automotive online information

NCM® Institute Center for Automotive Retail Excellence to Deliver Free Weekly Operations Guidance to Automotive Dealers and Managers

2011-11-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

NCM® Associates is expanding its reach to retail automotive dealers and managers with the addition of an informational blog and newsletter from the NCM® Institute (NCMi®) Center for Automotive Retail Excellence devoted to dealership best practices, management tips and professional guidance designed to improve the performance of their dealerships. The first issue of the Up To Speed newsletter is scheduled for release on November 7th and will feature a structured process for identifying and managing unsold prospects to deliver more vehicles and service sales each week. As an incentive for potential subscribers, NCMi is offering a free, 34-page report entitled, "It's All About The Numbers! Understanding the Mathematics of Dealership Sales." Up To Speed subscribers can expect two to three quick-hitting, insightful articles each week delivered to their email in-boxes.

Overland Park, KS (PRWEB) November 07, 2011

NCM Associates, a leading provider of retail automotive 20 Group services, dealership training, retail operations consulting and the originator of the NCM Benchmark® for Success program for automotive dealers, today announced the launch of its newest information resource for auto dealers and their managers. According to Garry House, director of the NCM Institute Center for Automotive Retail Excellence (NCMi®) the Up To Speed online blog and e-Newsletter will feature informational articles from House and the entire NCMi faculty on topics including merchandising strategies and processes, improving transactional quality and employee productivity, expense and asset management, goal setting, and leadership and accountability. From time to time articles from industry-recognized guest experts will be featured to provide additional perspectives.
The NCM Institute is a division of NCM Associates, Inc. and was designed to equip automotive dealership operators and managers for long-term success in retail automotive management through its core curriculum and value added training features that support its students long after they leave the training room. House expects the Up To Speed information service to expand the Institute's reach and help make skills development and learning a bigger part of the retail automotive culture. He explained, "I am excited to now offer broad-based exposure to the exceptional insights and guidance the expert NCMi faculty shares in our training curriculum through Up To Speed. We want all automotive retail managers to have access to this kind of valuable information to not only enhance their professional skills, but to serve as the catalyst for driving increased efficiencies and profit improvement in their departments and throughout their dealership operations."
"The introduction of Up To Speed caps off a banner year for the NCM Institute," said NCM Associates CEO and President, Paul A. Faletti, Jr. "With focused energy, the NCMi team has developed fresh new content, expanded its offerings via strategic training alliances, and added convenient regional training options for its students," Faletti continued. "NCMi is striking the right chord with our franchised, independent and Buy Here, Pay Here dealers and by their support, have made this NCMi's most successful year ever."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/11/07/prweb8939342.DTL

Car Shipping Service Reviews

2011-02-09T23:23:00.001-08:00

The car shipping services that are offered throughout the world may be categorized by several sections. This may generally be the type of vehicles that are accepted for shipment, the scope of services offered per one vehicle transportation and the geographical coverage. This offered classification is conditional of course but we deem it as most fair to give you the basic understanding.
The type of the carrier that you intend to place your order with must perfectly relate to the type of the vehicle you are to ship. Of course there may be carriers equally capable of shipping the used scooters using the open trailer as well as your custom vintage bolide worth several hundred thousand dollars. To ship the latter, not only will you require the shipper company using the enclosed type mover but also the necessary insurances that are able to cover the cargo and public damages, if such case arises.
The geographical coverage would relate to the so called door to door transportation in which case you may be capable moving the inoperable from any location possible to your front porch or in the reverse direction. Sometimes there are special regulations affecting the insurance costs and thus the overall costs of the shipment which depend on the technical condition of the car submitted which relate to leakages, operability, etc which may be reflected in the shipment quote.
Speaking about the scope of shipper services offered: some additional papers may need to be collected to have your vehicle cross the inter state borders, let alone the international transportation or even the overseas transportation. Not only will you be able to save on the overall costs while using the appropriate shipper for the overseas transportation, but equally warrant that this shipment can in fact be realized. It is about the plenty of guidelines and regulations that makes such type of shippers a convenient choice.
Understanding the types of shipping services offered for your vehicle transportation may definitely help you select the proper shipper and avoid the unfair turmoil.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Shipping-Service-Reviews&id=5880474

AUTOMOTIVE: Manufacturer says sale still possible

2009-08-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

General Motors’ new board could still sell its money-losing European Opel unit to a group led by Canadian auto parts maker Magna, but it needs guarantees that Opel’s technology won’t be used in Russia to compete against GM’s Chevrolet, according to a person briefed on the sale talks.

The GM board, according to industry analysts, has legitimate concerns about GM’s global small and midsize car underpinnings being used by Russian automaker OAO GAZ to update its vehicles and compete with Chevrolet.

Olympian news services

http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/949608.html

Personalizing Your Pickup Truck

2009-07-30T04:55:00.001-07:00

Truck accessories became part of the aftermarket used to enhance the function or style of original OEM pickup trucks. These are often differentiated from other accessories or parts referred as "cores" or "hard parts" including water pumps, radiators and distributors. Examples of popular accessories built for light duty trucks are grille guards, toolboxes as well as nerf bars.

During the 1990s, truck accessories are not very popular since it changed the appearance or the style of the vehicle. Other major US manufacturers such as General Motors, Chrysler, American Motors and Ford Motors considered their duty trucks namely Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep and Ford as working vehicles. They did nothing to accommodate the need for appearance accessories. Instead they focused their specialty on enhancing the work done via accessorizing. Examples are spreaders as well as lift gates and snowplows.

On the other hand, market segments stretched out as producers offered variations of pickup truck sizes and types. With the advent of extended cabs, trucks began taking more of the urban appeal and purchased it for their style along with their utility. The new spectators of truck owners demanded more complex toolboxes complementing the appearance of their trucks.

Consequently, manufacturers accommodated the desires of their consumers. Products such as chrome fender trims, nerf bars, billet grilles as well as hood deflectors became widely available. Manufacturers also began to work together in designing their different truck models so as to easily put up the accessories using the bolt-on simplicity.

Dodge Truck Accessories

Here is a list of large companies that sell accessories for Dodge trucks.

Dodge Truck World
This is a pioneer company that aims to deal with the consumer's navigational needs. The company released its newest navigational system called AVIC-N4. It changes the way commuters feel or think about their lives. Travels take longer than usual now but the time spent in cars due to traffic jams is more bearable with the AVIC-N4 of Pioneer's DVD.

It is the perfect gear for people who look forward to improving their driving experience. The product serves as a hub for data, entertainment and communication via the vehicle by releasing detailed route guides of drivers, video and audio playback as well as connectivity to portable devices.

The product's in dash system features over 12 million interest points, voice prompting, XM NavTraffic integration and CD, DVD, phone number search as well as iPod audio, audio playback and video integration. It also features extended Bluetooth potentials including a wireless streaming of audio controllable via their 7 inch high quality display touch panel.

Dodge
This is a major company that builds trucks ever since 1917. It introduced a wide variety of innovative vehicles including the popular and original aerodynamic, suburban and airflow model trucks as well as the super power capable Power Wagon. In 1994, this same company introduced a groundbreaking Ram in the market of light-duty trucks along with its iconic crosshair grille and big rig styling.

Its latest gadget, the 2009 Dodge Ram, made a whole new light for truck history. The new product referred as the "new generation Ram" has no boundaries when it comes to power and comfort ability.

Line X Spray
This is a company that deals with painting, styling and personalizing trucks. Santa Maria, California opened its newest branch just recently. The company gained reputation with individual customers and auto dealers for being honest, reliable and efficient enough to turn trucks into an expression of art.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Personalizing-Your-Pickup-Truck&id=2677535

A summer of automotive supply chain bankruptcies is possible

2009-06-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

The bankruptcies of Chrysler and, now, General Motors will trigger a major restructuring and reduction in force of an already fragile supply base, according to an auto parts industry procurement chief who is working to ensure his suppliers stay afloat during the transition.

“The bankruptcies have created an enormous distrust among the supply base as companies try to determine if they will remain suppliers to the two bankrupt automakers or have the financial wherewithal to stay in business in a smaller motor vehicle marketplace,” says the chief procurement officer, who declined to be identified.

Noting that while his firm doesn’t supply either of the bankrupt firms, he has initiated a major risk management study of his supply base to ensure a continue flow of parts and components. “There’s only room for so many ‘key suppliers’ to the auto industry and the decimation of the GM and Chrysler purchasing organizations means that a lot of suppliers will be gone by the end of this summer,” he says in a telephone interview .

An analysis of the supply base by IHS Global Insight economists notes that Visteon, Hayes-Lemmerz and Metaldyne already have filed for bankruptcy in the past two weeks and Delphi has teetered on the brink of liquidation. So, “production blackout by Chrysler during its bankruptcy and a nine-week shutdown at GM this summer means fractional revenues for the North American supply base until late July at the earliest.” So, with North American vehicle production being dramatically reduced, more U.S. suppliers--from die casters to metals service centers, from stamping plants to components manufacturers, from injection molders to systems fabricators--will shut their doors, says the CPO.

Noboby doubts that this summer will be traumatic for suppliers. The U.S. government's $5 billion bailout program for the supply base has done little to bring relief – in part because of the extreme complexity of the payout system. The situation is critical, even if Chrysler and GM Chapter 11 filings turn out to be quick and clean. “There'll be a series of supplier bankruptcies,” according to a series of comments by Kirk Ludtke, an investment adviser with CRT Capital Group in Stamford, Conn.

However, many suppliers aren’t declaring bankruptcy yet, according to the Global Insight report, precisely because carmakers aren’t producing. “When GM and Chrysler assembly plants resume output, and the parts makers require working capital, banks will resist, industry insiders predict, and that’s when the dominoes will begin to fall.”

The CPO agrees with the analysis that whenever demand increases, suppliers will need cash to accelerate and maintain their operations. Altogether, parts makers will need cash injections of up to $33.5 billion over the next four years to avoid a rush of bankruptcies, according to an A.T. Kearney Inc. study. The study projects that U.S. suppliers as a group will lose $23.7 billion in 2009 and won't be profitable as until 2011.

In the interview, the parts company CPO says this means that “there will have to be a lot of CFO to CFO, COPO to CPO and manufacturing executive to manufacturing executive communication to keep the auto industry’s supply base from collapsing.”
http://www.purchasing.com/TalkBack/Comments?talk_back_header_id=6604082&articleid=ca6663055&article_id=6663055

Contact Patch - The Critical Element in Car Control

2009-05-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Let's image that you are cruising down the highway at 65 miles per hour and suddenly you see an animal jump out in front of your car. Could be a 2 lb rabbit or a 100 lb plus deer, either way you want to avoid hitting it.

So you yank the wheel to turn the car away from the critter. Did you make it? Was it just a close call, or is there something behind the car lying in the road?

One of the determining factors that helped decide what just happened is the "contact patch" of your tires. So just what is a "contact patch"?

Let's use our imagination again. This time we will image driving our car up a ramp onto a platform made out of very thick glass. Don't worry, its strong enough to hold your car, you and your mother-in-law up in the air.

Now walk under the platform and look up. Do you see where the tires are touching the glass? Well that's the contact patch. The contact patch is that portion of your tire that is in contact with the road surface.

Not too much touching is there? If we looked at a 3,000 car with 30 lbs per square inch of tire pressure it would have about 100 sq-in of contact patch. Since there are four tires, each one would have about the area of a 4 x 6 inch index card. Or another way, about the size of one your hand prints.

This is all that is touching the road, and every maneuver you make with the car is transferred to these small patches of rubber.

The more you have, the better you apply the thrust the car has against the road surface to accelerate, brake or corner the vehicle. When you hear about racing terms such as "oversteer" and "understeer" they are referring to how well the rubber of the tire grips the road and what happens when that grip starts to slip loose from the road surface. Typically either the rear or the front end of the car breaks loose before the opposite end.

So I hope your tires were in good shape and properly inflated when you encountered the situation we started out with.

By the way, what happened in your mind? Did you miss that poor helpless animal or are you attending a funeral?

Dennis Dater has been involved with cars for over 50 years. His first love was sports cars when he drove a 1952 MG to high school.

He has produced over 50 articles for EzineArticles on cars, and almost a hundred on his web sites.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Contact-Patch---The-Critical-Element-in-Car-Control&id=2347083

TRW Automotive will close Ettrick plant

2009-04-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

ETTRICK, Wis. - An auto parts plant in western Wisconsin will close and is expected to move some production to Minnesota.

About 75 people are employed at the TRW Automotive plant in the Trempealeau (TREM'-pel-oh) County community of Ettrick. They make ignition switches, dome lights and other parts.

TRW spokesman John Wilkerson says layoffs are expected to begin in June.

He says some of the production should shift to TRW's Winona, Minn., facilities.
A year ago, the Ettrick plant employed twice as many people, with about 150.

TRW executives says the continued deterioration in the automotive industry makes the closure necessary.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-automotiveclosure,0,4676392.story

The Car Owner's Guide to Fuel-Efficiency

2009-04-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

We can decide whether or not to visit the mall. We can even put off going to the grocery store (for awhile, anyway). The one venue that is inescapable for most of us is the gas station. Without weekly trips, our cars - and our daily lives - would come to a grinding halt.

Despite their familiarity with the gas pump, most drivers have no idea how stations set their prices. With millions of motorists filling up the tanks in their SUVs or driving long commutes, the price per gallon is more important than ever. Below, I'll expose a common myth that many people have about gas prices at the pump. I'll also provide a short list of three fuel-efficient vehicles that are popular among drivers and auto critics.

Exposing A Common Myth

A lot of people believe that higher prices at the pump translate into higher profits for the station owner. In truth, that's not the case. Profits tend to stay at the same level no matter how high or low the price per gallon. The thing that hurts owners the most is investing in long-term contracts at higher prices. When those prices drop, profits evaporate.

3 Fuel-Efficient Cars Worth Considering

The SUV trend that gripped the nation for years seems to be dissipating. More drivers are not only open to buying a fuel-efficient vehicle, they're actively shopping for them. Here are 3 makes and models that are both reliable and easy on your pocketbook at the gas station:

#1 - Toyota Prius

Topping nearly every fuel-efficiency list is Toyota's fast-selling Prius. This is the car that arguably started the hybrid craze. It gets approximately 45 mpg and at today's gasoline prices, will sip just under $700 in gas per year (assuming you're driving a standard 15,000 miles each year).

#2 - Honda Civic

This model comes in two forms: as a hybrid or equipped with a conventional gas-powered engine. The hybrid can deliver 42 mpg (an average between city streets and the highway) which means it will cost about $700 per year in fuel.

#3 - MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper has its share of fans and critics. But, it's hard to ignore how many miles per gallon it gets (37 on the highway). While not as efficient as the Prius or Civic, the MINI Cooper isn't a hybrid. That makes its performance even more impressive. At current gasoline prices, it will cost approximately $1,100 to drive each year.

Most automotive experts agree that gas prices will only go up in the future. And because our daily commutes are not shrinking, it may be time to consider buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The 3 makes and models above are consistent performers that will help you keep a few dollars in your wallet each week.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Car-Owners-Guide-to-Fuel-Efficiency&id=2193352

Safe Towing a Car

2009-03-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Safe towing should be taken as a priority when planning on towing a car or a trailer behind the motorized RV.This should be done even by the drivers who have never been involved in accidents. Drivers require knowledge on car towing because they might be interested in towing their cars behind the RV that they have. Car towing usually takes some extra time and it has some extra precautions which will be worth noting. When the car is fully loaded, some issues for safety towing should be put into consideration.

Safety towing of the vehicle may not be put in to consideration especially by the people who have never experienced some difficulties in their life time. This is taken as being irresponsible because your safety and for those other people who are using the road should be balanced. This will be safe for someone who may lose focus and cause an accident that can change ones life forever.

There are various steps that one should take for safe towing for the benefit of his or her vehicle and to avoid accidents. These include taking a driving course as it makes people to be more than confident as well as for the drivers to feel that they are towing safely. In that course, a new tip that they did not know of may be learnt hence this adds some more security and also some confidence.

After undergoing training, one requires having enough experience and should also have the required appropriate equipment for the activity. One should also practice on the do-it-yourself basics of being an auto mechanic that has experience and can handle some contingencies like when there is a need for repairs when on the road and also for the jump- starts. Towing trainees get insurance for any unforeseen mishaps.

For safe towing of your car, weight should be limited. For instance if the car and the load weight exceeds the capacity of the maximum weight combined, it may be unsafe when driving and it also limits the advantages of the insurance policy for your vehicle. It is advisable to know the weight of the vehicle from the weigh station. It is also necessary to check all the locks and other things that are required to be checked every time one is using a vehicle when traveling for security purposes.

Towing of the vehicle requires a special system for Cooling, a gear ration which is calibrated, an engine for power, and also some extra suspension. More so it must have exceptionally brakes and also four-wheel drive. Vehicles which have all this require towing rating, the weight should be specific such that it can not exceed. They also need a specifically manufactured gear that is winged. This gear includes the safety chain, hitches as well as winches, tow bars and trailing wire harnesses.

When towing the car so as to be on safer side, it is better to experience some extra expenses from the company that offers the reputed towing. This kind of job requires a lot of willingness, positive attitude and also a sturdy car.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Safe-Towing-a-Car&id=2134311

Ahead of the Bell: O'Reilly Automotive downgraded

2009-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

A Deutsche Bank analyst downgraded auto parts retailer O'Reilly Automotive Inc. Friday, arguing that there is little upside to the stock at its current price.

Deutsche Bank (nyse: DB - news - people ) analyst Mike Baker lowered his rating on the Springfield, Mo.-based company to "Hold" from "Buy." However, he raised his share price target to $34 from $32.

"This is a valuation call and we see very few fundamental concerns," Baker wrote in a note to clients. "In fact, after the fourth-quarter results, we believe the fundamental outlook has improved and we are therefore increasing both our estimates and price target."

Baker said he would look to reinvest if the stock price deteriorates.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/27/ap6106020.html

OEConnection and Snap-On Business Solutions Unveil New Automotive Parts Sales Solution

2009-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

RepairLink with MORE(TM) bridges the parts sales gap between franchised dealerships and independent repair facilities

RICHFIELD, Ohio, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Snap-on Business Solutions Inc. and OEConnection LLC today revealed a collaborative solution designed to help franchised automotive dealerships sell mechanical replacement parts to independent repair facilities. The integrated solutions, RepairLink with MORE, will drastically simplify the process through which independent repair shops find, order, and receive replacement automotive parts from original equipment dealers in the U.S.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030515/OECONNLOGO)

"To say that this solution comes at a critical time for the automotive industry would be an understatement," says Mary Beth Siddons, President of Snap-on Business Solutions. "We at Snap-on and OEConnection are committed to and beyond excited by this opportunity to provide our partners in the automotive dealership space with the innovative, unprecedented tools they need to be able to sell more parts."

RepairLink with MORE (Mechanical Original Replacement Equipment) is a single-source online sales channel through which independent repair facilities will be able to order genuine automotive parts from franchised dealerships for every vehicle they service. No such unified sales channel for original automotive parts exists today.

Charles Rotuno, President and Chief Executive Officer of OEConnection, says, "The automotive OE replacement parts industry faces increasingly tougher competition with aftermarket parts. The combination of RepairLink with MORE will help auto manufacturers and dealerships grow their parts businesses by dramatically enhancing the customer experience."

Snap-on and OEConnection are uniquely positioned to offer this enhanced ordering capability, with tremendously complementary products, customers, and technologies. In the U.S., OEConnection and Snap-on Business Solutions serve a combined footprint of over 15,000 franchised automotive dealerships. In addition, Snap-on enjoys exceptional brand recognition in the independent repair community, and provides nearly half of the independent repair shops in the U.S. with service estimate and business management solutions through its Mitchell 1 business unit.

RepairLink with MORE addresses some of the key factors that drive independent shops' decisions about where they source parts. The solution gives independent shops immediate access to current part pricing and availability through a robust, convenient e-commerce storefront. This service provides OEM quality parts data, including VIN filtering and technical illustrations, for every part they service. It also automates the ordering process and provides instant delivery updates.

By addressing the key factors of pricing, availability, ease of ordering, and delivery, RepairLink with MORE will immediately increase the capability of dealers to compete with aftermarket parts suppliers in the independent repair segment.

"RepairLink with MORE will make it much easier for independent shops to buy quality original parts," says Ken Satz, Product Manager for Snap-on Business Solutions. "Right now, those shops only get about 20 percent of their parts from original equipment dealers. By eliminating the hassle of ordering by phone and by putting part availability right at the fingertips of independent shops, both they and their customers are certain to benefit."

Mark Tomasetti, OEConnection's Vice President and General Manager for Collision and Mechanical Solutions added, "RepairLink with MORE is the kind of solution that can only come about when specific technological specializations are merged together. Integrating our own online electronic parts commerce technologies with the unique data reach and catalog creation expertise of our partners at Snap-on creates an unparalleled opportunity for automotive dealerships to sell more OE parts, streamline processes, increase profits, and improve customer service even in these challenging economic climates."

NADA 2009 marks the public revealing of RepairLink with MORE by Snap-on and OEConnection. Plans are in place to begin rolling the service out in select markets in May 2009.

About OEConnection LLC

OEConnection is the leading Online Parts and Service Exchange (OPSX) in the automotive industry, serving over 17,000 dealerships, collision repair shops, fleets, tire distributors and automakers. Customers use OEConnection products nearly 5 million times each month to market, manage and purchase original equipment parts, facilitating an estimated $12 billion in annual replacement parts trade. Headquartered in the greater Cleveland area, OEConnection is a joint venture created by Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Snap-on Business Solutions.

About Snap-on Business Solutions

Snap-on Business Solutions, a division of Snap-on Incorporated based in Richfield, Ohio, is primarily engaged in the delivery of market-specific warranty solutions and comprehensive parts, accessories, and service information -- in electronic form -- to the automotive, power equipment, and powersports manufacturing markets. Its CD and Internet based products transform complex technical data, like parts and accessories catalogs and service manuals, warranty claims and registrations into easily accessed electronic information. Snap-on's innovative approach to integrated solutions helps to increase productivity and drive sales for original equipment manufacturers, their suppliers and their dealership networks.

About Snap-on

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company's franchisee, company- direct, distributor and Internet channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.8 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-24-2009/0004959752&EDATE=

Volvo Goes 'Live' at Detroit Auto Show

2009-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan 11, 2009 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) ----Volvo will Broadcast and Webcast Live from the North American International Auto Show - January 11, 2009.

- "We will create an historic one-hour live TV show to be broadcast throughout North America and simultaneously presented on the World Wide Web. Media from around the world will be able to watch presentations from the Volvo display in Detroit while asking questions in real time to top management, designers and engineers," said Peter Ganjbar, manager Global Broadcast Media Relations, Volvo Car Corporation.

Concerned over the possible decrease in attendance by automotive and business media at major auto shows around the world, Volvo Car Corporation has developed an innovative media service. Its inaugural use will be at the North American International Auto Show, January 11 in Detroit. "Media attendance at the major auto shows is critically important to Volvo for the launch of new vehicles and the sharing of corporate news. It was vital to consider new ways of reaching our core media base and to help journalists do their job regardless of their ability to travel or attend auto show media previews," said Peter Ganjbar, Manager Broadcast Media Relations at Volvo Cars.

Volvo Cars will debut the new crossover XC60 in Detroit along with an innovative S60 concept model, and will announce the company's latest safety engineering application.

"Volvo must continue its outreach to the world's media and allow journalists access to product information and corporate perspectives regardless of economic conditions. It is our obligation to help the press do its job," he continued.

The solution in this case will be a televised High Definition (HD) broadcast and simultaneous interactive global webcast, produced live from the Volvo display in Detroit. The one-hour program will air throughout the United States via the DIRECTV satellite system, now rated the nation's #1 satellite broadcast provider and linked to over 41 million households in the United States. The HD TV broadcast will include live coverage of the Volvo press conference supplemented by specific executive interviews and product explanations.

"But, the real news is our interactive ability to accept text media questions and to respond to these in real-time both on-air and via the web. This unique concept was first developed by havoctv for music and sports programming and will be adapted for this purpose," Ganjbar continued.

HOW IT WILL WORK:

The Volvo/havoctv interactive webcast will enable viewing media -- around the world -- to watch the Volvo press conference and other program elements online and to text their question from a computer or appropriate mobile device during the one-hour program to an on-site host in Detroit.

The host will then ask Volvo program guests some of the submitted questions. Their responses will be seen and heard live on both the DIRECTV television broadcast throughout the United States and via the global webcast.

Participating media will be asked to register in advance to receive an online media password. Media Password registration will open January 5, 2009 and will continue through January 11, 2009. The registration site is: http://havoc.tv/volvos60concept

HOW TO VIEW AND PARTICIPATE:

The program's goal is to provide media who may be unable to attend Volvo's Detroit press conference with exactly the same information their colleagues will see and hear at the event.

The Volvo press conference will
air: January 11 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET / DIRECTV Channel 101. Standard Time Zone Adjustments Will Apply

For online viewing and submitting questions in real-time, Web access will be required.

Program content will stream at: http://havoc.tv/volvos60concept and also available at www.volvocars.com via a program link.

"The times call for vehicles that serve the needs of a global consumer concerned about sustainability, safety and economy. These Volvo core values must be communicated, regardless of the global economic slowdown and its residual affect on media covering our industry," Ganjbar concluded.

HAVOCTV: havoctv is now the leading US digital network for indie music and action sports. It is the number one sports VOD channel and the number two music channel in North America. Beyond VOD, havoctv hosts four hours of live interactive programming each night on Channel 101 -- DIRECTV's satellite network. Havoctv reaches millions of viewers and delivers over 40 million video views each month. (www.havoctv.com).
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/volvo-goes-live-detroit-auto-46645664/

Automotive Start-Up Aims to Build 100 MPG Hybrid Truck

2008-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Detroit's chaos and America's summer bout with $4-a-gallon gasoline have opened the way for a wave of automotive innovators like John Waters.

Primed to revive the state's ailing auto economy, the former General Motors engineer is the chief executive officer of Bright Automotive, an obscure Anderson startup whose 20 employees are busy on one job: creating a car company.

Led by Chrysler, GM and Delphi veterans, Bright is designing a 100-mile-per-gallon light truck assisted by electric power stored on the vehicle in a massive lithium-ion battery recharged from a wall socket. The goal: Get an assembly line going by 2012 for mass production of a high-tech truck known as a plug-in hybrid.

"We are primarily focused on America's entry into this technology," Waters said. "We want to leverage U.S. industry, U.S. workers, U.S. science."

No one has launched a mass-market car company in America and managed to stay in business for long since the men named Chevrolet, Chrysler and Ford strode Detroit before World War I.

But the automakers' recent meltdown has a new crowd of engineers dreaming about capitalizing on a new breed of electric cars. If Bright succeeds, Indiana's ailing auto sector could revive on high-tech cars and components. But analysts say a bewildering maze stands in front of Indiana.

With the incoming Obama administration expected to pour billions of dollars into a new generation of fuel-efficient cars, lone engineers and companies big and small -- including Ford, Chrysler and GM -- are angling for the federal auto money.

Interest among entrepreneurs soared after the subprime mess set off the credit crisis and dried up venture capital. Bright now is looking for cash in Washington. And just this week, 14 corporations including 3M Corp. and Johnson Controls disclosed they intend to form a coalition that would seek $1 billion in federal cash to develop what would be the heart of the electric car -- the lithium-ion battery.

Bright is not part of that coalition, although the venture's success could ensure the nation does not have to rely on imported batteries. However, the 3M-JCI venture's success carries a commercial risk for Indiana.

Now, the four sources for lithium-ion batteries are China, Japan, South Korea -- and Indiana. If the 3M-JCI coalition succeeds, it could set back EnerDel, an Indianapolis battery business created in 2004 by New York investor Ener1 and auto-parts giant Delphi. A former GM division, Delphi's prowess included engineering centers in Anderson, Indianapolis and Kokomo for batteries, electronic controls and electric-motor technology.

The only U.S. producer of lithium-ion car batteries, EnerDel is ramping up to make batteries for export to Europe, though the global credit crisis stranded its largest customer. On Monday, electric-car maker Think Global said it ran out of money and stopped its assembly line in Oslo, Norway.

"We have often discussed capacity as being the central issue to electric drive," said Ener1 Chief Executive Charles Gassenheimer. "We are happy to see others joining Ener1's commitment to its U.S. supply of the battery."

With federal auto tech money on the horizon, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh has set a news conference at 1 p.m. today in Indianapolis to discuss how Indiana companies can proceed.

On Monday, the mayors of Kokomo and Marion are set to lead mayors and government officials from across the state in a discussion in Indianapolis on how their cities can survive if Chrysler, Ford and GM go bankrupt.

In other years, Bright might have been a footnote in history. These days it stands out. After all, it's Indiana's only company in position to make electric cars.

"I think what this group is capable of doing is looking at the automobile from a systems-engineering perspective. It is not driven from a traditional perspective," said Mike Hudson, a former General Motors Allison engineering director in Indianapolis who now heads iPower, an Anderson maker of power-generation units. "They're trying to synthesize the solution rather than start off from the perspective of a traditional auto platform."

If it takes off, Bright would buy all its auto parts and could spur the Indiana electrical-parts makers burdened now by Detroit's decline.

Bright has completed its research and development and is ready to make vehicles, Waters said. All it needs is the cash necessary to build a plant.

"We see ourselves as an execution play as opposed to an innovation play," said Waters, who credits his GM experience for Bright's quick gear-up.

It is not widely remembered in Indianapolis, but 15 years ago, GM engineers in the city led the race to beat Toyota to market in California with an electric vehicle. GM won. Although GM later sidelined the car, called the EV1, its legacy is a pool of Indiana engineers schooled in electric-car technology -- including Waters.

He was a GM Delco Remy designer working in what is now EnerDel's Hague Road battery plant. Later, Waters went to EnerDel, helped set up the battery venture, and then became a transportation researcher in the Colorado think tank Rocky Mountain Institute, where he came across hedge fund manager Reuben Munger, an electric-car proponent.

They formed Bright, and Waters moved back to Anderson to rejoin the pool of electric-car engineers.

"There's no question we had the leadership position in innovation," he said. "We don't want to give it up."
http://www.indystar.com/article/20081219/BUSINESS/812190366

Raceway Automotive Online

2008-11-29T03:48:00.001-08:00

OmniVision Launches First Megapixel Sensor for Automotive Market

2008-11-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (OVTI:
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OVTI 7.48, -0.02, -0.3%) , a leading independent supplier of CMOS image sensors, today introduced the first megapixel CMOS image sensor designed specifically for advanced automotive vision and sensing systems, the OV9710 in QFP package. Megapixel sensors are the next wave in automotive vision systems, enabling the adoption of advanced forward-looking and extreme-wide angle applications. Initial interest in the OV9710 is strong, and it is currently sampling with multiple automotive customers.
The 1-megapixel OV9710 is built with OmniVision's proprietary OmniPixel3-HS(TM) technology sporting best-in-class low light performance. This enables it to operate in virtually every lighting condition -- from bright daylight to nearly complete darkness.
The OV9710 is highly suitable for wide angle vision systems, such as bird's eye view applications and for advanced parking assistance systems. "Megapixel resolution is critical for extreme wide angle (greater than 160 degrees) applications, such as 360 degree view multi-camera systems, where distortion correction and image stitching is required," said Inayat Khajasha, Senior Automotive Product Marketing Manager at OmniVision. "VGA cameras simply cannot address electronic (on - or off-chip) distortion correction beyond 130 degree angles because they result in stretching and blurring the image, which can seriously compromise driver and passenger safety."
The OV9710 is also highly suitable for automotive camera systems where multiple forward-looking applications such as lane departure warning, sign recognition and object recognition are combined into a single camera solution.
The OV9710 is a 1/4-inch sensor providing full-frame, sub-sampled or windowed 8-bit/10-bit images in raw RGB format via the digital video port. The sensor delivers full-frame video at 30 frames per second (fps) and VGA resolution at 60 fps with complete user control over image quality, formatting and output data transfer. The OV9710 incorporates image processing functions, including: exposure control, gain control, white balance, lens correction and defective pixel correction. These functions are also programmable through the serial camera control bus (SCCB) interface.
The OV9710 comes in a lead-free QFP package and, with an operating temperature range of -40 degrees C to +105 degrees C, is built to meet the stringent specifications of the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC-Q100). The AEC-Q100 qualification is expected to be completed by end of the first quarter of 2009. The OV9710 is currently available for sampling. PPAP completion and mass production will be ready by the end of the second quarter of 2009.
For further information about OmniVision's automotive imaging solutions, please visit OmniVision's booth (A23-A24) at Electronica 2008, held at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany November 11-14, 2008. Additionally, OmniVision's Automotive Technical Marketing Manager Dr. Mario Heid will give a talk on Trends and Challenges in Automotive Camera Design at Electronica on November 12 at 4:00pm at the Automotive Forum.
About OmniVision(R)
OmniVision Technologies designs and markets high-performance semiconductor image sensors. Its CameraChip(TM) products using OmniPixel(R), OmniPixel2(TM), OmniPixel3(TM), OmniPixel3-HS(TM) and OmniBSI(TM) technologies are highly integrated, single-chip CMOS image sensors for mass-market consumer and commercial applications such as mobile phones, notebooks, security and surveillance systems, digital still cameras, automotive and medical imaging systems and interactive video games. Additional information is available at http://www.ovt.com.
Safe-Harbor Language
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the performance and capabilities of, the anticipated demand for, the positioning in the automotive market space and the expected time frame for volume production of the OV9710 CMOS image sensors are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision's results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with the OV9710; customer and market acceptance, demand, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision's most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K and its most recent quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.
OmniVision(R) and OmniPixel(R) are registered trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. The OmniVision logo, CameraChip(TM), OmniPixel2(TM), OmniPixel3(TM), OmniPixel3-HS(TM) and OmniBSI(TM) are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/OmniVision-Launches-First-Megapixel-Sensor/story.aspx?guid=%7B49EFFCF4-9966-4FC7-ABEA-BC7A7FBFAFA6%7D

High Gas Mileage in Cars - Which Luxury Cars Are the Most Efficient on Gas?

2008-10-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

If you didn't find it surprising the high gas mileage in cars in the luxury class coming in with the highest ranked mileage is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This vehicle can give you from 12-23 mpg in the city and approximately 32 mpg on the highway. This is a diesel engine vehicle that comes in a 5 or 7 speed. There isn't much to not like about this luxury vehicle. It has a very nice diesel engine, includes rear wheel and all-wheel drive, and is very safe. This is a heavy vehicle and priced from $51k to $86k.

The Audi A4 falls right behind the Mercedes for having high mileage in cars in the luxury class. This vehicle can give you up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway roads. The interior is rather snug and the acceleration is not very fast. The seats are comfortable and the engine is quiet as it runs. The Audi is priced around $29k to $47k.

There aren't many luxury vehicles that are listed for high gas mileage in cars. This is because the luxury vehicles are heavy weight and use the most expensive and durable steels and parts available. Because of the heavyweight requirements of total luxury it is hard to find anything that runs good on gas. You can find good gas mileage in the Mercedes and the Audi. Even though you have good gas mileage for your car, it does affect the performance of the pick up and go with acceleration.

The Author Is Part Of The Global Water Fuel Movement Which Teaches People How To Use Water As Fuel In Their Cars And Trucks.

Visit http://www.Water-4-Gas.org For More Information.

High Gas Mileage

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathon_Winburg

Concours highlights automotive excellence

2008-09-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

sharedstory

The Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance will celebrate excellence in motor vehicles at the fifth annual event this weekend at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport.

Themed activities for the entire family will center around a display of more than 140 cars and motorcycles Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rare and legendary Porsches will be on display and special exhibits will include award-winning automobiles from the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance as well as examples of race cars spanning 60 years of racing at Watkins Glen, N.Y. Three special classes also will be featured: outstanding Ferraris, cars from 1958, and distinctive motorcars recognized by the Classic Car Club of America.

Education is a key component of the Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance, with professionally guided field walks, informational placards about each car, access to car owners and children's programs. The art of the automobile will be presented in exhibitions of works by locally and nationally recognized artists.

"When you enter our event venue on Sunday, you will be greeted by the oldest car or motorcycle on display," says Bill Scheffler, Concours chairman. "The location layout then guides you through the timeline of automotive history and ends with significant examples of automobiles and motorcycles of today."

Judging categories will be each decade over the past 100 years and awards will be presented in the following categories: best pre- and post-war cars, open
and closed; people's choice; ladies' choice; Founder's Award for the most elegant; best contemporary; most exciting; Founder's Award for motorcycle; motorcycle we'd most like to ride home; and Best In Show.

A selection of Ferraris will be presented in a special judging class representing 60 years of limited production cars, Formula 1 and sports racing cars. The Cars of '58 exhibit will display American brands from that era of automotive design 50 years ago. The Preservation Vehicles class recognizes the growing interest in vehicles that reflect the passage of time and have been left unrestored by their owners. And the Classic Car Club of America class will show off some of the world's finest cars manufacturered from 1925-48.

Judging will end at 2 p.m. on Sunday, followed immediately by the awards ceremony.

In addition to the guided field walks where visitors can benefit from the knowledge of the event's judges, the Concours plans a "Noon Roar," when the engines of every vehicle in the show field will be turned on, providing a cacophony of sounds and vibrations.

Also part of the Concours, the Nutmeg Tour for Autism will be held on Saturday, taking 50 show cars on a 50-mile tour through Fairfield County to support the autism research, implementation and capital development programs of AIND/Giant Steps School and Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Services. The public is invited to the Fairfield County Hunt Club prior to the 1 p.m. departure, and may see the cars at 4 p.m. on Saturday at at the end of the tour at Hall-Brooke, 74 Long Lots Road, Westport. A dinner Saturday night will feature Frank Deford, award-winning sports writer and NPR commentator, as guest speaker, and honor one of the deans of automotive art, Chuck Queener.

*

The Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance will run Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, 174 Long Lots Road, Westport. Admission is $20; children younger than 16 are admitted free with a paying adult. Call 227-7988 or visit www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/livingandhealth/ci_10494578

Automotive program in Provo successful

2008-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

PROVO -- The Provo High School automotive program is making its mark. Earlier this year, it won the multi-state Weber State University Automotive Contest for students from Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Then this spring two Provo High School automotive students, Austin Springer and Benjamin Hernandez, won first place in the annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Contest at Salt Lake Community College.

Springer and Hernandez were offered tuition waiver scholarships to Salt Lake Community College and several other colleges and universities. They received approximately $500 in tools and other awards.

Springer and Hernandez will represent Utah in the National Ford/ AAA Competition in June. Ford Motor Co. and AAA will pay for all expenses associated with a four-day and three-night stay for the contest in Detroit.

Kyle Carter, a senior at Provo High, coached them much of the way. Josh Bowers, service manager of Brent Brown Ford, contributed to the team's success by lending them a brand new Ford Escape to practice with for the contest.
http://findarticles.com

Penske Automotive cuts full-year earnings forecast

2008-08-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Auto retailer Penske Automotive Group Inc. cut its full-year earnings forecast Wednesday after reporting its second-quarter earnings declined on weaker sales.

The company said it now expects earnings from continuing operations for 2008 of between $1.54 and $1.60 per share. Previously, the company guided for $1.63 to $1.71 per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect full-year earnings of $1.58 per share, on average. Such estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Also on Wednesday, Penske said its second-quarter earnings declined 1 percent as a tough retail environment weakened its sales.

Shares of the company added 5 cents to $13.86 in morning trading.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/999b14529fa8e17e708e6ec0430b3ff9.htm

Automotive Groups & WebRing Member Drive

2008-07-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

I guess you can call this a member drive, we run a few automotive communities which require membership to become a part of. The only reason that we require membership approval is to avoid spam & spammers. It seems to work well, but it also limits how fast we can grow.

Automotive Related Communities...
(all are looking for new membership):

Autos & Automotive - A Google Group
An automotive and motorsports group for discussing all things automotive related. Topics may include autos, automotive mechanics, auto shows, automobile racing, automotive parts, salvage, classic cars, collector cars & more. Pickup trucks, tractor trailer trucks and motorcycling are also allowed.

AutomotiveParts - A Google Group
Hunt for or offer automotive parts. Offer parts (new/used). Salvage yard auto parts search pools and automotive industry opportunites for new aftermarket automotive and high performance auto parts sellers from drop shippers and wholesalers.

Automotive - A WebRing
We are looking for people interested in joining our Automotive WebRing community at WebRing.com. WebRings a re great way to promote your website and help create new leads and business associations. If you have an automotive or motorsports related webpage, website, directory or blog, please join as a member of the Automotive WebRing.

Join Up!
All of the above groups and rings are great ways to increase your visibility, establish a comradery with other automotive enthusiasts and professionals, establish your expertise, help someone out, give something back and perhaps even create a new friend or even drum up business in the long run. The best part about such communities is that they can be fun. We try to keep them that way by eliminating the spam.

Of course, if you have cool parts to help others restore or upgrade their vehicles, like the front grille of the 1948 to 1952 Chevy pickup in good condition, or the Deluxe instrument panel for 1980 Chevy/GMC pickup trucks, we do want to see these types of posts in the AutomotiveParts group. That's actually why we created it. I have a 1980 Chevrolet C109 I am working on. The boss has a restored 1950 Chevrolet pickup. A friend and coworker of mine is working on a 1973 GMC pickup he is restoring. The shop is thinking about making the Chevy Gravel Dump Truck shown on this page a shop restoration project vehicle.

We would love to hear about any old Autocars, Maxwell automobiles, Graham Brothers Trucks, or Henderson (Excelsior-Henderson) motorcycles out there that might be hidden in your barn looking to be restored. Heck, I am looking for an old car, pickup or motorcycle for my new restoration project, myself. Post any such finds in either the Autos & Automotive or AutomotiveParts Google Groups, or in the Automotive WebRing's forum.

If nothing else, it will be fun discussing our dream rides and hot rods. Heck, what do you have hidden away in your garage or barn? What are you working on? Join us just to brag about it a little. ;) Join in just to discuss automotive mechanics or tell us what your car/truck can do. We'd be glad to have anyone who won't spam us with unrelated advertising.

By the way, please be patient when you do apply for membership. I approve membership requests every business day I am here, Monday through Friday, but not on weekends or holidays, and I usually take at least one or two days off each week (but, not always) to devote to running my own businesses. But I will get to it! ;)http://autos-automotive.blogspot.com/

Kongsberg Automotive receives EUR 100m in New Business Wins

2008-07-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

KONGSBERG, NORWAY, Jul 18, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Kongsberg Automotive Interior Systems has so far this year won multiple new contracts with a lifetime value at approximately 100 million EURO, of which 73 million has been booked in the 2nd quarter.
The contract terms vary from 3 to 6 years, and initial deliveries are expected to start in late 2008. The 2nd quarter business awards are to the current customer base and two new interiors customers, one in Europe and one in North America. Of the 20 newly awarded contracts captured in Q2, over half are supplying new product on Asian OEM vehicle platforms, which are representing the most stable production demands and increased growth in the global automotive market.
Production will be in Kongsberg Automotive facilities in USA, Mexico, Hungary, China and United Kingdom and will provide products for the Seat Heater, Cables & Actuation, Seat Support and Headrest market segments, giving well-balanced growth across the business.
"Customers continue to be impressed with the global full service and complete product portfolio offerings from Kongsberg Automotives Interior Systems division. For the customer to have the ability to select the exact product required, whether it's for a mainstream or niche market vehicle, creates less work for the customer to integrate and increases our value proposition. Customers who had previously moved to our competitors are now coming back to Kongsberg Automotive and we are seeing this clearly in the rate we are booking new programs. The ratio of incremental business wins is almost 2 to 1 over replacement business, showing that we are increasing market share whilst retaining our core business." commented Hans Peter Havdal, President - Interior Systems at Kongsberg Automotive.
Kongsberg Automotive is headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway and has more than 50 facilities in 20 countries on all continents. Kongsberg Automotive, with revenues of about EUR1 billion and over 11,000 employees, provides system solutions to vehicle makers around the world. The product portfolio includes gearshift systems, cables for a wide variety of applications, fuel lines, tubing and hoses, couplings, clutch actuation, stabilizing rods, seat heaters, seat ventilation, lumbar supports, head restrains, arm rests, steering columns, pedals, electronics and displays. Find more information at www.kongsbergautomotive.com. http://www.marketwatch.com

Automotive Industry First: CarsDiva.com Announces First Online Social Network Community by, for & about Women and the Car Business

2008-07-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

"CARS, Inc. & Car Industry Veteran Demetra Markopoulos Roll Out New Online Automotive Community with State-of-the-Art Features Offering Outreach Opportunities for Car Industry"

PHILADELPHIA — Demetra Markopoulos, Internet voice for women consumers, has further advanced the car industry in a new online social network communication "revolution." The author of the popular CarsDiva blog has announced the beta launch of her new online social networking community, www.CarsDiva.com. The site is specifically created for women automotive consumers, enthusiasts and those working within automotive-related industries.

"Online communities, such as FaceBook and MySpace, have ushered in a new era of interactive communication," says Markopoulos, the real life Cars Diva. "This woman-focused network is the first of its kind in the car industry, offering a dynamic interactive medium for automotive consumers, industry professionals, and retailers to exchange information and develop relationships." CarsDiva.com features the standard attributes of a dynamic social network, including user Web pages that can be customized by each member, text message boards, photo albums, audio/video uploading and blogging, RSS feeds, etc. However, it is specialized for the car business with the addition of many features, uniquely fashioned for automotive consumers and retailers.

CarsDiva.com will also encompass an easy-to-use automotive dealer ranking and review system, where consumers can go to rate their dealership sales and service experience, or discover what neighbors think of their local new or used car retailers. Another exciting integrated feature is the mass collaboration, or "focus group design center," where manufacturers or vendors can seek member insight in a public or private group, and members can voice their opinions on vehicle design and marketing issues, both individually and in a collective survey format. Additionally, the CarsDiva.com site will include a user generated ongoing Wiki, or "collective wisdom FAQ," on all car related topics, as well as a "CarsDiva Classifieds" section, where members can search for new or used vehicles from a local dealer.

"Online communities like MySpace and YouTube are shaking up the business world, helping millions of people come together to share information and interests," says David Silver, entrepreneur, angel investor and author of the new book, "Smart Start-Ups: How Entrepreneurs and Corporations Can Profit From Starting Online Communities. Silver further notes, "In the future, networking sites will connect members of niche groups to each other, as Demetra Markopoulos is doing with her CarsDiva network. CarsDiva represents the full capabilities of online communities, Web 2.0, spearheaded by a woman entrepreneur," adds Silver who has also authored the book, Enterprising Women: Lessons from 100 of the Greatest Entrepreneurs of our Day.

CarsDiva.com, founded and led by Markopoulos, is a product of the Corporation of Automotive Relationship Systems, Inc. (CARS, Inc.), the first company of its kind specialized in creating and managing state-of-the-art, automotive-related professional and social online communities.

About CARS, Inc.
Advertisement

CARS, Inc. is an independent technology and services company, founded and managed by automobile industry and technology veterans. The company is at the forefront of delivering benefits of the online network mass collaboration revolution to all sectors of the car realm as well as focused consumer segments that interact with automotive design, manufacturing, sales and service professionals.

CARS, Inc. is the first company to specialize in creating and maintaining specialized social and professional networks and online communities that speak to multiple major sectors of the automotive industry. CARS, Inc. social/professional networks go beyond research, media, or retail related Web sites, to give industry professionals and consumers a way to translate the concept of online mass collaboration into usable tools and techniques.

CARS, Inc. is dedicated to bringing the most advanced online relationship building platforms to automotive industry professionals, through specific market segment focus, ultimately dominating as the number one online automotive community networking company in the world.
CAR PR USA Cindy A. Meitle (480) 659-9413 cindy@carprusa.com
http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/678319.html

Integrated chipsets for automotive CD systems

2008-07-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Electronics has introduced two surface-mount chipsets that greatly simplify the task of designing compact disc (CD) modules for vehicle audio applications.

Toshiba Electronics has introduced two surface-mount chipsets that greatly simplify the task of designing compact disc (CD) modules for vehicle audio applications The ICs enable the designer to easily create CD players offering a wide range of features, yet requiring no adjustment or maintenance

Developed to provide a high level of design flexibility, the new CD player chip sets are capable of supporting the most popular three-beam pick-up head (PUH) models from eight leading manufacturers.

In comparison, many other suppliers' chipsets are often dedicated to specific PUHs.

For a standard CD player requiring low component count, Toshiba offers the TC9457 chipset.

The TC9457F itself includes an adjustment-free digital servo DSP and a built-in CMOS 4bit microcontroller with I/Os available for LCD/LED driving and key scanning.

The TC9457 comes with the TA2153, a bipolar RF amplifier, and the TA2125 bipolar five-channel motor driver IC.

Incorporating all of the firmware and circuitry required for standard CD player functionality, the TC9457 minimises the need for additional software development.

The device operates from a supply voltage of 5V and is housed in a 100-pin QFP.

High-end systems with advanced features can be created using the new TC94A14 chipset, which comprises the TC94A14 CMOS digital servo single-chip processor, the TA2157 RF amplifier and the TA2125 bipolar five-channel motor driver IC.

Offering the designer the freedom to choose the external microcontroller unit best suited to the requirements of the system, the TC94A14 provides key functionality such as built-in RAM, a built-in anti-defect and anti shock circuit, an automatic adjustment function for focus and tracking, an EFM decoder, error correction and a microcontroller interface.

A new digital equaliser algorithm allows an improved playability compared to older systems.

This device offers 3.3V operation and is supplied in a 64-pin QFP.
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/tos/tos102.html

Buying Cars

2008-06-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Buying a car can be a very long and difficult process for some. In this article I am going to give you the ins and outs of buying a car, whether its a used car or a brand new car. There are also other aspects I am going to talk about like car insurance and car loans. Since the internet revolution the car buying process has evolved immensely and we can getter even better deals than ever!

The first thing to do is RESEARCH! Find out what cars you are interested in. When you buy a car you are going to have it for a while so you better like it! The internet is a great place to start when researching cars. There are many sites that have loads of information on all car models. Look around and find some cars that are in your price range. Write down the make and model of the cars for later use. When buying a new car, you should also write down the blue book value of the car. This comes in handy when some car salesman tries to get that extra buck out of you.

The next step when buying a brand new car is LOOKING. Check out your local car dealerships and see if they have any of the car models you were interested in. Take them for a nice little test drive to make sure the car you like, drives well too. Sometimes the best looking cars don't fit your needs or drive well. Make sure you just go to look! Don't even think about buying anything at this point. Do not let a salesman cloud your judgment on what make and model car you want. They just want to sale you the most expensive one (usually). Once you have test driven a couple cars, head home! Do a little more research on the cars you were interested and really liked. Once you find the car that is in your price range and drives the way you like it, you can start looking to buy it.

The most important thing when dealing with car salesman is not giving in! You know how much the car is worth because you researched it on the internet. Let the salesman know you have researched and you know what your talking about. The biggest tip when buying a new car is patience. Its ok to go to the car dealership a few times before they give you the price you want. When you finally get that price you want, BUY IT!

When buying a used car its very important to ask a lot of questions. There are a lot of things people won't tell you about their used car. Ask for all the cars upgrades, repairs, accidents, and everything else. A good idea is to also check out the VIN number on the web and see all the information about the car. You can find almost everything using these VIN number lookups. I would usually try and stay away from car dealership when buying a used car. The internet is actually a really great place to find used cars. Ebay is a huge resource for finding used cars. There are also some other sites that are dedicated to selling used cars, like Autotrader.com. Its also important to be patient when buying a used car also. Third party sellers are more willing to lower their price because they just want to get the car off their hands. Give it some time and they will bring that price way down.

I hope this article has given you some great information about buying new cars and used cars. Just remember to do your research and be patient. Buying a car is a difficult process but when applying these steps, you will get the car you want at the price you can afford.
http://www.ezinearticles.com/

Buying and Sellng a Used Car Online

2008-06-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Simple Ideas To Find Your Dream Car

2008-05-26T06:35:00.001-07:00

With rising gas costs around the US it is becoming clear that Americans will need to choose wisely when they aqree to use their cars. If you are actually looking for a new car it is now a huge task that you will be undertaking to seek out the best auto deal and also balance your checkbook in these turbulent financial times.

Although the issues are seemingly complicated at first, the solution to finding the right vehicle is actually rather simple when broken down into several aspects that enable a person to select a vehicle that presents the best possible value given today's economic climate and the challenges that it presents to a new owner.

For starters, if buying a new vehicle means owning a car that you haven't had before, a good idea would be to consider pursuing a used vehicle. Even thought a brand new vehicle is something that everybody desires from time to time, the undeniable fact of reality is that once you drive a new vehicle off the lot of a car dealership, it automatically loses at least a third of its after-market value. While that loss is something that makes less of an impact when you decide to keep the vehicle for at least six years, it nonetheless counts as something that you should consider when making the investment into a new automobile.

For example, a car that has relatively low mileage and is only a few years old presents to you the opportunity to obtain a modern car that still have plenty of life left and most likely retains several warranties, all of which can help you when you're concerned with reliability and maintenance.

Additionally, you will need to take into consideratin the cost of gas. Even though the general aesthetics of the car would be why you would choose to buy it, you are highly recommended to pay particular attention to the figures that are stuck on the windscreen too. Although it is nearly impossible to tell in what direction the cost of gasoline will go in the coming months, there is almost no chance whatsoever that the $2 a gallon gas will return to our gas stations.

Despite the importance of the aforementioned considerations, one prevailing issue that will affect anybody when looking for any kind of car is a credit score. When buying a vehicle, the best thing to do in any situation is get a copy of your credit history and peruse it, making certain to note any outstanding debts and other areas where you can improve your credit. Almost every lender will assess your credit and use it as a basis for determining the interest rates you receive and the amount that you could obtain, so making certain that you have a good credit score is very important.

Of course, even if you have a good credit, you should always shop around and try to find the best loan possible before buying a vehicle. Even though you may be capable of handling any type of loan, the best deals are usually found at credit unions, which typically offer the lowest interest rates.

Lastly, grow your large deposit. Even with everything else in order, one of the strongest assets you can possess is a large sum of cash that you present up front for the vehicle of your choice. Behaving in the way instills confidence in your character and also can influence the regular payments and the cost of interest associated with them.
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Car Powered by Water

2008-05-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

A car powered by water is a fact now. It has been a reality for several years. Over 70,000 Americans, 8,000 Australians and 5,000 Brits now have a car powered by water. Each of them has added an HHO kit to their vehicles themselves. It is incredibly easy to do and there is absolutely zero danger to the existing engine.

In fact an internal combustion engine with a hydrogen cell added has been shown to last twice as long as an engine powered solely by gas. There is actually a slight increase in the performance of the engine, so that is not an issue. Of course the big factor is that a car powered by water increases the efficiency of the engine and cuts gas costs in half.

Let me get straight what I mean by a car powered by water. Virtually all kits are an addition to the existing gas powered system. They are an add-on in the form of a cell containing an electrolyte which produces electricity and improves the efficiency of the gas engine. As things stand at the moment, a vehicle run entirely on water would be tortuous and is not yet really practical.

In an age where governments are becoming increasing worried (supposedly) about low carbon economies, resource conservation, carbon emissions and carbon capture, it seems incredible that so little attention is being paid to bio cars. Why is all the innovation being left to bright cookies who have come up with do it yourself guides? It beggars belief.

It doesn't really matter too much because get a good guide for converting your existing vehicle to a car powered by water and you can do it yourself for less than $300 without any technical expertise. I know, because I have already converted over 10 cars myself and I am certainly no mechanic. I have done each one at cost, but believe me, my friends would have been more than happy to pay 2 or 3 times that amount. They are all now happily saving from anything between $500 each year and up to $1800 a year on gas. Their cars perform better and their servicing bills are lower.

So what is the problem for the large manufacturers fitting hydrogen cells as an option on all cars? If it costs me less than 300 bucks to do it myself, surely they could fit HHO cells for a fraction of the price. It is not as if it is unproven technology. It is good for the environment, which everyone seems to spout as their main priority. It makes us less dependant on the supply of natural resources from foreign countries. It is great for the consumer because he or she spends less on running a vehicle.

Perhaps that is where the problem lies. Do you remember not so long ago the resistance to low-energy light bulbs? Manufacturers of standard light bulbs were horrified by the prospect. They were deliberately building in a low life expectancy so consumers would be forced to buy more of their product. Unfortunately, governments tend to support big business and ignore the concerns of consumers.
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Fully Loaded Automotive-Royalty Video Shoot

2008-04-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Know-Hows Of Houston Texas Used Car Dealers

2008-04-13T06:23:00.001-07:00

Used car dealing is a huge business in USA. And with increasing number of foreigners immigrating or coming for long and short term, it is increasing in mammoth ratio. In Texas too, used car business is flourishing at a high rate. The innumerable dealers of Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Kia, and Nissan gives an idea of how Houston Texas Used Car Dealers' market is flourishing.

If you want to purchase a used car, just sit before your computer and go through various websites. You think of a query and it will be solved within minutes. They provide the viewers every possible information regarding cost, mileage or accident history. Information about vehicle type, year of manufacturing and model, everything will be within your reach instantly. They let the viewers know about the loan facilities, online calculators, service providers and everything with just a click of the mouse.

When buying a used car, there are certain points buyer must keep in mind. Firstly, the dealer should be reliable. An experienced dealer is always recommendable because they honor their customer for their goodwill. Among Houston Texas used car dealers, many of them are in business for more than fifty years. With a strong foothold in market, such dealers always come handy when a problem crops up with the car. A used car would naturally give trouble to the owner every now and then and hence owner would rush to the dealer. An experienced dealer would ensure a cut in these visits.

Next to the car, second most important factor is the car insurance. Many of Houston, Texas used car dealers offer plans that extend the manufacturer warranty to cater the requirements of both the car and the driver. These plans start from 3 yrs/50,000 miles to 7 yrs/100.000 miles. Then there are other plans like Maximum Care Service, which protects the entire car, or there is Powertrain contract to insure its parts. There is complementary Towing Assistance and Rental Allowance along with these plans. These plans are available with any Chrysler dealer in Houston.

If you are buying a used car, you should be careful enough to choose a dealer who offers quality parts to maintain your vehicle. They should also have inventory of these certified parts. These are the key factor of a smooth running car.

Practical Car Pooling Tips for Neighbors

2008-04-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

With the high gasoline prices now cutting more and more into the budgets of families, it will be a good idea for neighbors to go into car-pooling arrangements, to allow the participating families to save some of their gasoline money. The practical car-pooling tips suggested here are worth looking into closer, for the good of the community.

Several neighbors living in one community can voluntarily meet and agree to a pooling schedule in the use of their vehicles for the conduction of their children to school, for example. Since the schooling of the children is practically a year-round activity, the pooling of resources this way can mean substantial savings in the gasoline budget of each family participating in the car pool.

The use of vehicles of participating families may be on rotation, depending on arrangements worked out by the family heads, like a rotation schedule on a weekly basis, for example. The family's vehicle chosen for the week will also mean that the family head will be the school conduction "driver" at the same time. The "driver" at the same time serves as the guardian for the kids for the entire week that he or she is on this kind of duty.

Many advantages and benefits can ensue from this kind of neighborly joint activity. The children will likely develop closer relationships with one another and perhaps eventually lead to lifetime friendships or partnerships. They will also likely imbibe some practical lessons in human relations, while enjoying joking with one another while traveling in their "school bus" that changes every week. The "driver" for that week can also get a lot of "entertainment" just listening to these light-hearted exchanges of the young.

Children who have good grades in school can also volunteer to share their talents with the others who might need some help in this area. This in turn will likely promote closer camaraderie among them.

The parents also are likely to become closer friends with one another, sharing experiences, consulting with one another on family problems, and so forth and so on. The wives who normally takes care of the household, are the most likely to develop new ideas and home hobbies to share with the others in the group. The husbands too can find new hobby enthusiasts in the car pool group, even new drinking friends perhaps, to while away the weekends while away on break from their respective jobs.

One area in family life that normally is a constant subject of consultations among families is the health problems that they cannot avoid experiencing every now and then. Information on which doctor can take care of a particular health matter is normally readily volunteered by neighbors concerned with their new car pooling association, or even their new "family", as some of the participants might regard the new group's camaraderie.

This car-pooling idea of neighbors promotes unselfish "sharing" as one vital value that is strongly developed in a community. It can redound to the good of all the car-pooling participants concerned.
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Modify Your Vehicle, Raise Its Value

2008-03-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, I bought a brand new Honda Civic. It was black, had tinted windows, and alloy wheels. Everyone had told me that Honda's really hold their value well. The car cost me $22,000. Only three years later, I decided that I wanted to sell my car. I went to Kelley Blue Book to see how much my car was worth. To my surprise, the vehicles value dropped in half. After only three years of use I had lost nearly $11,000.

I am not the type of person that will roll over and let these kind of things happen to me. I had to do something about it. I started to do some research and found out that there are several things that you can do to your car to really increase their value. Many of these things are relatively inexpensive and could result in you selling your car for thousands more than you originally thought could be possible.

One thing that I found is that the cars with nicer stereo systems often sold for more money. To get a nice stereo system, you don't need to invest a whole lot of money, especially is you are willing and capable of installing the system yourself. Going right along with stereo systems, DVD players also seemed to improve the value of the car by quite a bit. Any auto improvement store can do this in an afternoon. I had this done to my vehicle and it only cost about $500.

Surprisingly enough, another modification to your car that you may not have thought about is adding a train horn. These horns are very loud. They produce sounds with dB levels up to 152 and they only cost a few hundred dollars. Many people may not be interested in buying a car with this sort of modification, but you may be surprised at the response you get when you put your car up for sale and you mention that a train horn has been installed.

Before anyone sells their car, there are always a few things that can be done to improve its value. Don't settle for what the blue book value says. You can always get more out of your vehicle if you do the right modifications and if you are patient.

Why Many Car Enthusiasts Join Collectors Car Clubs

2008-02-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Every person that joins a car club is joining for a reason and they are joining because they either need help or they just want to give help to other people that need it. Other then that there are probably other reasons why people join a club but those are the main two reason because the people in the organizations are helpful and people need help sometimes when they are building or restoring a car.

Every car club is different and there are many of these for many different people. There are car clubs for older people who like the older vehicles from back in the day and then you have your younger crowd that like the imports and the tuners. Over all you are going to see all kinds of car clubs with all kinds of different rides to look at and observe. If you cannot decide which type of automobile show you should be in then you just need to get into a car club with the type of automobile that you have.

The main reason why I think that people join car clubs is because they are either needing to make new friends or they need some help on a vehicle and don't know what the next step is into building or fixing that car.

A lot of people that are new to the car club world usually join an organization because they need someone to teach them what they need to know about their car and automobiles in general. Usually you can always find someone like this in a car club. If you don't have people that are mentors in your car club then you need to find a car club that does because an organization with a bunch of kids isn't a car club it's probably a meet.

Most people that are in car clubs usually have more then one type of vehicle and they are usually awesome cars that nobody would think that they would have but they do. People who are in car clubs and have a few different rides are probably in a few different organizations and that shouldn't be allowed.

People in general just join car clubs because they want to meet new people and have fun with their cars. If you are not having fun then what is the point in being in a car club. You need to be in a group that is willing to help you if you need help with something. You need a group that will help you rebuild your motor if you are stuck on a part. You don't want to be in a car club with a bunch of kids that don't know anything. The only thing they know is the name of the parts and pieces that make the car run but they couldn't put the motor back to together without knowing the proper pieces and where they go.

Correct Maintenance Is Essential To Keep Your Subaru Running Smoothly

2008-02-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Your Subaru WRX is a high performance car that has the job of carrying you, your family and friends at speed, so treat it accordingly. In addition to routine scheduled maintenance, get into the habit of checking the car on a weekly basis.

Pay particular attention to the following items:

Tyres - should be round and black! Seriously, do not confine your checks to just the tyre pressures alone. Look in under the wheel arch and check the state of tread wear. Are you familiar with the tread wear indicators moulded into the face of each tyre?

Are the tyres wearing unevenly? The early stages of premature tyre wear can often be tricky to spot, so if doubt check with your tyre re-seller. An cheap and easy to fix wheel alignment problem can very quickly ruin a set of expensive rubber. While checking the wheels, don't neglect the spare! See chapter on Wheels and Tyres for more detailed information regarding tyre pressures.

Under car checks - prior to grubbing around under your car, take a good look at where it was parked. Pay particular attention to the ground under the engine and transmission. Any serious leaks from the powertrain should be immediately obvious. If your can see any evidence of fluid leaks, wipe down the offending component and then check all engine bay levels to ensure that nothing is dangerously low on one fluid or anther. Then take the car for a short drive and re-check. If in this short period of time, a significant amount of fluid has reappeared, "Houston, we have a problem", seek professional advice.

Engine oil - check the engine oil level from the dipstick. The best time to do so is first thing in the morning, when the car is cold and all the oil is back in the sump. Make sure that the car is on level ground; otherwise any sort of angle can lead to an incorrect reading. Between the full and empty lines on the dipstick is exactly one litre. Don't ask how many fluid ounces, pints or fractions of an imperial gallon this is. Top up the engine with oil of the same viscosity rating that is already in your engine. If you are unsure about what it should be, check with your service agent.

Remember that it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Do not be tempted to overfill your engine with oil, as this can raise the oil level in the sump high enough to interfere with the crankshaft, causing foaming of the oil, which in turn can create problems with boost and variable cam control solenoids.

Subaru recommends engine oil with a SAE viscosity rating of 5W-30 for turbo engines operating in climactic conditions ranging from below zero Celsius (or lower), up to a maximum ambient temperature of + 40 Deg C. This is a very broad range and should be satisfactory for the majority of owners. However, Subaru does have the following caveat in the WRX owners manual as final word on engine oil.

"If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or used for heavy duty applications such as towing a trailer, use oil with the following grade and viscosities are recommended:" API classification SL or SJ and SAE viscosity number 30 or 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50.

Brett Middleton has over 10 years experience working on Subaru's and has transcribed all his knowledge into the Subaru Performance Handbook. His company, MRT Performance has modified and serviced more Subaru's in Australia than any other workshop.

Bus Sales - How To Sell Your Bus Effectively

2008-01-26T05:15:00.000-08:00

What can make bus sales soar? That is the question that challenges the operator of a great many websites, websites that feature used buses. After all, a seller of coaches can not really expect bus sales to improve by offering a" two for the price of one" special.

How then should one go about marketing used buses? A look at websites that focus on bus sales shows that sellers often choose to highlight the transformation of their coaches. Some have undergone an extensive refurbishment. Other vehicles that contribute to the sale have been converted from a coach into something else.

What takes place during the refurbishment of a bus? That is largely the decision of the person who must pay for the refurbishment. The buyer of a used and refurbished bus needs to make sure that the seller has invested well in a number of improvements on that bus. A buyer does not want to pay a high price for a bus without the most fundamental improvements.

The buyer of a refurbished bus should find out if the vehicle has received a new coat of paint. The buyer should find out if the bus has received a new set of tires. The buyer might also want to ask the seller whether or not the refurbishment included improvements to the engine or the brake system.

The seller of a new bus should improve both the mechanics of the bus and the bus interior. An owner does not want a well-functioning bus with worn our seats. The inside of the bus should be clean and fresh looking, if it is expected to bring money to the man or woman who plans to sell it.

If the owner of an entertainer or tour bus struggles to resell, then the owner might want to think about paying for a conversion. Because this type of vehicle has both a kitchen and bunk sleepers, it can be converted into a motor home. Some companies selling these types of motor coaches offer to perform such a conversion.

DaimlerChrysler College Automotive Program

2008-01-19T01:08:00.000-08:00

Traffic Psychology

2008-01-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

One of the newer and most important fields of psychology today is that of traffic psychology. It may sound insignificant at first, but when one considers the amount of traffic accidents and deaths caused by traffic incidents, one starts to consider why these incidents keep on occurring and, more importantly, what the cause of these incidents may be. Traffic psychology is concerned with this very notion and aims to shed some light on some of our more interesting behavior tendencies.

This type of psychology is very closely related to something known as transportation psychology, but the differences between the two sets are clear. Traffic psychology is primarily concerned with the study of behavior in people driving on the roads and how that behavior influences their actions on the road. This is where "road rage" and all sorts of other terminological distinctions come from. Transportation psychology is, on the other hand, concerned with how people move around in general and is significantly less exciting.

Behavior and Accidents

One of the most important things that traffic psychology touches on is the relationship of behavior and accidents. The study of this behavior usually depends on various ages of drivers and their mode of transportation. Traffic psychology in this area studies such things as the attentiveness of drivers while driving, the cognitive properties of drivers, the driver's fatigue or workload level and its impact on driving, and the social interactions of driving.

Many findings report some fairly obvious observations. The less social interaction a driver has with the other drivers on his or her road, the more likely an accident is to occur. Driver-to-driver communication is important to avoid collisions. Driver fatigue is also clearly an issue, as those drivers that are not properly rested before getting behind the wheel represent a certain risk to other drivers on the road.

Also important to look at in this area is the idea of driver personality. Drivers who are "risk-takers" are more prone to pass on a double-solid line or perform risky movements in traffic that can put other drivers at risk. This personality often influences many accidents because of the reckless abandon that the individual driver shows towards traffic and the social interactions of the other drivers.

Practical Applications

Traffic psychology has been used to perform a number of practical applications designed to make road travel safer for all drivers on the road. Specialists in this area collaborate with engineers and city planners to plan roads to make them more effective and "driver-friendly." It is also used in terms of the economics of the road, with items such as toll booths and gas prices monitored to determine their impact on drivers in general.

Traffic psychologists also introduce educational methods by which to influence good driving behavior. Habits formed through bad traffic psychology are monitored and exposed with advertising campaigns, classroom instruction, and other public property tools. The "road rage" campaigns were one example of traffic psychology at work. Other campaigns involved include drunken driving campaigns and other campaigns concerned with public safety on the roads.

Can Green Cars Help Minimize the Problem of Global Warming?

2008-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

Global warming is one of the most hotly debated issues today. Cars have been identified as one of the leading contributors to the escalating global warming problem. To minimize the effects of autos on the environment and limit its impact on global warming, a potential solution has been identified: green cars.

According to those who believe in global warming, drivers need to start using green motorcars. But what exactly are green cars and would they really slow down global warming?

Electric and hybrid cars are two such types of green cars. In reality, electric vehicles are not at all environment friendly. In order to get an electric car to run, it must be "charged" in power stations. These power stations convert only 30% to 40% of the energy into electricity. When the electricity is being transferred from the station to an electric car, 30% of the electricity is lost along the electric cables. Thus, by the time the electricity reaches the electric car, much of the energy is lost. Electric autos may cut down pollution in inner cities, but they aren't efficient at all.

Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, are becoming the preferred automobiles by many motorists. A hybrid car has both an electric motor and a gas engine. The energy generated whenever you brake is what powers up the motor battery. Compared to electric models, hybrid autos appear to be more environment friendly -- in theory, at least. In practice, however, hybrid autos are still not up to par.

Which?, a British consumer magazine put four hybrid vehicles to the test by driving them all throughout London. The four hybrid models performed poorly. George Marshall-Thornhill, the senior research at Which?, wrote: "Some of these should have performed much better."

Hybrid motorcars are not at all completely "green" either as the batteries would still need to be disposed of. They aren't exactly biodegradable. Cost is another disadvantage of hybrid autos. For most people, hybrid vehicles are expensive compared to the regular engine-run autos. Since hybrid is a relatively new car concept, they are still not produced in a large scale so as to drive the costs down.

The bottom line is that green cars like the pure electric and hybrid automobiles end up using more energy, are more difficult to dispose of and are just too expensive for common motorists. Perhaps in a few years, green cars would be a legitimate option for motorists, but for now it still falls short of being a practical solution to global warming.http://www.ezinearticles.com

Making Sense Of An Auto Warranty

2007-12-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-23T02:21:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-08T05:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-25T05:15:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T05:08:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-09T00:48:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-27T01:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-15T03:59:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-11T01:34:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-10T01:35:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T02:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-04T01:59:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-03T02:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-29T01:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-26T01:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-14T02:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Compare Auto Care

2007-09-13T02:56:00.000-07:00

Most of us know the agony of having your car break down in the middle of nowhere or on the way to work. You have gone through it and so have I, and let me tell you it was one painful and long day. However, an auto repair shop was nearby and that sort of came to the rescue. I say 'sort of' because for basic auto repair they charged me a bundle. Not many will tell you this but as important as knowing a family doctor is, I feel it is equally important to know professional auto repair services.

Now, I am not suggesting you start building new relationships immediately, but you definitely need to know the basics on the mechanism, and working of your automobile. Listed below are necessary pointers, to give you an idea of the basics of car care and maintenance, that will boost and improve your auto repair IQ while also helping you make better choices about your car.

* Synthetic Oil is just a poorer alternative and not always better. If your car has been functioning smoothly with regular oil, and your car's manual doesn’t suggest a change, stick to regular oil for all your oil change requirements. The main reason why auto shops ask you to change is to only make quick money.

* Get a new timing belt on recommended intervals. A timing belt does not have warnings or symptoms but when it breaks, and depending on the kind of engine your car runs on, it can cause substantial internal wreckage. This results in your car's pistons crashing into valves.

* While changing your timing belt, switch your serpentine belt or drive belts too as it can save all your future labor charges. Serpentine or drive belts should be taken out in order to complete the timing belt's replacement.

* Want long lasting and long performing windshield wipers? Use alcohol and a soft rag while cleaning your windshield wipers to improve its performance and also to extend its life.

* Know how to check all the fluid levels in your car – Engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, washer solvent and brake fluid, all show fluid levels. An indicator of forthcoming problems is dropping fluid levels.

* Regularly check your brake pad's life. Switch the pads before they are exhausted and begin to grind into your vehicle's brake rotors which will further increase price of brake repair.

* Always clean your car's battery posts.

* Know that every different automobile has a different duration for the change of the car’s spark plugs. Read your vehicle’s manual to know about your car’s interval time. To make extra money, deceitful auto mechanics may suggest switching spark plugs after every 30,000 miles even if your car's spark plugs' life expectancy may be 100,000 miles.

* Check the pressure of your tires frequently. If your tyres are inflated to the right pressure, it saves fuel and also lengthens the tire longevity. On the other hand, lessening tyre air pressure means a leak that needs immediate repair.

* Regularly check your air filters. Filthy air filters reduce fuel economy and functioning. A high-pressure hose can be used to blow-out dirty air filters instead of getting new ones.

* Keep an eye on your engine oil. Check your engine oil regularly. Older automobiles may start to burn oil. Sometimes, cars can run dangerously low on engine oil and not show any warning of a leak.

To be realistic, many of us will never make efforts to learn how to work on our own cars. Most of the cars that came out within the last decade are run by a variety of electronic sensors and computers. The positive bit about this is that the auto industry is always making changes to improve fuel economy, lessen pollution, and provide optimum performance all by itself. On the other hand, vehicles need regular specialized training, and exorbitant testing equipments in order to flawlessly determine problems and repair cars.

Without this necessary training and contribution in specialized car tools, the DIY car owner, (and even smaller auto repair shops) has no other option but to “throw parts at cars” until the warning signs disappear. In some situations, auto shops replace a certain part, and later also suggest after the installation that another part too requires changing. If it was never mentioned in the beginning, this is an alarm bell that the mechanic isn’t accomplished enough to recognize the problem effectively. With a bad mechanic, you might have just replaced parts that were working perfectly well.

This is the main reason we state that the most crucial choice you make in getting your car fixed is which auto repair shop you take your car to. As many honest and skilled mechanics there are, also present are deceptive and dishonest mechanics too. We suggest you ask your friends and neighbors to recommend you a mechanic, else use a 3rd party service like AAA, the Better Business Bureau, or CompareAutoCare.com to provide you with information on shops in your local area, so that you have an idea of what you’re stepping into before you actually bring in your vehicle for service.

Build Your Own Car

2007-09-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wanted to build your own car but think it isn't possible, then think again.

Thousands of people all over the world have done it and are now driving cars which are different from the run of the mill vehicles sold by the major manufacturers. Since before the war, folks have taken production cars and used them as donors for their own creation. The two donor vehicles that I remember were the Austin 7 and the Ford Popular. Often they were very basic constructions, taking the chassis, engine and gearbox, suspension and rear axle from the donor, then making a very light, usually aluminium body. Many clubs were formed to race and rally these cars. One of them, the 750 Motor Club is still going today.

In the early days it was much simpler as there were fewer restrictions in what the legal requirements were from the point of road worthiness. My own experience is from the UK where it is now a requirement to have any vehicle that is not a large scale production model to have what is called an SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) test. Fortunately this is not the same as the type approval that the major manufacturers require before they can sell their vehicles. No crash test is required!! It is however very strict with regard to the safety aspects of the car, both from the point of the driver and other road users.

What can you build? There are hundreds of choices depending on your budget, time and facilities.

If you want to build a sports car from scratch, there is the "Locost 7" which is a replica of the Lotus 7 originally designed by Colin Chapman. Ron Champion wrote a book called Build Your Own Sportscar for Less Than £250. I built one of these myself, although it took me three years and the budget was nearer to £2000!! To build a car like this you need to have various skills, such as the ability to weld and use metalworking power and hand tools. You also need patience and determination to finish the project. You also need a good sized workshop with room to move and plenty of storage space. The Locost is really a scratch built car as you make the chassis and fabricate most of the body panels, although there are several specialist suppliers from who you can buy the majority of the parts. If your budget is not a problem, there are many kit car manufacturers that will supply you with a kit, or part kit to build a Lotus 7 replica. Just a few are Caterham Cars, Robin Hood Engineering, Westfield and Tiger.

There are also replica kits available for many of the classic cars such as MG, Jaguar, Porche, the AC Cobra, Austin Healy, Ferrari ....... The list is virtually endless.

If you do decide to seriously want to build your own car, there are thousands of resources available which will help you. The steps I would take would be to go to your local newsagent and buy one or two kitcar magazines. Have a look at what vehicles are available and decide what models you like that are within you price range. Go to kitcar shows and look at the cars there. Talk to the owners/builders to find out how difficult it was to build their cars. Once you have decided which car you want, don't immediately buy it from the manufacturer. Check and see what is available, possibly part built or not even started. There are always ads in the magazines, sometimes in your local paper, on the web and of course Ebay. Often they are available at a greatly reduced price, either because the builder has given up or their circumstances have changed and can no longer continue with their project. Last but not least, join a club for the car that you are going to build. There is nothing like having the help and support of people who have done it before.

Demystifying The Myths Of Cold Air Intakes

2007-09-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

I recently put of few thousand miles on my car driving across the country. So I went over to the local Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed. The mechanic tried sell me a new air filter, but I chose to hold off. They weren’t giving me a great deal, so I figured I would at least check out a few performance air filters if I was going to be spending the money anyway. I started doing some research and discovered that there are two types of aftermarket intakes that people like: either short rams or cold air intakes.

The two names pretty much are self explanatory. The short ram intake has a shorter pipe. The cold air intake has a longer pipe that allows the intake to breathe in cooler air because it is further from the engine. Sounds logical enough, but then I my inquisitive mind got the best of me. I’m a little unclear about the abilities of cold air intakes. If you have ever popped your hood after a long drive, you know that everything under the hood is scorching hot. Would it really matter if the intake head was a foot further from the engine? Moving the intake is like putting a pan in the oven; it is going to be hot no matter where it is because it is in a confined area with limited air flow.

Secondly, cold air intakes have longer pipes, which mean that air has to travel a longer distance to reach the engine. I’m not a car expert, but I do know the general principle behind turbo engines and increasing horsepower. Horsepower is derived from an equation where the major factors are the amount of air flow to the engine and the density of that air. If a cold air intake is longer and is bent in order to reach a different part of the engine bay, then it will take air longer to reach the engine. Also, the bends in the cold air’s pipe prohibits maximum air flow; a short straight pipe would be ideal. Now even though the short ram intake is breathing warmer air because of its location, it will simply start sucking in cooler air as your car accelerates. Sure, it may not give you as much horsepower when you are at a stop sign, but then again, who cares?

The weather should also be taken into account. If you live in Florida and it’s 94 degrees out, it doesn’t matter where your intake is; you’re not going to be getting cold air. And even if you are in premium driving conditions, how much cooler would the air be that is a foot away? Would you really miss or even be able to feel if you had 1 Hp less? I could see if you are Vin Diesel in the Fast and the Furious, racing for pink slips, then you might want to get the most out of your car. But until that day, I think regular air filters and short ram air filters are better than cold air intakes because they are cheaper.

Best Practices to Selling a Financed Car

2007-09-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

You initially financed the car that you are about to sell. If you are wondering about the steps you need to take in order to legally, and safely turn your car over, then you are reading the perfect article for this sake. Now, if the lean has been released, and you are the sole owner of the car, then reading this article would be additional information that you may not need, rather pass onto friends and family.

In case you still owe money on the car, then you need to start by contacting the lending bank or dealer to discuss the best way to pay off or close out the loan. You also should inquire about the necessary requirements to obtain a lien release, or a statement stating that the remaining obligations on the car if any and if not also stating that it has been paid off.

If you find out that you owe more money than you can pay prior to selling the car, consider mediator service that would facilitate payment to the lien holder during normal escrow. There are such services on the internet easily found using search engines, or visiting my website for an analysis of these services. If you are not able or not comfortable with the above mentioned methods, consider closing the sale deal at the bank, credit union, or the dealership that holds the lien, this way the buyer can payoff the balance, release the lien, and pay you the remaining agreed upon amount. Make sure you contact the lending entity prior to setting up such arrangement, and schedule and time and date.

The last and most complicated situation is when the lien holder is in a different state. In this case you would need to obtain a bill of sale from the local department of motor vehicles, and then obtain a temporary permit for the buyer to drive the car. Once the loan is paid off, the buyer can then transfer the title ownership. For more information about selling your car, check out the car selling checklist

How Much Should I Ask For My Car?

2007-09-06T02:34:00.000-07:00

The trickiest part of selling a car is determining the asking price. Hence, you never want to ask too much to discourage buyers from inquiring about the car, on the other hand, never do you want to ask too low and have the buyers wondering about the possible problems the car may have. The key factor here is being wise, and testing the waters of your local market. For what it worth, it may be useful for you to know that the most common reason to delays in selling a car is overpricing.

The first thing you need to do is to research the amount being asked by dealers for a car like yours. I am not by any mean suggesting that you are to ask for an equal amount; rather you should at least ask for 15 percent less that the dealer is asking. Your next safe bet is to search your local used car listing, and get an idea of the pricing, try to come out with an average amount. Now that you have appraised according to the market, turn to the experts at the blue book for an accurate appraisal of your car. Look up the private party value in the blue book. Remember, to mention the price in your advertisement, as it is a good selling point.

The final step is writing up advertisement that will sell the car, be honest, provide a detailed evaluation, and talk about any problems the car may have, you should also be willing to compensate the buyer for the approximated value of repairs, however, do not deduct it of the original asking price, rather talk about between the lines. Last but not least, if you want to get a lot of calls mentioned that you will take the best offer, otherwise, if you are looking for serious buyers only, say that it is non negotiable. For more information about selling your car, check out the car selling checklist

Buying a Used Car - A Guide for the Savvy Car Buyer

2007-09-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

Being prepared is important when it comes to buying a used car. By focusing on three key elements, you can find an affordable used car and reap the benefits for years to come. In order to find a used car that will meet your needs and price range, you need to research a variety of car models, identify sources to buy a used car, and finally research the car’s condition and history.

Choosing the Right Used Car

When buying a new or used vehicle, there are quite a few factors to consider. First, before you even look at a potential purchase, ask yourself a few questions to determine what you need from your car. The type of questions to ask include: How many miles per day will I drive? How many passengers will my car need to accommodate? What will I be transporting in my vehicle? Will children be riding in the car and is this car safe for them?

After you determine what you are looking for in a used car, you need to narrow your list to cars that are within your budget. The Internet is a great source in determining the value of the models you prefer. Also refer to consumer reviews to identify which of these used cars holds up the best over time.

Once you have determined car models that fit your needs, are within your budget and have demonstrated their durability over time, it’s time to decide where you to buy a used car.

Finding Used Cars for Sale

Don’t limit yourself to traditional outlets such as dealerships for buying a used car. You can find a broad selection and competitive pricing through the plethora of Internet sites online. There are also unique options such as rental car companies that may sell off their inventory. Each used car source will have different strengths and weaknesses. But the questions you ask and steps you take should remain the same. As long as you are comfortable with the seller and have done your homework, any of these used car sources might be right for you.

While a lot of the research involved in finding a used car can be done online or over the phone, it is important to meet the seller and establish a relationship. Trust your instinct. If the seller puts too much pressure on you, tries to rush you or brushes off your concerns, consider another source. A trustworthy seller will understand that buying a used car is likely a large purchase and will do everything to make you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

Also, be sure to comparison shop and take your time. Used car sales are often final, so don’t be pressured or feel rushed into buying. A used car is a long-term financial and personally commitment so be sure to examine the seller’s contract and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The Used Car’s Condition and History

While determining the right car model and finding used car sellers can be difficult, the real task is making sure the used car you are considering is in good condition and has a safe and reliable history. While it may seem tempting to rush through this last step, the effort you put into researching your used car’s condition and history will ensure that you’re making the best possible purchase.

When buying a used car, there are a number of factors, such as if the car has been previously wrecked, stolen, or damaged, that are not applicable when buying a new car. And in many cases, these factors may not be readily apparent. When test driving the used car, be sure to test over a variety of road conditions. Don’t be satisfied with a short trip around the block – be sure you are comfortable with the way the car handles.

To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, it is important to have a qualified mechanic look over the car. Since every used car is unique, make sure you choose a mechanic with experience in evaluating used cars. You can also rely on sites like AutoGuide.com for valuable research tools. For example, you can review a used car’s history by searching its vehicle identification number (VIN) online. This site also offers KBB Values, JD Power Ratings, and safety information to make sure that you’re in the know before you buy. Don’t forget to check the car’s maintenance records, title, registration and warranty history to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

While buying a used car may seem overwhelming, the benefits of buying used versus new can pay off in the end. And nowadays, there are a number of online sources to help ease the process. Just be sure to research, test and question until you’re confident that you’ve found the used car that’s perfect for you.

The Science Behind The Sound of The 325 and 325i Speakers on a BMW

2007-09-04T02:22:00.000-07:00

You only want the best, which is why you selected the BMW 325 or 325i. You bought it for the aerodynamic design, the fabulous kidney-shaped grilles and distinctive four headlights. There are a lot of features that are great about a BMW, but perhaps the best is the car's stereo system. There is nothing like cruising down the freeway on a summer day with your tunes making the drive more like a personal concert venue, especially when your vehicle of choice is the BMW 325 or 325i. Stereo sound can be improved or wrecked depending in large part on the speakers you choose to use in your vehicle's stereo system. High-quality 325 speakers or 325i speakers rely on woofers, tweeters and midrange drivers to bring you every level of sound frequency that your music requires for audio excellence.

As you might recall from your science classes in school, sound is transmitted through air waves, which are produced when there are fluctuations in air pressure. Those waves hit your ear drum, which works as a flexible diaphragm, causing the diaphragm to move. Those movements in the diaphragm are picked up by your brain and read as sound. The same theory also is at work in your car's speakers. The drivers all employ a diaphragm that is designed to pick up different types of air pressure frequencies that the driver reads as sound.

The very smallest drivers are called tweeters. These units are designed to pick up the high frequency sounds that are emitted from the electronic bits stored on the medium on which your song or audiobook is recorded. Higher-pitched sounds are made when the air pressure changes rapidly. These quick changes cause the diaphragm in the tweeter to vibrate rapidly, and those vibrations are translated by the speaker into high-pitched sounds.

The largest drivers are known as woofers. Low frequency sounds are easily picked up by the woofers. Their large size encourages the diaphragm in these drivers to move slowly, which is a similar motion that low-pitched sounds create in wave frequency. Woofers are not your best choice to pick up high frequency sounds because it is harder for the diaphragm to vibrate faster due to the mass of the cone impeding the movement. The cone is the structure that holds the diaphragm in place, upon which the polarity changes of electromagnetic and permanent magnets create the air movement and vibration. Midrange drivers are in between the sizes of the woofers and tweeters, and consequently are at the perfect size to easily pick up the sounds in the middle of the frequency range of sound.

Limousine Rental Services - How To Choose The Best One

2007-09-03T02:28:00.001-07:00

Acquiring the services of a limousine operator gives added touch to special events or occasions, be they private or corporate affairs. In availing the service of a private limousine service, , one needs to make sure that every detail is taken into account, including costs, vehicle types to choose, and the number of people attending the occasion.

The choice of transportation is one of the crucial factors one needs to consider and is an integral part to the success of an event or special occasion.

In choosing the appropriate limousine service, one has to book it weeks or even months in advance in order for you to have the chance to choose the best limousine for your special event. Another reason would be that you want to make your event or occasion runs flawlessly and in fluid motion. In choosing, there are a number of factors that you need to consider.

It is also imperative to do some head count; like you need to know the number of people who will ride the limousine. By doing so, one would be able to determine the type and size of limousine you have to hire. Also in choosing a limousine, you have to consider the comforts and amenities it would bring your passengers. In order to determine the types of limousine to choose from, you can ask the limousine company to give you pictures and details of there limousines, along with quotes of the rates they offer.

There are a larger number of limousine firms out there and each differ with prices and rates. One can look at the yellow pages in the areas one lives, or could also check on a number of online services that provide a wide array of vehicles to choose from, whether the car be a 10 to 14 passenger limo, a Limo bus or a Hummer H2.

The most common uses for limousines and chauffeured transportation include: corporate roadshows, airport transportation, funerals, weddings, proms, bachelor parties, birthday events, city tours, shopping, nights-on-the town, bar-hopping and clubbing, holiday parties, holiday light tours, transportation to or from a resort and cross-town transfers.

As soon as you find the most appropriate limousine service, one needs to talk about the details with the company managers. It is advised that one asks all the necessary questions one needs to know such as the rate, types of packages, would be free champagne be included, the down payment required, mode of payment and so on.

The next thing would be is to inform the manager about your event type, the details such as the time and date of the occasion, the pick up points, the venues, locations and such. All these information are important in order to make sure that your plan will run properly and smoothly. So in booking limousine service, you have to know the important details.

One of the well-known online limousine service firms in the US is Ranright. Based in Portland, Oregon, this limo service caters to clients throughout the continental United States, and clients can choose from a Limousine, Lincoln Towncar, Sedan, or SUVs and Hummers.

Ranright's limousines are equipped with great amenities, which can include TV/VCR, surround sound stereo, and wet bars. Clients need to log-on to www.ranright.com for free quotes on the services they offer. For a complete listing, one is also advised to check on www.limos.com for listings of limo services throughout the United States and Canada, and choose from around 1,500 limo options.

If You Have a Bad Credit Rating then Look for Car Finance Guaranteed

2007-09-01T02:29:00.000-07:00

If you have got a bad credit rating or a less than perfect credit rating score then when looking to buy a new car you could have come across a very serious snag, you can’t get the credit needed because you are seen as a risk. If this is the case then you should consider looking for car finance guaranteed.

There are specialists websites that will offer car finance guaranteed to those who have poor credit ratings or who are having trouble finding a car loan for any reason and have been turned down by everyone. Sites such as these will offer credit for a car loan even if you have CCJ’s, mortgage arrears, low credit ratings or have no credit history at all, say on just leaving college and could be the only option available to you to finance your new car.

Your credit rating is what all lenders will look at when you apply for a loan of any kind and applying for a loan to buy a car is no exception. Lenders are very strict and if you have a poor history of credit either through no fault of your own or due to such as poor payment history, then it will be next to impossible to get a loan unless you look for a site that specialises in car finance guaranteed. Of course you won’t get the best rates of interest on the loan but at least you will get a loan.

While you can’t expect to get the cheapest rates of interest on your car loan, if you do go with a specialist site they will ensure that they shop around for you and get you the best deal possible. A specialist site will have the knowledge of where to look when it comes to getting car finance guaranteed for those who are having problems getting car finance and you simply won’t be able to get a better deal by looking around yourself.

The Truth About Buying Used Cars

2007-08-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Once you decide to buy a used car, a little research is all it takes to make sure you get a great deal. You can buy used cars in a number of ways, but each requires careful planning. Are there benefits to paying slightly higher prices at a dealership? How can you research the history of a vehicle? And how can you spot damage that can cost you a fortune in repairs down the road? In this article, we'll steer you in the direction of buying the perfect used car for you.

Automotive magazines possess a wealth of information for people looking for well maintained used cars. You can find and buy used cars in great shape in magazines like Auto Trader. In addition to the listings, automotive magazines also include independent reviews of vehicles and information about car maintenance. If you're considering a private vendor, look in newspapers and on the Internet. Private vendors are very helpful if you want to buy used cars in really good condition.

Dealerships are a good place to shop if you're looking for a newer model car. When you go to a dealership, be prepared to fend off overzealous salespeople. Don't let them talk you into anything you're uncomfortable with. As you comparison shop, it helps to make notes as you go from dealership to dealership. It will jog your memory later on. If you choose to buy used cars in dealerships, you tend to pay a little more than you would in a private sale but it could be worth it if you get a good warranty.

The Internet has opened up a whole new world to shoppers. If you want to buy used cars in cyberspace, stick to reputable companies that have a proven track record. While shopping online is safe, there is always someone out there trying to pull a scam. Make sure that you know who you are dealing with. One of the best benefits of shopping online is you don't have to fend off the high pressure tactics of salespeople. Another plus is you'll find information that is more current than what's available in automotive magazines.

It's very easy to get steered in the wrong direction when you're looking for a good used car deal, so it's important to take your time and choose carefully. Don't make impulse purchases or allow salespeople to pressure you into buying a car that doesn't meet your needs. Use all of the resources available to you to ensure that you get a great bargain. Whether you decide to buy used cars in a dealership, from an automotive magazines or on the web, equip yourself with accurate facts and you'll be behind the wheel of a perfect used car before you know it.

Charitable Car Donation Eliminates The Hassles Of What To Do With Your Old Car

2007-08-27T02:32:00.000-07:00

When you decide to buy a new car, or at least new to you, what do you do with your old car? You are sure to hear stories from struggling relatives about how your car would be just perfect for someone who is having a difficult time in your family, but do you really want to give it away? Another idea is to sell your old car. This can make you some money, but it is also a time consuming and often frustrating venture.

Selling your used car involves placing an ad in some sort of publication or on the internet to let others know you are ready to sell. You will often have to pay for this ad and make decisions about how long it will run. This in itself is an inconvenience especially for those who are busy living their life. Then you will have to take phone calls from prospective buyers and make time to show your car to them. Often the prospective buyer never shows up and you have wasted your time.

You can eliminate all that when you decide to make a charitable car donation to a worthy cause. Making a charitable car donation is something that will leave you feeling good about helping others and avoiding all the hassles and inconveniences that trying to sell your old car brings. You can usually use a charitable car donation as a write off on your tax returns, but check with a financial expert to ensure you are doing it the legal and correct way.

Charitable car donation can be found in many places. Most organizations have a program that targets charitable car donation and have all the forms ready for you to fill out and sign on the dotted line. They will use the proceeds from the sale of your car to benefit others who are in need. You may be surprised to learn that typically you need to make a quick phone call and the rest is done by someone else. It is that simple.

Auto Parts, The pros and Cons

2007-08-24T02:52:00.001-07:00

Auto Parts, is a collective term that is used to describe the components of an automobile. These parts, can either be supplied by the original equipment manufacturer of a particular vehicle, or an entirely independent engineering firm that specializes in the manufacture of mechanical parts for various makes and models of autos.

Motor vehicles are so affordable these days that most auto owners trade their vehicles every two or maybe three years. The upside of this practice is that commuters have a modern, reliable mode of transport, they keep abreast of the latest technology and their vehicles seldom, if ever, require spare parts.

Auto parts are quite expensive, particularly genuine OEM parts, and there are other costs to consider such as, workshop charges as well as alternative transport costs while the auto is being repaired. Even if the repair work is be performed by the auto's owner, there is still the cost of time and inconvenience that must be considered.

The advantages of having replacement auto parts fitted by a mechanic at a workshop, apart from the fact that you, the auto owner, won't get dirty hands, is that the work is done by a professional, is fully guaranteed and your time can be spent more productively. The only disadvantage being the cost of auto parts, particularly if your repairer uses genuine OEM parts, then you will be paying top dollar for the parts.

Auto owners that are fortunate enough to have a degree of mechanical knowledge and a workshop equipped with the necessary tools to carry out repair work, can save quite a deal of money by purchasing auto parts at the many discount outlets that are available. Apart from auto accessory warehouses, there are other outlets to be found on the Internet such as the many private distributors to be found on Ebay.

There are also many wrecking yards that carry a huge range of second hand auto parts that are favorably priced. Some of these parts are near new, having been gleaned from auto wrecks involving late model autos. If you are a DIY enthusiast, then wrecking yards are the places to look for your replacement auto parts.

There are two trains of thought being presented here.

People that have little mechanical knowledge, or those, whose interests lie in other areas will, naturally, tend to replace their auto regularly in order to have a reliable means of transport, as well as be able to keep up with modern trends. These people will substantially reduce the risk of time consuming breakdowns, loss of income and the added expense of costly repairs.

On the other hand, those people who have the expertise and the facilities to carry out their own repair work at home, can maintain there current model auto for years to come which, will still possess the reliability of the latest model.

People of today are fortunate that auto parts are available.

In past days, when one's auto broke down the availability of auto parts was limited, it was a case of manufacturing an alternative part or walking away from the vehicle.

In these times, the ultimate cost of parts and repairs, in the case of a breakdown, is minute compared to the spiraling costs of new vehicles.

Aircrafts in the Jet-Setting Age

2007-08-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

The aviation industry is expanding tremendously. Planes, irrespective of their makes, are becoming the preferred mode of transport with every passing day. Perhaps we shall soon move into a world like that of the Jetsons where the preferred mode of transport will be flying machines and cars will be a thing of the past. That really would be fun, wouldn't it? Yet, we would probably be faced with things like the traffic snarls in the air that we see everyday. So, would flying to work and flying back really be an improvement on our current state of affairs? That is a question which can be answered only with time.

In the meantime, we cannot deny the fact that more and more individuals are preferring to fly. There was a time when aircraft was the privilege of only the military. Then, business folk saw the profit potential in the business of transporting people from one place to another by air. The rest is history. These days, flying between cities and countries is as common as can be. More often than not, flights are preferred to other modes of transportation. The crowds in most airports bear testament to this fact. We all nurture a need for speed these days, and air travel provides the fastest means of affordable transport.

The sheer numbers of planes that land and take off during the course of the day are symbolic of the immense expansion that has taken place in the aviation industry. Just like in other industries, therefore, there is now a certain competitiveness. This competitive streak is present not just at the level of commercial fliers. It is also being experienced in the area of aircraft parts manufacturing. The aviation business now wants parts of good quality at relatively low prices. With competitiveness being revealed in the increasingly affordable air fares, the industry is looking at lower prices when it comes to the putting together of the aircraft.

Just carry out a search on the net to see how competitive the aviation industry has become. There are scores of important aircraft parts factories that supply all things from bearings to ailerons to spoilers. This is great news for even those who own private airplanes. Maintaining your own plane may not always be the easiest thing. However, with the rise of aircraft parts manufacturers that offer their services online, people assembling their own airplanes have it easier. At least, one has less running around to do when the time comes to change some bearings.

Government and Public Auto Auctions Buy Vehicles and Luxury Cars Cheap

2007-08-22T01:56:00.001-07:00

Have you ever dreamed of owning one of those high end luxury cars but just couldn't fit it into your budget?

Now you can.

How, you ask?

Answer: Government and Public Car Auctions!

Each year the federal government sells billions of dollars of seized and forfeited surplus. A large chunk of this is vehicles. Here you can find the high end luxury cars (BMW, Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes, Ferrari, just to name a few) and even custom made Hummer Limousines. You can even find Motorhomes and Motorcycles.

Its an enormous cost to store these vehicles so the government will hold auctions throughout the year to get rid of these as fast as they can even if the vehicle brings a fraction of what its worth. This is where you can grab a bargain.

These vehicles are usually seized and confiscated from illegal drug dealers and other criminal activity. As you know these people don't drive around in cheap compact cars. They drive the expensive high end luxury cars, SUV's and custom made vehicles.

Incredible deals are waiting for buyers just like you at auctions held year round.

There are a number of different auctions.

You have:
a : Federal Government Fleet and Seizure Auctions:
b : GSA (General Services Administration) Fleet Auctions:
c : State and Local Government: Police, Sheriff, City and County Fleet Vehicles:
d : Public Auctions:
e : On-Line Auctions:

Auctions can consist of one lane to two or more lanes. They can all be auctioning off vehicles at the same time and it gets quite noisy. There's a lot of moving and crowding around the auction block. The auctioneer will usually have 1 or 2 assistants down on the auction block helping him pick out whose bidding. If you have a question ask one of them. They will help you. Sometimes its hard to understand the auctioneers words.

The auction goes at a fairly quick pace. Most are vehicles are sold in under 5 mins. If you plan on bidding get near the assistant or auctioneer and signal (head nod, hand movement) to indicate you want to get in on the bidding. If someone bids against you, signal again.

Don't jump in on the first figure the auctioneer throws out. He knows what the seller is asking for the vehicle so he'll start asking for bids above that. If he can catch someone off guard and get the bidding started high all the more better for him. He probably gets a commission on each vehicle sold and the higher the price the more money in his pocket. Unless a vehicle has a minimum set price you can start the bidding as low as you want. If the bidding is going lets say $100 increments and you want to bid half that or even a quarter, tell one of the assistants or auctioneer. Some Do's:
I : If this is your first time at a auto auction just go look around and observe the operation before buying.
II : Inspect the vehicle prior to the sale.
III : Read all the rules and regulations.
IV : Find out what fees are involved.
V : Check any warranties or guarantees.
VI : If possible buy at a day sale. You can inspect the vehicle better.
VII : Set a price you are willing to pay for a vehicle and stick to it.

Some Don'ts:
I : Buy a vehicle unless you are convinced it is reliable. You don't want to sink money into a lemon.
II : Get into a bidding war with another buyer and bid way over your head.
III : Go over your budget.
IV : Get over anxious.

Auto auctions can be fun but they can also be stressful. To make it more fun and rewarding go prepared and stick to your plan. Each auction has its own method of operating but the basics are pretty much the same.

4 Pieces of Flair No Truck Can Do Without

2007-08-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

More flair Jimmy, more flair. This exact phrase emanates from my stupid manager’s pie hole every morning. You see, he’s the manager of the restaurant where I wait tables. You may have heard of it; Jolly’s Cantina. Anyway, Jolly’s is one of those restaurants that they fill with kitsch in an attempt to manufacture some “atmosphere.” And, as a Jolly’s employee, it’s my job to fill my uniform with flair and act as jolly as possible.

The job wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for my boss, Miles. He’s one of those restaurant managers who take his role very seriously. You know; one of those super skinny guys with a tie and a zit-pocked face who runs around so fast you’d swear he eats jet fuel for breakfast. Well, Miles and I don’t quite see eye to eye on the Jolly’s uniform requirements. I don the bare minimum that the rules stipulate, but Miles sees my efforts as purely mediocre. That’s why every morning he bombards me with the flair.

When I’m not waiting tables, I out cruisin in my 2002 Dodge Ram with a Cummins diesel. This baby sits sky high on a 12” lift kit and 44” monster mudders. I’ve got an AEM intake, Edge injectors, a Superchips Flash Paq and an MBRP 5” exhaust. Needless to say, the old Dodge is one bad-ass beast of a rig.

The other night, driving home after a mind-numbing shift with Miles on my back, I got pulled over by the local cop. He’s a mean one, the kind of cop that’d give your grandma a ticket for being too old. I couldn’t believe it, but old Roscoe pulled me over for my tires. He said they were sticking out too far from under the wheel wells. When I asked Barney Miller what I was supposed to do about it, he said first pay the ticket, then get some fender flares. All I could hear was; more flair Jimmy, more flair.

When I calmed down, I realized I could use these fender flares to help solve my flair problem with Miles. If that creep wanted more flair, he was gonna get it—in a big way. My plan was to simply install the flares and then show Miles what I’d done. The next time he asks for more flair, I’ll just direct his attention to my truck. “There ya go Miles, all the flare/flair you can handle.

2 nights later I called in sick and had my shift covered by my buddy, Juan. During his break, Juan called to tell me that Miles was fuming mad and cursing my name to anyone who’d listen. He was calling me a goldbrick and a champion for mediocrity. This got me so mad that I hopped into my truck and sped down to Jolly’s to have it out with Miles.

When I spied Miles smoking a cigarette out behind Jolly’s my temper just flared. Without thinking, I mashed the throttle on that old Cummins and in a billow of black smoke I launched the Dodge right over Miles’ Merkur XR4Ti—monster truck style. Those big mudders were churning up glass and metal, throwing debris all over Jolly’s back lot. The best part wasn’t the stupid look on Miles’ face, but the way my new fender flares kept the flying debris from scratching my rig!

In the end, I lost my job, but I have a new one down at the quarry. The hours and pay are great, and I don’t have to deal with Miles anymore. And, the only flair I have to contend with is the cool set of fender flares that are still doing a great job of protecting my truck.

Making Money with Private Number Plates

2007-08-20T02:05:00.001-07:00

Investors are always looking for a new and exciting way to diversify their portfolio and many are taking a break from stocks and share and focusing their attention on registration numbers. Investing in private number plates may seem like a strange way to secure your future but the dramatic rise in the popularity of personalised plates is providing generous returns on initial outlays.

The main selling point of private registration plates is they are unique. There whole concept of number plates is that there is only one of each. With this in mind number plate investors are constantly on the look out for the best name plates and low digit dateless number plates. If bought at the right prices, these registrations can see massive returns on investment when sold to buyers looking for the perfect plate.

As with any good deal, the profit is made in the purchase price. Buying cheap number plates below market value can increase the chances of making a good return when you sell your number plate again. When buying a number plate for an investment look for a registration that will be easy to sell on again. Try choosing a number plate with common or popular initials or that reads a name or word. Car registrations containing poor initials such as X or V are cheap number plates to buy however the chances of selling them on again are low.

There are many places to find cheap number plates. Some people buy a car which already has a personal plate on it. If the registration bears no significance to the new owner they often sell the reg for a cheap price. Other good places to look are local papers and classified ads. Cheap number plates can also be purchased from people who are emigrating and are looking to sell their number plate quickly.

One of the best places to grab private number plates deal is at a DVLA auction. These events see 1500 DVLA registrations going under the hammer to an audience of number plate dealers, collectors and enthusiasts. All the private number plates in the auction are previously unreleased meaning that potential buyers are paying wholesale prices for the registrations.

The auction lots generally include classic dateless registrations as well as suffix and prefix registration numbers which read peoples names. DVLA auctions are held every few months with private number plate dealers ( http://www.capeplates.co.uk/ )offering an auction bidding service. This service takes the hassle out of attending the auction yourself, saving the associated costs involved.

When the time comes to cash in your investment you can sell your number plates through a personal number plate dealer. Certain dealers will provide a free valuation and selling service to their customers. Valuations take into account several factors including similar marks on the market, previous selling prices and popularity of the name or initials on the number plate. Personal registration numbers can be sold whilst still assigned to your vehicle or whilst being held on a retention certificate.

If you are selling your car and wish to keep your registration number its best to transfer the number off before the deal is complete. If not the new registered keeper of the car has full legal rights to its registration and can refuse to give you the registration back. Applications to retain registration numbers take 2-3 weeks to complete so bear this in mind when selling your car.

Motorhome Hire - Luxury Without the Pinch

2007-08-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

Motorhomes are for those who love travelling at their own free will. No restrictions on the road you wish to take, no compromising on the luxury and certainly no hassles or dependency on others. All you have is the open road and your free spirit. However the best part about motorhome hire is the cost part.

A common misconception about motorhome hire is that it is a costly affair. And this is probably the reason why people are still shy to use this service to fulfill their traveling urges. But this is absolutely far from the truth – motorhome hire is a very cost-effective service. You can compare the prices of your touring in any other way with the prices of motorhome hire. You would surely get sweetly surprised at the result.

The rates of motorhome hire are much lower than any other traveling expenditure. However, the prices differ from one service provider to another. Also, there is a difference in the cost depending upon the following factors:

Motorhome Hire Charges in Different Seasons
The charges of motorhomes hire differ with season. While the prices may experience a slight hike in the summers, they are much lower during the winters.

Motorhome Hire Charges as per Number of Berths
Of course, the charges get higher with the increase in number of berths. But when you compare it with other means of accommodation while on a trip, you will see a cost-effective option in motorhome hire.

Motorhome Hire Charges as per Facilities
Motorhomes are all about luxury along with traveling without the pinch of costliness. But the charges may vary as per the additional facilities provided.

Whatever the reason for difference in motorhome hire charges, one thing is for sure, this mode of traveling saves a lot of money and yet provides good luxury to make your journey wonderful.

Number Plates

2007-08-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

With over 30 million number plates on the market at any one time, people looking for a private reg are having no problem finding the perfect plate. Most personalised registrations read peoples names and initials yet there are countless other options to choose from.

Many businesses are now buying private number plates as a catchy form of advertising and investors are even turning to dateless registrations to add to their portfolios. Personal plates add a classic finishing touch to vehicles and can be a gift that lasts a lifetime.

There are many formats of registration plates that are available including suffix, prefix and our current style of number plates. Other formats include dateless number plates and Irish registrations. The later are becoming an increasingly popular choice for motorists looking for a cheap dateless number to hide the age of their vehicle.

The first car registration numbers were issued in 1903 with the introduction of the Motor Car Act. The registration A1 was the first number plate issued by London Council and was assigned to Earl Russell who set up camp outside the offices to secure this prestigious mark. A similar mark, M1, was sold in 2006 for £330,000 at an auction in Cheshire. It is widely speculated that A1 would fetch £1,000,000 if or when it ever appears on the market again.

Private number plates can be supplied on DVLA certificates, which are valid up to 12 months, or transferred directly onto your vehicle. Certificates are a popular option for people buying number plates as a gift or for those who do not have a vehicle to put them onto yet.

When assigning a private number plate to your car you will need your V5 logbook, MOT certificate (if your vehicle requires one) and the car must be taxed. Applications can be sent to your local DVLA office or handed in by yourself for service as you wait. In return you will receive an update tax disc and MOT and a new V5 document will be sent out from DVLA Swansea.

How To Choose The Right Tires In Five Steps

2007-08-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

If you are a vehicle owner and need to change your tires because it is all used up, you've got to know that buying tires is not the same as ordering a shirt out of a catalog. There are a lot of things that you have to consider when buying them.

Car enthusiasts need not worry about this detail. For sure, they knew the ins and out of their cars. But for regular car users, this is going to be quite a dilemma. Here are the things you have to consider when choosing tires for your vehicles.

1. Know the type of your vehicle. This tip is quite a no-brainer. But you've got to realize that there are a lot of people who don't know the first thing about the model, make, and even the type of the car they use. If you know your vehicle well, salespersons are not going to find it hard to choose the right car for you. You will soon be presented with their line of quality tires perfect for your vehicle.

2. The number of tires you need. If you are going to change all four tires, then you should have the least of all problems. You can simply buy a set that's perfect for your vehicle and go. But if you need three, two, or just one tire, then you have to know something important. As much as possible, all your tires must match. Otherwise, you may encounter handling problems while driving. Better check the type of tires you won't be changing and buy the one that is exactly like it.

3. The Tire Size. As a rule of thumb, your car should be able to carry the entire weight of your vehicle and its usual load. Otherwise, it will be overworked and would not be able to respond safely and quickly on certain occasions. Never ever buy undersized tires. Always check the owner's manual of your vehicle. Determine the size of time that its manufacturer recommends. You can go only as far as a 3% change in diameter.

4. The Car's Driving Conditions. How often do you use the car? Do you normally use it on concrete pavement or for off-road adventures? Is it going to be used on both sunny and rainy weather? These are one of the more important the questions you have to answer when buying tires. Manufacturers of tire add special features and capabilities to their tire to make it work perfect in conditions you mostly use your vehicle for. It is important to tell them about it or at least check out the tire features and find out yourself.

5. The Look You Want to Sport It is a known fact that tires add so much to a vehicle's look. In fact, a lot of manufacturers today are actually spending more time researching on how to add good style and appearance to tires without compromising its performance and abilities. Here is where the tire's treads becomes a factor.

There are the five good points to consider when choosing tires. Of course, you should also be concerned about the tire's price, especially if you are in a tight budget. But otherwise, you should be able to find the best tire for your car.

Bradley David Automotive Animation

2007-08-13T02:08:00.000-07:00

How to Protect Your Ferrari from Theft

2007-08-11T02:09:00.000-07:00

As a Ferrari owner, you know that after you have added this prized vehicle to your investment portfolio, it pays to take care of it properly. Routine Ferrari maintenance, appropriate insurance, careful driving and care all play a part in how well your Ferrari drives into the future. However, one important aspect of Ferrari care that you will not want to forget is protecting your automotive treasure from theft.

Much will depend on how you use the Ferrari. If it is a show piece that stays indoors, then protection is much simplified. If you drive the vehicle outdoors, then some steps are in order to ensure that your vehicle remains safe from harm.

Simple precautions can help prevent big crimes, such as auto theft. When you leave the vehicle, always secure it, and make sure to park in well-lit areas where there are a lot of people walking around. When you park the vehicle, turn the wheels sharply toward the curb, to make it harder for car thieves to tow away the car. Don't leave Ferrari accessories in open view inside the vehicle. Also do not leave the registration or title inside the car.

Other steps that can help prevent theft include adding visible and audible anti-theft devices to the car. Brake locks can help. Steering wheel locks that keep the wheels stationary make your car more theft-proof. Tire locks and deflators can deter a thief, because they take too much time to deal with, thus making your car less attractive to a would-be thief. VIN etching, when the VIN number is etched onto the glass of the windshield and windows can be one option you might consider in protecting your vehicle. Loud alarms also let a thief know your car is safeguarded against theft.

Computer chips can help deter a thief from stealing your Ferrari. Some ignition keys come equipped with chips that do not let someone bypass the vehicle's ignition. Preventive devices such as cut offs to the fuse; kill switches; disablers that deactivate the fuel pump, ignition and starter; and wireless ignition authentication all help to prevent theft. Tracking devices are very useful in assisting police in finding stolen vehicles. Some of these combine wireless capabilities with GPS systems, so that if the car is moved, it can be tracked on the computer. Many Ferraris also come equipped with peripheral interior monitoring anti-lift anti-theft protection, which is a camera system that is used within the car to detect movement inside the vehicle. Even when you are not with your new Ferrari, your vehicle's computer system is working round the clock to protect your car. Employing several or all of these ideas can keep your car safe.

Please Don't Buy Performance Exhaust Headers - I Don't Want the Competition

2007-08-09T02:06:00.000-07:00

Making $11.50 an hour as a forklift driver at Dixieline I have to save up for a while to buy performance parts and I have to choose my products carefully. I saved up for a power programmer and that certainly helped my quarter mile times. And, the previous owner had added a Magnaflow exhaust system so I didn’t need to touch that. So, I asked around and it was suggested to me that I look into an aftermarket performance exhaust header. My friend told me that I could expect horsepower gains of anywhere from 10-40 horsepower.

I started doing some research by going to my local auto parts store but they seemed too expensive, I only had about $500 to spend. So, I turned my attention to the internet. I looked at JBA headers and Pacesetter headers. The JBA headers were more expensive then the Pacesetter brand. But I have heard of JBA and not Pacesetter. I had to ask myself if the JBA brand was worth almost double the price.

The JBA headers were stainless steel, so they have that “wow” factor. The base–model Pacesetter headers are just black. Both are mandrel bent and come with all the necessary mounting hardware. JBA comes with a lifetime warranty and Pacesetter only has a 3 year warranty. But my GT already has 78,000 miles, it isn’t going to be around for a lifetime.

The choice was simple and I went for the Pacesetter headers. I spent about $250 with tax and I got free shipping. I installed them myself in about half a day – I am not the best mechanic in the world but the detailed instructions eventually sunk into my head and I got them on. The horsepower gain was immediately apparent and the sound of my engine has never been sweeter. Sometimes I just go out to my car, start it up and rev the motor just to hear the sound.

Anyways, here’s why you shouldn’t buy performance headers because, now I am ripping it up at the local track. I even finally smoked that supercharged Scion that put my GT to shame two months ago. Take that you rice burner!

How I Fixed the Weak Brakes on my Chrysler 300

2007-08-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

Admittedly I am a lead-foot. And, my 300 is happy to comply with my speed demands. Chrysler got that part right. But when it comes time to halt the mass of my silver bullet, the brakes shutter a little and fade fast. This can be a little scary.

A few weeks ago I took a trip to the Sierras for a weekend fishing trip. On my return, dropping down from 9,000 feet, I was made painfully aware of just how under-engineered my stock brakes were. I came hauling around a corner to find a Ford truck going way too slow and I had to hit the brakes pretty hard. To my dismay, they barely had enough stopping power to keep me from destroying my beautiful front end. My stopping power had faded so much that, I swear, it was like trying to stop a train Fred Flintstone-style – with my feet. It was at that moment I decided to replace my stock brake rotors.

I have had this thought before but haven’t wanted to fork out the extra dough for better brake rotors. And, I wouldn’t trust myself to install them properly. This incident changed my mind and when I got back to sea-level I started my research.

The first thing I did was go to Google and searched for brakes but this proved too generic. Then I did a search for performance rotors and came across a couple decent looking websites. Turns out there is a huge market for aftermarket rotors, I guess I am not the only one with this need. I don’t really know any brands so I relied on the customer reviews. The two brands that stuck out as positive from a performance and price standpoint were EBC rotors and Power Slot rotors. I thought they would be a lot more expensive but a set of front rotors is actually pretty affordable.

I also learned about slotted rotors and how they help conduct heat away from the rotors which is one of the things that creates fade. But the other thing is that these performance rotors are also larger in diameter then stock rotors so they have more surface area. The EBC brand was pricier then the Power Slot brand, I think because they also have these dimples which I presume help to cool the rotors more efficiently. In the end, I figured that it wasn’t that big of a difference and purchased the cheaper Power Slot rotors.

The next think I needed to do was decide whether or not I would install them myself. The sales agent that sold me the rotors said it was pretty simple. But, I am a musician and don’t want to destroy my hands so I contacted my local auto mechanic and asked him how much he would charge to install them. He said it would take about two hours. I figured this was worth the piece of mind that comes with proper installation.

I got my rotors in like three days, took my beloved 300 to the mechanic and now I am driving and stopping in style.

Owning A BMW Can Cause Paranoia

2007-08-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

There is an issue with some BMW cars whereby the steering lock mechanism is sticking, this is an electronic function and has affected cars including the 325i M Sport.

The problem arises when you insert the key and get ready to use the push button start, the dashboard is illuminated with a red steering when symbol and the push button start is disabled.

This happened to me several times a day for a few days and in the end I got stuck in Brighton after I stopped at a post office to ask for directions, I came back out got into my car and the malfunction happened. To my horror repeated attempts to start the car failed and in the distance I saw a wheel clamping van attaching a clamp to a vehicle parked just like me.

I opened the door and to my horror I realised that I was indeed parked on a clamping zone and it looked as though the clamp radar had spotted me. I quickly popped my bonnet so as to look as though I was visually on a breakdown but felt the eyes of a truly dedicated clamper burning into me from a distance.

I was late for an important meeting and was already thinking how bad the day was turning out, I had to think fast because I felt vulnerable and knew how clampers just love to immobilise smart sporty cars. I looked furtively from under my bonnet and could see he suddenly sprang into action.

I was horrified, I could see I was going to be the next victim, hurriedly I jumped back into my car, I repeatedly disengaged and re-engaged the key trying to somehow stimulate the electronic push button start but the steering lock mechanism kept firing in. How was I going to explain this at the meeting, thats if I ever got there of course, then I looked up and our eyes met, he had finished and was just sticking his label on the screen of the other car.

In desperation I hopped back out of the car and slammed the bonnet down, sort of feigning that I was ready to go and perhaps he would just drive off. I remembered a nature programme where the Mother bird pretended to be injured to draw the predator away from her nest! If only I had a disabled badge I thought to myself, I saw the van preparing to do a U turn with its lights flashing.

I took my phone out and prepared to make the call canceling the meeting and also got the BMW rescue me from hell emergency number from the user manual. I could see the look of glee on his face, a self gratifying smirk of satisfaction was spread from one ear to the other and I was at his mercy about to be nailed and become another statistic.

Bloody BMW I thought to myself, why did I ever buy a BMW?
Why did I buy this one?
Why did I not go to the dealer and get them to sort it out when I had the chance?
Why is this happening to me?

Subconsciously I had continued pressing the start and playing with the key then all of a sudden the car started! But to my horror my reflex action in continually pushing the start pushed it again and killed the engine! Argh! Lots of expletives followed, the clamper was parking next to me, taking his time and savouring every moment, he was a connoisseur of the moment, the captive lamb awaiting dispatch.

I waited and composed myself, I crossed everything and gingerly pushed the start one last time, I looked up, this clamper guy had black teeth and big earrings, tattoos and muscles, dirty fingernails and greasy hair.

He gave me a chilling smile and then suddenly it changed, like an executioner falling through thin ice his smile changed to a look of despair. The engine was running, yes! Yes! Yes! You beauty, I love you car I love you BMW! Life is great oh so great, oh yes, clutch in, gear in, 2.5 fuel injected horsepower released and racing, I let the window down all ready gloating, nothing can stop me now!

I stuck my head out ready to give the loser signals to my assailant, the why can't you get a real job, and the just because I have a nice car, lines were running through my head when his deep voice boomed, you alright mate? Just got my jump leads out in case you needed a start, lovely car by the way, I just traded mine in for an M3 always had German cars, just love the engineering!

I stammered, looked sheepish and smiled before saying, thanks for coming over, I thought you had a friendly face, but I think my car is fine now, then I drove off, looking back in my mirror I'm sure I could see a look of You got away but I will get you next time sonny!

I reflected on this event after the meeting and realised that owning a nice car can change your perception of other people and situations, it can make you a little arogant and can generate a state of mind where you are convinced everybody is out to get you.

Of course this is not the case... Or is it?

Where To Locate A BMW Part That You Require To Repair Your Car

2007-08-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

When you own a car that is imported, for instance a BMW, there are times when it can be difficult to locate the parts you require if the need ever happens for you to fix your vehicle. Because of this, you'll find many retailers in the industry who specialize in BMW parts. BMW parts are not difficult to obtain if you are aware precisely on who to call and where to go.

Hence, where is the best place to start if you are in need of repairing your BMW and you have no clue on which avenue to pursue? The answer is as easy as pulling out and opening your local yellow pages.

Seek out dealerships

There are times, you can locate the BMW part you require by making a phone call to the dealership you purchased your vehicle. It may cost you some extra money to get them to order it and install it, for instance labor costs, but it is much more convenient to get your BMW back on the road in a faster time so that you can return to driving the luxury vehicle you always enjoyed.

If the details the dealership is asking is too complicated, or if the case is that they don't have what you are searching for or you're not willing to pay the extra costs, you can always go out and find and purchase the BMW part yourself.

You can attempt to utilize the Yellow Pages to locate a BMW part that is in your area or you can use the Internet. Nowadays, you can locate just about anything you require on the Internet and that includes BMW parts.

Auction Sites on the Internet

If you have the skill to put in the BMW part on your own and you are aware of exactly what you're searching for, auction sites on the Internet, such as eBay, are excellent places to locate the BMW part you're searching for. You can obtain your part from just about anywhere in the country, even in the world, and have it shipped straight to your door.

Also, if you put in your auction bid at the ideal time, you can potentially get the BMW part at a significant savings. This makes a place like the Internet a very valuable tool when seeking out the parts you require as long as you know what you are doing. If working on cars is something that you neither know nor are interested doing, the smart thing to do is have a professional do the work for you.

BMW parts can sometimes be challenging to obtain, that is unless you have the knowledge and where to look. The enjoyment of driving a BMW is a great experience but at times you need to get them repaired as well. Because of this, you should always have the knowledge on the best place to go for the part you require, when you need them. By preparing in advance, if you're BMW were to break down, you will be back on the road in no time.

Save Money On A New Car By Ordering It

2007-08-03T02:43:00.000-07:00

This is a money-saving technique that a lot of new car buyers don't seem to be aware of: you can order a car through a local Dealer, as opposed to buying one on the lot, and save a lot of money.

Now, you can only do this on new cars, not used. But you can order the exact car you want ... the color you want, the specific options you want, and so forth ... right from the manufacturer. And you can negotiate a tremendous deal for it right at a Dealership.

You're going to have to be patient though because you'll likely wait one to three months for your vehicle to arrive. And you'll probably get a lot of resistance at first from the Dealer because it's in their best financial interest to sell you one "right now" from their inventory. And the salesperson wants their commission right now too.

But if you can put up with a bit of waiting time and resist some initial pressure from the Dealer to change your mind about buying now, you'll likely save a bundle.

You see, vehicles on a Dealer lot have costs. There's lot fees, insurance costs, interest, the vehicle's share of the advertising expenses, and more. But by ordering a vehicle, the Dealer doesn't have these costs and, in effect, really just becomes a middleman for the transaction by doing the paperwork.

Because of this, you can negotiate the price down to invoice, and usually below. Some of your discount will come from the Dealer's holdback (what the manufacturer pays them in addition to their own markup). Once they've accepted the fact that they've lost you as a "right now" customer, they'll usually do the deal for somewhere in the $500 range in profit. So, negotiate like crazy.

And of course, you'll be ordering just what you want ... and paying only for just what you want. Why pay for satellite radio if you don't use it? Why pay for heated seats in Florida? Why accept a car, which is a big financial commitment, if it's not the exact color you'd prefer.

The only drawback is that it takes time, so you'll need to plan ahead to take advantage of these savings.

Car Alarms Systems Explained

2007-08-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

Car owners are concerned with protecting their vehicles and everyone in it from theft and injury and purchasing a car alarm system is an important preventive measure that is easy to take. There are many different types of car alarms on the market in every price range to fit every budget. The question for most people who are purchasing their first car alarm is which one is best for them? With all the choices available to every car owner is easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Understanding the basics of how alarm system to work that will make it easier for you to decide which one you want to purchase.

The basic car alarm package will include a control module or controller; this is a brain of the alarm. This package will also include sensors which are the devices that send the signal is to the controller when someone tries to force open the doors of the vehicle. These sensors are attached to the siren which generates the sound that alerts you of an unauthorized entry into your automobile.

The next level of car alarm systems extend this protection to the trunk and the hood of your vehicle; plus they will include glass break, impact, pressure or motion sensors, starter interrupt circuits, remote start modules and the input for remote functions such as trunk releases and window operations.

Into more sophisticated alarm systems the controller or brain of the system is a small computer whose job is to close all switches that activate the alarm devices; your headlights, horn more of the alarm siren when certain power sensing devices are opened or closed. The main differences between most car alarm systems can be found in the sensors that are used and how the various devices are connected to the computer or the controller of alarm system.

In most alarm systems the controller or brain of the alarm system and its features are usually wired to the car’s main battery and they may have auxiliary or backup power sources as well, which is activated if the main power source is disrupted or instance if the battery cables are cut. When the event occurs the sensors will be triggered and the brain or comptroller will sound an alarm.

Most experts agree that you cannot eliminate car thieves, but car alarm systems can make it more difficult for them to succeed. Car alarms are not infallible and criminals are becoming more creative every day, but having an alarm system installed in your vehicle can protect you in most instances.

From a security standpoint a basic alarm system can be an effective deterrent against a car thief. However the system must be installed properly for it to be truly effective. Also installation of a alarm system can very and difficulty it does require a certain amount of tools and expertise as well as time and patience. Read through the owners’ manual of the car alarm to determine if you have all of the required elements to complete the installation. If you do not have the proper equipment at the time you purchase the alarm system it would be better to hire a professional and have your vehicle protected as quickly as possible.

Buying a Car? What is an AS IS Statement? Can You Differentiate Between Implied and Express Warranty

2007-08-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

A large number of consumers are unaware of certain rights, however, are also unaware that they may be dismissing those rights by signing statements at the closing of a car deal. As a car buyer you are eligible for implied and express warranties, it also also worth mentioning that you can also forgo your rights by signing an AS IS statement.

I will start by the most dangerous out of all three. AS IS, this is a disclosure on the Buyers Guide, and between the numerous papers you sign at closing. By signing such a statement, you are about to face some hard time getting the salesperson, or the dealership to honor the words they used to convenes you into buying the car. What is an implied warranty, you may be wondering. Well, it pertains to certain laws that the state passes, this is to hold the dealers responsible for meeting certain qualities on cars they sell. The obligation is referred to as an implied warranty. It is non spoken, nor written warranty. It is there for the mere fact that the dealer sold the car in the state.

On the other hand, there is an express warranty. This applies in three different situations, the first is pertaining to an oral or written description of the the car, an affirmation of facts about the car, or even a promise at the time of the sale. The second situation covered by the express warranty applies to the sellers written promises to repair and or replace defective parts for a certain period of time. The final application of express warranty is to the written promises that represents the car, and the existing problems, and a promise to repair or replace otherwise.

You are probably thinking about a previous promise that was not honored. Well, it is very possible, unless you live in an forbidding AS IS statement state (Connecticut,District of Columbia, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia). Dealers use statements such as "as is" or "with all faults" in a written notice, this eliminates implied warranties.

What Does The Jargon At Dealerships Mean?

2007-07-31T04:41:00.000-07:00

Unless you are someone directly involved with the car industry, or an acronym wizard, then you are to be confused when you hear all the different acronym-ed jargon words at the car dealerships. Statements such as Invoice price, base price, furthermore, acronyms such as MSPR, ADP, and ADM. It came to my attention that such an article is important to familiarize you with the terms and acronyms.

Understanding the brief explanation of each term would better prepare you for your next visit to the dealership. It will also allow you to keep the overcharges in your bank account, rather than depositing it into the dealerships bank account.

If you are on your way to the dealership, you are about to encounter the term Invoice Price numerous times. Invoice price is the price the manufacturer charges the dealerships for a given car. Hence, this is usually higher than the price the dealership actually paid for the car or truck. The manufacturers is no different from the dealerships, it runs special promotions and offers such as different rebates, allowances, discounts and incentive awards. The invoice price also includes the shipping or delivery charges. In other words, never pay for transportation at the dealerships, because it is pure overcharge.

Another term that you are to encounter is Base Price. This is the advertised price for a car equipped with standard factory equipment and warranty. In other words, this price is before any any of the additional options “good stuff” are added to the car. Bare in mind, that it is a federal law to provide consumers with this price. As a matter of fact, it should be on the Monroney sticker, or buyers guide.

There is also MRSP (Monroney Sticker Price.) This should shaw the base price, the options installed on this particular car inventory, with the suggested retail price. Remember, this includes the transportation charge. Last but not least, ADP (additional dealer profit)and ADM (additional dealer markup). Not much to be said about those, but this is where your bargaining should be targeted towards.