Multiplexing of electrical signals in automobiles is beginning to be used as vehicles are continually being designed with more electronics and options. Multiplexing is essentially putting a digitally encoded signal on a wire and decoding that signal at the other end. This allows merging multiple communication paths into a single serial signal path.

The advantages of multiplexing include reducing the number of wires needed in a vehicle, increased functionality, increased flexibility, integration of system functions and improved systems diagnostics.

Flat Flex

Coming hand-in-hand with multiplexing is the use of flex circuits and flat flexible cable (FFC) to replace wiring harnesses. Flat flexible cables are typically used in applications that require repeated flexing.

Examples of applications include:

-Office equipment
-Industrial controls
-Laptop computers
-Disk drives
-Printers
-Avionics
-Appliances
-Cellular phones

The drivers pushing auto manufacturers to use FFC are reduced weight, less connectors, package efficiency, improved EMI/RFI performance, the move towards multiplexing and the trend toward infotainment systems in automobiles.

Multiplexing and FFC/flex circuits will see their first use in instrument panels as the real estate in this area becomes more crowded and the demand for plug and play infotainment systems continues.

The instrument panel is being designed to integrate remote electronic devices into fewer, smaller, and faster packages. This includes the radio, driver information, climate control, wire harnesses, pigtails, and connectors ? all packaged into an integrated architecture.

Overall, the result of replacing wire harnesses with FFC and/or flat flex circuits throughout a vehicle (except for headlights and in the engine compartment) will result in a connector reduction of 75%; wire harness reduction of 50%; space reduction of 70% (about one cubic foot of space for the instrument panel); and simplified troubleshooting.

Major Players

The automotive OEM goals are to offer more options and reduce weight at lower cost. Conventional wire harnesses are bulky and offer less electrical integrity. The use of FFC and/or flex circuits allows auto manufacturers to achieve both goals.

The technology is currently being used or investigated for instrument panel, headliner, floor, door, and tailgate applications and it currently specifies in-body electrical applications for Ford, Chrysler, and GM vehicles.

All the major instrument panel producers such as Visteon and Delphi, are developing these multiplexed, integrated instrument panels. Hence, all of the wire harness producers are developing FFC and/or flex circuits for use in the instrument panel.

This has the potential for major growth as FFC and flex circuits replace wire harnesses in the instrument panel. Use of FFC in other areas will occur as its advantages are realized as they are now being realized for the instrument panel.

The US economy and the resulting weakness of the dollar looks like it may well contribute to the price of crude oil continuing to rise as investors have been holding the commodity instead of dollars. This means that as the cost of a barrel of crude oil comes close to the 100 dollar figure then so fuel prices have also continued to rise.

So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.

Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.

And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?

Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.

And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.

And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.

The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.

And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist motor trade insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.

2008 promises to be an exciting time for all involved in the automotive industry so put your seat belts on, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Guess what?? These are the last two fluids left to check every month, to keep your vehicle sufficiently hydrated and all of its thirsts quenched. These two fluids, while not crucial to the life of your vehicle, make driving that vehicle more pleasant and comfortable. Also, these are the only two fluids that do get used up. If the levels get low, adding the proper fluids is something that needs to be done for the mechanical equipment to work. No washer fluid, no clean windshield. No air conditioning refrigerant, no air conditioning.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Checking the level of your air conditioning refrigerant is a procedure that your technician will have to complete for you. Because it is not actually a fluid, but a gas. In most of the newer model cars, there is a light in the instrument panel that goes on when your refrigerant is low, or there is some other problem with the air conditioning.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Almost every newer model vehicle on the roads today has a light in the instrument panel that will tell you when you are low on washer fluid. And most vehicles that are equipped with rear windshield wipers will have a receptacle located in the rear of the vehicle that contains the fluid for the rear windshield. Your owner?s manual will tell you how to access that container.

Although it seems as if it would be logical, and certainly less expensive to simply use a household window cleaner to refill your vehicles washer fluid, it is not a good idea. Household cleaners are just not designed for windshield use. These fluids would freeze in the winter and crack the reservoir, and they would not be able to adequately remove the road salt, bugs, or any other nameless disgusting thing that hits your windshield at speeds of 50 miles per hour, or more.

Checking the level and refilling your windshield washer fluid reservoir is a very simple process.

1.

Conducting periodic maintenance will ensure its performance capabilities and life of your vehicle. The following are general recommended intervals for your passenger vehicle, SUV, minivan and pickup truck and are based on oil changes performed every 3,000 miles. Always read your owner’s manual for other recommendations.

Every month check the following:

? Engine light. If the engine light remains lit after the vehicle is started; check the owner’s manual for possible malfunctions. The vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem. If it is blinking, it indicates a more serious problem and needs immediate attention.

? Lights, inside and outside the vehicle. Check the fuses first, then the light bulbs. Buy the recommended size and type for your vehicle at your local auto parts shop. If you are unsure of the type, the helpers at the auto parts shop can locate the right light or fuse.

? Proper tire inflation and condition. Not only does the correct pressure help ensure the life of the tire, but also your gas mileage. Check tread and general condition of each tire including the spare. The tires should be free of bulges, cracks and uneven wear. Any of these imperfections are a sign of needed replacement.

? Windshield washer fluid. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. If the fluid is low, do not replace with regular tap water. Fill with only windshield washer fluid from your local auto parts shop.

Every 3 months or 3000 miles (whichever comes first) check the following:

? Automatic Transmission Fluid. Check the fluid with the engine running and transmission in park. If the dipstick indicates it is low, add the manufacturer’s recommended type until the dipstick indicates it is full. If the fluid type is unknown or difficult to read on the dipstick, contact your local auto parts shop and ask for help. ATF only needs to be changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

? Battery and Cables. Battery cables should be clean and securely mounted. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and checked and replaced if necessary. Visit Parts Plus Auto store to buy a battery if necessary.

? Belts. Check V and serpentine belts for wear and tear. They should not have visible signs of cracking, fraying, or glazing this indicates excessive wear and needs replacement. The timing belt is typically replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles and can be bought or ordered from an auto parts shop.

? Air and oil filters. Inspect engine air filters at every oil change and replace annually or sooner if the filter is oil soaked or shows signs of excessive wear. Oil filters should be changed and replaced at every oil change to maximize an engine’s performance.

? Fuel Filter. Inspect. For vehicles with carburetors, the filter should be replaced annually while those with fuel injection only needs replaced every two years or 24,000 miles.

? Hoses. Inspect and change when cracked, leaking, rusted or restricted.

? Power steering fluid. Check when the car is warm and if topping off is required regularly, then it is time to get it checked for leaks.

? Follow monthly checks as well.

Every 6 months or 6000 miles in addition to regular monthly maintenance and 3 month checks:

? Chassis lubrication. Most newer model vehicles do not require this check although steering and suspension components may need lubrication.

? Exhaust. Inspect for leaks, cracks and damaged supports or hangers. A leaking exhaust is dangerous and needs maintenance immediately.

? Polish. Use only automotive polish instead of regular dish soap to prevent removing the original polish from the vehicle. Automobiles only need waxed and polished twice a year.

? Wiper blades. Replace if chipped, cracked, streaking or excessively worn.

Every 9 months or 9000 miles ? same as 3 and 6-month maintenance checks.

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles check the following:

? Brakes. Check entire brake system including rotors, drums and brake linings. Most replacement parts are sold at the auto parts shop.

? Cabin air filter. Replace once a year or in places where air contaminants are worse or when heating and cooling is not working properly.

? Coolant (antifreeze). Change annually when the engine is cold; mix with a 50/50 solution as recommended by the owner’s manual. Some brands are premixed and are sold at auto parts shops.

? Steering and Suspension. Inspect the entire system and replace as needed. Symptoms of a replacement needed are uneven tire wear and excessive bouncing after bumps.

Keep a schedule of monthly maintenance in your car, so you will know what service is required at your vehicle’s next check up. Many owners’ manuals have a place to write down service dates and maintenance performed.

Rising fuel prices, unstable financial markets and taxation changes with the apparent aim of getting us to use our cars less often (or at least pay more to use them) have been just some of the issues that have affected the automotive industry in the past 12 months. This article looks at what 2008 may hold for the automotive industry and road users in general.

The US economy and the resulting weakness of the dollar looks like it may well contribute to the price of crude oil continuing to rise as investors have been holding the commodity instead of dollars. This means that as the cost of a barrel of crude oil comes close to the $100 figure then so fuel prices have also continued to rise.

So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.

Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.

And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?

Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.

And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.

And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.

The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.

And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.

If you are thinking of getting a new vehicle because your old one doesn’t look so great, you should really reconsider! With our economy only getting worse and worse you may not want to add more monthly expenses to your tab. Especially when you could get auto reconditioning for your vehicle and get it looking like new in no time! These services have been overlooked in the past as people simply trade in or sell their vehicle to get new ones. However, those people don’t realize what auto reconditioning is, how it works, how much it costs, where to get it, or mostly how much auto reconditioning can really help your vehicle!

Auto reconditioning is where a trained professional can repair your vehicles auto body using existing parts to transform it to look like new again. In most cases they are able to repair your vehicle auto body with only the existing materials. There are many different auto reconditioning services that are offered in these types of shops. Some of those repairs include bumper repair, windshield repair, interior repairs of all kinds, paintless dent removal, wheel rim repair, headlight restoration, paint touch and more!

Auto reconditioning is great for car owners because it is fast and it works! Many times repairs can be completed in just 2-6 hours. If you were to choose replacement instead you could be without your vehicle for days or weeks waiting for the parts to come in. Usually you would start the process by getting an estimate for the work you would like to be completed. Then they will begin work and get your vehicle back to you as quickly as possible. Once you get your vehicle you will surely see a great difference as your auto body damage seems to have disappeared!

Auto reconditioning is for the most part affordable. Most people believe that auto body repairs will be much higher. You will have to find a qualified shop that will do the work at fair price, but that cost will be much less than what you will pay for a new car monthly! Also many times car insurance providers will pay for the damage to be repaired. However most people find that auto body repairs are affordable enough that they don’t have to use their insurance.

To get any auto body repairs of service performed you will want to choose a highly qualified auto body specialist in your area. Be sure to ask around about their accreditation in their specialty. Also ask to them to see examples of their work so ensure that you accept their quality of work produced. Make sure you are also getting a fair deal, check rates of other shops in the area!

You may not think auto reconditioning can help your vehicle, but you would be surprised. With all the great services and technology it will be like getting a new car when the auto body specialist finishes repairing your vehicle. Don’t waste money on buying a new car in an uncertain economy; get your vehicle looking great with automotive reconditioning services!

In an effort to create a separate luxury division for its products, Honda introduced Acura to the US automotive market in 1986. Acura became an instant hit — a success rooted on its vehicles’ impeccable features, performance, and upscale image, coupled with Honda’s reputation for reliability. Every Acura car is readily equipped with virtually all the features one demands from an upscale car. Acura’s propensity to provide these features hauled accolades from satisfied customers. In fact, the carmaker has scored typically well in J.D. Power’s quality and satisfaction surveys. J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior.

Just like other cars, Acura’s assets can be further enhanced by a set of performance parts. Usually synonymous to racing, Acura performance parts can actually be used for ‘everyday’ Acura cars that need improvement in power, handling, and fuel economy. They are special replacement parts designed to boost a vehicle’s power, since the stock automotive components are somewhat restrictive. The most common Acura performance parts are air filters, intake kits, and exhausts.

An Acura air filter removes contaminants, which are often solid particles from the air, to produce an specific air quality needed for a vehicle’s combustion process. An oversized Acura performance air filter, however, sucks more clean air into the engine, thus increasing the engine’s power and torque. The Acura exhaust, on the other hand, carries harmful exhaust gases away from the passenger compartment and also converts most of the harmful gases into acceptable by-products. Moreover, it helps in reducing the sound made by the internal combustion engine, reduce the temperature of the exhaust, and control the emissions that come out of the vehicle. An Acura performance exhaust system’s job is not only to control emissions, but also to provide the engine an ‘extra grunt,’ giving the race car sound.

Acura performance air filters and exhaust systems are just some of the many Acura performance parts that are offered in the market. It depends on the owner whether his or her Acura needs improvement/s on certain performance parts.

BMW has pioneered many new technologies together with other famous brands, and models in the automotive industry. They are improving the quality of their cars and car parts with exacting standards for each and every single auto part that is produced today. Though the BMW parts are designed to withstand the test of time, some interior parts have the chances to wear down with constant use. Because of this reason, BMW interior parts are widely available in the market today.

The interior parts are made to match the specifications of one?s BMW car unit. These parts are especially made to meet the needs of a specific BMW vehicle. Thus, one can expect replacement BMW parts to perform as ably and competently as one’s old BMW part. All interior parts comprising of air filter, alternator, antenna, ball joint, belts, brakes, brake pads, catalytic converter, clutch etc are available in the shops today.

Not only the interior parts, but also the performance parts can be changed to renew the performance of the BMW. For example, the braking system and the suspension of the BMW are mechanical parts, which means that it wears down by time. These performance parts have to be replaced with new ones to renew the cars performance. With BMW parts available everywhere, replacing the old performance parts with new one is never difficult.

Revolutionary advancements to automotive engineering and design have incorporated the use of engine computers to enhance the efficiency of engine operations. Along with the use of electronic engine sensors, computer-assisted engine system operations have established greater engine power and performance perfect for daily driving applications. For high performance driving applications, you can simply employ a cost effective Pontiac performance chip to do just the trick in taking your vehicle?s overall engine performance a level up notch. The chip carries a program that is designed to upgrade the critical factory performance settings of your engine. Aside from that, the incorporation of application tested technologies backed up the dyno-test proven results of the fuel efficiency as well as the performance gains offered by premium performance chips. Souping-up serious power train has never been easier. The secret to enjoying practical and convenient solutions to unleashing your vehicle?s overall level of performance lie on the functionality of a single unit of sophisticated performance enhancing device.

Tuned towards delivering your vehicle?s peak performance and fuel efficiency, the sophisticated and neat technology used in manufactured premium Pontiac performance chip has long been developed to offer greater possibilities to boosting combustion efficiencies. With the help of electronic sensors, it breaks your engine free from the restrictions of critical factory settings for performance. At specified RPM range, the product is designed to meet the exact demands of sustaining smooth operations as specific driving applications. Add that up to the product?s simplest and easiest installation specifications and you simple get pure convenience of continually enjoying the gains of re-establishing the fuel efficiency status of your engine absolutely hassle-free. While it is intended to be wired directly to your engine control unit, the product automatically makes all the necessary adjustments to optimize fuel combustion efficiency. It intelligently improves drivability by simply helping your engine computer keep up with the intensity of engine operations you require so following the course of your driving style will be absolutely fail-proof.

With today?s age of technological advancements, you never will need to crawl under the hood just to upgrade the performance of your vehicle. Back in the days, you need to hope of the best results when fondling with carburetor settings and distributor advance curves just to squeeze more engine power out of the standard yielded output. By combining aggressive fuel and timing settings, plug and play Pontiac performance chip applications eliminates all the dirty works of juicing more power from your engine. By remapping your engine systems for more power and torque, it simply acquires better stance in terms of drivability and fuel economy. Because performance chips are highly advanced car accessories as well as cost effective performance enhancers, chip manufacturers take leverage on more advanced chip features connected with their chips. Whatever type or brand of performance chip you decide to have your ride equipped with, make sure that the product is custom tailored to your vehicle?s specific year and model of application. Otherwise, you might face sever engine computer problems due to imprecision. Finding the best fitting Pontiac performance chip for your vehicle has been made easier as online automotive stores improved the availability of performance chips not just to your country but all over the world.

The Australian Auto Market was steady for 2006 and continued its strong run of 10 years by achieving its second best year on record. A stable Government, strong economy and a general feeling of wealth all contributed to the strong sales result.

Looking at the numbers closely and we start to see some changes that occurred in several market segments as the impact from the fuel crisis took its toll on the more fuel inefficient large passenger vehicles and raised the sales volume of smaller cars.

Domestic sales volume now makes up about 20% of all sales and will possibly diminish more as the consumers buy more imported fuel efficient cars and turn away from the Australian Designed ?family cars?.

Much development effort over the past several years has gone into producing high performance vehicles that handle to ?European standards? to attract the fast money. Cars that today are less relevant than a few years ago as fuel prices bite the boy racers wallet. This has possibly been at the expense of developing a locally built diesel engine. It is hard to believe that Ford or GMH have not seen fit to offer a diesel alternative to their line up of petrol engines. Once again they are caught flat footed as the market changes are moving away from their offer.

Future risks are the actual break even point for annual production. Common knowledge suggests that an OEM needs to produce 60,000 vehicles of one model per annum to make money. Certainly Mitsubishi are a long way from that target. Without an export strategy how can the South Australian Government sensibly call for assistance from the Federal Government by getting them to delay the lowering of the import duty?

The lowering of import duties combined with the strong dollar will increase the availability of leading edge imported products. Add to this the desire for fuel efficient and high performance diesel engines from the higher quality diesel fuel and the local OEM?s are likely to suffer more. We see that the automotive retail landscape will continue to evolve with the consumers being the winners.

Perhaps the argument for a lowering of the National fuel consumption will take on more weight due to environmental concerns than protecting a few thousand jobs. Sounds like a problem for environmental evangelists like Peter Garrett.

The opportunity for Chinese OEM?s to enter the market is clear. Their investment needed to meet or exceed the emission standards is the same as their European export push. The only road block is their ability to produce a right hand drive vehicle and several have already built these vehicles.