AutosForAll Magazine

5 Common Car Insurance Mistakes To Avoid

2011-07-08T01:39:00.000-07:00

Buying car insurance sucks. You hate it. We hate it. Everyone hates it. Unfortunately, however, it's a fact of life, so we wrote this quick guide about how to avoid 5 common car insurance mistakes so you'll be a little less bummed next time you have to go shopping for car insurance.

Buying insurance from the first (and only) insurance company you talk to. This is a great way to get hosed. Go this route and you'll never know if you could have gotten a better deal from another company. Fortunately, gone are the days when you had to call each company to get a quote. There are plenty of services and websites that allow you to type in your information once, and then have a wide variety of insurers get in touch with you. Before you know it, you'll have a plethora of quotes to choose from, and you'll know you're getting the best deal.
Buying the cheapest policy you can find. I know, I know, the last mistake dealt with getting the best deal possible. However, the best deal doesn't always mean the cheapest. You see, there are a lot of unscrupulous, careless, or just plain clueless insurers out there, and while they may offer the cheapest rates (because that's what it takes to keep adding new customers when you're a crappy company) you'll get what you paid for: poor customer service, slow/nonexistent payment on claims, and an overall unpleasant experience. How do you avoid this? Check out car insurance reviews on the internet to see what industry experts and real customers have to say about the companies you're looking at.
Buying/not buying comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage means you'll be covered in case of theft, natural disaster, or personal carelessness or negligence. Basically, almost everything but accidents that aren't your fault. Now, it makes sense to get this coverage if you can't afford to fix your car in the event of some relatively minor damage. However, you can save more in the long run if you opt out of this coverage and just keep some money in a rainy day savings account in the event that something happens to your ride.
Not getting all your available discounts. Car insurance companies offer a ton of discounts for all sorts of things, including safe driving, good grades, belonging to an alumni organization, getting a car alarm installed, and many others. Not taking advantage of these discounts is like leaving free money sitting on the table. It's FREE MONEY! Of course it's worth your time!
Making your premium too high. So here's the thing: while your deductible (what you pay out-of-pocket to get your car fixed after an accident) might look uncomfortably high, your premium (what you pay every month to keep your car insured) will go down accordingly. And believe us, you'll pay your insurance premium a lot more frequently than you'll pay for an accident. Take our advice: look at how much you'd save by having a low deductible, choose the high deductible, and put the difference between the two in a savings account until you can afford the high deductible.

Now you're saving money, and you still get the peace of mind knowing that you can afford to fix your car in the event of an accident. So there you have it. 5 common car insurance mistakes and how to avoid them. Just follow these simple tips, and maybe next time you have to buy car insurance, it'll feel a little less like a root canal.

Jeff is a jack of all trades with consulting and contracting experience in fields like high-tech SaaS, insurance, search, Internet search, education, and online retail. He is dedicated to helping people get the best auto insurance quotes available from auto insurance reviews sites.

Learning to Drive in the UK

2011-07-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

When can I start?
In the UK you will need to be 17 years of age and hold a UK provisional driving licence before you can legally drive a vehicle on public roads. However, if you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, you can qualify to drive from 16 years of age.

How many lessons will I need?
On average, it is thought that up to 40 hours of lessons alongside 20 hours of practice on your own (with a relative or a friend holding a full and current driving licence) will get you to the stage where you can book to sit your practical driving test. You will not be able to book the practical test unless you have passed the driving theory test.

How much will it cost?
The total cost of passing your test will depend on a number of factors:

• The number of lessons it takes before you are ready to sit your practical driving test.

• The cost of booking a driving theory test (starting at £31.00).

• The cost of booking a practical driving test (NB the cost will depend on whether you sit your driving test on a weekday/evening, weekend or bank holiday).

• Buying, borrowing or hiring a car to get 'on the road' practice.

• Car insurance.

• Learning aids such as books, CDs and DVDs

Unfortunately, no matter what pass rate your particular driving school says it has, there are no guarantees that you will pass your driving test first time. So also factor in the cost of further lessons and the booking fees for sitting any retests. Phew, it's starting to look expensive! You can help minimise the cost of passing your driving test by carrying out a bit of research; speaking with friends and family and using the internet to carry out a couple of quick online reviews. There will be number of driving instructors and driving schools in your local area and it's always a good idea to shop around before you commit yourself to any one driving school or instructor. Also, bear in mind, there are a number of unofficial booking websites giving you the option to book theory and practical tests through their own websites. These websites are perfectly legal. But always check the small print as some may add extra administrative fees on top of the actual booking fee. It is recommended that you book your test directly through the official Direct Gov driving test booking website, so you only ever pay the real cost of booking both driving theory and practical tests.

What to Do and Not Do If You're in a Car Accident

2011-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Auto collisions are very trying and stressful situations for everyone involved. However, if you are an adult over the age of 53, there's a 30% likelihood that you will be involved in a collision, so it pays to know the basics of what to do if you're involved in one.

Make Sure You're Off the Road - If it's possible to move your car following a crash, it's vital to be off the road and avoid other cars aggravating the situation or hitting a disabled vehicle. Before calling 911 be sure any vehicle that can get off the road has done so, and that no one is in risk of more immediate harm while the situation is sorted out.

Remember to have your hazard lights on, some people have road flares to make sure they're visible even in dreary conditions.

Call the Police - Whether someone is injured or not, the police need to survey the situation and the damage, and assess citations and fines where necessary. This step is crucial if you hope to report this situation to your auto insurance provider. Without an official police report, you might not be able to use your insurance, which makes you liable for any damages and injuries that might occur.

Do Not Engage the Other Party - While it's vital to talk to the other party in a car crash and see if anyone needs medical attention, you should never argue or discuss the accident with the other motorists until the police arrive to take a statement. Obviously this is a stressful situation, but angry words and frustration will only make it more difficult to sort out the situation.

Contact Your Insurance - Your insurance policy usually includes a towing service or some way to get your disabled vehicle from the crash site to a place where it can receive the attention it needs to get it back in working order as soon as possible.

Find A Good Body Shop - Find a reputable repair shop close to your home. Get your car towed if you have to. The repair shop can usually work directly with your insurance company.

It also never hurts to have modern devices like OnStar or a first aid kit in your vehicle, just in case someone needs emergency medical attention following a collision. To make sure your vehicle keeps you safe, check your breaks, your alignment, and always drive according to the weather conditions.

Getting into a car accident puts a lot of stress on an individual. Your car is damaged, people get hurt and insurance rates go up. Bodywerks of Streamwood is a car collision center that understands what your going through and we are here to help. Getting your car repaired should be the last thing you need to focus on after an accident.

Car Buying and Car Shipping for Single Moms

2011-07-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

A single mother is faced with so many challenges. You have so many priorities that it's difficult to pinpoint which one is top priority. It is easy to say your children are top priority, but you cannot take care of them well without maintaining a good job and taking care of yourself. Then there's the family car.

Typically, it is the father that takes care of the family car, which is why anything about cars is quite a stretch for a single mother. You wouldn't normally see a mother tinkering with broken engines and under-casings or changing a tire. Well, it is still best to look for a mechanic when these things happen to anyone. But when buying a car or having it shipped, single moms need to help themselves. Here are some tips for you to help you make both ends meet as you buy a new car or ship your old one to a new address.

Before buying a new car, ask these things to yourself: Do I really need to buy a new one? How much money can I spend? How can I save money?

Buying a car is not a one-time spending responsibility. It involves many other things such as car insurance, gas, maintenance, and paying off your car loan. If you're living in the city where public transportation is easy, you might not need to buy a car at all. Sure it's cool and convenient having one, but can you imagine how much money you can save?

But if ultimately you decide to buy one for the sake of your kids, make sure to make a budget. Don't go out looking for a car with no clear idea how much money you have and can spend. You could end up buying the flashiest new model on in-house loan.

Do some research beforehand and make a list of models that make your budget. Check out review websites on how these models perform on the road or how fuel efficient they are. Prepare cash for down payment. Keep in mind also that you are most unlikely to get bank loan approval if you were living on alimony or child support. If you are really low on cash, why not consider buying a used car? There are good used cars out there, but you might need the help of a mechanic to check them out.

Another task for the single mom is car shipping. Single-parent families typically move from home to home and job to job. Before shipping your car, ask these things to yourself: Can I not drive there myself? How much money can I spend? How can I save money?

If you think you can drive to your new home while hushing your baby to sleep in the backseat then go ahead. Usually, however, this is easier said than done. Car shipping companies are easy to hire and not at all that expensive. For about $800 to $1000, you can completely rely on professional shippers to get the job done while you and your kids take the bus or plane to your new home. Get in touch with a nearby car shipper, inquire about their services, request for a quotation and ask for discounts and freebies.

To find more information about car shipping industry, feel free to read my daily-updated car shipping blog, which provides free information about military car shipping services.

Shipping A Car From US To Europe

2011-07-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Europe and the USA are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, so if you intend on moving to Europe you'll definitely are interested in car shipping in the US to Europe. You will also think it is necessary to know a few things about the rules and the legislation that you'll want to follow to be able to legally be able to drive your car in any European country.

The first issue you need to look after when you choose to ship a car from the US to Europe is choosing the best car shipping company. To become able to perform so, you need to locate a company that handles the majority of the problems involved with a car shipment: offers door-to-door delivery, protects all the applying taxes, includes in the package offered insurance and also the port duty and offers reasonable pricing because of its reliable services.

Another entire chapter involved by shipping an automobile in the US to Europe is represented by the duty and taxes you'll be required to pay. Usually, you will have to pay 17.5% VAT (Useful Tax) along with a duty with a minimum of 10%. These percentages rely on the car's age and considering that the most costly one is the VAT, most people try to look for a way to deal with it. There's a simple way of preventing paying this tax: the vehicle you ship to Europe should be in your possession for at least 6 months before the actual shipping takes place.

To legally ship a car to Europe, you will need to make your car the topic of a Single Vehicle Approval Test. This is a test performed through the Department of Transport which is designed to check if the car you want to ship in the US to Europe meets the required standards. These standards refer to the amount of noise and emissions, towards the kind of seats used to manufacture the vehicle, to its brakes as well as speedometer. These rules are strict and are established by the Eu. The subject of a SVA test are new cars and also the vehicles with under 3 year of usage that an owner wants to ship to Europe. You might wonder what happens should you ship a mature car. Well, the problem gets a bit complicated, because to be able to ship one of these simple cars to Europe you will have to perform some alterations regarding the speedometer (which will have to express the speed in meters each hour), the running lights that some American cars have in their indicators (those shouldn't exist). The entire list should be provided by the vehicle shipping company.

You are also permitted to ship from the US to Europe an automobile which is a right hand drive model. This is actually the case of numerous Japanese domestic models that many American buyers find attractive. Once the car reaches a European country you will have to result in the necessary changes and transform the vehicle right into a left-hand drive version.

I'm sure the cost involved can also be an element that worries you. I will tell you that the car shipping in the US to Europe usually costs between $750 and $2,000. The total amount depends upon the car's size and weight. You will also have to decide which international port works for you and make sure to buy insurance because when it comes to international car shipping is mandatory. The insurance price is usually of around 2% from the car's value.

That's pretty much whatever you ought to know about Europe car shipping.

Tips for Selling Your Used Car for Top Dollar

2011-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Over the next six months, gas prices in the United States are expected to rise to over five dollars per gallon, setting a new record for the cost of gas and making it more difficult for the average commuter to even afford to get to work. Because of these anticipated rises in gas prices, older used vehicles are now increasing in demand, because people want cars that can get more miles to the gallon.

Used cars are selling for rates that are well over blue book value, and not just in private sales. Even dealers are getting in on the action and paying out more for trade in value of used cars than they have in years.

If you are sitting on a used vehicle that you want to sell, you could be sitting on a gold mine!

Before you jump up and list your car for sale on craigslist, follow some of these tips to make sure that you get the very top dollar for your used vehicle.

Check out the blue book value of your vehicle. This can easily be done online. Simply have the information about the make, model, and year of your vehicle and find an online blue book estimator. Be honest about the condition of your vehicle when you plug the stats into the estimator to get the most accurate value of your vehicle.
Once you know how much your vehicle is valued at by the blue book standard, look online for vehicles that are similar to yours and see what they are selling for in your area. Consider contacting dealerships and see what they are selling your year, make, and model of vehicle for, and also what they are paying out for your year, make, and model.
Keep your maintenance current. The better you take care of your vehicle, the more likely that you will get a good amount of money for it on trade in. A routine oil change can potentially add thousands of dollars to the value of your car over time.
Fix the little things before you put it on the market. If your AC doesn't work, fix it! If your windshield is cracked, replace it! If the tires are bad, change them! If you have body damage, find a Utah auto body shop and spruce it up! If the interior is dirty, clean it! If the cassette player doesn't work.....well, upgrade to a CD player!

Starting an Auto Mechanic Career

2011-07-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Despite what you may have heard, the automotive industry continues to be one of the largest and most important industries in the world. It's true that the industry (and the car itself) is undergoing many rapid changes, which are creating numerous challenges, but these changes are also providing great opportunities for anyone who has an interest in an auto mechanic career.

Numerous new employment opportunities are being created today by auto trends based on advances in technology, large production overcapacity, heavy fuel consumption, environmental concerns, and a steady retirement of skilled or trained personnel. This means that an already large employee base is set to expand, and well-trained candidates will be highly sought after. Consider recent statistics from Canada, which show that there are 162,000 people employed in auto technical trades in that country. 96% of those employees work full time and more than one-third of those jobs require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma. These numbers reflect similar situations in countries across the western world. What this means is that there are great opportunities for trained, highly skilled auto mechanics. Now is a great time to enroll in an automotive trades training program.

The best auto mechanics training programs mix theoretical class time with hands-on training. Some, in fact, offer an apprenticeship in an auto repair facility, where you can earn practical on-the-job experience while studying. This is highly recommended as it can develop confidence and knowledge, helping you step right into the workforce upon graduation.

Auto Mechanics are usually paid hourly, but some highly skilled mechanics are guaranteed a minimum weekly salary. Some repair shops also offer commission incentives and performance bonuses to make this basic auto mechanic salary even more attractive. On average, Automotive Service Technicians earn between $45,000 and 70,000 per year plus benefits. If you're passionate about cars, this can be a dream come true. Imagine earning a good living while doing something you love - working on cars!

A certification or diploma in automotive trades can help you land a career in numerous car-related outlets, including:
New and used car dealersRetail automotive repair facilitiesCustom and specialty shopsHeavy duty truck repair facilitiesOrganizations with fleet vehiclesAnd more

A comprehensive auto trades training program can also give you all the skills needed to develop your entrepreneurial spirit and skills. Many auto mechanic graduates go on to own and mange their own automotive repair or specialty shop.

Contact The Automotive Training Centre today for more information on automotive training programs.

Philippe Taza is the founder and CEO of Higher Education Marketing, a leading Web marketing firm. Taza has worked in the Canadian Education market for nearly a decade, specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Mobile SMS Alerts, Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click Marketing, among other Web marketing services and tools.

How To Know When You Are Ready For New Tires

2011-07-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

When deciding if it is time to replace the tires on your car, the prime consideration is safety. The safety of every person who rides in your vehicle is affected by the condition of your tires.

Many times, people neglect to examine their tires. They get busy, or they just don't know how to check them. Before they know it, weeks, months and even years have gone by since their tires were checked. This can lead to disaster.

Tires should always be examined before and after a trip and at least once a month under normal conditions. Here are some of the things you should check:

• The tread

Obviously, if you can see the chords or steel bands that are embedded in your tire, it is past time for the tire to be replaced. However, tires can become dangerous long before they get to that stage.

If a tire doesn't have enough tread, it will not be able to channel water properly. This can result in hydroplaning, especially at high speeds. If you live in a cold climate, it can also reduce your traction in the snow.

Many tires today have wear bars. These are narrow bands that appear in the grooves of the treads. If they are even with the depth of the tread, only 2/32" remains on the tread. The tire should be replaced.

If your tires don't have wear bars, or for an easier way to check, use a penny. Stand a penny in the groove of the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, you need a new tire.

Do not check the tire in just one spot. Tires can develop "flat spots" from harsh braking or skidding that can wear off the tread in just one spot. That spot becomes weak and vulnerable to a blow out. Examine the entire surface of the tire, moving the car to check the areas that are in contact with the pavement.

You will also want to check that one side of the tire is not wearing faster than the other. When this happens, it means that your wheels are out of alignment and are causing your tires to wear unevenly. In this instance, you should have the wheels realigned.

• The sidewalls

Check the sidewalls of each tire, both inside and outside. If you see any bulges or cracks or any other type of damage, the tire should be replaced immediately. Check to be sure that the tires fit evenly and snugly around the wheel rims. This situation can cause air to leak.

• The air pressure

If the air pressure in your tires is not stable, you have a leak. If you suspect a leak, put some soapy water on the tire and look for bubbles. If you find any, have the tire repaired or replaced.

Some hints to make your tires last longer.

Always inflate them properly. Overinflated tires wear out faster. They can also blow out faster and make your car unstable.

Underinflated tires will make you use more fuel. They will also wear out faster and make the car harder to handle.

Remove any debris that gets embedded in the treads. Do not remove a nail unless you are able to replace the tire with a spare if it loses air.

You can drive home or to a repair shop with a nail in your tire, but do not drive on a flat tire unless it is an absolute emergency.

In addition to checking the tires, you should have the alignment checked regularly. Wheels that are out of alignment can wear out a set of tires in a very short time, sometimes in just a few days of hard driving.

If you care for your tires properly, replacing them when necessary, they will last longer and your vehicle will give you a much better ride.

Keeping up your car maintenance is a car owner's responsibility. For safety and piece of mind, when buying a used car in Las Vegas, be sure you know what you are getting. All vehicles at J.D. Byrider undergo a comprehensive inspection.

Ford Uses SYNC to Manage Illness on the Go

2011-07-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

In the last few years Americans have begun to take a more active role in managing their own health and well-being. Recognizing this trend, Ford researches are working on developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity solutions. These solutions are designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive.

Ford is using SYNC's® ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, access cloud-based Internet services and control smartphone apps. They are developing voice-controlled in-car connections to an array of health aids including glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, Web-based allergen alert solutions and asthma management tools.

"Ford SYNC is well known in the industry and with consumers as a successful in-car infotainment system, but we want to broaden the paradigm, transforming SYNC into a tool that can help improve people's lives as well as the driving experience," said Paul Mascarenas, chief technology officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation.

Constant Connections
Taking a smart, high-volume approach to bringing mobile health and wellness solutions inside the car, To develop some of the initial health and wellness programs Ford is using a high-volume approach; looking at two populations with the most need for constant connection to potentially life-saving information - people with diabetes and those who suffer from allergies or have asthma.

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million adults and children are currently living with diabetes in the U.S., that's over 3 million more than there were four years ago. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that over 60 million Americans have asthma and/or have allergies.

Ford is working with experts in these fields to create relevant in-car features and services for those living with these ailments.
"Ford's approach to health and wellness in the vehicle is not about trying to take on the role of a healthcare or medical provider, we're a car company," said Gary Strumolo, global manager, Interiors, Infotainment, Health & Wellness Research, Ford Research and Innovation. "Our goal is not to interpret the data offered by the experts, but to work with them to develop intelligent ways for Ford vehicles using the power of SYNC. In essence, creating a secondary alert system and alternate outlet for real-time patient coaching services if you will."

Ford SYNC offers three unique ways to bring health and wellness connected services into the car:
• Device connectivity via Bluetooth - Leveraging Bluetooth, medical devices can be connected to the car to share information through SYNC; just like a driver can connect and access their cell phone or address book by voice control

• Cloud-based services - Ford's off-board network of location-based traffic, directions, and information providers that drivers can access through their cell phones. Known as SYNC Services, new services such as medical services can be easily added through this plug-and-play voice-controlled capability

• AppLink - this innovation allows smartphone apps to be accessed by drivers via voice commands. The SYNC application programming interface (API) allows app developers to enable their apps to communicate through SYNC, delivering a smarter way for drivers to manage apps while driving

The ongoing Ford health and wellness research projects include:
• Glucose monitoring: A prototype system that allows Ford SYNC to connect via Bluetooth to a continuous glucose monitoring device and share glucose levels and trends through audio and a center stack display and provide secondary alerts if levels are too low.

• Allergy alerts: Ford is working with SDI Health and http://www.pollen.com to SYNC-enable its smartphone Allergy Alert app through AppLink, giving users voice-controlled access to the app that provides location-based day-by-day index levels for pollen; asthma, cold and cough and ultraviolet sensitivity; as well as four-day forecasts.

• WellDoc: Ford and WellDoc, a recognized leader in the emerging field of mHealth integrated services, have joined forces to integrate in-car accessibility to WellDoc's comprehensive cloud-based personalized solutions for those with asthma and diabetes through SYNC Services. Using voice commands, SYNC users could access and update their WellDoc profile to receive real-time patient coaching, behavioral education and medication adherence support based on their historic and current disease information.

"WellDoc was founded on the concept of helping patients manage their disease with everyday, personal tools that are easy to use and can be easily accessed," said Dr. Anand K. Iyer, president and COO of WellDoc. "Through our partnership with Ford, we've created a unique in-vehicle environment that supports patients so they can continuously maintain their daily routines without interruption."

Well on the way

Ford is also examining other more long-term health and wellness technologies and ideas related to, for example, heart rate, and relaxation and reducing stress. Ford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have long been studying the correlation between stressors and driving performance, wrapping up a nine-month advanced research project last fall that showed drivers are less stressed when using selected vehicle technologies such as Ford active park assist and cross-traffic alert.

"Health and wellness provides a tremendous opportunity for Ford to provide peace of mind and a personal benefit to drivers and passengers while they are in our vehicles," said Strumolo. "As more and more devices and technologies lend themselves to such connectivity in the car, it is our responsibility, our philosophy, to examine those possibilities and open our doors to industry relationships that can help us do it intelligently, efficiently and economically."

Bay Ridge Ford, http://bayridgeford.com/, located in Brooklyn, NY, carries an extensive inventory of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs and works hard to get customers into the vehicle they have always wanted. In addition to inventory, the Ford dealer offers auto finance, parts, and service. Bay Ridge Ford's primary goal is 100% customer satisfaction.

Tips to Keep Your Car's Paint Looking Like New

2011-07-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

You might be more worried about what's going on with your car's engine or the inside detailing than what it takes to maintain your original paint job. Yes, this may not seem like a major concern, but taking care of your car's paint will allow you to avoid color rusting and fading in the future. In fact, just a few years of hitting the pavement can cause your car's color to grow fainter and it takes even less time if you live in a climate that requires salt on the roads during wintery conditions.

One of the easiest ways to maintain color radiance is to wash your car. Although it might not seem like a difficult task, there are certain methods you should utilize while washing to get the most out of your car's color.

Use proper tools. You want to wash your car with safe yet effective tools. Start with a paint-safe washing mitt, a bucket, and cleaning supplies that are specifically designed for vehicle use. You want to find auto cleaning supplies that are pH balanced, non-detergent formulas so they won't strip your wax. Also, lubrication in these supplies is vital, as this prevents scratching and maintains car shine.
Rinse first! You should always rinse off your car before scrubbing it up. If you skip this step and go right to sudsing, dirt and other containments could scratch your car.
Towel off! Yes, it might be tempting, but skipping the drying process can put your car in worse shape after the wash then it was before you started. In order to prevent water spots, which are essentially mineral deposits directly on your car's paint, dry off with cotton cloths or sheepskin chamois. Beware of polyester and microfiber cloths, as they can scratch your paint.
Finish off with waxing. You want to wax your car after a good wash and dry in order to protect your paint from harmful chemicals. Not only will wax protect your car against paint fading in the future, but it also makes it look shiny right away. But remember, wax your car when it is out of the line of direct sunlight.
Take one step at a time. It's important to remember that you should wash and rinse your car in sections, as doing the whole surface area at once will allow soap to dry before it's rinsed off. Also, read your car's manufacturing directions on all car care products prior to using them, as your paint might not interact well with certain substances.

Besides a frequent wash, you should also repair car chips and scratches. This will help prevent against rusting and paint discoloration in the future. Yes, it could be costly, but if you want your paint job to last this step is quite necessary.

As you can see, washing your car is the single most important and easiest way to keep your car's paint job looking new and shiny. Remember, the more you take care of your car, the better it will look in the future.

It's well known that even the best auto insurance rates for teen drivers are usually very high in comparison with other age groups. If you're looking for cheap insurance for young drivers in your home, be sure to ask your insurance company what discounts your child may qualify for.

Opening Up Your Golf Cart Battery Compartment

2011-07-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

The basic functioning of all golf carts depends on the strength of its batteries. Currently there is not a single battery on the market that is capable of powering an entire golf cart. Do keep in mind that when speaking about golf cart batteries we are actually referring to components which would fit into the physical compartment of the vehicle and has nothing to do with its inherent electrical characteristics. Usually batteries can be classified as 6-, 8-, or 12-volt types depending on their voltage output during operation. Golf cart motors on the other hand can either be 36- or 48-volt capacity. So how do you bridge the difference between the voltage output of the battery and that required by the motor?

Multiple Golf Cart Batteries

The primary solution is to make use of battery packs or combining multiple batteries to provide a single power source. The configuration for the packing of batteries would greatly depend on the voltage requirement of the electric motor. As you would know, the higher the voltage requirement, the more power the motor can deliver. So whether your vehicle relies on a 36-volt or 48-volt motor packing of batteries will deliver the necessary power it requires. The configuration would also depend on an equal existent to your preference of batteries to use so you have to choose from the different voltage types.

You can practically allow the packing of batteries by combining six 6-volt batteries to get the 36 volts requirement of the motor. You may also try three 12-volt batteries to get the same voltage output. For motors requiring 48 volts, packing of batteries can be done with six 8-volt batteries, eight 6-volt batteries, or four 12-volt batteries to deliver the required power. If you will notice, packing of batteries essentially involves as many pieces of battery as possible until you reach the desired voltage. What is not allowed though is the mixing of batteries with different voltage in a single pack. This means that you cannot mix three 8-volt batteries with one 12-volt battery to get the 48 volts requirement of the motor.

The reason why batteries of different voltage cannot be used in the packing of batteries is that they carry varying charging characteristics. So if you mix them up, there is a danger that one type of battery can overcharge while another remains undercharged. Furthermore, the 6-, 8-, and 12-volt battery types function differently during the operation phase. This means that there is a greater chance of being under powered rather than having adequate power supply which defaults the purpose of having a power source. In terms of their physical characteristics, golf cart batteries of different voltage may also differ in terms of size of the casing and the posts as well which means you may need different sized cables.

The desire to meet the power requirements of the golf cart motor is only one of the reasons why the process of packing of golf cart batteries is important. Aside from the power, the battery pack is likewise intended to deliver steady current over long usage which is ideal for golf cart electric motors. So if it's the first time you've opened the battery compartment of your golf cart, don't be surprised if you find more than one battery in there.

No Time Wasting With The Amazing Roll Up Car Cover

2011-07-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Car covers just got better with the amazing roll up car cover. The Amazing Roll Up Car Cover will be able to protect you car from all those ghastly nuisances as well as roll up nice and neatly in no time at all. This is no exaggeration; it takes a total of 15 seconds to roll up your cover when not in use. To put in on, all it takes it 60 seconds.

This may seem totally unbelievable, but with a drum roll it is possible. At the turn of a crank, the cover rolls up, or out, using speeds of up to 100 RPMs. The drum has specialised snag free technology that makes sure nothing gets tangled in the process.

The cover itself is a superb one. It is completely waterproof and will even withstand the pressures of torrents and hoses, letting you wash down you cover when it is on. This is due to the fact that the cover is made using micro weave taffeta and seven layers of polyurethane. Now no water or other liquids can work their way on to the car.

That's not all, the cover is breathable too. The car will be able to 'sweat' whilst covered without the fear of it becoming steamed up and mouldy. Air and moisture are allowed out through the material, but not in, ensuring the car remains bone dry at all times.

The Amazing Roll Up Car Cover is also ultra violet repellent. None of the sun's harmful rays will be able to seep their way through to the car and damage it, as the cover will deny all entry. The rays will simply be reflected off the car, and the car will remain protected at all times.

Naturally, since the car will be covered, it will be saved from all sorts of other nuisances and wreckage such as dirt, dust, birds dropping etc. As you may already have experienced, these can leave awful stains, and are mighty difficult to fully remove.

Having the Amazing Roll Up Car Cover simply makes your life easier. Owing to the fact that the cover becomes so neat and compact when not in use, just makes it easier to transport around with you. Slip it into the glove compartment, and away you go. You have your portable garage right there in your pocket. No need to worry where you're headed as your car will remain shielded and protected wherever you are, whatever the climate.

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Auto Movers and Auto Moving

2011-07-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

If you need to have your car or truck transported a very long distance and don't want to or can't make the drive yourself, then you're going to need an auto moving company to do the job for you. These companies are simply responsible for getting your vehicle from point A to point B safely, whether it's just down the street or across the country. They are most commonly used when car owners are moving very long distances, when classic or specialty cars need to be transported to shows or other venues, and when vehicle are bought online through sites like Ebay. However, you can use a vehicle transportation company for any reason you see fit. No matter what your reason, however, you should be aware that not all of these companies are created equally and that's it important to find one that will provide quality, affordable service and that, most importantly of all, will keep your vehicle safe.

The best auto movers will offer you insurance for your vehicle in case any accidents occur or damages are sustained to your vehicle in the course of the move. If you go with an auto moving company that does not offer or require you to have insurance, then you're taking a big risk and you're likely dealing with a company that is less than legitimate. Other optional but very worthwhile services offered by the best auto moving companies include transport satellite tracking, internet booking, and superior customer service to help you with all of your questions and any other needs you may have during the process of moving your vehicle.

You should also know that auto moving, even with the best companies out there, can get quite expensive. In general, the greater the distance you are traveling and the more special needs or requests you have, the more expensive it will be to transport your vehicle. As such, it's important to shop around and request free rate quotes from a variety of auto moving companies. Just remember that you should never sacrifice quality of service for a low price and that sometimes you get what you pay for. It's often better to pay a little bit more and have your vehicle be safer and your experience more pleasant and more worry free than to go with the cheapest company you can find and end up having a bad experience.

In the end, only you can make the decision as to which auto moving company is the right choice for you. Just make sure that you deal with a company that will quote their price upfront, and read all contracts carefully for hidden charges and fees before you sign. Even if the fees are reasonable, you won't want to work with a company that you can't trust to be honest and upfront with you. Also never work with a company that tries to charge you for a rate quote; these should always be offered free of charge. Following these tips will make it far more likely that you have a pleasant experience transporting your vehicle.

If you are looking for an Auto Mover, you can take look here... for all your Auto Moving needs.

Driving Lessons - Left Give-Ways

2011-07-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

When reaching a give-way line you must wait, until its safe to enter the new road. You dont have to stop completely, but you do need to slow down to a creep to be able to have a good look - at least twice in each direction - before deciding to proceed or stopping behind the lines. To start with in your lessons its likely you will be stopping at every give-way junction as otherwise there's just too much to concentrate on.

As you approach your instructor will give you a direction to turn left at the end of the road. Once again you need to go through our MSM procedure of Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre. So its rear view mirror first, then the left mirror, followed by a left indication. Then we are thinking about our positioning for the turn. As with all left turns we need to stay in our Normal Road Position. And if you're not already, a little breaking will be needed to prepare to stop.

Because we are coming to a stop at the end or at least almost stopping, we need to put our clutch down. We do this about 5-7 metres from the end of the road. Once done you may need to brake a little harder as there will now be no engine breaking so the car can easily run away from you. Your turning point is then the same as the left turn from major to minor. As soon as the kerb starts to go around the corner, we follow it. However, this time we only follow as much as we can until we reach the give-way line where we need to break enough to bring the car to a stop.

Now, once stopped, we need to Prepare the car again to move off so we pull the handbrake up, come off the brake pedal, and keeping the clutch down we select 1st gear. Next its setting the gas and bringing the clutch to the biting point. Now we need to complete our Observations. Unlike when we are parked, we don't need to do a 6 point check here as we are already out in the road. We simply need to look left and right, and possibly straight ahead too if we are at a crossroads. Then when you are happy its clear, release the handbrake and gently move away. As we had already turned a little to the left by following the kerb, as soon as we move off we will be heading in the correct direction.

You will next progress to what I call Rolling Give-Ways. This is where you try to keep the car creeping whilst doing your observations, then if its clear you can move off whilst rolling. For this the above procedure is very similar. When you put the clutch down 5-7 metres from the end you need to put the gear stick into 1st straight away so you are now ready to go again. Bring the car to a near stop, have a good look, and if its clear you come off the brake completely whilst the car is still rolling slightly, gas, biting point, and off you go! This again takes practice but saves a lot of time once mastered.

Now you are ready for Right Turns

Regulating Your Car's Oil

2011-07-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's no big secret that a car or truck is an investment, both of your money and of your time, and that sooner or later you're going to have to put something into keeping your car road-worthy and functioning smoothly. For some, this means making expensive last-minute repairs when the automobile's vital systems and parts start to fall apart; the smarter route, however, is simply to make much smaller investments in routine maintenance, ensuring that your car never gets to the point where costly repairs or replacement parts become necessary.

One of the best ways to keep your car running properly and to ward off any expensive repairs is to stay on top of its oil needs. The importance of this cannot possibly be underappreciated; there is literally nothing more important you can do for the engine of your vehicle than to check the oil level and make sure it's where it should be. Oil is simply crucial in keeping your car running smoothly.

And checking the oil level isn't difficult. The first thing to do is simply ensure that your car is parked on a level surface; obviously, parking on an incline is going to throw off the measurements you take with a dipstick. Parking in a well-lit area is also advised; after all, trying to find what is really a very small opening in your oil tank can be frustrating when you're shrouded in darkness. And if at all possible, don't check the oil immediately after operating the vehicle. Operation causes the oil to become unsettled; letting it settle for a moment will ensure a more accurate reading.

The dipstick itself will be located somewhere near the oil tank itself; often, dipsticks come with either bright orange handles or with the word "oil" printed on them. To use the dipstick, simply remove it from the tank and then wipe it clean with an old rag or a towel. Then re-insert it into the tank and pull it out once more to obtain an accurate measurement. Your dipstick will likely have two marking on it, toward the bottom. Essentially, your oil level should fall somewhere between the two marks. If you find that it's a bit short, add a little oil to the tank but never more than a quart at a time. Filling your oil tank too high will leave you with a major mess on your hands, so fill just a little and then take a new, clean measurement rather than risk giving it too much.

Of course, checking and filling your car's oil tank is not the only thing you need to do to ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly. You'll also want to take it in for oil changes from time to time; consult your owner's manual to find out how often your particular car or truck needs an oil change. And always remember how important oil is to your car and how regulating it can ultimately save you big bucks in the long run by cutting out major engine repairs or replacements!

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Mom and Dad - The Problem or the Solution To Drivers Education?

2011-07-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

Back in the 60's when I was a teenager (yes, I once was a teenager), there was a bumper sticker that read "If you're not part of the Solution, you're part of the Problem". I don't think it was ever as popular as my favorite Texas bumper sticker "Secede!", but it did make a point.

Mom and Dad (parents) have enough on their plate and teaching their teen drivers education was probably not what they envisioned when they tied the knot. But, faster than a speeding bullet, the day arrived when their little girl (who by now is NOT a little girl) began asking when she could start driving.

She's already volunteered a few times to warm up the car - you know, start it up, get the A/C to cool it off on a hot summer day or perhaps actually brave the winter weather just for a chance to crank it up and get it warm for you in the morning. (Although that latter scenario might not be as frequent, since early mornings don't seem to be the "favorite" time of day for most teens.)

For instance, in the mid '90s when the Texas legislature was facing the question of whether or not to allow parent taught drivers education as an alternative to public or commercial school driver education training, high school teachers and driving school owners said that parents were absolutely the worst choice - claiming that the parents are terrible drivers and would only pass on their bad habits to the kids. (Gee, since drivers education is now in its third generation, who do you think taught those "parents" how to drive - yes, their detractors!!!)

The fact is, most parents don't want to teach their kids - that's why they send them to schools.

But the fact is, almost all kids are receiving parent taught drivers education already. That's right, mom and dad, whether you know it or not, by the time your young one is thinking "Hey, one day I can do this", guess who their watching - YOU.

This is nothing new. Our kids watch us all the time and, like it or not, they are listening. That's why mom and dad (and, yes, grandpa) have to watch their language around the little ones. You know what I'm talking about. Don't you remember saying "Where'd she pick up that word?"

Have you reached the stage yet where you have an "aha" moment and realize "I sound just like my mom!" Okay, maybe it's not an "aha" moment, more like an "uh, oh..." moment. You know what I mean.

The fact is, you are teaching your teen to drive. The question is "What are you teaching them?" Hey, you are an experienced driver, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that your new teen wanna be driver could benefit.

The problem is that you've been driving for years and you don't think about how to drive, you just do it. And that's normal - most driving is done at the "other than conscious level". When a part of you recognizes that something's amiss in the traffic scene, it alerts you to pay more attention and you handle it.

The fact is, parents are already involved in parent taught drivers education. In fact, most every state now requires that mom or dad supervise their new teen driver for anywhere from six months to a year. Why? Because they know that they sure didn't get everything they needed from a driver education course at school. So it's up to you, you either choose to be part of the problem...or part of the solution.

Patrick L. Barrett is a nationally known expert in training for collision-free driving. Pat owns Driver Ed in a Box LLC, a company with a mission to provide families with the knowledge and tools necessary to build the habits of safe, collision-free driving through their parent taught drivers education course.

For more information on Patrick Barrett or Driver Ed in a Box LLC please visit: http://drivecollisionfree.com/

KIA Spectra Review

2011-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Individuals opt for compact economy cars because of the fact that they are not that costly and are more importantly fuel-efficient. KIA Spectra provides you exactly that with four-door hatchback counterpart giving you the necessary style and substance.

It features a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is going to offer you a tremendous performance. You can get KIA Spectra in three trim levels. It include LX, EX and SX. If you are interested in a Spectra5 hatchback, you need to go for a single SX trim. The LX has nothing much to speak of while the EX features air-conditioning, keyless entry and complete power accessories.

The SX model is gaining popularity thanks to its upgraded interior and exterior trim. Company has also done some work in suspension tuning. With regard to safety features, you are going to get standard front seat-mounted side airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. KIA Spectra is worth a go because of its comprehensive list of standard instrument, excellent cabin design, competent handling and smooth ride. However, company needs to do some work on its engine especially at high speeds and steering.

Talking about the history of KIA Spectra models, first one was launched eleven years back as a four-door hatchback. Initially, the Spectra hatchback came in two trim levels, namely, GS and GSX. When one compares those models with the current one, there is a significant improvement in terms of reliability and affordability. In short, one can safely say that it is a brilliant family car. Taking into consideration all the features, specifications and safety standards, KIA Spectra provides you everything at rates that is in line with your budget.

You have two options, either to go for a Hatchback model or standard Sedan. Whatever be your decision, one this is for sure you are going to get a value for your money. To give you a smooth ride that you deserve, it features a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with 4-wheel independent suspension. Front and rear stabilizer bars are also quite exceptional. The LS model consists of A/C, 4-wheel ABS and a tilt steering wheel.

By taking into consideration all the features associated with it, one can safely say that it is a good proposition if you are looking for a quality car at rates that you can afford. You can also opt for a used model especially if your budget is a bit low.

The Writer is a journalist based at India and can be contacted at vipin.agnihotri1982@hotmail.com

What Transport Methods Do All Vehicle Transport Services Offer?

2011-07-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

You can locate many transport services to hire these days and they will all give you similar services. Not all of the companies will provide you with the same methods for transporting an automobile, some may provide a specialized service such as class car transport.

You need to know the different methods so you can locate the best type for you to use. This will hep you find the right company for hiring since you will be able to locate one that provides you with exactly the transporting method you need to use for the best price available.

The following are the methods that many companies will provide, but not all of them so always be sure you check each company before deciding to hire them to move your vehicle.

1. Open trailer - This is the where your vehicle will be loaded onto a big semi-truck with other automobiles and will be transported to the new destination. This is good for everyday vehicles, but not for classic or exotic automobiles.

2. Enclosed car transport - This is the method you want to use if you have a classic or exotic car. Your vehicle is going to be protected from wear and tear, the weather, other automobiles and other things since it is going to be enclosed in a trailer where nothing will touch it.

If you choose the correct company to transport your special car, then you will easily and safely get it moved without problems or damage.

3. Personal pickup and delivery - There are some companies that will provide a personal pickup and delivery choice. This is where a person is going to come pick up your vehicle and they will deliver it to a particular location..

Not every company offers this, so it may require a little research for you to find the company that does have it for a cost you can easily afford.

4. Terminal pickup and delivery - This is the cheapest method for transporting your vehicle. You will drop off your car at a particular terminal and from there the company is going to load it and deliver it to another particular terminal at the new destination.

These are your options for transporting an automobile which are offered by the different vehicle transport services. You are the person that needs to decide on the method that is the right choice for you and then locate the company that provides it for the best cost possible. No one can do this for you so begin now and you can easily locate the company that gives you exactly what you are looking for.

Maureen Romensya invites you to visit her auto transport website to receive car transport quotes. Move your car without a scratch by selecting the right autostransporter company. Compare services, save up to 50%, and get the best deal.

Do You Have the Emergency Equipment You May Need?

2011-07-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you are driving down the interstate and your tire goes flat. Do you know what to do to fix it? Do you even have the tools necessary to change the tire? Or consider this: you are at a park and your child falls and skins his or her leg. Do you have a bandage handy? Can you take care of the scrapes and cuts quickly to prevent them from getting infected or hurting the child any longer than necessary? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, then you most likely have your emergency maintenance routine down pat. But if your answer to either of these questions is no, then you should probably work in some additional maintenance measures to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Emergency equipment can vary depending upon the kind of vehicle you are driving, but if you follow these tips and adapt them to the needs of your individual car you will be well prepared for almost any issue that may arise.

Always have spare change in your car. You never know when you will need to park at a meter, utilize a pay phone, or be forced onto a toll road. With a couple of dollars in quarters stowed away in one of the many nooks and crannies that cars have for such items you will be prepared for unforeseen circumstances that may crop up.
Never neglect your spare tire! What good will it do if it is flat? When you check the air pressure of the rest of your tires be sure to pop open your trunk and check the spare. This may be easier said than done, as some cars make it easy to reach the spare and others make it more difficult, but when you are changing the tire on the side of the road you will be thankful that you took the few extra minutes necessary to ensure that your spare is road ready.
Keep an emergency first aid kit in your vehicle at all times. Accidents happen, and whether you are on the road and your child gets a nosebleed or you are at the playground and your kid falls you will certainly run into a need for bandages, gauze, and antibiotic ointment. To make sure that you are prepared for any incident, invest in a first aid kit that comes with all of the supplies you will need to keep you and your passengers safe. These can be found in a variety of sizes at your local department store and will certainly prove useful.
Keep a stash of plastic bags in the car. No one likes talking about car sickness, but the truth is that at least one of your passengers is bound to fall victim to it eventually. Be prepared for this ugly truth by keeping at least one or two bags nearby. These can also double as trash bags, so simply refill the stash as you use them and you will be good to go!

Following these tips will help you stay prepared for anything that life may throw at you—so don't put off getting your emergency supplies any longer!

Do you have teenagers in your household? If they're at or near driving age you're well aware that affordable auto insurance may seem nearly impossible to find. So before you buy or renew your coverage, compare rates and look for discounts to find that cheap car insurance for young drivers.

Understanding London's Low Emission Zone

2011-07-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

London's low emission zone, covering Greater London areas since 2008, requires vehicles driving through to meet certain emissions standards. The main aim is to discourage pollution from diesel engines. Different to London's congestion charge, the London emission zone is designed to limit pollution coming from vehicle exhausts. The worst polluting vehicles will be charged under this scheme, which could include a daily sum of up to £200, which will make a big difference long term even for large companies.

The LEZ does not apply to most cars or bikes, but only those which have diesel engines, but Lorries and vans falling under this scheme may start developing more carbon friendly products. Many car companies now produce electric cars and low emission vehicles, especially as the low emission zone covers the busiest parts of the capital. Low emission diesel vehicles are produced by companies such as Peugeot, for example of the successful new Peugeot 508 saloon car version with a reduction of fuel consumption by 15 per cent, are starting on their way towards producing such low carbon vans and heavy goods vehicles. Peugeot seem to be one of the leading companies in producing such low emission vehicles. Their 3008 electric hybrid 4 car, the first diesel hybrid car, has a lower than expected fuel consumption and exceptionally low carbon emissions. More so it runs on diesel and so would fall under this. But because of its low fuel emissions the driver would have to pay less than a vehicle with high carbon footprint behind it.

Car trends therefore are now being applied to vans and Lorries in light of London Emission Zones' changes from 3rd January 2012. This will incorporate more vehicle types. But it does also allow time for vehicle companies to try to develop more environmentally friendly vehicles that well be incorporated into the scheme. The Peugeot 308 five door hatchback, which won crossover of the year in 2010, has lower carbon emissions than ever before. Diesel hybrid technology was impressively displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier in the year, is clearly setting the trend for diesel vehicles which can actually avoid the large charges of London's emissions zone, with its very low fuel consumption.

Obviously, the examples given have shown that the London emissions zone, since its introduction three years ago, has been successful, especially as now many car companies are introducing electric models and less polluting vans and heavy goods specialist vehicles. Companies have been forced to take environmental issues seriously, and their customers are following suit. Many companies and their customers want to avoid high London emission zone charges, the most densely populated area of traffic in the UK. Many car buyers now want to opt for a greener choice of vehicle, such as following the Peugeot iOn's example of zero emissions and powered by electricity. Therefore it is no wonder that low emission vehicles are now starting to become more desirable, for both the purposes of cost saving, and carbon footprint lowering.

Ben J White is an online journalist from Birmingham covering a range of green, environmental issues and the automotive industry. He has been writing articles and blog posts for online publications and specialises in electric cars, low emission cars, 7 seater cars and city cars.

Race Car Brake Fade! What Causes It? Tech Session

2011-07-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, how are you today?

It has been a few weeks since my last article, the reason for this has been due to being very busy supplying Motorsport parts to some of the leading race teams and developing lots of new Motorsport products for you all. Enough of all that, let's get down to what you want to find out about. What is brake fade?

Brake fade is totally frightening and scary when it happens, however at some point I can guarantee you will experience it in your racing career.

After reading this article you will understand why it has happened and what it is. Normally there are two type of brake fade, boiling of the brake oil and the break down of the brake pads.

Boiling Of The Brake Fluid

This the most common brake fade, this is caused due to the brake fluid getting so hot from the friction of the brakes pads and discs being transferred into the brake fluid. This heat dissipation eventually boils the brake fluid causing air bubbles, these air bubbles that are created compress when the pedal is pressed. The solid link from the master cylinder to the caliper has been compromised with air that will compress.

Some times in extreme cases the brake pedal will go to the floor and not offer hardly and braking at all! The only way to bring the brakes back to a working system is to allow the brake fluid to cool down. This is pretty hard in a race environment when you are pushing the car to the limits. However there are techniques that can help, I will talk about these later in this article.

Overheating Of The Brake Pads

The other reason for brake fade is the brake pads getting very hot again via the heat dissipation from the friction caused when hard braking. In this scenario the brake pads will get so hot that the composite of the pads will be compromised. What happens is the pads temperature has risen past the point that the pads are designed to operate at. When this happens the gas in the pads is boiled out of them, this gas does not just evaporate away it forms a layer on the pad between the pad and the disc / rotor.

When this occurs the layer acts almost like a lubricant so the pad can not create the desired braking needed to slow the car. You will find in this situation the pedal will be as normal however it will not matter how hard you push the pedal the car will not brake as normal.

What to do when you have brake fade?

Both of these scenarios are due to heat in the brake system, the only solution is to cool the system down. As I mentioned before that is very difficult when you are in a race situation and driving the car to its limits. But with either of these brake fade circumstances you will not be able to drive the car to its limits.

There are a few ways to help cool down the brakes without affecting your speed too much.

Braking really late for corners is not a great practice, as this will cause heat problems and will not gain you very much time. Therefore, braking a little earlier will not effect you lap times a great deal, as long as you brake lightly so your corner entry speed is just as high as it would normally be.

When the braking is lighter the heat is less so your brakes will stay cooler to reduce the heat problem. The goal is to keep the heat out of the brake system and allow the brakes to cool as much as possible allowing the air to flow through the brakes.

If you have any place on the race track where you can not use the brakes and use the throttle to slow down slightly or a combination of coming off the accelerator and slightly applying the brakes will help cool the system.

I hope you have found this interesting, thank you for your time.

Grant Loc has been involved with Motorsports for over 15 years and the Director of obp Ltd. If you like this article please go to our web site http://www.obpltd.com/ register to our email news letter and Race, New Products updates. We also have two free reports to get. obp Ltd Manufacture and Supply Quality Race Car Products to leading Motorsport distributors all over the World

Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Auto And Driving Safer

2011-07-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Be A Safer Driver With A Safer Vehicle!

All drivers want to avoid accidents. When we have accidents, we put ourselves in danger. We also could put other people in danger. In addition, we are bound to have to endure additional expenses and inconvenience. If you knew about some very inexpensive things you could do to make your auto and driving safer, wouldn't it be worth it?

Auto Navigation Systems

GPS devices used to be expensive. Now they can be found at dozens of retailers with prices that start around $100. These handy little units actually tell you when to turn in order to reach your destination. They are also very easy to mount on your dashboard with any special tools.

Those audio directions save you from having to take your eyes off the road to search for street signs and addresses. Even worse, you may be looking away from the road and other traffic in order to read a map while you are driving. It is a lot safer to just listen to directions from the speaker of your GPS!

Some of them can also help you find service stations, food, and lodging when you are driving in a strange area.

I do not know if any actual statistics exist, but I am certain that these navigation systems have prevented hundreds of wrecks.

Check Your Vehicle For Safety And Comfort

Make it a habit to check a few things on your vehicle every few days. These things are simple to adjust, and they can make the difference between driving safely and having problems on the road.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good shape. When your tires are under inflated, your car will not handle as well. In addition, you will use more gas. Worse yet, you could risk a blowout.
Check your tires for signs of wear. One of the most dangerous situations is having a blowout or flat tire while you are driving in traffic.
If you share your vehicle with other drivers, make sure your seats, wheel, and mirrors are set to a comfortable position. It only takes a few seconds to make adjustments, and that way you will be sure you can handle your vehicle and see out of your mirrors!

Driver's Safety Class

You may think that driver's education classes are only for teenagers. However, when I decided to take a refresher course to save some money on my auto insurance rates, I was amazed by the good tips that the class gave us.

I got reminded of some safe driving tips I had forgotten, learned some new things, and did save enough money on my auto policy to pay for the class!

You can take one day classes in many convenient locations. You can even take one at home with a DVD or over the Internet.

In my opinion, this classes are a good investment. You can save money on your auto policy and get reminded of some safe driving tips you may have forgotten.

Drive Safer To Save Your Life and Finances

If you have ever had an accident, you know that they are inconvenient and expensive. Worse yet, people can get hurt. It will certainly pay off to make sure your vehicle and driving are as safe as possible!

If you are a safe driver, or if you have had a few accidents, you can save money by comparing rates with our free Online Insurance Quotes. You need to find the best car insurance quotes for your own family.

Fuel Economy Standards

2011-07-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

In 1975 the U.S. Congress passed legislation which created the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Regulations also known as CAFE. The standards require automobile and light truck manufacturers to offer vehicles which meet or exceed a fuel efficiency standard set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Environmental Protection Agency was assigned the task of calculating the average fuel economy of each manufacturer.

Since then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set new fuel economy standards for certain years. The standards set goals that the fleets have to meet through the years up to a specific target year.

In March of last year the Obama Administration set new fuel economy standards for 2016. CAFE required manufacturers to offer automobiles that achieve an average of 34.1 miles per gallon by the 2016 model year. Companies that don't reach the standards can be fined. Since 1983, manufacturers have paid more than $500 million in civil penalties for not making standards.

As a result of these standards and the automakers' ability to step up to the challenge, we have hybrid and electric vehicles today. Moreover, gas engine cars have been improved to provide miles per gallon numbers that were considered impossible in 1974. Auto manufacturers are not afraid of CAFE regulations today because they have developed the technology which assists them in achieving the standards.

Of course, achieving new CAFE standards cost money for the manufacturers, and they have passed on those additional costs to the consumer. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration forecasts that automakers will spend $51.5 billion during the next five years in order to get their 2016 model year fleet to meet the standard. As a result the agency expects the cost of new cars to increase by $985 by 2016. Still, the better fuel efficiency will result in a savings of $3,000 for the car owner due to fuel savings and improvements to the vehicle.

Automakers are confident that many of the cars they already make will meet the 2016 CAFE standard. In 2010 when the new standard was announced cars that exceeded the standard of 34.1 miles per gallon were actually achieving 35.5 mpg. These included the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Mercury Milan Hybrid, the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Mercedes-Benz Smart.

Car companies have been able to meet and exceed even the newest standard because of new technology developments. For example, Ford now has the EcoBoost engine. The engine, which features dual direct fuel injection and a lot of aluminum parts, was first introduced as a six cylinder in 2009. The engine performs like an eight cylinder and improves fuel efficiency by 20 percent and reduces CO2 emissions by 15 percent. The company has since come out with a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that is said to perform like a six-cylinder and the company plans to offer a 1.0 liter, three cylinder engine.

Manufacturers have come up with other tricks that improve fuel economy. They have improved the vehicle's silhouette to assure better co-efficiency. They have come up with ways to turn off cylinders when not needed, thus saving on fuel. They have come up with Start-Stop technology on hybrid cars that turns off the engine when the car is stopped in city traffic and then restarts the engine when the driver steps on the brake or the throttle. Moreover, some car companies have a shutter behind the front grille that closes to assure better co-efficiency when the car exceeds a certain speed.

Written by Jacqueline Star Huntington Beach Ford offers great deals on trucks in Orange County.
Huntington Beach Ford Edge offers extensive information about this particular vehicle.

How Preventative Maintenance Can Keep Your Car Running Longer

2011-07-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that cars are expensive to maintain. Oil changes, tire rotations, filter changes, and regular tune-ups can take their toll on your bank account. But did you ever stop to consider how much these preventative services were saving you in the long run by keeping your car from having major (and majorly expensive) issues? Not replacing the oil for too long can cause your motor to stop working, which will render your vehicle virtually useless. Failing to get regular tire rotations and alignments will cause your tires to wear out faster, meaning that you will have to replace them more often. Overall, these seemingly pricey preventative measures are actually cost-saving safeguards that keep your car in optimal shape.

Preventative maintenance may be a pain, as it requires that you take time out of your day to take your car into the shop, but the inconvenience is worth the gains, as your car will run longer and at an optimal level. To ensure that you are doing all you can to keep large issues at bay, take a look at this tips:

- Change your oil regularly. The old rule of thumb, which required the oil to be changed every 3,000 miles, may not apply to your car. With the different kinds of oils that are used, and the different configurations of more modern vehicles, your car may be able to go well over 5,000 miles before it needs another oil change. Be sure that you ask your mechanic to specify the needs of your vehicle so that you can stick to a routine that will keep your oil clean and your motor running smoothly.

- Pay attention to your tires. Though they literally allow your car to move, it is a safe bet that most people pay little to no attention to their tires. If one goes flat or loses its tread you could be in for some expensive repairs, depending upon how the imbalance has affected your car's alignment. Improperly inflated tires can also cause accidents and can run up your gas bill, so be sure to check them periodically to keep your car running as well as possible.

- Get regular tune-ups. Again, this service will vary based upon the needs of your vehicle, but it is important that you have tune-ups performed to address any small issues that may grow into larger ones. Cracked belts, leaking pipes, and other problems can be handled before they cause your car to break down only if your mechanic knows about them, so check with him or her to set up a tune-up schedule.

- Trust your mechanic. The bottom line, here, is that you have to be able to trust whoever it is that is telling you what needs to be done on your car. Going to a mechanic that you trust will enable you to be completely confident in your decision to purchase whatever services are needed. Many people have misconceptions about mechanics taking advantage of customers, especially those that are not knowledgeable about their vehicles, so it is important that you build a trusting relationship with your mechanic and his or her team. By following these tips, you should be able to keep your car in tip-top shape. Problems will arise, but by catching them early you can avoid the more stressful (and expensive) large scale disasters.

Auto Partnerships Resulting In Top Automotive Technology

2011-07-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

Back in the days automotive companies would focus on their own individual projects. However, lately the trend is for major manufacturers to work together either with one another or with software companies in order to develop innovative new technology. The result are cars that are more efficient and technology that is more cutting edge than ever before.

A good example of partnership creation in order to open new markets is what has happened in China. That country, with the largest population on earth, became a major target of auto manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. At the same time, the Chinese government was taking major steps to develop that country's own auto industry. Each side knew that they could help the other. So major partnerships were created between Chinese and European, American and Asian auto manufacturers. The auto manufacturers from Europe, America and Asia used the Chinese companies as a conduit to sell their cars in the Chinese market. In return, they assisted the Chinese auto makers to develop their own vehicles. Today China is the largest auto market on Earth and just about every major brand of car is sold there.

Next came the issue of new technologies. In the old days the auto manufacturers developed their own technologies. Now they are creating partnerships with such companies as Microsoft, Gracenote, NAVTEQ, Nuance Communication, Sony Corporation, TeleNav, ViaMichelin and others to help them create new technologies. The result, for example, are infotainment systems like the Ford Sync and MyFord Touch which was developed through a collaboration between Ford and Microsoft. Microsoft has since developed partnerships with other car manufacturers to help them create their own infotainment systems. These infotainment systems are using technologies developed by Gracenote, NAVTEQ, Nuance Communication, Sony Corporation, TeleNav and ViaMichelin. Gracenote is providing upgraded music entertainment, NAVTEQ the maps, traffic and location data for the navigation systems, Nuance Communications is offering the voice recognition technology so that the driver can control elements of the car via voice command. Audio manufacturers like Sony are creating the super sophisticated audio and audio-video systems that are now appearing in cars. TeleNav, known as the largest global wireless navigation services provider, is supplying the technology that connects navigation in the car to GPS. ViaMichelin makes the Michelin hotel and restaurant guides accessible to drivers and their passengers.

Auto manufacturers also have to tackle the development of new technologies that assist in improving fuel efficiency. So they have formed partnerships or joint ventures among themselves in order to share the cost. So we are seeing Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, partnering with Chinese battery and auto maker BYD to help in the development of electric vehicle technologies. PSA Peugeot Citroen is known worldwide as an expert in diesel technology. It has partnered with Japanese auto maker Mitsubishi to produce electric cars. Volkswagen partnered with Porsche to help the luxury car maker develop high performance engines that meet environmental regulations. Later Volkswagen acquired Porsche.

When auto makers finally decided to develop electric cars, partnerships were formed to develop the technology. General Motors and Ford joined with South Korean battery manufacturer LG to develop and supply them with the next generation lithium-ion batteries used to energize electric cars. Moreover, General Motors and Reva have partnered to produce a zero emission car for India. In addition, Daimler became the first major auto maker to buy a stake in Tesla Motors, an electric car manufacturer.

Volkswagen has purchased a percentage of Suzuki and Suzuki has acquired shares of Volkswagen in a move that is helping both companies. Suzuki is getting access to VW's technologies and Volkswagen is using Suzuki's expertise to enhance its small car production.

As a result of the recession automotive companies are working together and the results are spectacular. Let's hope that this trend of team work will continue in the future.

Written by Jacqueline Star Cadillac Costa Mesa offers great deals on the CTS, STS, DTS and Escalade cars in the cities of Irvine, Mission Viejo and Newport Beach in Orange County. Check out Irvine Cadillac for great deals on quality autos.

Driving Tips: When Is Good Enough Actually Good Enough?

2011-07-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

As you go through your in-vehicle checklist in each area, it may look as though doing each skill until the point of mastery is going to take some time. You might even think "What have I got myself into? We're going to be here for a while? Is there going to be a light at the end of this tunnel?"

Relax. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly (repeat this as needed) and realize that teaching (and learning) the process of becoming a collision-free driver is a journey, not an event.

Also, driving a vehicle is not a "natural" experience - it's a learned one. Because your son or daughter is processing a lot of information and creating new neural pathways, this is going to require time - time to observe, time to demonstrate, time to practice, time to master the skills so that eventually much of what they do is on "auto pilot" (so to speak).

So be patient and avoid the temptation to rush through a particular skill just because you might be tiring of the repetition. That's the challenge. Keep your practice sessions interesting by praising your student often, tell a relevant story from your own experience, feel free to laugh and have fun (but never laugh at your student - laugh at yourself, a mistake you make or a situation or laugh with your student).

Yes, this is serious business, but you can still keep the atmosphere light.

Because you're outcome is mastery of the skill, partial or occasional correct performance may be progress and should be recognized, but you stay in that "Area" (Parking Lot, Neighborhood, etc.,) until all the skills in that area are mastered.

Since there are a multitude of skills in each area of drivers education if you're not making the progress you expected, you have options:

1. take a break and talk about what's happening and how you might approach it differently or

2. have the student diagram the process on paper and explain it to you or

3. practice a different skill in the same area (if they are having trouble with the controlled sliding on the recovery during right turns, go back to the figure 8 exercise and repeat that process or do some backing up straight just to interrupt the pattern).

The main thing that you want to stick to is the notion that "Good Enough" is true mastery, not occasional correct performance, not 7 out of 10, not 8 out of 10 not 9 out of 10. It's 10 out of 10. Stick to that standard. You'll be glad you did.

Remember what Jim Rohn used to say: "Every discipline has multiple rewards."

For more information on Patrick Barrett or Driver Ed in a Box LLC please visit: http://drivecollisionfree.com/

One Reason to Buy New: Safety

2011-07-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Many people argue that buying a new car is one of the worst decisions a person can make. After all, as soon as you drive your new car off the lot it depreciates considerably. But, despite this initial loss of value, there are many reasons to buy a new car rather than a used car. One of the most compelling reasons to buy new rather than used is to ensure that your ride is equipped with the most advanced safety features.

While manufacturers don't have safety breakthroughs every year, new cars have been getting progressively safer over the years. In general, almost every model year manufacturers fix identified design flaws and add new features to improve the overall safety of their vehicles. And every couple of years there are regulatory changes that significantly improve vehicle safety. 2012 is going to be one of those really significant years for automotive safety because of new safety standards for all vehicles.

2012 an important year for vehicle safety: Electronic Stability Control

For example, 2012 is an important year. Federal regulations mandate that all 2012 model cars have Electronic Stability Control (ESC). ESC detects when the driver has lost control of his/her vehicle and then helps the driver regain that control by selectively applying the brakes to individual wheels. Applying the brakes in this manner helps get the vehicle to go in the direction the driver intends it to go when the vehicle is actually moving in another direction. The ESC system is built on top of the anti-lock breaking and traction control systems. While both anti-lock brakes and traction control are necessary components of ESC, both serve different purposes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that ESC could prevent one third of all fatal crashes and reduce rollover risk by 80%. These findings are also substantiated in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.

Despite the clear benefits that ESC offers, there are still 2011 vehicles that aren't equipped with it. For example, ESC does not come standard on the Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, or Nissan Versa. If you think that is bad, only 75% of 2010 vehicles were required to have ESC while manufacturers were only required to equip 55% of 2009 models with it.

If safety is your top priority, maybe you should consider buying new so that you can be confident that your vehicle has all of the latest safety features.

Michael Buonocore is the cofounder of AutoRef.com ( http://autoref.com/ ).

Save Money on Car Maintenance

2011-07-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a vehicle can be a major financial commitment and not just because of what you're paying at the dealership. The monetary investment you make in your car doesn't end when the thing is fully paid for, as there are innumerable costs related to the maintenance and upkeep of your vehicle, costs you'll have to deal with for as long as you own the vehicle. Even if your car runs perfectly smoothly, there are preventative measures and other general upkeep procedures that have to be done and when these things are neglected, the car quickly stops running so smoothly!

But it doesn't have to be quite such a burden. It's true that a car is always going to be a responsibility, and that putting the proper time and money into maintaining it is a vital component of that responsibility. That said, there are ways you can cut back on what you're spending on car maintenance, and still leave your vehicle in good working order.

Some of these money-saving tips might actually surprise you. For instance, this might initially seem shocking, but a lot of vehicle owners overspend on their automobiles because they simply do too much in terms of maintenance. Naturally it is best to err on the side of caution, but there is no sense in throwing away money on maintenance that isn't necessary or even particularly helpful. To give one very prominent example, many car owners actually take their cars in for oil changes far more often than is necessary. The old rule of thumb has always been to take the vehicle for an oil change every 3,000 miles or so, but a lot of more recently-manufactured automobiles can go much longer, in some cases as many as 10,000 miles, before this service is needed. The best way to figure out how often your oil needs to be changed? Simply consult your owner's manual.

Another way to save big bucks on car care is to find a local mechanic or auto repairman who you really like and trust, and try to use this service exclusively. This isn't just a matter of local vendors often offering much lower prices than dealerships, though that is frequently the case. More importantly than that, however, is that if you make sure your mechanic knows you are a loyal customer, and are always trying to generate business for him or her, you may find yourself on the receiving end of some really stellar deals.

A final tip to consider and one that may seem a little obvious is to simply avoid having to pay for major repair work. This may sound silly, but consider that by having routine maintenance done and by paying relatively minor fees for check-ups on your car's most vital parts you can ultimately avoid having to pay for expensive replacements or repairs down the road. Just by staying on top of your vehicle's repair needs, you can dramatically reduce the amount of money you have to put into keeping your automobile on the road!

2011 Ford Fiesta Review

2011-07-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ford recently announced the 2011 Fiesta for India and a select few got to get behind the wheels as well. After driving the new Fiesta, I can confidently say that Ford has a winner. But what is the new Ford vehicle all about? Lets find out!

The new Fiesta is based on the Mazda's B2E platform. For those not in the know, this platform has won multiple awards for the fantastic balance of ride and handling. But we will come to that a bit later. First lets talk about the looks of the new Fiesta.

Most of us believe, atleast I do, that a car should look good, no matter how it drives. This is the foremost criteria for me to even consider a car. The new Fiesta is a right step over the old Fiesta (now called the Classic). It looks absolutely stunning from the front, slightly bulbous at the side, whereas the rear has a large overhang. What ever said and done, this car is indeed quite attractive. I like it alot.

Getting inside, one will notice the large, yet sloping dashboard. Black colours with chrome inserts are the theme inside, with the seats tremendously supportive. The leg room at the rear is more than average whereas the overall interior feels airy. The car features a segment first, voice activated controls. It basically lets you execute commands without having to press buttons. Simply use your voice to switch on the aircon or change the audio track. Overall the cabin is a comfortable place to be.

Start the 2011 Ford Fiesta and you will immediate realise the fantastic noise vibration and harshness levels (NVH) Very low noise persists in the car and both petrol and diesel motors do an adequate job to get you around city and highway traffic. But the car is no dragster with power clearly being compromised for economy. I would choose the diesel over the petrol anyday and found it be fun to drive. Torque in the TDCi motor is plenty and it never feels devoid of power at any time. However the petrol could have done with some more power, specially when others in the segment like the Honda City and the new Hyundai Verna Fluidic boast of 118bhp and 122bhp respectively.

Ford is yet to launch the new Fiesta, which is set to officially go on sale in July, 2011. Prices are yet to be disclosed either but we suspect the entry level model to cost Rs. 7.99 lakhs with the top end nudging around Rs. 11 lakhs. At these prices, the Fiesta will set the cat among the pigeons.

You can read more about the 2011 Ford Fiesta along with exhaustive pictures of the car at http://www.motorbeam.com/. Checkout the video review of the car at http://www.motorbeam.com/cars/ford-fiesta-cars/2011-ford-fiesta-video-review/

Anti-Corrosion Chrome Rims

2011-07-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

The latest trend in the world of automobiles is the remodeling and customization of the vehicles. This is so popular because it provides your car with added security as well as enhancing its glamour. Whether you want to modify your old car, or customize your new car, you need to add high quality automobile accessories to redefine the look of your dream car.

There is a wide range of aftermarket automobile accessories available in the market that includes HID kits and chrome rims. These auto accessories beautify your car with their eye- catching looks. These also enhance the performance of your vehicle because of their high quality and structural design. They are manufactured by companies that specialize in this particular field of designing. These items are also considerably affordable compared to other car décor. New manufacturing companies are gaining popularity day by among the car lovers because of the great stuff they make. Now, you can customize your car according to your choice, at an affordable rate. You can also look for great wheel rims online.

Now a day, automobile enthusiasts love to make their cars look distinct from others. With the arrival of alloys in the market, chrome plated rims have also emerged. Chrome rims redefine the look of your vehicle, and make them beautiful machines to be proud of. They not only enhance the exterior and performance of your cars, but also enhance road safety.

Chrome rims help in shielding your wheels and under carriage from flying debris and metallic junk. It provides protection from damage to your tires caused by regular wear and rear. They also add glitter to your vehicle making, it look unique from others' machines.

We all know that wheels made of materials such as steel and are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to dust and water. This deters the quality of the wheels, which in turn compromises the performance of the vehicle. That is why chrome plating is recommended, because it provides a protective covering to your automobile. It's a metal that doesn't rust, provides great luster if regularly polished, and most importantly, is ultra strong metal. This makes the driving experience lighter and faster.

There are many advantages of chrome rims and they are cited below:

It is easy to cleanProtects the wheels form corrosionMakes your car and motorbikes look different and attractive form othersEnhances performance of the auto mobiles

Want to make your car look different? You can try out great chrome rims. You can look for the ones you want at Hubcap Tire & Wheel.

Duracell Powerpack 600: Must Know Things Before Buying Duracell Powerpack 600

2011-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for top quality batteries to suit your needs? Then the Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio is the best choice for you. This is the most beneficial and versatile product from Duracell that you can rely on in any given situation. The Duracell Powerpack 600 is an excellent source for everyone out there who needs power backup especially during emergencies. This is one product that you can't wait to own.

Why choose Duracell Powerpack 600?

This is the best solution whenever you need extra power for your tools, equipments and small appliances when you are at work, at campsites and in places where an electrical outlet is not available. This product can even jump-start the batteries of your car and offers multitude of safety measures for that simple "plug and play" function that an ordinary person can understand. It's numerous outlets allows you to operate several appliances at the same time without worrying so much on system overload since the product comes with an audible alarm that will warn you to any possible safety concerns.

The Duracell Powerpack 600 likewise offers plenty of power sources to recharge cordless telephones, emergency lights, televisions, laptops and a whole lot of DC- powered products. Other cool features of the product are its built-in Am/Fm radio and digital alarm clock. Now you don't need to feel lost and afraid in emergency situations since this product will be there to provide you the conveniences of being at home. This is the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures so you won't feel deprived of the modern gadgets that you can't do without.

When you buy this excellent product you are guaranteed that this acquisition will become an investment for several years to come since products from Duracell are known to be durable and of excellent quality. This versatile product is basically an equivalent to a generator that offers a quite and ultra-safe power for small appliances and equipments especially during power shortages and outage.

Where to find the cheapest deals?

If you are searching for Duracell Powerpack 600, you can always surf online to find websites that sell this product the cheapest. Most of these online stores offer discounts and super saver shipping. You may also visit auto stores near your place to check on its prices.

The uses of this product is basically endless so get power everywhere and anywhere with Duracell Powerpack 600. So what are you waiting for?

Today you can visit Duracell Powerpack 600 blog to see more features of the product. You may also Click Here to gain instant access to that blog.

Supercars of the 21st Century

2011-07-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

All cars will take you from point A to B. Others will take you faster. Some cars will make you feel like you are flying. Others will literally fly. In the 21st Century, nothing is left to spare, and engineers are stopping at nothing. Most cars are just cars, but some have extraordinary features. These are called 'supercars.'

The term 'supercar' is often used to describe specifically a very expensive, fast or powerful car, although most of them combine all these attributes. The term itself did not become popular until in the late 1960's that denoted cars with powerful V8 engines and rear wheel drive. During this time automakers strived to produce cars with highly superlative performance to their contemporary sporty cars. Such cars are typically out of the world and are often perceived unusual, which is more or less true.

The Times issue of November 11 1920 stated that "if you are interested in a supercar, you cannot afford to ignore the claims of the Ensign 6." Long gone are those days and in its place now sits the ultimate Bugatti Veyron. Being the most expensive and second fastest car, some believe it to be the best car ever. But certainly there is more in this fascinating world of these machines. Take the Lamborghini Reventon for instance; there was only 20 units produced in 2008 and were sold exorbitantly at ?1 million. This car is exceptional in that having no much competition on the ground took to race with the Italian Tornado Jet! If that sounds surprising, then this one will make you scream--the Veyron engaged in a 2 mile drag race against a Jet fighter and though the plane won, the difference in their finishing time was less than 10 seconds!

Another amazing creation is the Pagani Zonda F which is made entirely of carbon fiber. This makes it really strong and though it is being replaced by Pagani's new flag bearer-The 'Huayra,' its legacy will live on. McLaren has a new player in town, and few automakers are willing to mess with it. The all-new, all-powerful McLaren MP412 is able to hit 0-60 mph in less than three seconds and comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This will take over from the legendary McLaren F1, which had to undergo significant changes for it to be allowed on normal roads.

Even as things seem to run smoothly for the Germans, things are getting hot in Maranello. The 2011 supercar; Novitec Ferrari Rosso 458 is the in-thing. A less fuel guzzler owing to its 4.5L V8 compared to McLaren's V12 yet with an output of 609 horsepower at 9100 rpm and a high performance exhaust system, the same as the one used by formula 1, it is definitely able to produce more power, and even McLaren's loyal consumers may just change their minds. The problem now is whether the Ferrari Enzo will still carry Ferrari's flagship or the Rosso is more deserving. Only 399 units of the Enzo were ever produced, and many are left to wonder why they could not have made it even by producing just one more.

Now, much talk and less action won't get the building roofed. Let's get into action and translate it to power. Most normal cars range from 80-250 horsepower. That means the Bugatti Veyron is four times more powerful than the best in this category and about 12 times the worst! But there is an even greater giant; the SSC Ultimate Aero! This is the fastest car in the world with 1183 horsepower, and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds! There is a great debate that Bugatti is faster, and it is believed Sweden's Koegnissegg CCX, which is currently coming in third will in future sweep the number one position. Little has been heard from Saleen S7 twin turbo and though it is currently ranking fourth, the old adage goes that, "even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Well, as I said earlier, some cars will get you to a point but others will get you faster. There is no thrilling experience like sitting behind the wheel of a supercar (though some are tricky at first). These are the type of cars that you don't just start; you call it and it answers back with a powerful roar, and everyone around will know you have not just started a car; you have started a supercar...

Smuggled Cars From Libya

2011-07-03T00:38:00.000-07:00

Rumors Surround Mazda's Latest Rotary Engine Developments

2011-07-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

The final chapter of the Mazda RX-8, the only model which utilizes a rotary engine, is coming to a close. But there is still hope for the rotary engine. However, Mazda is not ready to let go of the rotary engine just yet. Rumor has it that Mazda is in the early stages of a rotary sports car, perhaps the newest RX-7 model.

Mazda's engineers are currently working on the Wankel rotary engine, striving to make it more efficient while also cutting CO2 emissions to continue with Mazda's environmentally friendly efforts. A senior insider at Mazda says that if the new rotary sports car obtains the proper funding, the goal is to cut CO2 emissions from the current RX-8 level of 299g/km to just 130g/km.

One way Mazda is trying to achieve this cut in emissions is through the use of laser ignition. Eliminating the need for spark plugs, laser ignition allows for easier combustion chamber sealing. Supposedly, the new rotary sports car will be modeled after the MX-5's platform and would eliminate the reverse door featured on the RX-8, making the vehicle weigh much less than its predecessors. These changes along with the use of lighter materials and installing an auto stop/start capability will result in an increased efficiency.

Of course micro-hybrid technology is also a huge step toward fuel efficiency, as Mazda knows. Allegedly, Mazda has met with Audi to discuss the possibility of a range-extending rotary engine. This collaboration is no surprise considering that the new Audi A1 hatchback-based e-tron concept utilizes a 254cc Wankel engine to extend its range. Rumor has it that Mazda is looking to partner with Audi, having the German company reproduce their engine system for the new Mazda rotary sports car.

However, Mazda is keeping its lips sealed. There is no definite answer about the future of Mazda's rotary sports car. A Car and Driver report outright denied any plans for a hybrid sports car and even said that the rotary engine was going into extinction. On the other hand, an Inside Line report asserted that work on the Wankel engine is in fact already under way, making the possibility of a rotary sports car very likely.

Time will tell whether Mazda continues the legacy of the rotary engine. Many auto enthusiasts are thrilled by the thought of a rotary engine RX-7. The truth about Mazda's plans may remain unknown but it is safe to say that technology could take Mazda's next sports car design in any direction it chooses.

Mitchell Mazda is proud to serve the Dothan, AL area. Carrying a full line of new and used Mazda cars, Mitchell Mazda offers the best selection when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. The knowledgeable service department at Mitchell Mazda is prepared to assist with repairs and routine maintenance and the Parts Department offers one-stop shopping on a full selection of Infiniti parts and accessories. Visit Mitchell Mazda at http://www.mitchellmazda.com/.

Today's Driving Environment - It's Crazy!

2011-07-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be a genius to realize that almost anyone can get a driver license today. Haven't you seen some idiot on the road zip by you going 35 mph OVER the speed limit, jump into another lane and then stop on the shoulder of the freeway so he can back up and get to the exit ramp he missed? Crazy, isn't it?

And we're just talking about what's on the road. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration there are more than 1,700 fatalities and 840,000 injuries yearly due to vehicle crashes off public highways.

"How did he ever get a license?

"Did his license fall into his bowl as he was pouring out his daily ration of Fruit Loops?"

Of course, some drivers eat their Fruit Loops while they're driving (and texting!!).

Crazy drivers abound - you don't need me to tell you that.

My guess is you're not surprised by the fact that new teen drivers are 4 times more likely to be involved in a FATAL crash.

As a parent, I remember the dilemma - "How can he be old enough to drive? He can't even keep his room picked up?..It seems like just yesterday when he started Cub Scouts. Wow, where did the time go?"

Well, you can't put the genie back into the bottle, so you need figure out a way to handle this.

I've talked with a lot of moms and dads who thought 25 would be the age when they thought their girl might be okay to start driving. I know the feeling. But they are growing up and sooner than you want, you're going to have an empty bedroom in the house.

Yes, it happens to all of us...time waits for no one.

So what is the best use of your time and what is the best way to choose a parent taught drivers education course that's practical, thorough and can give you peace of mind. It's an important choice for any parent, make sure to research your options and pick the one that fits your schedule and needs.

Driving today is nothing like it was when we started driving -. there are more drivers, more vehicles, more types of vehicles, and more distracting elements with wireless communication devices galore, vehicles with unintended acceleration, and what seems like recalls every week.

Yeah, it's scary.

For more information on Patrick Barrett or Driver Ed in a Box LLC please visit: http://driveredinabox.com/home/

Driving a Car: Using Pedals

2011-07-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Once you have got the hang of the gear lever, the next thing to master is the pedal, in all manual cars there are 3 pedals.

One good way to remember them is to think ABC, accelerator, Brake and Clutch.

The accelerator or the 'gas pedal' is operated by the right foot and is positioned on the far right of the three pedals.

Its main function is to control the rate at which the mixture of fuel and air is supplied to the engine. The name 'gas pedal' is derived from the American 'gasoline' for petrol.
Where a petrol engine is run a carburettor mixes the fuel with the air, which is then drawn into the engine. Many modern cars have an electronic fuel injection system instead of the carburettor. When a diesel engine is used, a high pressure fuel injector delivers the fuel into the cylinders. This is known as a compression-ignition engine.

With both engine types the more pressure you put on the accelerator, the more fuel goes into the engine, in turn generating more power and giving the engine a higher speed. Getting to know the correct amount of pressure to put onto the pedal takes practice, when moving off from standing still you need just the right amount. Too little and the engine will stall, too much and the vehicle will surge forward and if in traffic may possibly cause an accident!

As well as the accelerator, the right foot operates the footbrake. You shouldn't need to use both pedals at the same time! The footbrake is the middle pedal, so your right foot can easily move between the two pedals. The main function of the brake pedal is to slow down or stop the vehicle. When using the pedal the more pressure you apply, the more the vehicle will slow. Slowing down under control isn't just a matter of slamming the footbrake on as hard as you can. As with the other foot controls you need to practice to get using it just right.You should press the footbrake with the ball of your foot, using enough pressure to slow the wheels without causing them to lock.

When using progressive braking, in normal circumstances you should press lightly on the brake pedal to begin with, and gradually press harder as the brakes begin to act. This will give you maximum control and the smoothest stopping for the vehicle. In some more modern cars you will find that they are equipped with dual-circuit braking system. These systems ensure that in the rare event of a braking system failure, there remains some braking available when the brake pedal is pressed. When this happens you will need to push the brake pedal harder than normally necessary.

Many cars will have ABS (anti-lock braking system) fitted as standard or it will be an option to you when buying new. If ABS is fitted it activates automatically when maximum braking pressure is applied. This will prevent the wheels from locking so that you can continue to steer the car during the braking process.

Don't forget though, ABS is only a driving aid. It does not remove the need for good driving practices such as anticipating events and assessing road conditions. You always need to plan well ahead and always brake smoothly and progressively. Finally, the Clutch pedal is the only pedal operated by your left foot, and is located on the far left of the other pedals. The main function of the clutch is that it is the main connection between the engine and the gearbox. It's a connection over which the driver has control, but which requires practice in its use.

In its simplest form, the clutch is made up of two plates. One is connected to the engine and rotates the whole time that the engine is running. The other is linked to the gearbox and rotates only when it's held against the first plate by springs. When you press the clutch pedal, you force the plates apart, breaking the drive connection. When the car is in neutral, even though both plates are touching, the wheels don't turn because no gear is engaged.

To pull off smoothly we all need to find the 'Biting Point', this is the point of engagement when the two plates begin to make contact and the load on the engine increases. You will learn with practice to judge the biting point exactly. You will feel it, and hear it because the engine speed will drop slightly.

The clutch will vary with different cars, and with wear the biting point will change, but with plenty of good practice it will all become easy!

Driving Lessons - Right Turns

2011-07-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

So for right turns we will start once again with a turn from a major road to a minor road. Or said another way, from a main to a side road. We have the same procedure as always, MSM. Your instructor will give you a direction similar to, we will take the next road on the right. We then look for the turning, check our rear view mirror, followed by the right wing mirror, and then indicate to the right. For a right turn we manoeuvre the car to the right-hand side of our lane (as far a you can move over without crossing the middle white lines).

With a right turn of this nature we need to give-way to any oncoming traffic, so when moving to the right we are usually leaving enough space on the left for traffic behind us to continue flowing - so not holding anyone up whilst we wait. Sometimes when turning right there will be a new lane or box in the middle of the road for us to wait in.

Our turning point for this right turn is when the nose of our car reaches the middle white line that separates the two lanes of the road we're turning into. Sounds complex, but re-read that sentence and think about it, and it will soon make sense.

So, once we have moved over to the right of our lane we then need to start slowing for the corner and getting down to 2nd gear to prepare for the fact we may be able to go straight away. Looking ahead, we can decide if we need to stop. If the road is clear or there is a big enough gap we can continue straight away into the new road. If not, then we stop at our turning point, explained above. If we stop we then need to prepare the car again for a move off. Select 1st gear, and when a gap appears set the gas and biting point, the car will start to move, and steer into the corner. If however we have had to stop on a hill where the car will roll back, we need to bring the handbrake up first so not to roll into anyone behind us and to prevent a stall. We would also bring the handbrake up if the slight pause in giving way becomes a wait.

When we have turned into the new road we then again need to check the rear view mirror to see who is now behind us, and gradually accelerate away.

We are nearly there with our turns now and almost ready for busier main roads. But first we need to cover right turns from a give way line.

Moving Masterpieces

2011-07-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ralph Lauren's cars caused a stir in the art world six years ago when they were displayed at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Critics questioned whether automobiles, even ones as prized as Lauren's, belonged among the museum's collections of sculptures, antiquities, Monets, and Old Masters; naysayers found dubious the very idea of the car as an art form.

But if any such objections linger, the name of the Lauren exhibit opening in Paris confronts them. The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection will be shown by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs April 28 through August 28. "By staging this exhibit within the Musée des Arts we show there is no difference between a superbly crafted automobile and other forms of fine art," says Rodolphe Rapetti, chief curator of French museums and the curator of The Art of the Automobile. "They are all works that people can relate to on a profound, emotional level."

The exhibit, which marks the first time Lauren's collection has been displayed on the Continent, comprises 17 European-made cars, including four that were not shown in Boston: a 1931 Alfa Romeo Monza 8C 2300, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, a 1964 Ferrari 250 Le Mans, and a 1957 Jaguar XKSS. The cars range chronologically from a 1929 Bentley Blower to a 1996 McLaren F1 LM.

"The challenge was to capture each of the cars as a unique, exceptional piece built for speed and competition," says Rapetti. "I decided to focus on those elements that made each of the cars avant-garde in its time and left you with a feeling about the car."

One of Rapetti's favorite cars is the Bentley Blower, so called for the supercharger beneath its bonnet. "It was not built to be beautiful," says Rapetti. "It looks primitive and mechanical. The engine was mounted up high, as if defying the wind. You needed muscle to drive it."

Conversely, Lauren's Ferrari 250 Le Mans, a shapely vehicle that racing legend Jackie Stewart drove to victory in a 1966 endurance event, did not sacrifice beauty for performance. "Its curves are so fluid, so graceful," says Rapetti. "You would feel much safer in this car than in the Bentley. It is from an era when finally they had brakes that worked. But most importantly the LM marks the changeover from front-engine to mid-engine design, when a V-12 is placed right behind the driver's seat."

Last year, Parisians were treated to another Ralph Lauren opening: That April, the company's French flagship store debuted in a 17th-century limestone townhouse on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. The building also houses Ralph's, the designer's first restaurant in Europe, and a watch salon that carries Ralph Lauren-branded timepieces, most of which are equipped with movements made by Jaeger-LeCoultre or Piaget.

Among the latest additions to the Ralph Lauren Sporting Watch Collection, one of three lines of Lauren timepieces, is the Ralph Lauren Automotive Watch, a $13,200 model featuring a movement made by IWC, an elm burl wood outer dial, and a galvanized matte black inner dial with beige Arabic numerals. The dial design references the wood dashboard and beige-on-black gauges of Lauren's 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, perhaps the most renowned car in his collection.

The Bugatti, one of only two that still exist, will be showcased in the Paris exhibit. It won Best of Show at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and in 1997 it was named "the most beautiful car in the world" by a panel of automotive writers, designers, and historians who certainly considered the Atlantic a work of art.

Driving a Car: Driving and Emergency Stops

2011-07-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

The drill for stopping is always the same, except in an emergency. You must learn it thoroughly from the very beginning. The amount of pressure you need to apply to the footbrake depends on your speed and also on how quickly you need to stop!

The drill for stopping should go as followed:

a. Use the mirrors.

b. Decide whether you need to signal you intention to stop, and then signal if necessary.

c. Take your foot off the accelerator. The engine will slow down.

d. Push down on the brake pedal lightly with your right foot and then more firmly (progressive braking).

e. Just before the car stops, press the clutch pedal right down with the left foot. This will disengage the engine from the driving wheel and will prevent stalling the engine. Don't do it too soon: the engine helps with the braking.

f. Ease the pressure off the footbrake just as the car stops.

g. Apply the parking brake.

h. Put the gear lever into neutral.

i. Take both feet off the pedals.

It is seldom necessary to change down when you're stopping normally. However, your car should always be in the right gear for the road speed and conditions. As mentioned before, Progressive braking is a safe driving technique which allows other drivers time to react; it prevents your wheels from locking and will prevent skidding. This technique will also save the wear on your tyres and brakes and saves fuel.

To brake progressively:

a. Put light pressure on the brake at first
b. Gradually increase the pressure as required to stop the car
c. When the car has almost stopped, ease off the pressure so that the car stops smoothly. There should be little or no pressure as the car actually stops.

To practice, choose a particular point at which you would like to stop. See how near to it you can get. It's better to stop short of the mark rather than overshoot it. You can always ease off the brakes and run forward a bit more. Stopping at the kerb needs practice too. Aim to stop reasonably close to the kerb without hitting it and trying to keep both hands on the steering wheel!

In normal conditions, a good driver should not need to brake really hard. However, emergencies can happen - for example, if a child runs into the road in front of you, knowledge of stopping quickly and under control is a must. Stopping in an emergency increases the risk of skidding and wheel lock.
Always remember, even when stopping quickly, follow the rule of progressive braking, pushing the brake pedal harder as the car slows down. A quick reaction is crucial in an emergency. The sooner you start braking, the sooner you should stop!

a. When you brake in an emergency don't signal - you will need both hands to control the steering.
b. Try not to make a special point of looking in the mirror; you should know what is behind you anyway.
c. Stop as quickly and as safely as possible, keeping your vehicle under full control, and always look around you before moving off again!

Always try to avoid the emergency arising by looking well ahead, always watch for children playing especially around school times. Always look out for pedestrians, try and look out for clues such as shadows.
You should always drive at such a speed that you can stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear. If it's not clear, slow down. Always prepare for the unexpected.

From Rob Morgan at Budgen Motors http://www.budgenmotorcars.co.uk/

Top 5 Best Selling Commercial Cars

2011-07-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

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Used Lincoln Town Car

2011-07-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Ford Company released the Lincoln Town car like a full-size luxury sedan in 1981. The primary reason for manufacturing this amazing car was to "spoil up to six passengers" with large and comfy seats, no matter their location inside the vehicle. So, if you're thinking about purchasing a used car of this type, you need to keep in mind some information concerning the main models available. That's how you will be able to purchase the best used model available nowadays on the market at a price advantageous for your budget.

The Lincoln Town Cars manufactured between 1990 and 1997 were formal, slab-sided and quite boxy. But despite these characteristics, the vehicle looked more contemporary and aerodynamic than the majority of the vehicles manufactured before 1990, due to the flush-mounted windows, its incredible edges and lighting elements. In 1991, the car was equipped with a 4.6 liter V8 engine able to produce 190 horsepower. For the 1994 model, the engineers increased the engine's capacity to 210 horsepower. This generation of cars featured a handling package that was optional and included matched tires along with a high end suspension (for the 1993 models) along with a more stylish and tasteful interior and exterior for that 1995 model. For instance, a 1995 used car includes a 4.6 liter V8 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, an ABS system and driver and passenger front airbags. The inside has cloth seating, automatic heating and cooling, cruise control, AM/FM cassette audio system and air conditioning.

The second generation of Lincoln Town cars was manufactured between 1998 and 2002 while offering a roomy and comfy interior. This generation will come in three different editions: the Executive, the Signature and the Cartier edition. In 2002 were provided two other trim levels inside a long-wheelbase form. Until 2000, the car was designed with a 4.6 liter V8 engine which produced 205 horsepower. For the 2001 model, the strength of the engine was increased to 220 horsepower for the Signature and the Executive editions. For the Cartier version the engine produced 235 horsepower. A 2001 used car features heated mirrors, cruise control, a four-speed automatic transmission, leather trim on the center console, a visit computer, AM/FM stereo and a lot of safety measures including four-wheel ABS, dual front side placed airbags, front center lap belt and traction control.

The current generation of Lincoln Town Cars has been around since 2003 and comes with a lot of new and modern improvements. Probably the most interesting upgrades, visible about the more recent models, include a strengthened frame, formal styling, high end mechanical and engineering components and a new luxurious interior. The standard models were available that year in three different trim levels: the bottom Executive, the ultra-push Cartier (that also includes the L version) and the luxury Signature. In 2004, this car started to be produced in only two trim levels: the Ultimate that was actually the Cartier trim level and also the Executive which was the brand new name chosen for that Signature trim level. The 2006 model became available with a chrome bedecked design and stayed produced until 2008. A 2006 use car features a 4.6 liter V8 engine able to produce 239 horsepower, a four-speed automatic transmission, lots of safety measures, AM/FM single CD player stereo, a visit computer, dual-zone climate controls, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, cruise control as well as an universal remote transmitter.

The price for a used Lincoln Town Car varies between $767 for a 1990 model and $30,302 for a 2010 used car sedan.

Joel Dammann writes about Used Lincoln Town Car at his Car blog.

Classic Car Rallies Worth Driving In

2011-07-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Tour Britannia

Tour Britannia is a six year old event that has become one of the UK's premier race tours. The event is designed for historic cars that drive through the countryside of South Wales and the West Country. The course goes through the Cotswalds and finishes at Silverstone. The cars in this rally follow a course through the British countryside on rural roads and have races each day on racetracks located along the route. Tour Britannia was inspired by the classic rallies of the 1950's and 1960's. In this spirit, this rally is a great event because it offers luxurious social events as well as exciting races over the entire course of the event.

Mille Miglia

The Mille Miglia is a 1,000 mile race across the Italian countryside and through the independent country of San Marino. It usually occurs each May in Italy and starts in Viale Venezia in Brescia then proceeds through Bologna, Spoleto, Siena and Florence finally arriving in Rome and then returning to Viale Venezia for the finish. This rally is world renowned for its classic cars and was one that famous car-maker Enzo Ferrari raced in.

Mille Miglia North American Tribute 2011

This year the inaugural Mille Miglia North American Tribute event will be held in California from August 14th to August 17th. This rally was inspired by the original Italian Mille Miglia and will be a yearly event that traces the California coastline. The race will start in Pebble Beach, California, and then run up the coast through the scenic landscapes of Carmel and Santa Barbara and the Napa Valley and will finish at the shores of Monterrey. As drivers are introduced to the charms of the Italian countryside in the original Mille Miglia in Italy, so also will drivers of the Mille Miglia North American Tribute be introduced to California's wondrous scenery.

AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix

The 2011 AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix will be held at the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany from the 12th to the 14th of August this year. This event showcases classic car racing not only on long distance rallies but also on short racetracks. The AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix is one of the oldest car rally and racing events in Europe. It traces its heritage back to the 1920's and the days of racing legends like Rudolf Carraciola. This year a special feature of the AvD Oldtime Grand Prix will be the enamel lamps that will line the Nurburgring Historical Paddock which is being restored to its original state.

If you are looking to save money on Alberta auto insurance, you should consider comparing quotes online to see which insurance company offers the best rate. Kanetix offers a free quote comparison where you can compare the rates from over 40 insurance companies and it only takes a couple of minutes to do.

The History of Chevrolet, An American Product

2011-07-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Few products have come to symbolize the American lifestyle like the Chevrolet automobile. In the 1950s, singer Dina Shore urged us to "See the USA, in your Chevrolet", while Don McLean's despondent teenager drove his "Chevy to the levy" in McLean's 1971 classic hit, "American Pie". While Americans' love affair with Chevrolet vehicles cannot be denied, it should be noted that Chevrolet cars and trucks are manufactured throughout the world, and have been since 1923. In that year, Chevrolet's parent company, General Motors, opened its first European assembly plant in Copenhagen, Denmark. Americans should know that Chevrolets are just as popular on the streets of Manila and Sao Paulo, as they are on the freeways of Los Angeles or the byways of Albuquerque.
LOUIS CHEVROLET
Any discussion of Chevrolet history must begin with the vehicle's founder and namesake, Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet, of French descent, was born the son of a watchmaker in Switzerland in 1878. Young Chevrolet cared little for school, preferring to tinker with all things mechanical. As a young man, Chevrolet repaired and raced bicycles, developing a local reputation as a competitive racer. As Chevrolet honed his mechanical skills, his interest in bicycle racing waned in favor of automobile racing, a sport then in its infancy. After working as a mechanic in Paris, and then in Montreal, Chevrolet arrived in New York City in 1900. Chevrolet was eventually hired as a race car driver by Fiat, and he began to achieve an impressive number of victories on the racing circuit. Chevrolet's reputation as a race car driver continued to grow, and for a short time he held the world's land speed record of 119 miles per hour.
BIRTH OF AN ICON
A series of victories with the Fiat racing team catapulted Louis Chevrolet to celebrity status in America, capturing the attention of William C. "Billy" Durant, a successful horse drawn carriage manufacturer and founder of General Motors. Durant hired Chevrolet as lead race car driver to promote a new line of motor cars called Buicks, and Chevrolet, although often injured in crashes, continued to win races.
Automobile manufacturing was considered a risky investment in the early years of the twentieth century, and in 1910, Durant, over extended and unable to obtain credit, was ousted from his management position at General Motors. Free to pursue other endeavors, he teamed with Louis Chevrolet, William Little, and his son-in-law, Edwin Campbell to form the Chevrolet Motor Company, in November of 1911. The company was so named in order to capitalize upon the well known name of Louis Chevrolet. The Chevrolet automobile they designed and built was an expensive 6-cylinder luxury vehicle, intended to reflect the speed and European elegance associated with the name Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Series C Classic Six automobile was capable of speeds of up to 65 mph - a dizzying speed in those days. Louis Chevrolet was pleased with the sleek, fast, but expensive vehicle built on European design. Billy Durant, however, had different plans for the Chevrolet.
CHEVROLET UNDER THE GENERAL MOTORS UMBRELLA
Billy Durant envisioned the Chevrolet as an automobile for the common man, and although the early Chevrolets sold well, Durant saw the future Chevrolet as a sturdy, 4-cylinder challenger to the Ford Model T. The difference in product vision created a rift between Louis Chevrolet and Billy Durant that never healed. In 1913 Durant pressed for a cheaper model Chevrolet. Louis Chevrolet would not concede, refusing to be associated with a cheaper automobile. In a move that would soon prove financially unwise, Chevrolet sold all of his stock in the company to Durant. Within two years, Durant, in one of the most astounding comebacks in automotive history, would regain his position at General Motors, taking the coveted brand name Chevrolet with him. Chevrolet automobiles would soon become, and would for decades continue to be, General Motors' best selling automobile.

Chevy is a true American product. Enjoy the freedom of driving with a used car from J.D. Byrider. The buying process is geared to getting you on the road today!

OEM Replacement Parts for Luxury Vehicles

2011-07-01T03:47:00.000-07:00

Your luxury car needs routine maintenance to ensure that it is running properly and efficiently. Throughout the life of your foreign import, there will be times when some of the vehicle parts need to be replaced. When this happens, you should choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts. A good mechanic knows that OEM vehicle parts offer high quality performance and unique benefits that you cannot get from aftermarket alternatives.

It is inevitable that some of your vehicle parts will wear out or become damaged and need to be replaced. No matter how much care you give your vehicle, many of the original parts simply are not able to last the lifetime of your car. When a part does need to replaced, it is imperative that you take your automobile to repair shop that specializes in servicing your type of vehicle.

The biggest advantage of OEM parts is that they are designed and created by the same manufacturer who made your car. As a result, these parts are designed to precisely fit your specific vehicle. Proper fit ensures that your replacement part will work as well as the original. An ill-fitted part could cause other parts to break or wear out more quickly. This can result in even more expensive repairs in the future.

Another benefit to OEM parts is that they are made from high quality materials. They are built to function properly in your specific model and make. Using only OEM parts will preserve resale value and maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Keep all receipts and service records for potential buyers to view.

Most shops will not offer warranties on repairs using aftermarket or refurbished parts. If a discount replacement does not work or fit properly, you are responsible for any expenses accrued from getting it fixed. Be sure to find a certified service center that uses only OEM parts and offers a warranty on parts and labor.

Not all service and repair shops use OEM replacement parts. You will need to talk with your mechanic to ensure that he is using the parts that will be most effective in your vehicle. Your luxury vehicle is a big investment and keeping it functioning at peak performance is essential to your enjoyment of driving.

Ordering discounted parts online or using refurbished parts may initially save you some money. However, you will more than likely end up with incorrect parts. Returns and exchanges can become time consuming and expensive. Remember that you never want to force a part to fit. This can cause your engine to malfunction and create even more expensive repairs in the future. Fixing it right the first time with high quality parts that specifically created for your vehicle is the best way to ensure that your car will work properly and efficiently.

Your vehicle's manufacture designed very specific parts to help your car run efficiently. When you think about it, it makes sense to use the replacement part that is as close to the original as possible. Requiring your mechanic to use only OEM replacement parts in your foreign import will ensure that it continues to run smoothly for the life of your vehicle.

Carmine Cupani is the owner of Carmine's Import Service, specializing in European import vehicle maintenance and repair, located in Kernersville, NC.

How to Save Money on Your Car

2011-07-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

Most people are obliged to spend a good part of their income on their car(s) for the entire duration of their adult lives. From the purchase price to maintenance costs, ever-increasing gas prices, and insurance premiums, the expenses are endless and often seem to outweigh the benefits of owning a car. But in a Catch 22 situation, most of us need a car to get to work. This article will list some ways to save money on car expenses.

Buying a Car:

1. Comparison shopping:
Keep an open mind when you set out to buy a car, and be prepared to look at many different options. Compare dealers, makes, models, thoroughly. While this is tedious, it will increase your chances of saving money and driving home in the car you want. Use Kelley Blue Book as a reference point to check if you are getting a fair price or not.

2. Consider buying a used car.
A car that has been used even for a couple of years costs significantly less than its brand new counterpart of the same make and model. Besides, unlike a used car, the value of a new car depreciates dramatically the second you buy it, so a used car may be a better option if you plan to sell it in the future.

3. Hang on to your ride:
It's a good idea to keep your car for as long as possible. You lose money on low trade-in values when you switch cars in a short period of time. A reliable, quality car should stand by you for the good part of a decade, so invest once and for all.

4. Be practical:
If saving money is your aim, than functionality should be your priority, not appearance. Invest in a reliable, reasonable, mechanically sound car rather than blowing a fortune on something that looks good but won't give you decent mileage.

Maintenance:

1. Keep your car tuned:
A car that isn't regularly or properly tuned guzzles gasoline at an alarming rate. You'll save money in the long run by keeping it tuned.

2. Oil and air filters:
Cleaning your oil as dictated by your owner's manual and checking your air filter on a monthly basis will extend your engine's life considerably.

3. Tires:
Check your tire pressure regularly, and have them balanced at least once a year. It's an effort but you'll be saving money in gasoline mileage and preventing damage to your suspension.

Buying Gas:

1. Self Serve:
Pumping your own gas is 5-10 % cheaper than having someone do it for you. Spread the difference across the span of a year, multiply that amount by all the years you'll be driving and you'll be shocked at how much you'll save in the long run.

2. Don't go all the way:
Topping off your tank could lead you to lose gas if you are parked on a slope or under the sun because the gas might overflow.

3. Quality:
Don't buy the cheapest gasoline available. Your car deserves better. Your engine will suffer if you buy a lower grade than recommended, which will cost you more than you saved on gas in the long run. However, there is no need to spring for premium quality unless your manual recommends it.

Driving

1. Play by the rules:
Speeding tickets, accidents, arrears of any kind are expensive mistakes whichever way you look at it. Not only will the actual fines and repairs (or deductible, if you have collision coverage) be expensive, but your insurance premiums are likely to go up due to these mistakes. Brush up on your driving skills and follow traffic regulations because a clean record means lower car insurance rates.

2. Carpool:
This is a smart thing to do because you'll be able to get into the car-pool lane and if you split the costs, both you and your companion will be saving money on gas.

3. Making the most of your fuel:
The way you drive affects your car's fuel use. Accelerating gently and sparingly, driving at a constant speed (not too fast and not too slow), turning your air conditioner off when it's not required are all ways to ensure you're getting the most out of your gas.

4. Burn some calories:
Consider walking, biking or even jogging if your destination is not too far away. This is beneficial to your health, your environment and your wallet. And if you don't want to work your body, try public transport.

Insurance

1. Choosing an insurance company:
Do not go for an insurance provider simply because it offers you a cheap rate. If it's an obscure, unreliable company, you will regret it when you need to make a claim. Get car insurance quotes from reputed, reliable, established providers; you'll be saving money in the long run. An insurance provider with a reputation to protect and the means to pay out is more likely to handle your claims properly.

2. Coverage:
Limiting your coverage to the minimum state requirement is unwise and inadequate. Unless your car is over 10 years old, you should ideally have collision, comprehensive, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP), besides the liability coverage required. Having thorough car insurance coverage could save you a fortune in the event of an accident. One way of saving money is combining your home and car insurance under the same insurance coverage.

3. Discounts:
Many insurance companies offer discounts, which can significantly lower your rates. Some of the common car insurance discounts include defensive driver's credit, good student discount, theft-protection discount, airbag safety discount, etc.

With these tips, you'll save money from the moment you purchase your car, until the last insurance payment you ever make. In the long run, that's probably enough to pay for four years of college, a retirement fund, or even a new car! So be practical, be careful, and drive safe.

Bethany Collins works from home and is a mother of two naughty kids. She lives with her husband. Her only hobby is reading and her interest lies in topics related to personal finance, car insurance etc. She loves to write on topics like managing your budget, getting car insurance quotes, saving money and investments, etc.

Five Things You Ought To Know When Choosing The Best Car Battery Charger

2011-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Ever been in a situation where you are in the middle of nowhere, you are tired and hungry and when you are about to leave your car would not start? This is indeed a typical scenario. A dead or weak battery often is the reason for such unfortunate situation. If it happened to you once or twice, the situation is crying out to you. Possibly, you will need to buy a new battery car charger so you will not end up in such difficult position again.

But how do you choose the best battery charger for your car?

Certainly, there are so many brands and models of car battery charger available in the market today. If you are a novice in automobiles, parts and accessories, finding the right car battery will be very challenging. To help you decide and to narrow down your choices, following are tips on how to choose the best charger for your car:

Know Which Type Suits Your Car's Requirements
If you opt to buy rechargeable batteries, take note that you will also need to buy a decent charger to use. They come in three types. First is the AC charger. This type is the most convenient since you can easily plug this charger in any AC wall socket. The second type is the solar charger. This type does not require any plugging. It can function and operate with the use of the sun's powerful rays. The third type is the 12 volt charger which is very expedient and can be plugged even in a home's renewable energy system or even via your car's cigarette lighter.

Furthermore, it is important to identify which battery supports your car battery voltage. If you are driving a gas powered automobile, you are most probably running on a 12 voltage power. Conversely, if your car is a diesel powered vehicle, your car is most likely to using a 24 voltage power. So make sure that you know which type support your car's battery voltage before purchasing a car battery charger.

Understand The Different Car Battery Charger Features
Compare the different features of car battery charger brands to help narrow down your choices. Look for the adjust charge rate of the charger to prevent battery damage and or its compatibility with automotive or light marine battery

Maximize The Use Consumer Reports And Product Buying Guide Online
If you are clueless on which brand of car battery charger to buy you can read different consumer reports and product buying guide online. You will find information not just the price comparison but also the different car battery charger features. Moreover, you will see satisfactory reviews and commentaries from past consumers.

Check Sales During Fall Or Spring
If you are not in a hurry to buy a car charger battery, you may want to wait for fall or spring sales. The price of car battery chargers drops during fall and spring. You can also read through catalogs or paper ads from different auto parts and Sears.

Decide Whether To Buy Online Or Through Local Auto Parts
Online stores are very popular these days. It gives customers the convenience to choose and compare prices with other brands and online stores. It is important to make sure that when you are buying products online, you only transact with reputable online business stores. Be wary when leaving your account or personal information. In addition, most local auto parts also have their own websites to service the online consumers. Check if traveling to the store will save you more money than paying for the shipping fee.

Jump start your car and choose only the best car battery charger. The things mentioned above will surely help you make the wise choice. Good luck!

Looking for the greatest Schumacher Battery Charger? The Schumacher Battery Charger is a great commercial-grade battery charger that holds it's own on any test. Click on the links to find out the sensational features of this device.

Get Automotive Tools And Equipment From Online Sources

2011-06-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Carrying out repairs of passenger cars, trucks or any other type of vehicle is a ritual that needs to be done from time to time. The workshops that handle this type of work should have top quality automotive tools and equipment so that they can perform their tasks efficiently and safely. There are many types of automotive equipment that are needed in a repair workshop. These include tire changers, Hunter wheel alignment and wheel balancers, auto lift equipment, two post lifts, mobile column lifts, four post lifts, pit lifts, short and mid rise lifts, brake lathes, suspension and brake testing systems, automotive tools and other equipment.

In order to find reliable automotive equipment distributors, it is best to browse their websites and choose the one that offers the best quality equipment at competitive rates. The equipment selected by you should be such that shop efficiency can be improved leading to better profitability. Before making a choice, you must ensure that the auto equipment distributor will offer proper after sales services. The basic criterion for choosing any equipment should be safety.

Various types of automotive tools and equipment

The different types of automotive tools and equipment necessary for auto repair services are as follows:

* Auto Lift Equipment: Most repair work on any vehicle needs to be done on its belly and in order for the mechanic to approach it, the vehicle will have to be raised and held in that position. There are different types of auto lift equipment that are available like two posts, four posts, parking, mid-rise, and turf. The most popular one is the two post lift. The equipment manufacturer has to ensure that all safety standards are observed. The buyer should choose only the most reliable equipment because any lapse in quality and safety norms can result in a devastating accident.

* Air Compressors: For inflating tires and for operating various other pneumatic tools, an air compressor is essential to supply compressed air. It is powered by an engine that could be run on diesel, gas or electric power. Compressors could be of different types like duplex, horizontal, or stack.

* Lubrication Equipment: Since a vehicle consists of many moving parts, it is essential that periodic lubrication of these parts is carried out. Oil pumps, oil meters and grease valves are some of the equipment that is necessary for this purpose.

* Wheel Balancing and Alignment Equipment: If the tires of a vehicle are not balanced and aligned, they will wear out very soon and replacements can be costly. Wheel balancing and wheel alignment should be a regular feature of the maintenance of the vehicle and an auto repair shop should have good quality equipment for this purpose.

* Tire Changers: For the purpose of wheel balancing, repairs and replacement of tires, it is essential to have a tire changing machine that will take away all the hassles of manual tire changing and do an accurate job in a few minutes.

* Service and Exhaust Equipment: For regular servicing of a vehicle, it is necessary to have equipment like battery chargers, paint, brake fluid exchangers, and booster cables. The exhaust equipment should also be of good quality because the exhaust hoses should be able to cope with high pressure and high temperature.

* Other Accessories: Monitors, jacks, screwdrivers, dollies, and hammers are some of the other types of automotive tools and equipment that are necessary for servicing and repairs of vehicles.

A reliable online source can supply good quality automotive tools and equipment that are essential for high productivity and safety of operations.

Automotive tools and equipment used for service and repairs of vehicles should only be procured from a reliable online source which designs, manufactures and supplies good quality products that will increase productivity and ensure safety.

Benefits Of Synthetic Oils Over Conventional Motor Oils

2011-06-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Conventional motor oil is made up of long chains and rings of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Crude oil which is pumped from the ground is separated at a refinery into various fractions to prepare the bases for fuels and lubricating oils. Exceptionally short carbon rings and chains are used to produce gasoline whereas long and thick chains of carbon atoms are refined to produce motor oil.

Various studies have shown that vehicles using conventional motor oils exhibit poor performance in low and high temperature situations. This is because such oils are made up of an inconsistent mix of atoms. The molecules oxidize, break and then evaporate when the motor engine gets heated up in extreme summer conditions. During low temperature conditions, the large carbon chains become thicker, increase the viscosity of the oil and do not allow it to flow properly. Synthetic oils can help in such a situation. With synthetic oils, your vehicles will give excellent mileage and high-performance.

Synthetic Oils Ensure Longer Engine Life

Synthetic oils consist of synthesized chemical compounds. They can also be made from modified petroleum products. They can be used instead of the conventional motor oil for vehicles operating in extreme temperatures. Cars, trucks and aircraft jet engines can use them to increase their performance. Using them, ensures a right balance between temperature and viscosity and gives better stability and longer engine life. It eliminates the risk of oxidation and evaporation of short carbon chains in high temperature areas. It reduces the risk of increasing the viscosity in extremely low temperature areas. It not only improves the racing performance of your vehicle but also has the advantage of fuel economy.

Benefits Of Synthetic Oils Over Conventional Motor Oil

* Faster Lubrication in All Temperatures: Synthetic oils ensure faster lubrication of the vehicle engine in all temperatures including extreme temperatures. You will not have any problem starting your vehicle even in extremely low temperatures. Your car or truck will hardly take time to start if you're using them. On the other hand, conventional motor oil gets oxidized and evaporated in high temperature and thickens excessively in low temperature.

* Minimizes Degradation: The usage of synthetic oils minimizes the degradation of fuel as well as the engine. It does not allow carbon atoms to either break or thicken and because of this, the engine of your vehicle remains in good condition and has a long life. It also ensures fuel efficiency. Conventional oil does not work well in extreme temperatures which leads to degradation of oil and also affects the engine.

* Greater Engine Efficiency: It is resistant to oxidation thereby reducing engine drag. It gives excellent racing performance in high-speed conditions. Additionally, it consumes less oil while operating at a higher speed. Conventional motor oil affects the performance of your vehicle and also reduces its life span.

* Keeps Engine Clean: Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil does not allow oxidation to happen. It provides ample protection from harmful deposits in the engine. It remains clean all through and gives maximum fuel efficiency. Conventional motor oil does not protect the engine from harmful deposits. This is why the engine of your vehicle drags.

Synthetic oils can be used any time in new vehicles. It is not necessary to use conventional motor oil before using it.

Aptuned is a good source for Royal Purple synthetic engine oil and offers a wide range of transmission oil and synthetic oils at competitive prices. Their online store offers shop from home facility and most versions of synthetic oils are available.

Tow Trucks and Services

2011-06-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Chances are if you own a car you are going to need a towing service at some point in your life. Whether your car breaks down, you have a flat tire or are in an automobile accident you will need the quality services that a professional towing service has to offer. Towing services are there to assist you 24 hours a day and on holidays and in inclement weather. They are the heroes of the road helping out whenever someone is in trouble. In fact they usually offer much more than just a tow and a lift to somewhere, they even offer roadside assistance if you are stranded. Say you run out of gas or have flat tire and cant find anyone to give you a ride, that's another time when a professional towing service is there to help you out. Most people don't realize the comprehensive list of services that a towing service has to offer.

There are many different times when you will need the help of a towing service to get you out of a stressful situation. That is where the best and most professional towing companies can help you the most. From different types of tow trucks for different situations, the quality helpful employees towing companies are there to help when you need them the most. For example, say you are involved in a wreck and your car needs to be moved. There are different kinds of tow trucks and in a wreck when you car is severely damaged you need a flat bed tow truck. The right company will be able to offer multiple types of tow trucks. Anytime you break down, have a dead battery, run out of gas, or are involved in a wreck it is a very stressful situation. It could be in the middle of the night, on the way to work, or in inclement weather. You are already stressed and you just need a professional company to help you get out of your jam. That is why it is best to hire a company that is experienced, professional and knowledgeable about the towing industry.

It is always a stressful situation when you need the services of a tow truck. However, choosing the most professional and trustworthy company will put your mind at ease and save you money and time. Trust the knowledge and experience of a reliable towing company next time you are stuck somewhere.

The All New 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

2011-06-30T05:31:00.001-07:00

The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid brings an exciting new vehicle to the Honda lineup. It includes the latest version of the Honda Integrated Motor Assist hybrid drive train. In addition, it has the best EPA-estimated fuel economy of any sedan in the United States. Its fuel economy is 44 mpg* city, highway, and combined.

The 2012 model has received a face lift with sleeker styling including the front grill, headlights, taillights, wheels, and side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is in either cloth or leather seats and can also be equipped with a navigation system.

For the 2012 model, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which incorporates friction-reducing technologies for greater efficiency. It has a lighter, more powerful electric motor that produces up to 23 horsepower and a combined horsepower of 110. When the driver accelerates, either the engine or the electric engine and the motor propel the car. While cruising, either engine can propel the vehicle. The gasoline engine deactivates when the driver brakes and the electric motor acts as a generator to restore power to the battery pack. When the brake pedal is released, the engine starts up again.

The Civic Hybrid has a high-class interior with many different standard and optional features. The interior has the most frequently referenced information close to the driver's line of sight. The new Intelligent Multi-Information Display is in the upper tier and has the ability to show audio system information such as album artwork or personal wallpaper backgrounds. It also includes an Eco Guide screen that gives the driver feedback on driving style and how it affects fuel efficiency. The blue/green Eco Assist indicators are located to the side of the speedometer and help increase the driver's awareness of ways to drive more efficiently. The Civic Hybrid comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. When equipped with the navigation system, it also includes XM Radio. The navigation system is Honda's own satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and includes a 6.5-inch touch screen. The system includes a 16 GB flash memory database for a faster response time and has FM traffic. Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is also offered with the Civic Hybrid, allowing drivers to make and receive phone calls. It also supports audio streaming with compatible devices.

The Civic Hybrid is not only convenient and fun to drive, it is also safe. It includes many safety features such as Brake Assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, Motion Adaptive EPS system, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid has arrived.

* Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel-economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Troy Honda, http://troyhonda.com/, is a Honda dealer located in Troy, MI. The Detroit area Honda dealership offers a large selection of new and used Honda cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition, Troy Honda provides auto service, Honda parts and accessories and auto financing.

Ford Focus Rally

2011-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Author: bensonbrown

By now, we're used to seeing the Ford Focus hype on various social media platforms. Ford has gone all out in drumming up awareness for the new Focus, especially in the States, where until a few months ago it was a more or less unknown car. In a new flood of social domination, Ford is again capitalising on the popularity of social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Hulu to promote the 2012 Ford Focus. This time it's with a rally.

The Focus Rally: America competition has aired its first episode on Hulu, with a one-minute spot subsequently airing at the Super Bowl XLV Pre-Game on Sunday. The rally lasts for five weeks and every day will see a new 10-15 minute video posted on Hulu.

Six teams are racing across the United States in Ford Focus hatchbacks and must not only be the fastest, but also garner the most support from online fans in their attempt to win. The race stops in a new city each day and the teams participate in a challenge, while players online try to win games on the rally's website alongside the video action. The victor will be decided by which team and its fans accumulate the most points.

Each team is named after the colour of the car they are driving: Ingot Silver, Yellow Blaze, Red Candy, Blue Candy, Black and Sterling Grey.Each member of the winning team will receive a new Ford Focus.

The new Focus is due for release in the UK this spring. For further details about buying a new Ford Focus in Essex, contact your local Essex Ford dealer.
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How to save money on fuel

2011-02-22T23:57:00.000-08:00

Author: whitescot

With the ever increasing cost of petrol more and more drivers are looking at how to reduce their petrol costs. Short of parking the car and travelling on public transport, here are some simple ways of saving money on fuel.

First of all look at your driving habits and see whether you can change the way you drive. The industry-wide test speed for best fuel economy is 55mph which means it might be worth reducing your speed to just that to reduce fuel expenditure. Secondly, learn to drive more smoothly. If you avoid sharp accelerations or breaking your car will burn less fuel. The trick is to read the flow of traffic and anticipate what will happen well in advance.

Thirdly, turn off you air condition. Many drivers might not realise that the air condition uses up fuel. By turning it off and opening up a window a recent study has shown that fuel efficiency can improve with up to 8 %.

Then remove any unnecessary weight on the car such as roof racks or clutter as the lighter your car is, the less fuel it will use. Also make sure the tyre pressure is correct as soft tyres can add up to 2 % on your fuel bills.

It's also worth turning the engine off if you have been stationary for more than three minutes. Lastly there are online comparison sites that can tell you the prices of fuel in your neighbourhood in order for you to get the best deal. So regardless of whether you own a small Mini Cooper or a large new Land Rover, these tips should save you money on your car fuel bill.
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The increased cost of cars

2011-02-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

Author: whitescot

2011 looks to be a tougher year for motorists with increase in everything from VAT to fuel prices. It's no longer only issues such as performance and reliability car owners need to take into consideration but also the overall cost of keeping the car on the road.

The VAT rise by 2, 5 % to 20 % is the most obvious of increases to consider and the one that will probably add the most to the price tag of your chosen car if you're in the market for buying a new one. Whether you're after a new Peugeot or a new Kia it might be worth looking into whether any manufacturer vows not to pass the VAT increase on to their customers. If they do you might save a few hundred pounds.

The VAT increase will of course also affect upgrades to any existing car you have and will also be added to the cost of having you car serviced at a garage.

In addition to this the price of car insurance has risen because the standard rate of insurance premium tax has increased from 5 % to 6 %. Some car insurers have also increased their overall pricing structure due to an increased in accidents covered last year.

Then finally there is the rising cost of fuel. In addition to the added fuel duty, the price of crude oil on the world market remains high, affecting fuel prices across the board. All of this adds up to increased cost of buying and keeping a car and are important factors to consider for UK motorists.
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City car of the Year

2011-02-20T23:56:00.001-08:00

Author: whitescot

After receiving the City Car of the Year title for the third consecutive year in the 2011 BusinessCar Awards, the Fiat 500 continues to lead the way in the business world. The Fiat 500 has won the hearts of thousands of buyers from Fiat Gloucester and throughout the UK but it's in industry and business that the popular city car continues to impress.

Paul Barker, editor of BusinessCar, commented: "Fiat's 500 has once more proved that business cars can make sense to both the head and the heart, The 500 has great residual values and running costs combined with the ability to put smiles on faces, making it the perfect city car for the corporate market, something BusinessCar readers obviously echo in voting the 500 City Car of the Year."

The Fiat 500 already has an impressive list of trophies since it went on sale in the UK four years ago, which includes Car of the Year in 2008, along with several from the UK's leading consumer and trade titles. The fiat 500 made a big impression on the awards' judges with its good looks, excellent running costs and residual values.

Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland, commented: "Three consecutive awards and three consecutive wins in the City Car category - that's wonderful news and a great tribute to the Fiat 500, which continues to sell well both to private customers and into fleets, We will never tire of receiving awards for this remarkable car and this latest accolade from BusinessCar and its readers is very welcome."

The Fiat 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels the Pop, Sport and Lounge, the starting price is just £9,665, the Fiat 500 represents outstanding value for money.
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2011 Spring Break Teen Driving Safety Tips

2011-02-15T04:03:00.000-08:00

Author: Traffic School

Spring break is in the air --- and so is the collective sigh of relief for teens who are just itching to get away from it all. A lot of teens, especially ones who have just received their driving privileges are looking forward to a taste of freedom on the road. Before they do that, however, here are some driving safety tips:
The Buddy System – Use this for everything. Keep each other safe. Schedule driving breaks. Have predetermined driving schedules for long drives, to make sure that everyone's refreshed by the time they get to their destination. This also applies when it comes to having designated drivers.

Emergency Equipment – Have the travel vehicle properly maintained. Also, have the necessary tools that are capable of troubleshooting minor car troubles like flat tires or running out of gas.
Documentation – Having proper documentation like ids and car registration around doesn't hurt, especially if it involves trips away from your postal code.
Driving Distraction – While driving, it is important to minimize distractions for the driver. Allow the driver to focus on driving, and goof around during driving breaks, or for the spring break fun.
Cell phones – Not to be used while driving --- but more for contacting friends when splitting up, and for calling parents everyday. It's also a means to get in touch with services like AAA.
Driving Breaks – Avoid drowsy driving and schedule plenty breaks for longer drives --- avoid driving during nighttime. Being well-rested is an important part of driving.
There's plenty of fun to be had during spring break. Just remember to keep driver safety in mind at all times.
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Our mission is to make consumers more vigilant and understand that "safety is no accident," through education, quality traffic school online courses and outreach programs. Through our traffic safety blogs we promote defensive driving techniques, driver training and safety.

Increase Fuel Efficiency, Improve Gas Mileage and Save on Gas

2011-02-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Author: Pam

Gas prices are predicted to approach $5 a gallon by 2012, wouldn't you like to save on gas, find cheap gas or better yet, free gas?
Here are the hard facts:
· USA Today and AAA say gas prices will be $3.75 by this spring and $4.00 by summer.
· Gas prices are currently 34% higher than last year.
· Ex-Shell President sees $5 by 2012.
· 20% of the average American's income is spent on gas.
We need to do something about this.
We can,

Bike, walk, car pool or take public transportation and totally avoid the need for gas as an individual consumer
Purchase a new vehicle with high fuel efficiency, or one that runs on alternative energy sources
Improve our car's fuel efficiency thus increasing the car mileage per gallon saving you money at the pump and also reducing maintenance on your vehicle

I have determined that if I can save $5 to $15 per tank of gas or 50 to 90 cents per gallon that would make a huge difference in my pocket book and my living expenses.
How do I make a car run more efficiently? Look into the following:

• Improve combustion and increase engine power
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Reduce levels of toxic emissions
• Stabilize light and heavy oils
• Reduce corrosion and increase the life of your engine
• Totally disperses water in fuel
• Improve engine starting and avoid pre-ignition
• Improve the stabilization, lubricity and detergency of the fuel
• Avoid fuel freezing during winter

There is a way to achieve this without the expense and time of a mechanic.
(I will show you an easy, cost effective solution to achieve all of this at the end of the article)
Please read on to gain a full understanding of the premise behind a clean running vehicle.
Today's engine fuel delivery systems have extremely close tolerances, which means any deposit buildup will cause increased friction, such as injector chatter and pump cavitations, and results in excessive wear of the fuel system components. This operational problem in the fuel delivery system causes irregular and often incomplete injection of the required amount of fuel. The result is poor combustion, low power, with a corresponding tendency for the driver to downshift the transmission and step on the accelerator to maintain power and speed. Treating these conditions will eliminate these problems and maximize engine fuel efficiency!
Today's diesel fuel efficiency is affected by the amount of contamination present, the stability characteristics, and the lubrication value of the fuel. While none of these fuel conditions typically are major issues regarding fuel efficiency, each one plays a part in the entire fuel efficiency picture. As the status of these conditions deteriorates (contamination increases, stability decreases, or lubricity value lessens), the fuel efficiency (fuel-economy) will be negatively impacted. As you create the polarization of the fuel molecules, the result will be a smoother and more stable fuel. When you achieve these things, your vehicle will allow for a better combustion process and will reduce the temperature on the combustion chamber and the exhaust fumes temperature.
A clean running, fuel efficient engine will give you incredible savings at the pump!
You can achieve all of this in an easy, cost effective, no mechanic way!
Follow this link http://freegaseasymoney.com to learn about how to...

Reduce toxic emissions by 40-60%

reduce engine wear by at least 40% extending the life of your vehicle and reducing maintenance cost

increase your fuel mileage saving you money in every tank of gas

Also,
Learn how you can get $50 worth of FREE GAS, Yes I said FREE GAS!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/increase-fuel-efficiency-improve-gas-mileage-and-save-on-gas-4220004.html
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Please visit http://freegaseasymoney.com We have a foundational product that not only saves you $$$ at the pump, but also reduces maintenance up to 25% and will not void engine warranty! Learn how you can zero out your gas bill and earn! visit http://freegaseasymoney.com improve your vehicle gas mileage, increase fuel efficiency and learn how to get free gas!

Audi's Terminal Design: a Look at Its New Showroom Concept

2010-12-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

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Audi's Terminal Design: a Look at Its New Showroom Concept

2010-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

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Audi A2 Electric Hatchback On Sale By 2013

2010-12-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

With the current trends in alternate energy advancements for automobile fueling, many manufacturers have jumped on the wave of research and development to design and produce a new generation of hybrid cars. In the development sector of hybrid and alternative energy vehicles, manufacturers have designed their own concept models and put twists on...]]>

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2010 Audi A3 Review

2010-12-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

In classic Audi style the A3 is a terrific car exterior wise, and is also very capable on the power and acceleration sides too. Some may call the front grille overbearing because it is on the large side. However, others look at it as a unique part of the vehicle and state that it helps to make the Audi look strong and durable. Performance has...]]>

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2011 Hyundai Elantra Pricing Released, Starts from $15,550

2010-12-01T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hyundai revealed the US-spec version of its all-new 2011 Elantra in LA this week, and now the South Korean automaker has released figures and pricing for its fluidic compact sedan contender. Powered by a 1.8-liter Nu engine backed by a Hyundai-developed 6-speed transmission or a 6-speed manual, the Elantra boasts a 40 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city...

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Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet: Live Photos from LA Show Plus Video

2010-11-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

We're not sure if you've had enough of the new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet yet, but either way, if you follow the break, you'll find live photos of the Japanese firm's two-door / SUV / convertible mishmash from the Los Angeles motor show floor, along with the first official video of the model with some B-roll footage. If this strange combo has...

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LA Show 2010: Mercedes BIOME Concept is a Stunner

2010-11-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

For this year's Los Angeles Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz readied the BIOME, a super lightweight and eco-friendly (more than you could ever image...) sports car. It was created by a design team from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. If you read the press release though, you'll probably think that Mercedes is...

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2011 Chevrolet Volt Snags Green Car Of The Year Title In LA

2010-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

Though we pegged the 2012 Nissan Leaf as our winner for the best green car out there, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has been named the 2011 Green Car of the Year at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show today. The Green Car of the Year award is a title awarded by the Green Car Journal at the Los Angeles event each year. Its mission is to showcase environmental...]]>

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LA Show 2010: All-New Saab 9-4X receives its World Premiere [with Videos]

2010-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand...

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Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4 Revealed

2010-11-30T04:34:00.000-08:00

Lamborghini’s new lightweight ethos continues with the reveal today of the all-new Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4, a stripped out and more hardcore version of the open-top Gallardo that’s set to scorch highways all across the country next summer. Essentially the Spyder version of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, or...]]>

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Live Photos

2010-11-30T01:03:00.000-08:00

With the exit of the Chrysler PT Cruiser from the market, folks looking for a semi-crossover-like convertible with questionable proportions have been kind of short of options. If Nissan has its way, that'll soon be solved, as the debut of the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show proves. The Murano CrossCabriolet has...]]>

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Fiat Prices American 500 from $15,500

2010-11-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Now that Fiat/Chrysler is gearing up for the full-out debut of the American 500, information has been spilling over the levies like it's 2005. After recently giving you the heads-up on the car's Americanization and the full list of dealers, we're happy to provide you with the ability to build and price your own little Cinquecento (courtesy of...

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Ford to Sell off Most of its Remaining Mazda Stake

2010-11-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Even though the Ford Motor Company - Mazda Motor Corp. alliance was one of the most longstanding partnerships with many benefits for both parties, the Detroit automaker today announced plans to sell more than two-thirds of the shares it holds in the Japanese firm. Ford said it will reduce its stake in Mazda from 11 percent to 3.5 percent, with the...

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2010 LA Auto Show: Subaru Teases Next Impreza with Concept Study

2010-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

After bringing you a preview sketch earlier today, we now have some live images of the Subaru Impreza Design Concept from the LA Show floor. Taking Subaru's compact design in a new direction, the language of "Confidence In Motion" doesn't disappoint. In fact, this may preview the first good-looking Subaru in a long time. Hopefully it won't jump...

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Video: The New Mercedes-Benz CLS, a Hot Blonde and the Science of Eye Movement

2010-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

A stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in an overly tight black outfit, is slowly walking in front of you, swinging her hips to an imaginary tune. On which part of the female body do you look at first? I know, it's a tough question.The CLS' design team had the same dilemma, albeit they were curious which parts of the car catch the eye first. So,...

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Chevy Drops the Top on 2011 Camaro Convertible at LA Auto Show

2010-11-29T04:47:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to the Camaro family is the all-new Convertible model, which received its world premiere in Los Angeles. The four-seater model comes with a power-folding soft-top that retracts in about 20 seconds, with a folding, one-piece tonneau cover that neatly hides the folded top being standard on higher-spec models.GM's engineers...

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2011 Cadilac CTS-V Wagon Video: Burnout, Donuts, And The Michelin Man

2010-11-29T01:41:00.000-08:00

We just spent a day driving the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon around the foggy, ridiculously gorgeous Monterey Peninsula, topped with a couple dozen laps at Laguna Seca. We can't tell you what we think about the driving characterstics of the car for a few days yet, but this teaser video of some of the side-lot fun should help tide you over. Check out...]]>

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2011 Saab 9-4X Live Photos

2010-11-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

As Saab announced back in August, the 2011 9-4X just came out from behind the curtain at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The live photos confirm the production model will closely resemble the concept we've seen before. So what is the new 9-4X? About what you'd expect, since it was co-developed with the Cadillac SRX before the split from General...]]>

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Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series

2010-11-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest...]]>

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LA Show Debut for 2012 U.S.-Spec Nissan GT-R, New “Black Edition” Added to Range

2010-11-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Boasting more power, subtle interior and exterior styling tweaks as well as chassis updates and a new "Black Edition" model, the U.S.-spec 2012 Nissan GT-R made its North American debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.As far as street-cred goes, few cars can equal the Nissan GT-R. So, it's only normal that every new version finds the fans...

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LA Show: Jaguar's C-X75 Supercar Makes NA Debut

2010-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Without doubt, the star of Jaguar's stand at this year's 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show is the range-extended electric supercar concept, the C-X75, which is designed to celebrate 75 years of the marque, but also to provide a glimpse into the future of Jaguar.The C-X75 is not only a beautifully sculptured supercar but also a technological show...

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Breaking: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible Officially Unveiled

2010-11-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

In an unusual move, while the Concept 6 Series Coupe was making its North American premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show today, BMW unveiled photos and details of the production version of the all-new 6-Series Convertible that will go on sale in the States in Spring of 2011 tagged as a 2012 model.If you've seen the Concept 6...

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New BMW 6-Series Convertible: Mega gallery with 133 Photos and Video

2010-11-28T00:37:00.000-08:00

On the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW revealed the next generation of the 6-Series Convertible, and now we've got a ton of pictures and video to throw down so you can get a better look at all the finer details.As we've already told you, the new 6-Series ragtop will debut with a 400-horsepower 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 (as the 650i),...

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AMG And Ducati Announce Partnership At 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show

2010-11-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

AMG and Italian motorbike manufacturer Ducati have announced that they will work closely together going into the future. The initial aim of the cooperation between the two performance firms is to develop common marketing activities but further down the track we could see the relationship develop further. The cooperation agreement was signed today...]]>

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Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Blasts into LA Show

2010-11-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

Following the presentation of the three-door model earlier this year, the five-door version of the all-new Range Rover Evoque made its global public debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite the added practicality and -according to Land Rover- slightly more spacious cabin, the 5-door Evoque looks as good as it's three-door sibling."The...

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LA Show 2010: KIA Launches Optima Hybrid, Returns 40 mpg Highway

2010-11-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

With everyone riding the "green wave" these days, it's no surprise that KIA launched its first-ever hybrid for the U.S. market, the Optima Hybrid. Combining the standard model's good looks with several technological innovations, the newest member of the Optima family returns a frugal 40 mpg (5.88 lt/100 km) on the highway."By adding our...

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Lamborghini Officially Reveals Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

2010-11-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, thanks to an online leak, we got out first taste of the all-new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Today, the Italian manufacturer officially unveiled the 570 hp soft-top supercar, confirming that considerable effort was put into reducing the weight by 65 kg (143 lbs) and, this way, improving the Spyder's...

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Nissan Ellure Concept: Video, Plus Live Photos from LA Show Floor

2010-11-27T02:47:00.000-08:00

We've already covered the Nissan Ellure Concept, so you've probably seen our gallery consisting of 55 pictures. However, those images don't do it justice. The swooping lines and sharp edges are not so evident, neither is the balance between the boomerang-themed headlamps and aggressive front grille. But fear not, even if you don't make it to the...

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK To Feature New Levels Of Safety

2010-11-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

The third generation of Mercedes’ popular roadster, the SLK, is just around the corner, scheduled for a debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next March to be exact. We’ve already seen hordes of spy shots, some of which have been very revealing, and Mercedes, too, has offered us a glimpse of the car, detailing its new Magic Sky Control...]]>

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2011 Acura TSX Live Photos

2010-11-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Acura TSX is coming onto the market with only minimal changes, which is not surprising considering the current generation has only been on sale for a little over two years. The latest version of the car made its debut this week at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and we’re glad to see Acura didn’t much around too much with the...]]>

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2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Preview

2010-11-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

The new 2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible turned out to be a no-show at this week’s 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show but that hasn’t stopped BMW from releasing full details for its luxurious new drop-top, which should go on sale early next year. While the previous generation 6-Series was by no means ugly, the styling of the new model is light...]]>

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LA Show 2010: New Dodge Charger with Plenty of Photos, Video and Prices

2010-11-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, we hear -from our comments section- that you want more of the new 2011 Dodge Charger. We have you covered, both picture- and video-wise. By now, you probably know all the basics including the sheetmetal changes, vastly improved interior in terms of styling and materials and the introduction of a new 3.6-liter V6 with 292HP and 260 lb.-ft. of...

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV

2010-11-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Toyota has revealed the new Tesla-partnered RAV4 EV at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show today, the first of 35 demonstration vehicles that will lay the ground work for the eventual launch of a retail version in 2012. Developers of the RAV4 EV are hoping it will have range of 100 miles in actual road driving patterns, across a wide range of climates...]]>

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LA Show 2010: Nissan introduces the 2011 Quest Minivan

2010-11-26T02:33:00.000-08:00

Joining the Allure sedan concept and the oddball Murano CrossCabriolet at Nissan's LA Show stand today is the family-oriented 2011 Quest minivan. Built on Nissan's D-platform and motivated by a 3.5-liter 253 hp V6 engine, the fourth generation Quest has a more eye-catching design, improved interior and power sliding side doors. Sales in the US are...

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LA Show 2010: New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla Appears in the Flesh [with Video]

2010-11-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

[Updated gallery] Apparently the RAV4 is still around, and Toyota has partnered with Tesla to make a new EV version of the SUV so the common man can be just like Tom Hanks. The second generation of RAV4 EV is currently undergoing a 35-vehicle test run and analysis through 2011 (similar to the Mini E's pilot program), with production vehicles set...

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Hyundai Teases All-New Azera / Grandeur, Slots Between Sonata and Genesis

2010-11-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hyundai is getting ready to lift the wraps of its fully redesigned Azera large sedan that will slot between the front-wheel drive Sonata and the rear-wheel drive Genesis when it arrives in dealerships. The automaker released the first teaser sketches of the 2012 Azera, which will be badged as the Grandeur in South Korea and other markets. The...

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Mercedes-Benz Announces AMG-Ducati Cooperation at LA Show

2010-11-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

At this week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz announced that performance division AMG, and Italian motorcycle maker Ducati will develop common marketing activities in the near future. Mercedes-AMG CEO Ola Källenius and Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio signed the agreement during a press conference held at the LA Show.According to the deal,...

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LA Show: Heidi Klum Presents 2012 VW Eos Facelift

2010-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

We're not sure if the beautiful women surrounding the redesigned 2012 Eos coupe-cabriolet at VW's LA Show booth made it look better, but das Germans definitely scored some media points, especially with the presence of former Victoria's Secret supermodel, Heidi Klum.Leaving the femme fatales aside, Volkswagen's hardtop convertible enters the...

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

2010-11-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

Burbling turbo V-8 power, a sleek four-door coupe profile, and now, AMG badges. That's what's on deck this week for the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in the form of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, which is making its world debut. The 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 promises 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque paired with AMG's MCT multi-clutch...]]>

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Aston Martin Releases More Bespoke Rapide Luxe

2010-11-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

Ever thought the Aston Martin Rapide was just not luxurious enough? No? We thought so, but apparently there are select clientele out there for whom the regular four-door coupe from Gaydon is just not special enough. In response, Aston Martin has released a new and exclusive derivative of the Rapide, the new Rapide Luxe model. The new trim...]]>

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2012 Porsche Cayman R: First Look

2010-11-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

With fewer pounds, more horsepower and a new model year on its Monroney, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R makes its first public appearance at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new lightweight version of the mid-engined, Boxster-derived coupe, the Cayman R sports the same 3.4-liter, direct-injected flat six that's tucked into the standard Cayman S. A...]]>

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible Live Photos

2010-11-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

We've been bouncing all around Los Angeles and Hollywood this afternoon and evening to get the latest on GM's fresh batch of show wares, and the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was among them. We've already seen the car, and we know most of its key stats, but the live shots give a feel for what the car will really look like on the street. The...]]>

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2011 Acura TSX Gets Nav Upgrade, Higher MPG, Quieter Interior

2010-11-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

It's been just two years since the Acura TSX received a complete redesign, but that's not stopping Acura from giving it a pretty substantial refresh for 2011. In addition to all the expected mid-cycle improvements—which we'll get to—here's the big news: improved fuel economy (ratings are up 1 mpg all around), and an improved navigation...]]>

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2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2010 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept

2010-11-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

With Aston Martin bringing the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet on the market next year, and BMW working on a new generation of front-wheel drive minicars, there’s no reason why America’s leading luxury automotive label, Cadillac, can't bring out a version of its own. Today, on the eve of the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Cadillac has given a...]]>

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