Throttle Controllers: The Best Way to Improve the Performance of Your Vehicle

 Petrol and diesel are the main types of fuel that make our cars go nowadays with electricity slowly but surely catching up. Since we still rely on internal combustion engines our vehicles need to make use of throttle bodies. These components are what help control the amount of air that flows into the engine and thus petrol/ diesel too. Throttle bodies are often part of the air intake system which when you apply the gas pedal they open up the air intake thanks to a sensor.

This is the temperature sensor that helps measure the temperature of the air-fuel mixture and thus regulating the flow of air needed to make your vehicle run more efficiently. Today's throttle bodies rely on what is known as a drive-by-wire system which can be improved upon thanks to a small throttle control unit.

Why Get a Throttle Controller

Performance

An electronic throttle control device is able to improve your vehicle's performance since it adjusts the fuel-air mixture more efficiently. This is because a car throttle controller offers more control over how well you want your car to run thanks to different modes and settings. You can get more torque without pushing on the accelerator pedal as much.

Efficiency

Another advantage that throttle controllers offer is fuel efficiency. Performance is the first thing people want when driving an underpinned vehicle. But if you have a big rig, you want to save more on fuel. You can still benefit from installing a throttle controller by setting it up so that it doesn't use as much fuel in the mixture. This way you increase the intake of air but do remember your vehicle won't be as powerful when going over obstacles.

Throttle Lag

Something that almost every driver has experienced at least once in their lifetime is throttle lag. This is when you push the accelerator pedal and nothing happens for about a couple of seconds until you feel some acceleration pulling your vehicle forwards. Well, with a throttle controller this can easily be solved.

What to Look for in a Throttle Controller

Adjustment Levels

As you already know a car throttle controller comes with different modes on it. These modes come at various levels though. You can adjust each mode according to your driving style. This gives you more versatility and the more adjustment levels you get on each mode the better since you can fine-tune the controller to work better with your vehicle. If you don't want to fiddle with these levels you can always set the mode on your throttle control unit to automatic. Just make sure that the controller comes with such a mode since not every model has it.

Power Modes

Talking about power modes, they usually come as three different options. Typically an electronic throttle controller will have an eco, performance, and normal mode or automatic.. Eco mode makes your vehicle run in a way that will save the most amount of fuel without hindering performance as much. This can be achieved especially if the modes on your throttle controller have many adjustment levels.

Pro or performance mode (sometimes called sport mode)  favours torque and acceleration over fuel efficiency. Again the more adjustment levels you have the more aggressive or toned down you can make the performance of your vehicle. On some throttle controllers, you can make your own mode. especially models with many adjustment levels come with this option.

Installation & Set Up

While every electronic throttle controller can be installed easily not every model is easy to set up. Some throttle control units require you to just turn them on and they do the rest but others require extra steps. These often include selecting the mode that you need or turning off your vehicle and turning it on again. But it's nothing more complicated than that.

How to Install a Throttle Controller

1. To install an electronic throttle control module in your car you need to first locate the plug to your accelerator pedal which is often found on or under it. Once you've found that plug, remove it from the connector it's sitting in and connect the piggyback adaptor coming from the throttle controller.

2. Once you have the plug from the throttle controller connected where the original accelerator plug of the vehicle was, connect the original plug to the piggyback adaptor. The adaptor has a connection point on the backside where the original plug needs to go.

3. After connecting the original plug to the piggyback adaptor mount the throttle control unit somewhere on the dashboard and run the cable preferably through the steering column. This way you have a clean installation and you're ready to use the unit to your advantage.

Conclusion

No matter the size of your vehicle or the number of valves it has there is always something you can upgrade. Be it improving performance or fuel-efficiency, an electronic throttle controller can help make that happen. By dimpling plugging a palm-sized device, you can enjoy a better ride be it on city streets or mountain paths.

Tips for Choosing Flooring for Healthcare Environments

 Hospitals are busy places with a lot of people and staff going in and out and plenty of medical procedures performed during the day. For that reason, hospital flooring has to be able to withstand all the traffic, the pressure from the beds and machines and to be waterproof and easy to clean. Don’t forget that aesthetics is just as important. Hospitals in general need to represent a warm and safe environment for the patients.

Vinyl Flooring for Easy Maintenance

Vinyl is a synthetic material consisted of polyvinyl chloride and other polymers and resins. Many people know vinyl by the vinyl records that were once used to play music. They still exist and can be bought today and many people even collect them.

Despite for records, vinyl is popular as a material for flooring too, mostly because vinyl flooring for hospitals is high-quality, durable and versatile. When choosing flooring for a healthcare environment, in particular, vinyl has to be your number one choice. With only 2mm in thickness, vinyl flooring is able to withstand high amounts of pressure, weight and traffic which are all very common in hospitals.

Before installation the subfloor needs to be completely dry and inspected, then a suitable adhesive is being applied and on top of that goes the vinyl floor. Vinyl flooring for hospitals is even suitable to use on top of underfloor heating as long as the heating temperature doesn’t pass 27 degrees.

Once you install the hospital vinyl flooring rest assured that it will last a lifetime no matter the circumstances it is exposed to. With this, you also save up a lot of money that otherwise would have been spent on floor maintenance and repairs.

When choosing the right vinyl flooring for hospitals you can opt for one made out of recycled materials that’s 100% recyclable. Most vinyl floors are made following all the required safety regulations and are waterproof, abrasion-resistant, fire-resistant, have high chemical resistance and reduce sounds meaning they act as isolation too.  

As per cleaning, hospital flooring vinyl is super easy to maintain and keep hygienic at all times. You can use standard floor cleaners and disinfectants, but you can also steam clean the vinyl floor from time to time without it suffering any damage at all. And of course, vinyl floors are slip-resistant too which is perfect for hospitals because it can get quite messy sometimes.

Premium Rubber Flooring for Easy Installation

A good alternative to the vinyl flooring is the premium rubber floor which is used in hospitals just as much. Similarly to the vinyl floor, the rubber floor is budget-friendly, it’s very easy to install and maintain, has great isolation properties and will last for quite some time with the proper care.   

Rubber flooring can vary in thickness and the right thickness can be picked according to the room in which it’ll be placed. For example, waiting rooms and entry halls are the places that suffer the most traffic so it will be best if thicker rubber flooring is placed there. Thinner rubber flooring can be placed in patients’ rooms, nurses and doctors’ rooms and operating rooms.

The rubber flooring is the choice of many when it comes to hospital facilities because it is very low maintenance and hygienic. Let’s face it. Carpet flooring would be the worst option for a hospital room and ceramic tiles or wooden floors would turn out too expensive having in mind the enormous surface that needs to be covered.

Many rubber floors have an additional top layer that is bacteria resistant and suffers little to no damage over time leaving no space for bacteria or dirt to accumulate. Rubber is also very pleasant to walk on so it will be perfect for the medical stuff too.

Linoleum Floor with Antimicrobial Properties

Linoleum flooring belongs to the group of eco-friendly and budget-friendly flooring options suitable for healthcare environments. It’s not a new invention rather an old one but it’s popular even today because of its features.

Linoleum is a very resilient and long-lasting material that feels very pleasant on the feet when walking on it since it creates a bounce back experience and a soft cushion-like effect. That soft feature makes it easily foldable, almost like cloth. Linoleum can be found in sheets or tiles but both are very easy to install. It is made from natural materials that are also renewable and include cork powder, linseed oil, pine resins and wood flour. That means that linoleum is also biodegradable.

Additional substances can be added to the mix in order to make the linoleum floor harder and stronger than it usually is. For additional protection, a coating or layer can be applied on top of the linoleum floor, and this is especially recommended for hospitals since it enhances the waterproof feature.

The Design of the Flooring has to be Warm and Homey

All of the previously mentioned flooring types come in many bright and happy colours as well as vibrant and contemporary designs. When choosing the right hospital flooring design, colour and style you have to take into consideration the impact that the floor and the whole ambient will have on the patients.

The overall design of hospitals needs to have a positive, warm and homey effect on patients. Many studies have shown that the environment can play a major role in the faster healing and recovering of patients and their overall mood while they’re in the hospital.

Take children’s hospitals for example. It is best if you choose the flooring that has an interesting and colourful design, maybe with some kind of print that will make the whole room seem welcoming and suitable for little kids.

Despite for patients, the right design and style can have a positive impact on the employees too. Take into consideration that healthcare workers have long shifts and they spend many hours in hospital rooms taking care of patients and performing procedures. The right design can elevate their mood too and boost their performance.

6 Things You Should Know Before Installing an Aftermarket Exhaust System

Do you want to improve your HiLux' performance for the next off-road trip without breaking your bank? Or maybe you're just a gearhead who wants to get the most power and a more aggressive sound out of their engine, cruise down the highway, turning heads wherever you go. Let's face it, whatever the reason, owning and driving a high-performance vehicle can get your heart pumping adrenaline. The best way to make your HiLux a monster on and off the road is by installing an aftermarket Toyota HiLux exhaust. But before you buy an aftermarket system, there are a few different things you need to consider to make sure you get the best exhaust that will improve your HiLux' power, fuel efficiency and sound.


A lot of people may wonder: "Why should I upgrade my vehicle's exhaust system?". And the answer to that question is quite simple - stock exhaust systems aren't made with performance, sound and mileage in mind. Instead, they're made to be affordable in order to reduce the overall price of the vehicle to make it more competitive on the market. As a result, one of the first things many 4x4 enthusiasts upgrade on their vehicles is precisely the exhaust system. You'll get a noticeable performance upgrade for your HiLux with an aftermarket Toyota HiLux exhaust, while also improving fuel economy and the way your HiLux sounds. Besides these benefits, here's what else you should know about 4x4 exhaust systems:

Snorkels Make a Difference 

Installing a snorkel on your HiLux will force stale air out of the engine, while providing it with more cool, fresh air. This is important as stale air can lead to build-up of fuel and oil residue, reducing your engine's fuel efficiency. That being said, if you're venturing off the beaten trail, make sure you get a wide diameter snorkel on top of an aftermarket exhaust system to make sure your engine gets more airflow.

More Noise Doesn't Mean More Performance

A loud exhaust doesn't automatically mean more power. In fact, the complete opposite may happen - it can be bad for your HiLux. While you're going to get a different exhaust note out of every aftermarket Toyota HiLux exhaust system, make sure the one you choose features a high-flow muffler and high-flow catalytic converter. These two parts can provide superior performance and fuel efficiency.

Size Matters

Aftermarket exhaust systems that feature larger diameter pipes and parts prevent the build up of back pressure, and they improve the efficiency at which the gases come and go from the system. Reducing back pressure also reduces the exhaust gas temperature and turbo lag in turbo engines, which can be very beneficial if you're towing heavy loads up on steep inclines. However, the exhaust system shouldn't be too large for your HiLux, as that can result in performance loss. Consult an experienced mechanic or your local dealership to see what the largest you can go on your HiLux is.

Should You DIY?

Most aftermarket exhaust kits come with all the parts you need to install the system yourself .You'll have to use the factory mounts of the stock exhaust, so it should be relatively easy. You should follow the instructions that come with the aftermarket exhaust kit, or try the internet for some tips and tricks. If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, you can always have a professional do it for you.

How Much Do Aftermarket Exhausts Cost?

Most new, quality aftermarket exhaust systems can cost anywhere between $500 and $2000, depending on what they're made from and how many parts of the exhaust they replace. For instance, stainless steel exhaust systems are typically more expensive than aluminium exhaust systems, simply because stainless steel is more expensive as a raw material. However, when purchasing a stainless steel exhaust system, you can rest assured you're buying a product that's going to last for many years, is corrosion-resistant, handles heat extremely well and is very tough overall. Aluminium, while not as durable and strong as stainless steel, is lightweight, meaning you can get better mileage out of your HiLux.


Furthermore, there are three popular types of aftermarket exhaust kits - axle-back, header-back and cat-back. Header-back systems replace the entire stock system, meaning they're the most expensive, but also provide the most performance benefits and fuel efficiency improvements. Cat-back exhaust systems replace all the parts from the catalytic-converter to the exhaust tip, and you get moderate performance and fuel efficiency improvements, but they cost less than header-back exhausts. Lastly, axle-back exhaust systems don't replace any meaningful parts, so they only change how your Hilux sounds and looks. These systems are the most affordable and easiest to install by yourself.

Are Loud Exhaust Systems Illegal in Australia?

Some people remove the muffler so that their vehicle sounds louder. In most cases, especially around Australia, this is illegal, simply because it can lead to exhaust leaks. These leaks can be dangerous, and they can hurt your fuel economy. Furthermore, driving a vehicle without a muffler is illegal, meaning that open pipes are also illegal.

Motorbike Parts That Can Boost the Looks of Your Ride & Ensure Safety

Some own a motorbike as a means to cut through rush hour traffic, others want to race theirs far away from any traffic lights. And then, there are those that simply want to take it to its limit and pull all kinds of stunts. Whatever the source of your motorbike obsession you can bet the elements of style and safety play an important part.


Bikes attract glances. Their visuals are captivating and the style of motorbikes (as well as their riders) has iconic status. So, if you own one, it is going to be your duty and pleasure to boost its looks to the best of your abilities. And while doing so, you shouldn't overlook safety. Here are some of the best motorbike parts that can help you in your endeavour. 

Motor Lights

Headlights, tail stop lights and indicator lights are among the most sought after motorbike parts available online. And for a good reason as they can make your bike stand out like nothing else. Plus, a good set of headlights are crucial for visibility on the road.

When it comes to looks, there are all sorts of light designs to choose from. Let’s take the headlights for example. You can go for vintage style lights, or you can be very specific and mount Bates style light fixtures. Grill headlights are for those that want to project a more outrageous vibe.



Same goes for tail lights. You can go for cat-eyed twin tail and stoplights. It will turn some heads, that’s guaranteed. Lots of other styles to choose from here as well. There is the fox style, Lucas style, snell, tombstone rears, beehive style, oval, retro,.. you name it.



And then there are the indicator lights. They are the finishing touch when it comes to motorbike lights. Needless to say, it is best if they complement your other choices. You can go for racer, bullet, matte, Curva indicators or long stem bulbs. When it comes to ensuring utmost visibility, there's no debate - LEDs are the number one.

Mirror

There are two different types of motorcycle mirrors: those meant for the end of your bar and those that can be clamped anywhere on the handlebar. Now aesthetics is not the only variable here. Yes, you can go for Bradford, Oxford, Somerset, Devon or around moto mirrors, but good view of the rear is essential for your safety. So, go for mirrors that suit both the left and right side, mirrors that are adjustable and can be mounted on several positions.

Handlebars

These parts let you control the steering, so there's no space for improvisation when it comes to the technical specifications. Fortunately, they make them really tough and reliable these days, so you can relax and concentrate on finding an ergonomic model that is most comfortable for you.

And the style, of course. So you can go for British style handlebars, but also for low-ride, clubman, fat drag, euro style, high bend, superbike, and clip-on bars. It's all up to your preference and to the type of motorbike you have. Beware, whatever your favourite style is, a considerable amount of tweaking is to be expected before you can be totally satisfied with the position of the handlebars.

Grips

This is one of those motorbike parts where comfort, style and ergonomics rule. It allows you to express your personality like no other moto part. You can go for retro style, racer, foam, oval cut aluminium, jackhammer. If you want to make a statement Gran Turismo is the way to go.

Speedometer

Classic cafe racer style motorcycle speedometers are very popular. It features a built-in odometer as well as notification lights for oil and some sort of sign regarding the status of your high beam, neutral and indicator lights. They usually measure speeds up to 220 kilometres per hour.

Your sense of precision and style shines through this moto part as well. If you dislike the analog speedometers, you can go for a completely digital gadget with backlit LCD display and GPS. It's important to calibrate your speedometer to avoid wrong readings.

Foot Peg Rest

Those riding on four wheels can never relate, but having a good footrest is crucial on a motorbike. Some prefer a folding footpeg rest, while others don’t want to be bothered with adjusting the peg every time they mount the bike. If you are one of those blokes, just clamp mount a fixed peg.

Saddle Seat

Seats contribute a great deal to the looks of your motorbike, but also affect safety as uncomfortably seated rider is more likely to get into trouble. So, if you go for retro cafe racer seat assembly look for high-grade foam and a high-quality cover. Of course, before buying such models you have to make sure they are compatible with the motorcycle you have. You can also go for a sportster or for stitch scrambler motorcycle seat. If both of them can not be mounted on your bike, then don’t despair and choose a universal motorcycle single saddle seat with chrome springs and mounting bracket. Sometimes changing the seat hoop can allow you to mount a different kind of seat on your motor.

Helmet

Even though it's not installed on your motorbike, the helmet is essentially a part of it because you can't ride anywhere without it. When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are many options. To start with, make sure your helmet satisfies the Australian safety standards. Then, there are different styles of helmets to consider: full face, dual-sport, dirt, open face and half helmets.

As much as most of you would like to sport a badass helmet, it is very important to factor in the motorcycle model you have, the type of riding you do, and the places your bike spends most of its service life. You can wear a dual sport helmet while riding a Vespa scooter, no one will stop you from doing so even though it's a bit too much. But you will probably want to make sure your helmet is on pair with every other style-oriented motorcycle part you have.

A Set of 4x4 Isuzu Accessories to Enhance Your Vehicle's Abilities

Every 4x4 owner is proud of its vehicle's offroading abilities and there's nothing better than being able to cross vast lands with it. But to keep your vehicle safe and running at its best under harsh conditions, it's important that you equip it with certain accessories. There's a whole bunch of them on the market but what will work best for your Isuzu are five very different accessories that you don't see as often but work well together.

A Basic Guide to Vehicle Dual Battery Systems

If you're going for a trip to the Australian outback, then you're probably taking quite a few gadgets and appliances with you to make your trip more convenient. However, all the different gadgets and appliances will need a source of power in order to work, so unless you're going to a camping site that offers plugs for power, you're going to need a leisure battery. The leisure battery will work together with your vehicle's battery to make sure your vehicle will always have start-up power and that your campsite will have consistent power.

The Three Types of Bicycle Tyres Explained

Many cyclists take their tyres for granted. After all, it's just a small piece of rubber that touches the ground per tyre. However, when you consider that in order to perfectly balance the bicycle on two wheels at car-like speed, your tyres need to have a solid grip, especially on rain-slick concrete or muddy backcountry trains, you'll start to appreciate the work that your tyres put in more. And while handling, traction and control are imperative, tyres also need to offer decent wear, resist punctures, withstand rain, sunshine, ozone, and survive the abuse you put it through on a daily basis.