Making Sense Of An Auto Warranty

An auto warranty is a type of contract between the purchaser and manufacturer or seller of a vehicle. Like any other contract, they can often be over-complicated and full of legalese, making it difficult to understand the various aspects of your warranty coverage

Case in point: standard new-car warranties these days are often 30, 40 or even 50 pages in length, with dozens of different subsections and clauses. Unless you're a contract lawyer, you could rightly begin to feel intimidated, and even assume that it is beyond your comprehension.

But the fact is that the majority of new-car and used car warranties are very similar, and they routinely contain many of the same common points. Here is a brief overview of the most common types, and the basic points you need to understand about each.

New cars are actually sold with several. The first of these is called the basic, and it covers most major systems and parts of your car. The basic for most cars sold in the United States is limited to three years or 36,000 miles. However, there are a few notable exceptions, including Hyundai, which offers a five-year basic, as does their affiliated company, Kia.

Basic warranties will cover the car's electronics, most interior parts and details, rims, and ignition components. It is important to note that tires are never covered in basic, and certain interior parts, such as carpeting and mats will usually not be covered either.

The other warranty that all new cars are sold with is called the powertrain. This is also sometimes known as the drive train, and it covers the larger mechanical aspects of the car. These would include the engine, transmission and differential, and usually the axles and drive shaft.

Powertrain tend to be in force quite a bit longer than the car's basic warranty. It is not uncommon to see a 10-year powertrain on new cars, and although this sounds like an awesome deal, it is important to remember that the larger mechanical parts of new cars are normally not the parts that break down.

Unfortunately, smaller and electronic-based parts tend to be the ones that are the least reliable, and these are not included under the powertrain. That means that they will only be replaced or repaired during the time limits of the basic warranty -- normally three years or 36,000 miles.

In other words, don't be too overwhelmed if a new car offers a 10 year powertrain warranty. It would actually be far more impressive if they offered a 10 year basic one, which covers nearly every part and system of the car. But unfortunately, you're unlikely to see a basic one in effect for that long.

Finally, new cars also have what is known as an "adjustment warranty." This is simply a very basic cover between the purchaser and the car dealership that sold you the vehicle. These cover most parts and systems within the car, but are normally in effect for only 30 days.

The adjustment warranty is actually of little consequence when buying a new car, because every part that it covers will also be covered by the manufacturer's basic cover. It is really only there to increase the purchaser's peace of mind, and help make a sale. In other words, never base your purchasing decision on an adjustment auto warranty, even in the rare cases where it is valid for 60 or 90 days.
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Easily Create a Custom Auto With a Car Decal Kit

Ever since the first cars rolled off the assembly line, there have been car decal kits of some sort. Back then, in the latter half of the nineteenth century, a decal would be something as simple as a personalized paint job. After all, Henry Ford's famous saying was: "You can get your car in any color you want, just so long as it is black". So, people soon started looking for ways to make their car as personal as they could.

In our modern high-tech world, you can get a good one at many local stores (Target, Wal-Mart etc.), or you can just go online and do a search for some. Any decent search engine like Google will do it. Just go to one and type in "car decal kit" and you will get a long list of sites to choose from.

After that, you have a fun decision to make: what kind of decaling are you looking to put on your car?

There are some kits that are fairly standard. Things like "Wings of Fire" and "Tribal Fire" for the hood; and stars, flames or a dragon for the side. Some are very specific, so you need to be sure you get the right one for what you want to do. There are also ones for adding something to the hood of your car, and then there are those for sprucing up the sides of your car.

The next thing to consider when looking is they type of material. Now, of course, there is always the issue of color, but that is simple enough to select. The real item of importance is whether you want to use paint or vinyl, as they are the two primary types of car decals.

With some of the newer ones, they use magnetic decals. This makes applying and removing them much easier, and it also means you do not have to worry about making a mess when putting the decals on. We're not all artists and we don't all have a steady hand; none of that matters as you can reposition and change the magnetic ones to your heart's content.

Then, there is the other added feature of reflectivity. With some car decal kits, the material is reflective, which can be a real help in keeping your car safe. After all, these days, what with cars costing so much, you want to do all you can to prevent someone from hitting it. So, a nice decal with some reflective paint can actually be a wise investment. And, given the wide variety of images and patterns that are out there, you can easily find something that you will like.

All Hybrids Are Not Created Equal - How to Make the Right Choice for You

The modern hybrid vehicle comes in numerous makes and models, various colors and sizes. And as the desire and need for this trendy car grows, so will the options available to consumers. There are a variety of things that need to be considered in choosing a hybrid car.

Design and size must be considered when deciding the hybrid car that is right for you. Take into consideration the number of passengers that you will normally be carrying in your vehicle. What about storage space? Currently, these cars come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. If you are looking for a smaller automobile, there is a two-passenger hybrid on the market. Need something for the family? Makers of hybrids have also developed a compact sedan that can accompany up to five passengers. Sport utility vehicle (SUV) lovers also have a choice of this popular car. Manufacturers have created a larger design for those in need of more passenger and storage space.

When purchasing any automobile, the cost plays a major role. When choosing to buy a hybrid car, you must realize that it will come with a hefty price tag; a higher cost is one of the only drawbacks to this automobile. The average vehicle and sport utility vehicle range from approximately $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models. If you would like extra features, the price will increase. At $20,000, the hybrid costs almost $5,000 more than your average vehicle. However, owners of this type of vehicle save on fuel in the long run. They have also been given government take breaks for the past few years. So, while the initial purchase may be a large one, in the end, buying a hybrid is quite beneficial.

Gas mileage is especially an important factor when deciding on the right hybrid to buy. Hybrids are known for their excellent fuel efficiency. Mileage is an average 8-10 percent higher on a standard hybrid vehicle. The amount of money that is saved in gasoline will usually pay back the extra money that was spent in the initial purchase of the car.

Many car buyers wonder if hybrids have automatic transmissions. The answer is yes. However, the automatic transmission enables manual gear changes when desired. When in drive, the hybrid operates as a standard automatic, but allows the driver to utilize an included shift lever to manually change the gears. Hybrid cars also have traction control systems. In these systems, when your car accelerates from a stop, traction control works to guarantee the greatest possible contact between your tires and the road surface. Traction control systems are especially ideal on icy or wet roads, as they decrease traction.

If you know of a new hybrid vehicle that will soon debut, it is best to order this car through a local dealership. When dealing with a salesperson, you must always have confidence in his knowledge of this vehicle. You should not commit to a purchase until you have confidence in your salesperson, and feel they are someone you can trust. Such a large purchase should never be taken lightly.
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Car Leasing Guide - Knowing Your Tires

With every car lease or car purchase, you have to consider many factors. Of course, there is the price, the size of the car, how helpful it will be for you in the long run, etc. But the one other thing to consider is road safety. This car leasing guide says that road safety is much more about the features found in the car. It's also the features found in its tires. With the right tires, you can help prevent all sorts of things from happening that cause accidents.

Car leasing guide manuals and brochures will never tell you what kind of tires are on them, what they are made of and how well they perform when used on different types of road. And let's face it, when was the last time you actually looked specifically at tires when purchasing a car? Brakes are one thing and braking is something totally different. It really depends on the make of the tire, its tread, and how tough it is on different conditions of roads that will determine the effectiveness of braking.

The first thing to consider is how well your car does in a wet braking situation. This is essential if you are going to use a car in a place where it's raining or snowing all the time. Can your tires grip the road just as well as they do on dry roads? This car leasing guide says that you might want to check out if your tires are made from the following companies: BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, or Dunlop. These are good tires for wet braking conditions. Presently, it has also been tested that the MA-Z1 Victra tire is the best for wet conditions. It is also known to help reduce the noise caused while braking on the road.

In dry braking conditions, our car leasing guide radar will most probably also refer the MA-Z1 Victra tire. But this may not be the case. Although they do handle well in wet conditions, dry conditions are different altogether and in a case like this, you are safe sticking to the Yokohama Avid TRZ tires. These are great all-season tires because they also reduce noise and improve the overall ride. This new range of tires includes a silica tread compound found in snow tires which is important if you want your tires to remain pliable in low temperature areas. A cheaper tire is the Falken Ziex and it should help you throughout different situations as well.

The advice you should take as your next car leasing guide is to have a look at tires while you are shopping around for cars as well. Know the weather conditions that you will be putting your car in the most and this should also help you make your decision. Again, for very cold and low temperature areas, you might be better off with the MA-Z1 Victra. But in warmer areas, you might as well invest in all-season tires like those from Yokohama or Falken.

The New and Improved 2007 Buick Lacrosse

If you are thinking about getting into a new Buick this year, know that Buick cars are not just for Grandpa anymore. They are a viable car that just about anybody can get into, but the company has geared much of their marketing toward those of the younger, sportier generation and this has given birth to a car called the Buick Lacrosse.

If you have not yet heard of the Buick Lacrosse, you might have seen it on the road without knowing what you are looking at. It is a sporty sedan, unlike any Buick that has ever been released that is not necessarily designed for speed and precision but it sure looks like it.

The 2007 Buick Lacrosse is the epitome of true style and elegance, all squeezed into one luxury sedan. There are several different models of the new Buick Lacrosse; they are the Buick Lacrosse CX, the Lacrosse CXL, and the Lacrosse CXS. The basic model starts out at over $20,000 but with fairly good gas mileage and a 3.8L 3800 Series III V6 engine, the 2007 Buick Lacrosse is certainly worth it.

Best of all, the Buick Lacrosse is one of the safest vehicles on the road. With side-curtain air bags, the Lacrosse is designed for safety but prepared for impact, and that is an important part of any good car. It comes in ten colors, from a deep fuchsia red to white, gray, and black and the interior is nearly as impeccable as the exterior if not even more impressive. In addition, each and every 2007 Buick Lacrosse is packed with other features, including ABS and even traction control, a feature that makes it perfect for those who live in the northern regions of the United States where it is cold and slippery.

The 2007 Buick Lacrosse is equipped with everything you need for as enjoyable a ride as you can possibly get. With dual one climate control options, power and heated front seats, Onstar and even XM Satellite Radio, there are few things that could beat the new 2007 Buick Lacrosse.

Now, if it is space that is your concern the 2007 Buick Lacrosse is just as room as ever, and just as roomy and spacious as any other type of luxury Buick out there on the market today. There is plenty of seating for five people in the Lacrosse, six people if you make use of the bench that comes in the car to accommodate extra people.

According to Consumer Guide Automotive, the rear seating in the Buick Lacrosse is not as comfortable as it could be, and not nearly as comfortable as the front seats of the vehicle. It doesn't handle as well s it should, but the ride is rather comfortable and smooth and the instruments and controls are easy to use and easily accessible as well, falling on the PROS side of the list of Pros and Cons. They are lit up easily in the night and most of them are easily reached from the driver's side, grouped right in the middle of the dash.

It takes off rather quickly but has a bit of a difficult time accelerating from cruising speed to highway speed, although this is certainly improved in the V6 model of the vehicle. Buicks are not really meant to be race cars, after all and if you are looking for a good way to incorporate style and function into a sportier version of an old favorite, the Buick Lacrosse is a great option for you.

If you are one of those people who are big on extras and special features, the 2007 Buick Lacrosse is jam packed full of those extra features you love. Rear obstacle detection, a sunroof, a spoiler, and even remote engine start with the touch of a button is available as well, something that is a great addition for those who live in colder areas and like to warm up their cars in the morning before going to work.

Defensive Driving Techniques - It's About Space

There are a lot of different aspects to defensive driving techniques, but a key feature is to create and maintain space around your vehicle. After all, it's difficult to come into contact with another vehicle, or some other object, if you constantly maintain adequate space around your vehicle.

Use the "Two-Second-Plus Rule"

Use defensive driving techniques to create space around your vehicle. Never allow yourself to get "boxed in" by other vehicles. Adequate space creates enough reaction and braking time to help you avoid a collision.

One of the key aspects of creating space is to follow the vehicle in front of you at a distance of at LEAST two seconds. You achieve this by watching as the vehicle ahead passes some object such as a sign on the side of the road, or a mark on the road surface-then count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If you pass your chosen spot before reaching "two," you're too close and should slow down slightly, repeat the count and get the space you need!

Avoid being tailgated, or having other vehicles encroach on your space. Employ your techniques by changing lanes, or adjusting your speed to enable tail gaters to pass. Even following at two seconds distance, you must be alert to respond quickly, but you should have enough margin under normal circumstances.

Sometimes two seconds' space may not be sufficient. Leave more space when you can when following a vehicle different to yours, such as a motorcycle or truck. Motorcycles can usually stop faster than you can in a car, and large trucks impede your vision, which can cause you not to see hazards until too late. You need to monitor this aspect of your techniques to take into account the characteristics of the vehicles near you. If in doubt, it's better to allow a bit more space than normal.

Allow extra space when traveling on a loose, or slippery road surface as your stopping distance may be longer than normal. Be aware of the vehicles next to your vehicle in other lanes and try to adjust your speed to keep your vehicle "in the open", with no vehicles on either side. Be very wary if you become surrounded by vehicles in a moving

Even when you are stationary, such as at a red light, you need to leave adequate space between you and the vehicle in front. Leave enough room so you can escape if the car in front of you doesn't move, or if you need to move away from danger approaching from behind. Make sure you can see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you where they touch the road. This will give you sufficient room to negotiate around when necessary.

Tesla Roadster

The news hit the press rooms of specialized publications around the nation like a tropical storm. While the country finds itself without any real alternative against the continuous raise of gas prices - and a few months after the release of Who Killed the Electric Car?, a movie unveiling the free-for-all sabotage in the late '90s of a well-advanced project to mass-produce electric cars - Tesla Motors just announced to the world the birth of a little red roadster that might just set the record straight.

The Tesla Roadster is indeed powered by an all electric engine. This detail sums it all up. The progressive depletion of the world's oil resources and the increasing evidence blaming CO2 emissions as a cause of global warming have already started to produce negative effects on international affairs. Oil wars will be sooner or later a pathetic memory of the past, but our children and their own will likely pay the price for the multiple damages caused by our criminal refusal to embrace sustainable energy. The Tesla Roadster doesn't release any greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It doesn't ever need a drop of gasoline, as opposed to hybrid cars. In fact it has no gas tank whatsoever. It can run up to 250 miles without a recharge, which is about how much a traditional vehicle can go without stopping at a gas station, and Tesla Motors claims energy costs as low as a penny per mile. Translate this into commuter English and you get the equivalent of 135 mpg, twice the fuel efficiency of a Toyota Prius, and roughly 10 times better than the massive SUV parked in your neighbor's driveway.

The Tesla Roadster is not the first car to offer a sustainable alternative to gas engines. Its main strength is to add a beautiful silhouette and attractive performance to a clean and earth-friendly package. Until now, most electric vehicles looked bulky and displayed a clumsy and slow behavior on the road. Built on a Lotus Elise platform, the car designed by Tesla Motors leaves all these clichés behind by showing enough stamina to outperform many gas-powered sports cars. While it reaches a top speed of more than 130 mph, the Roadster delivers stunning acceleration to those who like stepping hard on the "gas pedal." In contrast to a vehicle powered by a traditional engine, this amazing ride can rely on all its power at any given time: its peak torque is readily available at 0 rpm and remains consistent all the way to 13,000 rpm.

In other words, the unfriendly type sitting in his apple green Lamborghini won't be able to catch up with you until the next stoplight. The Tesla Roadster jumps from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds. That's barely four-tenths slower than a Ferrari Enzo. In order to achieve this prowess, Tesla Motors' engineers didn't have to burglarize some secret lab at the NASA headquarters. The Roadster's electrical engine relies on 6831 lithium-ion batteries, similar to the ones you can find in a laptop, to develop 248 hp. The carmaker will provide you with a kit to plug the vehicle directly into a regular outlet and let it charge overnight just like any cell phone. You can even bring it to the next level by becoming fully self-sufficient: all you need at this point is to install some solar panels on the roof of your garage.

It's no surprise that the Tesla Roadster was invented in California. Since the late '90s economic boom, the state has become the home of many young millionaires who seem a lot more concerned about the environment than past generations. To be sold for a solid $100,000, the Roadster remains a luxury car by all means, but Tesla Motors could hardly be blamed for trying to establish its brand with such an exclusive vehicle. The new firm has been flooded with orders since the release of its revolutionary car, and all 2006 models have already been sold. The Roadster is first and foremost a symbol supposed to clear the path for more simple and family-oriented electric vehicles. Tesla Motors' engineers are already drawing plans for a green sedan. One had to finally find the nerve to prove to the rest of the world you can be sexy without making a mess.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Driving in snow can be part of daily commutation or part of a "trip". Either way there are a few basic steps you should follow for safe travel. True to the saying "forewarned is forearmed", we should know the 'terrain' where we are going to travel. Usually, safety protocols for driving are available in all places where there is regular snow fall. These are available in variety of places like hotels, car rental agencies, weather departments and police departments amongst others.

* Prepare the car for the snow drive and ensure that it is 'healthy' enough to venture out into snow.

* Use snow chains where indicated and remove where not required remembering all the way that driving with snow chains will be different than without.

* Bald tyres and smooth ice is a great combo for crashing. If traveling in snow will be frequent, then getting winter tyres are indicated.

* Preparing yourself and checking if you are snow-worthy is important. Always go out with enough supplies including first aid kit, because we never know when it might be needed (either for us or for somebody else)

* Additional warm clothes secured in waterproof bags. (again not necessarily for us but for some other stranded traveler)

* Look out for other animals, vehicles, snow plows and people while traveling.

* For the above reasons (that we have to put in lots of concentration), snow driving can be very tiring and adequate rest before, if necessary, during and after the drive is important.

Why More And More People Are Buying Car Parts Online

There is nothing more frustrating than having to trek from store to store trying to find what you need. This is true regardless of what it is you are looking for: a certain piece of clothing, a certain game or even a certain car part. Car parts stores aren't conveniently grouped together the way clothing stores and game stores are in a shopping mall or center. Car parts stores are usually spread apart and copious amounts of time can be used as a person travels from store to store getting turned down. Somehow the apologetic faces and "I'm so sorry, we're out of that"'s don't make up for the amount of time and gas that is spent traveling from location to location only to strike out each time. But do you know you can order car parts online?

Thank goodness for the internet, right? With the internet you simply open up your web browser and type in the part you are trying to find. Almost instantly (depending on your internet connection) dozens of results pop up, offering to sell you the very part you need. Not only will these stores sell you the parts over the internet, but for minimal fees, they will deliver the part directly to your front door. No wasted gas or time there!

Here are some tips for buying car parts online:

Well Known Auto Stores: Almost every single one of the major players in the auto parts industry has a website from which shoppers can order parts. A lot of these stores also have the regular "brick and mortar" stores and will let you return internet-ordered parts to those stores (in the event that the part that got delivered to you was not what you ordered or turned out to be the wrong part). Some of the major "brick and mortar" auto parts stores that will also let you order your car parts online are Napa, Carquest, Auto Zone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto Parts and Schucks Auto (known in some areas as CSK Auto).

Auctions: Auctions are fantastic places to find parts that are gently used. People strip their cars down for parts all the time (for various reasons) and many people sell those car parts online to the highest bidder. The best way to find auctions for the parts you are looking for is to search for the car part itself. If you do a car part auction search, the number of results you will get will be incredibly overwhelming. So first locate the part you want and then check out the auction sites listed for it. It will save you mountains of time.

Auto Forums: People love to talk about their cars. More than that, the people who can and will fix their own cars love talking about how they do it. They band together and form forums much like people who are fans of the same celebrity. Auto Forums are a great place to find car parts online as most forums will have a sort of "classifieds" section for the buying and selling of car parts online. In the event that the forum doesn't list the exact part you are looking for, chances are you will connect with people who know where to find it and where to find it for the best price.

Your local online classifieds: Try searching through a site like Craigslist if there is a board for where you live (or don't mind driving to). Craigslist is full of people who are looking to buy and sell car parts online. There is even a specific board just for car parts listings. With a few simple emails, you might be able to find exactly the part you are looking for, or with someone who knows how to find it.

Searching for online car part stores is very simple. You just go to one of the main search engines and type in what you want. After a second or two you will be given a list of a thousand webpages. Don't panic. Check out the 5 to 10 first links on the list and I guarantee you will have more than enough online auto part stores to check out.

There is no doubt about it. Staying home and ordering the part you need online is infinitely better than having to drive all over town and face the possibility of striking out. And people who know how to fix cars are much more likely to do so if they can find the parts they need. Searching for car parts on the internet does not have to be a tedious or stressful process.

The 5 Step Way to Engine Cleaning Profits

Open the hood. Pow! A clean, sparkling engine not only looks good, it makes you feel good too. It also helps you to clearly see where future problems might occur, such as weak hoses, bad battery connectors and so on. Detailing an engine use to be a time consuming, dirty job. It ain't as bad as it used to be. In fact, it's probably the least physical task you'll do.

Only as recent as ten years ago cleaning an engine meant being extra careful about which parts didn't get wet and how much elbow grease it would take to get the job done. Now most of the major parts are covered up, (you probably can't even see the alternator), and fuel injection replaced the distributor on the majority of vehicles built in the last ten to fifteen years. Better chemicals is the other major improvement.

Cleaning an engine is basically a 5 step process. If hot, the engine needs some cool-down time, (usually 30 minutes is enough). Next, lightly spray water on the engine then use a good degreaser like Simple Green to spray the entire engine and side and back walls. This step is very important because most of your work takes place here, particularly on older vehicles. Then take a brush or rag and start cleaning. It's always best to wear fitted gloves for protection. With the degreaser doing most of the work cleaning shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Next, rinse. Some engines can withstand high pressure, some can't, you'll have to guage and decide. Allow engine to partially air dry before you do the final touch-up with a clean rag. Step 5 depends on newness of the vehicle. Dressing the engine. New vehicles like your BMW's, Volvo's, etc., don't need it because the engine is practically covered up. Engines in older vehicles can look almost new again with the right touch and amount of dressing applied.

What do you charge? Following the 5 step process it will take approximately 2 hours to clean an engine. Keep in mind part of that is the initial cooling down period, so you aren't actually working two hours. So for an hour and a half's work you charge $45 to $65.

Here again is the 5 step engine cleaning process:
1. 30 minute cool-down.
2. Light water rinse and thoroughly degrease.
3. Thorough brush or rag cleaning.
4. Rinse (preferably low pressure).
5. Dressing (optional).

The Million Dollar Answer to Road Rage.

We've all been there. At that moment when you're ready to blow your honk or yell at the driver next to you because they seem to be clueless. You get angry because the person in front of you is going 15 miles UNDER the speed limit. You're thinking What Are They Doing? You are steady shouting"Move", "The Light is GREEN", "It's a Yield sign not a Stop sign." The crazy part is Hello they can't hear us. Meanwhile, you've already lost your composure over this slow driver in front of you. I prefer to call them Sunday drivers. They're just poking along like they are on a Sunday Drive on Wednesday afternoon during rush hour. By now you are accelerating and decelerating your vehicle to tailgate this knucklehead in front of you, in hopes that they might get a clue. My question to you is ... who needs to get a clue you or them? Answer this honestly because you might have a problem with road rage.

Read over this checklist and if you're guilty of one or two you may not have a rage problem. (I'm guilty of a few myself) However, if every drive you take you find yourself committing several of any of the following ... you may have a Road Rage problem.

Do You -

- try to force the slow driver ahead of you to speed up by tailgating them

- weave back and forth in traffic, changing lanes without signaling

- intentionally pass someone and then slow down to let them know how it feels

- hit the gas and race through a caution light when it is about to turn red

- drive in the passing lane intentionally blocking other drivers from moving ahead

- constantly sound your horn

- flash your lights on and off at other drivers to get them to move out of your way

- constantly brake hard because you have little time to react

- use obscene gestures towards other drivers.

There are ways to avoid feeling anxious, and upset, while driving. And time is one of the key factors. Leaving yourself 15 minutes to spare while traveling can do wonders. So take some deep breaths and slow down. The car you are driving could end up being a deadly weapon if it is used in a hazardous manner. Instead of trying to multi-task while driving, use it as down time to relax. Put in your favorite CD and just unwind. And if you happen to be the pokey driver that's holding up traffic and someone flips you off, don't react the same way. Avoid making eye contact with anyone who is trying angrily to get your attention. It could end up being a deadly situation.

Here's a few ways I've found to calm down behind the wheel:

1- If you are having a bad day, Keep your emotions in check by focusing on family or friends or something positive. Sometimes just smiling for no reason can help you stay calm.

2-If another driver is being rude to you, don't be rude back to them. Sometimes people are just looking for a reaction. If you react, then the fight will probably be on.

3- If you feel someone is trying to be aggressive with you avoid eye contact them. (I usually start nodding my head to the music). That allows them think I'm clueless and they drive on in frustration leaving me alone.

4- Think just how valuable life is. Your reaction could cause an accident. Is it really worth it? What if the other driver has a weapon? You never know the other driver's state of mind ... they could be having a bad year compared to your bad day. They could feel they have nothing to lose. But what about you? Is reacting and getting even worth getting killed?

5-Give people the "benefit of the doubt". Maybe they just got fired, lost a family member or have an emergency of some sort and that's why they're driving like a maniac. In some cases people will get lost in their thoughts and not even realize they are annoying you. We all have bad times.

6- Lastly but most importantly, if a bad-mannered driver is following you don't go home. Stop by the nearest police station or call 911 and give your location while continuing to drive.

The main thing we all need to remember is to treat other drivers the way we'd want them to treat our grandmother on the road. Everyone has their reasons for their insane ways of driving and we can't control that. We can however control ourselves. So proceed with caution and try not to rush. If we all were a little more considerate while driving this wouldn't even be an issue.

Online Car Auctions - Caveats to Watch Out for at Car Auctions Online

Online car auctions may offer great car deals but there are caveats to watch out for. If you are new to bidding for a car at eBay and Yahoo Auctions, then this article will help prepare you mentally and avoid the mistakes which most people make. Be aware of these and it will go a long way to help you save the hassle, avoid disputes, save some money and let you drive off your dream car purchased from online car auctions.

1. What You See is What You Get

A photo is all you see about the car you are buying. It sounds scary but that is the nature of online car auctions. So you can either get used to the idea or avoid them all together.

2. You Buy What You Bid

Once you win the bid, there is no turning back. You are bound by contract to pay for the car.

3. Fake or Unlisted VIN

Sellers may not list the VIN numbers on the auctioned cars. At times, you may even come across fake VIN numbers. There are also listed vehicles with multiple VIN numbers especially if they were involved in major accidents and repaired with parts from different cars. There is a way to check by running a used car title check.

4. Incorrect Car Details

Some sellers either intentionally or unintentionally disclose the wrong car details such as incorrect engine configuration, model and year of manufacture. Doing an AutoCheck Vehicle History will get you the correct details.

5. Fake Bids

Beware of fake bids. Some unscrupulous bidders can hire a group of fake bidders to push up their prices artificially.

6. Shipping Costs

You need to check out the shipping costs involved. Do not get too excited and forget to include these in your overall budget set aside for the car.

Look out for these when bidding at online car auctions and you are in a better position to get a good deal. Find out how you can save the trouble, avoid the risks and driving home a car at up to 90% off retail prices by participating in seized car auctions through my car blog.

What Can Result From A DUI?

If you get caught driving under the influence (DUI) or, basically, driving drunk there are some very serious consequences you will face regardless what state you are from, unless of course you are rich and powerful like Rep. Patrick Kennedy or Paris Hilton , then you can literally get away with it and even be driven home.

For the rest of us you will get the book thrown at you and more (some states like New York have a 3 times policy wherein you can permanently lose your license for 3 convictions of DUI or similar offenses unless of course you are a Kennedy, Hilton, or otherwise well connected and financed individual).

The first thing that will happen is a police officer will administer a on site breathalizer test. In lieu of this the officer may use standard physical impairment tests which can range from touching outstretched fingers to your nose to reciting the alphabet backwards (most departments will soon after do a chemical test).

These are the tests you often see on the TV show COPS or other reality TV shows. When these tests were initially implemented they did not take into account people with impairments, disabilities and similar. For instance, a narcoleptic or someone with Aspergers may have considerable difficulty complying with these tests when not under the influence.

What if a dyslexic or similarly afflicted person is made to recite the alphabet backwards? It may be an impossible uphill task regardless if they have been drinking or not. These are actual defenses used by expensive defense attorneys that have worked and had otherwise solid DUI cases thrown out and this is why most police departments are quick to use a chemical test which is almost inarguable in court. This also limits the departments liability for violating civil rights or discrimination.

Each state has its own laws as to what exactly is the legal limit (some are 0.08 percent and others are 0.10). Most have a absolute zero tolerance for underage drivers. So regardless of the alcohol blood percentage, if it is measurable the under aged driver will be charged.

Regardless if you are under aged or of legal age, once it is determined that you will be charged with DUI you will be arrested and read your rights. Then you will be taken to the county jail and processed. If you refuse to take the chemical or breathalizer test you will automatically lose your license for 1 year in most states and be fined. Some states may impose required driving education to get your license back.

Good Deals On Second Hand Cars Can Be Found Online

Finding the perfect second hand car for your needs can be hard, you probably have a make and model in mind maybe even prefer a certain colour and you could want extras such as sun roof or power steering. While these would be easy to find in a brand new car, when it comes to being lucky enough to find them all in a second hand car it could be next to impossible. However good deals can be found in second hand and used cars if you go online to do your search - even finding your dream car is easier than trailing from dealer to dealer.

You can find good deals on second hand cars all from the comfort of your own home in just a fraction of the time it would take you to go looking around second hand car dealers or scan through newspapers such as free-ads for private sellers. A specialist site will bring the best of both worlds right into your own living room and onto the computer screen and of course makes your search for good deals on second hand cars easy, the search engine is one of the most useful tools that can be used on a specialists site.

Using a search engine you can narrow down your quest for the perfect car to a particular geographical area and of course define the terms of the search based on what you are looking for right down to the extras, colour, make and model and price. This of course narrows down your choices considerably allowing you to concentrate on just what you are looking for and allows you to sift through thousands of used cars online. While of course you can't see the actual car all specialists will have photos of the car online and of course contact information along with detailed descriptions of the car in question. Once you have found what you are looking for then all that's left is for you to go and look at the car and take it for a test drive.

Good deals on second hand cars can be found online in a much shorter time than it would take you by other means and along with this you can take the advice and information that is given to help you on your used car search with the specialist.

Use A Specialist Website To Find The Best Used Car Deals

When it comes to finding your ideal used car there are a few things you have to be aware of, such as what to look for when buying a used car, the options available and best places to look and, of course, how to get the best used car deals.

A specialist website will give you all the information needed to be able to get yourself the best deal and not make mistakes that end up costing you a fortune and bring nothing but trouble in the future. There are many ways that the internet can help you when it comes to your search for a quality used car, just the sheer amount of information by way of guides, articles and hints and tips regarding what to watch out for when buying a used car is well worth a visit to an online specialist.

By far your biggest asset when trying to find the best used car deals is the use of the used car search engine; here you can search through hundreds of listed used cars to find the best deal for your needs. The search can be narrowed down by the amount you want to pay, the exact model and make of the car, even down to extras such as sunroof and the colour. Imagine having access to hundreds of cars all within your price range and with all the specific features that you require, all without leaving the comfort of your own home and in the shortest time possible?

Almost all specialists will have photos and excellent descriptions of the cars available and will give you contact information which makes getting in touch to ask questions easy and quick. Cars can be narrowed down after comparing which makes finding you best used car deal child's play and then all that's left to do is to make arraignments for a test drive.

Moped and Scooter Riders Take Care

Moped and Scooter owners know that they are a superb mode of transport for getting around in the city and urban areas. They are mainly very low powered so are an extremely cheap mode of transport. In Europe and particularly in the UK the moped and scooter is mainly owned by 16 to 20 year olds and are usually a stepping stone to a larger motorcycle.

There are also a lot of European countries such as Spain, France and Greece where you can hire a moped or scooter and need very little in the way of paperwork other than a driving license to hire it, however you tend to see the accident and emergency rooms at the local hospitals bugling with un-savvy motorcyclists who have misjudged the local roads and traffic.

Most moped's are limited to 35 mph yet it is common for teenagers to tune them so they can achieve high speeds and decibels. In the cities the noise can be deafening, especially in the tourist resorts where they pour out of the clubs at 5 in the morning and echo through the narrow streets.

If you are looking at moped and scooter brochures take your time and make a wish list of the specification and extras you would really like to have and then scour the internet and local dealers crossing off what you cant afford. You need to also bear in mind the legal moped and scooter age requirements of in the country you are living. The other option is to look at the classifieds as there are often bargains to be had as riders upgrade to larger bikes.

For any moped and scooter rider the one thing that should be considered first is insurance as there is a high chance that you will need it at some time make sure it is covered fully comprehensive for theft, damage and also for if you are involved in an accident. There are a few companies online who specialise in moped and scooter insurance.

Owning a moped or a scooter has a lot of advantages it gives you freedom from being stuck in long traffic jams, they are far more environmental friendly and they are extremely cheap to run in fact there are electric scooters now which cost as little as 0.3p per mile to run.

Best Car Donation Tips To Save You Money On Your Taxes

In the United States it's possible to donate a vehicle (usually a car, but it can be a boat or any other form of transportation) to certain charities, and in return be able to claim a tax deduction on your personal income tax return. A car donation may be accepted on the condition that the vehicle doesn't have to run but should be in towing condition. A charitable car donation may be worth more than a trade-in.

The new rules allow the donor to deduct only the amount the charity receives for the vehicle. Charities usually provide you with a release of liability when they take your vehicle, and after the car sells, they send you a tax-deduction form that explains how much they received for your car. There have been car donors who needed a new vehicle and they ended up buying donated and repaired vehicles.

You may have an old vehicle sitting on your property or on the street that you don't use very often. Make sure you have the title in hand if you call in your donation.

You can usually donate a sad-looking car that's not running, depending on the charity. The donor benefits from the donation by receiving a tax receipt for the highest possible value of the vehicle. It's good to know that when you donate a car, you'll get it off your property within just a couple of days, freeing up space in the garage, in the driveway or even your yard.

Your vehicle has to have all four of the tires inflated in order to be accepted. By donating a car it can eliminate spending money on repairs, advertising fees and the problems or liabilities associated with selling a vehicle. In some cases charitable car donors can still claim fair market value for their used vehicle.

If your automobile, truck, boat, motorcycle, RV or aircraft is no longer of use to you, it can still go a long way toward supporting the charity of your choice. Make sure to fill out the forms the charity representative gives you and have them ready for the driver when he comes to pick up the car. No need to pay for advertising, no loss of privacy and possible security risk, and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.

Also, if your car is running, consider dropping it off with the charity yourself to save the organization from paying for towing costs. For states that require smog certificates or safety inspection certificates, you can donate your vehicle without these documents. And some cars may not qualify for the tax exemption because of the condition they're in.

There are a few exceptions in the new tax law regarding the fair market value section, for example, you may base your deduction on the vehicle's fair market value if the charity sells it to a needy individual at a discounted price or if the charity uses the car as part of its mission instead of selling it. Some charities have the capability to repair or perform maintenance and get a donated vehicle ready for sale. A vehicle donation is allowed if you itemize your income tax return.

Whether it's the law in your state or not it's a good idea to protect yourself by having proper insurance coverage on your vehicle until it's donated. One of the exceptions to the new IRS regulations allows donors to still deduct the fair market value of their vehicle, provided the charity materially improves the vehicle.

Your Car's Trade-in Value -- The Real Truth!

Car dealers have a bad habit of telling you they're giving you more for your trade-in than they actually are. They do this by artificially inflating the price of the car you're buying, and then artificially inflating the trade-in allowance an equal amount.

In reality, all they are going to give you is wholesale value for your vehicle. Why should they buy your trade-in for more money then they can buy a similar vehicle from a car dealer auction that sells at wholesale value? A car dealer is no different than any other merchant in that they have to buy inventory to resell. Just like the grocery store or the furniture store owner, they have to buy at wholesale and sell at retail in order to make a profit and stay in business.

The problem is that I've never met a customer who was satisfied with wholesale value for their trade-in. They always think their vehicle is worth retail value. It doesn't help when Blue Book and other reputable automotive resource web sites list unrealistic trade-in values for most vehicles.

The only way to get more than wholesale value for your car is to sell it privately.

Car dealers even have terminology to differentiate between the true amount they are putting in a vehicle, "ACV" or "Actual Cash Value," and the artificially inflated number that they list on your car sales contract, "Over Allowance."

They use these two terms so that when they are discussing the deal between management and salesman, and when they are calculating their profit after a deal is complete they can differentiate between the true number for the trade-in and the false, inflated number.

The car dealer wants the car deal to follow the path of least resistance, so they tell you what you want to hear. It's all "Smoke and Mirrors!"

So how can you know for sure what the car dealer is actually giving you for your trade-in?

Always negotiate the selling price of the car you're buying without the trade-in. Bring the trade-in into the deal after you have agreed on a purchase price. By doing this you take away their ability to artificially inflate the price of the vehicle you're buying and therefore, they can't artificially inflate the trade-in allowance either. They'll have no choice but to tell you the true ACV (Actual Cash Value) of your trade-in.

The car sales person won't like you dealing in this manner, but so what. No one says you have to do a car deal their way. Their way will usually cost you more money anyway!

Remember, If you tell the car dealer up front that you have a trade-in they will always hold back some money in the selling price so they can show you -- on paper -- an inflated trade-in allowance. The "price difference" (the difference between the vehicle you're buying and the trade-in allowance) will be the same in both scenarios, but the inflated scenario always looks better on paper to the customer even though it's all BS!

In all fairness, doing a car deal in this convoluted fashion is not all the car dealer's fault. As I mentioned earlier, most customers have an exaggerated opinion of what their trade-in is worth, so in order to not anger the customer and risk losing them, the car dealer will show them on paper what they want to see . . . a high trade-in allowance, even though there is absolutely no way the car dealer could, or would ever pay that amount for the trade-in.

Buying a Car - How To Lower Your Costs

When buying a car, new or used, focus on the overall price, not on the monthly payment. Here’s why. A dealership or lender can lower your payments by extending the loan. But the longer term will cost you hundreds, maybe thousands, more in interest over the life of the loan.

Spreading out the payments when buying a car could also put you “upside down” on the loan, meaning you owe more than the car is worth. If you total the car, if it is stolen, or if you want to trade it in on another vehicle, you will have to make up the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth out of your pocket.

Ongoing Costs

What you pay for a car and for your financing are only two of the expenses of driving a vehicle. There are also ownership costs and operating costs.

Ownership costs are the same regardless of how many miles you drive. They include taxes, depreciation, finance charges (if you have a car loan), registration, insurance, and license fees.

Operating costs include gas, oil, tires, and maintenance. These go up the more you drive. You can lower your operating costs by driving smart. AAA offers the following tips on saving fuel:

* Slow down. If your average commute includes 20 miles of highway time, and you drive it at 60 mph instead of 70 mph, you will save approximately 1.3 gallons in a 5-day week.

* Combine errands. Instead of spreading these tasks out over a few trips, do them all at once. Park in a central spot and walk from place to place.

* Shop online. Save the trips to the store, and consider other errands online, such as banking, buying stamps, and paying bills.

* Drive the small car. Do you own a SUV and a fuel-efficient sedan? Take the smaller car on any long trips you can this week.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Certified pre-owned vehicles are commonly presented as being a better buy, or more likely to be reliable, than your average used car. Of course, this additional reliability comes at a premium, which some consumers are willing to pay. However, once you see what ‘certified pre-owned’ actually means, it may not seem like such a great deal.

The only thing that separates a certified pre-owned vehicle from any other vehicle is that it has very low miles (probably has some original warranty left on it) and has been thoroughly inspected by the dealership’s mechanic (this is done to every used vehicle regardless) and deemed fit for a warranty package, which is added to the price of the car.

Essentially, the warranty comes with the vehicle, whether you want it or not. Although the vehicle inspection may be somewhat more rigorous when it comes to a certified vehicle, it is still done by the dealership’s mechanics, which some may say constitutes a conflict of interest.

Despite the newness of certified pre-owned vehicles, it is still a good idea to have them looked at by an independent mechanic to ensure there are no signs of abuse or neglect.

Remember, pre-owned is a euphemism for used, the same way collateral damage is a euphemism for deaths. Pre-owned vehicles, no matter who certifies them, are still used vehicles, and should be treated accordingly.

It is also good to consider where most certified pre-owned vehicles come from. They are usually not trade-ins from customers who drive a vehicle for ten thousand miles and trade them in. Most of them are ‘program cars,’ which means they were leased to rental car companies like Enterprise or Avis. Although program cars have low miles, there is no telling how they have been driven or how frequently the oil was changed.

Many people buy certified pre-owned vehicles because “it has a warranty,” but you can get a warranty for any used vehicle. However, some used vehicle warranties may be much better than others, including those that are part of a certified pre-owned package. For this reason, it is important to read the paperwork and find out what is covered, and how things will work if you do need repairs. Some warranties provide a loaner vehicle, while others require you to pay for necessary repairs and submit the bill for reimbursement.

No matter which path you choose, do not overlook the power of negotiation and the possibility of getting the dealer to throw in some extra perks in order to make the sale.

It is also a good idea to compare the price of a certified pre-owned vehicle to a similar unit without the added warranty to see how much that warranty actually costs.

Many car buyers spend more than they intended because of the allure of the warranty and the certified pre-owned designation. However, looking at vehicles that are slightly older, with a few more miles, and adding a warranty, can oftentimes be a much cheaper alternative and be just as reliable as a certified pre-owned vehicle.

How to Buy Cheap Used Cars at Government Auctions and Police Auctions

If you are looking to buy cheap used cars or trucks at Government auctions or police auctions, then you're reading the right article. Specifically in this article I will give you some of the best tips for beginners when it comes to using Government auctions to get vehicles at a real bargain. After reading this article, you will have all the basics you need to know in order to approach government auctions intelligently.

The first thing you need know is that all cars sold a government auctions are "as is". What might seem like a deal could end up costing you money if it has a mechanical failure or major flaw. In order to avoid this, you must learn how to recognize if a car is good or not through careful inspection. It's not like going to a car lot, where you can take the car for a test drive. You cannot test drive cars at Government auctions. The closest you can get is to listen to the engine. That's why you need to learn how to appraise a car by inspecting it, or getting an expert to go along with you to inspect it for you.

Also, it's foolish to bid on cars that you think you know the value of. It's not wise to guess when it comes to spending your money. If you don't know the value range of the car, do not bid on it. I can't tell you how money people are shocked to find what they thought was a deal actually wasn't. You can use the Kelly Blue Book as a basis, however it pays to have an expert appraise the car before bidding on it.

Next, inspect the contract before you enter into it. Some contracts have a specific number of days you have to wait before you can get the title. Keep this in mind if you're thinking about turning around and selling the car right away. Sometimes it is the waiting period that negates the great deal you're getting on price.

Finally, remember it's an auction. At any auction, you must know how to bid strategically. If you've never attended an auction, it might be wise to go to attend a few auctions to watch and learn the etiquette of bidding, and also to get a feel for it. There's nothing worse than letting your emotions get in the way and making an illogical bid on a vehicle. Remember also that there are likely to be dealers at the auction bidding as well. They will have a good idea of the value of the cars being sold. One of the best things you can do is to look at some of the online auctions. While there are many membership sites offering access to Government and Police auctions, you should use caution as some of them will simply take your membership fee and not provide complete or timely auction information.

In conclusion, if you carefully inspect the vehicle and know its market value and make wise bidding maneuvers, you can walk away with a great deal on your next vehicle purchase.

Hybrid Car Prices - A Comparison Of Different Models

Retail hybrid car prices as suggested by manufacturers (better known as MSRP) are decided by the car makers and advised to the car dealers to be the base price guide in dealing with public sale. Dealers providing fleet sales to corporate buyers have also the invoice price, or that amount paid by the dealers to the automakers, better used for wholesale purchases being made from the dealers.

While these two serve as guides for the car buyer, prices may increase due to additional costs for non-standard features or add-ons to the vehicles. There are also charges for delivery to move the vehicles to the final destination where buyer is situated. Thereafter, sales taxes, marketing costs, registration costs and other costs may be added by the dealership over and above the MSRP or invoice price.

Price Ranges

As of this writing, at the bottom rung is the Toyota Prius, most reasonably priced at suggested retail of $22,175, exclusive of tax incentives that come along with purchases of hybrid, environmentally-friendly units. At the high end of the spectrum will be the 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid 4-wheel drive four-door sedan, at around $31,000. Both these prices do not include delivery or destination pricing.

The Array of Hybrid Car Prices

In between the Prius and the Accord, the Camry Hybrid from Toyota is priced at around $26,000. The Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid starts at $22,695, a highly recommended purchase by many hybrid enthusiasts. The Honda Hybrid FWD four door sedan starts at $22,600 exclusive of destination costs.

To give you a gauge on SUVs, the Mercury Mariner 2008 Hybrid four-wheel drive SUV starts at the bottom with $27,515, followed by the Ford Escape Hybrid 4FD SUV at $27.250. Packed and loaded with all amenities you can ask for, the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be yours for $32,500.

Price Indicators

The brand name comes with the package. With such prestigious car makers as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Saturn, Mercury, Volkswagen, Mercedes, the name comes at a premium. Brand name notwithstanding, the full array of features and accessories not included in standard units also impact on the final price of the hybrid car you are purchasing.

Hybrid car prices are definitely higher than for conventional models. That's because the manufacturer requires more resources to produce the hybrids with their added valuable features - these all add up to the cost. It is envisioned, though, that the fuel savings from hybrids will more than compensate for the usually higher purchase price compared to pure fossil-fuel models.

To give you an idea, take the Honda Accord as an example. While a value-packaged 4-door Accord Sedan can fetch for as low as $19,450, the Hybrid Accord's price is almost twice higher at more than $31,000. While Accord's special edition sedans and coupes range from $23,350 to $23,450, these prices are still a far cry from hybrid's prices. Only the EX-L four-wheel drive 2-door Accord Coupe comes close at $27,500.

The price differences among Civic models are somewhat more manageable and saleable. Take a 4-door sedan Civic EX priced at $19,510 add a hybrid system and you're $22,500 poorer. But the price difference, at least, is not all that much.

Eco-Friendliness Comes At A Cost

Even with Toyota models, the fuel efficiency and environmental-friendliness and zero-emission tags all come at a premium. The Camry Hybrid starts at $25,200 when its conventional sister is priced at only $18,570. Even with the federal tax reductions for hybrid vehicles, the MSRP is still a tad higher.

With the kind of research and development, not to mention the extensive testing done on hybrid or alternative-fuel models, it's not surprising that hybrid car prices are more expensive. And manufacturers do not stop at the hybrid or fuel-efficiency features; they also try and pack the hybrid with the latest in electronics for the interiors, dash and instrumentation and everything.

Standard or optional amenities notwithstanding, environmentalists will always say that hybrid car prices are worth every penny car buyers shed, if only to ensure a better, cleaner, safer world for tomorrow. Amen to that, say the hybrid manufacturers' environmental drumbeaters.

5 Great Reasons You Should be Using Waterless Car Wash Products

When I first heard about waterless car washing products I was skeptical. Being a car guy who takes a certain amount of pride in the appearance of my vehicles, I had long ago developed a method for detailing my cars, and water was definitely part of the equation! A neighbor of mine was regularly using a waterless car wash product, and introduced me to it. I tried it and was very favorably impressed. It was easy to use, cut straight through the grime, and took about half as long for me to clean my car. But what impressed me the most was the shine, looking as good as if I had waxed it. In light of these things, I'd say my initial foray into waterless car washing was a success. Still, I wasn't ready to give up my hose and bucket method just yet. Instead, I kept tabs on my neighbor and his car over the next three years. I wanted to see how well his paint finish looked after repeated use with waterless car wash products. He owned a black pickup truck, and after three years the finish was as deep and as glossy as the day he brought it home for the first time. Still, a creature of habit, I stuck with my hose and bucket method. It wasn't until I moved to Florida and discovered how expensive water usage is here (this state is surrounded by water, and I've got about 13 ponds in my neighborhood alone, so how can water be so freakin' expensive?!!) that I really decided to hang up my hose and bucket and go waterless. I'm glad I did and here's why:

1) These products work! Whether you're using standard waterless products such as Dri Wash n' Guard, or an environmentally friendly product such as Eco Touch, this stuff works. I won't go into detail too much here, but basically you spray a section of your car with the product, and the dirt is lifted off the surface and trapped within the foamy liquid, which you gently wipe off with a microfiber towel. You then take a second towel and quickly buff the paint to bring out the shine. Oh and it does shine. No scratches either, surprisingly.

2) Waterless is cheaper per wash than the Hose and Bucket method. Consider that to wash a standard sized vehicle, you use roughly 100 gallons of water, or as much as 250 gallons if you're one of those big manly truck dudes. That water shows up on your water bill, and if you're washing your car every week (like you should be) then those washes are putting a sizable dent in your water bill. Look it up. Then consider what you pay in car wash soap, bug and tar remover, wheel cleaner, mitts and chamois and all the other stuff. Washing with a hose and bucket isn't as cheap as you assumed it was.

3) Waterless is so much faster. No brainer here. You spray one section of the car at a time, wipe it off, and move on to the next. I drive a small car, and I can clean it all in 15 minutes. Previously it took me that long to get out the hose and bucket, fill the buck and wet the car down! And don't get me started on how long it took to dry the car with a chamois. With waterless I'm probably most pleased about not having to dry all that hard water off of my vehicles.

4) Waterless is immensely more convenient. I mentioned some of the hassles of the hose and bucket method above. With waterless you don't even have to pull the car out of the garage! Just grab the bottle of waterless and your two rags and off you go. Speaking of go, throw it in the trunk and take it with you. The next time you're tapped to drive everyone to lunch, take a couple extra minutes and wipe your car down before you go. Like I said before, to a car guy this stuff is important!

5) Waterless is greener. It's not often that you meet a car guy who's genuinely interested in helping the environment. I'm not that guy either, really, but when it's this simple to be "green" then it's hard to ignore. Going waterless means that not only are you saving at least 100 gallons per wash, but that 100 gallons was never polluted by your car grime and the chemicals you used to wash it. And then that 100 gallons wasn't swept down your driveway, down the street and into the storm drain where it eventually made its way to a lake or river.

Saving money, time, and being more environmentally conscious, all while maintaining a brilliant shine on your vehicles has never been easier. You heard it hear first: Waterless car washing will one day be the standard. So go ahead and try it!

Seven Defensive Driving Techniques That Could Save Your Life

You reckon you are a safe driver, right? No need to enrol in defensive driving classes? It is true that a clear driving record and no involvement in dangerous traffic accidents probably means you are a fairly good driver.

However, serious accidents are becoming more and more common, and are often not the fault of those innocent casualties who are badly injured. Learning basic defensive driving techniques can greatly improve your chances of avoiding death and injury and remaining safe on the road.

Options for learning defensive driving techniques abound. Plenty of driving schools offer defensive driver education, as well as advanced driving programs and online traffic safety courses.

Exhaustive research and analysis into driving accidents and their causes has resulted in the production of the quality learning materials used to teach defensive driving techniques. Research now shows that drivers who adopt defensive driving as a matter of course have a statistically better chance of avoiding serious injury whilst driving on the roads.

Seven Good Defensive Driving Techniques

1. Always use a seat belt. Statistics show that wearing a seat belt greatly improves the chances of surviving a serious road accident. Many countries regard driving without a seat belt as a traffic violation, making it illegal to drive without a seat belt.

2. Anticipate danger by expanding the line of sight and watching the road ahead. Drivers who adopt defensive driving techniques like this, and leave a good gap between vehicles, are able to brake early and take evasive action in time to avoid danger. It also allows plenty of time to notice others entering a freeway or driving through an intersection. Even on a green light, it is still wise to look for other drivers who may be illegally trying beat a red light.

3. Avoid internal distractions. Making sure your driving mirrors are set before you take off is vital for a clear view in both directions. This also avoids the distraction of adjusting them whilst driving. Avoid talking on the telephone, change the CD player or flick between radio stations. In fact, avoid any distracting activity at all which might take your attention away from the main activity, which is driving safely.

4. Watch yourself in heavy traffic. Experts on defensive driving techniques suggest the greatest risk is when drivers find themselves among a large pack of cars. One careless move by any car in the pack has the potential to affect everyone else. The way to avoid an accident is to safely steer away from the pack of cars towards the front.

5. Steer clear of heavy vehicles. Watch carefully for heavy vehicles in your rear view mirror, and avoid driving in front of or beside them. Particularly avoid trucks with heavy, insecure loads, especially when cornering or rounding bends.

6. Drive with two hands on the wheel. Defensive drivers always grip the steering wheel securely with their hands at the nine and three o'clock positions. This position ensures maximum control of your vehicle at all times.

7. Do not travel in the blind spot of another vehicle. Blind spots can be real trap. A good rule of thumb when overtaking or following other traffic is to remember if you cannot see their mirrors, they cannot see you!

Adopting good defensive driving techniques is like riding a horse. Once learnt and integrated into your daily driving habits, they will stand you in good, safe stead for the rest of your life.

So why should you acquire good defensive driving techniques? That is easy. To avoid serious trauma and injury to you and your loved ones, usually caused by other irresponsible drivers.

Discover Why You Should Buy a Used Car - Last Part

Now after all I made you do in this series of articles, you're ready to purchase the vehicle. But wait theres more to it than just signing and dealing when your purchasing a car. After what I've told you in earlier series about bargaining, theres still even more bargaining when your about to purchase the used car that you want.

When your buying from a seller, he or she sets the price, but your the one buying so you can make he or she an offer. Lets say the seller set the price at $12,000 you can counter that by going down $250 or $500. The reason behind this is to throw off the seller by giving your opinion about the price. If you went down by $1000 obviously the seller would be upset and he or she will probably get defensive; However, if you make a small reduction the seller will be force to consider. Whether or not they accept at least you tried and if they don't conform to your offer then just leave, this will inevitably make the seller change his or her mind.

Dealership is much harder to bargain and deal with because they are professional at this and they have alot of experience from this. But that doesn't mean you can't bargain because without your business, they are out of jobs. It just takes some persistence and mind games to see through all the salesman tactics. When you negotiate the price with the salesman, they are surely inclined to your offer but they have to talk to the sale manager. The salesman won't be back until 10 to 5 minutes and the real reason to this is to confound you with their mind games. If they take their time obviously this can persuade you on buying at the price they want because they wore you out. To counter this you have to look disinterested and move around and look at their showroom car or go back outside to browse through the lot again. When they see you doing this, it makes them want to go with your offer because this means that your ready to walk out anytime. With some perseverance this will pay off and they will eventually succumb to your offer.

Now after the exhausting ordeal your ready to sign the contract and get the hell out there. Make sure you read everything in the documents and know what contract your signing. Make sure if you don't understand a particular question ask them. Also if you get a chance shop around for a loan before you buy because when dealer will say that their rates are low and competitive this can be misleading. Its better that you already know what rates you'll be paying and the deal will go a lot faster.

5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Car Detailing

Did you know that, apart from a house and the expense of raising children, an automotive is the most expensive item the vast majority of us will ever buy? Why then do we find it acceptable to neglect these expensive purchases? C'mon folks, let's get out there in the sunshine and give our cars a good cleaning! They love it, I know they do.

I used to run a pickup and delivery car wash business, and I quickly realized the importance of the following five tips that I'm going to share with you. Some may sound simple, but you'd amazed at how many of my friends and neighbors I see washing their cars the hard way.

I'm going to assume that everyone knows to spray your car down with water thoroughly before employing these steps. It dislodges the loose dirt and dust that would otherwise be swirled around with your mitt, and it also effectively cools the surface temperature of your car a bit before washing, which makes cleaning easier.

#1 - Clean the Tires First.

I never condone the use of harsh chemicals on a vehicle's paint, but on tires and rims it's generally a good way to go, simply for the time savings and the effectiveness of most cleaners (email me or visit my website for recommendations). I use a soft bristle brush and an old wash mitt. Do NOT use the same water that you're going to use to wash the car, since the brake dust and road tar that your rims accumulate, not to mention those harsh chemicals that you used to clean them, are not good for your paint at all.

#2 - Repeat After Me:

We wash the car from the TOP down! This is a simple tip, but most folks tend to forget it, instead just dunking their mitt in the water and slapping it up on the nearest body panel. Why does it matter? Not only does gravity dictate that dirt and water always run to ground, but you actually end up saving a lot of time, soapy water, and rinse water when you start at the top. Try it and you'll agree. I also find that it ensures a more thorough and consistent cleaning.

#3 - Don't use old bath towels to dry off your car.

I know it's easy to do it that way, but those towels actually aren't soft enough to keep from putting miniscule scratches into your paint. You won't notice it right away, but try drying the same car with crusty bath towels for a couple years, and you'll definitely notice a duller paint finish. But don't throw those towels away! Use them to dry your windows, rubber trim, door jambs, wheels and tires, really anything but the paint. What do you dry the rest of your car with? A chamois. I'll always prefer the genuine sheepskin chamois, but there are some competitive synthetic ones out there.

#4 - Cost Saving tip here:

Save your old newspapers for cleaning your car windows! You still need to use Windex of course, but old newspapers are essentially free and they actually do a MUCH better job of cleaning your windows, with drastically less lint than paper towels. Also, a wad of newspaper goes a lot longer before needing to be replaced. At the car wash where I ran my business, we used to dig the newspapers out of the trash cans. Free! Just grab a full page, crumple it up into a large wad, and off you go. For some reason, the color pages don't work as well, so try to use the black and white pages. Seriously, if you've never tried this then you'll thank me.

#5 - Use a damp rag on your dashboard and interior trim before applying the vinyl detailer (Armor All or similar).

When you spray your dash, your seats, the door panels, and everywhere else with detailer without first wiping it down, all that dust and grime just gets spread around, not really removed. This step is also free, and will save you money in Armor All as well. Take a clean rag, dampen it with water, and quickly wipe everything down. Take a peak at your rag. See? Afterwards apply your vinyl detailer SPARINGLY. Now that's a nice looking interior.

We spend so much money on our cars, and so much time in them, folks. I for one am glad to spend so much time in mine. Without my car I'm . . . well I'm a guy who's looking for his car. Let's send the right message about ourselves by keeping our cars in great shape!

Jeep Compass

Looking to get the best out of a vehicle’s performance? If you are that person then the Jeep Compass is the car for you. This car is great for the open-minded, happy, wild or the person that likes to live life on the exiting side. It is available with four-wheel drive functionality. The interior of the Jeep Compass is immaculate; the back seat is a 60/40-split that has suitable single act folding option for adaptability as well as fertility. This split folding backseat provides maximum comfort for passengers as the seats fold back to create a feature that allows you to nearly lie down. The driver’s seat has adaptable lumbar support to provide the driver with the utmost comfort. The front seats also come with heaters.

The centre console of the Jeep Compass has a flip and slide feature and the lid of the console can serve as a comfortable armrest as it slides back and forward. There is also a flip pocket located in the lid; it swings open at a total of 145°, which allows for the feature of an iPod or cell phone to be put into position and stay there securely throughout your journey. This is also convenient as you won’t have to reach into your pocket and distract yourself from the road when you want access to your phone or music from your MP3 player. A cargo flashlight is also featured in the vehicle. This removable, rechargeable device provides light for when you are driving at night; this proves to be very useful.

We all know how annoying it is when you get a flat tire while you are driving. This always seems to happen when you are in a hurry and you have no spare with you because you have no space in your car to accommodate one. This is why the Jeep Compass has an allocated space in the floor of the car, underneath a removable panel. So the tire will be hidden, but you know where to find it should you need it. So there’s no more waiting on that person to bring you a tire in order for you to get back on the road, just pop it on and you’re A for away!

The power sunroof allows for fresh air when the weather is good, without having to open a window. The sunroof features a tilt and slide motion with a vent and it opens with the simple touch of a button. If you do not want this feature on your Jeep Compass, you can just say so as you have the option of with or without. Convenience now has a whole new meaning!

You don’t have to worry about getting this car in horrible colors as they are only available in exquisite ones! The colors this car is available in are Steel Blue Metallic, Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Light Khaki Metallic, Marine Blue Pearl, Jeep Green Metallic, Stone White and Inferno Red Crystal Pearl. All beautiful colors!

When you buy a Jeep Compass, you can have it customized to best suit you. There are many different features you could add to the car and make it exactly the way you want it.

Government Seized Car Auction - Drive Home Used Cars Dirt Cheap!

Unless you are hibernating or watching too much football for the past years, you must have heard of government seized car selling dirt cheap. Everyday, for so many years now, government agencies have been selling seized cars to the highest bidder. (This is not only limited to surplus and repossessed cars. There are also boats, aircraft, electronic devices, office equipment, furniture, heavy machineries, and foreclosed or seized lots and houses.)

How is it possible?

It may sound to you that the government is so desperate to sell these seized cars but the truth is, seized vehicles occupy a lot of space, which in turn is equivalent to money spend on storage. So, the government agencies willfully sell these vehicles to anyone who is willing to pay for them through auction. Another reason is that the money generated from these government seized car auctions are extra income which will go back to public services.

How come I do not know this?

Government seized cars are not so commonly know to the public for obvious reasons. Government agencies will not spend on advertising these auctions. So very few people know which agencies have auctions unless the person is well informed.

Where are government seized car auctions held?

Government seized car auctions are held all across the country. There might be one near you. But no, it is not advisable to head to your local county or government building and ask about it. They will not likely give you such information. What you should do is to know where exactly to go. Here are some of the government agencies that hold seized car auctions:

- Federal law enforcement agency

- Local Police agency

- County Sheriff department

- Internal Revenue Service

- General Service Administration

- Small Business Administration

- State tax department

- U.S. Bankruptcy Court

- U.S. Customs

- U.S. Postal Service

- U.S. Marshall

Government seized car auctions are also available online. Most of these sites require a membership fee between $20 and $60 for you to be able to access the list of seized cars on sale. The main advantage of this is that you can conveniently bid for a car that is located thousands of miles from you. And since not so many people know about these plus the fact that the government wants to dispose these immediately, you can easily win any car you want at a very low price.

Jeep Commander

When you hear the word commander, you imagine swashbucklers on their fearless and daring adventures in the corners of earth. The latest SUV is appropriately named for this. The Jeep Commander possesses every bit of this navigate-anywhere bravado. The Commander provides seating for 7 passengers in 3 rows. This is known to provide more space compared to any other Jeep produced. The Commander is known as a trail-buster, and this monster is able to take on steep mountains and rocky paths without showing strain.

The Commander made its debut in 2006. There are three trims available to consumers to choose from: the Sport and the Limited. The Sport comes decently equipped with door locks, power windows, air con and an audio system with CD player. The Limited, apart from it being pricier, has significant features like heated seats, climate control, automatic rain-sensing wipers, adjustable pedals, twin skylight sunroofs and satellite radio. The Jeep Overland provides similar features and extras like exterior and interior trim. Consumers are welcome to grab options like a DVD car system and a navigation system.

The base Commander has a standard 210 horsepower V6 engine and also a 235 lb-f of torque. This engine can be great motivation for other Jeeps in its class. The Jeep Limited packs a punch and is equipped with 235 horsepower V8 4.7ltr engine and also torque of 305 pound-feet. If a consumer is looking for something that has a little extra oomph they should probably look at the V8 5.7ltr. This is an option when looking at the Limited, where on the Overland; the athletic vehicle is equipped with a 330 horsepower engine and a torque of 335 pound-feet. Those that settle with a base will have the option of equipping the vehicle with a once-off all-drive system. There are two 4X4 systems consumers that are planning to navigate their Jeep Commanders off-road. All models are available with five-speed transmission that is automatic.

If you experience life behind the wheel of a Commander you will feel the snugness of the seat that can only be described as comfortable. The two-tone décor is top-notch and the interior is just very attractive.

The Commander has been praised for what it is capable of doing off the road and for the choices of powerful engines. Opinions have arisen about the overall feel driving the Commander and have concluded that the Jeep Commander provides a ride that is tranquil and feel more secure. Speed demons will crave for the masculine V8 5.7-ltr engine, but they will find the 4.7-ltr a fine hustler. Consumers praise the classic looks, effortless power and the roominess of the vehicle.

The Jeep Commander is a great vehicle for off-road adventure, as it is on the road. This is the perfect car for a family who loves nature and wants to feel secure when climbing into a Commander. The bulkiness makes the Commander a car to be reckoned with off-road, and there is no obstacle that the Jeep cannot get over or around.

Installing A Power Programmer Is So Easy, A Monkey Could Do It - Or Paris Hilton

I don’t think anyone would argue that traditional television has gone down the drain—actually it’s been brutally murdered in its sleep, thrown in the back of a dilapidated van, driven into the depths of the desert and buried under the starry night sky. And reality TV is to blame. The youth of today lacks the heaping spoonfuls of moral fiber that shows like Saved By the Bell and Family Matters used to dish out. And what are today’s audiences watching you might ask? Sugary, unwholesome garbage that’s what. Apparently, anyone who is, has been, or will ever be famous can have their own show. Heck, nowadays you can have your own series simply by associating with someone in the spotlight. Guilty as charged, I watched “I Love New York,” but did I like watching it? Maybe, but that’s not the point. Tiffany Pollard, AKA New York, participated in a trashy dating show with washed up rapper, Flavor Flave. And merely by being a contestant, a psychotic one at that, she spawned her own hit series. Everyone knows that watching these horrendous shows is like catching a glimpse of a train wreck; you don’t want to look, but you can’t stop yourself. Maybe they are more like crack.

I was flipping through my hundreds of channels and stumbled across a hot chick in a bikini. So I did what any other respectable twenty three year old male would do and kept watching. This turned into four hours of The Simple Lift marathon. What can I say? Stupidity amazes me, and Paris Hilton is chock full of it. In one episode, the girls were staying with a mechanic’s family out in the sticks of Nebraska. The girls were given one simple task; change a tire. Before you can say Dolce & Gabbana, the shop and girls are covered in oil, grease, make up, and rags. At this point, Paris felt it necessary to strip out of her grease-covered overalls; disgusting, I know. The mechanic wasn’t too thrilled about the mess, but was quickly distracted by the half-naked model standing in front of him. Since changing a tire was obviously too difficult, he had them install a performance programmer. “Oh boy, this should be good!” I thought to myself. I guess Paris can actually read because she looked at the directions and got the darn thing to work. Granted she only had to plug in a few wires, I was shocked.

So this got me thinking. Could a monkey install one of these programmers? I don’t know too much about them, but from my understanding, these little devices plug in under your dash and reprogram your car’s factory settings so you can get more power and better gas mileage. Sounds complicated, but I’m pretty sure you just plug in a few wires. So if anyone out there has a monkey and is willing to try an experiment let me know. If that gorilla in Congo can learn sign language, surely we can get a chimp to plug in a wire. And imagine if the tabloids heard about it? They would sink their gargantuan fangs into this story and eat it up—ruthless bunch if you ask me. I’ll even split the story rights with you. I can see it now, “Monkey Outsmarts Paris Hilton!”

How To Replace Your Dirty Air Filter

Changing your air filter should be a familiar and comfortable process; if it’s not, you’ve come to the right place. It’s inexpensive, easy and can play a big role in vehicle performance. You are probably wondering, “But how will I know when to change the filter? I’m no mechanic!” Well bewildered reader, a good rule of thumb is once or twice a year, or roughly every 12,000 miles. But keep in mind that your environment can affect this. Obviously daily dirt road driving will require you to replace your filter more often than Sunday driving in the city.

If nothing else, learn to change your own air filter. It’s so easy and saves you money.

Can you remember your last visit to Jiffy Lube for an oil change? These guys always hit you up with the patented, “You really need a new air filter” line. And you’re left wondering, “Do I really need a new one? What should I do? Can I really trust this guy?” If in your shock, you utter “Ok,” the mechanic then adds another set of fees for labor, parts, and a new air filter, whose brand is usually a mystery.

Now you can stick it to the man and simply say, “No thanks, I will do it myself.” That is if, in fact, it really needs to be done.

It’s time to get down and dirty. Park your car in a shaded area and let it cool for a few minutes—you don’t want to be working with a steaming engine that can potentially burn you; i.e. don’t change your filter after a six hour road trip.

You will need very few tools for this procedure. If possible grab two medium-sized screwdrivers, one Philips and one standard.

The air filter is typically enclosed in a black plastic casing near the top of the engine. In larger vehicles, it may be off to the side. It is usually the largest non-metal assembly you see; approximately the size of a bread box.

Most air boxes are held together by a couple of large metal clips on the side. Either pop off the clips or slide the flat-head screwdriver between the casing and the clip and pry the clip off. Occasionally you will find the top is held down by several long screws, in which case you simply unscrew them to access the filter.

Pop the air box top off and expose the secrets of the all mighty air box. Basically, you will find the air filter—riveting, I know. It’s usually bright yellow or orange or red, to better see collected dirt.

Pull it out. It’s typically one foot by six inches and has rubber edges along the bottom.

To check for cleanliness, hold it up and bend it back, so the paper ridges of the filter flutter like pages in a book. Now look in the crevices and look at all the dirt and grime it stopped from entering your engine. Pretty cool, huh? Hold the filter at arms length and look at it straight on. If the colored paper is mostly dirty in the center than it is time to replace it. Guess how much this will cost you-- About $5; a lot less than Jiffy Lube.

You can throw the old filter in a plastic bag and bring it to your local auto part store to make sure you get the right replacement. Or you can save time by ordering a new one online. You can now stand proud and confidently say, “I know how to check and replace my air filter.” And damn it feels good.

Car Accessories - Reflect Your Personality

A car is not simply a medium of commuting. It is sometimes your representative, a reflection of your personality, and an embodiment of your style and taste. You may not have time enough to think about this. But the world sees your inner self in it. So, it is not sufficient that you keep the car in a condition that it is capable of only taking you to the office and then back home.

Rather, you should take pains to make it as impressive as your personality, so that your ambassador gives your proper image in front of those who matter for you. In this regard, you can make use of car accessories to give your set of wheels an attractive look. There are endless accessories that you can use to stylise and glamorise your car. The auto market is abounding with them. Just take a trip down to the market and get your pick.

It is not that you will use car accessories for the purpose of bedecking the vehicle. Some accessories are important for ensuring higher safety. Accidents are not something that you can stop altogether. They are unpredictable occurrences and no measure of precautions is adequate to avoid them. However, by adding some security kits in the car, you can reduce the chances of meeting with accidents. At least, you will get a warning when there is any impending danger lying ahead.

How To Choose The Right Wheels And Tires For Your Car!

There are millions of wheel designs, sizes, styles, finishes and brands out there and quite often, people regret their choice in selecting the right wheel for their car when they are paid for and it’s too late!

Choosing a new set of wheels for your car can be a fun exercise and definitely ad a whole new look and feel to your baby… your car that is!

When choosing the right wheels for your car, you need to first consider; how much do you have to spend and what can you afford to pay for new tires in the future? Yes purchasing the rims is a one off cost but you can spend anywhere from $60 per tire to around the $1250 mark depending on the size and make of your wheels.

Let us give you a rough idea of what you should consider when selecting your next set of rims!

Wheel Style: Believe it or not there IS a style of wheel out to suit every car in the world! The style is generally determined by the number of spokes the wheel has and the sharpness/smoothness of the design.

The more common spoke numbers range from 4 spoke to 10 spoke. More elaborate designs range from a solid plate to the good old 100 spoke pimp style.

The one most common is the traditional 5 spoke, but even that can vary to a 5 split spoke and 5 pattern spoke.

You will need to work out what kind of design you are looking for and if it will match your ride.

Do you want an over elaborate pattern design with shapes and bits n’ pieces all over the place to match a crazy bright and ‘over the top’ car? Perhaps a smooth, stock looking wheel to match a conservative style car with smooth lines? What about a sharp modern design for a slick sports car or a low weight racing design for a car that means business on the track?

Wheel Finish: The finish of the wheel is really what defines it as why this is one of the most important factors in choosing the right wheel for your car!

When a chrome rim is put on the wrong car, it completely cheapens the look and feel. Chrome is usually reserved for the ‘over the top’ Auto Salon style cars but can also ad some mean bling to a pimped out S.U.V. or sports truck.

Shadow chrome and polished alloy is a more suitable option for a classy modern look and can usually be found in most wheel designs.

Black on black? Hell yeah! Black wheels with a chrome or polished lip can make a black care look insane! It can be a classy move and still add the whole bling aspect to your ride!

‘Factory style’ alloys are more frowned upon than the more common finished but if you are looking for that clean factory feel then this would be your best bet!

"Routine" Car Maintenancev

Cars tend to be on the road much longer now than they used to be. By "longer" I mean they are seeing a lot more miles. Todays vehicles are getting to 200,000 or more miles before needing extensive repairs. Technology has come quite a long way, so how do you keep your car running for that long? And if you purchase a car with high mileage, what are the risk and things you should know about it?

To keep you car running in tip top shape, it is important to ensure a few things.

1) It must be properly lubricated internally. That means get your fluids changed when you should. Oil is every 3000-5000 miles depending on driving habits. Highway miles can usually push closer to 5000, but city stop-and-go driving should be changed sooner. Always change the filter at every oil change too. Transmission fluid must be changed at the appropriate intervals along with the filter. Refer to the owners manual for this. A commonly overlooked area is the rear end of rear wheel drive vehicles. This oil must also be changed as often as the transmission fluid. If not, metal will start to wear down and you will notice a jolt or a thud when putting the car in gear. Also have the brake lines flushed. Thats right, the brake lines. Until recently, it was thought that brake fluid wouldn't need replacing, but studies show that bad brake fluid can result in master cylinder failure. Also take note of the radiator fluid. If this is overlooked, you can get rust deposits and clogged water passages in the engine. Clogged water passages equals higher engine temps, which are an enemy of durability.

2) The engine must have the right fuel and air mixture. This is important for several reasons. The fuel mixture determines the combustion in the cylinders. This is directly related to horsepower, fuel economy, and engine life. A lean mixture (not enough gas) can cause detonation, which is very bad for the internals of the engine. Prolonged periods of detonation from a lean fuel mixture can take thousands of miles off of the life of the motor, and hamper performance and fuel economy. Running too rich (too much gas) can have a different but equally adverse effect, resulting in carbon build up and premature valve failure. Late model care are equipped with computers to control the fuel and air mixture. If a component in the system fails, the check engine light will come on. This is usually a sign of a component going bad that read or adjust the fuel air mixture. Riding with this light on, even though you may not notice it, can be detrimental to your engine. Always have the codes read and fix the problem to ensure the durability of the engine.

3) Revs are an enemy of every engine. The higher the rpms, the greater the risk of engine failure. Driving habits have everything to do with how many rpms your engine will see. At higher rpms, there is a greater chance for bearing wear and damage, piston ring and cylinder wall scoring, among many other unwanted possibilities. Engines have a red line, which is the highest rpm the engine can safely withstand without immediate damage. Stay close to the edge too long, and you may find yourself with burnt rings, bent or burnt valves, spun engine bearings, or collapsed lifters.

The OEM and aftermarkets have a lot of options out there to help you keep your car maintained and running smoothly. You can find whatever you need to replace your sensors and get the scheduled maintenance done on time, but if you heed these warnings, then you should see every bit of 200,000 miles and beyond.