JSwain

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Keep Your Hands Warm with Nitrile Gloves- Quick Tip

Winter is just around the corner and if your up north the cold is a major speed bump in getting your project done. By far the biggest issue when dealing with the cold is keeping your hands warm, sure you can wear thick gloves but it then becomes impossible to handle small parts.

Here is a tip that'll help keep you working into those cold winter months.

Wearing Nitrile Gloves as your first layer does an amazing job of keeping your hands warm. Since nitrile gloves are non porous, they act as insulation by not letting any heat or moisture escape from your hands.

If you usually wear Mechanics Gloves try wearing Nitrile Gloves under your other gloves, this will not only keep you hands warm, it will also act as a chemical barrier in the event of a spill.

This trick even works under your Welding Gloves, Nitrile gloves are thin enough to fit under just about any pair of work gloves. I even wear them under my snow gloves when shoveling and skiing, don't put yourself at risk of getting frostbite when a solution is it this easy.

Check out the Eastwood Blog and Tech Archive for more How-To's, Tips and Tricks to help you with all your automotive projects. If you have a recommendation for future articles or have a project you want explained don't hesitate to leave a comment.

- James R/EW

5 Essential Items You May Be Missing in your Shop

I've learned over the years that the better equipped and the more organized you are in your garage or workshop will reflect in your work. We decided to put together 5 items that are key in keeping your productivity and quality of work up.

All Good: 2016 Nissan Altima Prices Announced, Base Model Up Just $200

As of last month, we know pretty much all we need to know about Nissan’s refreshed—make that “Maximated”—Altima. If you don’t, click here. The only thing we didn’t know was how much the much-improved Altima will cost as it goes on sale next month at Nissan showrooms nationwide. Well, as of today, consider that problem solved: Nissan has announced that the bare-bones (i.e., rental-grade) 2016 Altima 2.5, powered by a 182-hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine mated to a CVT, will start at $23,325, just $200 more than the 2015 model. The better-equipped S model starts at $23,725, adding connectivity goodies, steering-wheel audio controls, and a smart key, among other minor bits.

The new, ostensibly sporty SR trim level adds some intensified styling elements, a sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels for a cost of $25,295. Higher up the range are the more technology-laden SV and leather-lined SL models, which pencil out to $26,285 and $29,395, respectively. The latter two also can be had with Nissan’s 270-hp 3.5-liter V-6 underhood, for $28,215 and $32,915, respectively.

These prices square up nicely against the leaders in the segment, including the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, and the Mazda 6. How will the new Altima fare in a head-to-head matchup with these guys? Perhaps a comparison test is in order. In the meantime, the better-equipped, more stylish Altima appears to be as strong a value in the segment as ever.

2016 Nissan Altima Starts at $23,325

When it arrives in dealerships on Nov. 11, the refreshed-for-2016 Nissan Altima sedan will start at $23,325, including an $825 destination charge; that's a $200 increase from the previous version and a bit more than the base price of Altima's main rival, the Honda Accord. The 2016 Accord starts at $22,925, including a destination fee.

Related: 2016 Nissan Altima: First Look

The automaker's best-selling car received a Maxima-like makeover for the 2016 model year, as well updated interior styling and features. Exterior design changes include a lower, more muscular front end; a new V-shaped grille; sculpted hood and fenders; and optional LED "boomerang" headlights and daytime running lights. Inside is a new center stack and cupholder design, available 5- and 7-inch multimedia screens, Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and soft-touch finishes on door panels. Upgraded tech features include Apple's Siri Eyes Free and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps, standard on all models above the base 2.5 trim.

The new SR trim adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, smoked headlights, paddle shifters, a rear spoiler, trim-specific suspension tuning and sporty interior accents. The SR trim is available on both 2.5 and 3.5 Altima models.

Under the hood in 2.5 models is a 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and in 3.5 models, there's a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the four-cylinder is 27/39/31 mpg city/highway/combined, a 1 mpg improvement over the previous version's highway figure thanks in part to new aerodynamics. The V-6 gets 22/32/26 mpg, identical to the previous model's rating.

The 2016 Altima pricing structure is as follows:

Base 2.5, $22,325
2.5 S, $23,725
2.5 SR, $25,295
2.5 SV, $26,285
2.5 SL, $29,395
3.5 SR, $28,215
3.5 SL, $32,915

Recall Alert: 2015 Jeep Cherokee

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 75,000 model-year 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs

The Problem: The air-conditioning lines may have been installed in close proximity to their engines' exhaust manifolds; under certain operating conditions this could increase the risk of a fire. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it launched an investigation after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received two customer complaints about smoke and fire.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect the air-conditioning lines and replace them, as necessary, for free. Owners who observe air-conditioning loss or any other concern, such as a dashboard warning light, should contact their dealers, the automaker said.

What Owners Should Do: FCA did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule. Owners can call the automaker at 800-853-1403 for more info.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

More Recalls

Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo Concept: Enter the Luxury Autonopod

-Over its past few occurrences, the biennial Tokyo auto show seemed to be dropping off the radars of many international carmakers, losing out to the auto shows in China. But now it’s back, thanks to a beautiful venue and a Japanese auto industry that is regaining its strength. A good measure of a show’s importance is the effort carmakers put into bringing specifically designed concept cars. And as far as boldness goes, this angry-looking pod that Mercedes-Benz has designed for Tokyo is definitely on the brash end of the scale. READ MORE ››

Recall Alert: Oil Leak Affects 1.4 Million General Motors Cars

Vehicles Affected: The Detroit News is reporting that General Motors is recalling approximately 1.4 million vehicles worldwide. Affected cars include the 1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina, 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1997-2004 Buick Regal.

The Problem: During hard braking, drops of engine oil could drip onto the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire. This is an expansion of previous recalls and the vehicles involved are being recalled again. According to the Detroit News, GM said that this recall is not related to any crashes or fatalities but 19 related injuries have been reported along with over 1,300 vehicle fires.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts for free.

What Owners Should Do: GM has not yet released an owner notification schedule, but in prior related recalls, the automaker directed owners of affected cars to park outside to decrease the risk of a fire in the garage. Owners can call GM at 866-636-2273 for more information.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

More Recalls