Author: SM

After a couple of years of driving through the rough Australian roads and a few hundred kilograms of added 4×4 equipment and accessories, your Ford Territory may not feel as if it’s new anymore. Fortunately, when it comes to “freshening up” your Territory and getting the most out of its performance, there are a few proven methods guaranteed to make it perform better than it did when you bought it from the dealership. Regardless of whether you think about performance as pure horsepower, better fuel economy, or a bit of both, there are Ford Territory accessories that can improve every aspect of your vehicle’s performance.

But why should you consider aftermarket performance Ford Territory accessories? Well, there are many reasons why Australians nationwide modify their vehicles with aftermarket 4×4 equipment, the most common of which are to improve their towing capacity, off-road capabilities, protection against curious ‘roos, etc. People towing heavy loads and conquering rugged off-road trails need the extra engine power to push through obstacles. Some of the most popular power enhancements include throttle controllers and aftermarket exhaust systems.

Throttle Controllers

Throttle controllers are small, affordable devices that tweak the voltage signal sent from the accelerator pedal to the vehicle’s engine control unit in order to reduce throttle lag and improve acceleration. Throttle lag is the delay that you experience when you press the accelerator pedal and the time it takes for your vehicle to start moving forward. There are many different types of throttle controllers available, and the iDrive is one of the most popular ones. iDrive throttle controllers let you choose between multiple different settings, allowing you to adjust your throttle response based on the type of driving you do. 

For instance, if you need the extra responsiveness, you can set it to ultimate mode and your throttle will be fully opened even before you press 50% of the accelerator pedal. However, this means that your vehicle will spend more fuel. Fortunately, iDrive throttle controllers also feature a normal mode and even economy mode. The normal mode replicates the vehicle’s stock settings, whereas the economy mode reduces the throttle response, allowing for slower, more controlled acceleration and thus, better fuel economy. Throttle controllers are relatively easy to install if you’re handy with some basic tools, and they can be removed just as easily should you figure out it’s not the modification for you.

Exhaust Systems

While exhaust systems aren’t necessarily considered 4×4 equipment, they are very popular amongst 4×4 owners for the aforementioned reasons. An aftermarket exhaust system differs from a stock exhaust system in a few different ways. For starters, aftermarket systems are made using higher-grade materials such as stainless and aluminized steel, whereas stock exhausts are usually manufactured using mild steel. 

Stainless and aluminized steel are more durable and resistant to corrosion, impact and the elements in general. Stainless steel is the stronger out of the two materials, but it’s also heavier. The added weight of stainless steel exhausts can hurt your fuel economy rather than improve it, which is why most 4×4 owners who are looking to improve their vehicle’s performance AND fuel economy opt for aluminized exhausts. However, this also means that aluminized steel exhausts are generally more expensive. 

Besides the materials aftermarket exhausts are made of, they also differ in how the parts, particularly the exhaust pipes are made. Generally, stock exhaust pipes are manufactured using what’s called crush-bending. Crush-bending is a pipe bending technique that involves using a radius die and backing shoes. This technique results in bends that have a slight depression, which can negatively impact the flow of gases throughout the entire system.

On the other hand, aftermarket exhaust pipes are typically manufactured using mandrel-bending. Mandrel-bending involves using a mandrel inside the pipe while it’s getting swept through the backing shoes and die, resulting in bends that are smooth and free of profile and diameter changes. Mandrel-bent pipes don’t have the gas restrictions that crush-bent pipes do, resulting in significant performance and fuel economy gains.

Engine Kits

No matter how great your exhaust system upgrade may be, the engine still has its limits. In fact, it can make more sense from a financial point of view to just start from scratch. That being said, engine conversion kits have their own place in the 4×4 scene. Rebuilding your engine from scratch is quite the task, as you’ll need to take it out of the bonnet, disassemble it, reassemble it, and put it back into place. There are professional mechanics who can do all of this for you at a cost. However, since the engine is the heart of your vehicle, having some who knows what they’re doing complete the job for you is paramount. 

You may think that having the mechanic source individual parts of the engine that needs replacing is more affordable, but it’s quite opposite. Not only is it more expensive, but it’s more time-consuming. Depending on your vehicle and the kit you get, engine kits may include pistons, piston rings, bearings, freeze plugs, gasket set, and sealing set. 

Maintenance Is Important

No matter how new or how high-performance your vehicle is, if you don’t maintain it, you can’t expect it to be in good shape, just like how you can’t expect to be in good shape if you don’t take care of your body. Basic things like wrong oil, clogged air filters, dirty sensors and loose cables can rob your Ford Territory of performance. So before you spend money on upgrades and modifications, it’s important to make sure everything you already have is working to the best of its ability. Anything else is just a waste of money and time. 

You’ll be surprised how well your vehicle can perform after proper servicing and maintenance. Once you’re confident your vehicle is in top-notch shape, only then should you consider how you can increase its performance ceiling with aftermarket 4×4 equipment. Most aftermarket parts are made to last, and there are many different brands to choose from, so you can rest assured you’ll be able to find exactly what you need.

After receiving a driver’s license and the right to drive, you must demonstrate that you are a responsible and reliable driver. When entrusted with such an enormous responsibility, one of the first steps toward becoming a responsible driver is to understand the risks associated with vehicle operation and exercise rational, thoughtful, and prudent behavior.

The safest course of action is to practice safe and responsible driving. Everyone would all be safer on the road if there were more cautious drivers. 

Here are some safe practices you should remember as a responsible driver.

1. Do Not Exceed Speed Limits

Not only is exceeding a posted speed limit illegal, but it’s also dangerous. For example, while driving at 60 kilometers per hour on the road with a speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour can save you twenty minutes, it also increases your risk of being involved in an accident.

The longer the car reacts to your application of the brakes, the faster you are driving. Additionally, it reduces the amount of time required to respond to the unexpected, such as a vehicle losing control or an animal crossing the road. A high-speed collision’s dynamics should be sufficient to serve as a deterrent. Increased momentum causes horrific injuries as a result of the increased energy transfer in the mechanism of your vehicle.

Additionally, suppose you’ve been stopped for speeding. In that case, the police will arrest you, resulting in a fine the first time and a more permanent penalty for repeat offenders, especially if you’re driving under the influence. If you ever encounter a DWI case, you can visit www.dwiguy.com  or other law firms to assist you through the proceedings.

Remember to maintain a consistent speed with the rest of the traffic while staying within the speed limit. If the traffic is moving faster than you prefer, stay in the left lane to avoid colliding with the cars. If you need to pass a slower-moving vehicle, pass on the right. Utilize the indicators to communicate your intentions to other drivers before overtaking.

2. Always Wear Your Seat Belt

In this day and age, when advertisements and reminders about the importance of wearing a seat belt are constantly being broadcasted across all forms of media, it seems strange that some drivers and passengers still consistently fail to buckle up. Moreover, do not be lulled into complacency solely because your vehicle is equipped with airbags. Automobile collisions continue to pose a risk of death, even with improved safety features.

It is especially critical for rear-seat passengers. For example, if a fast-moving vehicle hits your car’s rear-end, the passenger becomes a projectile that could strike the driver or pierce the windshield. Any of these scenarios should be sufficient to convince you to buckle up immediately upon entering the vehicle.

3. Maintain Your Composure While Driving

A vehicle is a 4,000-pound steel piece of machinery. It is a technological marvel of engineering. It has the potential to instill a sense of control and invincibility in the consumer. Behind the scenes, the human organism exerts complete control over all computer processing and gadgetry in your vehicle. As a result, your vehicle will operate in the manner specified by you.

As a result, road rage and physical altercations have become almost ubiquitous. Their sense of power influences specific drivers’ decisions. It is not worth your time nor energy to seek out ways to respond positively to another driver’s disrespectful behavior toward you. Not every motorist is rational. Ensure that you do not become one of them.

Keeping your composure is the prudent course of action. Avoid conflict at all costs. If you wish, you may report the erring driver to the appropriate authorities. It is especially effective if you have dashcam footage to back up your point.

4. Do Not Attempt To Multitask While Driving

There is a market for applications that prevent drivers from texting or answering their phones. Why is this the case? Multitasking while driving is hazardous because it diverts your attention away from the road. It also impairs your ability to maneuver your vehicle correctly.

As a result, several countries have enacted legislation prohibiting drivers from using cell phones. Additionally, certain countries and states impose severe penalties. They include an indefinite suspension of the driver’s license, a monetary fine, and, most likely, prison time.

Grooming while driving is another example of irresponsible multitasking. Women are frequently seen applying makeup or fixing their hair while their cars are still moving. Men, while rare, are also caught putting on their ties or shaving while driving. When driving, your full attention should be directed toward the road ahead of you.

Takeaway

Having a car entails more than simply having the freedom to drive it whenever and wherever you please. Although modern automobiles incorporate high-performance computer chips and enhanced safety features, the vehicle is still controlled by a human being. Therefore, when operating a motor vehicle on the road, leave your ego at home and always put safety first.

Following the passing of the HB19-1327 bill back in 2019, the Centennial State become the nineteenth US states to legalize online sports betting activities within its borders. Once the bill was signed into law by the voters, both online and retail sports betting sites were allowed to start offering their services and products in Colorful Colorado as of the 1^st of May last year.

Almost one year later, the state of Colorado became the sixth US state to generate USD 2 billion in lifetime betting revenues. Since May 2020, many renowned Colorado betting sites emerged on the scene and all of them are fully licensed and regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming regulatory body that grants licenses alongside being responsible for overseeing all sorts of iGaming activities within the state’s borders.

The launch of online sports betting sites on the 1^st of May 2021 allowed the newly thriving Colorado iGaming market to offer Colorado residents awesome betting deals on various betting markets with all major leagues covered including the NBA, NFL, MLB, and others. With awesome opportunities, Colorado bettors invested over USD 300 million in bets in March only.

Sportsbooks in Colorado Generated Over USD 300 Million in Bets in March

After looking into these staggering official numbers, it becomes obvious that Colorado sportsbooks have managed to bounce back quickly from the previous month’s decline. With over USD 300 million generated by Colorado sportsbooks in March, the thirty days of the month were enough for the state’s iGaming sector to surpass a staggering USD 2 billion in lifetime betting handle. Reaching this milestone came only eleven months after the iGaming industry officially launched.

Before Colorado, only five states surpassed this USD 2 billion mark in lifetime betting revenues. March Madness and the biggest NCAA tournament most certainly fueled those March growing numbers as the state’s retail and online sports betting sites took in over USD 300 million in wagers. According to the official report by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming, revenues from betting on sports like football, basketball, and NASCAR increased by around 12% percent when compared to February, and USD 266 million generated in wagers that month.

Colorado Sports Betting Revenue Report

According to the official report by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming, Colorado bettors wagered around USD 9.7 million daily in March which is slightly more than February when they wagered around USD 9.5 million daily. March has also been more successful as USD 20.4 million was generated in gross gaming revenues as opposed to USD 10.4 million taken in back in February. Eleven months after launching, Colorado sportsbook gave away USD 5.6 million to the state in taxes.

In March, Colorado sportsbooks gave away to the state USD 1.1 million in taxes. This is way above the state’s biggest competitor in terms of their market size Indiana which generated around USD 2.5 million in taxes from USD 316 million in wagers. 

The most bets were placed on the NCAA and the NBA. Basketball and NCAA online bets generated USD 103 million and USD 69 million respectively and USD 3.2 million and USD 1.2 million in retail. So, 35.5% and 23.6% of all wagers by Colorado bettors were placed on the NBA and NCAA basketball. The top ten sports in Colorado by total bets placed include:

• Ice hockey with USD 12 million in online wagers
• Tennis with USD 10 million in online wagers
• Soccer with USD 8.9 million in online wagers
• Table tennis with USD 8.8 million in online wagers
• Golf with USD 4.8 million in online wagers
• MMA with USD 3.4 million in online wagers
• Baseball with USD 599,147 in online wagers
• Motorsports with USD 601,850 in online wagers
• Parlays generated over USD 55 million from online bettors
• Other bets generated over USD 15 million from online bettors

In the span of our lives, there is a high possibility that we will be caught with a DUI offense. As a matter of fact, we are more likely to be caught in a DUI crime at any point in our lives. In reality, we are more likely to be charged with DUI than to be involved in a car accident. Obviously, this statistic varies from state to state, as dui in Arizona might be more frequent than in another state, for example. This is because, as humans, we love going to parties and enjoying a fun time.

Unfortunately, parties and alcohol, as well as any other CBD-containing drugs, are inextricably linked. Therefore, every party will always have booze and party drugs, which is why you will be charged with a DUI if you drive home from the party and are stopped by the police.

Getting caught once seems fine, and the court would be too harsh on you, depending on your case. However, others get caught with a DUI offense for the second time around. When you get caught drunk driving or driving under the influence of any harmful substance for the second time, you will be charged with a second DUI offense. 

You were offered a second chance after your first conviction, but you still did it, so you better expect harsher fines, punishments, and repercussions, and the court will not take you lightly. After knowing this, many people are asking whether a second DUI offense is beatable or not. I am a bit curious too, so let’s answer our question through this article. 

Can you beat a second DUI?

Yes, you can overcome a second DUI charge. However, the response to this question depends on how fair your DUI lawyer is when representing you in court. But for the record, a second DUI is winnable under certain conditions. 

1.If you have an experienced and professional DUI attorney

It would help if you first employed a qualified and experienced DUI lawyer, like the specialists at AZ Defenders, for example. These legal experts can represent you in court and negotiate your case. Furthermore, they can use every tactic available to ensure that you are not guilty of the charges against you.

The attorney would raise concerns about the assessments that the arresting officer forced you to take, claiming that they are too arbitrary. He may even inquire about how you were apprehended and challenge the legitimacy of the breath control system, such as whether
the arresting officer used it properly or whether it was maintained.

2.If the arresting officer did not arrest you properly

Second, if the police officer failed to follow proper protocol, the counsel will point this out to you, increasing the odds of winning. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as when a person passes the arresting officer’s tests but is still apprehended and put on trial in court.

3.You were not caught in the act

Your lawyer might have a slight advantage if you were not caught in the act. For example, suppose you were stopped by a police car for other reasons and started doing tests for a DUI offense. In that case, your lawyer will point this out and challenge the arresting officer that would overturn the validity of the arrest and invalidate the results of the field sobriety tests. 

If at least one of these conditions applies to your case, you have a better chance of winning in court for a second DUI charge. Instead of going to prison, you could get probation, which is the worst possible outcome if you have a lawyer.

You are craving an adrenaline rush but you can’t get to the race track? No need to illegally alter your car and endanger the streets of your neighborhood, you can find the excitement on some thrilling motorsports-themed racing slots instead! These slots will get your blood rushing through your veins and have your heart racing by 170 beats per hour, making you practically smell the burnt rubber from the track!

For even more excitement, online casinos also give casino bonuses to new players. This usually gives them extra bonus money to play with as well as their own money. This is great as you can try out the different racing slots below with the extra bonus money to see which is your favorite.

So, if you are a true thrill seeker, check out these adrenaline-fueled slots to find your ideal match:

1. Fast street races and screaming engines with Drive: Multiplier Mayhem by NetEnt

This 5-reel, 15-pay line slot has beautiful effects with a city background that remind you of the streets of Tokyo. Jette, a fearless lady street racer, is the main character in this race. Your goal is to work together and beat the 3 shady-looking rivals in the thrilling race.

The bonus game is where the real street racing starts! The further you drive, the bigger your winnings! Each time you beat an opponent, you win free spins in which you can win loads more. 

We must say, even the intense music creates a suspenseful atmosphere. You can hear the engine revs increasing and the rubber burning into the concrete with every spin!

2. Adrenaline thrills and turbo boosts on Street Racer by Pragmatic Play

Just like all other street races, the goal in Street Racer is to pass the finish lines before your rivals do so. But before you can participate, you must qualify for it. After this, you can hit the gas pedal and go!

The 5×4 reels slot has 40 pay lines with absolutely stunning graphics. It features the unbeatable racers Bolt, Alpha, Firefly, Ignite, and the team’s leader, Vapor. The background is the famous Las Vegas strip with two bolides on the side, impatiently waiting to be driven at high speed. 

Although we must say that the base gameplay is a little reserved and could have a little more action in it, the quality of the design and the suspenseful bonus round easily make up for it. 

3. Retro street racing with Speed Cash from Play’n GO

Truth be told, this is clearly a rather basic slot that reminds you of the classic fruit slots. Speed Cash’ graphics are very simple and feature 3 rows and 1 pay line. 

Cars, gold, and money are the symbols on the reels. If 1 car appears on one of the reels, you win twice your stake amount. 2 cars on the reels will get you 6 times your bet amount. If 3 cars appear on the rolls, the progressive jackpot is yours!

What stands out is the lack of background music in this game. The background is almost quiet, which allows you to fully enjoy the magic sound of a revving engine and spinning tires at each spin. Craving to hear this beautiful sound can easily be a reason why any motorsports enthusiast wants to keep playing Speed Cash!

All in all, we can recommend this slot if you love old-school slots and can’t stop listening to the typical auto racing noises. 

4. Racing to fortune with Rally 4 Riches from Play’n GO

Screeching tires and tons of horsepower are waiting for you in Rally 4 Riches! 

Its design is fairly simple: it features 3 x 3 symbols with 5 fixed pay lines. On top of that, a bonus reel features multipliers, wilds, and bonus symbols. 

Falcon, Wolf, and Cheetah are your opponents in this race to win the Championship Race Bonus. Each round will increase your speed level: 1st gear will make your move at snail’s pace, 6th gear will make you drive at absolute lightning speed! Of course, the higher you score on the board, the bigger your bonus amount will be.

5. Chase the thief in your fast sports car with Hotline by NetEnt

Although this is not a motorsports-themed slot, this game features speeding cops in beautiful sports cars which will captivate you. In Hotline, you submerge into the 80’s Miami Vice-atmosphere with flashy neon lights and iconic palm trees. You are partnering up with Rivera and his buddy Quinn and chase the mysterious Kittie Weiss, who just committed a jewelry robbery in Miami. 

The hotline has 5 reels and 30 pay lines and you can choose to play with 1, 2, or 3 hotlines. It’s recommended to play with 3 hotlines since the Return to Player percentage will be a whopping 97.04%. 

Although Hotline does not offer a jackpot, its maximum win on bets is well worth it. The maximum win on a single line is 2,000 coins but the maximum simultaneous win is a massive 60,000 coins!