Author : Michael Trusthold
Would you buy a used car--with cash--from someone you just
met in the bar, and who walked you down a dark alley to show
you the car? Not likely. How about from a well-dressed,
friendly, middle-aged man or woman, who placed a classified
ad in your local newspaper, and who meets you midday at a
restaurant of your choice?Oops! You may be more likely to be cheated by seller number two. That's the story of Jennifer Warwa, who bought a minivan and had her mechanic examine it. The mechanic later said how shocked he was that Jennifer had been scammed:"Because I met the gentleman who was selling the vehicle.
Very clean cut. In his fifties. Very soft spoken.... And he
went with her to get it inspected. There was just no sign
that was the kind of person he was" the mechanic told CBC's
Marketplace.A few months later, Jennifer got a phone call from the
police. They said she had purchased a stolen minivan, and
they were coming to seize it. She was so upset, she tried
to hide the van from the police. Eventually they caught up
with her and she ended up paying for a year and a half for a
$5,000 bank loan on a van she could not drive. Ouch!Jennifer was just one victim in the chain that included the
original owner, the insurance company, other consumers whose
insurance rates keep rising, and the police, who spend
thousands of hours tracking thefts. According to the FBI, a
vehicle is stolen about every 25 seconds in the USA,
amounting to an $8 billion yearly problem.Here's how these scams often work. Thieves target
particular cars: for their value, their ease of resale as a
whole or in parts, or because they are easier to steal.
Years ago, most cars were stripped for parts, including
unusual parts such as airbags. But today some thieves are
so brash they sell cars through newspapers.This newer scam is called "VIN cloning", because the Vehicle
Identification Number is stolen from another car. Criminals
obtain VINs by copying them from the dash of cars in parking
lots--even at dealerships. Some even physically remove the
VIN plate from vehicles in auto salvage yards that allow
customers to "pick your own parts." (They do not mean that
literally!) The number is used to falsely obtain new
ownership documents, or documents are forged. Either way, a
cloned VIN allows them to transform stolen cars into pseudo-
legal vehicles that can be officially titled and sold. Many
thieves work across state lines: cars may be stolen in the
East, registered in the Mid-West, then sold in California.
Scary!Here's what you can do to avoid buying a stolen car:** Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver's
door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork** Use the VIN to get the car's history at carfax.com for
about $20** Ensure title and registration documents match the name
and address of the seller** Is the car from out of state?** Be suspicious if you must meet a private seller in a
parking lot. Better to see that they live at the address
where the car is registered** Has the vehicle recently been transferred?** Does the seller use a home or work phone number, or just
a cell?** Is the selling price oddly low?** Be warned that some used car dealers are getting scammed,
too** Pay by certified cheque or money order, not cash.Keep in mind that most private sellers are not thieves, but
rather honest, regular folks like you. And prices do tend
to be lower with private sales. So if you follow my advice,
you can greatly improve your chances of driving away with a
"genuine" used car.Will YOU get scammed on your next car purchase? Michael
Trusthold writes for Used Cars.biz and has
bought and sold used cars for profit for many years. For
more scam prevention TIPS and handy checklists for used car
buying and selling, visit Used Cars.biz
Keyword : used cars,buying,selling,used trucks,scams,classifieds,automobile
วันศุกร์ที่ 29 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2551
A Subjective Insight of the Future Automobile
Author : Jeff Darling
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car and the police car officers can track the car even if they cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice do you have.Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it for members of your family deciding between access only for the children or access and drive functions for those with licenses. However I belive it will be some time before this is the only means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet connections could mean that the larger roads can support Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can display live images to show traffic reports and also predict traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will also improve and become more personalised for the various passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets, there might be four different radio stations that can be played at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that can be played at once.Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better positioning will continue to improve their performance and reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a very important factor when it comes to safety during a collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be avoided.Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous conditions, this information will then be displayed to the driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The information gathered may also be relayed to a central road monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a roving weather station.Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night. Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path and then emit an audible warning.New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field, in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed for their high strength and lightweight properties have now filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy whilst maintaining structural rigidity.In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before' market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous, just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine, vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an optional power source.The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised interior space will also become desirable features on the future automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an increasingly demanding consumer.Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors, but not for a long long time.The author, Jeff Darling studied transport design at Coventry University and currently works as a design consultant for small engineering companies.
Jeff also writes for http://www.diseno-art.com a site covering the latest in concept vehicles.
Keyword : article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car and the police car officers can track the car even if they cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice do you have.Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it for members of your family deciding between access only for the children or access and drive functions for those with licenses. However I belive it will be some time before this is the only means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet connections could mean that the larger roads can support Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can display live images to show traffic reports and also predict traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will also improve and become more personalised for the various passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets, there might be four different radio stations that can be played at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that can be played at once.Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better positioning will continue to improve their performance and reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a very important factor when it comes to safety during a collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be avoided.Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous conditions, this information will then be displayed to the driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The information gathered may also be relayed to a central road monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a roving weather station.Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night. Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path and then emit an audible warning.New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field, in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed for their high strength and lightweight properties have now filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy whilst maintaining structural rigidity.In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before' market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous, just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine, vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an optional power source.The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised interior space will also become desirable features on the future automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an increasingly demanding consumer.Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors, but not for a long long time.The author, Jeff Darling studied transport design at Coventry University and currently works as a design consultant for small engineering companies.
Jeff also writes for http://www.diseno-art.com a site covering the latest in concept vehicles.
Keyword : article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email
Gasoline Prices Are Dropping
Author : Lance Winslow
Yesterday on the financial news they indicated that gasoline pump prices came down and were dropping and they gave an example of just some of the savings you might expect at the pumps. In fact they had dropped $ .002 per gallon. Come on, that is not positive news. The consumer would be better off finding out that they just save a bunch of money on their car insurance by switching to Gieko? Now that is good news? I mean Yippie Skippy?Saving 20% of one-cent is not a real savings, who could be happy about that? Impressed? Hardly; that means it will take 3 years to get them to what they were three years ago. That is just not working for the person with an SUV with a five to eight year loan. If that is the best news in the economy this week, we are in big trouble indeed.Let's look at the facts, trucks tonnage is down, airlines are out. Consumers filing for garage sale permits in record numbers and eBay is showing more items listed but less being sold. Are we so certain that the economy is looking good for Christmas spending? Retailers are worried and their stocks are not looking like a good long-term play right now. Gasoline prices coming down you say? Oh really, perhaps you need to come to my town and look at how much we are paying for gas before purporting such hokum. Show me. Think on it.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : gas, suv, gasoline prices, dropping
Yesterday on the financial news they indicated that gasoline pump prices came down and were dropping and they gave an example of just some of the savings you might expect at the pumps. In fact they had dropped $ .002 per gallon. Come on, that is not positive news. The consumer would be better off finding out that they just save a bunch of money on their car insurance by switching to Gieko? Now that is good news? I mean Yippie Skippy?Saving 20% of one-cent is not a real savings, who could be happy about that? Impressed? Hardly; that means it will take 3 years to get them to what they were three years ago. That is just not working for the person with an SUV with a five to eight year loan. If that is the best news in the economy this week, we are in big trouble indeed.Let's look at the facts, trucks tonnage is down, airlines are out. Consumers filing for garage sale permits in record numbers and eBay is showing more items listed but less being sold. Are we so certain that the economy is looking good for Christmas spending? Retailers are worried and their stocks are not looking like a good long-term play right now. Gasoline prices coming down you say? Oh really, perhaps you need to come to my town and look at how much we are paying for gas before purporting such hokum. Show me. Think on it.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : gas, suv, gasoline prices, dropping
Auto Detailing Marketing and Books for the Beginner
Author : Lance Winslow
Many people just getting into the mobile detailing business wonder what type of marketing works best? Well actually the marketing approach depends on how many customers you wish to have and if you wish to build a route scheduled business or a "call-in" for high-end service type business. I have always preferred the first building routes by day of week and block-by-block. Thus marketing should contain some amount of direct marketing, perhaps mailers by zip code and good community PR. Ads in the Newspaper do not pay, unless you buy a 1" X 2" ad in several places throughout a weekly community paper. Not a daily circulation type paper. The size of your market has a lot to do with the advertising your pick. Radio is killer, but not viable in larger markets for the auto detailing business unless you have 10 units. Need more information to answer your question each market must be slightly modified for best results of course.Much of your question would be better served once you had a business plan and were pretty certain of the tact you wished to take. If you make a business plan you should have someone review it for you. Here is some additional worthy information for you:www.DetailGuys.com/detailbbswww.carwashguys.com/carwashbbswww.AircraftWashGuys.com/aircraftbbsRead as much as you can and then go buy some auto detailing industry books, if you find yourself truly interested? You can find books on auto-detailing on Google. You should read at least 2-3 Auto detailing books before you take the plunge into your business, be book smart about auto detailing you will be glad you played it by the book. Think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : auto detailing books, book, detail guys, car wash guys, read automotive books
Many people just getting into the mobile detailing business wonder what type of marketing works best? Well actually the marketing approach depends on how many customers you wish to have and if you wish to build a route scheduled business or a "call-in" for high-end service type business. I have always preferred the first building routes by day of week and block-by-block. Thus marketing should contain some amount of direct marketing, perhaps mailers by zip code and good community PR. Ads in the Newspaper do not pay, unless you buy a 1" X 2" ad in several places throughout a weekly community paper. Not a daily circulation type paper. The size of your market has a lot to do with the advertising your pick. Radio is killer, but not viable in larger markets for the auto detailing business unless you have 10 units. Need more information to answer your question each market must be slightly modified for best results of course.Much of your question would be better served once you had a business plan and were pretty certain of the tact you wished to take. If you make a business plan you should have someone review it for you. Here is some additional worthy information for you:www.DetailGuys.com/detailbbswww.carwashguys.com/carwashbbswww.AircraftWashGuys.com/aircraftbbsRead as much as you can and then go buy some auto detailing industry books, if you find yourself truly interested? You can find books on auto-detailing on Google. You should read at least 2-3 Auto detailing books before you take the plunge into your business, be book smart about auto detailing you will be glad you played it by the book. Think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : auto detailing books, book, detail guys, car wash guys, read automotive books
Ford And Mazda: A Strong International Relationship
Author : Matthew Keegan
During the 1990s, Ford Motor Company went on an international buying spree snapping up small automakers around the globe. Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin all were brought within the Ford fold, and Mazda, by default has become part of Ford's line up even though the Japanese automaker is "only" partly owned by Ford. Ford parts and Mazda parts are sometimes interchangeable as well as are some of their vehicles. Let's examine closely the relationship between the two automakers and how their synergies benefit both companies.The relationship between Ford and Mazda has been growing over the years, but is well known by auto historians as having started in the early 1970s when the Mazda pick up truck was imported to the North American market by Ford and called the Courier. From 1972 to 1983, the Courier was part of the Ford line up, but in reality it was a Mazda.From 1984 on, Ford decided to build its own small pickup truck and the Ranger was born. Mazda, meanwhile, redesigned their truck and sold it separately until 2002. When time came for a new Mazda truck, Mazda tapped Ford and the current Ranger was rebadged as the Mazda "B" series.From 1991 to 2001 Ford's Explorer was rebadged and sold as the Mazda Navajo. Only a two door version was available and the line was eventually dropped as Mazda concentrated on their own SUV, namely the Tribute.Are you confused yet? Don't be as the two automakers have exchanged parts and vehicles for decades.In the early part of this decade, Ford, which has a very strong truck division, needed a vehicle that was smaller and less costly than the pricey midsize Explorer to complement the fleet. Enter Mazda. Mazda designed and released the car-like Tribute for their own division, and a Ford version of the SUV, the Escape, was built by Ford in the US. Together, the vehicles have competed successfully against Toyota's RAV4 and Honda CR-V.For 2006, the Ford/Mazda relationship really heats up with the release of three cars based on the highly touted Mazda 6 platform: the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the "near luxury" Lincoln Zephyr. All three sedans share similar components and borrow heavily from Ford's relationship with Mazda.If you purchase a Ford or Mazda product that has in fact been rebadged will the Ford parts and the Mazda parts be the same? Good question! Major sections like the frame are likely to be the same, but many key components including suspension parts, brakes, and electrical parts, may be different. A better thing to do when purchasing replacement Ford or Mazda parts is to check your vehicle's owners manual or visit a reputable online store, such as Car Parts Stuff, for the right parts for your make and model. You may think you are getting the same parts, but you can only be certain if you verify that information.Ford and Mazda have a relationship that appears to be mutually beneficial to the two automakers. Judging by the new products being offered, the relationship is certain to grow stronger in the coming years.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts. You can find out more about quality Ford parts or Mazda parts by visiting this site.
Keyword : Ford parts, Mazda parts, Ford Ranger; Mazda truck, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, Ford Fusion
During the 1990s, Ford Motor Company went on an international buying spree snapping up small automakers around the globe. Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin all were brought within the Ford fold, and Mazda, by default has become part of Ford's line up even though the Japanese automaker is "only" partly owned by Ford. Ford parts and Mazda parts are sometimes interchangeable as well as are some of their vehicles. Let's examine closely the relationship between the two automakers and how their synergies benefit both companies.The relationship between Ford and Mazda has been growing over the years, but is well known by auto historians as having started in the early 1970s when the Mazda pick up truck was imported to the North American market by Ford and called the Courier. From 1972 to 1983, the Courier was part of the Ford line up, but in reality it was a Mazda.From 1984 on, Ford decided to build its own small pickup truck and the Ranger was born. Mazda, meanwhile, redesigned their truck and sold it separately until 2002. When time came for a new Mazda truck, Mazda tapped Ford and the current Ranger was rebadged as the Mazda "B" series.From 1991 to 2001 Ford's Explorer was rebadged and sold as the Mazda Navajo. Only a two door version was available and the line was eventually dropped as Mazda concentrated on their own SUV, namely the Tribute.Are you confused yet? Don't be as the two automakers have exchanged parts and vehicles for decades.In the early part of this decade, Ford, which has a very strong truck division, needed a vehicle that was smaller and less costly than the pricey midsize Explorer to complement the fleet. Enter Mazda. Mazda designed and released the car-like Tribute for their own division, and a Ford version of the SUV, the Escape, was built by Ford in the US. Together, the vehicles have competed successfully against Toyota's RAV4 and Honda CR-V.For 2006, the Ford/Mazda relationship really heats up with the release of three cars based on the highly touted Mazda 6 platform: the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the "near luxury" Lincoln Zephyr. All three sedans share similar components and borrow heavily from Ford's relationship with Mazda.If you purchase a Ford or Mazda product that has in fact been rebadged will the Ford parts and the Mazda parts be the same? Good question! Major sections like the frame are likely to be the same, but many key components including suspension parts, brakes, and electrical parts, may be different. A better thing to do when purchasing replacement Ford or Mazda parts is to check your vehicle's owners manual or visit a reputable online store, such as Car Parts Stuff, for the right parts for your make and model. You may think you are getting the same parts, but you can only be certain if you verify that information.Ford and Mazda have a relationship that appears to be mutually beneficial to the two automakers. Judging by the new products being offered, the relationship is certain to grow stronger in the coming years.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts. You can find out more about quality Ford parts or Mazda parts by visiting this site.
Keyword : Ford parts, Mazda parts, Ford Ranger; Mazda truck, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, Ford Fusion
Is There Such A Creature As Cheap Car Insurance For Woman Drivers?
Author : Jon Butt
Let's dispell a myth, cheap car insurance for woman drivers is not really any different than cheap car insurance for men except that in some cases it might be a little cheaper or at least a little easier to get.The factors used to compute cheap insurance are many and usually place prospective policyholders in rating groups that categorize level of risk. Obviously, in one rating group, gender, there's a difference.Are women better car drivers than men, though? Only your insurance company actuary knows for sure, but generally young men are considered a higher risk to insure. In that age rating group, auto insurance best quotes might favor women.Cheap Based On Your NeedsWhat really counts, though, is whether car insurance for woman drivers is cheap insurance based on their own needs. Best quotes for woman drivers can be obtained online at automated websites that return quotes from several competing insurance companies simultaneously.Women who know the ins-and-outs of car insurance for women need only choose the lowest quote to get cheap insurance.Get Help If You Need ItIf you're not familiar with auto insurance, however, you may want to contact an insurance agent who can guide you through the process and better ensure that you purchase the coverage you require.They can also show car drivers ways to lower their rates by increasing deductibles or lowering Comprehensive or Collision coverages which become less practical as a vehicle ages.Just remember, there are six main types of car insurance--Bodily Injury Liability, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Damage Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage--that cover your liability to others, pay your immediate medical and other expenses, cover damage to property, pay for repairs to or replacement of your car, cover expenses due other causes of damage, and insure you against those without insurance.Most of all, don't forget that what's cheap insurance in the short run can put your finances in jeopardy in the long run, and that auto insurance protects your assets, not you.Jon Butt publishes http://www.which-car-insurance.com A free resource site devoted to advising all on the car, motor and auto insurance facts you need to know, the different types, cover levels, the top car insurance companies, how to buy wisely online or through local brokers. All vehicles are all covered in this easy insurance guide
Keyword : car insurance for woman drivers, auto insurance best quotes, cheap womens car insurance
Let's dispell a myth, cheap car insurance for woman drivers is not really any different than cheap car insurance for men except that in some cases it might be a little cheaper or at least a little easier to get.The factors used to compute cheap insurance are many and usually place prospective policyholders in rating groups that categorize level of risk. Obviously, in one rating group, gender, there's a difference.Are women better car drivers than men, though? Only your insurance company actuary knows for sure, but generally young men are considered a higher risk to insure. In that age rating group, auto insurance best quotes might favor women.Cheap Based On Your NeedsWhat really counts, though, is whether car insurance for woman drivers is cheap insurance based on their own needs. Best quotes for woman drivers can be obtained online at automated websites that return quotes from several competing insurance companies simultaneously.Women who know the ins-and-outs of car insurance for women need only choose the lowest quote to get cheap insurance.Get Help If You Need ItIf you're not familiar with auto insurance, however, you may want to contact an insurance agent who can guide you through the process and better ensure that you purchase the coverage you require.They can also show car drivers ways to lower their rates by increasing deductibles or lowering Comprehensive or Collision coverages which become less practical as a vehicle ages.Just remember, there are six main types of car insurance--Bodily Injury Liability, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Damage Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage--that cover your liability to others, pay your immediate medical and other expenses, cover damage to property, pay for repairs to or replacement of your car, cover expenses due other causes of damage, and insure you against those without insurance.Most of all, don't forget that what's cheap insurance in the short run can put your finances in jeopardy in the long run, and that auto insurance protects your assets, not you.Jon Butt publishes http://www.which-car-insurance.com A free resource site devoted to advising all on the car, motor and auto insurance facts you need to know, the different types, cover levels, the top car insurance companies, how to buy wisely online or through local brokers. All vehicles are all covered in this easy insurance guide
Keyword : car insurance for woman drivers, auto insurance best quotes, cheap womens car insurance
Is It Possible To Extend Your Car's Warranty?
Author : Matthew Henderson
Yes, it is definitely possible to extend your car's warranty. There are companies both online and off that offer extended car warranties but the quality of coverage and service varies from company to company.There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about extending your car's warranty. Look at the types of coverage that the company offers, and really think about whether or not that is enough for your needs. Take a lot of time to consider what exactly it is you want out of your warranty, and what you don't want.Also, make sure you read up as much as you can on the warranty you're considering buying, and if you have any questions, ask the company selling the warranty before you buy it. And always remember to get a quote before you even consider buying and extended warranty for your car.Many companies that offer the ability to extend your car's warranty advertise extremely low rates but in the end either offer no real coverage, or try to rip you off. If the company will not give you a quote, or won't answer your questions, then take your business somewhere else.One of the best ways to avoid this kind of thing is to go with a company that has been around for awhile and has history. If you extend your car's warranty through a company that has been around for over ten years, you can feel a lot better knowing that you will get what you pay for.Matthew Henderson is editor at "Auto-Fleet.com." Stop by for a huge selection of information regarding vehicle history reports, extended auto warranty, auto loans, improving your credit, drivers education, traffic school and much more!Auto-Fleet.com
Keyword : extended auto warranty, auto extended warranty, 1sourceautowarranty, warrantydirect, warranties
Yes, it is definitely possible to extend your car's warranty. There are companies both online and off that offer extended car warranties but the quality of coverage and service varies from company to company.There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about extending your car's warranty. Look at the types of coverage that the company offers, and really think about whether or not that is enough for your needs. Take a lot of time to consider what exactly it is you want out of your warranty, and what you don't want.Also, make sure you read up as much as you can on the warranty you're considering buying, and if you have any questions, ask the company selling the warranty before you buy it. And always remember to get a quote before you even consider buying and extended warranty for your car.Many companies that offer the ability to extend your car's warranty advertise extremely low rates but in the end either offer no real coverage, or try to rip you off. If the company will not give you a quote, or won't answer your questions, then take your business somewhere else.One of the best ways to avoid this kind of thing is to go with a company that has been around for awhile and has history. If you extend your car's warranty through a company that has been around for over ten years, you can feel a lot better knowing that you will get what you pay for.Matthew Henderson is editor at "Auto-Fleet.com." Stop by for a huge selection of information regarding vehicle history reports, extended auto warranty, auto loans, improving your credit, drivers education, traffic school and much more!Auto-Fleet.com
Keyword : extended auto warranty, auto extended warranty, 1sourceautowarranty, warrantydirect, warranties
Give Your Auto TLC, It's Fall Car Care Month
Author : Joe Thompson
October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance. This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the car's old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and components checked or get the car properly serviced by a mechanic.Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles, especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of time. As early as now, work on your car's problems, even the minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and stress-free.By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield, trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might break as you drive through bumpy roads.Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping, Honda weatherstripping, Ford weatherstripping, Chevy weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match your car's original parts.Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long years of using your car's original lights, you would need to replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store features great variety of lights including high quality and stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.The fog lights are very important during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning, you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you. Your headlights when used in circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous since they emit stronger light that produces glare.Keep your car wheels including the tires at their best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on the car's air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the original auto parts, don't hesitate replacing it. Spending some extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn't a bad idea especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.Check out Auto Parts Wholesale's featured premium quality replacement auto parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No matter how tough its original parts are, you can't expect them to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don't maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance and driving abilities.Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
Keyword : auto parts,weatherstripping,headlights,foglights,taillights,wheels,Nissan alloy wheels,honda parts
October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance. This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the car's old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and components checked or get the car properly serviced by a mechanic.Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles, especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of time. As early as now, work on your car's problems, even the minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and stress-free.By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield, trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might break as you drive through bumpy roads.Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping, Honda weatherstripping, Ford weatherstripping, Chevy weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match your car's original parts.Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long years of using your car's original lights, you would need to replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store features great variety of lights including high quality and stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.The fog lights are very important during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning, you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you. Your headlights when used in circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous since they emit stronger light that produces glare.Keep your car wheels including the tires at their best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on the car's air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the original auto parts, don't hesitate replacing it. Spending some extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn't a bad idea especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.Check out Auto Parts Wholesale's featured premium quality replacement auto parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No matter how tough its original parts are, you can't expect them to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don't maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance and driving abilities.Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.
Keyword : auto parts,weatherstripping,headlights,foglights,taillights,wheels,Nissan alloy wheels,honda parts
Used Cars - Not Just Any Used Auto Extended Warranty Plan Will Do
Author : Matthew Henderson
While companies that sell used cars to the public and offer used auto extended warranty plans for their vehicles are definitely the best places to buy used autos, make sure you read the fine print on the particular extended warranty plan you are buying. Some used auto extended warranties will contain exclusions that limit the seller's liability when a second owner purchases a used auto.The used auto aftermarket is a huge business and it is definitely a place where the old "buyer beware" caution applies. It is important that you do your homework, that you read the fine print and that you understand the differences between warranty programs that cover cars & trucks that may or may not have been used commercially and used autos used solely by individuals.Before you purchase your used vehicle, check out the company that stands behind the warranty. How long have they been in business? What's their track record in paying off claims? Is it the same company that has done the evaluation of the used vehicle's current condition?Companies like 1SourceAutoWarranty, Warranty Direct, Warranties4Wheels, E Warranty Solutions, AA Auto Warranty and Warranty Warehouse that have been around for quite some time, have sterling reputations and deal extensively in the auto aftermarket are companies you can rely on for honesty, trustworthiness and security.Make sure when you buy that used auto and you select the perfect extended warranty program for you that you get the plan that fits your vehicle and driving style so that you get the security that you paid for.Matthew Henderson is editor at Auto-Fleet.com. Stop by for a huge selection of auto information. Online auto loan, auto extended warranty, vehicle history report, online traffic school, improving your credit, drivers education, auto insurance information and much more!
Keyword : auto extended warranty, auto extended warranties, 1sourceautowarranty, warranty direct
While companies that sell used cars to the public and offer used auto extended warranty plans for their vehicles are definitely the best places to buy used autos, make sure you read the fine print on the particular extended warranty plan you are buying. Some used auto extended warranties will contain exclusions that limit the seller's liability when a second owner purchases a used auto.The used auto aftermarket is a huge business and it is definitely a place where the old "buyer beware" caution applies. It is important that you do your homework, that you read the fine print and that you understand the differences between warranty programs that cover cars & trucks that may or may not have been used commercially and used autos used solely by individuals.Before you purchase your used vehicle, check out the company that stands behind the warranty. How long have they been in business? What's their track record in paying off claims? Is it the same company that has done the evaluation of the used vehicle's current condition?Companies like 1SourceAutoWarranty, Warranty Direct, Warranties4Wheels, E Warranty Solutions, AA Auto Warranty and Warranty Warehouse that have been around for quite some time, have sterling reputations and deal extensively in the auto aftermarket are companies you can rely on for honesty, trustworthiness and security.Make sure when you buy that used auto and you select the perfect extended warranty program for you that you get the plan that fits your vehicle and driving style so that you get the security that you paid for.Matthew Henderson is editor at Auto-Fleet.com. Stop by for a huge selection of auto information. Online auto loan, auto extended warranty, vehicle history report, online traffic school, improving your credit, drivers education, auto insurance information and much more!
Keyword : auto extended warranty, auto extended warranties, 1sourceautowarranty, warranty direct
Jaguar For Me; Jag For You?
Author : Matthew Keegan
The British automaker, Jaguar, has certainly stepped it up a notch over the past decade. Don't tell the British, but Ford Motor Company's purchase of the venerable brand likely saved the company from oblivion. The cat is back. Read on for updates about this feline marquee.I have a friend, his name shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty, and whose knowledge about Jaguar is fairly limited to put it kindly. Both of us enjoy cars, particularly powerful American coupes, and the occasional sedan or hot wagon, such as the Dodge Magnum. When Lincoln's new LS made its debut more than five years ago I remarked how the Ford Motor Company crafted both it and the Jaguar "S" type from the same platform and that this was the first shared venture between the two companies ever. My buddy was perplexed as he considered what I had said. He then retorted, "how can Ford and GM build from the same car?" Huh?! I was mystified at first, but then I realized his ignorance was typical of many Americans regarding the British automaker: they just did not know the brand.Unfortunately for Jaguar beyond shows such as Masterpiece Theatre, not too many Americans outside of major cities were familiar with the Jaguar brand. Today, that has all changed. With the introduction of the "S" type, a midsize sedan and the "X" type an AWD sedan, America's perception of Jaguar – or Jag-you-are as some are want to pronounce it has changed dramatically… and for the better. Jaguar still produces larger sedans including the XJ and the XK, but it is the smaller cars that are receiving the most notice and producing the badly needed sales and revenue for Jaguar.Even further down the line, Jaguar is really poised to pounce. An all new XK8, a 2+2 rear wheel drive coupe. Departing from Jaguar tradition, the XK8 will have a mostly aluminum veneer, with woods such as poplar and walnut optional. Retailing at $75K the XK8 will also be sold as a convertible.Additional coupes and an SUV are also being planned and it is expected that the broader selection of vehicles will grow the brand in the US as well as in the UK. Gone are the days of V12 Jaguars, but in its place are some truly outstanding cars that are certain to capture the attention of the car buying public.Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse, a wholesaler of discount Jaguar parts and accessories.
Keyword : discount Jaguar parts, Jaguar S Type, Jaguar X Type, Jaguar XK8
The British automaker, Jaguar, has certainly stepped it up a notch over the past decade. Don't tell the British, but Ford Motor Company's purchase of the venerable brand likely saved the company from oblivion. The cat is back. Read on for updates about this feline marquee.I have a friend, his name shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty, and whose knowledge about Jaguar is fairly limited to put it kindly. Both of us enjoy cars, particularly powerful American coupes, and the occasional sedan or hot wagon, such as the Dodge Magnum. When Lincoln's new LS made its debut more than five years ago I remarked how the Ford Motor Company crafted both it and the Jaguar "S" type from the same platform and that this was the first shared venture between the two companies ever. My buddy was perplexed as he considered what I had said. He then retorted, "how can Ford and GM build from the same car?" Huh?! I was mystified at first, but then I realized his ignorance was typical of many Americans regarding the British automaker: they just did not know the brand.Unfortunately for Jaguar beyond shows such as Masterpiece Theatre, not too many Americans outside of major cities were familiar with the Jaguar brand. Today, that has all changed. With the introduction of the "S" type, a midsize sedan and the "X" type an AWD sedan, America's perception of Jaguar – or Jag-you-are as some are want to pronounce it has changed dramatically… and for the better. Jaguar still produces larger sedans including the XJ and the XK, but it is the smaller cars that are receiving the most notice and producing the badly needed sales and revenue for Jaguar.Even further down the line, Jaguar is really poised to pounce. An all new XK8, a 2+2 rear wheel drive coupe. Departing from Jaguar tradition, the XK8 will have a mostly aluminum veneer, with woods such as poplar and walnut optional. Retailing at $75K the XK8 will also be sold as a convertible.Additional coupes and an SUV are also being planned and it is expected that the broader selection of vehicles will grow the brand in the US as well as in the UK. Gone are the days of V12 Jaguars, but in its place are some truly outstanding cars that are certain to capture the attention of the car buying public.Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse, a wholesaler of discount Jaguar parts and accessories.
Keyword : discount Jaguar parts, Jaguar S Type, Jaguar X Type, Jaguar XK8
Researching Used Car Prices on the Internet
Author : Dakota Caudilla
No sooner have you started searching for car prices on the Internet, your head will be spinning with competitive car prices and promises of prompt delivery, dedicated customer service response, and huge discounts. Are all of those promises and claims to be believed? Your guess is as good as mine, if you want the truth. But then, there are ways to help you find the less unscrupulous ones on the Internet and bring you honest-to-goodness car prices that are well worth your time and money.There are tons of car and used car websites where you can research on car prices on the Internet. Some of the more popular ones are www.cars.com, www.invoicedealers.com, www.autoweb.com, www.carsdirect.com, www.edmunds.com, www.autos.com, www.car.com, and www.autousa.com. These websites are, essentially, websites that lets car sellers and dealers post their cars and used cars for sale together with the car prices that they are willing to sell the car for. Car buyers will log into the website looking for the car that they want and when the sale goes through, the car seller and car buyer will perform a transaction and the website gets a cut and the car seller gets the rest. The car prices consist of the price of the car, the commission of the seller and the commission due to the listing website. Well, that's if we assume that there are no other parties involved in this transaction. If there are more people stuck in the middle trying to make a quick buck out of the car sale, the car price will hike up accordingly.If you already know the make and model of the car you're interested to purchase, the only thing left to do is to go to those car listing website, search through their database, check out the car prices they have there and compare the car prices they have with the ones in other websites. Don't forget to compare the car prices with the local car dealer and used-car dealer too, just for good measure. You'll be surprised, sometimes, the local car dealer may have better car prices for you. if not, perhaps the used car dealer may have a fabulous deal in store for you with a car with an unbelievable price and in perfect condition (not the banged-up, knocked-around, and shabbily fixed-up) kind.Comparing car prices is important. You can do this with a spreadsheet like Excel file. This is easy but if you are going to take your own sweet time researching the car prices, make sure you mark down the date you extract the prices. Car prices go up and down faster than you can imagine. Try find car prices at http://search.ebay.com/car_eBay-Motors_W0QQsacatZ6000When researching car prices, the more important thing to ensure is the condition of the car. One of the ways to determine if the car price is worth it is to take a look at the picture of the car, if personal examination is not possible at that point in time. However, pictures can be manipulated. And some pictures are not genuine, i.e., the picture is not the real car picture of the car that is for sale. So, be wary, keep in touch with the seller and if the seller sounds dodgy, dodge him…or her.Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.great-car-deals.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Keyword : car used, car dealer used, car sale used, car part used, car sell used, car price used, buy car used
No sooner have you started searching for car prices on the Internet, your head will be spinning with competitive car prices and promises of prompt delivery, dedicated customer service response, and huge discounts. Are all of those promises and claims to be believed? Your guess is as good as mine, if you want the truth. But then, there are ways to help you find the less unscrupulous ones on the Internet and bring you honest-to-goodness car prices that are well worth your time and money.There are tons of car and used car websites where you can research on car prices on the Internet. Some of the more popular ones are www.cars.com, www.invoicedealers.com, www.autoweb.com, www.carsdirect.com, www.edmunds.com, www.autos.com, www.car.com, and www.autousa.com. These websites are, essentially, websites that lets car sellers and dealers post their cars and used cars for sale together with the car prices that they are willing to sell the car for. Car buyers will log into the website looking for the car that they want and when the sale goes through, the car seller and car buyer will perform a transaction and the website gets a cut and the car seller gets the rest. The car prices consist of the price of the car, the commission of the seller and the commission due to the listing website. Well, that's if we assume that there are no other parties involved in this transaction. If there are more people stuck in the middle trying to make a quick buck out of the car sale, the car price will hike up accordingly.If you already know the make and model of the car you're interested to purchase, the only thing left to do is to go to those car listing website, search through their database, check out the car prices they have there and compare the car prices they have with the ones in other websites. Don't forget to compare the car prices with the local car dealer and used-car dealer too, just for good measure. You'll be surprised, sometimes, the local car dealer may have better car prices for you. if not, perhaps the used car dealer may have a fabulous deal in store for you with a car with an unbelievable price and in perfect condition (not the banged-up, knocked-around, and shabbily fixed-up) kind.Comparing car prices is important. You can do this with a spreadsheet like Excel file. This is easy but if you are going to take your own sweet time researching the car prices, make sure you mark down the date you extract the prices. Car prices go up and down faster than you can imagine. Try find car prices at http://search.ebay.com/car_eBay-Motors_W0QQsacatZ6000When researching car prices, the more important thing to ensure is the condition of the car. One of the ways to determine if the car price is worth it is to take a look at the picture of the car, if personal examination is not possible at that point in time. However, pictures can be manipulated. And some pictures are not genuine, i.e., the picture is not the real car picture of the car that is for sale. So, be wary, keep in touch with the seller and if the seller sounds dodgy, dodge him…or her.Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.great-car-deals.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Keyword : car used, car dealer used, car sale used, car part used, car sell used, car price used, buy car used
Make Your Classic Vehicle Stand Out From The Rest With Art
Author : Anthony Palmieri
As I've traveled around to car shows over the years, it is obvious that everyone takes pride in their vehicle, weather it be a classic hot rod, a muscle car, un-restored vintage vehicle, or even a new car or motorcycle. Attention is taken by the owners to ensure that there is a blinding shine on the chrome and paint, and every component even the underside is perfect. So given the many hours and often years spent getting to this level of perfection, what are the owners trying to achieve? The answer is, to differentiate their vehicle from the others.So the question for you is "Do You Want Your Vehicle To Stand Out From The Rest? "I would be surprised if your answer was anything but, YES!With all of that being said, how can someone make their vehicle stand out? The solution is to turn your vehicle into a piece of movable art.Think about the car shows that you have been at, and I am sure there was at least one time where there was a row of cars 10-20 deep, all the same year, same make and model and often color and in near perfect condition. Without doing a full concours examination of every bolt, clamp, etc, what makes one car stand out from the others? THE PRESENTATION!Do You Want To Add Points To Your "Peoples Choice Awards?" I bet the answer is YES!What makes this happen? THE PRESENTATION!How a vehicle is displayed and presented is the key to differentiate one from another, and attract more attention to yours. Your vehicle is an extension of your personality, and there are many steps that you take to personalize it. Something that is just off the shelve or out of a catalog is generic, and anyone can just buy that. You go to the experts for advice on how to enhance your vehicles look and performance, so you should also go to the artistic experts on how to display your vehicle.Anthony Palmieri founded Palmieri Concepts, http://www.PalmieriConcepts.com
As I've traveled around to car shows over the years, it is obvious that everyone takes pride in their vehicle, weather it be a classic hot rod, a muscle car, un-restored vintage vehicle, or even a new car or motorcycle. Attention is taken by the owners to ensure that there is a blinding shine on the chrome and paint, and every component even the underside is perfect. So given the many hours and often years spent getting to this level of perfection, what are the owners trying to achieve? The answer is, to differentiate their vehicle from the others.So the question for you is "Do You Want Your Vehicle To Stand Out From The Rest? "I would be surprised if your answer was anything but, YES!With all of that being said, how can someone make their vehicle stand out? The solution is to turn your vehicle into a piece of movable art.Think about the car shows that you have been at, and I am sure there was at least one time where there was a row of cars 10-20 deep, all the same year, same make and model and often color and in near perfect condition. Without doing a full concours examination of every bolt, clamp, etc, what makes one car stand out from the others? THE PRESENTATION!Do You Want To Add Points To Your "Peoples Choice Awards?" I bet the answer is YES!What makes this happen? THE PRESENTATION!How a vehicle is displayed and presented is the key to differentiate one from another, and attract more attention to yours. Your vehicle is an extension of your personality, and there are many steps that you take to personalize it. Something that is just off the shelve or out of a catalog is generic, and anyone can just buy that. You go to the experts for advice on how to enhance your vehicles look and performance, so you should also go to the artistic experts on how to display your vehicle.Anthony Palmieri founded Palmieri Concepts, http://www.PalmieriConcepts.com
after 20 years of creating custom art work for his own pleasure and enjoyment. This business grew out of a love for motor vehicles and was started to share with others what started out as a hobby. After taking how his own pride and joys (yes this really started with family pictures and not cars) and combining them with creativity, it became obvious that many others would like to showcase their trophies as he has done
Keyword : auto, classic Car, vintage car, fantasy art, mustang, motorcycle, Hot rod, classic car, show board
Rust Prevention Tips from the Leading Auto Parts and Auto Parts Information Source
Author : Terry Brown
Auto Parts Inner is your comprehensive source of top quality automotive products ranging from exterior parts such as the wheels, hood, fender, auto lights, and bumper to interior performance such as the AC condenser, catalytic converter, radiator and so much more. The store offers the best deals and the widest variety of auto parts including the best BMW parts, Ford parts, Mazda parts, Volkswagen parts, Chevy parts and Jeep parts, making it one of the leading auto parts dealers in the country.Sharing with you its expertise in the field of cars, Auto Parts Inner provides useful Auto Parts Information on how to prevent rust, which is said to be one of the worst enemies of cars.Cars and RustCars are valuable investments so we want to keep our own auto in excellent shape and condition as much as possible. No matter how old or new it is or whether it's a known model or not, we give it special treatment as it provides as efficient, safe and comfortable means of transportation as well as enjoyment.It is inevitable for a vehicle to experience common car problems; this is especially true if the model is already old. Among the most destructive and the most annoying problems is rust. This affects almost all auto parts, especially those exposed to moisture. The body panels, including the doors, the fenders, the hood and the tailgate are of course among the most vulnerable. When damaged by rust, these auto parts become weak and not only that, they become ugly too. Replacement may be your only solution.Replacement Parts from Auto Parts InnerTailgate. Most pickup trucks have tailgates; this is a kind of door attached and protecting the truck bed. As a door to the rear part of the truck, it is often slammed when being closed; thus, it becomes vulnerable to damages. Moreover, trucks are often used off-road, so they are more exposed to damaging factors in the environment including salt, which hastens the formation of rust.Auto Parts Inner offers the most durable Chevy tailgate, GMC tailgate and Ford tailgate. Designed like the original, these replacement auto parts are sure to give you lasting and the most efficient service. They are also made to endure the toughest driving conditions in which you may use your vehicles.Hood. The hood is one of the most important body parts as this is used to protect the most vital parts of the car such as the engine. Just like the door and the tailgate, this must be rigid and tough to be able to give the best protection to parts underneath.Since the hood has a metal covering that is exposed to harsh elements in the environment, the hood is also very susceptible to rust. Because of this, proper care is needed. It must be kept clean all the time and make sure the drain holes around the hood are clear so water can't pass through and cause rust.You can find out more of the body panels and Auto Parts Inner's available replacement auto parts at the store's web site. You can go to its How Cars Work section for more Auto Parts Information on several auto parts, auto makes and models, automotive systems and so much more.Meanwhile, check out these simple yet useful tips on how to prevent rust in your car:1. Keep your car clean and well waxed.2. Rinse the underside with water when salt is in use or if you live in a salty area.3. Keep your wheel wells clean and free from material that holds moisture, such as dirt or leaves.4. Make sure that all drain holes in the frame, floor and bottoms of doors are clear.5. After you wash your car, open the doors to let the water drain out.Many car manufacturers void corrosion warranty if you have your car rustproofed. (Rust proofing is a treatment of waxy paste sprayed inside the body panels by an "after market" specialist. The specialist drills holes in hidden areas, sprays in the paste, and plugs the holes. Another type of rustproofing is a clear silicon-based spray that is applied to your paint to protect it from chemicals and pollution.) The best course is to take the rust preventative measures listed above.Auto Parts Inner is a perfect site both for old and new car users or drivers and for common car users and the car aficionados alike.Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.
Keyword : Auto parts,BMW parts,Ford parts,Mazda parts,Volkswagen parts,Chevy parts,Jeep parts,Jeep hoods
Auto Parts Inner is your comprehensive source of top quality automotive products ranging from exterior parts such as the wheels, hood, fender, auto lights, and bumper to interior performance such as the AC condenser, catalytic converter, radiator and so much more. The store offers the best deals and the widest variety of auto parts including the best BMW parts, Ford parts, Mazda parts, Volkswagen parts, Chevy parts and Jeep parts, making it one of the leading auto parts dealers in the country.Sharing with you its expertise in the field of cars, Auto Parts Inner provides useful Auto Parts Information on how to prevent rust, which is said to be one of the worst enemies of cars.Cars and RustCars are valuable investments so we want to keep our own auto in excellent shape and condition as much as possible. No matter how old or new it is or whether it's a known model or not, we give it special treatment as it provides as efficient, safe and comfortable means of transportation as well as enjoyment.It is inevitable for a vehicle to experience common car problems; this is especially true if the model is already old. Among the most destructive and the most annoying problems is rust. This affects almost all auto parts, especially those exposed to moisture. The body panels, including the doors, the fenders, the hood and the tailgate are of course among the most vulnerable. When damaged by rust, these auto parts become weak and not only that, they become ugly too. Replacement may be your only solution.Replacement Parts from Auto Parts InnerTailgate. Most pickup trucks have tailgates; this is a kind of door attached and protecting the truck bed. As a door to the rear part of the truck, it is often slammed when being closed; thus, it becomes vulnerable to damages. Moreover, trucks are often used off-road, so they are more exposed to damaging factors in the environment including salt, which hastens the formation of rust.Auto Parts Inner offers the most durable Chevy tailgate, GMC tailgate and Ford tailgate. Designed like the original, these replacement auto parts are sure to give you lasting and the most efficient service. They are also made to endure the toughest driving conditions in which you may use your vehicles.Hood. The hood is one of the most important body parts as this is used to protect the most vital parts of the car such as the engine. Just like the door and the tailgate, this must be rigid and tough to be able to give the best protection to parts underneath.Since the hood has a metal covering that is exposed to harsh elements in the environment, the hood is also very susceptible to rust. Because of this, proper care is needed. It must be kept clean all the time and make sure the drain holes around the hood are clear so water can't pass through and cause rust.You can find out more of the body panels and Auto Parts Inner's available replacement auto parts at the store's web site. You can go to its How Cars Work section for more Auto Parts Information on several auto parts, auto makes and models, automotive systems and so much more.Meanwhile, check out these simple yet useful tips on how to prevent rust in your car:1. Keep your car clean and well waxed.2. Rinse the underside with water when salt is in use or if you live in a salty area.3. Keep your wheel wells clean and free from material that holds moisture, such as dirt or leaves.4. Make sure that all drain holes in the frame, floor and bottoms of doors are clear.5. After you wash your car, open the doors to let the water drain out.Many car manufacturers void corrosion warranty if you have your car rustproofed. (Rust proofing is a treatment of waxy paste sprayed inside the body panels by an "after market" specialist. The specialist drills holes in hidden areas, sprays in the paste, and plugs the holes. Another type of rustproofing is a clear silicon-based spray that is applied to your paint to protect it from chemicals and pollution.) The best course is to take the rust preventative measures listed above.Auto Parts Inner is a perfect site both for old and new car users or drivers and for common car users and the car aficionados alike.Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.
Keyword : Auto parts,BMW parts,Ford parts,Mazda parts,Volkswagen parts,Chevy parts,Jeep parts,Jeep hoods
3 Ultimate Japanese Automakers
Author : Matthew Keegan
Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the American automobile industry has changed, so has Japan's. To this day, however, Japan still has the highest concentration of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let's take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the North American market.Toyota – As the largest of all Japanese automakers, Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the late 1970s, Toyota quality levels began to exceed the industry standard. Today, some consider Toyota the benchmark by which all car lines are judged; the company's Lexus line of luxury vehicles and Scion brand of youth oriented vehicles are also leaders in their respective classes.Honda – The only thing Honda lacks versus Toyota is size. Still, when you compare Honda vehicles with comparable Toyota models, Honda holds its own. The first Honda, a Civic, was introduced to the North American market in 1971 and was soon followed by the Accord as well as the Prelude. Routinely, the Accord battles Toyota's Camry for the top spot in U.S. car sales year in and year out, while the Honda Odyssey battles the Toyota Sienna for the highest quality minivan [Chrysler's minivans still are the best sellers]. Acura is Honda's luxury car division which has also competed successfully with Toyota's Lexus line up.Nissan – Toyota and Honda are the only two fully independent Japanese automakers left in the world today as Nissan has since ceded control to Renault, France's largest automaker. The first Nissans to hit the North American market did so in the 1960s under the Datsun model name. By the early 1980s the Datsun name was jettisoned in favor of Nissan and today the Nissan name is equated with some of the highest quality cars on the road. In the late 1980s Nissan launched the Infiniti division, a maker of luxurious cars that routinely battles with the likes of BMW, Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes as a top provider of opulent vehicles.So, there you have it. Three top Japanese brands that have made a name for themselves. You may not own a Toyota, a Honda, or a Nissan, but you have to give credit where credit is due: all three automakers are proven leaders in a highly competitive and every changing industry.Matt Keegan writes for The Parts Bin, a retailer of high quality
Toyota parts,
Nissan parts, and
Acura parts available to you at deep discount prices.
Keyword : Toyota parts, Nissan parts, Acura parts, Scion parts, Infiniti parts, Lexus parts, Honda auto parts
Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the American automobile industry has changed, so has Japan's. To this day, however, Japan still has the highest concentration of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let's take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the North American market.Toyota – As the largest of all Japanese automakers, Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the late 1970s, Toyota quality levels began to exceed the industry standard. Today, some consider Toyota the benchmark by which all car lines are judged; the company's Lexus line of luxury vehicles and Scion brand of youth oriented vehicles are also leaders in their respective classes.Honda – The only thing Honda lacks versus Toyota is size. Still, when you compare Honda vehicles with comparable Toyota models, Honda holds its own. The first Honda, a Civic, was introduced to the North American market in 1971 and was soon followed by the Accord as well as the Prelude. Routinely, the Accord battles Toyota's Camry for the top spot in U.S. car sales year in and year out, while the Honda Odyssey battles the Toyota Sienna for the highest quality minivan [Chrysler's minivans still are the best sellers]. Acura is Honda's luxury car division which has also competed successfully with Toyota's Lexus line up.Nissan – Toyota and Honda are the only two fully independent Japanese automakers left in the world today as Nissan has since ceded control to Renault, France's largest automaker. The first Nissans to hit the North American market did so in the 1960s under the Datsun model name. By the early 1980s the Datsun name was jettisoned in favor of Nissan and today the Nissan name is equated with some of the highest quality cars on the road. In the late 1980s Nissan launched the Infiniti division, a maker of luxurious cars that routinely battles with the likes of BMW, Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes as a top provider of opulent vehicles.So, there you have it. Three top Japanese brands that have made a name for themselves. You may not own a Toyota, a Honda, or a Nissan, but you have to give credit where credit is due: all three automakers are proven leaders in a highly competitive and every changing industry.Matt Keegan writes for The Parts Bin, a retailer of high quality
Toyota parts,
Nissan parts, and
Acura parts available to you at deep discount prices.
Keyword : Toyota parts, Nissan parts, Acura parts, Scion parts, Infiniti parts, Lexus parts, Honda auto parts
Auto Vent Shields: Keep The Bugs Away
Author : Matthew Keegan
In days gone by, the thought of placing a bug shield on your car simply meant finding a tacky looking navy blue mesh net and draping it across the front of your car. Besides looking awful, these earlier shields were poorly fitting and bulky. Bugs still got through and little good came out of having one on your car. Fortunately, innovative manufacturers have changed all of that. Let's examine the current crop of auto vent shields [bug shields] out there and see how one can protect your car.Unlike bug shields of yesteryear, today's shields have kept up with current technology; updated design changes have yielded a group of shields that custom fit your vehicle as well as looking attractive too. Unlike previous one-size-fits-all models, current shields curve with the contour of your vehicle's hood for a precise fit. In addition, an auto vent shield can do the following:Protects your car from road debris. Small stones or garbage kicked up on the interstate can mar your hood or even smash your windshield. A custom fitted bug shield can send harmful objects up and over your vehicle and out of harm's way.Protects your hood from bug splatter. The leading edge of your vehicle's hood seems like a magnet to bugs. Take any long road trip, especially in the summer months, and by the time you reach your destination your finish is marred by bug juice, some of which is nearly impossible to remove. Imagine the costs you will incur by turning in your leased vehicle with a hood marred by bug splatter or pock marked by stones.Bug shields are generally available in a smoke color or in a paintable polycarbonate surface for further customization. This material is, by the way, able to withstand road debris and unlikely to crack when it deflects a stone out of harm's way.Of course selecting a Toyota bug shield or Ford bug shield takes a bit of research to find one that is right for your vehicle. Auto Vent Shields, a wholesaler of quality shields recommends Lund bug shields and Ventshade bug shields as both manufacturers are noted for producing high quality and durable products that are affordably priced.Whichever brand you choose, select one that is custom crafted for the make and model of your vehicle in order to achieve the best fit and to provide top protection. For a small cash outlay an auto vent shield provides the protection that every vehicle should have.Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and a contributing writer for the
Auto Vent Shields online store, wholesalers of
Lund Bug Shield and
Toyota Bug Shield.
Keyword : auto vent shields, bug shields, bug deflectors, Toyota bug shield, Lund bug shield, Ventshade
In days gone by, the thought of placing a bug shield on your car simply meant finding a tacky looking navy blue mesh net and draping it across the front of your car. Besides looking awful, these earlier shields were poorly fitting and bulky. Bugs still got through and little good came out of having one on your car. Fortunately, innovative manufacturers have changed all of that. Let's examine the current crop of auto vent shields [bug shields] out there and see how one can protect your car.Unlike bug shields of yesteryear, today's shields have kept up with current technology; updated design changes have yielded a group of shields that custom fit your vehicle as well as looking attractive too. Unlike previous one-size-fits-all models, current shields curve with the contour of your vehicle's hood for a precise fit. In addition, an auto vent shield can do the following:Protects your car from road debris. Small stones or garbage kicked up on the interstate can mar your hood or even smash your windshield. A custom fitted bug shield can send harmful objects up and over your vehicle and out of harm's way.Protects your hood from bug splatter. The leading edge of your vehicle's hood seems like a magnet to bugs. Take any long road trip, especially in the summer months, and by the time you reach your destination your finish is marred by bug juice, some of which is nearly impossible to remove. Imagine the costs you will incur by turning in your leased vehicle with a hood marred by bug splatter or pock marked by stones.Bug shields are generally available in a smoke color or in a paintable polycarbonate surface for further customization. This material is, by the way, able to withstand road debris and unlikely to crack when it deflects a stone out of harm's way.Of course selecting a Toyota bug shield or Ford bug shield takes a bit of research to find one that is right for your vehicle. Auto Vent Shields, a wholesaler of quality shields recommends Lund bug shields and Ventshade bug shields as both manufacturers are noted for producing high quality and durable products that are affordably priced.Whichever brand you choose, select one that is custom crafted for the make and model of your vehicle in order to achieve the best fit and to provide top protection. For a small cash outlay an auto vent shield provides the protection that every vehicle should have.Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and a contributing writer for the
Auto Vent Shields online store, wholesalers of
Lund Bug Shield and
Toyota Bug Shield.
Keyword : auto vent shields, bug shields, bug deflectors, Toyota bug shield, Lund bug shield, Ventshade
Wheelskins: Chrome for Styled Wheels
Author : Phil Sollecito
"Wheelskin" is a relatively new term. Wheelskins were invented in the late 1990s to provide an inexpensive way to put chrome on styled wheels.After WWII, auto racing enthusiasts introduced new technologies and materials to every aspect of race cars to reduce weight and improve speed and handling. One of those improvements, 'mag wheels' remains in the vernacular to this day. Halibrand magnesium wheels carried every car that won the Indy 500 from 1946 to 1963. Those early wheels were made of magnesium, which was far lighter than steel, and a even third lighter than aluminum. The major drawback of the true magnesium wheel was the need to polish it regularly, because magnesium reacts rapidly to air and water to produce a heavy surface oxide, which then pits. The shift to aluminum alloys reduced these problems.Early aluminum alloy wheels were made in fairly simple designs. As more sophisticated, high strength molding and forging processes were developed, more intricate and artistic designs became common. The original purpose of decreased weight for track performance metamorphosed to style and expression. Adoption of "styled" alloy wheels became widespread in high-end street machines of German manufacture, and as expensive aftermarket options for the rest. Finally, major American and Japanese manufacturers began offering styled alloy wheels first as options, and in the late '80s as standard features. The top models of even the economy brands offered styled steel wheels.The advent of styled alloy wheels opened a new range of stylistic expression to auto owners. Spoke and swirl patterns could extend seamlessly to the outer edge of the wheel. As computerized machining technology advanced, it became less expensive to engineer the molds, so a larger selection of designs became available and prices decreased.Chrome, the final fashion statement, was applied to all varieties of styled wheels. This option is popular but expensive, in the range of several hundred dollars per wheel. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of actual chrome plating on auto wheels is its tendency to corrode when exposed to winter salt driving conditions. Hence the fine print caveat in the warrantees of chrome wheel manufacturers: "Do not drive chrome wheels in snow!" and "Salt can deteriorate and corrode your chrome."Wheelskins were invented in the late 1990s to provide an inexpensive way to put brilliant chromed plastic covers on styled wheels. Precision molds were designed to produce inexpensive corrosion resistant covers that perfectly match the geometry of styled wheels, and 'fit like a glove' or like a second skin. There are several manufacturers of wheelskins, the two best known are the Impostors™ and the Wheelskins brands. There is only one model of Wheelskin that matches each specific styled wheel, and that wheelskin does not fit any other wheel.Styled Wheels do not have the normal recess inside of the bead for standard hubcaps to mount into. Therefore, Wheelskins were designed with metal clips to grab the outer edge of the rim or wheel, the way a wheel weight does. The latest Wheelskins models use center clips that grab the wheel at the base of its spokes.Wheelskins have become the best-kept secret in the wheel fashion industry. Once installed, you can not tell the difference between them and real chromed wheels from more than 5 feet away. Thousands of sets are sold to new and used auto retailers, who mount them on the vehicles on their lots. Those thousands of vehicles are sold to customers who are very happy they have purchased chrome wheels at a bargain price.If you would like to read this article with pictures of classic cars that illustrate the examples given, go to http://www.autoamenity.com/FAQ/Wheelskins.htmPhil Sollecito is the webmaster for AutoAmenity, Seattle retailer of hubcaps, wheelskins, wheel simulators, grill inserts, and other automotive trim products.
http://www.autoamenity.com
Keyword : mag wheels,styled wheels,wheel
"Wheelskin" is a relatively new term. Wheelskins were invented in the late 1990s to provide an inexpensive way to put chrome on styled wheels.After WWII, auto racing enthusiasts introduced new technologies and materials to every aspect of race cars to reduce weight and improve speed and handling. One of those improvements, 'mag wheels' remains in the vernacular to this day. Halibrand magnesium wheels carried every car that won the Indy 500 from 1946 to 1963. Those early wheels were made of magnesium, which was far lighter than steel, and a even third lighter than aluminum. The major drawback of the true magnesium wheel was the need to polish it regularly, because magnesium reacts rapidly to air and water to produce a heavy surface oxide, which then pits. The shift to aluminum alloys reduced these problems.Early aluminum alloy wheels were made in fairly simple designs. As more sophisticated, high strength molding and forging processes were developed, more intricate and artistic designs became common. The original purpose of decreased weight for track performance metamorphosed to style and expression. Adoption of "styled" alloy wheels became widespread in high-end street machines of German manufacture, and as expensive aftermarket options for the rest. Finally, major American and Japanese manufacturers began offering styled alloy wheels first as options, and in the late '80s as standard features. The top models of even the economy brands offered styled steel wheels.The advent of styled alloy wheels opened a new range of stylistic expression to auto owners. Spoke and swirl patterns could extend seamlessly to the outer edge of the wheel. As computerized machining technology advanced, it became less expensive to engineer the molds, so a larger selection of designs became available and prices decreased.Chrome, the final fashion statement, was applied to all varieties of styled wheels. This option is popular but expensive, in the range of several hundred dollars per wheel. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of actual chrome plating on auto wheels is its tendency to corrode when exposed to winter salt driving conditions. Hence the fine print caveat in the warrantees of chrome wheel manufacturers: "Do not drive chrome wheels in snow!" and "Salt can deteriorate and corrode your chrome."Wheelskins were invented in the late 1990s to provide an inexpensive way to put brilliant chromed plastic covers on styled wheels. Precision molds were designed to produce inexpensive corrosion resistant covers that perfectly match the geometry of styled wheels, and 'fit like a glove' or like a second skin. There are several manufacturers of wheelskins, the two best known are the Impostors™ and the Wheelskins brands. There is only one model of Wheelskin that matches each specific styled wheel, and that wheelskin does not fit any other wheel.Styled Wheels do not have the normal recess inside of the bead for standard hubcaps to mount into. Therefore, Wheelskins were designed with metal clips to grab the outer edge of the rim or wheel, the way a wheel weight does. The latest Wheelskins models use center clips that grab the wheel at the base of its spokes.Wheelskins have become the best-kept secret in the wheel fashion industry. Once installed, you can not tell the difference between them and real chromed wheels from more than 5 feet away. Thousands of sets are sold to new and used auto retailers, who mount them on the vehicles on their lots. Those thousands of vehicles are sold to customers who are very happy they have purchased chrome wheels at a bargain price.If you would like to read this article with pictures of classic cars that illustrate the examples given, go to http://www.autoamenity.com/FAQ/Wheelskins.htmPhil Sollecito is the webmaster for AutoAmenity, Seattle retailer of hubcaps, wheelskins, wheel simulators, grill inserts, and other automotive trim products.
http://www.autoamenity.com
Keyword : mag wheels,styled wheels,wheel
Honda Odyssey 2006: The Weekly Driver
Author : James Raia
Since its 1999 debut, the Honda Odyssey has been at the front of the
minivan ranks. It combines superior styling, functionality and versatility.
And it performs like a sedan masquerading as an eight-passenger van.The 2006 edition further solidifies the vehicle's pedigree.Much of the Odyssey's current styling and improvements were added in
2005. And there was no reason to mess with a good thing. The
Odyssey's cavernous interior space, its well-designed seat configuration
and overall comfort are hard to beat.My test vehicle for the week was the Touring edition, one of seven
available Odysseys, and the most expensive. The minivan has a huge
price range, with the LX model offered at $25,195 and the Touring
edition with DVD navigation offered at $38,495.My weekly test included a frequently visited testing ground -- the 400-
mile round trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. The journey
always includes numerous driving scenarios -- wide-open, high-speed
Interstate 5 to the narrow, uneven side streets of Carmel.Minivans are largely marketed toward families or for small groups. But
for the last three years, I've traveled solo several times for several
hundred miles in minivans. It's hardly the most economically efficient
choice. But with the Odyssey, the journey is pleasant despite the vast
amount of unused space.Climbing and exploring around and through the vehicle, though, a solo
traveler can get a good sense of things.The second row of seats, for example, has superior head room and the
bucket seats are adjustable into many positions. They can also be
moved together to form a bench seat that can be slid forward and aft.The third-row seat folds into the floor, which further extents available
cargo space and alleviates a problem in other similar vehicles. A third
seat not in use in an Odyssey doesn't have to be stored elsewhere. And
iif all rows of seats are in use, there's a deep, rectangular space behind
the third seat for additional cargo space.Considering the Odyssey's Touring edition is the line's most expensive
offering, the optional features simply enhance the generous offering of
standard features.The standard feature list on the LX model includes: remote keyless
entry, AM/FM radio with CD player, all-power functions -- locks to mirrors
to windows. Subsequent higher-priced models include myriad offerings
-- power sunroof to navigation system, automatic headlights to power-
sliding side doors.The Touring edition has refinements like satellite radio, rearview camera
and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.I first drove the Odyssey in 2004. That year, the automatic shifting arm
was positioned behind the shorter arm that operated the windshield
wipers. More than once, I reached for the shifting arm and engaged the
windshield wipers or windshield cleaning spray function. The shifting
mechanism is now a short-shifting lever, efficiently positioned at an
angle on the near instrumentation panel.Driving the Odyssey is pleasant. While never mistaken for a powerful
sedan or a zippy sports car, the 3.5-liter 255-horsepower, V6 engine
fares well -- better than some in either aforementioned class.The drive to Monterey has winding, steep inclines to stop-and-go
situations. The Odyssey handles itself well and its does so with efficient
steering, good visibility and a strong, quiet ride.The Odyssey has two small issues. The rear view camera -- visible on a
small screen on the stereo console -- shows the area immediately
behind the vehicle. It's a nice feature, but the view is blurry and there's a
substantial trust factor learning curve -- at least there was for me.Another issue: Both sliding side doors can open and close automatically
via buttons of the keyless entry fob. But the function hasn't quite been
perfected. There's a delay when opening or close doors, and on more
than one occasion, the doors stopped before completely closing.Nonetheless, the Odyssey well deserves its position as the minivan
leader. Like other Hondas, it's hard to top in its class, whether used by a
solo driver or a family on vacation.Of course, if an Odyssey driver has only one passenger, the driver may
spend a lot of time alone. The passenger could easily prefer to spend
time in the comfort of the apartment in the back two seats.The Weekly Driver: 2006 Honda OdysseySafety features -- Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mph (city), 28 mph (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Extended
Power train, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage;
Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.Price range -- $25,195 to $38,795.
Keyword : Honda Odyssey, New Car, Automotive, Car Reviews, Honda
Since its 1999 debut, the Honda Odyssey has been at the front of the
minivan ranks. It combines superior styling, functionality and versatility.
And it performs like a sedan masquerading as an eight-passenger van.The 2006 edition further solidifies the vehicle's pedigree.Much of the Odyssey's current styling and improvements were added in
2005. And there was no reason to mess with a good thing. The
Odyssey's cavernous interior space, its well-designed seat configuration
and overall comfort are hard to beat.My test vehicle for the week was the Touring edition, one of seven
available Odysseys, and the most expensive. The minivan has a huge
price range, with the LX model offered at $25,195 and the Touring
edition with DVD navigation offered at $38,495.My weekly test included a frequently visited testing ground -- the 400-
mile round trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. The journey
always includes numerous driving scenarios -- wide-open, high-speed
Interstate 5 to the narrow, uneven side streets of Carmel.Minivans are largely marketed toward families or for small groups. But
for the last three years, I've traveled solo several times for several
hundred miles in minivans. It's hardly the most economically efficient
choice. But with the Odyssey, the journey is pleasant despite the vast
amount of unused space.Climbing and exploring around and through the vehicle, though, a solo
traveler can get a good sense of things.The second row of seats, for example, has superior head room and the
bucket seats are adjustable into many positions. They can also be
moved together to form a bench seat that can be slid forward and aft.The third-row seat folds into the floor, which further extents available
cargo space and alleviates a problem in other similar vehicles. A third
seat not in use in an Odyssey doesn't have to be stored elsewhere. And
iif all rows of seats are in use, there's a deep, rectangular space behind
the third seat for additional cargo space.Considering the Odyssey's Touring edition is the line's most expensive
offering, the optional features simply enhance the generous offering of
standard features.The standard feature list on the LX model includes: remote keyless
entry, AM/FM radio with CD player, all-power functions -- locks to mirrors
to windows. Subsequent higher-priced models include myriad offerings
-- power sunroof to navigation system, automatic headlights to power-
sliding side doors.The Touring edition has refinements like satellite radio, rearview camera
and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.I first drove the Odyssey in 2004. That year, the automatic shifting arm
was positioned behind the shorter arm that operated the windshield
wipers. More than once, I reached for the shifting arm and engaged the
windshield wipers or windshield cleaning spray function. The shifting
mechanism is now a short-shifting lever, efficiently positioned at an
angle on the near instrumentation panel.Driving the Odyssey is pleasant. While never mistaken for a powerful
sedan or a zippy sports car, the 3.5-liter 255-horsepower, V6 engine
fares well -- better than some in either aforementioned class.The drive to Monterey has winding, steep inclines to stop-and-go
situations. The Odyssey handles itself well and its does so with efficient
steering, good visibility and a strong, quiet ride.The Odyssey has two small issues. The rear view camera -- visible on a
small screen on the stereo console -- shows the area immediately
behind the vehicle. It's a nice feature, but the view is blurry and there's a
substantial trust factor learning curve -- at least there was for me.Another issue: Both sliding side doors can open and close automatically
via buttons of the keyless entry fob. But the function hasn't quite been
perfected. There's a delay when opening or close doors, and on more
than one occasion, the doors stopped before completely closing.Nonetheless, the Odyssey well deserves its position as the minivan
leader. Like other Hondas, it's hard to top in its class, whether used by a
solo driver or a family on vacation.Of course, if an Odyssey driver has only one passenger, the driver may
spend a lot of time alone. The passenger could easily prefer to spend
time in the comfort of the apartment in the back two seats.The Weekly Driver: 2006 Honda OdysseySafety features -- Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mph (city), 28 mph (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Extended
Power train, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage;
Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.Price range -- $25,195 to $38,795.
Keyword : Honda Odyssey, New Car, Automotive, Car Reviews, Honda
Auto Towing Need Not be a Nightmare
Author : Christopher Luck
All but the very luckiest of souls has, at some point, had their car towed away from them in the wake of malfunction from an automotive towing company, or worse, come out to the place it had once been parked only to find some phantom tow truck had grabbed hold of their prized possession and quickly spirited it away. The latter case is always most infuriating, though having to call an towing company is never anyone's idea of a ripping good time in itself. Either way, without traffic enforcement bylaws and tow trucks we probably wouldn't recognize the world we live in, so it's time to accept their existence, and know a few things about them that can help you in case you have to cross their path.The first thing to make sure of as a car owner is that you have a plan of action in mind in the event of a breakdown or, God forbid, a sudden realization that you haven't the requisite amount of gasoline to continue running that combustion engine of yours. It's embarrassing, yes – but hey, it happens to all of us, so the best thing to do is swallow pride and vanity and ring up a auto towing company ASAP to get that motionless heap of your off the road as quickly as humanly possible. Having a number handy with you in your car at all times is a necessity. Just when you're having the worse day of your life as your engine overheats on two-lane bridge in the middle of summer, billowing smoke out like chimney, you don't need the added joy of having to stop and ask someone if they know the number of a tow truck so that you can quickly get out of the flow angry motorists who are bound to be making vocal their aggravation with you.But that, of course, is the worst of the possible scenarios which could force you to have to call a towing company. We've all done the key-in-the-ignition thing, where we frantically grope ourselves in hopes of realizing we've left our set of keys in some secret, hidden pocket we didn't realize we had, and then peered in through the tightly sealed window to see them dangling there inside locked doors. Again, we hate to admit our own stupidity, but it happens, and a towing company is the first number you punch into your cell phone to admit the understandable lapse in common sense. Of course, you may also be in the unfortunate position of having battery with no more juice without another soul around to help jumpstart you back into running order.And then there's the other kind of auto towing that we have to bear witness to on a daily basis: the parking violation tow away. This, surely, is no laughing matter, but it's also important for you as the motorist (in this case, parked motorist) to know that there are rules and regulations that every towing company must abide by before they hook themselves up to your car and speed off to the nearest impound lot. These laws are up to you to be aware of, and are occasionally broken at the motorist expense, when companies assume that car owners will be too ignorant to know their rights. Firstly, a car cannot usually be towed by an auto towing company due to a parking infraction unless the proper authorities are noted, and a significant amount of time (usually in the neighborhood of an hour) has elapsed to give the owner a chance to claim his automobile. Second, if you race out to see a truck in the process of raising your car up to tow away, you have the right to tell him to lower it back down, and it is against the law for him to impound it after you have done so.Just knowing this much can save you money and stress, in what is bound to be a costly and stressful enough situation as it is. Know your rights and be prepared, and your encounters with the towing companies won't be as horrifying as they could be.Christopher M. Luck has have many years experience with automotive towing and is now offering his free professional auto towing advice to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher's auto towing advice, tips, or secrets, you can check out his auto towing blog.
Keyword : auto towing,automotive towing,car towing company,car towing,auto towing company,tow company
All but the very luckiest of souls has, at some point, had their car towed away from them in the wake of malfunction from an automotive towing company, or worse, come out to the place it had once been parked only to find some phantom tow truck had grabbed hold of their prized possession and quickly spirited it away. The latter case is always most infuriating, though having to call an towing company is never anyone's idea of a ripping good time in itself. Either way, without traffic enforcement bylaws and tow trucks we probably wouldn't recognize the world we live in, so it's time to accept their existence, and know a few things about them that can help you in case you have to cross their path.The first thing to make sure of as a car owner is that you have a plan of action in mind in the event of a breakdown or, God forbid, a sudden realization that you haven't the requisite amount of gasoline to continue running that combustion engine of yours. It's embarrassing, yes – but hey, it happens to all of us, so the best thing to do is swallow pride and vanity and ring up a auto towing company ASAP to get that motionless heap of your off the road as quickly as humanly possible. Having a number handy with you in your car at all times is a necessity. Just when you're having the worse day of your life as your engine overheats on two-lane bridge in the middle of summer, billowing smoke out like chimney, you don't need the added joy of having to stop and ask someone if they know the number of a tow truck so that you can quickly get out of the flow angry motorists who are bound to be making vocal their aggravation with you.But that, of course, is the worst of the possible scenarios which could force you to have to call a towing company. We've all done the key-in-the-ignition thing, where we frantically grope ourselves in hopes of realizing we've left our set of keys in some secret, hidden pocket we didn't realize we had, and then peered in through the tightly sealed window to see them dangling there inside locked doors. Again, we hate to admit our own stupidity, but it happens, and a towing company is the first number you punch into your cell phone to admit the understandable lapse in common sense. Of course, you may also be in the unfortunate position of having battery with no more juice without another soul around to help jumpstart you back into running order.And then there's the other kind of auto towing that we have to bear witness to on a daily basis: the parking violation tow away. This, surely, is no laughing matter, but it's also important for you as the motorist (in this case, parked motorist) to know that there are rules and regulations that every towing company must abide by before they hook themselves up to your car and speed off to the nearest impound lot. These laws are up to you to be aware of, and are occasionally broken at the motorist expense, when companies assume that car owners will be too ignorant to know their rights. Firstly, a car cannot usually be towed by an auto towing company due to a parking infraction unless the proper authorities are noted, and a significant amount of time (usually in the neighborhood of an hour) has elapsed to give the owner a chance to claim his automobile. Second, if you race out to see a truck in the process of raising your car up to tow away, you have the right to tell him to lower it back down, and it is against the law for him to impound it after you have done so.Just knowing this much can save you money and stress, in what is bound to be a costly and stressful enough situation as it is. Know your rights and be prepared, and your encounters with the towing companies won't be as horrifying as they could be.Christopher M. Luck has have many years experience with automotive towing and is now offering his free professional auto towing advice to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher's auto towing advice, tips, or secrets, you can check out his auto towing blog.
Keyword : auto towing,automotive towing,car towing company,car towing,auto towing company,tow company
Getting the Best Car Price When Buying a New Vehicle! Don't Waste Your Hard Earned Money
Author : Mike Robinson
In addition, by following these tips, you will find that the less scrupulous dealers, many times, will have automatically been eliminated from your list of dealerships before you come to the negotiation portion of a transaction.First, you must determine a fair price to pay for the car that you want. You must procure the invoice pricing for the vehicle you're interested in purchasing in order to determine a fair price. Look around online to locate a service that sells invoice pricing data. These pricing data packages offer valuable information such as current dealer inventories, as well as information about the deals that other buyers have secured. It is worth spending thirty or forty dollars for this information that can easily save you thousands on your next car purchase.Secondly, do take advantage of not just one, but several of the car prices quoting services that are available on the internet. You will then be in contact with several dealerships. Use competition to your advantage. Talk with the dealerships that contact you. Ask them for a bottom line car price that includes all the dealership's fees. If necessary, tell them that you are not interested in talking about financing, you are interested only in the bottom-line price of the car. Don't be pulled into discussion about monthly payments. We will discus this later on.Next, be sure to shop around for car financing. The dealership is certainly not the only place with which to get your new car financed! Find out what your FICO credit score is, as this will primarily dictate what interest rate you will be paying on the loan for your new car. Then it's time to apply to several different lenders and see which one offers the best rates. There are many reputable online lenders that will finance even those with lower credit ratings.If you will be trading in your used car, you should figure the trade-in and resale value of the car you are interested in selling. Basically, you will get more for your used car by selling it yourself, but trading in is simpler and easier. Another advantage to trading in your used car is that trade-in values lower the taxable amount of your new car. You will have to explore the numbers of your particular situation to determine which approach is best for you.Last, but certainly not least, comes the negotiation portion of the car buying experience. In order to form a meaningful picture of a dealer's offer, you should request a drive-away, cash car price that excludes the value trade-in vehicles, incentives and/or rebates. This simplifies matters, as many car dealers like to play around with these figures in order to confuse buyers and inflate their own profit.Once you determine the starting car price from several dealers, it's a simple matter of taking the lowest quoted car price and proceeding to inquire with the other dealers that you're in contact with as to whether or not they can beat the price. Repeat this process until the dealers quotes stop getting lower.Then it is time for negotiating the value of your trade-in car and decide whether or not to use dealer financing. Generally, you can find better rates through a third party lender, but if a dealer has a better rate, by all means, go with that. Be careful about dealing with dealers that don't want you to finance your car purchase with another lender.When it comes to handling dealer add-ons and fees, check over the paperwork and make sure the amounts match the figures you were quoted. In dealing with suspicious fees, don't be afraid to stop negotiations long enough to do research on the individual fees.Follow these steps and you're sure to find satisfaction with your new car purchase.This article was written by Mike Robinson, you can visit his web site by clicking here - http://www.onlinecarprice.info/]Car Price Guide
Keyword : car price, price of car, buying a car, buying a car tips, buying a car guide, new car tips
In addition, by following these tips, you will find that the less scrupulous dealers, many times, will have automatically been eliminated from your list of dealerships before you come to the negotiation portion of a transaction.First, you must determine a fair price to pay for the car that you want. You must procure the invoice pricing for the vehicle you're interested in purchasing in order to determine a fair price. Look around online to locate a service that sells invoice pricing data. These pricing data packages offer valuable information such as current dealer inventories, as well as information about the deals that other buyers have secured. It is worth spending thirty or forty dollars for this information that can easily save you thousands on your next car purchase.Secondly, do take advantage of not just one, but several of the car prices quoting services that are available on the internet. You will then be in contact with several dealerships. Use competition to your advantage. Talk with the dealerships that contact you. Ask them for a bottom line car price that includes all the dealership's fees. If necessary, tell them that you are not interested in talking about financing, you are interested only in the bottom-line price of the car. Don't be pulled into discussion about monthly payments. We will discus this later on.Next, be sure to shop around for car financing. The dealership is certainly not the only place with which to get your new car financed! Find out what your FICO credit score is, as this will primarily dictate what interest rate you will be paying on the loan for your new car. Then it's time to apply to several different lenders and see which one offers the best rates. There are many reputable online lenders that will finance even those with lower credit ratings.If you will be trading in your used car, you should figure the trade-in and resale value of the car you are interested in selling. Basically, you will get more for your used car by selling it yourself, but trading in is simpler and easier. Another advantage to trading in your used car is that trade-in values lower the taxable amount of your new car. You will have to explore the numbers of your particular situation to determine which approach is best for you.Last, but certainly not least, comes the negotiation portion of the car buying experience. In order to form a meaningful picture of a dealer's offer, you should request a drive-away, cash car price that excludes the value trade-in vehicles, incentives and/or rebates. This simplifies matters, as many car dealers like to play around with these figures in order to confuse buyers and inflate their own profit.Once you determine the starting car price from several dealers, it's a simple matter of taking the lowest quoted car price and proceeding to inquire with the other dealers that you're in contact with as to whether or not they can beat the price. Repeat this process until the dealers quotes stop getting lower.Then it is time for negotiating the value of your trade-in car and decide whether or not to use dealer financing. Generally, you can find better rates through a third party lender, but if a dealer has a better rate, by all means, go with that. Be careful about dealing with dealers that don't want you to finance your car purchase with another lender.When it comes to handling dealer add-ons and fees, check over the paperwork and make sure the amounts match the figures you were quoted. In dealing with suspicious fees, don't be afraid to stop negotiations long enough to do research on the individual fees.Follow these steps and you're sure to find satisfaction with your new car purchase.This article was written by Mike Robinson, you can visit his web site by clicking here - http://www.onlinecarprice.info/]Car Price Guide
Keyword : car price, price of car, buying a car, buying a car tips, buying a car guide, new car tips
The RV Blue Book; The Smart Book
Author : Mark Sturge
That old RV taking up space in your driveway? You remember why you bought it--you wanted to escape your daily life and take off down the road, headed to destinations uncertain. Of course, that was before you realized that you didn't have the time or the money to afford it. Now, you've let it gather rust spots. Perhaps it's time for a change. Perhaps it's time to sell.Of course, you could always put an ad in your local paper and hope that the prices offered are good enough, but why deal with all the guess work? Why not, instead, do the sensible thing and use a RV Blue Book? Not only will you know how much to sell your old RV for, but you'll also be able to find proper venues to sell it.Don't be too hasty with which RV Blue Book you choose, however. There are many available and some of them are less than helpful. What you need is to decide what is best for you and your RV. Things a proper RV Blue Book will have you consider:1. What was your RV worth when you first purchased it?A RV Blue Book has a wide selection of RV's available and their original prices. Of course, you cannot expect to get the same amount of money, but this will help you know what you paid and try to work getting as much of that back as possible. It should be noted: if you bought your RV through an ad or from a friend, rather than a dealer, the cost will be different. Still, work from the book.2. What is today's wholesale value?RV Blue Book's will be able to compare your RV over the years and discover its trade-in value.3. What is today's retail value?Again, a RV Blue Book will show how much you will you could get at the highest selling price. This isn't usual for many cases, of course. Few people will want to pay the highest available price, but the numbers are still there to give you the proper idea.4. What's the average price most users receive?RV Blue Book's give out the handy knowledge of the median profits, letting you make easy decisions on your offers. If an offer is lower than the average, you'll know to skip it for something higher. This eliminates the doubt of selling.5. How can the condition of your RV effect the price?A major aspect of how much money you will receive is the condition of your product. RV Blue Book's make this very clear: if your RV is in bad shape (too many miles, parts that don't work, rust, etc), the value will go down. This is just common sense and the Blue Book will let you know. Of course, as a seller, you have to be honest about the condition of your RV.The Blue Book only works for those who don't slant the descriptions. If there are problems, you have to tell about them--will the price go down, yes, but it will save you trouble later.Whether you are a buyer or seller (possibly both, if your'e looking to get rid of your old RV for a new one), you will need a reliable Blue Book. Could you work without one? Yes, but why would you want to? The numbers are all available for your use; this is to help you. Why pass on it?As a seller, it allows you the knowledge to make informed decisions. You won't run the risk of overpricing or, worse, asking too little. As a buyer, you can see what the fair amount is for whatever type of vehicle you are looking into and make the right calls.A RV Blue Book is worth the purchase and can help you with yours. Want an online resource? Check out nadaguides.Mark Sturge is the webmaster at http://www.rv-getaway.com A site where visitors can find information on rv resorts as well as useful hints and tips for rv enthusiasts.
Keyword : rv blue book, motor home, campers, used
That old RV taking up space in your driveway? You remember why you bought it--you wanted to escape your daily life and take off down the road, headed to destinations uncertain. Of course, that was before you realized that you didn't have the time or the money to afford it. Now, you've let it gather rust spots. Perhaps it's time for a change. Perhaps it's time to sell.Of course, you could always put an ad in your local paper and hope that the prices offered are good enough, but why deal with all the guess work? Why not, instead, do the sensible thing and use a RV Blue Book? Not only will you know how much to sell your old RV for, but you'll also be able to find proper venues to sell it.Don't be too hasty with which RV Blue Book you choose, however. There are many available and some of them are less than helpful. What you need is to decide what is best for you and your RV. Things a proper RV Blue Book will have you consider:1. What was your RV worth when you first purchased it?A RV Blue Book has a wide selection of RV's available and their original prices. Of course, you cannot expect to get the same amount of money, but this will help you know what you paid and try to work getting as much of that back as possible. It should be noted: if you bought your RV through an ad or from a friend, rather than a dealer, the cost will be different. Still, work from the book.2. What is today's wholesale value?RV Blue Book's will be able to compare your RV over the years and discover its trade-in value.3. What is today's retail value?Again, a RV Blue Book will show how much you will you could get at the highest selling price. This isn't usual for many cases, of course. Few people will want to pay the highest available price, but the numbers are still there to give you the proper idea.4. What's the average price most users receive?RV Blue Book's give out the handy knowledge of the median profits, letting you make easy decisions on your offers. If an offer is lower than the average, you'll know to skip it for something higher. This eliminates the doubt of selling.5. How can the condition of your RV effect the price?A major aspect of how much money you will receive is the condition of your product. RV Blue Book's make this very clear: if your RV is in bad shape (too many miles, parts that don't work, rust, etc), the value will go down. This is just common sense and the Blue Book will let you know. Of course, as a seller, you have to be honest about the condition of your RV.The Blue Book only works for those who don't slant the descriptions. If there are problems, you have to tell about them--will the price go down, yes, but it will save you trouble later.Whether you are a buyer or seller (possibly both, if your'e looking to get rid of your old RV for a new one), you will need a reliable Blue Book. Could you work without one? Yes, but why would you want to? The numbers are all available for your use; this is to help you. Why pass on it?As a seller, it allows you the knowledge to make informed decisions. You won't run the risk of overpricing or, worse, asking too little. As a buyer, you can see what the fair amount is for whatever type of vehicle you are looking into and make the right calls.A RV Blue Book is worth the purchase and can help you with yours. Want an online resource? Check out nadaguides.Mark Sturge is the webmaster at http://www.rv-getaway.com A site where visitors can find information on rv resorts as well as useful hints and tips for rv enthusiasts.
Keyword : rv blue book, motor home, campers, used
Benefits of Hybrid Automobiles
Author : David Maillie
High fuel prices and concerns over the environment have inspired more people than ever to go in search of alternative energy sources. The internal combustion engine is considered to be the biggest polluter on the planet. Hybrid automobiles have been gaining attention and popularity as a result of these concerns. Most manufacturers either currently offer these vehicles or are in the process of developing them.There are two types of hybrids: series hybrids and parallel hybrids. The parallel kind has a fuel tank for the gas engine and batteries for the electric motor. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission and power the vehicle. The small gas engine runs the car and the electric motor comes on when needed to boost power. This is typically needed for increasing speed, merging and passing other vehicles. Honda currently uses this technology.Series hybrids have a gas engine that powers the generator. The generator then charges the batteries and powers the electric motor. The gasoline engine doesn't power the vehicle on its own. The electric motor runs all the time and the gas engine comes on only when needed. This vehicle gets better mileage around town, where the electric motor is doing most of the work. Ford and Toyota currently use this technology.Hybrid cars get significantly better gas mileage than the traditional internal combustion engine. Most get between 20 and 30 miles per gallon more than standard automobiles. All hybrids shut off the gas engine automatically when the car is stopped. This saves fuel and is better for the environment. When you press the gas pedal, the engine turns back on automatically. The gas engine will also come on to start charging the batteries when they become low on power.Because less gasoline is burned in these vehicles, there is less pollution causing emissions released into the atmosphere. In addition, there is a lower level of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Many scientists and environmentalists link carbon dioxide to global warming.Parts of a Hybrid Vehicle:o Gas engine: the engine is smaller and more energy efficient than engines in traditional vehicles.
o Fuel tank: the fuel tank is also smaller and holds less gasoline. Since these cars burn less, a smaller tank is plenty to power the vehicle.
o Electric Motor: the electric motor acts as both a motor and a generator. The motor takes energy from the batteries to power the car for acceleration. When you slow down, the energy is returned to the batteries, which are then automatically recharged.
o Batteries: a series of batteries store energy needed to power the electric motor.
o Transmission: in most hybrids, the transmission works to propel the car forward in a similar way as in traditional gasoline powered vehicles.Hybrids recover energy from the electric motor to the battery. When you step on the brake, the energy from the motor is transmitted back to the battery. This process is known as regenerative braking. This helps to recharge the batteries and keep them in good working order.The aerodynamic designs of the hybrids help in their energy efficiency. Look at pictures of the various hybrids on the market. The shape of the vehicle is intentional. It reduces the frontal area of the car, which reduces the drag on the car when it moves through the air.Lightweight materials are used on hybrid cars. This is also intentional. The more a car weighs, the more energy is needed to propel the vehicle forward. This is one reason SUVs use so much more gas than other cars. Lighter materials are used to reduce the overall weight of the car and in turn, decrease the energy that is needed to run it.The tires on these vehicles are specially designed to increase efficiency. Stiffer materials are used in the construction and the tires are inflated to a higher pressure. This ensures optimum efficiency and conserves energy. These tires have about half as much drag as regular tires.Automobile manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency. Technology is being continually developed to increase the efficiency and performance of these vehicles. Some of the coming improvements include: increased fuel economy, more safety features, better performance and comfort.Your new hybrid automobile is an investment that you will want to protect. Keep the exterior looking great with regular washing and waxing to protect the finish of the car. Don't overlook the headlights when performing exterior maintenance. New Lite Headlight Cleaner and Restorer will return cloudy headlights to like new condition. Learn more about this product at www.mdwholesale.com.David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com
Keyword : hybrid automobiles, hybrid, cars, electric, gas, batteries, energy, transmission, aerodynamics
High fuel prices and concerns over the environment have inspired more people than ever to go in search of alternative energy sources. The internal combustion engine is considered to be the biggest polluter on the planet. Hybrid automobiles have been gaining attention and popularity as a result of these concerns. Most manufacturers either currently offer these vehicles or are in the process of developing them.There are two types of hybrids: series hybrids and parallel hybrids. The parallel kind has a fuel tank for the gas engine and batteries for the electric motor. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission and power the vehicle. The small gas engine runs the car and the electric motor comes on when needed to boost power. This is typically needed for increasing speed, merging and passing other vehicles. Honda currently uses this technology.Series hybrids have a gas engine that powers the generator. The generator then charges the batteries and powers the electric motor. The gasoline engine doesn't power the vehicle on its own. The electric motor runs all the time and the gas engine comes on only when needed. This vehicle gets better mileage around town, where the electric motor is doing most of the work. Ford and Toyota currently use this technology.Hybrid cars get significantly better gas mileage than the traditional internal combustion engine. Most get between 20 and 30 miles per gallon more than standard automobiles. All hybrids shut off the gas engine automatically when the car is stopped. This saves fuel and is better for the environment. When you press the gas pedal, the engine turns back on automatically. The gas engine will also come on to start charging the batteries when they become low on power.Because less gasoline is burned in these vehicles, there is less pollution causing emissions released into the atmosphere. In addition, there is a lower level of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Many scientists and environmentalists link carbon dioxide to global warming.Parts of a Hybrid Vehicle:o Gas engine: the engine is smaller and more energy efficient than engines in traditional vehicles.
o Fuel tank: the fuel tank is also smaller and holds less gasoline. Since these cars burn less, a smaller tank is plenty to power the vehicle.
o Electric Motor: the electric motor acts as both a motor and a generator. The motor takes energy from the batteries to power the car for acceleration. When you slow down, the energy is returned to the batteries, which are then automatically recharged.
o Batteries: a series of batteries store energy needed to power the electric motor.
o Transmission: in most hybrids, the transmission works to propel the car forward in a similar way as in traditional gasoline powered vehicles.Hybrids recover energy from the electric motor to the battery. When you step on the brake, the energy from the motor is transmitted back to the battery. This process is known as regenerative braking. This helps to recharge the batteries and keep them in good working order.The aerodynamic designs of the hybrids help in their energy efficiency. Look at pictures of the various hybrids on the market. The shape of the vehicle is intentional. It reduces the frontal area of the car, which reduces the drag on the car when it moves through the air.Lightweight materials are used on hybrid cars. This is also intentional. The more a car weighs, the more energy is needed to propel the vehicle forward. This is one reason SUVs use so much more gas than other cars. Lighter materials are used to reduce the overall weight of the car and in turn, decrease the energy that is needed to run it.The tires on these vehicles are specially designed to increase efficiency. Stiffer materials are used in the construction and the tires are inflated to a higher pressure. This ensures optimum efficiency and conserves energy. These tires have about half as much drag as regular tires.Automobile manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency. Technology is being continually developed to increase the efficiency and performance of these vehicles. Some of the coming improvements include: increased fuel economy, more safety features, better performance and comfort.Your new hybrid automobile is an investment that you will want to protect. Keep the exterior looking great with regular washing and waxing to protect the finish of the car. Don't overlook the headlights when performing exterior maintenance. New Lite Headlight Cleaner and Restorer will return cloudy headlights to like new condition. Learn more about this product at www.mdwholesale.com.David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com
Keyword : hybrid automobiles, hybrid, cars, electric, gas, batteries, energy, transmission, aerodynamics
Econoline Hood, Windshield, Well Protected with Air Deflectors from Ford Parts Discount
Author : Jay Stevens
Annoyed by the nicks and scratches that you see on the hood of your Ford Econoline van? Or do you simply hate it when minor road debris hit your van's windshield while you are driving? Well, you can't prevent all the bugs, road debris and wind from hitting the hood and the windshield of your Ford Econoline van, but there is a way to fend off most of them. That is by using the Ford Econoline Air Deflector, an auto accessory that has long been available at Ford Parts Discount.An air deflector is a panel that is positioned at an angle on the front of an automobile's hood, although there are also air deflectors that are mounted on the roof of vehicles, especially if the vehicle is a truck. The main function of an air deflector in a vehicle is to redirect airflow so that it would travel up and over the vehicle. This prevents a lot of wind, along with the minor road debris and small insects it carries with it, from hitting the hood and the windshield of the vehicle. Thus, air deflectors can really help protect the hood and windshield of your Ford Econoline van from nicks and scratches.There are many kinds of air deflectors (or air foils as they are sometimes called) available in the automotive parts market today, whether online or offline. Most of these panels are made of transparent plastic, although there are also air deflectors in black matte, ready-to-paint finish. Air deflectors installed in front of a vehicle's hood are also often designed to match the style of the vehicle's bumper.Aside from the air deflectors that are installed in front of the hood or on the roof, there are also other accessories that are sometimes referred to as air deflectors. Among them are those installed in front of a vehicle's sunroof, the main function of which is to reduce wind noise and turbulence when the sunroof is open. Then, there are also those spoilers that fit on the side windows to prevent air from rushing into the vehicle, although these components are better known as wind deflectors.Ford Parts DiscountFord parts---------------Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Keyword : auto parts,ford parts,hood,air deflectors
Annoyed by the nicks and scratches that you see on the hood of your Ford Econoline van? Or do you simply hate it when minor road debris hit your van's windshield while you are driving? Well, you can't prevent all the bugs, road debris and wind from hitting the hood and the windshield of your Ford Econoline van, but there is a way to fend off most of them. That is by using the Ford Econoline Air Deflector, an auto accessory that has long been available at Ford Parts Discount.An air deflector is a panel that is positioned at an angle on the front of an automobile's hood, although there are also air deflectors that are mounted on the roof of vehicles, especially if the vehicle is a truck. The main function of an air deflector in a vehicle is to redirect airflow so that it would travel up and over the vehicle. This prevents a lot of wind, along with the minor road debris and small insects it carries with it, from hitting the hood and the windshield of the vehicle. Thus, air deflectors can really help protect the hood and windshield of your Ford Econoline van from nicks and scratches.There are many kinds of air deflectors (or air foils as they are sometimes called) available in the automotive parts market today, whether online or offline. Most of these panels are made of transparent plastic, although there are also air deflectors in black matte, ready-to-paint finish. Air deflectors installed in front of a vehicle's hood are also often designed to match the style of the vehicle's bumper.Aside from the air deflectors that are installed in front of the hood or on the roof, there are also other accessories that are sometimes referred to as air deflectors. Among them are those installed in front of a vehicle's sunroof, the main function of which is to reduce wind noise and turbulence when the sunroof is open. Then, there are also those spoilers that fit on the side windows to prevent air from rushing into the vehicle, although these components are better known as wind deflectors.Ford Parts DiscountFord parts---------------Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Keyword : auto parts,ford parts,hood,air deflectors
Car Accident Injuries - Causes and Preventive Measures
Author : John Schwartz
Car accidents that cause injuries have happened virtually since automobiles were invented. The first recorded accidental injury occurred in 1869. An Irish woman named Mary Ward was thrown out of the steam-powered carriage she was riding in when it hit an especially deep rut in the road. She was immediately crushed by one of the wheels, her injuries causing an instantaneous death. Her cousin had actually been the inventor of this new type of vehicle, in a cruel example of irony.Over the last 25 years or so, car accident injuries resulting in deaths have declined an impressive 50% worldwide. This is due primarily to increased emphasis by both governments and car manufacturers on safety, including the standard use of air bags to reduce the number of severe injuries and deaths caused by front and side car-to-car collisions.Sadly, the United States is one of the few nations where injuries and fatalities caused by cars have increased over this same period. Experts suggest that this has several causes, including an increased number of motorists overall, a steady increase in the number of large trucks and SUVs sold, and a sharp rise in the numbers of people using cell phones and other technological gadgets while driving their cars.Another common cause of car accident injuries is 'rubbernecking.' This is the term for slowing down (sometimes suddenly) to look at an unusual situation happening on the road (or nearby). Often, people do this to check out car accidents, which can cause other motorists farther back who are not paying close attention to fail to slow down or stop in time. Rubbernecking is the #1 cause of all rear-end car accidents and, in particular, whiplash injuries, in the United States.Car accident prevention designed to reduce injury and fatality numbers focuses on technology and changing human behavior while behind the wheel. Modern cars and trucks are equipped with air bags, and proximity and drift monitors are becoming more common as well. Both emit loud tones to alert the car's driver that the vehicle is entering a dangerous area. In Europe, this has been shown to reduce accidental injuries from both car-to-car collisions and single-car accidents.Changing driver behaviors to reduce car accidents is a tougher nut to crack - especially in the United States, where car ownership is embedded in the culture. People spend so much time in their cars today that it results in a sense of invulnerability. The subsequent lack of defensive driving is one of the reasons why accidental injuries from car collisions in America are bucking the worldwide downward trend.Perhaps surprisingly, U.S. states with less restrictive speed limit laws actually have a slightly lower incidence of car accidents that cause injuries or deaths. This can partially be explained by a lower number of cars on the road per capita vs. some of the states with lower speed limits. However, even when adjusted for this effect, the statistics still show a slight edge to states with higher limits. Advocates of stricter enforcement of posted speed limits may be pursuing the wrong strategy, if the goal is the prevention of car accident injuries.A better approach to accident prevention should probably focus on two areas that lead to many serious auto accidents: driver distractions and age. Cell phones are becoming the biggest distraction, and more and more states are banning their use by the driver while the vehicle is in motion. Even if you live where it is permissible, it's an extremely bad idea! Recent studies have shown a clear connection between phone use and car accidents.Driver age has an interesting correlation with car accidents that cause injuries and deaths. At both ends of the spectrum, ages 16-20 and 70+, a much higher percentage of accidents occur than with other age ranges. Accident prevention based on the driver's age is not easily implemented, but calls by the public and advocacy groups are on the increase. Some suggestions include mandatory driver education courses, annual driver examinations to reassess abilities, and even a magnetic sticker or decal on all cars driven by a person falling into either age demographic. The latter entails the idea that alerting other drivers will increase their defensive driving attention, reducing the frequency of accidents.© John Schwartz http://www.tonneau-covers-1.com (all rights reserved)John Schwartz is a professional writer and web site publisher. For truck accessories and related information, check out his site at http://www.tonneau-covers-1.com today.
Keyword : car accidents,cars,auto,trucks,injuries,deaths,accident,injury,vehicle
Car accidents that cause injuries have happened virtually since automobiles were invented. The first recorded accidental injury occurred in 1869. An Irish woman named Mary Ward was thrown out of the steam-powered carriage she was riding in when it hit an especially deep rut in the road. She was immediately crushed by one of the wheels, her injuries causing an instantaneous death. Her cousin had actually been the inventor of this new type of vehicle, in a cruel example of irony.Over the last 25 years or so, car accident injuries resulting in deaths have declined an impressive 50% worldwide. This is due primarily to increased emphasis by both governments and car manufacturers on safety, including the standard use of air bags to reduce the number of severe injuries and deaths caused by front and side car-to-car collisions.Sadly, the United States is one of the few nations where injuries and fatalities caused by cars have increased over this same period. Experts suggest that this has several causes, including an increased number of motorists overall, a steady increase in the number of large trucks and SUVs sold, and a sharp rise in the numbers of people using cell phones and other technological gadgets while driving their cars.Another common cause of car accident injuries is 'rubbernecking.' This is the term for slowing down (sometimes suddenly) to look at an unusual situation happening on the road (or nearby). Often, people do this to check out car accidents, which can cause other motorists farther back who are not paying close attention to fail to slow down or stop in time. Rubbernecking is the #1 cause of all rear-end car accidents and, in particular, whiplash injuries, in the United States.Car accident prevention designed to reduce injury and fatality numbers focuses on technology and changing human behavior while behind the wheel. Modern cars and trucks are equipped with air bags, and proximity and drift monitors are becoming more common as well. Both emit loud tones to alert the car's driver that the vehicle is entering a dangerous area. In Europe, this has been shown to reduce accidental injuries from both car-to-car collisions and single-car accidents.Changing driver behaviors to reduce car accidents is a tougher nut to crack - especially in the United States, where car ownership is embedded in the culture. People spend so much time in their cars today that it results in a sense of invulnerability. The subsequent lack of defensive driving is one of the reasons why accidental injuries from car collisions in America are bucking the worldwide downward trend.Perhaps surprisingly, U.S. states with less restrictive speed limit laws actually have a slightly lower incidence of car accidents that cause injuries or deaths. This can partially be explained by a lower number of cars on the road per capita vs. some of the states with lower speed limits. However, even when adjusted for this effect, the statistics still show a slight edge to states with higher limits. Advocates of stricter enforcement of posted speed limits may be pursuing the wrong strategy, if the goal is the prevention of car accident injuries.A better approach to accident prevention should probably focus on two areas that lead to many serious auto accidents: driver distractions and age. Cell phones are becoming the biggest distraction, and more and more states are banning their use by the driver while the vehicle is in motion. Even if you live where it is permissible, it's an extremely bad idea! Recent studies have shown a clear connection between phone use and car accidents.Driver age has an interesting correlation with car accidents that cause injuries and deaths. At both ends of the spectrum, ages 16-20 and 70+, a much higher percentage of accidents occur than with other age ranges. Accident prevention based on the driver's age is not easily implemented, but calls by the public and advocacy groups are on the increase. Some suggestions include mandatory driver education courses, annual driver examinations to reassess abilities, and even a magnetic sticker or decal on all cars driven by a person falling into either age demographic. The latter entails the idea that alerting other drivers will increase their defensive driving attention, reducing the frequency of accidents.© John Schwartz http://www.tonneau-covers-1.com (all rights reserved)John Schwartz is a professional writer and web site publisher. For truck accessories and related information, check out his site at http://www.tonneau-covers-1.com today.
Keyword : car accidents,cars,auto,trucks,injuries,deaths,accident,injury,vehicle
Auto Detailing; How Much Money Can I Make
Author : Lance Winslow
One question that new entrants into the auto detailing, mobile automotive detail or mobile car wash business ask themselves is how do I get the training I need to succeed and please my clientele. Is there a detailing certificate I can get to show my customers? Will they ask me for such a thing to prove my abilities?Personally having been in the mobile auto detailing and car wash business for some 27 years; I have never heard of anyone asking for proof of training or certification, if a customer did that, they are up to something, probably a competitor. Competitors do a lot of fishing, but are generally mentally inferior, lacking personal character and afraid.Are there good places to get training? Well you could check out www.DetailPlus.com in Portland, I recommend them. But you will find such training in all parts of the country. Another question that is often asked my new entrants into the professional automotive detailing industry is; "How much money does it take to get started?"The answer to this question is that; It depends on if you are going to try to service, wholesale car lot and auto auction detailing or retail detail or a combination. Perhaps you might be detailing aircraft? Perhaps you are a laid off aircraft mechanic and want to detail aircraft then you might be setting up an aircraft mobile detailing business or a hanger based operation. For aircraft cleaning an A & P mechanic would not need much training, except maybe quick buffer lessons and review of aircraft coatings and paint; Imron, Polyurethane, etc. and fabric, Stits, Ceconite, etc. You see the amounts you generate in income will vastly vary depending on the type of business you run. So think it all thru carefully before you jump into the deep end in the detailing business.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Auto Detailing, How Much Money Can I Make
One question that new entrants into the auto detailing, mobile automotive detail or mobile car wash business ask themselves is how do I get the training I need to succeed and please my clientele. Is there a detailing certificate I can get to show my customers? Will they ask me for such a thing to prove my abilities?Personally having been in the mobile auto detailing and car wash business for some 27 years; I have never heard of anyone asking for proof of training or certification, if a customer did that, they are up to something, probably a competitor. Competitors do a lot of fishing, but are generally mentally inferior, lacking personal character and afraid.Are there good places to get training? Well you could check out www.DetailPlus.com in Portland, I recommend them. But you will find such training in all parts of the country. Another question that is often asked my new entrants into the professional automotive detailing industry is; "How much money does it take to get started?"The answer to this question is that; It depends on if you are going to try to service, wholesale car lot and auto auction detailing or retail detail or a combination. Perhaps you might be detailing aircraft? Perhaps you are a laid off aircraft mechanic and want to detail aircraft then you might be setting up an aircraft mobile detailing business or a hanger based operation. For aircraft cleaning an A & P mechanic would not need much training, except maybe quick buffer lessons and review of aircraft coatings and paint; Imron, Polyurethane, etc. and fabric, Stits, Ceconite, etc. You see the amounts you generate in income will vastly vary depending on the type of business you run. So think it all thru carefully before you jump into the deep end in the detailing business.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Auto Detailing, How Much Money Can I Make
The Best Way To Find The Best Car Accessories
Author : Christopher Luck
How do you find the car accessory that is just right for your new BMW. Everyone I know who owns a BMW wants to give it just a touch of personality. They want something to make it unique to them and not just another beamer on the road. To put their signature on it, many of them look for a car accessory that will give their BMW some personality. There are some tips that can help you to do that with your BMW.
For some people, the best car accessory for a BMW is wheels, some find steering wheels or gear shift covers to be the perfect car accessory for their BMW. Any of these after market items make a great touch to personalize a BMW. They come in a variety of styles and prices, but there is certainly a car accessory in the group that would be just right for you and your car.
When choosing a car accessory for your BMW, keep in mind that it will have to be installed at some point. I know that seems obvious, but it is easy to get caught up in all of the accessories and forget that you will have to find a way to get it in there. In order to make sure you install your car accessory properly, you will definitely need to get your hands on some instructions. Many times the part will come with its own instructions, but they can sometimes be vague and confusing. You can, if you are having trouble installing your car accessory, contact other BMW owners or check on line for supplemental instruction. No matter how you do it, just make sure that your accessories get installed properly so as not to do damage to the part or to your car. If you are concerned, you can always contact a BMW dealer or car accessory dealer to find out what they charge to install.
Where do you begin your car accessory search, though? The best place to look is online. There are so many stores and dealers offering car accessories for your BMW online that you will hardly be able to believe it. There, you will be able to see photos of the car accessory you are considering, check out consumer reviews to find out if it is of the quality you want, and you can likely get it shipped straight to your home. Also, you may find much better pricing online than you will in a store. Many companies discount online items or at least offer free shipping. So it is a great place to start your search.
Your BMW is your baby, right? But you don't want it to be just like all of the others on the road. Well a car accessory here and there can really personalize your BMW to make it uniquely yours with a personality all its own. Finding and installing the right car accessory is not difficult if you just make sure you know what you are doing going into it. With a little research and determination you will have the perfect car accessory for your BMW before you know it. Good luck and enjoy your new personalize car.If you would like to view more of my articles on car accessories, please feel free to visit my website on automotive accessories!
Keyword : car accessory,car accessories,automotive accessories,car parts,corvettes,mercedes,bmw,dodge,ford
How do you find the car accessory that is just right for your new BMW. Everyone I know who owns a BMW wants to give it just a touch of personality. They want something to make it unique to them and not just another beamer on the road. To put their signature on it, many of them look for a car accessory that will give their BMW some personality. There are some tips that can help you to do that with your BMW.
For some people, the best car accessory for a BMW is wheels, some find steering wheels or gear shift covers to be the perfect car accessory for their BMW. Any of these after market items make a great touch to personalize a BMW. They come in a variety of styles and prices, but there is certainly a car accessory in the group that would be just right for you and your car.
When choosing a car accessory for your BMW, keep in mind that it will have to be installed at some point. I know that seems obvious, but it is easy to get caught up in all of the accessories and forget that you will have to find a way to get it in there. In order to make sure you install your car accessory properly, you will definitely need to get your hands on some instructions. Many times the part will come with its own instructions, but they can sometimes be vague and confusing. You can, if you are having trouble installing your car accessory, contact other BMW owners or check on line for supplemental instruction. No matter how you do it, just make sure that your accessories get installed properly so as not to do damage to the part or to your car. If you are concerned, you can always contact a BMW dealer or car accessory dealer to find out what they charge to install.
Where do you begin your car accessory search, though? The best place to look is online. There are so many stores and dealers offering car accessories for your BMW online that you will hardly be able to believe it. There, you will be able to see photos of the car accessory you are considering, check out consumer reviews to find out if it is of the quality you want, and you can likely get it shipped straight to your home. Also, you may find much better pricing online than you will in a store. Many companies discount online items or at least offer free shipping. So it is a great place to start your search.
Your BMW is your baby, right? But you don't want it to be just like all of the others on the road. Well a car accessory here and there can really personalize your BMW to make it uniquely yours with a personality all its own. Finding and installing the right car accessory is not difficult if you just make sure you know what you are doing going into it. With a little research and determination you will have the perfect car accessory for your BMW before you know it. Good luck and enjoy your new personalize car.If you would like to view more of my articles on car accessories, please feel free to visit my website on automotive accessories!
Keyword : car accessory,car accessories,automotive accessories,car parts,corvettes,mercedes,bmw,dodge,ford
Ford Your Way with Quality Ford Auto Parts
Author : Chuck Smiths
The Ford Motor Company has been one of the leading manufacturers of vehicles up until the current time. At present, it is the producer and creator of many brands of automobiles and vehicles, and among its list is Ford.Ford offers its clients and the world's varying lifestyles reliable and affordable vehicles. It has made its way in the marking of milestones, and one of these is the Model T that was created and made by Henry Ford, and this automobile is actually more known as the car that first brought driving to the masses. Currently, Ford vehicles and automobiles is now counted and is among the world's most popular cars and trucks. Ford, while developing their vehicles, had kept in mind and had made it their top priority to give their patrons the value for their hard-earned money, while never compromising the quality of the vehicles that they produce. They had strived to meet consumers' real-life requirements – a wide range from the smaller cars for Europeans to the "smarter" cars for the ever-changing surroundings. Among their growing list of top-notch automobiles is the Ford Explorer.The Ford Explorer 4x2 has turned out to be a 4-door sport-utility vehicle. It can contain up to seven passengers, and is available in seven trims. The Ford Explorer ranges from the XLS 4.0L to the Limited 4.6L. It is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that is sold mostly in North America. It was built in 1991 and is still in production at present. Since its introduction, it has been the best selling vehicle in its class, and has made its way to become one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicles on the road.Ford Parts OnlineFord Explorer Parts--------------------Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Techonology.
Keyword : auto parts,ford parts,catalytic converters,ac condensers,door handles,exhaust manifolds,radiators
The Ford Motor Company has been one of the leading manufacturers of vehicles up until the current time. At present, it is the producer and creator of many brands of automobiles and vehicles, and among its list is Ford.Ford offers its clients and the world's varying lifestyles reliable and affordable vehicles. It has made its way in the marking of milestones, and one of these is the Model T that was created and made by Henry Ford, and this automobile is actually more known as the car that first brought driving to the masses. Currently, Ford vehicles and automobiles is now counted and is among the world's most popular cars and trucks. Ford, while developing their vehicles, had kept in mind and had made it their top priority to give their patrons the value for their hard-earned money, while never compromising the quality of the vehicles that they produce. They had strived to meet consumers' real-life requirements – a wide range from the smaller cars for Europeans to the "smarter" cars for the ever-changing surroundings. Among their growing list of top-notch automobiles is the Ford Explorer.The Ford Explorer 4x2 has turned out to be a 4-door sport-utility vehicle. It can contain up to seven passengers, and is available in seven trims. The Ford Explorer ranges from the XLS 4.0L to the Limited 4.6L. It is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that is sold mostly in North America. It was built in 1991 and is still in production at present. Since its introduction, it has been the best selling vehicle in its class, and has made its way to become one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicles on the road.Ford Parts OnlineFord Explorer Parts--------------------Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Techonology.
Keyword : auto parts,ford parts,catalytic converters,ac condensers,door handles,exhaust manifolds,radiators
Rebuilt Carburetors
Author : Eric Morris
The carburetor is one of the most important parts in automobile engines. The carburetor ensures the right mix of gasoline and air in the engine so that the engine functions correctly. Though very few car manufacturers use carburetors these days because of alternative fuel injection technology, there are many people who still prefer to service the carburetors in their old cars. Carburetors are also used in lawnmowers, bikes, boats, and some light aircraft.Carburetors are rebuilt professionally using original equipment cores. They are tested individually and can be delivered within 4-6 weeks. Most manufacturers provide rebuilt carburetors that comply with the emission standards of all the 50 states in the US. Rebuilt carburetors come with base gaskets and a full warranty for manufacturing defects for 90 days or 3,000 miles, whichever is earlier. Most manufacturers limit the guarantee to repair or replacement of any faulty unit. Losses over the cost of the carburetor or damage to the vehicle because of the carburetor are not covered under the warranty.Rebuilding carburetors involves disassembling the carburetor and other related components in the fuel system. These parts are cleaned with a carburetor cleaner. Then the spoiled or broken parts are replaced using new parts from a carburetor kit. Rebuilt carburetors do not include brackets, idle solenoid, air cleaner studs, mounting bolts, or heat baffle plates.A carburetor in a simple engine like a lawn mower can be rebuilt by anyone following the instruction manual. A carburetor kit also allows people to rebuild a carburetor in older cars. There are several websites over the Internet that contain information about carburetor rebuilding. These sites also provide carburetor rebuild kits for many car models including pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and recreational vehicles. These kits can be ordered online and are usually shipped on the same day. Companies also provide professional support by technicians who would take a look at the engine and help to decide the best carburetor kit for rebuilding the carburetor.Carburetors provides detailed information about carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning, and more. Carburetors is affiliated with Car Transport.
Keyword : carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning
The carburetor is one of the most important parts in automobile engines. The carburetor ensures the right mix of gasoline and air in the engine so that the engine functions correctly. Though very few car manufacturers use carburetors these days because of alternative fuel injection technology, there are many people who still prefer to service the carburetors in their old cars. Carburetors are also used in lawnmowers, bikes, boats, and some light aircraft.Carburetors are rebuilt professionally using original equipment cores. They are tested individually and can be delivered within 4-6 weeks. Most manufacturers provide rebuilt carburetors that comply with the emission standards of all the 50 states in the US. Rebuilt carburetors come with base gaskets and a full warranty for manufacturing defects for 90 days or 3,000 miles, whichever is earlier. Most manufacturers limit the guarantee to repair or replacement of any faulty unit. Losses over the cost of the carburetor or damage to the vehicle because of the carburetor are not covered under the warranty.Rebuilding carburetors involves disassembling the carburetor and other related components in the fuel system. These parts are cleaned with a carburetor cleaner. Then the spoiled or broken parts are replaced using new parts from a carburetor kit. Rebuilt carburetors do not include brackets, idle solenoid, air cleaner studs, mounting bolts, or heat baffle plates.A carburetor in a simple engine like a lawn mower can be rebuilt by anyone following the instruction manual. A carburetor kit also allows people to rebuild a carburetor in older cars. There are several websites over the Internet that contain information about carburetor rebuilding. These sites also provide carburetor rebuild kits for many car models including pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and recreational vehicles. These kits can be ordered online and are usually shipped on the same day. Companies also provide professional support by technicians who would take a look at the engine and help to decide the best carburetor kit for rebuilding the carburetor.Carburetors provides detailed information about carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning, and more. Carburetors is affiliated with Car Transport.
Keyword : carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning
SmartCar Voice Enabled Automotive Coatings of the Future
Author : Lance Winslow
There are so many things that can destroy a car's finish and it is too bad that the paint cannot talk to you or those around the car. Luckily in the future of the Smart Car, the paint coating will have sensors embedded in it which will be connected to the net centric systems of the car. Incorporated into the skin of the car's carbon nanotube constructed body will be haptic sensors that gauge pressure and the cars coating and clear coat paint will all be part of this system. The paint coating will not have to worry any longer about bird droppings or the occasional mischievous kid in the neighborhood throwing eggs, as they will be somewhat self cleaning like the new self cleaning glass available.The car will also have anti pedestrian collision systems which when parked will guard the car from passers by. If someone approaches with too close the car will warn the individual of a potential non-lethal stun gun shock. If a shopping cart is rapidly approaching the car will turn on and move out of the way. When you are at a car wash the car itself will monitor the washing and drying process. "Hey you missed a spot" or "Oye usted perdió un lugar, usted imbecile." So, you do not have to worry about your car in the future. Think on this in 2006.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Voice Enabled Automotive Paint Coating, smart car, carwash, stun gun, snartcar
There are so many things that can destroy a car's finish and it is too bad that the paint cannot talk to you or those around the car. Luckily in the future of the Smart Car, the paint coating will have sensors embedded in it which will be connected to the net centric systems of the car. Incorporated into the skin of the car's carbon nanotube constructed body will be haptic sensors that gauge pressure and the cars coating and clear coat paint will all be part of this system. The paint coating will not have to worry any longer about bird droppings or the occasional mischievous kid in the neighborhood throwing eggs, as they will be somewhat self cleaning like the new self cleaning glass available.The car will also have anti pedestrian collision systems which when parked will guard the car from passers by. If someone approaches with too close the car will warn the individual of a potential non-lethal stun gun shock. If a shopping cart is rapidly approaching the car will turn on and move out of the way. When you are at a car wash the car itself will monitor the washing and drying process. "Hey you missed a spot" or "Oye usted perdió un lugar, usted imbecile." So, you do not have to worry about your car in the future. Think on this in 2006.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Voice Enabled Automotive Paint Coating, smart car, carwash, stun gun, snartcar
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