Have you ever driven a UTV or Utility Task Vehicle? They are also known as Side-by-Side (SxS) and Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV). These powerful four-wheelers are used both for work and fun. Farmers use them for hauling and mowing, while adventure lovers love them for trailblazing. They are called side-by-side because they have two to four side-by-side seating capacities for passengers. However, like any other vehicle, they are also prone to breaking down. Without the right accessories, you can forget about receiving optimum performance and satisfaction. But what are those UTV accessories that every one of these vehicles should have?

Winch

Since you will be using your side-by-side for off-roading and rough terrain for everyday work, you never know when it might get stuck in the mud. The only thing that will get the cars out in such situations is a strong winch. A winch is a chain wound around a drum operated by a motor or crank connected to another vehicle to pull you out. They are also beneficial for adding an object like a snowplow to clear out the snow effectively. While buying a winch, some of the factors you should consider are weight rating, cable, mount plate, and price.

Extra Tire

Anybody who has a little experience with SxS will tell you the necessity of having a spare tire at all times. Because they operate in rugged conditions, their chances of having flat or blown-out tires are significantly high. The tire you need will depend on whether the vehicle is driven off-road or on the streets. Any tire should be DOT-rated (DOT symbol signifies that the tire manufacturer has followed the US Department of Transportation). An 8-ply will work best for roads. For off-roading, a 4–6 ply will offer optimum performance. Those are light and have an aggressive tire tread with enormous tread blocks. Along with this, there are other accessories also that you must have for a comfortable experience, such as Rugged Radios Intercom.

Rearview Mirror

You will require a rearview mirror at all times. They are indispensable for safety purposes and let you know the distance from another vehicle. It is better to go with a strong one, that offers a broad view, has rigid metal brackets, can be attached without drilling or cutting, and is available with rubber bushings. 

Roof

Driving without a roof, with the wind rushing against your face or the sun settling on it comfortably, can be exhilarating. But you will need a roof sooner or later. What if you’re caught in the rain, or it’s scorching hot? A roof will be beneficial at night as you can fix light bars on it. It will also protect you from low-lying branches or other obstructions you could meet in off-road trails. You could also attach a stereo system to it. Some of the standard roofs suitable for these vehicles are aluminum, tinted, soft, and plastic. 

Storage Pack

Even though most UTVs have ample storage space, they are driven in rough conditions. That can cause the items to fall and damage quite quickly. In those situations, a storage pack will come in handy. There are several models and sizes of containers available, so go with one that suits your requirements. As a general rule, opt for those that can accommodate many heavy items, sit comfortably, have several compartments, handles, and mounting straps, and be easily installed.

Fuel Tank

Your ROV will need constant fuel to keep going. But finding yourself in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank can be harrowing. A fuel tank will help you out in such situations. Some of the things you should check while looking for a tank are the material, price, accessibility, price, and weight. Steel, aluminum, and plastics work best for fuel tanks. It should also have a nozzle that can reach the fuel caps easily. 

These are some of the essential UTV accessories that complete your vehicle. They also enhance the experience of driving these powerful and stylish four-wheelers. Whether you have a UTV or are buying a new one, try to ensure that it has all of these.

The Bobby Labonte Foundation’s Annual Bike Build Teaches Bike Safety, Promotes Active Lifestyle

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – (November 15, 2021) – The Bobby Labonte Foundation, founded by NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame race car driver Bobby Labonte, continued its tradition of giving to children in need by building and donating 75 kids’ bikes on Friday at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. The giveaway also included helmets and bike safety lessons provided by the Winston-Salem Police Department, Safe Kids Coalition and Brenner Children’s Hospital.

A bike build and giveaway has been an annual event, part of the Bobby Labonte Foundation charity bike ride, which benefits children and families in need in the Triad area. More than $40,000 in proceeds from this year’s Labonte Roubaix, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health Sports Medicine and Bee Safe Storage and Wine Cellar, went to JDRF’s North Carolina Chapter to help families affected by type 1 diabetes.

Bobby and Kristin Labonte (right) talk with children about bike safety and staying active at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. 75 children were later surprised with a brand-new bike, courtesy of the Bobby Labonte Foundation and Colavita.

“Building and giving away bikes to local kids is a highlight of my foundation’s annual charity bike ride,” said Labonte. “Seeing the childrens’ reactions, how excited they get when they find out they’re taking a new bike home, is so incredible. I really appreciate the partners and volunteers who allow us to do this year after year, particularly Colavita, which supplies us with these bikes.”

Labonte and his wife, Kristin, a former national champion cyclist, encouraged the kids in attendance to stay healthy by being active and to always wear helmets when riding their bikes. Hayluri Beckles, Pediatric Trauma Prevention Coordinator at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont Coordinator, made a presentation that included several special guests: Sgt. Kevin Bowers of the Winston-Salem Police Department Downtown Bike Patrol, Michael Hosey of the National Cycling Center and Chair of Safe Kids Coalition and Dr Thomas Pranikoff, who’s an avid cyclist and the Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Surgeon-in-Chief at Brenner Children’s Hospital, and Co-Executive Director, Pediatric Service Line. The children learned about how to ride their bikes safely and the importance of wearing helmet. At the conclusion of the presentation, the children were fitted with helmets and brand-new bikes.

“This was a wonderful day with the children at the Boys and Girls Club. We were thrilled to teach them about riding a bike safely,” said Beckles, “It is our hope that they are excited about their new bikes and new helmets and they take what they have learned about bike safety home and apply it every day.”

For more information about the Bobby Labonte Foundation, the charity bike ride, or to become a future sponsor, visit bobbylabontefoundation.org.

About Bobby Labonte Foundation
The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee and businessman Bobby Labonte in 2003. The Bobby Labonte Foundation vision is a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and together find joy, love and happiness. The Bobby Labonte Foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for children’s futures. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow the Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.

The automotive sector relies heavily on automotive engineering. Engineers assist in the development of new vehicles and ensure that existing cars are safe and efficient. Studying to become an automotive engineer can be daunting because this part of engineering is research-intensive, and you could find yourself saying, ‘who will help me with my studies or who can rewrite my paper if I don’t write it right?’ – your content should be researched well, or you could get a bad grade. Taking care of grades during studies is one step of becoming a good automotive engineer and let’s figure out other steps! Today we’ll look at some of the most crucial questions and steps to take in the automotive engineering sector.

Who is an Automotive Engineer?

This is a specialist who creates the mechanisms and functions of automobiles. They ensure that these designs adhere to established quality and pricing standards. While designing and testing running models of vehicles and car parts, these engineers troubleshoot and fix prospective design flaws. You can pursue automotive service careers through programs, gaining skills and knowledge through hands-on learning and workplace safety.

They are to oversee the production of automobiles and all other related processes. An automotive engineer handles design assessments and sets manufacturing standards for vehicles. They also use design technologies to create better designs for vehicle chassis, engines, gearboxes, and other components.

What is The Job Description of an Automotive Engineer?

Automotive engineers are professionals who work on car design and development. Their responsibilities include:

• Performing thorough research and assessments, understanding and bringing plans to life.
• Developing mockups and structures.
• Problem resolution.
• Conducting various test methods to evaluate how the vehicle performs under different conditions and guarantee its quality meets preset regulations and standards.

They may also upgrade existing designs besides inventing new ones, which causes research into the market and user feedback and identifies the strong and weak points of current systems, and coordinates upgrades.

How To Become An Automotive Engineer?

According to Becomeopedia, you’ll need a mechanical engineering degree and at least three years of work experience to work as an automobile engineer. You have to be able to analyze and solve complex issues.

Their research also reported that 71.4% have a bachelor’s degree, and 12.6% hold master’s degrees. Despite the fact that the majority of automotive engineers have just a college degree, it is feasible to end up as one with just a high school diploma or GED.

Associate degrees and diploma degrees are also common on the credentials of automotive engineers.

How Much Does it Cost To Become an Automation Engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in electrical, automotive, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, is required for automotive engineers.

Some institutions also allow students to participate in internship programs during their college years.

Averagely, a Bachelor’s in Automotive Engineering costs roughly $30,000 per year, although tuition fees vary greatly based on some variables like; program, school, and most times, the location you choose. It can cost you anything from $24,000 to over $40,000 each year of college.

What Skills Do You Need As An Automotive Engineer?

You must demonstrate to potential recruiters that you possess the talents they need, and the only way to do so is to cultivate these skills while on your path to becoming an Automotive Engineer. Any Automotive Engineer should have these five skills. They include;

• Innovation

Solving difficulties and inventing new solutions are important aspects of an engineer’s work. There will always be a desire to improve, speed up, or strengthen things, and you should recognize the importance of innovation in solving real-world challenges.

• Communication

Working life is heavily reliant on communication. You don’t spend all of your time as an engineer sitting at a desk doing design work. You’ll find yourself in interactions with clients with whom you’ll need to establish relationships regularly. Because not everyone will comprehend the technical language you use, you’ll need to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.

• Resilience

You must be resilient because one problem you may face as an Automotive Engineer is being away from home and working for the whole day. Because it is a nomad profession, you must be able to maintain discipline. You’ll need to be capable of picking yourself up with a lot of tenacity after a fall.

• An Eye for Detail

A profession in engineering necessitates efficiency and precision. Because mistakes can be costly, it’s critical to pay attention to the details to avoid wasting money and, more importantly, putting people’s lives in danger.

• Teamwork

Given the nature of the task you’ll be doing, you’re unlikely to work in isolation. Teamwork is a crucial component of any job, and you should be able to thrive in a group setting and collaborate effectively with your coworkers. You may not meet your company’s goals if you do not work well with others.

What Is The Growth Rate of Automation Engineering?

According to a survey conducted by recruiter.com, the general job outlook for Automotive Engineers has been good since 2004. During that time, job openings for this profession have expanded by 35.45% nationwide, with an average annual growth rate of 2.22%. With 34,740 new jobs likely to be filled by 2029, Automotive Engineers are predicted to be in high demand. What this means is a 1.31% yearly increase over the coming years.

What Is The Average Salary for Automotive Engineers?

The estimated yearly pay for Entry Level Automotive Engineers in the US is $52,133 per year as of November 5, 2021.

The bulk of Early-career Automotive Engineer salaries now vary between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $65,500 (75th percentile), with highest earners (90th percentile) averaging $81,500 yearly in the US. The overall earnings for an Early-career Automotive Engineer range widely (up to $33,000), implying that there may be several prospects for promotion and higher income dependent on experience level, skill, and location.

How Long Does It Take To Become An Automotive Engineer?

A bachelor’s degree is required for automotive engineers, that could be completed in four years based on where you study.

If you would like to work in the automobile industry, you should begin your preparation as soon as high school by completing math and science subjects.

With entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is good enough, however, some roles may demand a master’s degree or a Ph.D.

A master’s degree can be earned in as little as two years, while a Ph.D. is then earned in three.

What Are Possible Career Options In Automotive Engineering?

Automotive engineering is involved in every aspect of automotive design and production. However, in this study, we’ll focus on three main areas. They are:

• Design Engineer

These engineers are well-versed in the precise minute details of the electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems that make up a vehicle.

• Development Engineer

The R&D Engineers are at the forefront of automotive engineering, ensuring that the futuristic features intended for future vehicles really operate.

• Production Engineer

After an automobile’s design has been approved, these engineers work in the factories to ensure that the manufacturing process runs appropriately.

Professional Associations For Automotive Engineers

The professional bodies for Automotive Engineers include;

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• FISITA (the world body for automotive engineering)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK)
• United States Council for Automotive Research
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International)
• Automotive Industry Action Group (North America)

Conclusion

Automotive Engineering is an up-and-coming field of study, and we will be more than happy to hear that you ventured into it based on what we’ve discussed here.

Bonus Video

https://youtu.be/UCPUcm7z_3E

Most people heavily depend on their cars. In fact, others find it overwhelming to own a vehicle due to the claims of special products that will keep them in good condition for near-eternity; however, that’s not the best way to keep them functioning efficiently. One good news is that it’s not challenging to maintain your car once you already know the basic rules of maintenance.

Below is a guide that will keep the car running longer than you thought. It’s tempting to try the latest products available, but you’re better off following the simplest cleaning and maintenance routine for your vehicles.

Keeping the Maintenance Schedule Simple

Maybe you own a car with a vast number of miles on it. Or, you know someone whose care broken down after a particular mile mark. Both vehicles don’t just differ in their model and make. It can be due to inconsistent maintenance schedules. Bear in mind that you’re in control of how frequently and well you maintain your vehicles. You can’t find an easy to maximize your car’s performance.

By following a routine maintenance schedule, you’ll become one of the owners whose vehicle seems to keep functioning efficiently, Lowering your repair bills. That will also allow you to take your cars on a long road trip.

Examining and Changing Your Brake Fluid

Your car’s engines and brakes are its most essential components. Both will help you avoid rear-end collisions, stopping you from crashing into other vehicles or properties. In short, they’ll take care of you, so you should prioritize maintaining them. In maintaining them, you’ll have to check the fluid regularly. If needed, change them. Brake fluid is susceptible to moisture, making your car more vulnerable to damage.

Moisture can result in different problems, including rust and corrosion. That can further lead to the brakes not working as expected. You might not avoid other kinds of accidents, but you can prevent those resulting from inefficient brakes. Make it a habit to examine and replace them if necessary. Doing that will keep you safe and prevent huge accidents while trying to control your car.

Applying Wax for Your Car’s Appearance

You should also keep your car looking good. Waxing them is a simple means of keeping them looking good. Most owners think it’s best to apply the wax once every six months to once every year. If you’re focused on your car’s appearance, you can wax them every three months. Waxing them regularly will keep the paint in good shape, protecting your vehicle from damage.

As stated on Cargister, waxing your car doesn’t only improve your car’s appearance, but it also protects your car from discoloration and fading caused by exposure to different weather conditions.

You should only use the highest quality wax to make the most out of your car.

Keeping Your Car Safe From the Weather

Extreme weather conditions will damage your car, so you should make sure you take the steps that will help you protect your vehicle. For example, extreme heat is the root cause of damaging the car’s interiors or exteriors. Hot weather can damage the exterior paint, interior seats and related items, and interior plastic.

You can also lower the dangers resulting from the sun’s UV rays. You can avoid that by parking your car under some kind of covering or in the shade. If you can’t find covered parking lots most of the time, you can use automotive window films or UV protectant spray to secure your car’s interior.

Cleaning Its Interior and Exterior Regularly

Most owners clean their cars regularly, but maintaining them isn’t just about making the exteriors shine or vacuuming the inside. Your vehicle will always face numerous kinds of weather conditions or elements, making them vulnerable to damage. From winter salt to daily grime, your car’s underside goes through a lot of wear and tear, so if you’re washing them, make it a habit to clean the bottom.

That will help get rid of potentially disturbing and dangerous substances from your car.

Changing Differential or Transmission Fluid

You don’t have to check your vehicle’s engine oil regularly; however, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore the differential and transmission fluid. You still have to change them regularly. One rule is to change your transmission fluid after the 30,000-mile mark, but you’ll still have to read the manual to know what’s the best schedule for your model and make. You won’t have to change the differential fluid of a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Why? That’s because you can find the differential fluid in front and shares fluid with your transmission. On the other hand, rear-wheel-drive vehicles are different because the differential fluid is at the back. Four-wheel-drive vehicles have three differentials-one at the back, one at the center, and one in front. You’ll have to change the differential and transmission fluid at the same moment.

You can’t find an easy way to prolong your car’s lifespan, so protect them from extreme weather conditions, wax and clean them regularly, and change the fluid regularly. You’ll keep them in great shape by following a simple maintenance routine. More importantly, you’ll be confident that your car will take you to your destination.

Ryan Hardwick and Jan Heylen are the 2021 Team and Driver Champions after winning the Michelin Pilot Challenge on Friday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

This was Wright Motorsports’ third championship this season in Friday’s Fox Factory 120 for their third consecutive victory in the No. 16 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport thanks to a strong team and great cars that got them the championship after a bad start to the season.

“This has been an incredible season for Wright Motorsport in the Michelin Pilot Challenge,” said Team Owner John Wright. “No matter what was thrown at us this year, we just stayed focused on consistency and execution.”

The No. 16 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport team missed the opening race at Daytona International Speedway due to an on-track incident during practice. The team finished in second place the following week at Sebring International Raceway, and drivers Hardwick and Heylen captured three additional podiums. This got the team back into contention for the championship amongst the leaders.

“This is the end result of that commitment by every member of Wright Motorsports, Ryan, Jan, Max, and everyone at Porsche.” said Team Owner John Wright.

“It’s truly like a storybook, childhood dream, right?” Hardwick said.

The No. 95 Turner teammates Auberlen and co-driver Dillon Machavern were the team to watch heading into the race in their BMW M4 GT4. They had a 30-point lead and were the team to bet on to win the championship, but the team finished 31st and 190 out of the championship.

Bill Auberlen and Eric Foss collided while racing for the lead into Turns 10A and 10B with 26 minutes remaining in the Fox Factory 120. The Wright Porsche assumed the lead and kept it to the finish of the race by 0.162 seconds over Scott Andrews. Wright Motorsports won the team championship and Porsche won the manufacturer championship.

“It is hard to put into words what I am feeling right now. To even have an opportunity to race for a championship is something that most people never have. To ultimately win it, at my hometown track, is hard to describe. It came down to our team yet again; Wright Motorsports.” said Hardwick.

“It has been an unbelievable season with this team in all series. Big thank you to Ryan Hardwick, to Porsche, to Wright Motorsports for putting this program together at the beginning of the season. It has been a super fun season, a few ups and downs but just really good hard racing and that is what we love doing. Definitely could not have done it without the team.” said Heylen.

Andrews and co-driver Anton Dias Perera finished second in the No. 21 Riley Motorsports Toyota Supra GT4.

If you are doing your own maintenance or repairs, you can find genuine automotive parts at https://sts-global.com/auto-parts and save yourself some time and money.

Top-10 finishers