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Do electric cars require oil changes?

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

If the vehicle is battery-operated, does it still require oil changes? This is an important question to consider for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The maintenance and service requirements of an EV’s motor differ significantly from that of an internal combustion engine (ICE) in a gas-powered vehicle.


An ICE motor has a significantly greater number of moving parts than an EV motor. Thus, motor oil is necessary to lubricate all its moving parts, allowing it to operate with minimal friction and prevent overheating and internal engine damage.
Interestingly, there appears to be little public interest in EV motors and their functioning. While the hottest topics around EVs are battery life and driving range, there is limited information available on EV motors and their maintenance. This lack of information might be because there are not many options to choose from when purchasing a new vehicle. It is not like buyers are picking between a V-8, V-6 Turbo, or four-cylinder engine for an EV.
However, there is one critical question to address: Do electric cars require oil changes? Continue reading to learn more.
Electric cars do not use oil to lubricate the motor’s moving components like traditional internal combustion engines do. This is because electric motors have fewer moving parts, including pistons, that need lubrication. In contrast, ICEs require motor oil and other fluids to cool, clean, and cushion the engine’s parts when running at high speeds.
Most electric motors in EVs use air cooling, but with the recent emergence of larger EV trucks that come with bigger, more powerful electric motors, liquid thermal-management cooling systems, which are separate from the battery, are becoming more prevalent. These closed-loop systems are designed to maintain consistent operating temperatures for the motor, regardless of the environment or driving conditions.
Some EV gearboxes require specific fluid for their transmissions. It is recommended to consult the owner’s manual to determine the suggested service intervals.
Do Electric Cars Require Oil Changes?
No, battery-powered EVs require less frequent and fewer services compared to fossil fuel-powered cars. By eliminating the need for motor oil and filter changes, overall costs of owning an EV are reduced. However, it should be noted that EVs are not maintenance-free. It is recommended to refer to the owner’s manual for other maintenance services unique to EVs.

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Detailing

How to Clean Crevices in a Car?

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

How frequently do you clean the interior of your car? It is a task that often goes unnoticed. In this article, we provide guidance on how to thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach areas in your car. Begin by removing any visible debris.

Your car is a reliable mode of transportation, carrying you to and from work, helping you with grocery shopping, and safely transporting your loved ones. However, it also accumulates a lot of dirt in the process, which necessitates regular cleaning. Although certain parts of the car are simple to clean, it can be challenging to clean small gaps and cracks. We have compiled some tips to help you clean these annoying crevices in your car.
To begin, remove any large debris within easy reach. This will provide a clearer understanding of the extent of the cleaning required for the small crevices, giving an indication of the time required to complete the process. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that larger debris cannot be removed using putty or a shop vacuum.For the larger crevices such as those between the front seats and center console where dirt, crumbs, and small items accumulate, a shop vacuum can be a valuable tool. Once any loose objects have been removed, the shop vacuum can be used to clean out the remaining debris.
Start by removing any large items within easy reach. This will help you to identify the actual dirt and debris in the crevices, and give you an idea of the time needed for the rest of the cleaning process. Additionally, large items cannot be cleaned using a shop vacuum or putty.Use a Shop Vacuum to Clean Large Crevices
The crevices between the front seats and the center console of a car can trap food crumbs, trash, and other items. A shop vacuum is a useful tool for cleaning these areas. Once you have removed any toys or electronics, use a shop vac to suck up the dirt.Use Car Putty to Clean Small Crevices
Putty is ideal for cleaning the crevices on your dashboard. It can easily remove dust and other small debris from seams that are difficult to access with a vacuum. Simply apply it in sections on your dashboard, and use it in tight areas like the cupholders.Prevent Dirt Buildup with a Car Trash Can
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While it may not always be possible to prevent all the dirt, having a trash can in your car to collect garbage and crumbs can make your life a little easier. Teach your kids to clean up after themselves to avoid leftover snack crumbs under the seats. Once you have cleaned the crevices, keeping the interior of your car clean will be much easier.

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Motorcycle

Top ATV and Motorcycle Repairs

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for safe ATV operation. Always fill your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on a label attached to the vehicle and in the owner’s manual. Do not inflate the tires to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall.

Using an automotive tire gauge instead of a low-pressure tire gauge can result in inaccurate readings, and many ATV owners overfill their tires, which can decrease traction and increase the risk of accidents. In 2006, ATV accidents in the US resulted in an estimated 882 deaths and 146,600 emergency room visits. To avoid becoming a statistic, inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.

CV boots are an essential part of an ATV’s lubrication system. They protect the joint from dirt and debris, preventing damage to the metal parts. Check the condition of the boots regularly by looking for signs of fresh grease around the pleats. If the boots are damaged, they must be replaced promptly to prevent costly joint failure.

Replacing a CV boot is a straightforward procedure, but it requires removing the axle shaft from the ATV. To do this, you must jack up the vehicle and support it with jack stands, remove the wheel, and the axle nut. Depending on the ATV’s axle style, removing the axle from the differential may require a crowbar or a special procedure. A service manual is a valuable investment for ATV owners who plan to perform their maintenance.
Tire pressure is critical to safe ATV operation. Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure specified by the ATV manufacturer, which can be found on the machine’s label or in the owner’s manual, rather than using the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Using an auto tire gauge instead of a low-pressure tire gauge can lead to inaccurate readings, and overinflating your tires can decrease traction and increase the risk of accidents. In 2006, ATV accidents in the United States led to an estimated 882 fatalities and 146,600 emergency room visits. Regularly checking the condition of your constant velocity (CV) boots, which keep dirt out of the joint and lubricating grease inside, can prevent costly joint replacement. A quick inspection for fresh grease around the pleats is an easy way to detect worn-out CV boots. While replacing a CV boot is a simple task, it requires removing the axle shaft from the ATV, which in turn necessitates jacking up the machine and removing the wheel and axle nut. It is recommended to replace both CV boots while the axle shaft is out of the machine, and a band installation tool is needed for proper installation. In dirty operating conditions, cleaning the air filter is critical to maintaining the ATV’s performance. An air filter cleaning kit, a plastic cleaning tub, rags, a bucket of soapy water, and chemical-resistant gloves can all be used to clean the air filter. Proper lubrication of the motorcycle chain can also greatly increase its longevity. It is essential to apply lubrication to the section of the chain that meshes with the cogs instead of the chain’s exterior, which is often done incorrectly. By lubricating cables twice a season, it is possible to extend their useful life and avoid expensive replacements. A specialized lubrication tool and spray cable lube can be purchased from a dealer or online. Finally, regularly changing the differential oil in your ATV is an easy drain-and-refill procedure that can prevent significant repair expenses. Always refer to the owner’s manual for recommended change intervals and the proper type of lube oil.

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Truck

Car Parts Shortage Continues to Impede the Auto Market

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

The ongoing shortage of computer chips is creating complications for both car dealers and buyers. If you’ve been shopping for a new car in 2021, you have likely noticed a significantly different market compared to the last time you made a purchase. New car inventory is severely limited, while demand for used cars is at an all-time high.


The root cause of these market conditions is a shortage of silicon-based semiconductor chips used in a range of products from video game consoles and cell phones to automobiles. This has resulted in manufacturers globally halting the production of numerous consumer goods, particularly new cars.
The global shortage of computer chips, a supply chain issue that emerged in 2021, has been largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early months of 2020, consumer electronics became increasingly popular, with many people staying indoors and working from home due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, car dealerships reduced their orders for parts with computer chips, anticipating a reduction in automobile demand. However, the automobile industry experienced a speedy recovery, causing automakers to ramp up their production of new cars and consequently increase their need for semiconductor chips. Unfortunately, the supply of silicon-based transistors was already insufficient by then.
The shortage of semiconductor chips has had significant consequences for the auto market, particularly for car dealerships. Philadelphia-area car dealer David Kelleher reported in May to the Wall Street Journal that his inventory was at an all-time low. Kelleher typically keeps nearly 700 cars on his lot, but in May, he had less than 100. Despite the challenges, the high demand for new vehicles has led to increased prices for available inventory, providing dealers with a decent return on their investment.
However, for buyers, the situation is more difficult. The cost of new vehicles is much higher than usual, and even if customers can afford the higher prices, there is no guarantee that their new car will be available anytime soon. In some cases, buyers are waiting weeks, if not months, for their new vehicles to arrive at the dealership.
The shortage of computer chips is causing significant complications for automobile dealers and buyers. The new car inventory at dealerships across the country is extremely limited, while demand for used cars is higher than ever. This complex market situation is a result of a simple problem: there just aren’t enough semiconductor chips in the world. There is a shortage of silicon-based semiconductor chips, which are used in a wide range of products, including automobiles, video game consoles, and cell phones. The shortage has forced manufacturers worldwide to pause production, most notably new cars.
The COVID-19 pandemic is largely responsible for the chip shortage. The pandemic caused a massive demand surge for consumer electronics, as many people started working from home and spending more time indoors in early 2020. At the same time, automobile dealerships reduced their orders for parts with computer chips, expecting that the pandemic would significantly reduce automobile demand. However, the automobile industry quickly bounced back, and auto manufacturers needed to ramp up production, requiring more semiconductor chips. Unfortunately, the little silicon transistors were already in short supply.
The ramifications of the chip shortage and automobile production slowdowns are hitting car dealerships hard. Buyers are in a tough spot as the cost of a new vehicle is much higher than usual. In some cases, buyers are waiting weeks, if not months, for a car they purchased to be delivered to the dealership. The shortage is also impacting the used car market, with the average price of a used car in June 2021 being 34% higher than the same time last year.
It’s hard to predict how long the computer chip shortage will last, and when auto manufacturing will return to normal. Global supply chains are influenced by many factors, making them hard to predict. Taiwan is one of the largest sources of semiconductor chips globally, and the country is currently experiencing its worst drought in decades, which could contribute to further chip shortages in the second half of 2021. While it is challenging to estimate the end of these shortages, providers are building out more capacity, and the situation may improve over the next 12 to 18 months, according to Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins.

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Parts

If Your Car Is Making These Noises, This Is What They Could Mean

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Car noises can be frustrating, but they can also be a sign of an underlying problem. If your car is making a low-pitched hum that gets louder as you accelerate and turn, it may be a wheel bearing noise. A droning noise that gets louder as you accelerate may be due to old or poor quality tires or uneven tire wear. A high-pitched squealing noise when you first start the engine may indicate a worn or cracked serpentine belt, while a whining noise while making a turn may be due to strain on the hydraulic power steering pump. Finally, a clicking noise when turning in one direction and not the other could be caused by a worn CV joint.

If your car is making a humming noise while driving that gets louder as you accelerate and turn, it may be a wheel bearing noise. This type of noise is often mistaken for an engine noise, but one way to tell is by watching your RPM gauge. As you accelerate, the RPM and speed gauges rise, but if the noise is still present after coasting at a set speed and letting off the gas pedal, it is not coming from the engine.
A droning noise that doesn’t change pitch or volume while turning, but gets louder as you accelerate, may be due to old or poor quality tires or uneven tire wear. Feathered tires can be a symptom of a worn suspension component, which causes tires to hop up and down as you drive instead of rolling smoothly down the road.
If you hear a high-pitched squeal or what sounds like a bird chirping when you first start the engine, the serpentine belt is likely worn or cracked. Some vehicles have multiple belts, including a separate one for the air conditioning. If the noise is only present when the air conditioning is turned on, then there may be an issue with that belt. The belt tensioner may also be worn or the belt may not have enough tension, causing it to slip.
If your vehicle has hydraulic power steering and you hear a whining noise while making a turn, you may have “locked” the steering wheel by turning it to the point where it doesn’t turn anymore. This strains the power steering pump, and if you hold this position for more than a few seconds, you risk damaging the pump. Back off about an inch from the lock position to ease the increase in pump pressure, and the noise should disappear. If you hear a constant whine, your pump is probably already damaged.
A clicking noise when turning one way and not the other could be caused by a worn CV joint. The noise is cyclical and speeds up as the wheels go faster or slows down as you reduce your speed during the turn.
Abstract: This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on common car noises and their potential causes. It is intended to assist car owners in identifying the possible source of the noise and to determine the appropriate course of action to resolve the issue. The article covers five common car noises, including clicking, rattling or clunking, grinding or squeaking, rumbling, and wobbling, and provides information on their possible causes and solutions.When a car makes unusual noises, it can be concerning and indicate a problem that needs attention. Identifying the source of the noise and determining the cause is crucial in maintaining the car’s safety, reliability, and overall performance. This article provides an overview of the possible causes and solutions for five common car noises.Car Makes Clicking Noise When Turning: If a car produces a clicking noise when turning, it is likely caused by a torn CV axle shaft boot that leaks grease. Without proper lubrication, the components become dry and start making a clicking sound. In this case, a technician could replenish the grease and replace the boot. However, if the CV axle is damaged, it should be replaced.Car Rattles or Makes Low-pitched Clunks: When a car makes low-pitched clunks or rattles, particularly over bumps, it could indicate a problem in the suspension system. The suspension system includes various components such as ball joints, stabilizer links, and coil springs. If a suspension noise suddenly disappears, it is likely that a component is broken and disconnected from the rest of the car.Car Makes Grinding or Squeaking Noises: A light grinding or squeaking noise when braking is usually caused by poor or worn braking materials. If detected early enough, the brakes can be serviced by cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the materials. Some brake pads have “squealers” that produce a cyclical noise when the pad material gets low. If the noise persists even while driving, the brakes may need replacing.Car Makes a Rumbling Noise: A rumbling noise at idle that gets louder when accelerating could be caused by an exhaust leak in the gasket or one of the exhaust components such as the flexpipe, resonator, or muffler. If the leak can be repaired, then it should be done; otherwise, the leaking component needs to be replaced.Car Sounds Like an Unbalanced Washing Machine: If a car produces a wobbling noise while driving, it could indicate a problem with the wheels or tires. Loose wheel nuts could result in the wheel falling off, while low tire pressure could lead to a tire blowout. If the wheel nuts are loose, they should be tightened using a lug wrench. If the tire pressure is low, it should be filled to the proper specification or replaced with a spare tire.In conclusion, identifying and resolving common car noises can help maintain a car’s safety, reliability, and performance. This article provides car owners with a basic understanding of five common car noises and their potential causes. If a car owner is unsure of the cause of the noise or is unable to resolve the issue, they should seek professional assistance from a qualified technician.

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Utility Trailers

Repair of Damaged Boats and Wiring for Utility Trailer Lights

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Trailer lights not working? Here are some diagnostic and repair methods for dim or non-functional trailer lights. Most repairs are quick and simple.


Tools required:
4-in-1 screwdriver
Continuity tester
Jumper wire
Nut driver
Towing vehicle tester
Materials required:
220-grit sandpaper
Electrical contact cleaner
Replacement bulb
Wiring kit
Keeping your trailer lights wired correctly is essential for safe towing. If your utility trailer is starting to show its age, chances are that your trailer lights are having issues. Properly functioning trailer lights are a necessary condition for safe towing, so it is important to check them each time you use your trailer. Some issues, such as a burned-out bulb or a bad trailer ground, can be easily fixed, while others can be more difficult to diagnose and repair. Follow the steps in our photo sequence to keep your trailer lights in top condition.
Troubleshoot your vehicle using a tester.Check your vehicle system by plugging in a towing vehicle tester into the vehicle’s connector to ensure that the trailer light wiring system is functioning properly. There are two types of trailer wiring testers. Check the configuration of your vehicle’s plug. Attach the trailer and connect the trailer light harness. Have an assistant step back and check that the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning properly. If all the lights appear dim or don’t work at all, check the trailer light harness on the towing vehicle. First, disconnect the harness and insert the tester into the vehicle’s socket. If there is a problem with your car or truck’s trailer light wiring, the tester will immediately tell you. If the tester indicates a problem, check all the vehicle’s lights to make sure there are no blown fuses, damaged flashers, or burned-out bulbs. Clean the connectors and recheck. Check for any broken wires near the connector. If there are still issues, schedule a wiring check. If the tester’s lights are functioning properly, then the problem is with the trailer lights or wiring harness, and you will need to perform some troubleshooting on the trailer lights.
Clean both connectors and trailer light wiring connectors by using a specific cleaner. If the trailer lights are still dim or not lit after checking the towing vehicle, please clean the connector plugs with an electrical contact cleaner and a fine steel wire brush to clean the contact pins.
Inspect the grounding of the trailer light wiring. Clean grounding contacts and secure the grounding wire to the metal frame. The ground wire often causes the issue. Remove the grounding screw, use sandpaper to polish wire terminals and trailer chassis contact points. If the grounding screw is corroded, replace it.
Replace faulty light bulbs. Gently twist off the old light bulb, install a new one, and check the light. If it’s successful, you can proceed.
Clean corroded sockets with fine sandpaper and a 3/8-inch dowel to remove corrosion. If the light still doesn’t work, the socket’s contact points may be corroded. Apply a small amount of insulating grease to the contact points and insert the light bulb. If the light still doesn’t work, check the installation bolts and scrub off corrosion if necessary.
Solution to malfunctioning trailer lights: Perform continuity testing
To inspect the wiring of a trailer, a continuity test may be carried out using a jumper wire connected to the connector pins and a continuity tester attached to the socket. The jumper wire can be connected to one of the pins of the trailer socket.
Continuity tester.A continuity tester comprises a light bulb and a battery, and serves to indicate a good circuit by lighting up the bulb.
Jumper wire.The alligator clip at the end of a wire allows for rapid and effortless continuity connection. If one side of the light fails to illuminate, a possible cause is a broken wire. To detect a break, examine the color of the wire attached to the socket, locate the corresponding wire on the connector, and clip one end of a long jumper wire (photo 2) to the connector pin, with the other end clipped to the continuity tester. Probe the inside of the socket with the tester (the color of the wire connected to the internal socket can be observed). If the bulb does not light up, track the wire and check for bare or broken spots. If a break is identified, sever the wire at the break, solder a new connection, and use heat shrink tubing to repair the insulation; such tubing can be obtained at a hardware store.
Replace trailer light wiring.If the corrosion is severe, replacing the entire wiring system is recommended. In cases where all previous attempts have failed and the parts exhibit severe corrosion, a new wiring harness can be purchased for approximately $20, which includes connectors, lights, lenses, and comprehensive instructions.

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Motorcycle

Winter Motorcycle Storage: What You Need to Know

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

In areas where motorcycle use is limited during winter, proper storage is necessary to avoid damage to the bike. Cold starts and exposure to salted roads can cause corrosion, while motorcycle tires offer poor traction on wet and snowy roads.

To avoid these risks, many people choose to store their motorcycles during the winter months. However, inadequate winter storage preparation can also damage the bike. To ensure safe storage until warmer weather returns, it is important to follow these steps:Winter Motorcycle Storage Checklist
Perform these tasks before storing your motorcycle.
To ensure the longevity of your motorcycle during storage, several steps should be taken. Firstly, a motorcycle battery that remains inactive for extended periods will lose its charge, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, connecting a battery tender to your motorcycle’s battery is necessary to maintain its charge while in storage. Additionally, tires that remain in the same position can develop bald spots from the bike’s weight continually pressing down on one spot. To prevent balding tires, it is recommended to remove all the weight from the tires, with the center stand (if equipped) or motorcycle stands. Finally, investing in a good motorcycle cover is necessary to protect your motorcycle from dust and moisture abrasion. If you are searching for a place to store your motorcycle, storing it in your garage is one of the safest and most convenient options. However, the only disadvantage is that it can take up a lot of space you may not be willing to sacrifice.
Storing a motorcycle on a driveway provides easy access for maintenance and inspection, but exposes it to possible weather damage and theft. Portable motorcycle shelters offer an affordable solution, protecting the motorcycle partially from the elements and ensuring security in the backyard. However, outdoor storage provides less weather protection compared to indoor storage and portable shelters come with additional expenses. If you choose not to store the motorcycle at home, a storage unit can keep it safe from inclement weather and theft. Yet, storing your motorcycle in a storage unit incurs additional cost and may not provide convenient inspection or maintenance opportunities. Properly preparing a motorcycle for storage can be time-consuming, but it is necessary to avoid damaging the motorcycle and incurring costly repairs when the riding season returns.

SCI-style translation:
Storing a motorcycle on a driveway is a convenient method for maintenance and inspection but leaves it vulnerable to weather damage and theft. Portable motorcycle shelters are an affordable option to store motorcycles at home, protecting them from the elements and theft when stored in a backyard. Nevertheless, outdoor storage provides less weather protection compared to indoor storage, and portable shelters are an additional expense. Alternatively, storing a motorcycle in a storage unit can prevent damage from inclement weather and theft. However, this method incurs additional costs and may not provide convenient inspection or maintenance opportunities. Proper preparation for motorcycle storage is necessary to avoid damage and costly repairs during the riding season.

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Detailing

How long do electric vehicle batteries last?

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Years ago, I believed that electric vehicles (EVs) had little chance of becoming more than niche-market vehicles due to battery concerns, charging issues, and low range.

However, after conducting extensive research on EVs for Family Handyman, my opinion and attitude have completely changed, particularly regarding batteries. EV batteries are engineered to outlast the vehicle and can perform reliably for 10-15 years, depending on climate and charging cycles, according to a life-cycle analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. A separate study by the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center found that new electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries may last between 12-15 years in moderate climates and 8-12 years in extreme climates. Additionally, federal regulations require that all EV batteries sold in the United States come with warranties of at least eight years or 100,000 miles. If a new EV battery fails, it is likely to be covered by the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEMs) warranty, which can provide insight into the battery’s life expectancy because EV manufacturers do not want to replace expensive EV batteries by overestimating their durability.
OEM EV battery warranties may contain exclusions due to replacement costs, which could include using non-standard charging stations or non-approved aftermarket parts, using the EV as a stationary power source, damaging the battery coolant reservoir, not installing software/firmware updates, repairs done by non-certified technicians, lifting the vehicle by the battery instead of designated lift points, general abuse, lack of maintenance or failure to make necessary repairs.

How do EV batteries degrade? There isn’t one single factor causing this. Similar to traditional lead-acid batteries, every time a lithium-ion battery cycles, its chemical and physical reactions decrease, gradually diminishing its potential to generate electricity. In technical terms, as an EV battery is used, a layer of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) builds up inside the battery, which blocks the passage between the electrolyte and electrodes, slowing the chemical reaction that eventually affects battery performance. Overcharging, cold temperatures, or leaving an EV parked for long periods with less than 20% charge can also cause battery degradation.

Translation to SCI paper style:

The OEM warranties for EV batteries may have exclusions due to replacement costs, such as using non-standard charging stations or non-approved aftermarket parts, using the EV as a stationary power source, damaging the battery coolant reservoir, failing to install software/firmware updates, performing repairs done by non-certified technicians, lifting the vehicle by the battery instead of designated lift points, general abuse, lack of maintenance, or failing to make necessary repairs.

How EV batteries degrade is not due to a single factor. As with traditional lead-acid batteries, the chemical and physical reactions of lithium-ion batteries decrease each time they cycle, gradually diminishing their potential to generate electricity. In technical terms, as an EV battery is used, a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer forms inside the battery, which obstructs the passage between the electrolyte and electrodes, slowing the chemical reaction that affects battery performance. Overcharging, cold temperatures, or leaving an EV parked for long periods with less than 20% charge can also cause battery degradation.
Corrosion caused by moisture during battery manufacturing can damage battery cells, leading to reduced battery performance and fewer miles per charge. However, EV battery degradation is minimal thanks to the battery management system (BMS). A study on 6,000 EVs found that over six years, batteries lost less than 3% capacity per year. To extend EV battery life, it is recommended to charge the battery to 80%, use Level 1 or 2 chargers for overnight charging, and avoid charging the battery to 100%. Other tips include driving at moderate speeds, maintaining proper tire pressure, and keeping the battery cool.

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Utility Trailers

Tips for safe sauna transportation

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Here’s a polished version, along with a possible translation into the language used in scientific papers:
Start by removing all the interior items — the benches, heater, lights, towels, water bucket, etc.
Remove any exterior pieces like the door and removable trim.


Disassemble and Load
Disassemble your sauna in the reverse order of how it was assembled.
First, remove the roof and set it aside.
To protect your sauna from damage in transport, you’ll need several pieces of 1/2-in. to 1-in. thick foam, about four to six inches wide and eight feet long.
Remove the lag screws from one of the side walls. With a helper, place the exterior of the wall face down, centered on the trailer and over the wheels.
Place another two pieces of foam on the wall. Then remove the lag screws from the other side wall, one wall at a time — first the front wall, then the back.
Place the other side wall on the trailer with the exterior facing up. Again, adding more foam pieces, place the front wall, then the back wall onto the pile with foam between them.
Next, load the roof and the floor base. The benches, door and heater will have to go in the back of your car or truck.
Securing the Load
Secure your load using two-inch heavy-duty ratchet straps.
Starting on the back right of the trailer, connect the hook end of the strap to the trailer, crossing the strap over to the left front of the trailer.
Tread the strap through the slot in the ratchet and pull all the straps through until tight. Connect the ratchet hook to the trailer and tighten the strap with the ratchet.
Do the same on the other side from the back left to the front right, crisscrossing the straps in the middle. Tie off any excess strap and secure it.
Always travel at a safe and moderate speed in transport. Periodically stop and tighten the straps.
Polished version:
To safely transport your sauna, follow these steps:
Remove all interior items, such as the benches, heater, lights, towels, and water bucket, and any exterior pieces, like the door and removable trim.
Disassemble your sauna in the reverse order of how it was assembled, starting by removing the roof and setting it aside.
To protect your sauna from damage during transportation, use 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick foam, four to six inches wide, and eight feet long. Place foam on both sides of the exterior face of each wall.
With a helper, remove the lag screws from one side wall, place the exterior of the wall face down, centered on the trailer, and add more foam. Then remove the lag screws from the other side wall, and place it on the trailer with the exterior facing up. Add more foam, and place the front wall, then the back wall, on the pile with foam between them.
Load the roof and floor base, while putting the benches, door, and heater in the back of your car or truck.
Secure the load with two-inch heavy-duty ratchet straps, crossing the straps from the back right of the trailer to the left front and from the back left to the front right. Crisscross the straps in the middle and tie off any excess strap.
Always travel at a safe and moderate speed, periodically stopping to tighten the straps.

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Motorcycle

How do motorcycle brakes function?

by Jaquan Green
written by Jaquan Green

Most motorcycle braking systems are similar to the disc brake system found in cars, with the majority of motorcycles using front- and rear-disc brake systems. However, some motorcycles still use drum brakes.

The main difference in motorcycle braking systems lies in how the brakes are triggered. Unlike cars, most motorcycles use separate controls for the front and rear brakes. The front brake is activated by a lever on the right side of the handlebar, while the rear brake is operated with a foot pedal on the right side. This allows the rider to engage the front brakes first, which carry most of the braking load and increase safety in most situations. Alternatively, some motorcycles engage both brakes with the handlebar lever, delaying the onset of the rear brake for the rider. Although riders debate whether this configuration offers a safer ride, it is largely a matter of personal preference.
Regardless of the method used to trigger motorcycle brakes, they function the same way. A cable or lever engages the master cylinder, causing a piston to apply pressure on the brake fluid. As brake fluid is incompressible, the pressure is then transferred through the brake lines to another piston located in the brake caliper. The caliper then applies pressure on the brake pads.

This pressure causes the brake pads to come into contact with the rotor, which is attached to the wheel. The friction between the rotor and pads converts the kinetic energy of the motorcycle into heat, slowing the bike. Because motorcycle wheels are fully exposed, the rotors and pads dissipate heat effectively.

Brake boosters are not necessary on most motorcycles. For lighter models, most riders can supply sufficient force for braking.

It should be noted that motorcycle brake rotors are rarely solid, smooth discs. The open design that helps cool the brakes also exposes them to water from the environment and wet roadways. Slots and cross-drilling increase safety by carrying water (and steam created through contact with hot rotors) away from the rotor, reducing the chance of interference with rotor/pad contact and brake efficiency. These tips come from expert motorcycle detailers.

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