RideLust

If you run your car on the race track then you know first hand how punishing it can be on not only the mechanics of the vehicle, but on the paint as well. Rocks and debris can chip and damage your cars finish, as can spilled fluids. Have no fear though because master detailer and car care expert Larry Kosilla of DRIVE CLEAN is here to let you in on a few little tips that will not only extend the life of your cars paint, but protect it during everyday driving as well.

Source: Youtube.com/DRIVE

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AMMO NYC founder Larry Kosilla knows a thing or two about automotive detailing. You see after caring for some of the most priceless automobiles in existence over the last decade, Kosilla became so disenfranchised with the car care industry that he took matters into his own hands and created AMMO NYC, a company dedicated to creating products that cater to the toughest automotive enthusiast. To start the year off right AMMO hosted a party at Manhattan Classic Car Club. The automotive press turned out in droves to not only have some fun, but celebrate a company that finally understands what we as dedicated petrol-heads want for our vehicles.

Source: AMMONYC.com

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If you’re an avid surfer of automotive content on the internet and you haven’t yet heard of BringATrailer.com, well then, this is your lucky day. Since 2007 these guys have been showcasing some of the best vintage cars for sale on the web. The key is that they do so in a manner that combines well written descriptions, style and photography so that in a sense you’re reading an article, not just looking at a “For Sale” ad. Click through and check them out!

Source: Vimeo.com

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When Old Man Winter belches hoarfrost over the land, it’s only natural to seek solace in a nice set of studded snow tires. The grinding metallic paws provide a sense of security. They just feel like they’re slicing through the ice, delivering life-saving stability and grip. Au contraire mon frère! Studded tires are terrible. They provide less grip in frosty conditions than their specialized studless counterparts and they pulverize pavement, turning roads in to rutted moonscapes. Stop buying studded tires. They suck.

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This is why I said, 'be careful with a heat gun.' Image: Ward Kadel

After years of washing, waxing and turning wrenches on cars and bikes, I’ve got a good feel for what works and what doesn’t. The latest “miracle glaze” polish usually doesn’t look as good or last as long as a good-old-fashioned hand waxing, and I’ve given up trying new cleaners for wheels or preservatives for tires. I know the brands I trust, so I stick with them: ironically, sometimes the best products aren’t even designed for use on cars. Below are five things you probably have around the house today that can serve double-duty when cleaning, polishing or wrenching on cars. Read More…

If you’re anything like me then you’ll jump at the chance to drive anything that’s different from your daily driver. I could care less if it’s a twenty year old Toyota Tercel or a brand new Lamborghini, if you offer me the keys, it’s very doubtful I’ll say no. Because of this mindset I’ve manage to finagle myself behind the wheel of some pretty trick hardware over the years which in turn, has helped me build up my knowledge of cars. There is however one tidbit of information that, regardless of the car, I just can never seem to remember: what side of the car is the fuel tank on? I know it seems insignificant, but in reality it’s not. I hate, and I mean really hate pulling up to a crowded gas station only to find that I’ve pulled up on the wrong side of the pump. So here’s a quick little tip that’s applicable to most late model cars.
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My dog possesses a remarkable talent – the ability to projectile vomit. I’d put him up against any grade schooler or member of GWAR in terms of quantity, color and surprise factor. My dog will do it at any time most inconvenient for me – while I’m eating dinner, when I’m walking him past a school bus full of kids stopped at a red light, on my pillow at 3 a.m. – you name it. I’m a conscientious dog owner and had the vet check him out numerous times, and there’s never anything wrong with him. Normal dogs vomit every now and then – he just does so like the Bellagio fountains.

As car rides are one of my dog’s hallowed activities, I was rather concerned that the back of my WRX would wind up looking like a frat house bathroom. My car has cloth seats and although my dog will happily “clean up” after himself, his vomit leaves stains and odors that linger. Additionally, as those of us with cloth seats know, dog hair sticks to cloth like Velcro, which is particularly annoying for me as my dog is white and the interior of my car is black. Suffice it to say, after my dog enjoyed a few trips in the WRX, I did some research on preventative measures, which I detail below.  Please note that these are my own recommendations and I did not receive any compensation from the manufacturers listed. Read More…

One way to keep your car safe. Image: Ihasahotdog.com

According to the latest data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, you’re more likely to have a car stolen on New Year’s Day than on any other holiday, and New Year’s Day even trumps the average daily theft rate. The NICB just released their latest analysis of car theft rates in 2008 and 2009, and it includes a handy breakdown of theft rates per holiday. In 2009, an average of 2,276 vehicles were stolen per day in the U.S. On holidays, the theft rates were:

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Back in the stone ages of motoring, cars came with real instrumentation, typically including a tachometer (to measure engine speed), a speedometer (to measure road speed), a voltage gauge or an ammeter (to measure voltage or current to the battery), an oil pressure gauge, an oil temperature gauge, fuel gauge and a coolant temperature gauge. Over the years, car makers realized two things: it was cheaper to replace functional gauges with idiot lights, and people actually paid more attention to idiot lights than they did gauges. Thus was born the modern instrument panel, which now typically includes a speedometer, a fuel gauge and (maybe) a temperature gauge and tachometer. All of the other critical information your car can display to you is now done via the driver information display or via idiot lights.

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Stolen catalytic converters. Photo: KSL

If you drive a lowered MX-5, chances are good you don’t have to worry about getting your catalytic converter stolen. Drive an SUV, on the other hand, and it’s something you may want to think about. All it takes is a tweaker with a battery-powered Sawz-all, and your platinum-rich catalyst can be gone in a few minutes, even if your car is safely parked in your driveway. He gets up to $300 from a metal recycler or scrap yard, and you get a bill from your dealership that ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

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