aboutautos

Take A Look at Car Video Systems

2006-11-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

by: Morgan Hamilton

Do you find yourself on the road a lot? Do you go on those long road trips to go camping or visiting faraway relatives with your family? Long trips in your own car can really be boring and troublesome, especially if you travel with your family. Children, especially young ones, can be really noisy and unruly if they become bored during a long trip. Trips like this can also endanger your family as it can be hard to concentrate on the road if your children are making that awful racket. Why don’t you install a car video system in your vehicle to make your car trips much more enjoyable? Car video systems come standard on newer vehicles like many other things these days. Anything from GPS to CD changers can be enjoyed right off the bat if you purchase an high-end vehicle. But if you don’t have enough savings to buy a pricey vehicle, it would be cheaper to install it on the car you have right now. I can understand if you’re hesitant to install car video systems in your car. You might think that it probably will cost a lot. Well It’s not as expensive as you might think. A year ago when I decided to buy a minivan, I also looked into car video systems available. I was thinking that it would really useful on a family oriented vehicle like a minivan. Too my surprise I found out that it only cost an additional two grand to have it installed in my car. Though it may still sound expensive it’s still worth the cost if car video systems help you survive those long and grueling road trips. You can get a TV screen and DVD player when you invest in car video systems. I had no regrets with my decision to install one in my car. It really made a difference to those long road trips that I have to do ever year. I can now focus on the road without worrying about keeping the kids occupied. No more complains and crying from the backseats. My young ones eyes are focused on the cartoon characters doing whatever they do on the screen. Car video systems have really made long trips a lot more enjoyable for me and my family. We now look forward to more of these trips knowing fully that my family are all at ease inside the car.
About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Car Video Systems. Get more information by visiting http://www.carsanddrivinginfo.com/cars--driving-information/cars--driving/take-a-look-at-car-video-systems.html.

Buying a Car on the Internet Sight Unseen

2006-11-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

by: Chris Herbert

Buying a New Computer… Or Car… on the Internet For over two decades, Dell, Inc. has been wildly successful at bypassing the traditional stores and selling computers directly to consumers, custom-assembled according to a selection of options. The promise of convenience and savings, along with Dell’s strong company reputation and their backbone of customer service have helped ease consumer fears of buying a relatively expensive product sight unseen. Gateway and other computer makers have since embraced the online medium and are now enjoying a similar success at a varying degree. It won’t be long before buying a new car online is not going to be much different than ordering a new computer. Some German manufacturers have already caught on to this emerging trend. A BMW enthusiast, for example, could configure and order a new M6 months before its official entry into the US market. He or she could then track its progress through the manufacturing facility online similarly to the way one would track the progress of one’s new Dell. However, buying a new car online sight unseen is not a very risky proposition. One knows what one is getting and there is franchise dealer and a manufacturer standing behind it. Buying a Used Car on the Internet – a New Breed of Shoppers What about the used car market online? How can consumers quantify the risk they are taking buying a used car sight unseen to make sure it is justified by the savings of such purchase? Historically, conventional used car buyers have been able to kick its tires, take it for a spin, and haggle over the asking price of the car they like at their local dealer since the invention of the automobile. Because of the internet, a considerable number of these “conventional” used car buyers have found a myriad of ways to harness the power of the ever expanding online automotive resources and tools available at their disposal to make informed buying decisions. It is from those online savvy buyers that a new breed has emerged - those who buy their used cars online, sight unseen. Although they represent a relatively small portion of the used car buyers, these brave souls see an unmatched advantage and find ways to minimize the risks. But what’s in it for them, one might ask? Simple, actually: selection and price. The internet offers easy access to a vast selection of vehicles worldwide - online car portals, classifieds, conventional dealers with online presence and pure online-only outfits, online used car brokers, to name but a few. Since most of them are looking for a specific vehicle, their chance of finding “the one” is far greater online compared to the confines of their local area. Needless to say, virtually all of them are looking for a bargain. Our brave souls take risks, but these are justified, at least in their eyes, because of the savings they realize by utilizing the online channel. How do they do it? They, too, are well-armed with the online tools they need to make intelligent buying decisions. Here is how these online tools help them through the decision-making and buying steps of the process. Fair Market Value Determining whether a particular car is a bargain is a function of understanding its fair market value given its condition in the context of the current supply and demand. For the non-economists, of course, there are a number of excellent online market valuation sources available. Kelley Blue Book, NADAGuides, Edmunds.com are some of the most widely used car pricing providers. They all base estimates on a large number of recorded transactions and provide appraisal adjustments for the year, make, model, mileage, options, condition and even local market trends. As their appraisal algorithms differ slightly from each other, the estimates may vary, so checking more than one source is recommended. There are three major price levels: trade-in (or wholesale), private party and retail. Trade-in is what one would expect to get from a dealer for one’s used car – it is the lowest of the three averages, but it’s important to know as a baseline. Private party is what one would expect to get if one sells a car to another person, and retail is what one would pay for that car at a used car dealership. Third Party Vehicle History Reports In addition to the seller’s honest word and availability of service records our prudent innovators tap into the same third party vehicle history report providers the rest of the used car buyers use. CARFAX and Experian’s AutoCheck, initially serving the automotive professionals only, have been available to the general public for a number of years now. For $24.99 CARFAX offers 30 days and AutoCheck offers 60 days of unlimited vehicle history reports. These provide extensive reporting on the vehicles’ recorded history: date and type of registration and renewal events, as well as checking for recorded incidents, odometer rollbacks, junk, salvage, rebuilt titles, insurance loss, theft, lemon buybacks, etc. Many dealers realize the convincing power of stating the recorded facts and now offer free vehicle history reports for the cars they sell. Car Inspections Independent vehicle appraisal/inspection services with online presence have also seen a boost in their business. For $99.95, CARCHEX offers to give any automobile a 155-point pre-purchase auto inspection almost anywhere in the USA. Not too high a price for peace of mind, especially if it can save one from having to deal with surprise repairs. For half of this amount, one can find a mechanic in the local directory who can check out the car and even take it for a test drive on one's behalf and then fax a detailed report. Nevertheless, some of the more thrifty buyers have found ways to save themselves the nominal fees mechanics charge without depriving themselves of the peace of mind of a pre-sale inspection. Say, I live in Boston and happened to find a 1974 BMW 2002tii that I really wanted all the way in San Diego. Now, I would definitely want the car inspected prior to buying it. My thrifty side, however, wants to avoid the $150 fee a local company would charge me to inspect the vehicle. The solution? I would ask a fellow member of the BMW enthusiast community who lives in San Diego to take a look at the car for me. There are plenty of BMW forum members that would be more than happy to offer their time and expertise to a fellow east coast bimmerphile in need. Shipping There is a sea of car shipping companies that would gladly bring our pioneers their newly acquired vehicles home at a reasonable price. One example, Dependable Auto Shippers operate a fleet of state-of-the-art, satellite tracked vehicle shipping transporters, which allow one to track one’s car while it's on its way much like one would track a package. Yet, a healthy number of this new breed of used cars buyers opt for driving their new purchase home on their own instead. It’s cheaper, it’s faster, and admittedly, it’s much more exciting. Sellers specializing in online sales of this kind have also adapted to accommodate the demands of this new kind of used car buyer. Airport pickups for our weary yet eager buyers are more or less industry standard, these days. Sellers specializing exclusively in online sales, providing a hot meal for their ‘guests’ at the family table before they depart on their voyage home, is not unheard of. Although buying a used car online sight unseen is not for the faint of heart, it is a growing phenomenon, which if executed carefully, could be a very rewarding experience for all parties involved.

How Women Get Treated On A Car Lot

2006-10-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

by: Tom Carey

The first time I went on a big car lot to buy a car, was with my girlfriend at the time. The salesperson met us outside our car as if he was going to valet it. I asked him if I could park there, and he responded jokingly “only if I wanted to buy a car”. He immediately asked what kind of car I was looking for. My response was, “the car is for her, she is making the decision”. I mistakenly thought that was direct and sufficient enough, but apparently I was wrong. The next few questions were directed at me, as if he hadn’t heard my response to the first question. To which I answered “the car is for her, she is making the decision”, about six times I think. I thought maybe he was hard of hearing, but after hanging out for a few minutes with him, I found that wasn’t the case. She finally settled on a car in the price range she was looking for and he ran to get the keys, which of course he handed to me. I got in to drive, the salesman sat in the passenger seat and my girlfriend sat in the back. He was asking me about the power, the torque, and the handling. About a ½ mile down the road, I pulled over to let her drive. The salesman nearly had a heart attack when I got out. “I told you a number of times that the car was for her, I am letting the decision maker drive, so she can make her decision” I told him. I was expecting the same question about the power and torque directed to her, but they never came, just questions about the fabric interior and the color of the car. It was as if he took a sales course about generalizing what each gender wants in a car. When we got back to the car lot, we followed him inside to work out the numbers and financing. Then the games started. We were young, but not stupid. He was writing numbers all over the place on a sheet of paper that he folded in fours. He wanted to know a payment I was comfortable with. I just pointed at my girlfriend. She answered $200, to which he responded “$200 up to what”. “201” I remember her saying, I knew there was a reason I liked her. For the next 20 minutes, we were being manipulated into thinking that the car we drove may not be there tomorrow, and her payment of $223/mo. with what I thought was a sizable down payment, would get her the car tonight. Unlike most car buyers, she was not an emotional buyer. She decided the monthly payment was too much higher than her budget, and said “no thank you”. We got up to leave and the look on his face was as if we just punched him in the stomach. He had one last ditched effort to keep us as clients. When that was rebuked, he blocked the door and said, “When you come back to buy this car, ask for me, because I don’t do this for fun, I do this to feed my family”. I hope his family knows how to garden. The whole experience made us want to go home and shower and not deal with people like that anymore. If you ask any woman who has gone on a lot herself, you will be amazed at the comments they get. This one took the cake: “Did your husband give you his wallet to shop for a car tonight?” The reason I am now a used car salesman, is because there is nobody else stepping up and treating people like they should be treated when buying a car. There are way to many games and manipulations going on and people are buying cars for way too much with financing that is burying them, because some unscrupulous car dealer tricked them into it.
About The Author
Tom Carey is a co-owner of That's My New Car. The company that specializes in finding the perfect car for it's customers, way under the retail price. That's My New Car gives proxy access to exclusive dealer-only auctions. Tom can be reached at 610-272-1998 or http://www.ThatsMyNewCar.com

SUV Pros And Cons

2006-09-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

by: Jonathon Hardcastle

Your car is bursting at the seams with children, sports equipment, groceries and pets. You think it may be time to trade up to a larger car. But is an SUV the right choice to make for your family? First and foremost, as anyone who watches the evening news knows, the price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are notorious for poor gas mileage. Or are they? Depending on what make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. For example, the 2004 Honda Element gets 22 miles to the gallon in the city, just 2 miles per gallon less than the 2004 Honda Accord. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 miles per gallon less than the Accord, a larger, but not huge, difference Also, more and more auto manufacturers are designing hybrid gas-electric SUVs that provide better gas mileage along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs. Another major consideration when choosing between a car and an SUV is safety. Most people assume that, because of their larger size, that SUVs are safer than cars. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 proved that large SUVs were only slightly safer than mid-sized cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars. SUVs also can roll over when taking turns at high speed, something that cars are far less likely to do. Drivers who are switching to SUVs after many years of driving cars may need some practice to learn to drive their SUV safely. Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. To a certain extent this is true, but it depends heavily on what make and model of SUV you choose. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, though almost all have the power to haul a trailer. As far as comfort, many drivers prefer being higher up from the road, but older drivers and those with disabilities may have a hard time getting into the raised seats. Additionally, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended back seat center position may be difficult for shorter moms and dads. Finally, if you do a lot of city driving and, more importantly, parking, SUVs are less maneuverable and harder to parallel park than traditional cars. Even in the suburbs where most people park in lots, the spaces may not be wide enough for certain SUVs.
About The Author
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://iautomotiveworld.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://irealestatecentral.com/ and http://letstalkaboutbusiness.com/

Air Intake Systems allow for more engine power: quick tips for performance

2006-08-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

by: Chris Andretti
Want to squeeze every bit of power out of your vehicle's engine? Grabbing a high-performance air intake is the quick and easy route to several benefits, including:
• An instant increase in horsepower
• A noticeable boost to your throttle response
• Improved fuel economy
• A long-life, washable performance air filter
• Specialized engineering that's fine-tuned to your specific vehicle
• Straightforward, simple installation virtually anyone can complete
Horsepower increase from a performance air intake
As your new performance intake draws in a higher volume of air which may be much cooler, your engine can breathe easier than with a limiting stock system. With your combustion chamber filled by cooler, oxygen-rich air, fuel burns at a more efficient mixture. You get more power out of every drop of fuel when it's combined with the right amount of air.
With more air in the chamber, you can also burn more fuel than before. That's how a performance intake puts power at the pedal for you: reducing air temperatures, balancing fuel mixtures and providing more air for combustion.
Performance air intakes http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/10A50208.aspx and boosted throttle response
With more air and cooler air ready and waiting for combustion, your engine's response at stoplights and freeway onramps quickens. Stock intakes often deliver warmer, fuel-rich combustion mixtures that cause your engine to lose power and responsiveness while running hotter and more sluggishly.
The difference in responsiveness isn't just noticeable; you can literally feel it in the seat of your pants. With a free-breathing intake system attached to your throttle body, your engine is literally inviting you to punch it.
Fuel economy with a performance air intake
You're probably guessing that extra power, cooler temperatures and improved gas mileage can't all come from the same product. Guess again! Performance air intakes can help your fuel economy in this wallet-gouging, price-per-gallon era by helping your air to fuel ratio get in line. Because you're getting more power from every drop by burning more efficiently, your engine uses less fuel at all times - city or highway. On average, drivers will see a 1-2mpg improvement.
There's a catch, though. Many drivers trade their limiting air intake for a performance air intake and can't resist using every bit of the horsepower and throttle gains. They'll drive like mad to the grocery store. They might peel-out at stoplights. Or even race the cops. It's called hard driving, and it's the fastest way to burn-up the gas mileage improvements provided by a performance air intake. Your best bet is to keep your driving habits relatively unchanged, enjoy the extra power at the pedal, and collect on the gas mileage savings.
Expert engineering of an air intake system
This isn't a piece of drainage pipe with a filter on the end. Air intake systems employ specially-shaped intake tubes designed to straighten airflow as much as possible while looking great in your engine compartment. These pipes are typically mandrel-bent, a process that doesn't crimp the pipe diameter at the bend.
Special care is given to locating the intake tube, air box and filter in the position that best fosters maximum performance. The materials used are also selected with optimum engine conditions in mind.
The fundamentals of installing a performance air intake on your vehicle
Not only is a performance air intake like the K&N air intake http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/20A50323A1.aspx one of the most essential upgrades to your vehicle, it happens to be one of the easiest additions to install. With little more than a common socket set, a couple of screwdrivers and half an hour's time, you can have your new air intake in place and ready to roar.
Detailed instructions are included with every intake kit. These instructions go through the simple process of removing your stock intake system (including the tube and air box), and installing the new air intake like an AEM air intake http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/20A50359A1.aspx in just a few minutes to stock mounting positions. No cutting, drilling or other modifications are required. What you do with your limiting stock intake next is, well, up to you.
About The Author
Chris Andretti researches performance products and writes copy for AutoAnything.com. Visit their site for air intakes and various brands like K&N air intakes and AEM air intakes.

Infiniti G35 Coupe: Coupe and Sports Car in One

2006-07-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

United States and the rest of North America were introduced to the Infiniti G35 coupe back in 2003. This vehicle came as a sport luxury car. However, despite the fact that this was the first time that the Infiniti G35 was shown and introduced to the automobile world in North America, the fact remains that this vehicle is actually known as the 11th generation of the Nissan Skyline that is marketed in Japan. The Infiniti G35 coupe, upon its introduction, holds an engine that could provide and produce the machine itself some 298 units of horsepower.
When the Infiniti G35 coupe was introduced, the public was instantly captivated by the design and the style that it held. It has been said that it is a wonderful combination of the Nissan 350Z and the Infiniti G35 sedan. The vehicle, the Infiniti G35 coupe, holds more rounded grilles and headlights compared to the Infiniti G35 sedan. It exudes a refined and smooth appearance and exterior. The tail lights are also very much like the Infiniti G35 sedan’s however they are actually mounted on a circular bulb pattern.
The similarities between the Infiniti G35 coupe and the Nissan 350Z is because both of these vehicles have both been built and mounted on the front midship (or FM) platform. The mechanical parts are more or less the same. The Infiniti G35 coupe bears a wheelbase that measures 112.2 inches. The vehicle is some 182.2 inches long.
Steve McNabb mentioned, when the Infiniti G35 coupe was introduced, “The G35 coupe is pure Infiniti in terms of its clean, progressive styling. We believe it’s going to be seen as one of the best looking vehicles on the road come fall – sport coupe, sports car, any category.” And he was not quite mistaken for the vehicle has certainly caught the attention of many auto enthusiasts as well as people who were looking for a good vehicle to buy.
Infiniti has made sure that the Infiniti G35 coupe would be receiving the best kind of accessories to further upgrade and spruce up the vehicle. That is the very reason why they created wonderful accessories for it. The list includes all season rubber floor mats, a carpeted trunk mat, an XM satellite radio, a Sirius satellite radio, painted splash guards, a body colored rear spoiler, license plate frames, body side moldings, a vehicle cover, a nose mask, wheel locks, an air bag anti-theft bolt, and a roadside emergency kit. These of course are optional.
http://www.autopartscorner.com/ holds a vast array of well crafted Infiniti G35 coupe replacement parts, performance parts, aftermarket parts, and accessories for customers and patrons to choose from. These Infiniti G35 coupe parts are available at Auto Parts Corner’s online store that has been made available 24 hours a day so as to serve the most demanding needs and inquiries for Infiniti G35 coupe parts needs and inquiries as well.
In stock at Auto Parts Corner are the highest quality Infiniti G35 coupe parts that will surely retain and maintain the Infiniti G35 coupe’s driving dynamics along with the technology and the wonderful and aerodynamic design that the vehicle has. The online collection of Infiniti parts include front bumpers, rear bumpers, front fenders, mirrors, front lights, radiators and spoilers among many others. Excellence is synonymous to the customer service staff at Auto Parts Corner.

by: Tracy Dawson

Do You Know How to Inspect a Used Car?

2006-07-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

by Chuck Parrish

It seems you have looked at every used car in your area and have finally decided on that one special gem to purchase. Before you plunk down all your change, you need to make sure this little jewel is worth what you are willing to pay and the used car salesman is willing to accept.
Here are a few tips that you can use for an "on the spot" inspection of the vehicle:
1) Body damage - this is a little tricky to determine but you can do some checking. Open the hood and trunk and inspect the paint edges feeling to see if it is rough. Look for overspray on the inside of these areas and also make sure the paint inside the hood matches the outside of the vehicle. Stand in front of the car at each corner and look down the body line of the vehicle checking for waves. Open the doors and look for overspray or a paint line on the door jams.
2) Engine and transmission - pop the hood and look carefully at the engine and do not be fooled by a clean compartment. Look at the belts and hoses, the air filter; check the oil and transmission fluid by sniffing it. If you smell smoke, that could indicate problems. Start up the car and listen to the engine for knocks and metal noises; put the transmission in gear - does it clunk or go smoothly. Look under the vehicle for leaks - if you find water don't worry that's just the a/c.
3) Electrical - start the car and turn on all the electrical features making sure everything works properly. Windows should roll up smoothly and quick, door locks should function, the a/c should blow cold, the heat should heat and always check the windshield defroster - if it smokes or has a funny smell, the heater core could be bad. Make sure the wipers work properly as well as the horn, turn signals, hazards and headlights.
4) Test Drive - make sure to check all functions of the moving vehicle including the brakes, steering, suspension, engine response and transmission. Before you take off look at the tires and inspect the wear and tread depth. If the tires have scalloping or damage you should get the dealer to replace them prior to purchase.
5) After the Test Drive - turn off the car, pop the hood checking for temperature issues and smell. Also get back down again and look under the vehicle checking for any residue on any surfaces.
6) Before you buy - take the car to a trusted mechanic and have them go over it as well. Ask for receipts and service or repair invoices as well.
If your potential car purchase lives through all that scrutiny then buy it. If it fails a few tests, you will need to determine the potential costs you might incur and if you really want to buy a vehicle with possible problems.
The bottom line is, it is next to impossible to determine if a vehicle is good or bad, but you can decide whether or not it is worth the risk of buying

Monthly Check Ups Do Your Car Good

2006-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Aside from the usual making sure that your car is in working order before you do venture out and drive to the streets and roads, there are other things that you should do so as to make sure that your trusted vehicle would be working fine through a long period of time. By making sure that you do take the effort to do monthly check ups on your car, you also are making sure that your car gets to receive the right kind of maintenance that it needs so as to keep it working as if you just bought it right out of the dealer. The basic importance of doing monthly check ups is that you are saving yourself and your pocket from extravagant expenses because of great damages on your car. You see, by checking your car monthly, you get to notice any kind of situations which may lead to greater problems. Once you notice them, you can immediately take action and fix them up before it gets any worse. You need not worry about these monthly check ups because they are so simple that you can do them yourself. One of the things that you should remember to check would be the oil level. If there is a need to add some, then go ahead and do so. Do not let it go on empty. Another fluid level to check is the coolant. If necessary, go ahead and add antifreeze and water. The break fluid level of your car should also be checked and should be added if need be. Do the same for other fluids in your car like the power steering fluid, clutch reservoir, automatic transmission fluid, and the windshield washer fluid reservoir. You should also take the effort to go and check the belts of your car for any signs of age and cracks. If you see such, it is time to replace them. Also make sure that they do have the proper amount of tension or your car may also slack up on its job. The hoses of your car should also be checked for leaks, cracks, or aging and in these cases, replacement would be the solution. Meanwhile, Toyota Land Cruiser parts and Toyota Paseo parts can be purchased in the comforts of your own home through Toyota Parts Online. This site offers hard to find parts which are made from quality material so you get the most out of your money.

By: Mark Clarkson

Is Your Teenage Driver Safe?

2006-06-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Teenagers are known as one of the accident-prone drivers on the streets and roads. Studies have given blame to the adolescents’ raging hormones and risky behavior. Of course, you yourself would know about this if you learned to drive a car in your teens. For most teens, getting behind the wheel of a car gives them a new sense of freedom which is a different situation from their restrictive rules at home or in school. On a parent’s end, the worrying seems to be so natural for they, themselves, have been drivers themselves and they do know just what kind of risks these teenage drivers are putting themselves into. Dan Olmsted is the president of Atlantic Mutual and he also is the father to a new teenage driver. He states, “Parents have good reason to be concerned. Traffic crashes account for 44 per cent of teen fatalities, more than any other cause, and driving at night with other teenage friends in the car just about tops the list of risk-laden situations.” Olmsted also states that besides such a fear of knowing that their teenagers could get injured any minute as they are behind the wheel, parents also fear that they are also responsible in cases during accidents. Aside from paying up for their own vehicle’s damages, if there are any third parties involved, the parents would also be the ones involved in taking care that everybody is well and everything has been paid for. If you have a new teenage driver or any teenage driver for that matter, it is important that you, as the parent, let him know about the consequences of his driving behavior. You should both sit down and try to develop an agreement on using the car. Write everything you have agreed upon. Just make sure that you include everything like seatbelts, the use of cellular phones, who can be their passengers and how many passengers can he drive, and curfews. Olmsted further states, “Nothing will make your teen drive perfectly and take all of the anxiety away. But with planning, clear communication, and a firmly enforced set of rules, parents can rely on a lot more than prayer and a large helping of trust when they hand over the keys.”Whenever you need new brakes, Mazda Millenia parts, or any other Mazda accessories, you can go to Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts. This store has a vast collection of such parts that are offered at great wholesale deals.

By: Margaret Adams

New Research For Teen Driver Safety

2006-06-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

By: Sarah McBride

Teenage drivers have been part of most accidents. This is according to studies and researches done by various automobile and traffic safety experts through various periods. These teens actually become so because of their raging hormones that provide them the courage and the drive to go ahead and do risky driving while behind the wheel. They also are in the stage when they tend to be rebellious and try to do the opposite of what adults and parents tell them. In part of this kind of dilemma for traffic safety enforcers and workers, the American Automobile Association, which is more popularly called as the AAA, has a department or group that is known as the Foundation for Traffic Safety. This group would be actually releasing a new research that has been validated with science and scientific tests. This new research would actually tackle, discuss, and elaborate on the impact of the Graduated Driver Licensing laws as well as involvement of parents on drivers who are teenagers. And when this study refers to teenagers, they are actually pertaining to drivers who are 16 years old and 17 years old. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this new report and research that they would be presenting to the public would be able to show three factors that would actually distinguish and contrast those teenagers who have not been involved in any crashes or auto accidents to those teenagers who have already been involved in these kinds of situations. In fact, the group maintains that this will be the first time that such data would be presented to the public. To back all their information up, the AAA would also be showing data from the various states that show the number of deaths that have all been because of 16 and 17 year old drivers. In fact, as part of the background of their study, the AAA has held data that teenagers have been mostly involved in many motor vehicle crashes.One of the leading Pontiac parts suppliers is Auto Parts Deal. This store offers high quality parts like car doors and wheels and that are guaranteed to hold very low price tags.

What Can I Do To Get An Accurate Car Value?

2006-06-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

The need to find out an appropriate car value is common and very necessary to make wise financial decisions. Buyers want to know what to list their car’s price at. Sellers want to get an idea about how much a car is worth so they can limit their search and so that they can make sure that the price of a car is legitimate and that they aren’t getting cheated when they decide to purchase a car.Other examples would include insurance claims where it is important to get the value of a car back from the insurance company and to make decisions on how to proceed with damage repair. All in an effort to make sure that the repairs aren’t going to be more than the car is actually worth or anywhere close really.So how do you get an accurate estimate of car value? Well there are a number of ways many of which are located or take place on the internet. Your best bet is to have a buddy that knows cars and does this all the time. This would save you all the time that it takes to do the research on the cars and the market especially when you consider that the market is different depending on your area of the country and/or world.But what it you don’t have a friend that can just tell you a car value right off the bat? Then you have to do the research yourself. Well, how do you do the research? Well mostly on the internet. You can be glad about this too because it has never been easier to look up all the cars for sale in your area and see what a comparable car’s value is to what you have and want to sell or what you want and are looking to buy.There are sites online that also have great calculators that allow you to input your car and its features in and spits out the value of the car that you have described. You will have to look around a little but you can be assured that there are many of them out there. You can even compare the car value that you get from one site to the value that you get from another to get a confidence in the appraisal.

By: Hallidae Thomason

What Can I Do To Get An Accurate Car Value?

2006-06-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

New Car Prices - Understanding The Price Variations

2006-06-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

By: Sebastian Romero

The price for a specific new car will vary across state and international boundaries. The prices vary because of different local taxes and because of different manufacturer price structures in different markets.Model specifications also vary from country to country. A GLS model in one country will come with different levels of equipment in different countries.Customers in some markets may be willing to pay higher prices, mainly where the market is less competitive. The car manufacturers make more profit in these markets. Customers who live in high car price areas can and should consider purchasing in nearby, cheaper markets.There may be import taxes to pay when customers import their vehicle as a personal import, but the overall price is still going to be lower.New car prices also vary according to time of year. If a state or country has date specific car registrations, then there will be a massive upsurge in demand in whatever months the registration changes. An upsurge in demand means that dealers are less likely to give discounts.Do your research before you go near a showroom. Have emailed quotes for specific models to show the sales staff in the showroom that you eventually do visit. You can use these to try to obtain an even lower price.Dealers are given monthly sales targets. There are some months when dealers struggle to reach these targets and are normally much more willing to give discounts. They arrange for a finance company to buy the cars that they must sell to hit their targets and then sell these as "Demonstrators" or "Pre-registered" at a price thousands below the list price.When you sell the car it will be classed as having had two owners and the price will be slightly lower than a one-owner vehicle, but hardly thousands less. These months are normally November and December, as well as the month immediately before any registration change.

Pocket Bikes – Miniature Form Of Motorbikes

2006-05-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

By: Sharon Albright

Pocket bikes, also known as mini motors are miniature-sized motorcycles, fueled with either gas or oil and powered with gas-burning engines. The concept of motorbikes had begun in Japan, a country known for miniaturizing full-scale products.Previously pocket bikes were used only on closed racetracks, private roads and on roads that were not under public traffic laws, so that no big car or truck can run into your minute sized pocket bikes. But these you will often find pocket bikes zinging in and out of the parking lots, up and down the residential streets and occasionally onto the side of the cars. The pocket bikes usually move at a top speed of 35 mph, but often the speed can be raised further. Another interesting feature of these pocket bikes are their duplicate imitation of normal-sized street motorcycles. The pocket bikes are equipped with handlebars, twist-grip throttles, and chain drives, electronic ignition and disk brakes. The pocket bikes are not at all safe for the highways or high traffic zone areas. If you are driving a small sports car and someone is driving a mini pocket bike behind you, you will fail to see him or the pocket bike. So it becomes really dangerous to move in a traffic-crowded area, as the rider can be easily run-down by the driver of the bigger truck. The pocket bikes are specially designed to travel only on the racetracks. There are some safety measures that should be followed while one is driving these pocket bikes. The person driving the bike should be an ace in driving and he should always carry his helmet and pads. If by chance if your kid is riding the pocket bike, then make sure that he/she does not go out of the backyard or the driveway. The pocket bikes follow hi-tech technology so the snazziest models cost even more than thousands. The smaller models, however, cost around $200 to $800. They basically come from Japan and China and are specially famous amongst the teenagers and people in their early youths. These bikes weigh almost 50 pounds, stand about a foot and half high and can be carried stacked in a corner of the trunk of the car. They have really tiny engines with 47 cc to 49cc displacement, less than 1/20th the size of the bigger motorcycles. Try out the pocket bikes. If you want something thrilling, something exciting, something enticing to bring a difference to your monotonous days, then pocket bikes are the best alternatives for you

Saturn Relay, Not Just another Van

2006-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

by: Joe Ratzkin
The Saturn Relay is another vehicle that is running under the great big umbrella of General Motors, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, and comes from the corporation’s Saturn division. This vehicle, the Saturn Relay has been in production since last year, 2005, and is still being produced presently. When this vehicle was introduced, it actually took the spot and the niche which the Oldsmobile Silhouette (also known as the Buick Terraza) left blank. The Saturn Relay is a minivan and has been made available in one body style only which is a van holding four doors.
The Saturn Relay has been built and mounted on the FF/AWD U body platform. Upon its introduction, it has been equipped with a 3.5 liter LX9 V6 engine. It has been said that its major competition in the world of automobiles include the Chevrolet Uplander, and the Pontiac Montana SV6. Also a competition for this minivan is the Buick GL8 despite the fact that the latter is sold only in China.
The present version of the Saturn Relay holds a wheelbase of 121.1 inches, has a length of 205 inches, 72 inches for its width, stands 72.1 inches tall, and holds a curb weight of 4426 pounds. The minivan also gives interested parties the chance to choose the type of material for its interior which could be a choice between cloth and leather. The exterior colors’ choices are Forest Green, Black Cherry, Bronzed Pewter, Coastal Gray, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Polar White, and Silver Pearl. The 2006 Saturn Relay has the capacity to take in seven passengers in its interior. It has also been made available in three trim levels which range from the FWD 2 to the AWD 3.
A great and secure way to maintain a vehicle is by installing only excellent quality parts purchased from reputable auto parts stores. In the past, looking for trusted parts suppliers takes more time and effort. It is a good thing though for at present, the World Wide Web has made shopping for auto parts and auto parts a lot easier. There are dozens of sites that offer Saturn parts. However, a buyer must be cautious when choosing where to buy Saturn parts. It is best if they stick with a trusted and reputable auto parts store like Car Parts Rush.
http://www.rushcarparts.com has a huge array of Saturn parts and Saturn accessories on its online collection found at its site. Their collection includes Saturn auto body parts, auto parts, body kits, performance parts, and Saturn Vue accessories among many others. These Saturn products are guaranteed to be made from durable and quality material that would maintain and keep your car’s performance and delivery intact.

Flex Fuel: Will You Bite?

2006-05-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

by: Matthew C. Keegan
FFV: flexible fuel vehicle. Are you interested in reducing your fuel costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and stopping our dependency on foreign oil? If so, ethanol may be the way to go. E85 is the "new" fuel source giving drivers an alternative to overpriced hybrids and clanky diesels.
All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. That’s right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? I’ll let you be the judge of that!
Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model “T” to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?
For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol –a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. That’s right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.
With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they aren’t some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.
E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:
1. E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.
2. E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in America’s heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.
Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.
So, will you take the “bite” and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldn’t have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyone’s consideration.
About The Author
Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a full time freelance writer covering automotive market trends as well as exciting automotive models. To keep your car running well, shop the Discount Maximum Auto Parts store for a truly great variety of automotive parts: http://www.maximumautoparts.com.

2007 Chevy Tahoe: Selling Like Gangbusters

2006-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

by: Matthew C. Keegan
The jury is in regarding the recently released big SUVs from General Motors: they are an overwhelming success story. The Chevy Tahoe along with its GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade siblings are bringing in big gains for GM. Just in time too as the automaker pares excess capacity, closes plants, and lays off tens of thousands of workers. So, what is it about the Tahoe that is stimulating sales? Everything!
Just what is it about the new Tahoe that is bringing in the customers? With sales up nearly 50% over the previous year’s model there has to be something that sets the big SUV apart from its predecessor. In fact, everything has changed with the Tahoe as it is an all new model:
New body – The size of the Tahoe remains about the same: it is big. Yet, the body has been restyled with fresh sheet metal giving the truck a thoroughly modern and imposing look. The Tahoe is much more aerodynamic than the preceding model with a wind drag that is lower than the smaller Porsche Cayenne SUV according to Chevrolet.
New engine technology – Back during the 1980s, GM experimented and failed when it launched Cadillac vehicles that could shut down unneeded cylinders at various times during the engine cycle. Two decades later, the company has perfected the technology and its “displacement on demand” engines are some of the most economical motors sold today. In fact, car critics have noted that the Tahoe’s fuel mileage is comparable to the much smaller Kia Sorento.
New interior features – GM squeezed extra room out of the already roomy Tahoe interior by sculpting out more space from seat backs, doors, and the headliner. The result is an even roomier feel for passengers. In addition, Chevrolet is reporting that the new Tahoe is 20% quieter than its predecessor thanks to acoustic dampening materials and the improvements in aerodynamics.
Rallying cry -- Besides the progress over the previous model, there is one other thing that is stimulating sales: owner loyalty. GM’s misfortunes haven’t gone completely unnoticed by loyalists who enjoy the big SUV and insist on supporting the brand. Typically, when any popular model is redone, sales do surge. However, in the face of high fuel prices the lift that Chevrolet is getting is much higher than had been expected. This is good news for GM as the SUVs carry a high per unit profit margin to them; money the “general” needs as it attempts to right its listing ship.
Of course, not everyone wants a vehicle the size of the Tahoe. Instead, they will have to wait a few more months before the even bigger Suburban joins the line up. And you thought I was about to mention some sort of compact SUV, right? Not for Chevy owners who are loyal to their big trucks, vans, and SUVs

Muscle Cars: Old Generation or New?

2006-04-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

by: Scott Bianchi
Ford was the first of the Big Three American car makers to introduce a car that would bring them back to a time when they were one of the leaders in the automotive world. Chrysler has announced that they plan to be the next and GM has unveiled plans for a retro vehicle as well. Ford had initially done this retro thing via the Ford Thunderbird but that was not considered a “muscle car” back in the muscle car era. Chrysler has brought back the Charger name but it looks nothing like the Dodge Charger of the late 60’s and early 70’s. GM brought back the GTO name but once again, it looked nothing like the previous GTO’s.
Ford was the first to bring a car back that actually looks like a past model in the Mustang. The new Mustangs resemble a pervious Mustang from the muscle car era. Chrysler followed suit with their announcement of bringing back the Challenger, which in my opinion looks more like the Challenger than the Mustang does. Not wanting to be left out, GM has announced they plan to bring back the Camaro. Their Camaro very much resembles the 69 Camaro which was and still is a very popular body style amongst Camaro enthusiasts. I still think the Challenger most resembles its intended target.
Ford has done a decent job pricing their Mustang. You can get a nicely equipped Mustang GT hardtop for right around $30,000. This is reasonably priced in today’s market. The other two have not gotten theirs to the showroom yet so there is no way to know about pricing but they face a challenge that Ford does not have. Chrysler has the Viper and the Ram SRT-10 that also qualify in the performance market. They cannot price the Challenger too closely to those models because people would probably spend the extra money for the higher performance of the ten cylinder vehicles. GM is faced with a similar dilemma because of the Corvette. The Corvette was just restyled and is even higher performing compared to the previous model. Their Z06 model now boasts an impressive 505 HP. All the reviews I have read on the new model rave about this car. Clearly GM needs to price the new Camaro properly when and if they actually do produce it. The name will not be enough to sell it for a long period of time. Once the initial excitement dies down it will be a flop if not priced directly.
What is interesting to me is now that the Big Three are losing market share and business is clearly not what it once was they are not only changing many of their vehicles but they are attempting to get back into their glory days. For example, Ford did away with their very popular Taurus model and replaced it with the Ford 500. Chrysler introduced a whole new styling within the last couple of years. GM is now coming out with cars that more resemble the Toyota models. I have some friends that are big into muscle cars and the new Mustang, Challenger, and Camaros have come up in some conversations. None of them have said they would even consider the $30,000 or more price tag that these cars will have once they hit the showroom floors. For $30,000 someone could buy a Camry, or the Maxima. The Maxima is a very high performing vehicle that also comes with the added reliability.
I do not know what it will take for the Big Three to really turn things around but I really like the looks of the newer generation muscle cars. I think they were sharp cars back when they first came out and they are still very sharp. Hopefully they perform as well as they look and they make their ancestors proud.

Radiator Maintenance

2006-04-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

Maintaining your vehicle is essential if you want to keep it running well and operating at peak performance. The usual maintenance procedures, such as oil changes, are usually not issues for most people – but performing basic maintenance operations to keep your radiator and engine running well are just as important yet more often overlooked. Radiator maintenance is an integral part of the overall “health” of your vehicle because the engine has to remain at a prime operating temperature in order to work properly. If your engine overheats, for example, you’ll have a lot more headaches than if you keep up with important maintenance tasks on a regular basis.
Radiator maintenance is mostly about the fluids. Other problems with the cooling system can arise, for various different reasons, but for basic maintenance and upkeep properly maintaining the vital fluids in the radiator is what will keep your vehicle humming with life for years to come. Whether you utilize the services of your local shop to perform key maintenance and repair processes or do everything yourself, it is recommended that coolant is replaced every year or so. In addition to coolant replacement, it is also a good idea to flush and refill the radiator every 1 to 2 years to ensure the cooling system will run well, even if your mileage is low after this period of time. Following such a maintenance schedule is vital if you want your vehicle to be properly and consistently maintained.
Why Antifreeze is Key
Antifreeze/coolant is a big part of what keeps your engine in top working order. In addition to its cooling properties and ability to keep your engine running under extreme temperature variations, many companies also include other ingredients that help keep your engine working well. For instance, antifreeze can contain additives that prevent rust and corrosion of the radiator, engine and vehicle heater. If you neglect radiator maintenance the advantages of a good cooling system will not be fully utilized.
Basically, coolant is a 50/50 mix of glycol and water, depending on your vehicle. The glycol portion of the mixture is the antifreeze – it works to keep the water from turning to ice in cold temperatures and reaching the boiling point in extreme heat. With the coolant operating at the proper degree, the engine will continue running at a stable temperature in all climates and driving situations.
Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze but it requires proper handling if you are planning on performing cooling system maintenance on your own – it is a toxic substance that can cause health problems or even death, and can be damaging to the environment. Following suggested protocol when handling antifreeze is a necessity. Keep it away from children and animals, and ensure proper disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations. A recent alternative to ethylene glycol is propylene glycol. Antifreeze that contains propylene glycol is less toxic than its predecessor, especially at low levels, but it still must be handled with caution. No matter what antifreeze you use, the fluid picks up heavy metals during usage, so disposal is something to be taken seriously. Follow the same procedure you would with any antifreeze product and you will avoid problems when performing maintenance on your vehicle at home. It is very important that you do not pour coolant down your sink or into storm drains due to its toxic properties.
Draining and Flushing
Over time, rust and sediment can build up in your vehicle’s cooling system making it necessary to drain out the coolant from time to time to clean out anything that may be clogging up the system. Many experts recommend this be done every few years, preferably every year. You can tell if the coolant in your radiator requires removal if it appears dirty or brown in color, and if you see little rust specks floating around. Coolant should appear a slightly thick, light yellowy-green color, almost like lemonade, or orange if your car uses long-lasting coolant.
If you are going to take on the job yourself, begin by parking the vehicle in a safe work area – away from kids, pets and storm drains. Raising the car on ramps is also a good idea if you are able to do so. Follow this checklist before getting started: turn the ignition off and wait until the engine is cool. This is very important – it’s dangerous to work with a hot engine. Set the car in Park and engage the emergency brakes.
Now you can get started. First step – remove the radiator cap. Place a 2-gallon or larger bucket underneath the radiator drain plug and remove the plug. This will catch the fluid. Once the fluid has finished draining, put the plug back in place. If you want to drain as much coolant out as possible, you can add another step to the procedure and drain any excess coolant in the engine. Simply take out the plug in the engine block if you can, to drain the coolant.
If you think your cooling system needs a more thorough cleaning to remove excess sediment and rust, flushing may be a good idea. You can achieve this by using a radiator-cleaning product fit for this type of job. This is a simple task. All you have to do is close up all the drain plugs and pour the product into the radiator along with some water. The instructions on the package should tell you exactly what to do – this usually entails running the heater on high for a specified amount of time. When the engine cools you can drain the radiator fluid out and refill with water, following the same steps as above. This will have fully flushed out the cooling system.
Refilling
Refilling the radiator is easy, especially if you consult your car’s user manual and the instructions on the antifreeze bottle. You will need to know the ratio of coolant to water before refilling, which can vary depending on the vehicle and weather conditions in your area. Fill the radiator according to the instructions and also fill the overflow reservoir with a 50/50 mix. Clean up any spills that may occur and then close the cap. Now you can run the engine to the normal running temperature – and make sure you set the heater on high to effectively circulate the coolant throughout the system. When the engine cools down again, double check for leaks.
If everything checks out ok, you’re done and can drive off knowing you have kept up with one of the most important aspects of your car’s maintenance.
About The Author
This article was written by Katerina Mitrou sponsored by http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/. The Auto Parts Warehouse offers round-the-clock sales support as well as free shipping within the 48 states for orders over $50.

Summertime Car Care

2006-04-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

by: Shaan Randow
Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves. Most of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer. However, in summer months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too. Remember, you car needs protection and routine maintenance year round, no matter what the temperature. Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don't think that it isn't hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam in 90 degree plus temperature with the air conditioner blasting away inside. The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedule. If your car is older and out of warranty you need to be more vigilant. It's up to you to make a service schedule for your car. Make a checklist and keep track of the following items; Oil. This should be changed every 3,000 miles. If you car is "using" oil as the saying goes, check it every other time you fill up. Carry an extra quart of oil in the trunk. Along with an oil change most "speedy" oil change business check belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, etc. Antifreeze. Have your cars heating and cooling system checked on at least yearly. You want to make sure you have adequate temperature protection, summer and winter. Air cleaner. This should be checked at the same time you have your oil changed. A clogged air cleaner can really slow down your engines performance. Brakes. If you notice any squealing of your breaks have them checked as soon as possible. It's much cheaper to replace worn pads than it is to have to replace expensive rotors if they become worn. Tires. The air pressure is usually checked at the same time you have your oil changed. You should also have the tires rotated on a regular basis, this can really prolong their life. Battery. Batteries are sealed units now. Have the battery checked at least once a year. Following these tips all year round will help you keep you car in top running order.

Do Your Part For The Environment, Your Health, And Your Wallet

2006-04-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

by: David Rolle'
Vehicle owners nationwide have the same complaint; the high price of gasoline. It's as if you're going to work just to pay for the gas to fill up your tank. Everyone knows when the price of oil goes up, the cost of everything else rises. And the price of keeping your engine running smooth always puts you back in the hole financially. People who dwell in larger cities constantly breathe in poisons released in the air. Research on this pollution problem is well established. Pollutants coming from cars and trucks are responsible for lung disease, lung cancer and asthma. But that's not all. New research has shown that the poisons coming from our cars and trucks are responsible for increases in many types of cancers, heart disease, and even Alzheimer's disease. An Easy Way to Help Stop Pollution and Save Your Lungs A good suggestion would be to find a product that reduces toxicity in the air, while extending the life expectancy of your car's engine. Ideally, the product should be effective when used in small amounts and be unique (can be used in gasoline, diesel, RFG, biodiesel, and propane). This product is known as a fuel catalyst, which has been used successfully for over 9 years by thousands of people, as well as city governments, large trucking lines, railroads, farming, and boating companies. Save Money While Improving Your Mileage Your product should save you money by reducing fuel consumption and engine maintenance, in addition to the positive environmental effects. If your product can supercharge your gas, you'll spend less but drive further on every tank of gas! Getting up to 35percent ncrease in gas mileage would certainly be worth your money and time. Just make sure that your product is affordable, yet able to work in all gas vehicles. To recap, you should look for a product that (a) doesn't poison our air, (b) keeps our lungs healthy and strong, and (c) stop wasting money on gas and engine repair. Let's keep Planet Earth fresh for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Copyright (c) 2005 by David M. Rolle'

How to reduce fuel consumption amidst skyrocketing gas

2006-03-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

Well summer is just around the corner and that means rising gas prices!
Gas prices keep skyrocketing. But there is a lot a motorist can do to reduce fuel consumption. There are quite a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps that can be taken to add miles to every gallon and save money. Consumers waste millions of dollars everyday because of dirty oil, worn spark plugs, faulty thermostats, loose gas caps, underinflated tires, malfunctioning engine controls, poor wheel alignment, dirty air filters, and so on. These problems are basic and easy to take care of, yet still they are major causes of wasted fuel. As they say, "a stitch in time saves nine". With proper maintenance you can save a lot of fuel. Avoid gas vaporization by ensuring that your vehicle gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing. Your tires must be properly inflated; otherwise it can cost you a few miles per gallon. Replace your spark plugs regularly to avoid misfiring and fuel wastage. Replace clogged air filters and improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Driving habits are another major contributor to poor fuel economy. Bad habits include exceeding speed limits, aggressive driving, excessive idling, carrying heavy items in vehicle, and the list goes on. Fast driving in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed. When traveling at highway speeds keep windows closed. Open windows reduce your mileage by 10%. You should drive steadily. Sudden changes in speed wastes fuel. A lot of fuel can be wasted by prolonged warming up of the engine. You do not need to warm up engine for more than 45 seconds even on cold mornings. Starting and stopping your engine needlessly is another no-no. Avoid revving the engine, especially just before it is switched off. You should also buy your gasoline carefully. Choose quality brands that provide greater economy. Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day. And never fill your gas tank to the top. The gas can slosh over and out of the tank. Other fuel saving habits include avoiding rough roads, using straighter roads, regular tune-ups, inspection of suspension and chassis parts for misalignment, and removing snow tires during good weather seasons.

Well its time for some maintenance ---- lets get into summer!!!

2006-03-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Your Quick And Easy Guide To Car Maintenance
by: Jeff Slokum
Cars are like electric lights. We often don’t appreciate them until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler! Don’t let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do – even if you’re totally mechanically-challenged! For instance, you’ll want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station. While you’ve got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades. If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately. If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car! Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year – might as well get them before winter sets in and you’re wiping away that ice and sleet! Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank. Check your tires once a month – give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out. Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything. Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It’s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too. Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They’re happy to change it for you. No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately.
by: Jeff Slokum

what a pigstye

2006-03-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

After going with that guy to look at the car and get the elusive title (still no where to be found----AMAZING!!) I saw that this guy just about lived in this once beautiful and legendary car. What do I do to get it clean again???
It looks like new! I can’t believe that car’s seven years old!” Would you like to hear that from your friends? I’m sure all of us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest models is tough, even with today’s longer-lasting finishes. However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out cars regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the results can be remarkable. Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car, but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road salt can also ruin the beauty of your car. Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a daunting task, so they don’t usually bother, but truthfully, it’s easier than they think. Step 1: Washing First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then concentrate on the right side and the left side. Washing should always be done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch the body of your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section, finishing in the same order- top, hood, trunk and sides. Step 2: Polishing Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions. Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same procedure may be applied to all other four sections. Step 3: Waxing Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a slight haze. If you’re really striving, repeat the whole process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle. And there you have it! You’ve removed the dirt and grime; polished away the small spots and scratches; and added another layer of protection to your vehicle’s finish. By now your car should glitter like it did the first day you got it. Don’t forget the last step – show off your car!

road rage rules of the road

2006-03-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

With road rage being so common these days, we should all take a step back and review a few rules of the road. While not taught in most driver education classes or state driver's manuals, these rules will help you be a better driver. The left lane is for passing. If you are going to pass, do it quickly and safely. Some states have laws that prohibit "driving" in the left lane, leaving it open for passing only. If someone is trying to merge onto the highway and you have room, get into the left lane. This can help avoid an accident or at the least make someone's day a little brighter. Be aware of large trucks and their driving styles. Tractor trailers, dump trucks, and other large vehicles can not stop as fast as you can. Keep that in mind the next time you squeeze in front of a truck at the stop light. Also, heavy trucks while on the highway will slow down while going up large hills but pick up speed on the downhill side. This can lead to a game of leap frog which will frustrate you and the truck driver. If possible get far enough ahead of the truck to avoid excessive passing! Use your turn signals. I swear they were an option in some cars, considering most people do not use them. They are there as a signal to inform your fellow drivers where you plan to go. I guess this has been a list of my pet peeves, but I hope it will help you have a safer trip down the road. Remember, we all share the road and together we can make it safer. Take care and safe driving, About the author:Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.autoeducation.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles

CAR ON HOLD

2006-03-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

Well as I posted last week I am getting a differant car. I went with the person I am getting it from to apply for a new title (that he lost). and it turns out that he lost the vehicle registration too. It also looks like he lives in the car there is crap packed in the hatch up to the window. So needless to say I dont have the car in my possession yet--- should probably have it this week.
I already made arrangements to get it here and already figured out what is wrong with the vehicle so it should be repaired shortly after I get it (cant wait). I have located new condition (used) seats for it already and a complete shell of a car another shelby daytona although it is a differant color I can use all the body parts to make mine the beautiful machine it once was. Ill post more about that when the car materializes. I think until then Im gonna post a few articles about some cars I was shopping around for earlier in the year. I will be replacing the other FORD explorer in the late summer months I dont want to deal with the same issues this winter as I did last winter (see first few posts). Well thats it for now.

Gotta look for new car ins.

2006-03-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance
by: Pete Lance
Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in! You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually. So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40percent Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town. However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value. It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25àHowever, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes. Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks. Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates. Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high). Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time. Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans. Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen. Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount. About the author:Pete Lance is the founder of a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.Free daily email with locations and prices.

getting a differant car!!!

2006-03-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

well yesterday i took a ride to go look at another car to buy. It is a car I had last year. I traded it with a kid for a 1994 escort gt. (bad trade in my opinion). I gave him a 1987 dodge daytona shelby. Yes I gave him a red car with t-tops leather int manual transmission, and a INTERCOOLED TURBO -------------- I got an escort.
Both cars needed a lil bit of work but nothing major. I fixed the escort and sold it.
He fixed the daytona drove it and broke it again. Lucky for me he is not patient enough to take the time and fix the car so he is selling it to me exceptionally cheap. I went to look at it the other day and he added a dent to it, the problem with it is extremely minor. I liked the car a great deal when I had it before. If any of you know the Shelby name I think you would agree with me wanting it back. RED, TURBO, T-TOPS, INTERCOOLED, AND THEY WERE PRETTY QUICK STOCK, and this one isnt all stock. I will be updating this subj every few days. it is not a deal that will happen quickly unfortuanately -- he lost the title (that'll take a few days to get). take a look at this site http://thedodgegarage.com/ if you want a wealth of information on daytonas and other SHELBY cars.

Why wont my car start?!?!

2006-03-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had your car just "die" on you, you try to start it and it just will not start. You end up calling a tow truck and paying those big tow bills, then to make matters worse the technician at the shop tells you that it will cost hundreds of dollars to make it run again,is that true? Maybe maybe not. I own and work as a diagnostics Tech here at Ace Automotive in Lakewood Wa and I can tell you from experience if some people knew just a little more about their cars workings they could save a whole lotta money. Say for instance you are driving at night wipers and heater ,lights and radio on you notice that the headlights keep getting dimmer and dimmer soon the vehicle "dies" and now won't start the most likely cause is the alternator has failed, not the battery because if the battery failed the alternator would still keep power to the vehicle until you turned it off then it would not restart. You are driving for a while and the car just "shuts off" all the instrument lights come on but when you try to start it it just turns over but will not start. First it depends what kind of car this happend to if it was an import like say Honda, acura, toyota, subaru, nissan, mitubishi, the engine timing belt may have broken (if it's been more that 60,000 miles since you changed it last time) you should be able to tell if when you try to start the engine it sounds different like its just "freewheeling" faster than normal, this is bad cause most of the import cars mentioned will do expensive damage to the engine when the timing belt breaks. If your vehicle is a domestic one chevy ford ect, be patient wait a little bit maybe 30-45 min and try to start it if it starts hurray! But it will "die" again once it's hot enough again, be sure to tell your local tech this valuable information and ask for all parts they replace to repair your vehicle to let them know you know something about the car too. About the author:Randy Harkins Owner / Technician Ace Automotive
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took my friend car shopping ...................

2006-03-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

I took my friend car shopping on saturday. As it turns out he cannot get a conventional car loan.
We started looking around the net and were looking for a little insight into that end of the automobile process. take a look
Auto Loan Options for People with Bad Credit
by: Peter Lenkefi
Internet surfers with bad credit looking for an auto loan are bombarded with advertisements most days. Many of these ads are truthful in their bad credit auto loan options. However, there are many things to avoid, and this article will describe some of those. Directly financed auto loans for people with good credit are a bit different than those with bad credit. People with bad credit are expected to pay more of a down payment as well as a higher interest rate on their auto loans. Many creditors won’t even extend an auto loan to those with bad credit. Depending on how bad someone’s credit is, auto loans can range from a 20 – 50% down payment requirement, interest rates from 5-26%, and amortization (the length of the loan) anywhere from 2-4 years. This may sound like a lot of bad news for bad creditors looking for an auto loan. But with some good planning and foresight, these auto loans can actually help people with bad debts rebuild their credit history. The worst situations in bad credit auto loans show up when car dealers artificially inflate the pricing or interest rates on their cars. Auto dealers who specialize in bad credit loans will take a car normally selling for $5,000, inflate the price to $8,000, take a $2,500 down payment and then finance the purchase at 24%. Now the bad creditor will be in debt to the auto loan company for an inflated price that isn’t indicative of the vehicle’s real value. A way to counteract these types of sneaky bad credit auto loan dealers is to check the value of the car you are looking at, first, and then only pay $200-500 extra then what’s listed. Only in exceptional circumstances would you ever pay more than this for a car. Two different ways of selling a car have emerged recently with the new, Internet economy. The first is called the ‘dealer network system’. Auto purchasers can get a loan regardless of their bad credit history with this option. Essentially, a potential customer looks at a car on a website, and then answers some basic questions if interested in buying. This information is then passed along to a dealer specializing in bad credit auto loans. Since there are no fees involved, this can be a real boon for the bad creditor looking for a decent car loan. However, with this system, there is no way of researching the auto dealership you are about to do business with. The other new option is called an application service. In this situation, a person with bad credit applies online for an auto loan, and the financial information is then sent to multiple lenders at the same time, with the hope that one or two will be willing to take the credit risk. If the system works, several dealerships with fight for the customer, using price and convenience as their selling points. About the author:For more more information about auto loan options please visit

to save money on new car

2006-03-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

How To Save Money On A New Car
by: Shaan Randow
The price of cars these days is just out of this world. You can figure on spending upwards of $30,000 for a family van. No wonder a lot of people are opting for used cars. Even with prices creeping up and up there are still ways for you to save money if you have your heart set on a new car. The first advice I'll offer is to do your homework before you approach a dealership. There is an endless amount of information available on the internet. Every car manufacturer has a website, dealerships have web sites. See what deals they are offering on what models. Check on the edmunds.com website for information on retail prices for new and used cars of any make and model. You should, before you even pull into the dealership, have a ballpark figure of what your new car should cost, including any special packages you may want. A lot of dealers have taken the haggling and pressure out of new car buying, which many of consumers like. Remember the days when you'd ask what the price of a car is and the salesman would reply "how much can you afford to pay a month?". You never knew exactly what you were paying for your new car until you were at the desk ready to sign the contract. Today we are educated consumers and those days are gone forever. You will be able to get a good deal during the end of model year sales. The dealers will make just about any deal to get an older model off the lot to make room for a new one. Also, go into the dealership at the end of the month. Your salesman will be doing his best to sell a few more vehicles to up his commission payment. Get the bottom line price for that new car before you talk about a trade in. Generally the first thing a salesman will ask is if you have a trade in. Say "no". If your salesman knows you have a trade in it will affect the price you pay for your new car, no doubt. If he makes you a ridiculously good deal for your trade in you can believe that the price of your new car will reflect this. Make sure you know what the value of your trade in is. Again you can check edmunds.com. Take you car to a variety of dealerships and get an idea of this price from them. The bottom line is to do your homework. Get a price for the new car from several different dealers. There is nothing wrong with each of them vying to give you the best deal. Consider your finance charges. Get a quote on the interest rate you're offered from the dealership, then check with your bank or credit union to see what type of interest rates they offer. About the author:This article courtesy of

to buy a a used car or not to buy

2006-03-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

Best Negotiating Tips When Buying An Used Car
by: Robert Smith
Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. Sooner or later everyone has to negotiate with someone if they want to get a good deal on a purchase.

When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful.

Since you now know how to calculate your offer and already know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.

If you've followed the above mentioned tips, you will also be pre-approved for a loan. The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find more loopholes to up your charges if you stay.

Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.

· Remain positive and confident

· Don't talk down to your opponent

· Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up

· Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon

· Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees

· Bring a friend with you for extra support

Something that you should look out for from salesmen is the extra little tricks that you will likely encounter that will try to force or rush into a buying decision.

You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear from them.

1. These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be available for the same deal tomorrow. (Threaten to leave and they will ease up and try to change their strategy)

2. This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same.

3. I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this weekend (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars. If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).

4. I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned. (Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't want to step on someone else's toes and that you should leave then).

5. To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them wrong).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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been away

2006-03-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

well i have been gone for a few days and watched all the 'activity' depreciate. I am now back it is thursday 3/2/06 almost midnight. I am going to post tomorrow and get back on schedule on Monday

lemon law?

2006-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Is Your Car A 'Lemon'?
by: Ted Rossio
Sooner or later we all must buy a car. And when we can, we buy them brand new. However, most of us are stuck having to a buy a used car from a dealer or private party at some point. The downside to this is that you can get a car that at first seems like everything you ever wanted, but soon becomes your worst nightmare. What I have come to learn is that by the time that you begin to realize that you have a lemon on your hands, it is usually too late. The car has already outlived its 90 day warranty which is often filled with loopholes for the dealer anyway. What does this mean for you? If you're like most people, you're thinking to yourself, "it means you're screwed." However, read on. Most people who buy their cars used know that dealers set up their agreements in terms that will serve only their best interests. Buyers also assume that there is really nothing that they can do in order to get the most out of their money. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there is a lot that you can do to protect yourself even after you have bought yourself a lemon. That’s right: as a buyer you do have rights as well. In fact, there are laws that are designed to protect you should you find that you get stuck with a bad car and a terrible dealer. Did you know that now is the best time to buy a car? There are very large cash rebates, dealer discounts and employee discounts offered just about everywhere. The recent major drop in the car industry had forced many people to steer away from buying new cars and also has prompted some of the best discounts ever from the dealerships. You need to do some online research before hitting the dealership and it could save you money and headaches. Websites like Autoweb.com, Edmund's Automobile Buyers Guide, Autolink, Autopedia, Kelley Blue Book and CarPrice.com are just some of the sites that are currently giving up to date pricing information on new cars. You should however make note of the dates when each rebate is set to expire so that you can take advantage of these special offers. When you are looking for the best prices, you want to visit several different Web sites when researching pricing information for the obvious reasons. Everything from sticker price to customer rebate information may vary from site to site. It's wise to cover all the bases. Whenever you are in doubt, contact an auto manufacturer directly. When it comes to the basics behind the lemon laws, knowing the basics can be the difference between whether or not you get screwed or get the chance to recover the money that you spent on the car. The state and federal statutes offer a wide array of relief for consumers who get stuck with a bad car or truck after they buy. At the same time, these statutes provide buyers with the chance for recovery of costs and attorney fees which are a strong incentive for attorneys who would like to take up the cause on behalf of unhappy lemon owners. "Lemon laws" basically outline all of the procedures that are used in order to settle these sorts of new car problems. These lemon laws differ from one state to another, but lemon laws in general are designed to provide the owner with a refund or replacement vehicle should this problem occur. For example, some states mandate a refund or a new car if a large enough problems cannot be repaired within four tries, or if the car has been out of service for around a month within the first year or 12,000 miles driven. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as; some states only provide you with the chance to make one attempt for significant safety related issues such as the brakes or steering. Some states do not even stop with just providing lemon owners with either a refund or a new car. Some of them will, in fact, also let you recover any sort of attorney's fees that you have to deal with during your pursuit of getting some satisfaction from your purchase of a lemon. It is always good to know that you can get some sort of return on your money when you buy a lemon. It happens so often that eventually there was bound to be some laws protecting the buyers. What is sometimes sad about the lemon laws is that they do not necessarily help you. It all depends on your specific situation. About the author:Give me 45 minutes and I'll share with you the powerful secrets for winning compensation for your broken down car that came straight from the dealership! If you don't take action now, the law says you may be too late. Visit for more info.

is it stolen?

2006-02-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

Pssst: Wanna (not) Buy a Stolen Car?
by: 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. About the author:Will YOU get scammed on your next car purchase? Michael Trusthold writes for 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 UsedCars.biz.

buying a used car

2006-02-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

Buying A Used Car - The Wise Way!
by: Ryan Larson
I have always purchased my cars used. And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree. There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade. Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety. Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe. Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle. Are you going to purchase from an individual? Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on. Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully. Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later! Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car: Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch. Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works! Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic. Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you. Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history. Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire. There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time! About the author:This article courtesy of

auto parts

2006-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Auto Part Dealers Are Plentiful Both Locally And Online
by: Sintilia Miecevole
If you are like me, you are actually very clueless about the auto parts in your car. When something breaks or needs replacing, you need help deciding what you need to buy in order to fix it. If you are lucky, you have someone you can ask for advice about the auto parts you need. However, if you don’t have someone like that, there are some steps you can take to make your auto parts purchases as painless as possible. If you are planning to purchase any kind of auto parts for your vehicle, it is helpful to know a little bit about your auto parts dealer. There are several ways to ‘check out’ an auto parts retail store before you buy anything from them. Most local auto parts retailers you can check out yourself by visiting their store. Intuition is a great tool to use and you can normally tell if a business is legitimate. If you don’t trust yourself, take along a friend who is an auto enthusiast or works as a mechanic professionally, having a lot of experience with various types and brands of auto parts. They will have a better idea if the auto parts dealer is giving you a good product for a fair price. It is a little more difficult to find out about the auto parts dealers that work exclusively over the internet. While most are legitimate, just like the local dealers, some can be scams trying to sell you inferior products that may not work. There are also some online store auto parts dealers who creatively enhance products with features they don’t have – meaning they lie! Most online stores have email or “ask a professional” services. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and get straight answers about any auto parts you plan to purchase online. If they vague with their answers or if they describe a product that seems too good to be true, they are not who you want to be buying from. Respectable online auto parts dealers may be contacted via telephone and e-mail. Questions you have about the parts you plan to purchase can be asked prior to the purchase. Avoid the dealer if you receive an uncertain reply or if something is too good to be true. One of the most tried and true ways of checking out any business, including auto parts dealers both local and online, is to check with the Better Business Bureau. To be safe, only buy from dealers who are registered with them and have a good overall rating. That way, if trouble arises, you can always file a complaint with an organization that can get you results and possibly your money back if you have a problem with your purchased auto parts. About the author:Looking for auto parts and can't find them? Sintilia Miecevole, Administrator of has a great resource of information to help you find everything from quality auto parts, aftermarket and performance to do-it-yourself repair and restoration. Be sure to visit to get the auto parts you require.

Rambling

2006-02-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

Days are strange. I have 2 Ford explorers. I had to put a fuel pump in one of them a couple of weeks ago. Everything was going fine fuel pump job went pretty easily. But then when the job was finished I found that the float apparently has a pinhole in it and the gas gauge doesnt work. And there is a wiring problem. The wiring problem is probably a good reason the pump went over time (inconsistent power?) Well its just too cold to go and mess with now. So if I decide to drive that one it always starts in the driveway- but not everytime at the store when I shut it off. I cant afford to keep it running while in anyplace due to the gas prices. Gas saving tips dont help much when your leave your vehicle running all the time. Well this is it for now I just wanted to let the world in on my damn truck problems haha

SAVE SOME MONEY!! cut your gas costs down

2006-02-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! For the new car owners out there, do you know that a gallon of unleaded gasoline used to cost only $1.25? Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station. So here we have compiled 10 best tips to help you get the most out of your dollar! Tip 1: Shop Around This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything. Always shop around. You can get a cheaper price for your favorite brand, and probably a yet cheaper price for a different brand. Tip 2: Use a Gasoline Credit Card Gasoline credit cards are great! They can save you 5-10 percent off your gasoline purchase. Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool Gasoline is denser in cooler temperatures, such as in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density, so you'll be getting more solid fuel than vapors, thus improving your overall gas mileage. Tip 4: Avoid Gas Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks When underground tanks are refilled, particles at the bottom of the tank get stirred up, and when these particles get into your gasoline tank, they affect the fuel efficiency of your car. Tip 5: Don’t Top Off The gas pump needs time to draw out the full amount of gas, so When you purchase a bit of gas the station, you get short bursts of fuel that you'll probably pay extra for. You should refill your tank when you have less than half a talk left or when you find a price that is so low you cannot afford to miss it. Tip 6: Don’t Use High Octane Gas Most cars nowadays are built to run on regular unleaded gas. Purchasing higher octane gas is simply a waste of money. Octane measures how hard it is to ignite gas, not the quality of the gas, so getting higher octane gas will not improve fuel efficiency. You should only get these more expensive gases when your engine pings, knocks or rattles. Tip 7: Pump Your Own Gas It's cheaper to pump your own gas at the self-serve stations rather than using the full-serve pumps. Full-serve gasoline naturally costs more. Tip 8: Lessen the Use of Air-Conditioning This tip is simple enough. Air-conditioning uses electricity, and they can reduce fuel economy by up to 20àIt's advisable to use the air ventilation system instead. Tip 9: Plan Your Trip You can avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trip before hand, and of course that saves you money on gas consumption. Tip 10: Purchase Vehicles That Get Good Mileage This is probably one of the best tips anybody can give on saving money at the gas pump. It's always better to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. Check with your car dealer about cars that have better fuel economy. About the author:Pete Lance is the founder of www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States. Sign up for a free daily email with the lowest gas prices for your zip code.

I found this article doin some searching and then more searching.

2006-02-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, your car has affects from the cold too. Follow these tips to help you have a safer winter driving season. First, and this goes for any time of year, change your oil at the manufacturers specified time, generally 3,000 miles. When you have an oil change most technicians also give your car a once over checking tires and belts and fluids. Remember, the oil is the life blood of your car. Keep your gas tank full. This helps prevent possible moisture build up and also adds a bit of weight to your car which might help you in the snow. Don't let your tank fall below one half. Replace your wiper blades. There's nothing worse than having no visibility, especially when you're getting the spray of salt up on your windshield. Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid. Carry an extra gallon with you. You go through it much faster in the winter weather due to salt spray. Check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Make sure that if you don't have actual snow tires on different rims that the radials you have on your car have a good tread. Again, like the oil, keep an eye on the condition of your tires. A good rule is to have them rotated when you have your oil changed this will help prevent uneven wear. Make sure that you have a usable spare tire and you spare hasn't dry rotted. There are a few things that you should keep in your car for winter driving, an ice scraper and deicer (it's a good thing to keep these things in the house too in case your car is covered with ice when you need to get into it), boots, gloves, a small shovel, sand and a flash light. Always have your cell phone fully charged and with you just in case. Hopefully these tips will help you have a carefree winter driving experience. These are some pretty helpful tips in preparing your vehicle for winter and one of the best parts of them are just about anyone can do em.

"MAKE MY COUNTER ROLL"

Day One

2006-02-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

So as I woke up this morning and looked out the window what did I see? Well last night the weatherman said a "dusting" was possible. well I woke up to about an inch (not a dusting in my opinion). Coming to the realization once again that I live in a town with a multitude of up and down hills (some pretty steep) and the realizations of the last big snowfall (thats when i found the 4x4 in my suv no longer works) and that my suv does not like to go uphill on a slick road with no 4 wheel drive. I figured this morning after doing some mandatory driving to start looking around this fine internet for some TIPS in the automotive field. I am a licensed salesmen and have been employed in the Auto industry for 10+ years and out of the industry for 2 years. I figured it was a good time and reason to freshen up. Ill postsome of my findings, driving tips ,maint tips, and buying and selling tips. Thanks for reading this

"MAKE MY COUNTER ROLL"