Tag Archives: signs

How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Car’s A/C Recharged?

There are some apparent indicators that your automobile’s air conditioner wants a recharge. Blowing out warm air, for instance, is one clear signal you need to take it into the store. When the automobile’s refrigerant ranges are too low, the evaporator core cannot attain the optimum temperature for cooling. Sometimes that can trigger the A/C to blow cool air initially, however will steadily shift to heat air. Other occasions, it is by no means cool air and can merely fill the cabin with heat air.

A visual leak below the chassis is one other signal that one thing is afoot. A puddle of liquid might imply any variety of issues for a automobile, and a type of points is a failing air conditioner. If you discover moist spots round A/C strains whenever you look below the hood, and the A/C is not blowing cool air it is time to have your automobile serviced.

Whenever the air conditioner in a automobile is initiated, it is accompanied by a little bit “click” noise. That’s the sound of the A/C clutch on the compressor partaking. If you do not hear that click on, that is an indication that the refrigerant ranges are both too excessive or too low, stopping the clutch from partaking. Lastly, take the automobile in to be serviced as quickly as you scent odd odors coming from the vents. A bizarre scent is indicative of water or mildew being current within the system, the place it would not belong.

Feds Say Tap The Brakes On Punny Highway Signs

The punny messages states have been placing on their freeway indicators gained’t be as enjoyable any further. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) introduced new steering final month on how states ought to use these email correspondence boards to convey essential data to drivers, and it doesn’t embody pop-culture references or jokes.

According to the FHWA, freeway messages needs to be “simple, direct, brief, legible, and clear” to drivers. The new rule recommends that states not show messages with “obscure or secondary meanings, such as those with popular culture references, unconventional sign legend syntax, or that are intended to be humorous” on visitors management gadgets. Such playful language is likely to be “misunderstood or understood only by a limited segment of road users” and will “adversely affect respect for the sign.”

 

It’s a tragic finish to some freeway playfulness, however the brand new guidelines don’t come as a shock. The Feds informed New Jersey close to the top of 2022 to cut it with cute and creative messages, which was one of many first indications that the US authorities would possibly implement new guidelines about freeway visitors indicators.

New Jersey ran some baller messages like: “We’ll be blunt – don’t drive high,” “Get your head out of your apps,” and “Hocus pocus, drive with focus.” But the state additionally needed to inform its drivers to cease taking footage of its inventive indicators, saying in a tweet by means of the New Jersey Department of Transportation that snapping pics is “very dangerous and defeats the message we’re trying to drive home.”

Utah, Delaware, Ohio, Tennessee, and different states have additionally transmitted enjoyable and inventive messages on their freeway indicators.

If you need to be taught extra about how the federal government controls the roads, try the 1,100-page Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways eleventh Edition, revealed final month. The new guidelines for the digital management boards are on web page 519.

Toyota Becomes Official Automotive Partner of the National Football League

  • Toyota signs multi-year sponsorship deal with the National Football League
  • Toyota will use NFL platforms to enhance brand awareness, consideration, and loyalty
  • Toyota supports grassroots NFL programs for community development

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – Toyota and The National Football League (NFL) have announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement, making Toyota the Official Automotive Partner of the NFL.

Through this partnership, Toyota plans to utilize the year-round NFL calendar as a strategic marketing platform to reach football fans across the United States.

Engaging with fans in their own environment is increasingly important. With the opportunity to participate in official NFL events, Toyota aims to connect with consumers in an authentic manner, enriching their fan experience and promoting loyalty to the Toyota brand.

“The NFL has 205 million passionate fans, making it the number one sports property in the U.S.,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager of Toyota. “This partnership allows us to engage with fans through various NFL programs and platforms, enabling us to share our brand message and showcase our vehicles to a diverse and highly engaged audience.”

The partnership extends beyond the stadium and into football-loving communities across the nation. Toyota’s commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns with the NFL’s focus on growing and prioritizing multicultural programs, as they both strive to provide mobility for everyone.

“We’re delighted to welcome Toyota as the Official Automotive Partner of the NFL, as they have supported the League’s media partners and clubs,” said Tracie Rodburg, senior vice president of Sponsorship Management at the NFL. “Toyota shares the NFL’s strategic vision and goals by prioritizing authenticity and commitment to their consumers, our fans. We look forward to collaborating to bring fans exciting programs in the future seasons.”

Toyota is already familiar to NFL fans. The “Toyota Halftime Show” first appeared on ABC’s Monday Night Football in the 1980s. In 2006, Toyota became the halftime sponsor for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, a sponsorship that is still ongoing. Toyota’s new partnership with the NFL will be supported by national broadcast television and online media investments.

At a regional level, Toyota currently sponsors eleven NFL teams through its network of dealer associations. Local activations will be driven by Toyota’s 1,200+ dealers across the country. Together, these partnerships will bring Toyota and the NFL’s shared mission into the living rooms and communities of fans nationwide.

“For over fifty years, Toyota and the NFL have created memorable experiences and iconic moments for American families,” added Christ. “With this partnership and the combined resources of Toyota and the NFL, there is even more excitement to come.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for over 65 years. They are committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through their Toyota and Lexus brands, along with their nearly 1,500 dealerships.

In the U.S., Toyota directly employs over 49,000 people who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at their nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will start producing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. As the automaker with the most electrified vehicles on the road, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

Through their Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has pledged $110 million to create innovative educational programs within historically underserved and diverse communities near their 14 U.S. operating sites.

About the NFL:

The National Football League is the most popular sports league in America, consisting of 32 franchises that compete annually for the Super Bowl, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL created the model for successful modern sports leagues, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence, and strong franchises across the country.

HONDA CR300 TWO-STROKE PROJECT: BEHIND THE BUILD

Honda stopped producing two-stroke motorcycles over ten years ago, and there are no indications of that changing in the near future. However, dedicated two-stroke enthusiasts like John Murray are taking matters into their own hands. Murray has taken the concept of two-stroke conversions to the next level with his “Under Construction” project, a Honda CRF450R powered by a KTM 300SX engine.

John Murray, a self-proclaimed “Honda guy,” is an avid dirt bike rider and tinkerer when he’s not running his family business. As a fan of both Honda and KTM, Murray had the idea to combine his love for Honda with a modern two-stroke engine platform. With a Honda CRF450R and a KTM 300SX in his garage, Murray set out to make this idea a reality.

After some rough measurements, Murray and his friends realized that the KTM engine could almost fit into the Honda frame. However, modifications were needed to reconfigure the intake system to accommodate the Honda’s downdraft design. They also had to make adjustments to clear the KTM’s two-stroke cases and ensure proper engine placement and drivetrain alignment. Despite the challenges, Murray’s vision was becoming a reality.

The conversion process involved minimal cutting and welding on the Honda CRF450R chassis. The main frame required some grinding, and new engine brackets and pipe mounts were created to fit the KTM engine onto the Honda frame. The coolant hose routing posed some challenges, but they found solutions without significant radiator modifications. The air-intake system utilized components from both the KTM and Honda, incorporating “real-world application techniques.”

The exhaust system required modifications to align with the cylinder’s exhaust port angle, ensuring clearance with the frame’s “Y” junction. Although the modified exhaust worked well, it is not a commercially available option from FMF. It is unlikely that we will start seeing KTM 300-powered Hondas everywhere because building a usable bike from two brand-new bikes can be quite expensive. However, Murray’s project showcases what can be achieved with determination and a vision in a garage.

Despite its rough appearance, Murray’s CR300 project delivered excellent performance during testing. Minor issues were quickly resolved, and the bike was a joy to ride. The only downside was having to return the bike after testing, as it was shipped far away. Murray’s project demonstrates the potential of a modern-day Honda two-stroke and highlights what can be accomplished by an average person with determination and a vision. Thank you, John!

How NASA’s Sky-High Tech Helps Wine Makers Look For Grape Disease

Scientists are using NASA’s AVIRIS-NG instrument to detect signs of GLRaV-3, a grapevine disease. AVIRIS-NG is typically used for ecological research, such as studying wildfires and air pollution. However, in this case, it was used to observe how grape plants interact with sunlight. By analyzing the composition of light absorbed by the plants, researchers were able to identify infected plants with up to 87% accuracy even before they exhibited symptoms. The study, published in the journal “Phytopathology,” utilized machine learning and data from 11,000 acres of vineyards. This technology has the potential to assist grape farmers and could be extended to monitor crop diseases globally.