Roof Racks – Useful and Practical
In the 21st century technology is not only producing newer and sleeker vehicles but also accessories to keep up to date with such vehicles, amongst them are DVD players, music systems and car roof racks.
Today the automobile market provides different types of roof racks to suite the vehicle and owner’s need. While some people require heavy duty roof bars, others need a lighter roof bar to suite their requirements. There are options like roof-mounted single bicycle versions that are not only reasonably priced and convenient but also good for providing storage space for large items not able to be carried inside the vehicle.
Starting with the basic cross bars can be added plastic roof boxes, steel or aluminium mesh baskets,ski carriers, kayak carriers and ladder racks to name a few.
Treatment against the weather is an important requirement for a good and lasting roof rack life and materials used are high strength aluminium, glass filled nylon and steel components that have been zinc plated and polyester powder coated for added protection and appearance.
It may not be always necessary to have the roof-rack installed on the roof and most roof racks are designed for easy removal when not required, often only requiring a tool supplied, or a spanner that can be purchased at a small cost, if not provided with the roof rack when purchased.
If the roof-rack has been well maintained they can be transferred to another vehicle by buying fittings for the new vehicle, or, sold to recoup the original purchase price.
Despite the precautions to be taken a roof-rack allows a lot of extra space while the downsides can be accepted providing you plan around them. Distribute the weight evenly and as low as possible, place the heaviest items in the centre of the vehicle. At frequent stops check that the load has not shifted and that all tie down straps have not loosened, It is worth the small investment to buy eye bolts suitable for the channel cross bars and use ratchet straps for better tightening.
Before you actually buy a roof-rack discuss your requirements with a qualified roof rack specialists to be sure the roof-rack you buy meets the vehicle’s manufacturer specification and the vehicle’s load rating.
Whatever is carried it is important that when travelling the load is checked at frequent intervals to ensure everything is secure as body movement will tend to loosen straps or ties and may cause some items to fall from the rack. Check with you rack supplier to ensure you have the rack suitable for your vehicle.
By Smriti M Sharma
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee With Quadra-Lift – What Is That?
What is that you ask. Well Quadra-Lift is probably one of the best options Jeep has come out with in a long time. Being able to raise or lower your vehicles height, depending on road conditions, with the turn of a switch is fantastic. Quadra-Lift uses a closed air system which provides quicker response to drivers request for ride high adjustments. A closed system means the air for system operation is stored in a reservoir instead of using outside air.
With the help of air shocks the system provides five modes of operation. The five modes are: Normal Ride Height, Off Road 1, Off Road 2, Aero Mode and Park mode.
Normal Road Height is the starting point and is the height position used during normal driving.
Off Road 1 is for off -road use when you speed is between 25 mph and 48 mph. It raises the vehicle 38 millimeters. If you speed moves if your speed moves out of this range it will automatically lower to Normal Ride Height.
Off Road 2 provides the maximum off- road height of 76 Millimeters. It is for speeds up to 20 mph. If you vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph it will automatically lower to Off Road 2.
The Aero Mode improves aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle when your speed stays above 50 mph..
Park Mode lowers the vehicle 40 Millimeters for easier entry and exit. Park Mode is a driver selected mode under 15 mph. Over 25 mph the vehicle will automatically return to Normal Ride Height.
What is that you ask. Well Quadra-Lift is probably one of the best options Jeep has come out with in a long time. Being able to raise or lower your vehicles height, depending on road conditions, with the turn of a switch is fantastic. Quadra-Lift uses a closed air system which provides quicker response to drivers request for ride high adjustments. A closed system means the air for system operation is stored in a reservoir instead of using outside air.
With the help of air shocks the system provides five modes of operation. The five modes are: Normal Ride Height, Off Road 1, Off Road 2, Aero Mode and Park mode.
Normal Road Height is the starting point and is the height position used during normal driving.
Off Road 1 is for off -road use when you speed is between 25 mph and 48 mph. It raises the vehicle 38 millimeters. If you speed moves if your speed moves out of this range it will automatically lower to Normal Ride Height.
Off Road 2 provides the maximum off- road height of 76 Millimeters. It is for speeds up to 20 mph. If you vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph it will automatically lower to Off Road 2.
The Aero Mode improves aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle when your speed stays above 50 mph..
Park Mode lowers the vehicle 40 Millimeters for easier entry and exit. Park Mode is a driver selected mode under 15 mph. Over 25 mph the vehicle will automatically return to Normal Ride Height.
Hyundai Santa Fe Is Ready To Touch Indian Roads
Hyundai in India is doing excellent but what about the SUV segment of the Hyundai. There is no vehicle park in SUV reserved parking, previously it was Hyundai Tucson. To fill this space, Company is planning to launch its worldwide successful SUV Hyundai Santa Fe.
Hyundai Santa Fe is loaded with well refined and powerful 2.2 litre Common Rail Diesel Engine that is better in mileage and low in CO2 emission. This is the best engine Hyundai is loading in its SUV. This CRDi engine churns out the power of 194 bhp at 3800 rpm, which is quite impressive. Also it generates the torque of 43 kgm at 1800-2500 rpm. This SUV is well suited for the off-road adventures.
This Macho look SUV got the solid body and best in class suspension well suited for Indian bumpy roads. Take this vehicle in any surface, it will not disappoint you. Wide 17 inches tyres, provides an excellent grip and smooth sharp turn. Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. It is very responsive and hit the 0-100 km mark in just under 10 seconds.
Hyundai Santa Fe is very comfortable for both driver and passengers provide huge leg and head space with thigh support. Seating is based on 3 rows and easily accommodates 7 peoples. The quality of interiors is exceptionally good and no compromise in features. This Hyundai SUV is loaded with excellent features like dual-zone climate control, audio system with aux-in, USB support, big LCD screen, navigation system, smart key, cruise control, audio controls on steering and many more. Safety features are as per international standards, it includes 10 airbags, advance Anti-Lock Braking System and ESP.
Hyundai Santa Fe will be available in 3 different models – GL, GL Sports and Limited Edition. GL will be the base version with price tag of around Rs. 21 lakh. GL Sports is higher than GL variant with price tag of Rs. 23 lakh. The top end model will be Hyundai Santa Fe Limited with prices tag of Rs. 24 lakh. Don’t worry about higher price tag, it’s full value for money SUV.
Hyundai Santa Fe will compete against some big and successful player like Toyota Fortuner and Honda CRV. It will be interesting to see how this machine will compete with upcoming Skoda Yeti. In power and responsiveness, Hyundai SUV is ahead of Fortuner and CRV. It’s really worth to wait for Hyundai Santa Fe before making any final move in your SUV purchase.
By Rahul K. Singh
