How Advertising in Social Networking Sites Helps Your Automotive Business

With the increase in number of social networking users, the Internet has added up another potential arena for marketing online social networking sites. Especially for automotive business, where branding will be the major marketing objective, advertising in social media is not worth ignoring. Here are some benefits of advertising in social networking sites for automotive businesses:

Reaches wider audiences
We are now in an era where an account in social networking site is as important as having a mobile. Facebook alone has 175 million users logging into the site each day. When you place your ad in a social networking site, it is more likely that your ad is watched by a large number of visitors.

Moreover, users are becoming more offended with traditional advertisements as they seem to invade their privacy. The ads in social networking sites may not seem intrusive as they mingle with the flow of conversations in them.

Improves traffic
The effectiveness of target-based advertising has long been recognized by businesses. It is much easier to promote your auto dealership to niche consumer base through wide number of options such as forums, marketplaces and groups on social networking sites. Such targeted online ads are more likely to increase click-through rates of your ads, from potential consumers. Thus, advertising in social networking sites will not only improve your landing page traffic, but also is more likely to convert the traffic into leads.

Builds good reputation
More and more consumers are turning to social networking sites for advice on purchasing their car. There are many credible automotive forums, blogs or groups on sites like Facebook, which have already built their reputation by helping many such people seeking advice. These conversations are re-visited and referred by many others who require similar advice. When your ad is displayed among those conversations, chances are more that you can build good brand reputation out of it.

Highly interactive
Interactive advertising has become one of the popular online advertising techniques today. The best option available for interactive online advertising is social networking sites. Unlike advertising in traditional media, advertising in social networking sites enables auto dealers to interact with their customers.

Post offers and discounts: There are certain social networking sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, Scoutmob, etc. that have become popular these days by allowing businesses to post offers and discounts at faster pace. They already have gained much popularity among consumers, thus leaving enough chances of increasing your advertising ROI.

Your social media marketing campaign can turn more effective, when supported by social networking advertisements. As the ads belong to the same platform that the users are using, it is more likely to get them to subscribe or sign up to your messages. This further helps you achieve your marketing goals easily.

Get feedback instantly: Social media enables two-way interaction between you and your consumers. Queries and feedback related to cars or services from consumers will reach you instantly. However, it is not likely that the feedback is positive always. But responding appropriately and quickly even to a negative feedback, will prove you more credible in the market.

You will require an effective social media strategy to gain success here the major reason most auto dealers do not succeed with it. Since the competition is less, there are more chances that you can use it to your advantage with the help of an experienced social media strategist.

If you are one of those auto dealers, who are still struggling to get enough ROI out of their advertising campaign, the problem might be with the advertising space you are investing in. It is then the right time to move to social networking sites for promoting your auto dealership.

Motorcycle Repair Restoring Your Bike

Soaring fuel prices have made gas-guzzling cars very unpopular. Welcome to the resurgence of the motorcycle. Why? Because properly maintained motorcycles and motorcycle engines can get between 40 and 60 miles a gallon. Smaller scooters get upwards of 90 miles a gallon, pretty good for an economy with $4-per-gallon gasoline.

Because of this, bike sales have soared. Motorcycle repair, too, can come in handy. Do you have a bike in storage that you haven’t dusted off for awhile? There’s a good chance you can be among those restoring motorcycles so that you can ride your old road hog again.

Restoring your older motorcycle to working condition starts with some basic steps:

Check Fuel
If you didn’t use a fuel stabilizer before you put the bike into storage, drain your old fuel (including tank, fuel lines and carburetor as applicable) before you run the engine, and put new in. Lubricate spark plug ports with a little oil, too, before you start things up.

Check Oil
Change the oil and filter if you didn’t do so before you started. If you did, top levels off.

How Is Your Battery?
Make sure leads are not corroded and that the battery will fully charge and then hold a charge. If it doesn’t, replace the battery.

Inspect The Chain
Because your chain transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel, it is very important that it be in excellent shape. Look the chain over for the following:

— Is the chain the proper tension? You should be able to grasp it in the center and move it about one inch in either direction, up or down.
— Are front and wheel sprocket teeth in good condition? If the teeth have grooves or “waves” in them or they show other signs of wear, you probably need new sprockets (chain will probably show similar wear and need replacement).
— Check every single section of the chain for signs of wear and for proper tension. It should move about an inch when you pull on it. Tighten the chain if it’s loose, and loosen it if it’s tight. If the links themselves are too tight, you might need to replace the whole chain.
— Clean dirt off the chain with a clean towel or rag before you apply lubricant. Make sure you thoroughly lubricate all sprocket teeth and links.
— Lubricate the chain well. Remember that some solvents should not be used with rubber if your chain has rubber parts to it. Use a proper solvent and wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean rag.
— Set chain tension properly by moving your rear wheel and axle forward or backward. Both sides of the axle should be aligned properly before you tighten things up or the chain and sprockets might wear out quickly. Tighten the axle nuts and replace the cotter pin with a new one if needed.

Fluid Levels
Brake, clutch and coolant levels should be checked as necessary. Make sure you replace missing brake fluid with a new container of the same brand you used last time. Let your bike idle for a few minutes before you take off so that all fluids circulate properly.

Tires and Suspension
Inspect everything thoroughly before you take your first ride. If you kept your bike stored upright on a kickstand, make sure your tires aren’t cracked, marked, or flat. In addition, check to make sure tire wear and air levels are good.

Brief About Automotive Fault Codes

All cars and light trucks built for sale in the United States after 1996 are required to be OBD-II compliant. The European Union adopted (directive 98/69/EC) a similar law in 2001 for gasoline powered vehicles, and in 2003 for cars with diesel engines.
OBD II mandates a standard scan tool (SAE J 1978) with a single standard plug for all vehicles manufactured in U.S.A.
The Universal interface (SAE J 2201) requirements for Scan Tool (SAE J 1978), Data Communication Network Interface (SAE J 1850), (SAE J 1850), Interface connector (SAE J 1962) requirements, Test Modes (SAE J 1979), and Diagnostic Trouble codes (SAE J 2012), and Enhanced test modes (SAE J 2190), are described in detail in the standard. General characteristics, electrical and mechanical characteristics are also described in the HS-3000 standard. EPA regulation is that SAE J 1978 must have the capability to perform bi-directional diagnostic control. Vehicle manufacturers will use manufacturer specific messages to perform these functions, and later use SAE J 2205, (Expanded Scan Tool protocol) to enable these functions with SAE J 1978 automotive Scan tool.

SAE J2012 (Diagnostic Trouble Codes1) defines a set of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where industry uniformity has been achieved.
The medium of communication is the serial data link described in SAE J 1850.
OBD II mandates that all trouble codes are logged when they are set and are retrieved by auto diagnostic scanner when commanded. And the diagnostic data must be made available when requested by the auto diagnostic scan tool. So the auto diagnostic scan Tool is to collect diagnostic messages from the vehicle. Which consists:
Analog inputs and outputs
Digital inputs and outputs
System status information
Calculated values

Important Note:
Only one Code must be stored in OBD II for each fault detected.
DTCs consist of an alpha character followed by four characters.
Pxxxx is reserved for powertrain DTCs
Bxxxx is reserved for body DTCs
Cxxxx is reserved for chassis DTCs
Uxxxx is reserved for network DTCs (UART the body electronics like door and roof control, air conditioning, and lightning, as well as for the entertainment control).

The second character designates whether the DTCs and a generic SAE DTC or a manufacturer specific DTC.
Powertrain codes
P0xxx – Generic
P1xxx – Manufacturer-specific
P2xxx – Generic
P30xx-P33xx – Manufacturer-specific
P34xx-P39xx Generic
Body codes
B0xxx – Generic
B1xxx – Manufacturer-specific
B2xxx – Manufacturer-specific
B3xxx – Generic
Chassis codes
C0xxx – Generic
C1xxx – Manufacturer-specific
C2xxx – Manufacturer-specific
C3xxx – Generic
Network Communication codes
U0xxx Generic
U1xxx – Manufacturer-specific
U2xxx – Manufacturer-specific
U3xxx Generic

The remaining characters designate the system associated with the fault. The characters are hex and can range from 0 F.
The third digit defines the specific system or sub-system within the car where the problem is located:
1.Fuel and Air Metering
2.Fuel and Air Metering (injector circuit malfunction only)
3.Ignition System or Misfire
4.Auxiliary Emission Control System
5.Vehicle Speed Control and Idle Control System
6.Computer Output Circuits
7.Transmissions
8.Transmissions
9.Control Modules, input and output signals

Top 5 Handheld Gps Manufacturers

Handheld GPS units are extremely popular for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, geocaching, hunting, kayaking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Although there are many different GPS manufacturers to choose from there are five main manufacturers that are extremely popular for handheld GPS units. Each company has their own unique models to choose from.

Below are the five Handheld GPS Manufacturers to consider when searching for a GPS device.

GPS Manufacturers

Garmin
Garmin is likely one of the most popular manufacturers for GPS units as well as many other products. Garmin began its business 21 years ago in 1989. They comprised at that time of a few engineers who got together to develop and construct navigation and communication devices. Today Garmin has offices all over the world and well over 7,000 employees. They design and market units for:

Automotive navigation
Marine devices
Aviation
Fitness
Wireless GPS for smart phones
Outdoor receivers

The Garmin handheld GPS units are well known for offering great quality as well as the latest technology. They are often voted the best in their class.

Magellan
The Magellan Corporation has changed ownership and name several times. The original Magellan Corporation was founded in 1986 but in 2001 they were acquired by Thales, a large electronics company. In 2006 Thales Navigation was purchased by Shah Capital Partners who changed the name to Magellan. Then in 2009 they were bought out again by MiTAC International Corporation. The consumer GPS units are still marketed under the Magellan brand. They have an extensive line of handheld GPS devices as well as automotive navigation devices. Despite the constant change of ownership Magellan still does and always has produced good quality GPS units.

DeLorme
DeLorme has been in business since 1976. They create technology, mapping products, and data not only for consumers but also for professionals. Although they always produced great quality products they really earned a name for themselves in the 1990s when they pioneered GPS solutions for laptops, Palm OS devices, Pocket PCs and recently for Bluetooth applications and color topographic maps and aerial imagery. They have a fairly good selection of handheld GPS devices.

Lowrance
Lowrance Electronics Inc. is one of the oldest GPS manufacturers. They began in 1957 and have a pioneer in developing Global Positioning System mapping instruments. They have an extensive line of SONAR and GPS units for outdoor recreation as units for aviation, marine and automotive. They have a decent selection of handheld GPS units.

Bushnell
Bushnell offers a wide range of outdoor technology tools such as binoculars, scopes, rangefinders, trail cameras, flashlights and of course handheld GPS units. They have been in the high performance sports optics industry for over 50 years. They only have a few handheld GPS receivers but they are tailored for all outdoor activities. More basic in design and features than the other GPS manufacturers listed above their units are ideal for any sportsman looking for a GPS device made simple.

With so much choice in handheld GPS manufacturers it is not hard to find a model to suit your outdoor activities and all your needs.

The Uniqueness Of The Chevrolet Cruze In India

Reliability, low maintenance, excellent mileage, and superb handling are the key features that a car buyer gives first preference when buying a car. And when the exterior looks automatically fit in with the said lineaments, the effort is further rewarded. General Motors, with its research on changing market trends and taking into account car lovers preferences, designs its cars incorporating all the aforesaid features. This is the reason why GM cars are so popular not only in India but also in some 200 countries. The latest cars by GM to hit the Indian market are the Chevrolet Cruze and the Beat. The Chevrolet Cruze in India is introduced in the diesel version, a lacking feature in the mid sedan category. And GM has filled the gap in the right time. No wonder the car will have many takers; it is just the launch and it has already registered good sales records. The future is yet to come!

The Cruze Chevrolet in India has been launched with a budget friendly price tag Rs 10.99 lakh for the Cruze LT variant and Rs 12.45 lakh for the LTZ variant as per Thane ex-showroom prices. The latter variant has additional features compared to the former model and hence the increased price. The 2-litre VCDi 1,991cc inline-4 diesel engine is operated by a single overhead cam. And the power and torque figures are well appreciated in many a car review. It delivers a remarkable 150PS @ 4,000rpm of maximum power and 327Nm @ 2,600rpm of maximum torque. It comes with a single 5-speed manual transmission option. What more can you ask for when you have no maintenance overhead costs for three years or 100,000 kms the warranty that it comes it. And as confirmed by the maintenance aspects of all other Chevrolet cars, you will hardly need to spend on maintenance on your Cruze even after the warranty period is over.

A keyless entry is one of the distinctive attributes in the Chevrolet Cruze. So, you need not use keys to get in the car. The door opening mechanism involves the use of sensors on the doors. If you have the keys in your pocket, a gentle touch on the door handle will let you experience the opening of the gate. Again locking is also as simple as opening; all you need to do is to pull the handle gently and the doors will automatically lock! Isnt the Cruze designed the smart way in sync with the up-to-the-minute technology? And there is no key hole for the ignition! A start/stop button is fitted towards the left of the steering column on the dash. Once you give a gentle push to the button at the same time pressing the clutch, the engine will instantly start. The insulation features inside the car wont even let you hear the roar of your Chevy Cruze.

An all-time electronic stability program and a standard ABS in the Chevy Cruze have generated rave reviews on web. Users speak volume about the said features including other aspects.