasten your seat belts: Buckling up your safety belt may be the single most important step you can take to reduce your health risks. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is strapped in, and that small children are secured in safety seats before you set off. It can save your life, and it's the law!

Don't Mix Drinking and Driving: Alcohol is the major cause of fatal accidents caused by human error. Drunk driving results in hundreds of thousands of injuries including lifetime disability from brain damage, paralysis, blindness, or amputated or deformed limbs.

Hot Cars: On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can shoot up in minutes - even if the windows are partially open.. Even if it is not so hot outside, the danger of overheating exists - especially if you have a dark-colored car. Don't leave pets or children unattended.

Keep Your Eyes On The Road: Avoid taking your eyes off the road by eliminating any possible distractions ahead of time. Before setting out on a drive, be sure that important items are within easy reach, i.e. directions and maps, sunglasses, etc. Reduce to a minimum possibly dangerous diversion of your attention from the tasks of safe driving such as changing tapes or compact discs and always pull over to a safe place to use your cellular telephone.

The Particulars

The list of useful information relating to automobile in India is its maintenance and preventive care. Tips on maintaining essential automotive components like engine oil, air filter, belts, and lights are also given. Essential information on automobiles like the correct tyre pressure, shock absorbers, and water balance is also to be found.