Balancing off road tires can be a challenge. The tires on Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and Tundra can be heavy and the tread easily damaged. For Example, when the tires are aired down they can sometimes slip on the rim so the balance point moves. In wet muddy conditions, mud can adhere to the inside of the wheel throwing  the tire out of balance.

The traditional way of balancing tires uses static mounted weights on the rims to counter balance the heavy points in the tire/rim combination.  With the ever changing condition on off road tires and rims these balance points can change very quickly.

Bead balancing systems have been used on over the road truck tires for some time and they are now finding there way into off- road applications. So when planning to mount custom Wheels and specialized Tires it may be wise to give balancing beads a try. There are companies such as Counteract Balancing Beads, that will send you bags for this installation.

The beads can be added during the tire mounting so no additional balancing need be done on the wheels. Off-Road enthusiasts who take lengthy off-road trips report feeling no balance vibration from the tires. The application seems to have worked very effectively.

An added benefit of the balancing beads is there are no weights mounted on the outside of the rims which leads to a much cleaner installation.

Do You have some of those “Pieces Of Advice” stored in the back of your head that GrandPa passed along to you about gas mileage when driving  in used cars?

Well, some of what you think you know about car mileage may be wrong, and it might cost you money when you get behind the wheel of that used car fuel saver.

The EPA offeres some informative information called  ”the top 10 misconceptions about fuel economy.”

Here are some of the misconception myths about gas car mileage:

• Using premium gasoline will improve your gas mileage -If you had a dime for every dollar people have squandered pumping premium into cars that don’t need it, you’d never worry about gasoline prices again. Using a higher fuel grade than the automaker recommends will almost certainly have no effect on your gas mileage. However, pumping a lower grade in the fuel tank than recommended can damage your engine and will probably increase fuel consumption and cost you money and gas mileage.
•  Smaller vehicles always get better fuel economy, gas mileage - Hybrids, diesels, new technologies and smart engineering like Toyota Prius can create vehicles that combine fuel efficiency, gas mileage with room and comfort. Chevrolet will market its 2011 Cruze as a compact, but its interior room qualifies as a midsize by EPA standards. Despite that, the car’s 40-m.p.g. highway rating may be impressive. 
• A manual transmission will give you better fuel economy than an automatic – Maybe so in used cars…But, Modern automatic transmissions often provide better gas mileage than a manual, thanks largely to extra gears and electronic controls. The 2011 Ford Mustang V6’s EPA rating of 19 m.p.g. in the city and 31 m.p.g. on the highway is 1 m.p.g. better on the highway than a Mustang with the same engine and a manual transmission. The same thing is true for cars ranging from the compact Honda Civic to the $85,550 BMW 650ci luxury convertible.
• Vehicles need to warm up before you drive them – Electronic engine controls mean a modern vehicle is running at or near maximum efficiency as soon as you start it. Letting the car warm up for a few minutes simply wastes fuel.
• Aftermarket additives will dramatically improve your fuel economy – Forget it. They’re more likely to damage your engine or increase your tailpipe emissions. For more information on this, go the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site and look up Gas-Saving Products: Fact or Fuelishness?
• It takes more fuel to restart the engine than let it idle – This was true when inefficient carburetors metered fuel use in used cars, but modern fuel injection means that you save energy by turning the engine off. This does NOT mean you should shut the engine off at every stoplight or when you’re waiting in line. That can wear out your starter and slow all the other drivers, irritating them and leading to wasted fuel in all the vehicles. However, stop-start systems that efficiently shut the engine off are a key part of how hybrids save fuel. Nearly every new vehicle will have a fast and efficient automatic stop-start feature in a few years.
• The window-sticker mileage figures are a guarantee of the mileage you’ll get – Not even close. How you drive has a massive impact on your car mileage. However, the window-sticker figures are the only way to realistically compare fuel economy, gas mileage, and operating costs when you shop for a new vehicle. The numbers are generated in lab tests, so every vehicle is held to the same standard. “Your mileage will vary” as the fine print says, but you can trust that a higher EPA rating will save you money.

Toyota GEN 6 Navigation introduces a host of new and improved capabilities and may convince you to do away with that Garmin NuVi or TomTom. GEN 6 GPS navigation equipped vehicles now include Camry, Tundra Limited and Platinum grades, Venza, Prius, 4Runner, Sienna and the new 2011 Avalon.

GEN 6 Navigation in these vehicles now include a built-in USB port that allows a connected iPod to be controlled via steering wheel switches or touchscreen buttons on the nav unit. Plus, USB power from the port will charge the iPods’s battery. But it’s not just iPods that work, many flash drives containing MP3 or WMA files can also be connected and controlled in a similar manner.

Here Are New And Improved Features With Toyota GEN 6  Car Navigation…

ImprovedBluetoothPhoneOperations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The interactive display for Bluetooth hands-free phone operation is greatly improved. Connecting a phone and transferring contact numbers is simplified making dailing by name or number much easier.

BluetoothAudioFeatures                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Enables Wireless connection between a portable audio device and the vehicle’s audio system. The driver can control certain device functions from the steering wheel switches or from the Nav unit’s touchscreen.

SimplifiedAddressAndPOISearch                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Like a Google search, GEN 6 lets you search for an address or Point of Interest without knowing the exact spelling. Similar and suggested names are presented automatically as options to choose from. You may not want that Garmin or TomTom.

ImprovedVoiceCommandFunctions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   You can speak a topic such as “Go Home” , “Destination”, “Phone”, or “Audio”  froma new Voice Menu to narrow the field. Voice prompt can be by-passed by pushing the Voice Recognition Button twice.

StreetNameVoiceGuidance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          GEN  6 Car Navigation announces the actual street prior to the turn,unlike generic commands given by GEN5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

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Consumers cross-shopping the Tundra Double Cab against the Ford F-150 SuperCab will see two immediate advantages for the Toyota: size and power.

The Tundra’s cab is obviously a little bigger and inviting. A quick check under the hood reveals Tundra’s more impressive V8 engine lineup and the availability of a V6.

Here’s a closer look at the cab and additional convenience features:

• Tundra has four forward-opening doors, Ford has just two with rear doors opening rearward (aka “suicide style”)
• Tundra rear doors can open independent of front with the outside handles; F-150 front doors must be open before rear doors can be opened with their inside handles
• Tundra has more legroom both front (42.5 in. vs. 41.4 in) and rear (34.7 in vs. 33.4 in.)
• Tundra rear seat has the back angled at a comfortable 22 degrees
• Some of Ford’s top-of-the-line packages are not available in SuperCab, like King Ranch, Platinum and Harley Davidson. All of Toyota’s trim levels and special packages are available in Double Cab, except Platinum.
• Tundra offers entry-level navigation system on base trim level; Ford-150 owners have to order FX4 or Lariat trim level to get navigation
• Even though Tundra Double Cab has a longer wheelbase than Ford SuperCab, the Toyota truck has a much tighter turning circle (44 feet vs. 47 feet)

Here’s a closer look at how Tundra’s engine lineup is more diverse and powerful:

Additional advantages include:

• Toyota engines are modern aluminum block/cylinder head construction while Fords still use heavy cast-iron blocks
• Toyota engines are the more efficient DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder design while Ford engines are SOHC with 2- or 3-valve per cylinder

Closing thought: Ford may boast a slightly higher towing capacity for some of its models, but which engine would you rather have towing a full load up a mountain grade? Thirty-one horsepower and 36 lb-ft of torque can make a big difference up steep grades.

VEHICLE , TANK(GAL) , MPG. EST.CITY/HWY.COMBINED

Here is a brief Tutorial for Programming Toyota Door Locks with Programming Options Linked to Driver’s Door, Shift Lever, and Vehicle Speed… 

Automatic Door Unlocking-Linked To The Driver’s Door

This will program all the doors to automatically unlock whenever the driver’s door is opened within 10 seconds after the ignition is turned from “ON” to the “ACCESSORY” or “OFF” position.

1. Set the Parking Brake
2. Make sure all doors are closed
3. Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position
4. Automatic Transmission Models Only- place the transmission gear selector in the “N” position (NEUTRAL)
5. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition to the “ON” position, press and hold the driver’s side power door lock switch in the unlock position (rear of the switch) for 5 seconds

• All doors will lock and unlock to indicate that the programming was successful.
• To cancel the programming, repeat the steps.

Automatic Door Unlocking – Linked To Shift Lever (Automatic Transmission Models Only)

This Will Program All The Doors To Unlock Whenever The Shift Lever Placed In PARK.

1. Set The Parking Brake
2. Make Sure All Doors Are Closed
3. Place The Ignition Switch In The “ON” position
4. Place The Transmission Gear Selection In The “P” position (PARK)
5. Within 10 Seconds Of Turning The Ignition To The “ON” Position, Press And Hold The Driver’s Side Power Door Lock Switch In The Unlock Position (Rear Of The Switch) For 5 Seconds

• All Doors Will Lock And Unlock To Indicate That The Programming Was Successful.
• To Cancel The Programming, Repeat The Steps.

Automatic Door Locking – Linked To Vehicle Speed

This Will Program All The Doors To Lock Whenever The Vehicle Reaches A Speed Of About 12 mph.

1. Set the Parking Brake
2. Make sure all doors are closed
3. Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position
4. Automatic Transmission Models Only- place the transmission gear selector in the “N” position (NEUTRAL)
5. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition to the “ON” position, press and hold the driver’s side power door lock switch in the unlock position (front of the switch) for 5 seconds and then release

• All doors will lock and unlock to indicate that the programming was successful.
• To cancel the programming, repeat the steps.

 It’s Springtime and another round of teenage drivers will be hitting the roads for their first time in their first car or truck. Teenagers and parents tend to have different objectives, priorities, and visions when it comes to first cars. In this article, let’s try to look at the subject of first cars from both points of view.

 
What Teens Want
Most teenagers place considerable importance on a car’s style (sporty), appearance (cool), performance (fast), size (room for friends), and accessories (customization). Girls like “cute” cars and place less importance on performance than boys..

An automobile is a projection of a teen’s personality, social status, sense of freedom, and desire for peer approval — as well as possibly serving a practical need for getting back and forth to school or job.

What Parents Want
Parents want safe cars for their teens. Parents also place importance on economy (low purchase cost, low operation cost with great gas mileage, and low maintenance cost), reliability/dependability, and low insurance cost.

Teens who are expected to pay their own way may also place importance on many of the same factors as their parents.

Cost is a Factor
The first issue that most young drivers and their parents usually struggle with when deciding on a first car is that of cost, which typically leads to the issue of used-versus-new.

An older car is generally going to cost less than a brand new model. However, older used cars will generally be less reliable, may develop unexpected repair expenses, have fewer safety features, and not be as attractive as a newer model. On the other hand, insurance cost and taxes can be less. Used cars older than 5 years are generally sold “as-is” without warranties.

A brand new car can be more expensive — although not necessarily so (see below) — but will have the latest features and safety equipment, be under manufacturer’s warranty for 3-5 years, be protected by lemon laws, and will have new-car reliability — and a new-car smell.

You can get free price quotes on any new car from the following sources: Edmunds, CarsDirect, and Yahoo! Autos . The quotes you receive will automatically include any factory rebates and dealer discounts.

Be aware that when you fill out the form specifying a make and model, in most cases you will not be asked about which year model you are interested in. If you are interested in last year’s left over models, you’ll have to specify that when you actually talk to the responding dealers.

Best First Cars for Teenagers – Top Recommendations
Because of the wide variations in availability and characteristics of used cars, we’ll stick to a discussion of new cars. However, used cars tend to have many of the same characteristics of new cars of the same make and model.

• Toyota Corolla – This Toyota vehicle considered to be the number one selling car in the world and is a favorite among teenagers as both a new and used vehicle. It’s reliable, with good performance, has plenty of room inside, and there are many options from after-market companies for styling and performance improvements. Buyers of this vehicle, receive the Toyota “Star Safety System” which is one of the best safety systems being offered on cars today. The Corolla is priced at about $17,700 for base models and is standard with vehicle stability control as part of the “Star Safety System”. If the Corolla is not quite large enough, look at the Toyota Camry, one the best-selling cars in America for the last few years.
• Toyota Camry – The Camry is considered to be the number one selling car in America and is a roomy mid-size car known for it’s Quality, Reliabilty, Durability, and Resale Value. The new 2010 model has a new 169 hp 2.5 liter engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and gets 37 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg around town. The Toyota “Star Safety System” is standard equipment on the Camry and includes VSC, and 7 air bags with an exclusive driver knee bag.
• Scion – Toyota has created a line of popular vehicles that specifically targets young drivers. The Scion is full of standard features, and optional features, that appeal to teens, is relatively inexpensive, and has a good-performing and fuel-efficient engine. It also has a great reliability record with some great safety options such as side air bags. Scion models, TC, xB, and xD are typical Toyota high-quality vehicles at base prices that start at about $17,570 for the xB, $16,650 for the xD, and $18,000 for the tC. The economical xA model is no longer made, but is available as a used car.
• Honda Civic – This is a popular car among teens — and parents. This car has almost all of the qualities desired by both teens and parents: economy, style, safety, reliability, performance, low insurance rates, and good size for passengers. The ride is a bit rough though compared to a Corolla. There are tons of accessories, custom appearance products, and performance options for the Honda Civic. Base price for a new Civic is about $17,500. The new re-styled model has won Motor Trend magazine’s “Car of the Year” award and is a Consumer Reports Magazine Top Pick. Honda also produces a fuel-efficient hybrid version of this vehicle, at a slightly higher cost. Used models of the Honda Civic are readily available, reliable, and hold their value very well.
• Honda Fit – This small 4-door hatchback is a good combination of Honda reliability, interior space, features, and safety equipment — and a resonable 34 miles per gallon of gas on the highway. It’s a fun car that also will haul a teenager’s stuff. It is also safe and relatively cheap to insure and maintain.
• Nissan Sentra -This is a sensible car for teens, having many of the attributes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but a little less style. It’s comfortable, but with a harsh ride and little room in the rear seat. However, it gets good gas mileage, is reliable, enjoys relatively low insurance rates, and is priced at about $14,700. Used models can be found at good prices.
• Ford Focus – This is a fun and sporty car that teenagers like. It has a firm but comfortable ride and a number of engine options. Interior material quality appears cheap but functional. There are no less than 12 different variations of this model that should allow almost any teen to be satisfied. Prices start at about $15,300 for base models. Ford’s reliability has improved dramatically in the last few years. You can’t go wrong with this nice little car.
• Mazda 3 – This vehicle is an excellent small car with good interior space, good performance, and good quality. It comes in both a hatchback and sedan and starts at about $15,700. New models are very stylish and youth-oriented. Prices for used Mazdas are very reasonable.

When Costs Are Not The Biggest Factor and teens can consider a near luxury used vehicle for their first car, here are some good choices:

• BMW 3-Series – This is one of the most popular of all sporty luxury cars, for a good reason. It’s fun to drive, is a great performer, and fuel economy is good — and it looks good, as a “bimmer” should. It’s available as a coupe, sedan, or a convertible. Used models are available for good prices.
• Mercedes C-Class – This is a popular small sports sedan with young people who like a car that’s fun to drive and exudes luxury and class. It’s comfortable, roomy, and handles well on the street or highway. It also enjoys a good safety rating and is relatively economical to own.
• Acura TL – This car is consistently rated very high as having the best blend of all characteristics that one would want in a car. It mixes luxury features with comfort, performance, handling, and sportiness. It’s one of the most reliable models on the road.
• Audi A4 – This vehicle is available as a sedan and convertible. It is luxurious and stylish with excellent driving characteristics. A wide range of features, options, and transmission choices are available. Crash-test results are impressive. Reliability is average.
• Lexus IS – It’s a Lexus with all the quality and luxury that Lexus offers, but it’s not the Lexus that grandfather drives. It is a small safe sports sedan that has the performance, looks, and comfort that young people enjoy. A high-performance V8 version is available but watch out for high insurance rates.
         

Years ago when somone used the term traction aids they were referring to weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint. The reference still exists in medical vernacular. Today, traction aid is a buzz term for any of the new technologies for cars and trucks that help guide them along their path safely with driver control.

Most of the new systems are seamless and mostly automatic to offer the driver options for dealing with just about any low-traction situation. As with many new technologies, there can be confusion as to what they do and when they should be employed.

TRACTION AND CONTROL

Maximum traction is not always the desired result. There is a problem designing a system for both optimum control and maximum traction. The reason is that tires are required to generate both traction forces and cornering forces. Although they can do both at the same time, they cannot generate 100 percent of both at the same time. If a tire is asked to maximize traction, its cornering capability will be significantly reduced, and visa versa. This is the main reason Auto LSD works separately from TRAC. TRAC is geared more toward control, while Auto LSD is all about traction. So what are the differences?

VSC is the default mode on many Toyota vehicles and incorporates TRAC. It is referred to as VSC+TRAC. These two systems are functional in 2WD  vehicles, or 4WD vehicles in 2WD mode.

TRAC - Helps improve traction by limiting rear wheel-spin with throttle reduction and/or by applying the rear brakes. It is programmed to help improve traction and limit the chance of losing control of the vehicle due to too much rear wheel-spin say as you drive along a wet road.

A-TRAC- Is TRAC for 4WD vehicles. When in 4WD, A-TRAC monitors wheel-spin on each axle. It uses the brakes to limit wheel-spin on opposing tires, thus transferring torque from the spinning wheel to the non-spinning wheel, helping to improve traction on that axle.

VSC- Helps control the vehicle during cornering and has virtually nothing to do with traction. It is designed to counter-steer the vehicle in case of loss of control in a cornering situation by applying individual brakes. This helps the vehicle stay along its intended path. The steering effect is much like steering a wheelchair by grabbing /braking one of the wheels.

VSC OFF- Helps give the driver control over wheel-spin for conditions that require more slip, such as deep snow with tire chains. It also allows “rocking” of the vehicle if stuck. This is accomplishing by holding in the VSC Off button for more than three seconds. Both the VSC Off and slip indicator light will illuminate. VSC can be turned on again by simply pushing the VSC Off button.

AUTO LSD Designed for maximum longitudinal tire traction, is only functional in 2WD vehicles or 4WD vehicles in 2WD mode. The electronic programming of Auto LSD uses the brakes to slow a spinning rear tire which redirects the power to the tire with grip, just like TRAC, but without power reduction. Auto LSD need only be used when the VSC-TRAC system is not sufficient for conditions such as pulling a boat up a wet ramp.

The system can be engaged any time by tapping the “VSC OFF” switch. An “Auto LSD” light appears in the gauge cluster. Auto LSD only functions below about 30 mph; above that, TRAC takes over regardless of the indicator lights. To turn Auto LSD off, simply tap the switch again.

Whether the goal is improving control or traction, these systems do an outstanding job and are standard on many Toyota vehicles, Tundra and Tacoma.

There are those who think that Toyota has taken a  nose-dive  that could take years to bounce back from. …We’re thinking a month or so.

Even with mysterious gas-pedal issues, claims of deadly “sudden acceleration” incidents, and the global recall of more than 8 million vehicles, millions of drivers continue to consider Toyota the gold standard for automobiles, with quality and reliability that exceeds others.

What’s different about Toyota, though, is that it knows how to recover quickly. The automaker has deep pockets and tons of talent. Executives work around the clock to  lead Toyota through the worst crisis in its history, and sooner rather than later the company will regain control and get back on the pavement. It will end up a better company than before. Meanwhile, Toyota automobiles could be a smart buy, with dealers offering discounts and other incentives to get things moving. If the price seems right, there are several other good reasons to buy a Toyota:

Safety concerns are exaggerated. The problems are serious, but political posturing in Washington and media hype have created the impression that every Toyota is dangerous. That’s ridiculous. The sudden-acceleration incidents at the center of the controversy have been “linked” to 34 deaths over the past decade or so. Toyota has sold more than 20 million vehicles in the United States during that time. By those numbers, rough math suggests the odds of a sudden-acceleration fatality in a Toyota vehicle are on the order of 1 in 600,000–not exactly a death wish for somebody buying a Toyota. And those odds could end up much lower. Deaths now considered linked to sudden acceleration could later be proved to have been caused by something else–including drivers who were pressing the gas pedal instead of the brake. No driver wants to admit doing that, but the fact is, it happens.

None of that is meant to disparage people who have been killed or hurt in a Toyota, and recent revelations depict a company that seemed unsympathetic to genuine complaints from customers. But the acceleration problem could turn out to be far less widespread than current hysteria suggests. It’s worth recalling that the Audi sudden-acceleration incidents in the 1980s–at first thought to be related to vehicle flaws–were later proved to be entirely the fault of drivers. Meanwhile, by virtue of its woes, Toyota is probably paying more attention to safety right now than any other automaker, to include the extraordinary step of shutting down factories to retool the gas-pedal assembly in many popular models. Toyotas coming off the assembly line these days are probably subject to more quality control than most other cars on the market.

Recalls aren’t the whole story. Being forced to recall millions of vehicles is a big deal, but Toyota still seems to perform better than other automakers when it comes to the kinds of complaints that lead to recalls. Data analyzed by Edmunds.com, for example, show that there have been many more complaints lodged against Toyota for sudden acceleration since 2005 than for any other automaker. But overall, Toyota has drawn far fewer complaints than most competitors, which is consistent with its once sterling reputation. Edmunds found that over the past 10 years, Toyota accounted for just 9.1 percent of all complaints filed with the government, even though it racked up 13.5 percent of all car sales. So despite the acceleration issue, Toyota still performs better than most in terms of complaints.

Toyota’s not alone. Internal documents showing that Toyota boasted of saving $100 million by avoiding a series of recalls make the Japanese automaker seem singularly sinister. But all automakers try to avoid recalls. Toyota just happens to be the one that got caught boasting about it, since it’s the company under investigation right now–and subject to subpoena. And all carmakers know that the Obama administration is “not industry friendly,” as another embarrassing Toyota document put it. Obama, like Bush, is requiring steep improvement in fuel economy, which will force all automakers to invest heavily in new engine technologies. That arguably hurts the Detroit automakers most, since their fleets get the worst gas mileage and they have the farthest to go. And anybody who still has doubts should ask Rick Wagoner or Fritz Henderson if the Obama administration is industry friendly; they were both forced to resign as CEO of General Motors, in the midst of the company’s bankruptcy and federal bailout.

The cars are still good. Of 18 Toyota vehicles, seven rank in the top three in their category in the U.S. News Best Car and Truck rankings, including the Avalon sedan, Sienna minivan, Sequoia SUV, and Venza crossover. Five of 12 Lexus vehicles rank in the top three. In its latest quality ratings, J. D. Power & Associates ranks Lexus first and Toyota seventh, out of 37 automotive brands. Consumer Reports named the Toyota Prius one of its 10 “Best Picks” for 2010, despite a recall involving brakes. And CR is poised to restore its coveted “recommended” status to eight vehicles it suspended from its ranking in the midst of the mushrooming recall controversy: the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra. Toyota’s overall quality has slipped from the stratospheric highs of a few years ago, but there are still few automakers that can match its record across their entire fleet.

White-glove treatment. To win back customers and alleviate safety concerns, Toyota will pick up and return some recalled cars, so worried owners don’t have to drive to the dealership. Toyota is also offering rental cars or rides to work to some owners getting their cars fixed. And CEO Toyoda has said that the company must start paying more attention to customers. Toyota certainly has room to rise: It ranks 17th out of 23 on J. D. Power’s customer-service index. If Toyota is serious about rebuilding its business, it has to start by wooing skeptical consumers. That’s a boon for buyers.

Lifetime Warranty Available. Select Toyota dealers around the country sell New Toyota vehicles with an Exclusive Lifetime Warranty with Unlimited Miles and Unlimited Time honorable anywhere in the United States. Find out more about Lifetime Warranty below:

Tacoma and Tundra Owners spend more money per vehicle modifying their trucks than Ford, Chevy, GMC and Dodge owners according to Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA),

The information can be found in SEMA’s 2008 Light Truck Report. SEMA surveyed more than 1,600 light-truck owners to determine the amount of money spent on different products and accessories. All the respondents owned or leased a 2007 or 2008 model-year pickup. The range of products asked about included suspension lift kits, audio upgrades, bedliners and more. Here are the results:

The Cadillac Escalade EXT is skewed quite high because it is a low-volume truck (about 4,700 units sold in 2008) and it’s a popular urban ride, so expensive 24- and 26-inch rims are quite common. More than 70% of Escalade owners earn over $100,000 annually. That’s the highest percentage of wealthy owners for any pickup, according to SEMA.

SEMA says all full-size truck owners spent an average of $1,831 on accessories while compact truck owners spent an average of $835 on aftermarket equipment.

Previous SEMA surveys show that cold-air intake systems, exhaust kits, bedliners, performance fluids and window tinting are among the most popular modifications for pickup owners. Tundra owners have also indicated that supercharger kits, winches and grille brush guards are popular items. Tacoma owners are into ski racks, wheel flares, upgraded brakes and lift kits in addition to the more traditional modifications.

We’ve grown accustom to technology applications on a daily basis that were nowhere insight just a few short years ago. Cell phones, Hand-held Computers, IPhones, Go To Meeting Video Conferencing, Ipods, Flat Screen Lcds, Blue-Tooth Hot Spots are all very recent marvels.

All of these things began with a simple thought from someone’s mind. Did that thought originate with some geeky kid autistically gifted in one direction? Or was it someone else….

Take a look at the  Picture Below:

In this futuristic workplace, there’s a videoconferencing box on every desk, and assistants helpfully visualize essential business data on giant screens. All the while, distant smokestacks gracefully pump toxic fumes into the atmosphere. There is reference to records which “appear as if by magic” from automatic files referring to robotic filing cabinets or hard disks. We are also intrigued by the several unmentioned gizmos on the desk. Maybe they include a proto-iPod, a rudimentary Flip, and a pseudo-BlackBerry.

The Image was created by a Futurist circa 1945…Take a look at another illustration below:

“Today’s weapon, tomorrow’s convenience!” The article accompanying this illustration from 1944 explained that the wireless phone was already in use by the armed forces, and would soon become a consumer product; it ended up taking 50 plus years before cell phones became truly common. In this demonstration, a fisherman phones his wife to relay good news about his catch and ask her to invite the neighbors for dinner, and then calls her again from his Car to tell her what time to expect him. He’s using a pocketwatch-like handset on a cord.

Each of these depicts a miracle that would transform postwar America. They’re fascinating and entertaining and they sort-of-accurately predict scenarios that eventually came to be, such as the rise of the cell phone…

Here’s a Tutorial Article about how Our Perception of Our Automobiles is influenced by specific assigned vehicle sounds or “Signatures” and how Vehicle Sound Signatures are used to Market Our Vehicles to Us.  

Vehicle sound is one of the primary drivers of consumer perception of overall vehicle quality. Tuning a sound signature requires research, where listeners in audio laboratories are queried about what attributes create positive impressions of a vehicle’s sound.

The two areas of the vehicle that tune the sound of the engine are the engine induction system and the exhaust system. By applying engineering expertise to analysis of consumer market research, companies such as Visteon, Inc. provide vehicle manufacturers with carefully calibrated engine induction systems that deliver unique Acoustic Sound Signatures.

These cost-effective solutions help manufacturers differentiate their vehicles, reinforce Positive Brand Images, and Market their Vehicle Models.

Vehicle-specific Signature Tuning
Consumers of different types of vehicles expect different types of sounds from their vehicles, and Automotive Acoustic Engineering suppliers recognize the importance of meeting these expectations.

For instance, sports car drivers expect a deep, V8-engine sound while owners of work trucks expect a heavy, rumbling sound. Some passenger-car owners prefer just enough rumble so that their vehicle sounds sporty. Luxury buyers, on the other hand, prefer silence. Sound Engineers like Visteon, Inc have experience working with vehicle manufacturers to deliver the desired Sound Signature consumers want from their vehicles.

Providing this type of acoustic distinction is more important, and even more difficult, when working with broad vehicle platforms that support multiple brands and vehicle types. In these cases, it becomes important to maximize common components for cost efficiency while providing the different outputs required for creating brand distinction. For example, the new 2011 Toyota Avalon Sound Signature  is very quiet and smooth as silk, where the new Tundra is smooth yet with a very seamless “Powerful” sound.

Calibrating Sound
After consumer preferences are assessed and documented, vehicle manufacturers establish sound targets for specific vehicle makes and models. While sound attributes can be calibrated to support the specific needs of a vehicle or brand, they also have a direct relationship to performance of the engine.

Sound Engineering Companies such as Visteon use unique applications of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and other analytic tools, that allow engineers to fully comprehend the trade-offs between performance and acoustic tuning, and allow them to optimize the system to meet necessary targets without adversely impacting engine performance. These tools also allow Engineers to support manufacturers by providing sound files of the predicted sound, so it can be verified that the consumer desired sound is being created.

Systems-level Expertise
Additionally, specific systems-level understanding of engine induction helps engineers understand how other engine induction components, such as the intake manifold, air cleaner and air inlets, can impact vehicle noise, vibration and harshness. This expertise helps engineers optimize placement of devices such as Helmholtz resonators and quarter-wave tuners. However, the requirements of the customer can call for more tuning than standard resonators and wave tuners provide, so companies such as Visteon, Inc. are developing even more sophisticated solutions. These new technologies merge a company’s knowledge of engine induction systems, automotive electronics, and the total vehicle into systems that can change Acoustic tuning.