Driving on Eggshells

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Automobile and truck tires are made up of a few dozen materials but the main three are: natural rubber, synthetic rubber and carbon-black. Let’s look at the sources of these three primary materials.

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Seeing in the Dark

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Driving at night is dangerous. The reasons are obvious: poor vision on dark highways, obstacles that are recognized too late, wrong judgement of speed, driving into oncoming headlights -and all of this possibly exacerbated by wet, reflecting road surfaces. Fortunately, there is a technology solution coming our way that can make these driving conditions less difficult. Let’s take a look.

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The First V-16 Engines

The 1920s were a time of great economic growth in the United States and, because of this, by the late 1920s many American automakers were preparing new, ultra-luxury cars. It was during this time that Cadillac, one of the finest automotive makes in the world, released the first V16 engine. It was a jaw-dropping advancement in automotive technology and led to others soon jumping on the V16 bandwagon.

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Ike’s Brakes

What does it take to stop a 1950s, four-ton limousine that just so happens to be carrying the leader of the free world? If you answered “good brakes,” you’d be right. And, there’s quite a story behind the brakes on the Chrysler limousine used by president Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower. You might say that Ike’s preference for Chryslers had a profound effect on the design of automotive brakes throughout the World.

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Cloning a legendary supercar

Supercars are cars that statement cars that spare no expense in the name of performance and style. Just about every manufacturer has made them with the intention of getting great press coverage and winning important races. The Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 is good example. According to Brown’s Alfa Romeo of Patchogue, a local Alfa Romeo dealer in Patchogue, NY, the Tipo 33 is a classic supercar. It has been considered to be one of the best-looking roadsters ever made but was actually built to win races, specifically the 24 Heures du Mans or “LeMans.”

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