In Review Headrest DVD Players

If you’re getting ready to head out on a cross country tip, it may be time to consider getting a headrest DVD player so that your kids can have something to watch while they’re sitting in the backseat for a long car ride. What makes headrest dvd players so great is that it’s easy to pop in a DVD for your kids to watch to fall asleep to and the player won’t cut into the back of your neck while you drive. Below you will find an outline of not only what to look for when shopping for a set of headrest DVD players, but also our favorite picks on the market. It’s easy to get lost when trying to pick out the perfect one, so I’ve done my best to narrow down your options and show you where to get the best deals.

In Headrest or Hanging?

The first decision you’re going to have make is about which type of player you’d like to pick up. The two most popular varieties are those that replace your current headrest entirely and those that hang over your existing headrest to be an “add-on” to the vehicle. My personal favorite is the first option as many companies offer plenty of colors of headrests to match the existing interior of your car and the pre-installed screens and DVD players sit tidily away in the headrest without obstructing your comfort or seat.

The other option is buy a dvd player that simply hangs from your existing headrest. These options are popular with folks that don’t have the money to buy a new headrest for their car, or want something that they can take with them once the car ride is over. The disadvantage of having a new headrest installed with a DVD player embedded into the back of it is that it’s impossible to take your portable DVD player with you when you leave the car, whereas with this option you’re able to unhinge the player and bring it with you through an airport or other mode of transportation to keep yourself entertained no matter what part of the journey you’re on.

Installation

Here’s where things get to be a little tricky for those that are new to installing electronics in their car. If you go with the option of getting a new headrest, you’re going to have to do a little bit of rewiring in your car to get everything working properly.

In most newer vehicles the seatback cushion comes undone and you’ll be able to thread the DVD player’s power wires through the seat and into somewhere like your trunk where the wires can be hidden. If you don’t have a newer vehicle or would like an easier way to install the player, in most cases you’ll be able to simply run a power cord to your cigarette lighter.

For some DVD players that fall into the category of being over the headrest types, the best way to power them is with the use of batteries. Some DVD players use standard AA or AAA batteries to power themselves for the length of a movie, while others use rechargeable batteries that can last anywhere from 4 hours up to 12 hours.

I personally prefer to have my car nice and tidy and with all of the wires tucked away so that things look organized, which is why I recommend taking the time to wire your car properly for an installed DVD player as opposed to just using the cigarette lighter as the method of powering everything.

Options

Now it’s time to discuss the options that you have. I’m going to start with a DVD player that replaces your existing headrest and then move onto one that allows you to pop the DVD player over your existing headrest for easier use.

Concept CLD: The 7” screen on this particular player is nice and bright and ensures that your kids will be able to see their movie perfectly either day or night. The one drawback of driving at night with this player is that if you’re not used to driving with a light coming from the backseat, looking in your rear view mirror may take some getting used to. The light reflects quite a bit throughout the car and it can take a week or two to get used to the extra brightness from the backseat. The set comes with a remote control and all of the wires you need to install in properly, so you won’t have to buy any extras once it arrives in the mail.

Swivel and Flip Style: This relatively inexpensive case allows you to slide it over your existing headrest and put in any portable DVD player you have. What I love about the case is that it’s extremely easy to put on and take off, meaning that when you’re in a hurry to get the kids out of the car and grab the DVD player to bring along with you, there isn’t going to be any fidgeting or fussing with the case as it comes right off.

Top Eight Must Have Gadgets For Any Car

If you find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having a few extra dollars that you just must get rid of, there are a number of possible additions to your vehicle of choice that can easily rectify the situation. And while they won’t necessarily make your car any safer or more fuel efficient to drive, they will make the journeys that you make in it far more efficient, convenient and relaxing. And if none of those things, they will at least make your car far more shiny.

Rear Seat DVD Players

If you happen to be a parent, I’m not sure that its possible to find a more useful in car feature than a rear seat DVD player. For all the talk of improved handling and lower petrol consumption, there is little that can make driving more pleasant than simply being able to do so without your kids screaming both at you and each other. For the low cost of a rear seat DVD player and the latest DVD about a frog or cat, you can drive in relative peace and quiet. Most systems even include headphones.

OnStar System

On the other hand if you would like to increase the number of voices that you hear while driving, the OnStar System could be for you. At the touch of a button, a human voice will emerge from your dashboard ready to offer you all kinds of assistance. They can even open your car door remotely if you happen to lock yourself out.

Voice Control

While we are thankfully not quite yet at the stage where one can drive their car with their voice, a range of in car devices now come with the functionality to be controlled using nothing more than carefully worded dialogue. The days of attempting to drive while toggling with your radio desperately trying to find your favourite channel could indeed be all but over.

Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kits

If you’re tired of almost getting a fine/crashing your car every time your phone rings, now could be an excellent time to get a Bluetooth Hands Free system installed. While these are the norm in most new vehicles, many car owners still drive cars without this useful functionality. Once installed, you can answer your phone by simply pressing a button near your steering wheel and the voice on the other line is simply broadcast through your car speakers as your own is transmitted via the inbuilt microphone.

The Latest GPS

If you are one of the surprisingly large number of drivers that still haven’t fitted their car out with a GPS system, you really are missing out. While you may argue that you already know how to get everywhere that you want to go, a few new features are making these devices more and more popular including live congestion reports, optimal route calculation and even Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to make and receive calls with the inbuilt microphone and speaker.

IPod/MP3 Audio System

If you’re tired of hooking up your traditional car stereo to your IPod, a car audio system that has been specifically designed for MP3’s could be the answer. For under $200, many manufacturers produce systems that store your mp3 files and allow you to browse your music collection on their easy to use interface rather. More expensive installations will even enable you to browse your extensive music collection from your steering wheel.

Autonet Mobile

Subaru have recently added built in wi-fi connectivity to their Outback models and in doing so have certainly made some waves in the car industry. But did you know that you can actually get a wi-fi hotspot installed in just about any car. One of the most popular companies offering the service is Autonet and for just $29 per month, you and anyone else within one hundred and fifty feet of your vehicle can stay connected at all times.

Back Up Parking Cameras

Finally, if you happen to be less than an expert when it comes to parking or you are simply tired of worrying about that damn blind spot, a wireless back up parking camera could be the perfect solution. Installed at the rear of your car, a camera can broadcast what you are unable to see onto your dashboard. Not only are these gadgets incredibly useful, they are also an excellent safety feature for any parents out there.

Double DIN Car Stereo All About Them

If you’re thinking of installing a new car stereo, it’s important to first understand what it is you’re buying and how big it’s going to be when you go to install it into your dashboard. Different cars have different mounting slot sizes, which means that you may have some trouble actually getting a stereo to fit if you don’t order the right size to begin with. A popular adaptation to traditional car stereo sizes are double DIN car stereos. This article will cover what a double DIN car stereo is and where you can get some of the best deals for them around the web.

DIN?

DIN, or Deutsches Institut fur Normung, is a German sizing standard that was used to standardize car stereo sizes. It was adopted by the international community in 1984 to be used around the world as the standard measurement that manufacturers would use to build their stereos around.

Single DIN

After the adoption of the DIN standard, single DIN car stereos became the norm. Single DIN stereos come at the predetermined size of 180 x 50 mm panels. Because some stereos are a bit smaller than this size, manufacturers had to start making face plates and mounting plates to accommodate smaller systems. This helps them fit into the single DIN slot just as easily as an actual DIN mount.

Double DIN

Where things get interesting in the world of stereos is when stereo manufacturers started making double DIN stereos. Double DIN’s measure 180 x 100 mm and are essentially twice the height as their counterparts. Double DIN stereos allow for much more control over the system and can spread some of the features of the system out over a much larger interactive surface as opposed to cramming them all into a single DIN sized surface.

Just like with Single DIN stereos, double DIN units don’t generally conform exactly to the size that they should be. To counter this issue, companies issue faceplates and mounting brackets to fill up the extra space of the mounting area so that the streo fits nice and snugly into place without sliding around. A face plate also lets you hide the fact that you have an expensive stereo installed and reduces the risk of it getting stolen.

Pioneer FH-P8000BT: One of the top rated double DIN stereos on Amazon, this particular Pioneer has everything you could ever want out of a stereo unit. In addition to basic CD functionality, the player also has the ability to playback MP3 or WMA CDs that you’ve made yourself. If you own an iPod you’ll be able to take advantage of iPod control on the unit as well as hook up other MP3 players to the back of the unit with the additional USB control. It’s a wonderful  piece of equipment that allows for just about any type of music playing you could imagine.

Another great feature even for those not interested in adding a new stereo to their vehicle is the Bluetooth connectivity option. This allows you to conduct phone conversations using your cars existing speaker system. Calls will come in crystal clear through your audio system and you’ll be able to talk to your friends all hands-free. The unit has 4x50W power rating for maximum volume and clarity.

JVC KW-XR610: Coming in a bit cheaper than the Pioneer listed above, this JVC has almost all of the same features as well. You can stream music via the Bluetooth connection as well as hook up your iPOd or other MP3 player using the auxiliary jack or control your iPod directly with the built in iPod control. One downside that you’ll run into is if you’re not too savvy when you rip your music using iTunes, you’ll notice some issues with the playback of AAC files. MP3 and WMV files play just fine, but iTunes’ native AAC gets no love with this unit, making it a pain to go back and convert all of your music to MP3 files.

Because this stereo may not fit in your car as snugly as a standard double DIN stereo would, JVC has included as sleeve and trim ring to allow you fit it into just about any car. Check with the manufacturer before you buy the product to make sure that it can successfully install in your vehicle, but you shouldn’t have much trouble getting it to work.

Selecting Car Accessories Online That Fit Your Needs the Best

No matter which type of a car you own and use, it is important that you use proper kind of accessories with it. There are a lot of accessories available in the market these days that you can install in your beloved sedan or hatchback. Even the stylish SUV you fancy about will offer enhanced ease of use when it is fitted with right kind of car accessories. However, you need to be careful and assess your options when you proceed to shop for various car accessories online. A number of car owners want to buy accessories for their cars online because online shopping gives them more options, added convenience and of course, cheaper deals.

When it comes to buying car accessories, you need to know your priorities well. For instance, a person in his twenties or thirties with a penchant for stylish cars would like to accessorize his SUV or hatchback with external accessories. Designer indicator lamps, attractive graphics on body and glass, sporty tail lights are what such a car owner needs. However, if you want to get the most out of your sedan which is used mostly for your family members, you would like to buy internal car accessories like GPS device and improved upholstery etc.

When you look online for car accessories India make sure that you buy products from reliable sites. It will not be a prudent idea to buy cheap car accessories from lesser known sites as you may have to face troubles later. For a majority of car users, a vehicle is not only a means of transport. They want to enjoy entertainment provisions when they are on the road. If you happen to be one such care user, consider buying quality music system for your car. A number of car audio systems are available that come with DVD playback, FM radio, stereo surround with woofers etc. If you want to buy audio car accessories online look for models that has an USB input. That way you can put a USB stick in the stereo system and enjoy new songs from time to time while driving.

After some months of use, your spanking new car may not appear so fresh inside. This may happen during the monsoons in particular. To make the car interiors fresh, you can use car deodorizers that can eliminate stale smells. It is also recommended that you spray disinfectant fluids once in a while to keep your car interiors healthy and safe. If you travel to new places a lot and want to run into no hassles while doing so, installing a GPS navigation device in your car makes sense. This car accessory will help you in locating your position on the road and you will not have to depend on others. There are various car GPS device models that offer convenient navigation features. Some such models even come with voice based guidance. You can also install a parking sensor in your car to deal with tacky parking lots as well as congested roads in cities.

A number of car owners look online for car accessories India and they want to adorn their cars with funky and designer lights. Lights are also available for car interiors. When you spend some special and cherished time with you close friends in car, a dimmed lamp or color changing soft lights create the perfect ambience. If you drive in early mornings, installing fog lamps in your car is prudent. You can spice up the looks of your car interiors with car mats and leather seats. When you install expensive car upholstery make it a point to keep them free of dirt and grime. You can definitely consider buying a car vacuum cleaner for cleaning interiors of your car. This device will help you in keeping the interiors of your car sparkling clean. When you drive car in monsoon months, using car rugs makes sense. You can keep these rugs on the car floor so that they can absorb mud and water better.

If safety of your car is top priority for you, then buying a car theft alarm is suitable. There are some advanced car safety devices that can alert the owner in more than one way if any attempt of burglary is made. Some people love to use darkened glass on car doors. Some car owners also use sleek graphics on car window glasses. If you are among them, ensure that the graphics does not affect the visibility in any way. Before buying any car accessory, check that it is suitable for your car model. Some high end accessories will need professional installation. Ensure that the fancy accessory you have decided to buy for your car comes with a warranty and take feedback from other car owners before making the purchase.

Car Accessories You Should Have Them

Many drivers like to add things to their cars to personalize them to make their car their own. Sometimes the additions are small, like dice on the rearview mirror while other change the car completely. You would not even be able to tell that it was the same vehicle. The size of the addition really depends on the personality of the driver and how much that person knows about cars.  The following shines a spotlight on some of the more common car accessories.

Air Fresheners

This may be one of the small car accessories, but it can make the biggest impressions. For some people the air freshener is just a temporary hanger that is placed in the car to add a delightful smell. Other people see it as much more than that. Some people get air fresheners with their favorite sports team and hang it on their rear view mirror. It becomes a permanent fixture on the vehicle long after air freshener effect is gone. One of the most popular ones is the scented trees that have never gone out of style.

Seat Covers

Drivers that have children or animals may rush out to get seat covers. At times it is essential in preventing small children from attacking the seats with food and crayon stains. With animals you have to worry them tearing up the seats with their claws and drooling all over the seats.  People that have leather seats are less inclined to cover their seats, but cloth seat car owners are heavy buyers of seat covers. At times this is the only way to keep the seats in good condition to resell the car. However some people buy car seats to be part of the style of the car. You will be able to see lots of people who love their car seats if it is their favorite character or design.

License Plates & Frames

Lots of people like to have special plates that show off their college alumni, favorite sports team or fraternity. There are some plates that may have a drivers favorite saying on them. There are all kinds of things that people can get on license plates for the front or back of their cars. It kind of makes a statement of who they are or where they have come from.

People that get personal license plates will usually get license plate frames as well. These frames are often placed on the front and back of cars to personalize them. These frames are cheaper and make it really simple to decorate your car. There are all different kinds available to customize your vehicle, some light up, others sparkle and they all have a special touch.

GPS Navigation Systems

Navigation systems have become extremely popular. Most people have tossed their paper maps in the glove compartment and purchased a GPS. It is also becoming standard in almost all of the newer vehicles. But for every car that has a GPS, knows how useful it can be sometimes.  This is something that helps drivers stay on track regardless of where they are going. Its a lifesaver to many that frequently travel to new destinations.

Rubber Floor Mats

Another thing that drivers with kids like to have is floor mats. Children and sometimes adults pay no attention to how dirty or muddy their shoes may be when they enter a car. Rubber floor mats can help minimize the cleanup process. It will also make your car last longer and be more valuable when you want to sell your car.

Car Rims

One of the newest trends for car accessories is the cars rims, some car owners think that it is the most important thing about a car. There is a huge variety of different types of rims you can get, however you can also spend a little or a fortune on getting rims as well. One of the biggest trends is getting spinners on cars but not many people are looking into more shiny rims, the shinier the better. The rims can make the car stand out by itself, making it a must if you want to custom your car today.

Steering Wheel Covers

Having steering wheel covers on your car is interesting whether people love it or hate it. It can make your steering last long and not look faded but at the same time it makes it feel not like a steering wheel anymore. However if you are looking for a theme with your car to match the seat covers and dice in the mirror than a steering wheel cover is a must. There is a huge variety of different themes you can buy today.

All of the products can be bought at any do it yourself mechanic shop or a huge store like target.

Essential Emergency Equipment For Your Car

It is well known that the best way to deal with emergencies is to be prepared for them beforehand. You never know when or where you might find yourself in a sticky situation, but being prepared for it will certainly help you get out of it in one piece. The motto of always being prepared is a very handy one and something we usually tend to follow in our houses and offices. However, for some reason, we do not deem it necessary to be equally well-prepared when travelling in our vehicles. We have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers installed in our residences and workplaces, but do not give a second though to putting any emergency equipment in our cars. It cannot be denied that every time you get into your car, there is a slim chance that you could be involved in an accident or collision. No matter how slim the chances, it is still better to be prepared that to be sorry later on. Here are some of the most essential items that should be in your car at all times and come in very handy during an emergency:

Seat-belt cutter and window breaker

This little handy device has proven its worth repeatedly by saving numerous lives over the years. Yet, it does not find itself equipped in every vehicle. In case of a really bad accident, you need to get out of your car as soon as possible. Your progress may be impeded by a jammed seat-belt buckle or door handle. This is where the seat-belt cutter / window hammer combo tool proves its worth. The seat belt cutter easily cuts through any seat belt in a commercial vehicle, thus saving you precious time that would be wasted trying to get yourself unbuckled. In a collision, it is not uncommon for the car doors to get jammed, either due to the force of the accident or the position in which the vehicle ends up resting. The best option at this point is to break and escape through the window. The window hammer can easily shatter the tempered glass used for making the side and rear windows of a car. Often used by firefighters, the seat-belt cutter / window hammer tool can be invaluable during an emergency.

First-aid kit

We keep well-stocked first-aid kits in our homes and offices, but never think twice about having one on the car. A first-aid kit has often been the difference between life and death and it is no different in case of any automotive emergency. Even having a simple bad-aid in the first-aid kit can prove to be crucial as it will prevent small wounds from getting infected. Along with band-aids, the kit must also contain gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors and an antiseptic wash.

Reflective jackets and markers

Changing a flat tire at night can be more dangerous than you think. Not only does the darkness hamper your visibility while changing the tire, it also makes it very hard for other drivers to see you at the side of the road. Many accidents have occurred where people with car issues have been hit while trying to waive down help. The drivers were often unable to see the victims until the very last moment. If your car breaks down at night, reflective jackets and markers prove to be very handy. Set up the reflective markers s that other drivers know where your vehicle is and do not plow into it. Similarly, wearing a reflective jacket will help drivers see you from afar whether you changing a flat or waving them down for assistance.

In case of an emergency, being prepared for it is winning half the battle. We owe to ourselves and our loved ones to ensure that we always have the necessary safety equipment around at all times, including when we are in our vehicles. The mentioned safety equipment should help you deal with any emergency that may come across when travelling in your car.

What You Should Know about Audi Cold Air Intake Kits

While your Audi is certainly engineered to provide superior performance, it still runs on an internal combustion engine. The key word there is “combustion”. Fuel is ignited, creating an explosion that moves the pistons in your engine, which in turn propels your vehicle down the road. There are several different elements involved in creating the combustion necessary to move your car. Fuel is obvious, and you’ll need a spark as well (from your spark plugs). However, in order for fuel to combust properly, you need plenty of oxygen – this comes from your air intake. Installing a cold air intake on your Audi can offer big performance gains, but you’ll need to know a few things before you start.

Cold Air Intakes vs. Short Ram Intakes

The first thing you’re going to need to do is decide if you want a cold air intake or a short ram intake. While they offer pretty much the same functionality, there are some key differences that you’ll need to understand in order to make an informed decision here.

Cold Air Intakes – As the name implies, cold air intakes deliver colder air to the engine than what is possible through a conventional air filter intake. Cold air is desirable for a number of reasons. For instance, colder air is denser, which offers better combustion.

These intakes take the place of your standard air filter (you’ll have to remove the air box and reroute the intake). Most of the time, the filter sits toward the front of the engine or even within a wheel well to ensure that the optimum amount of cold air is delivered to the engine. However, they’re not without their problems. For example, because of the placement of the filter element, it’s possible for water to get into the system (from heavy rains or from splashing up around the tire).

Short Ram Intakes – Short ram intakes serve pretty much the same function as cold air intakes, but they’re slightly different. The name really says it all – these are shorter systems, and place the filter element very close to the actual intake, usually on the top, front of the engine. This allows short ram intakes to avoid the water problem present with cold air intakes, but it means that the air delivered to the engine is not as cold and dense as what’s possible with the other system.

Making Your Choice

Determining exactly what type of intake system to install on your Audi will take a little bit of time. For instance, if you don’t regularly experience heavy rains (or you choose to install a water protection system), then cold air intakes are definitely the way to go. However, for those who are worried about water, or just want the simplest replacement possible, short ram intakes can certainly be viable options.

In addition to gaining up to 12 HP from changing out your intake, you’ll find that these accessories are available in a range of colors and styles. For example, if you have a particular look that you want for your Audi, you can choose colored metal or plastic intake tubes (aluminum tubes are stronger and more resilient, of course). Colors range from red to blue, green, black and every other color of the rainbow. You can also choose chrome air tubes to match your desired look or to coordinate with other custom accessories you’ve installed.

Engine Block Basics

For many motorists and indeed car and truck owners what lies under the hood of their automobile is a deep mystery to them indeed.  Yet if their vehicle breaks down on the road or highway and is towed to the nearest auto garage or dealership service center how on earth do they intend to communicate with auto service staff if they don’t have a basic understanding and comprehension of the parts of the car?  It sure can be frustrating and if they have a basic knowledge of the language and lingo of the auto trades it sure will speed up efforts and get their transportation out of the service stall and roadworthy a lot quicker and faster.

Engine Blocks are Mainly Made of Cast Iron or Aluminum Metal with Sleeve Liners:

To  begin with the cylinder block is the main shell of the engine. Most blocks are simple “cast iron”.  More and more are being made up of aluminum, which is lighter in weight and overall conducts and transfers waste exhaust engine heat better and more efficiently.   Yet aluminum metal as a power plant cylinder block choice has its dark side. Essentially because aluminum is too soft to withstand the constant, grinding rubbing of the pistons, auto makers and their mechanical engineering staff have dealt with this issue  by inserting cast iron sleeves ( commonly called in the auto parts trade as “sleeves”) into the cylinders.  Years ago a noted exception – which went on to great notoriety for low engine mileage life span – was the Chevrolet Vega.  GM in its wisdom figured out that no metal insert sleeves were needed – and instead “specially treated aluminum” metal could be used.  It proved not to be the case, so in most cases now you can count aluminum car engines have a metal insert sleeve to protect against piston wear on the cylinders over the miles and km.

Water Passages in Engine Blocks for Coolant & Heat Exhaust:

Water passages are cast into the block in order that flowing coolant can cool down the cylinders and dissipate excessive engine wearing waste heat.  These are connected with the water passages in the cylinder head itself through openings in the top of the block.  The block may crack if water freezes and expands in these passages.  Sometimes this expansion will dislodge the core plugs – discs that seal holes required during the casting and engine manufacturing casting processes.  Hence in geographic area where a cold winter climate – such as Winnipeg or Edmonton Canada – and block freezing with substandard glycol antifreeze content – these core plugs are referred to as “freeze-out plugs”  or alternatively “frost plugs”.  Yet it’s not wise to refer to these core plugs as a reliable safety and cold weather engine block protection device. They were never meant for this purpose to begin with and it’s no excuse to use straight water as engine coolant.  A 50 / 50 glycol / water solution concentration mixture as a standard should be maintained.  Come summer driving this glycol coolant mixture also has road wise advantages by raising the maximum boiling point of engine coolant – before your radiator “boils over”.

 Setup of Cylinders in an Auto Engine:

Lastly the setup of the cylinders can be in various types.  The cylinders can be arranged in a row (called an in-line engine), in two rows set at an angle (a V engine), or in older vintage auto in two rows arranged horizontally (a flat engine).

For Auto Service It’s Wise to Know A Bit About Car & Engine Parts & Components:

It’s wise to know some of the basic setup, composition and arrangement of engine blocks.  Thus equipped you will be in a much better situation to discuss basic mechanical breakdowns and diagnostics and as well the costs of car, truck and engine repairs. Hopefully as well you can get your reliable and trusted source of transpiration back on the road sooner.