Contest Rules

Specifications: Write a piece about off roading, 4x4 use or related issues. 

Submission Requirements:

• An original, unpublished piece not accepted by any publisher at the time of submission.
• Must have fewer than 1,000 words.
• Must fill out the below form with author's name, address and e-mail address as well as the title of the piece.
• Multiple entries are allowed.
• Must be free of pornographic content and must not promote racism or sexism. As young readers visit this site, strong language may be edited from published pieces.
• Pictures can be added to the article by replying to the automatic message and attaching the image file (jpg or similar).
• Must be sent in by April 30, 2006.

Judging: The editor, Thrandur Arnthorsson, will read and judge each entry. His decision is final.

Winners: The winner will be announced on this site by May 15, 2006. Gold, silver and bronze prizes will be given.

GOLD       $250.00 USD - There can be only one!
SILVER     $100.00 USD - Can be more than one.
BRONZE                       - All articles that are published.

4x4OffRoads.com receives first rights to the prize-winning articles. The winning entries are posted on this site. All other rights revert to the authors on May 15, 2006.

Read more about the 4x4 ARTICLE CONTEST and submit your own.

Ice Caves in Langjökull
Oli has just upgraded his Explorer with a brand new set of 44 inch Dick Cepec Fun Country tires. A trip to Langjokull with the goal of seeing the ice caves sounds like a pretty good idea.

Arctic Trails - Northern Canada
A brand new expedition with modern equipment is organized to show how to travel in the harsh climate of the north the Icelandic way...

 

ARTICLE

General Vehicle Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance or preventative maintenance, if you will, can go a long way in making sure your vehicle runs at optimal condition. For example, no one truly enjoys the trips to a mechanic because our brake pads are worn down to the rotors or drums and we have to spend more time and dollars to repair the brake system. What little time it takes to make sure we do the "regular" things to our vehicle, makes the time well spent. The pay me now or pay me later cliché, in this case, is never more true. The following tips will aid you in keeping your vehicle ready to take you wherever you have to go.

Enough can’t be said about regular oil changes and oil filter replacement. Personally, I have oil changes every 2,000 miles. The recommended schedule is every 3,000 miles. Because of my prompt attention to regular oil and filter changes, I have a 1978 Buick LeSabre with 195,000 miles on it and in 2006 it still runs like a dream. It should go without saying but a lubing of the chassis or "lube job" some call it, should be performed at the same time you have the oil changed.

The air filter, when dirty, is a common problem when you notice your car has less power and is using more fuel. A simple check of the filter will give you an idea of how dirty it is. Mechanics will almost always agree that this simple step can go a long way in improving your vehicle’s performance. Air filters are instrumental in decreasing the amount of dirt, dust and other damaging contaminants going into the engine. Simply put, your vehicle runs less efficiently when the filter is clogged with dirt and grime. Filters should be replaced every 3,000 miles. Also, have the air filter changed when you have an oil change performed on the vehicle to save time or an extra trip to the mechanic.

And while we’re talking about filters, the fuel filter is probably the most overlooked or forgotten item for regular checkups. Auto experts don’t understand why this happens but it does. Remember the Buick I just mentioned? I have had the fuel pumps and fuel filters checked regularly on that vehicle. I can honestly say I get approximately two more miles to the gallon when I calculate mpg/number of gallons of fuel used after I have replaced a fuel filter. Whenever you happen to notice or think to yourself, "I sure am using more gas lately", check the fuel filter.

Regular replacement of the brake pads is also very important. Many expert mechanics will agree that all parts to the brake system are the most important safety features on an automobile. You must be able to stop your vehicle quickly and safely. All brake pads will wear out eventually. If you start hearing squealing like sounds or the feel of the pedal upon braking is "mushy", you need to consider that the brake pads are beginning to become worn out. The responsibility of the brake pads is to provide friction with the pad to make braking or stopping possible. Brake pads can be easily diagnosed for wear and tear with regular examinations.

Spark plug wires assure that your vehicle is properly operating in a dance with the distributor and ignition coils. Many things can indicate problems and spark plug wire malfunction. There may be corrosion at the wires or connectors. Resistance can increase as the wires get older. The material encasing the wires may be shredding or wearing out.

The first sign of trouble generally comes when you start noticing a missing or stuttering type action when the vehicle is operating. There’s a significant tugging like symptom that feels to you that your vehicle can’t get the energy to move. Always keep your spark plug wires clean. Always troubleshoot for wires that look worn out or are not properly applied to the spark plugs. Replacing your spark plug wires will mean efficient starting and less ignition type problems that can follow because of worn spark plug wires.

Wash Me! Well maybe this one isn’t actually vehicle "maintenance" per se, but doesn’t a clean vehicle make you feel better? Again, have you ever noticed the vehicle seems to run smoother when she’s clean? Having the engine steam cleaned on a regular maintenance plan can also go a long way in extending the life of your engine. Engine cleaning will keep the corrosion and grime from building up on your spark plug wires too. It will help when you are looking over your engine for leaks, unplugged or loose wiring and keep the corrosion off your vehicle’s battery.

While these aren’t the only "regular maintenance" tips available, you can always research your vehicle’s handbook for other ideas that can help extend its life and keep it running in optimal condition.

Bio:
This article was written by Rita R. Powers sponsored by http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/. The Auto Parts Warehouse offers round-the-clock sales support as well as free shipping within the 48 states for orders over $50. Also, you'll find more BMW auto parts here than anywhere else on the web.