วันศุกร์ที่ 29 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2551

The Keys to a Clean and Organized Car

Author : Nicole Dean
When you look at your brand new car, you say to yourself, "I'm going to keep this one clean." You mean it when you say it, but it hardly ever pans out that way. It doesn't take long for a clean and organized car to go down the wrong road and end up a wreck.Here are the keys to a clean and organized car:- Vacuum the interior of your car regularly, at least once a month. Dirt and grit work the same way in your car's carpet fibers as they do in your living room, they build up and breakdown the fibers. An extension cord and a shop vac will do the trick at home. Most gas stations and car washes have vacuums as well. A hand-held vacuum (or "dust buster") works well on seats.- Use a spray foam carpet cleaner and a rag on freshly vacuumed car floors to spot clean.- Wash the exterior of your car once a month also. It's easier to wash your car in the shade. Double check and make sure all windows are all the way up. Hose off the roof of your car first and then work your way down the sides. Be sure to get every inch nice and wet. Don't forget the wheels and under the bumper and fender.- Only use car wash to wash your car. I love my car too much to try any homemade solutions. Some car wash soaps are really pricey, but I always buy whatever's cheapest. Apply soapy car wash with a sponge or rag, scrubbing as you go. Start at the top and work your way down. Stick to one area at a time. Rinse suds before they dry, then towel dry with a soft cloth or chamois to prevent spotting.- After you've washed your car, polish the chrome. First, remove rust gently with a steel wool pad. Dab a wet sponge in baking soda and rub onto chrome. Let it stand 20 minutes, then rinse and buff dry with a rag. You'll be amazed at how fabulous it looks!- Baking soda also works wonders on removing splatters and grime from windshield, headlights, chrome and enamel using the same method as above.- Keep plastic grocery bags in your car for trash, empty weekly or as needed.- No car is complete without a container of baby wipes. Every Mom knows what miracle workers these things are. Great for quick and easy clean up of spills in the car and 1,000 other uses. Believe me; they'll be put to good use in the car.The real key and the most important factor in keeping a clean and organized car is to stay on top of it and not let it get out of control. Make an effort each day to remove anything from your car that does not belong in it. A car is a huge investment and should be treated with care. Don't let your car become a wasteland. Get outside and get to work!Nicole Dean welcomes you to visit http://www.HomeOrganizationHelp.com to help battle clutter and disorganization. For free ebooks on housecleaning and more, visit http://www.free-ebooksonline.com/!
Keyword : article submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email

Want Extra Gas Mileage? Get Your Own!

Author : Sunny Tan
Recent technology advancement in automotive industry has seen an upsurge in improving the fuel economy of our car engines and thus making them as efficient as they can be. Heavy investment has been poured in making the car engines as clean as possible, where exhaust emission is concerned, thus increasing the gas mileage capability of the car. This has created a new batch of vehicles with engines more fuel economical compared to engines of comparable size a decade or more ago.


We can't deny that apart from the engines alone, electronics do play an important part on the quest to reach the best mileage cars available with better fuel economy. However, with the ever going onslaught of constant and increasing fuel hike, there's no way that advances made in producing more engines with higher fuel efficiency may far exceeds with the increasing cost of gas.


Much budget and investment have been spent on research and development of better car engines with best fuel economy, which in the end may take years to recoup the cost of initial investment alone: let alone the vast manpower needed for these arduous tasks. Thus, where corners can be cut, manufacturers will, although it must be emphasized that this will not be done at the expense of the safety of the driver, passengers and other road-users.


But are there additions that may be fitted with vehicles to improve fuel economy and make them even more fuel-efficient?


Well, the good news is that there are loads and loads of gas saving devices in the open market and can help improve fuel mileage or increase gas mileage of your car and will work on your car like a charm, so to speak. These products claim to save money on gas and increase fuel efficiency of your car. But the bad news is, most of the so-called gas saving devices that purportedly claim to increase gas mileage of your car are nothing but are subject to advertising hype and thus are a waste of your time.


Hence, there are several ways you need learn to use when it comes to increasing fuel mileage of your car.
1) Electronic Ignition Systems
2) Fuel Catalysts
3) Free-Flow Air Filters
4) Tire Inflation
5) Other ProductsElectronic Ignition Systems
This class of accessories really applies to the older vehicles that still run on the traditional contact breaker systems. Those who wish to keep vintage vehicles on the road will find that fitting a contact-less ignition system is the way to go.

Although it is not strictly a fuel-saving device, it ensures that the vehicle stays in tune and retains the fuel economy that a freshly-installed contact breaker system would provide. Minimal maintenance and consistent fuel economy result in increased gas mileage and fuel savings of your car.

Fuel Catalysts
Due to the recent increases in fuel prices, we've been getting a lot of response on this method. Suffice to say, fuel catalysts are elements you would put on your gas tank to speeds up the combustion process. This in the end will improve your car fuel efficiency and improve your gas mileage.

Some catalysts can simply be dropped into the fuel tank, while there are some that require to be installed somewhere along the fuel line, between the tank and engine.

A catalyst is a chemical, substance or compound that accelerates a chemical reaction. But it remains unchanged and is not used up during the process. When a catalyst is installed along the fuel system, it speeds up the combustion process, rendering it more complete, and allows for the complete release of energy from fuel combusted.

Installation is pretty straightforward and one-off affair. You'll recover your initial investment spent on catalyst within a short period of time, from the increased gas mileage savings of your car. Catalysts may also be used for the entire life of the vehicle, and are transferable from one vehicle to another.

The more popular fuel catalysts are made of compounds of tin and other precious metals, but the actual formulation remains a commercial secret. They claim to promote smoother engine operation, cleaner exhaust emissions and can increase fuel mileage savings of up to 8%.

Free-Flow Air Filters
Grouped in the same category as the contactless ignition systems, free-flow air filters offer no gas mileage savings over a brand new item. Most filter elements are washable, and can be used over thousands of kilometers. After that, you may need to replace the air filter on regularly basis. According to the report on http://www.extragasmileage.com, studies have shown that replacing a clogged air filter can improve the mileage that you get with your car as much as 10%.

Tire Inflation
Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire, and inflation pressure is reduced over time. In the process, oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing under inflation and deteriorated rubber. Dry nitrogen will can prevent auto-ignition; it will not corrode rims, and can will help the tire to run cooler, resulting in longer tread life. So tire replacement costs go down.

Other Products
Fuel and lubricating oil additives claim to lower internal engine friction drag and improve combustion respectively. Some may work and some may fail considerably. It is important that the device fitted or the additive used does not destroy the catalytic converter. Neither it should void your new vehicle warranty.About the author: Sunny Tan is a freelance Car DIY enthusiast where he reveals his hardcore gas-money pulling secrets and tactics to increase gas mileage at http://www.extragasmileage.com. He also writes monthly newsletters that dispels all the mysteries lurking under the hood of your car. Check it out.
Keyword : best gas mileage,increase gas mileage,improve gas mileage,better gas mileage,improving gas mileage

Best Replacement Parts for Toyota's Hybrid Vehicles Housed at the No. 1 Toyota Parts Store

Author : Mark Clarkson
Toyota has long promoted environment responsibility through its low-emission vehicles and manufacturing plants with "zero-landfill producing operations." With the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997, Toyota had taken a big step forward in its efforts to create more fuel efficient and environment-friendly vehicles. This feat is followed recently with the introduction of the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Prius, being the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and the Toyota Highlander, being the first seven-passenger hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle, are great contributions to the industry. Having one of them as your own vehicle certainly brings not only driving satisfaction but a great sense of pride, too.One of the country's leading auto parts supplier specializing on selling OEM-quality Toyota parts, Toyota Parts Online proudly brings to its beloved customers a comprehensive and updated line of automotive replacement and aftermarket auto parts for the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius. With the same commitment as Toyota, this Toyota Parts Discount store offers the most dependable products that could make your Toyota vehicle more fuel efficient, environment-friendly and more capable.As Toyota's latest and most sophisticated models, the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius are sure to give you a more satisfying ride compared to earlier Toyota cars; however, these vehicles are in the same way vulnerable to a lot of car problems ranging from minor to major car damages. Accidents, too, would surely require you to replace some of the stock Toyota Prius Parts and Toyota Highlander Parts. This is where Toyota Parts Online is of great help to you and to thousands of Toyota owners who demand for excellence in their replacement Toyota parts needs.Quality replacement parts available for your Toyota Highlander include Toyota Hood, Toyota bumper retainer, Toyota grill, Toyota radiator, and Toyota A/C condenser. For additional safety and style, you can add or replace your current Toyota headlights with first-class and stylish headlamps offered in this store. Also available are elegant-looking Toyota Euro Altezza lights, Toyota clear turn signal lamps, Toyota Projector Headlamps, Toyota clear corner lights for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Toyota 4Runner and other vehicles.Believing in Toyota's dedication in providing its users the most dependable passenger cars, SUVs, vans and trucks, this Toyota auto parts dealer is proud to deliver the finest parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. With their auto parts' tried and tested durability, you are sure to experience the same satisfaction you get from Toyota Parts Used in your Toyota vehicle. What's even greater is that you get all those parts at very exciting Toyota Parts Discount deals. Shopping for your Toyota replacement parts needs online has never been more fulfilling than buying them here at the country's number one Toyota parts dealer.Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.
Keyword : Toyota parts,Toyota Prius parts

Auto Ground Effect Lighting

Author : Lance Winslow
Many of the younger generation enjoy their "fast and furious" style cars. You have seen them around they have exotic paint schemes and look fast just sitting there. Some of these younger folks have over $35,000 in their cars and a car with a $100,000 investment in sound system, paint, aerodynamic effects, interior design and engine modifications is not all that uncommon.Many now have ground effect lighting, which you have also probably seen and they shine various color lights underneath the car was the drive or are parked. With all this cost and need for power, I propose a lighting system of low wattage bright lights, in blue, green, red, yellow or amber, each light with .5 to 2 watts. These lights will run off the vibrational energy from the use of lots of base in their sound system or the bumps in the road. Since these vehicles are so low to the ground they will hit the bumps with a slightly harder ride than that of normal automobiles.Is such a system really feasible? Indeed it is using electromagnetic induction technology to charge a capacitor instead of the lights working off a battery.Currently there are some nifty micro-flashlights being used which you can buy which use a similar technique and are available thanks to the Everlite Flashlight technology research lab. These smaller flashlights work by shaking them for about thirty seconds and shine for about 6 minutes and they shine quite bright since they use a very bright LED light. Here is a link to this home use flashlight:http://demo.physics.uiuc.edu/LectDemo/scripts/demo_descript.idc?DemoID=1138http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/ee_shakelight.htmlBy using smaller multiple units, which are robust in brightness and low in watt usage, we can use the vibrational energy to power up the entire ground effect lighting system, think about this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : automotive, ground effect lighting, blue, yellow, amber, red, auto

Quality VW Parts: OEM and Aftermarket - The Difference

Author : Matthew Keegan
Your Volkswagen, when it was built, came with certain parts that met VW's stringent requirements. When it comes time to replacing these parts, you need to equip your VW with only those parts that meet or exceed manufacturer requirements. Generally, you have two choices: OEM parts or aftermarket parts. There is a difference between the two, let's take a look at exactly what they are.Your New Beetle is your prized possession. Ever since VW released the revised Beetle in 1997, you have owned one and have kept it maintained yourself. Could it be that you are missing out on something? Are you paying too much for parts? Are there other parts you can use on your New Beetle that are even better than what came with your car? The answer to all three of these questions is, Yes!OEM parts are also known as original equipment manufacturer parts. These parts are the same parts that were placed on your vehicle when it was built. For example, if your car came with Bilstein shocks, then your replacement VW parts must be Bilstein shocks. Aftermarket parts are those parts developed for your car after the car was released for sale [brought to the market]. In the case of shocks, Monroe or some other manufacturer may have created a line of shocks just for your car. As long as those replacement shocks meet or exceed stringent OEM specifications you are okay. If they don't, then stay away from them.So, how can you know which
Volkswagen parts are right for your car? That's easy. Your automobile manual will tell you. In addition, a good auto supply store can give you that information. Car Parts Stuff, for example, lists all of their inventory right online so that you are able to compare parts and prices by make and model. Whatever parts are listed with your make, model, and model year, those are the parts that are right for your car.As mentioned earlier, you may be paying too much for your parts if you purchase them through a retail establishment, particularly one that uses a supplier. A wholesaler, on the other hand, will purchase OEM or better parts directly from the manufacturer. This assures you of two things:1. The parts purchased are authentic. Too many counterfeit parts get passed by as authentic when in reality they are counterfeit. Buy direct from wholesalers to make certain.2. You will pay less for parts purchased through a wholesaler as no third party vendors will get a cut in the action.Volkswagen parts that meet or exceed tough original equipment manufacturer specifications are all that you will ever need for your car. Be careful where you go to purchase replacement parts and shop around to ensure that you obtain the lowest prices for the best parts.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.
Keyword : VW parts, Volkswagen parts, OEM parts, aftermarket parts, auto wholesalers, online auto supply store

Do You Have Enough Car Insurance?

Author : Jeff Lakie
Many people who reserve a rental car show up to the counter with little thought given to the "what if's" that could result from them driving a car that is not their own. You wouldn't think of driving your own car without coverage, so take a few moments to consider how you will make sure that your rental car is covered. Here are 3 steps to take to ensure you have adequate coverage.1. When you're calling the rental car company for a quote, find out how much the coverage costs and what it covers. Their rates for insurance/coverage may be higher but they also offer the least hassle, since you may not have to file a claim on your own insurance. Many car rental companies have a couple of options, including buying down the deductible to a hundred dollars (or so, depending on where you live) or even to zero.2. Contact your car insurance company. They may already cover you for rental cars in certain situations. For example, if your car is in the shop, they may automatically transfer your coverage and deductible to a rental car. This is a replacement-only type of coverage because they are covering you on a different car. For an additional cost, you may be able to purchase either a temporary or ongoing rider (depending on the insurance company) to cover your rental car even if your car is not in the shop. This is considered a non-replacement-type of coverage since you will need coverage on both cars because they potentially could both be driven.3. Contact your credit card company or check out the Cardholder's Agreement. Your credit card may cover you for rental car insurance. Check to see that they cover you in your specific situation. For example, there are certain cars they cover (some don't cover trucks or SUVs) or they may not cover you depending on where you drive or how long you have the car.Armed with this knowledge, you can make an educated estimate of what the costs are to ensure that you are fully covered on your rental car. After all, you want to have peace-of-mind when you're on your next trip.Jeff Lakie is the founder of Insurance Information a website providing information on Insurance
Keyword : auto

How Can You Benefit From Defensive Driver Education?

Author : Matthew Henderson
Defensive Driver Education is a more advanced form of training that drivers can take that goes beyond the basic mechanics of driving that they teach in standard Drivers Ed classes. Defensive Drivers Education teaches you how to reduce risks when you drive, and how to properly respond to the actions of other drivers.When you take a class in Defensive Driver Education, you'll learn a large amount of very useful rules, techniques, and safety precautions that could potentially help you out in a tight situation, or even save your life. Defensive Driver Education will teach you things you can do before you even turn your car on that will drastically increase your chances of safety. And once you are on the road you will constantly be able to use your new knowledge to protect you from bad situations.Drivers Education classes will teach you many essential ways to avoid danger on the road, and you'll learn a plethora of useful facts and statistics to give you an idea of just how important your new skills and abilities are. When you have completed your Defensive Driver Education, you will be more confident in your driving abilities, knowing that you now know what to do in the worst case scenario, and have to prevent those scenarios from happening in the first place.The essential benefit and overall reason to take a course in Defensive Driving is safety. Many of accidents that happen every year all over the world could have been prevented if the drivers knew the basics of Defensive Driver Education.Matthew Henderson is editor at "Auto-Fleet.com." Stop by for a huge selection of information regarding auto warranties, auto loans, improving your credit, Defensive Driver Education, Traffic School and much more! Auto-Fleet.com
Keyword : defensive driver education, online drivers education, drivers ed test, traffic school

Top 9 Used Car Salesmen Tricks, and How to Avoid Them

Author : Donald Lee
One of the biggest moments in many people's lives is driving off in their brand-spanking-new automobile. It's an exhilarating feeling. It's also a big moment because in that very instant, that brand-spanking-new car loses a big chunk of its value—the difference between the retail price you paid and the car's wholesale value. That's typically thousands gone in an instant.That's why some car buyers choose to shop around for a used car. You save yourself that steep initial drop-off in value. More importantly, you get a car that runs just as well, is just as dependable, and looks and feels as good as that new car—that is, if you play your cards right.For if there is one pitfall of buying a used car, it's the risk of buying a lemon, a junker—call it what you want, you get the point: the wrong car. Used car dealers, after all, have nearly as bad a reputation, if not worse, than lawyers do. This holds true for individual people selling their cars through newspapers, Web auctions and classified sites, or with the old-fashioned signs in their car windows. The saying, "Buyer Beware," no where has more meaning than with cars.The opposite to that, of course, is that there are some real steals out there in used cars. We're talking about quality vehicles that will perform beyond your expectations at a low price. Here's how to find these perfect used vehicles, and avoid the top 10 scams that used car dealers everywhere try to pull on you.1. Get a second opinion for the hype. Used car dealers will bombard you with every adjective under the book to sell you on a car—sporty, thrifty, fast, and etc. Don't take their word for it. Instead, find someone you know, whether a neighbor, a colleague, a family member, or a friend, who owns the same make and model of the vehicle, and ask them for their opinion.2. Do a background check. One of the most unethical, but legal, things someone can do to you is sell you a used car that's been in a flood (and sort of repaired), or one that's had 10 previous owners (none of whom repaired it). To be sure you don't fall victim to this, track down a history report, including a clearance check on the vehicle title. You can even get some of this information from the seller, simply by asking why they are selling it. You'd be surprised what beans people may spill.3. Examine for past damage. Used car dealers may also try to peddle a vehicle that was wrecked in a major accident. It's amazing what autobody experts can do to repair a car's exterior. So don't go by the outer appearances of a vehicle. Before you buy it, make sure that it does not have serious damage to its frame, which it would have if it was involved in a crash.4. Call up your trusted mechanic. Used car dealers, especially the big lots, will say they put their used cars through a "100 point inspection," or something like that. Once again, a second opinion is in order. Get this one from your own mechanic. He'll be able to tell how good a shape the car actually is in. Also be sure to ask him or her how often the car had been serviced. A good mechanic can even gauge that.5. Research for recalls. Needless to say, a used car dealer may sell you a car that's actually under recall in his mad rush to get the car off his lot. So be sure to call the car manufacturer, or visit their Web site, to see if the vehicle has any active recalls.6. Avoid the leftover lemon. Along with recalled vehicles, dealers may even perpetrate something much worse on you—sell you a lemon. (By definition, a lemon is a car that's still under warranty, which has such major problems that, warranty or not, it still cannot be fixed in a reasonable way.) The best way to avoid this is to research in Consumer Reports or the various automobile magazines, which all have yearly reviews of every make and model on the market. They'll tell you whether a kind of car is known for being a lemon and prone to breakdowns.7. See through the old paint and bait. Along with performing their "100 point inspection," car dealers may shine and wax a used car—even repaint it—to hide dents, dings, and rust spots. A keen eye, though, can see right through this.8. Take the test drive. Once you've done all your research, homework, extra credit, and everything else called for in the first seven steps, then comes the fun—the test drive. Drive the car for as long as its owner or dealer will allow you. Then you'll get a better feel for how the vehicle handles, accelerates, brakes, and otherwise suits your tastes (or doesn't).9. Be wary of the pushy seller. At any stage of the game—from the moment you first talk to the seller to the test drive—be careful if the seller gets pushy. Any dealer or seller who is in a rush to move a vehicle should set off bells and whistles. Why the rush? Are they hiding something? In some cases the seller may just be excited to sell you the car—and actually happy for you—but in many other cases, they may be up to something. Better be safe than sorry.Follow these 9 simple steps to avoid the scams and pitfalls of used car deals, and you could get the car of your dreams—for far less than you'd pay if it was brand-new. Plus, you get that same high when you drive your new used car home, without losing thousands of dollars.Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers, household items, real estate, pets and much more. For global and localized classifieds, please visit
http://www.buysellcommunity.com

Free Buy & Sell Classifieds
Keyword : car, truck, buying, vehicle, used car, lemon, shopping

Big Brother Screwing over Motorists Again

Author : Lance Winslow
In the Phoenix, Arizona area there has been much outcry over the traffic light cameras, which take pictures of you if you run a red light. This often causes motorists to panic and slam on the breaks if they see a yellow light. Once they do this they are rear ended by people who do not expect them to stop, but rather make it thru the yellow and the next two cars behind them. Actually none of the following three cars intend on stopping behind the scaredy cat law abiding, doesn't want to have to go to traffic school motorist who slams on their breaks so hard everyone in the cars swears they will never drive with them again. And just as the passengers in the first car finish that thought someone slams into them so hard from behind that the passengers may never get the chance anyway?So much for public safety, but in Scottsdale Arizona, they say, these are our lights and we want to raise revenue with less cost of uniform officers on the streets, so they do not seem to care. Sound just wonderful doesn't it? Well it gets worse, now they wish to put cameras to catch speeders on the freeway (Loop 101) that goes thru the town and then mail your cars registration owner a ticket. The system goes into effect early 2006, next year. The Scottsdale's City Council voted Tuesday to approve the use of this high-tech system to be put on the over passes. Big brother is watching, so you will have to slow down, causing even more traffic jams, tailgaters and pileups? Oh wonderful, what will they think of next. Oh you better not think about it, as the thought police are already on the way.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : traffic cameras, freeway, scottsdale, technology, high tech, city council, loop 101, big brother

The Secret to Saving 14% at the Gas Pump!

Author : Scott Siegel
If you know the smart way to purchase your gas you can
save a considerable amount of money. The following
strategies could save you 4 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent
or even 14 percent of your gas costs.In this article you will learn the secret to using two
strategies that together should provide you with a
significant discount on your gas costs.There are a number of alternatives that will result in
savings. Among the best is the use of credit cards that
offer rebates. By using the right cards you can lower
your costs without having to change your driving habits or
do any special maintanance on your car.Many gas companies offer credit cards that pay rebates on
gas purchases. The typical card will rebate you 10% on
your gas purchases for the first two or three months and
then rebate you 5% on your gas purchases thereafter.For example currently Hess Oil has a credit card that will
pay 10% for the first 60 days for Hess gas purchases and
5% for Hess gas purchases after 60 days.Marathon Oil has the same 10% for 60 days 5% thereafter
program. Speedway has an 8% for 60 days and 4% thereafter
credit card program. All these cards also offer 1% rebates
on other purchases and can be used anywhere Visa or
MasterCard is accepted.The examples just listed are issued by gas companies.
There are also general market credit cards that will
provide you with a discounts off your gas costs.Many credit card companies offer cards that have special
rebate amounts for gasoline. For example: currently
Discover Card is issuing a Discover Gas Card that will
give you back a rebate of 5 per cent of the gas you
purchase with the opportunity to increase it to 10 per
cent at selected retailers. It also gives you a 1 per
cent rebate on other purchases.Another example: Chase has a gas MasterCard that will give
you a rebate of 5% for gas purchases and 2% for purchases
everywhere else.The advantage to using a general market card as opposed to
a gas credit card is that you can use the general market
credit card to buy gas at any station and get the high
rebate. The gas company card only pays you the high
rebate at the gas company's own stations.On the other hand the gas company credit card will
generally pay you a premium of 10 percent or 8 percent for
the first 60 days where the general market card may not.That is the main strategy for getting a discount of
anywhere from 4 percent up to 10 percent. Certainly any
rebate is welcome in light of the cost of gasoline. 4% is
good and 10% is even better. But there may be a way to cut
your cost of gas even more. Maybe even to 14%.Here's how. Many gas companies offer pre paid gas cards
or gas gift cards. In many cases these prepaid cards will
offer a bonus or discount. For example in some cases you
can purchase a $50 gas card for $48.That means you pay $48 for the card but the card allows
you to buy $50 worth of gas. That is the same as getting
a 4% discount. In most cases you must buy these prepaid
cards at the gas outlet.Now here is where the extra savings comes in. If you
purchase the prepaid card using the gas company credit
card during the initial period when you are getting a 10%
rebate you will get a 10% rebate on the prepaid card.Then if you are buying a prepaid card that gives you a 4%
discount, the $50 dollar card for $48 cost, you are
compounding your savings.You are getting a 10% savings on the rebate and you are
getting a 4% savings on the prepaid card. In total you are
getting a 14% savings!Scott Siegel is the author of "Beat The Gas Pump!"
If you are tired of high gas prices. Learn how to take your money out of your gas tank and put it back in your pocket go to:
http://www.beatthegaspump.com
Keyword : save gas, discount gas, low cost gas, cheap gas, fuel economy, gas price, gas

Modern Materials in Hubcaps and Wheel Covers

Author : Phil Sollecito
Our father's and grandfathers' wheel covers were gleaming orbs of chrome plated steel, glittering wire spoke patterns, or flat chrome Frisbee look-alikes. Before 1980, chrome plated steel was the only material light and strong enough to do the job. Unfortunately, plated steel thin and light enough for hubcaps was easily dented, and if scratched or driven in winter, i.e., in salt conditions, was likely to rust.ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) was introduced as a standard material in plumbing pipe in the 1970s, and became the universal material in hubcaps by the mid 1980s. ABS has the attributes of rigidity, strength, and high resistance to salt, chemicals, heat, cold, pressure, and impact. It has excellent resistance to breaking, scratching and chipping, even at low temperatures.Parts made of ABS plastic weigh only a fraction of their steel counterparts. They can be painted or chrome plated to produce a range of visual effects. Scratches or dings on the surface of plastic are stable, and look the same years later as they did the day the scratch occurred. Whereas, when chrome plated steel is scratched, it will then rust. These qualities make ABS plastic an ideal material for hubcaps, wheel covers, and many other automotive parts.Today, nearly all wheel covers for passenger vehicles, including original equipment and aftermarket replicas, are made of ABS plastic. In fact, the majority of non-structural auto trim items, including company logos, lettering, grills, cowlings, bumpers, frames, light reflectors, bezels, etc, have been made of (chromed) plastic for nearly 20 years.One category of modern hubcaps still made of metal is known as 'Wheel Simulators', which are made of highly polished stainless steel. Wheel simulators are designed primarily for the larger wheels supporting heavy utility vehicles, dual wheel trucks and RVs. A few models are available for single wheel trucks and trailers. 'Simulators' are so named because they look like, but they are much less expensive than, chrome plated wheels. Further, stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, which can not be said for chrome plated wheels.Phil Sollecito is the webmaster for AutoAmenity, Seattle retailer of hubcaps, wheelskins, wheel simulators, grill inserts, and other automotive trim products.
http://www.autoamenity.com
Keyword : hubcaps,wheel covers,chrome,steel,plastic,simulators

You Can Protect Your Car From Mother Nature

Author : Matthew Keegan
Mother Nature has it out for you…your car, that is. The moment you bring your vehicle home from the dealership, the assault has begun. Sun, rain, snow, hail, dust, birds, debris, pollution, and a host of other elements and items can doom your "new car" look in no time. What can you do? Fight back, that's how. Let's take a look at some smart ways you can protect your vehicle's finish and keep it from looking old before its time.Wash and wax. Okay, so you don't have a hose handy. If you go to the car wash, make sure that it is brushless, otherwise the circular marks on your finish will certainly do a number on your car's appearance in no time. As far as waxing your vehicle, polishes made by popular brands including Turtle Wax should do the trick. Yes, I know, a friend recommended a particular brand that can give your car a look that is better than new. Go ahead and use it…just follow the directions on the bottle precisely!Keep it covered. Yes, driving down the street with a car cover on your car will certainly get you some attention! I do not recommend that you do that, but having a car cover available for your vehicle makes sense even if you keep your prized possession garaged. Dust and indoor pollution can take its toll even when your car sits in your garage while bird crap, moisture, hail, tree sap, the sun, and small impacts can hurt your car's finish when parked outside. The more layers your car cover has, the better the protection it will offer too. Select one that has mirror pockets for the best fit.Minor details. Other accessories that offer protection for your vehicle include: floor mats and liners, seat covers, vent shades, hood protectors, and brake dust shields. If you carry pets regularly then a pet pad or pet box can protect your interior like nothing else.When purchasing cleaning products make sure you read all labels carefully. That cleaner you use may not be the best thing for your wheels and the interior of your car should have its own type of cleaner. Check manufacturer's recommendations to make sure that the product you use is the right one; some cars come with an initial supply of cleaning materials to help you properly treat your brushed aluminum or burl wood interior.Matt Keegan is an auto aficionado and contributing writer for PitStop Auto Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including
Ventshade visors and
Covercraft car covers for your car, truck, van, or SUV.
Keyword : discount auto accessories, Ventshade visors, Covercraft car covers, brake dust shields, car polish

10 Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency

Author : Paul Fezziwig
1] Slow Down On The HighwayYour car is optimized to drive at 40-60mph (70-100km/hr), when you drive 70-80+mph fuel efficiency drops by up to a whooping 33% . Yes 33% , that is not a typo. I had heard this before and thought it was an exaggeration, then I drove the new Chevrolet Cobalt which has a fuel efficiency gauge in it and I saw it first hand, what a surprise.Is it worth speeding to save 5 minutes off your commute to work so you can just get held up in city traffic? Between the lost fuel efficiency, the extra wear and tear on the car driving beyond optimized speeds, added stress and inherent safety concerns I will need a good reason to start speeding on the highway from now on.2] Cruise In The CityThe same idea applies in city driving. Speeding up to make the next red light guzzles gas and is hard on your car. This can decrease fuel efficiency by 5%.Why hurry up just to make the next red light? Let's face it, speeding in the city doesn't get you anywhere's faster. If you drive like a bat out of hell you might make an extra light or two and chop a mere 2-4 minutes off your commute assuming you make it there alive.I drive at sane speeds throughout the city while most others fly by me and hard brake at the next red light, I then pull up beside them or even pass them as I may not of needed to stop as the lights are usually synchronized for sane driving speeds not surprisingly (it also takes more gas to get back up to speed than to maintain it). So have some fun watching people fly by you and seeing them at the next red light knowing your car is much better off.3] Maintain Your CarInexpensive oil and air filter changes can boost your cars performance and increase your cars lifespan. A blocked air filter can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 10% and a misfiring spark plug won't help either. So try to follow your cars service manual.. It beats dealing with an unexpected major repair and major inconvenience.4] Link Your Trips/ErrandsPlan your trip to include as many destinations or errands as possible. Fewer trips means less cold starts, better fuel efficiency and less driving than multiple small trips.5] Avoid Unnecessary IdlingYou're getting 0 mpg for this one. If you're going to wait 5-10 minutes for a friend, give your car and wallet a break.For those who live in colder climates this is a bigger issue. We all want our cars toasty warm in the winter time when we get inside. Today's cars really only needs 30 second of idling to warm up even in cold weather, then 1-2 minutes of driving to get it fully warmed up. So bundle up and save yourself a bundle.6] Tire PressureHere's one everyone can do easily. It only takes a couple minutes to check your tires pressure. Under inflated tires can result in 3% less fuel efficiency7] Monitor Your Fuel EfficiencyI like to measure how many miles/km I get on half a tank after filling it up. It's easier to measure this way as we don't let our gas tanks completely run dry and it avoids any calculations for those of us who hate arithmetic. Just set your odometer after the fill up and read it at half a tank, pretty simple.You can see how your driving habits affect your fuel economy and if your habits haven't changed and you fuel economy drops off, then maybe its time for some car maintenance. I have recently seen a sudden drop off of 5-10% and will go have my air filter, spark plugs/wires replaced as was suggested last time I visited the mechanic.Purchasing a fuel consumption gauge (if you car doesn't already have one) can give you real time feedback and more accurate reading. This provides great instant feedback on driving habits, the drawback is the price tag though.8] Remove Unnecessary Items From Your CarFor each extra 100lbs you lose 1-2% fuel efficiency, so get those golf clubs out of the trunk until your next tee off time.Leaving items on your roof rack also creates extra drag which makes your car work harder, so lock your mountain bikes up till the next trip.9] Jack Rabbit StartsSome people like to suddenly accelerate by putting their foot through the floor. This guzzles gas and gives marginal speed improvement to a gradual acceleration.10] Back OffTail gating results in unnecessary breaking and accelerating. Hang back a little more and you can avoid the added stress and save some gas. It's also safer to drive this way, give yourself an extra second to avoid an accident !Paul Fezziwig writes for and administers Green Cars Now , http://www.greencarsnow.com, a website devoted to promoting fuel efficent cars and driving habits.
Keyword : fuel efficent cars green cars hybrids miles per gallon gas prices electric vehicle

10 Steps to Winterize Your Car

Author : Jeff Boyd
Winter is almost upon us and hence, so is winter driving. Before the first major snowfall hits your area of the country you should get your car ready for Winter. Here are 10 things you should check before driving this winter:
1. Tires Make sure the tires are in good condition. It's best to have them examined by a mechanic if you're not sure how to check whether your tires are safe to last the winter months. Examine tires for uneven wearing, and remaining tread life; check the sidewalls for cuts or punctures. Check tire pressure. Verify your spare tire is fully inflated and make sure all of the tire-changing equipment is in place and functions properly. Rotate your tires as recommended by your manual. 2. Check and Change the engine oil. Change your oil and oil filter according to what your manual states. It's best, for city driving, to change the oil at least every 3,000 miles. Also, make it a habit to check your oil level every time you fill up your gas tank.
3. Check out the hoses and belts. Make sure there is no cracking or fraying. Also, ensure no fluids are leaking. If your car "screams" when idling, that's a good sign one of your belts is loose or going out. Have it inspected and changed or tightened immediately. 4. Replace the windshield wipers. It's best to have new ones prior to the first snow fall. Also, make sure your windshield washer fluid reservoir is full of actual washer fluid (not water).5. Ignition System Starting up a car in cold weather is rough on the ignition system. Have it checked before winter. It's best to have a tune-up. 6. . The Battery As part of the tune-up, most mechanics will test your battery as well. You need a very reasonable amount of Cold Cranking Amps (CCRs) in order for your battery to start your car during the cold months ahead. If your battery is more than a few years old, it's best to have it replaced. 7. Check your antifreeze The anti-freeze level should be checked during each refueling as well. Most places that change your oil will usually top off your antifreeze levels as well. If they don't, just ask if they would, most will do at not extra charge. 8. Fuel It's best to keep your tank full during the cold spells ahead, that helps ensure the gas line doesn't freeze. Also, you should periodically put some gas anti-icing mixture into your tank.9. Lights Keep your headlights free of grime. Check them often, during "slushy" times of the winter, they can easily become too dark to be effective.10. Emergency Kit Make sure you have an emergency kit in the back of your vehicle. You can put one together yourself but it's best to get one that has items specifically made for each purpose. For example, some kits come with a shovel, which is better than using a can or some other homemade device. Also, most kits come with some form of first-aid products.Jeff Boyd is the Owner of http://www.safeautocar.com, A site that specializes in items and information to help make your driving experience a safe one. We specialize in the AAA brand of Emergency Car Kits. These are great gift ideas and shipping is free for pre-tax purchases of $100.00 or more. Multi-purchase discounts apply, visit http://www.safeautocar.com for more information.
Keyword : Emergency Car Kits, Winter Safety kit, emergency preparedness kit, disaster kit

Beware of the Leaves!

Author : Matthew Keegan
It is fall and the trees are ablaze in all of their glory. Who isn't in awe of this bountiful tapestry of red, gold, and orange leaves that adorn deciduous trees in neighborhoods, parks, and mountains from coast to coast? With an azure sky as a backdrop the colors are all the more magnified, your viewing pleasure increased. In the middle of all of this lurks a menace, one that can be both destructive and deadly. Please read on to discover the inherent dangers of the autumn season and what you must do to protect yourself and your property.Anne Bridgeton was accustomed to taking her '99 Camry on weekday excursions from her home in the Kentucky foothills to her job some thirty miles away. By traveling along narrow, twisting back roads and avoiding the interstate, Anne's trip took an additional fifteen minutes each way but it was a small price to pay as one of the benefits included viewing a bucolic landscape replete with farms and forested areas, and pocketed by small stores. Somehow the sterile scenery of the interstate was more unnerving than calming, even unsettling at times. Besides, no tandem trailers took the Kentucky backgrounds unlike the interstate which was full of them. Staying out of their way was the chief reason Anne avoided the interstate.This past October all of that changed for Anne and dramatically so. It had been a dry summer and autumn seemed to have arrived earlier than usual as the leaves changed and fell well before the month ended. In some sections along the back roads, particularly in more residential areas, leaves were piled up alongside the curb for removal by the local sanitation crews. It reminded Anne of the snowdrifts that she would soon see all winter long on her way back and forth to work.When the phone rang, Anne assumed that it was someone at her place of work calling to ask her if she would stop by at a local farm and pick up cider and donuts. Several times during the year Anne would visit a nearby farm and pick up a treat for her office staff. As it turned out it was her mother calling to remind Anne that today was her younger sister's birthday.Pulling off to the side of the road, Anne turned on her emergency flashers, shut off the engine, and engaged her mother in conversation. Not three minutes went by when Anne noticed a plume of smoke rising up outside of the front passenger window. Alarmed, she cut off conversation with her mother, exited her Camry to investigate and soon saw flames shooting up from the ground. As she dialed 911 the Camry was quickly engulfed in an inferno and within moments it was destroyed. Fortunately for Anne she was unhurt -- deeply shaken -- but alive.What happened to Anne occurs all too frequently to drivers who park their vehicles directly over leaves. Anne's catalytic converter was the culprit and as with so many newer cars it can heat up to temperatures well over 1500 degrees. When Anne stopped her Camry right on top of the leaves, sparks from the Camry's catalytic converter dropped down, the leaves caught fire, and her car was engulfed within minutes. Fortunately, Anne escaped with her life but her Camry was destroyed.Take care to make sure that the season's beauty does not lull you into forgetting potential hazards. Keep your vehicle far from leaves and only park on surfaces that are completely clear of all debris. Hundreds of fires each year are ignited by catalytic converters; remain vigilant and don't fall prey to this deadly peril.Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and a contributing writer for the Catalytic Car Center distributors of High Flow Catalytic Converter and
Catco Catalytic Converter auto parts.
Keyword : catalytic converters, High Flow catalytic converter, Catco catalytic converter, car parts, Toyota

The Worst Years of the Mustang

Author : Tim Frady
The Mustang II is considered by most Mustang enthusiasts as the worst of the line. By 1974, pollution controls and gas mileage concerns were destroying the previous generation of classic hot rods. Horsepower was becoming a thing of the past, and the Mustang was brought to a lowly state in order to survive this difficult time. The Mustang II incorporated two body styles featuring a two door hard top, and a pinto-like hatch back. There were no convertibles available that year.The car had two available engines: a 4 cylinder engine with only 88 horsepower, and a German-built 171 ci 2.8L V-6 rated at 105 hp. In 1975, Ford reintroduced the 302 cubic inch small block eight to the Mustang II, but with only 122 horsepower. Compare that to the 2005 model that gets up to 300 hp.The Mustang II was smaller than the 1960's version, but weighing in at 3,000 pounds and getting a meager 88 hp meant a very sluggish ride. Thankfully, the very popular 2005 Mustang as stated earlier has a lot more power.The Mustang Ghia was Ford's luxury Mustang that included deluxe seatbelts, digital quartz clock, vinyl seats and door trim, door courtesy lights, rear ashtray, outside remote control mirrors, parking brake boot, pin stripes, and a vinyl roof. Why anyone considered a vinyl roof a luxury is unknown to this day. Maintenance for a vinyl top can be a pain as anyone who has owned one will attest.The 1970's were a terrible time indeed for Mustangs, but the 1980's would see more of a return to performance. Today's model of Mustang is not only the most popular sports car on the market, it does the original Mustang good with it's 300 hp, and awesome looks.If your a big fan of Mustangs check out the Mustang
posters at http://carposters.us/
Keyword : mustang, pollution, horsepower, enthusiasts

Kit Cars - Build Your Dream

Author : William Berg
Kit Cars are cars that can be purchased in kit form and assembled at home. It is common for Kit Car enthusiasts to obtain their material from several "donor cars". There are a lot of Kit Car enthusiasts out there and people enter the Kit Car hobby for different reasons. Working with your hands and assembling something from the beginning can be extremely relaxing and riding in a car that you have built yourself is an indescribable experience. Kit Cars are however not for everyone, and if you know that you become frustrated by having to change your wind shield wipers a Kit Car might not be a wise idea. Assembling a Kit Car can be a way of getting a cheaper car, but you should keep in mind that you will need a place to work in as well as the necessary tools. A lot of Kit Cars are assembled not primarily because they are cheaper than ordinary cars, but because a Kit Car can be made to suit your own particular needs and fill niches where it is hard to find ordinary cars. One of the most well known Kit Cars is for instance the Dune Buggy. The Dune Buggy is also known as Beach Buggy and Sand Rail. This Kit Car is not intended for high ways; it is a recreational vehicle that can be used on beaches and sand dunes where ordinary cars experience problems. The Dune Buggy is small and low-weight and has much larger wheels and tires than a normal car. The engine is mounted on an open chassis that is perfect for hot summer days at the beach. The Dune Buggy is usually constructed from older Volkswagen Beetles. Kit Cars are also popular due to the possibility to create a car that resembles historic or contemporary cars. One of the most frequently replicated cars is the AC Cobra. The original AC Cobras was powerful and stylish Anglo-American sports car that was creating during the 1960s. In 1968, the last Roadster platform was produced which put an end to the AC Cobra since the AC Cobra was built on this platform. The public had however taken a liking to the potent and beautiful AC Cobra and Kit Car enthusiast started to build their own AC Cobras. Today, there exist more Kit Car AC Cobra cars than original AC Cobra cars. Some of these Kit Cars are exact replicas while others are only inspired by the original AC Cobra. Some replicas can even be said to be improved versions of the original AC Cobra, since the Kit Car builders can utilise the inventions and automobile engineering advances.The Kit car enables you to have the car of your dreams, You can for exampel use a Hummer kit to build your own hummer to cruise around the city and country in. You can also take your kit Hummer and modify it to create your own custom Hummer.
Keyword : Cars, kit car, save money

Top 2 Ways to Learn About Car Auctions

Author : Ryan Tenney
If this doesn't get you excited, than nothing will! Car auctions are a fantastic way to save money on a car. There are a lot of ways to save money on a car that don't include insurance fraud or outright theft. Buying a new car can certainly seem like a smart decision if you can save some dollars, however car auctions are where the pros get their cars. They can generally be found in all states and happen at least once a month. The trick to buying a car is to buy it at wholesale (like a used car dealer would). Just like all auctions, there are deals to be found through just a little extra leg work. Here are 2 tips to help you in you car auction quest.1)Use the internet to your advantage. Online resources can be a great help to people who are looking to attend their first car auction. Google the term "car auction KY" or "car auction MI" to look for local car auctions in your state. Also, if you live in a small state (like a state in the northeast), make sure and look for car auction locations in nearby states. For example, if you live in Eastern Pennsylvania, you might want to try looking for "car auctions NJ" or "car auctions NY." Often times, depending on where you live, a car auction might be happening in a nearby location that's just over the state line.2)Look through the local classifieds section of your newspapers. Here's something that not a lot of people know. Classifieds sections of newspapers can be a tremendous resource due to the fact that a lot of bankruptcy auctions need to be listed in paper by law. This can be to your advantage because these auctions aren't the normal auctions that take place and therefore might not attract a lot of attention from potential bidders.There are a whole bunch of other tips that make these seem almost introductory. Learn them all and you could be on your way to a nice car for a low price.Ryan Tenney is author of "Top Car Auction Tips." Grab your copy at http://www.carauctionsinsider.com
Keyword : car auctions, car auction

Nissan's Pending Up Market Push

Author : Matthew Keegan
The Nissan Motor Company is quietly working on a campaign to overhaul their car line up. Current models, including the Maxima, Altima, and Sentra, soon will be transformed into more luxurious and expensive models while a new car line, the Versa, is welcomed into the fold and sold as the automaker's introductory model. So, why this change for Nissan? Will the automaker's plans succeed or fail? A lot is hinging on this move by Nissan, perhaps more than meets the eye.The Nissan motor division has been a good performer in the highly competitive US auto market. With the transformation of the make's name from Datsun to Nissan in the early 1980s to the introduction of a luxury line, Infiniti, in the late 1980s, the Nissan Motor Company has benefited financially and its customers have been receptive to the changes. Still, Nissan's line is a perennial third place finisher among Japanese automakers in the lucrative U.S. auto market, easily being outperformed and outsold by Toyota and Honda year in and year out.The pending changes for Nissan's line up are coming about and for the following reasons:1. The Maxima's competition, the Toyota Avalon, was overhauled for the 2006 model year. The Avalon has shed its frumpy image as it borrows Lexus styling cues to give it a much more luxurious and appealing look. An improved interior and more standard equipment has pushed a fully loaded Avalon into the low to mid-30s range as well. Nissan's response to Toyota's move is to "Infinitize" the Maxima starting with the 2007 model year by giving it a more luxurious edge to compete effectively with the Avalon.2. Introduction of the Versa. To fight Toyota's budget minded, youth friendly Scion division, Nissan will be importing the Versa -- a 1.8L 4 cylinder powered xA-competing hatchback -- expected to retail at about $12,000. To make way for the new introductory level car, both the Sentra and Altima get a slight push up market, not as noticeable as the Maxima's bump up, but enough to distinguish these two lines from each other and from the Versa.Of course, Nissan won't be selling the Maxima, Altima, or Sentra for less than what you pay for these cars now. In fact, the Maxima's price may ultimately surge several thousand dollars and into the range of cars sold by their Infiniti division which begs the following question: why purchase a Maxima when an Infiniti G35 could be had for almost the same price?At the same time, both the Altima and Sentra risk being undercut price wise by American and Korean manufacturers hungry to carve out a greater share of the market. Indeed, the all new Alabama-built Hyundai Sonata should sell for several thousand dollars less than a comparatively equipped Altima. With Hyundai's quality levels improving, the Sonata's appeal rises measurably.Ultimately, Nissan must keep pace with Toyota and Honda or risk being marginalized further. With other manufacturers duking it out, it will be interesting to see if higher prices hold for Nissan models or whether the Japanese automaker will be forced to cut prices to win consumers and to hold onto market share.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the
Race Pages,
a supplier of quality
Truck Running Boards and

SUV Cargo Liners for your Nissan or other quality vehicle.
Keyword : SUV cargo liner, truck running board, truck floor mat, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Honda

Fifth Wheel Campers - Slider Hitch Information

Author : Nicky Pilkington
A fifth wheel slider hitch makes all those dreams of on-the-road adventure come to life when you purchase a fifth wheel trailer. It's well worth the time to take your time to install it correctly.Remember, if you are not confident in your engineering ability it is usually better to call in the professionals. Better safe than sorry. A few dollars could save your life.Before starting:• Make sure you have the correct hitch for both your vehicle and the trailer being towed.• Review the instruction sheet provided with the hitch.• Check the hitch attachment area of the vehicle. Do not attach a hitch to a vehicle which shows excessive corrosion or damage in the hitch attachment areas.• Take the appropriate safety precautions. When elevating the vehicle on a hoist or ramps, ensure that the vehicle is properly secured and blocked such that it will not fall or roll off its supports.• Be sure you have the appropriate tools and wear safety glasses when drilling holes.Installation Tips1. Prior to installation, it is good practice to loosely assemble the hitch, install the drawbar, pin and clip and hold the hitch up into position. This will allow identification of any obstructions to the installation, verification of drawbar position on the vehicle and also give an idea of how the hitch is to be installed.2. A scissors jack or floor jack can be very useful in holding the hitch up in place. In many cases, clamps can be used to clamp the hitch to the frame during the installation procedure.3. It may be necessary to temporarily loosen the exhaust system and/or slightly reposition it to clear the hitch during installation. This is particularly true where an exhaust system has been replaced prior to installing the hitch, as all hitches are designed using vehicle original equipment Do not forget to reattach any exhaust clamps, hangers etc. after hitch installation.4. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the bumper on a vehicle, or the brackets which mount to the bumper, in order to properly install the hitch. Most bumpers are mounted to the bumper brackets using bolts in slots. Find the appropriate bolts and adjust the bumper accordingly.5. Wherever possible, hitches are designed to use existing holes. In cases where appropriate holes are not available, holes must be drilled in the frame. Once the hitch is accurately positioned and clamped in place on the vehicle, holes can be drilled in the appropriate places using the holes in the hitch as a guide.6. In cases where the holes must be drilled without using the hitch as a guide, hole locations can be permanently identified by spraying black paint through the hole locations. Remove the hitch, center punch the hole positions and drill a pilot hole. This can then be followed with the appropriate drill size for the hole required.7. Drill holes that are either the same size as the bolt or at the most 1/32" larger. Clearance holes or slots are provided in the hitch for adjustment.8. When drilling, be extremely careful to avoid drilling into vehicle components which are located behind where the hole is being drilled. Slacken off pressure on the drill just prior to breaking through.9. When installing the hitch, be sure to use the reinforcing plates supplied with the hitch where appropriate. These plates reinforce the frame and spread the load to the frame edges.10. The hitch must have solid metal to metal contact with the vehicle attachment points. Excessive undercoating or weld on the vehicle should be removed.11. All hardware, with the exception of tab nuts ( thin nuts welded to a wire used on some hitch applications) and U-bolts are grade 5 (Imperial sizes) or 8.8 (metric sizes).Find our more about Fifth wheel RV's at http://www.bestcamper.com
Keyword : recreational verhicle, RV, 5th wheel, camping, camper, motorhome, rv, recreational vehicle,

An Introduction to Corvette

Author : William Berg
The glorious Corvette history started in 1953, when Chevrolet first came out with the Corvettes. It has endured the tests and ravages of time, and is now considered to be at par with some of the greatest cars in the world. The first all American sports car built by an American company, today Corvettes are manufactured almost exclusively by General Motors in their plant in Kentucky.The early Corvette produced in 1953, was a reflection of the styling flair of Harley Earl, who convinced GM that two-seater sports cars were the ultimate American dream. The name Corvette comes from a small maneuverable fighting frigate. The early Corvettes were almost hand built using fiberglass instead of steel for the lightweight effect. At that time, Chevrolet was known for producing excellent performing cars in a no nonsense package. So, though the cars were good value, sales continued to decline.The Corvette history would have ended with this small chapter except for the arrival of Zora Arkus-Duntov in the engineering department of GM. Duntov single handedly transformed the Corvette from a two-seat car to a genuine sports car by taking a 265 version of the engine and applying the three-speed manual transmission to it.Corvette history covers 6 generations of the famous Corvette cars beginning from C1 through to C6. The C1s are usually referred to as solid-axle, and were in production till 1962. By 1963, turbulent times lay ahead for the Corvette, with various other cars trying to outshine each other. The Corvette rose to the competition with the C2 that started rolling out in 1963. This year saw the dramatic popularity of the Corvette Sting Ray coupe with its split rear end window, and non-functional ford-like vents. The split window was taken off the very next year due to safety concerns, making this model of the car one of the most sought after by vintage collectors. Greater engine power, four-wheel disc brakes, and side exhaust pipes appeared in the later versions and were available till 1969.The famous L88 version of the Stingray was another landmark in Corvette history. A true blood racing car, the L88 was in production for only three years, and was quickly gobbled up by a market that was thirsting for the trendy sports beast. "Not for the Faint of Heart", was the song that Chevrolet came up with to advertise their new L88. The L88 was never actually intended for public use. The high performing car had many capabilities that were relatively unknown to most users of the time.The C3 was patterned after Chevrolet's Mako Shark design. This series started rolling out in 1968 and lasted till 1982. Small changes in styling rendered the Corvette even more stylish and lightweight. 1973 saw the last of the Corvettes with chrome bumpers. 1975 was the last year a Corvette convertible was produced, and in 1980, the Corvette got a new aerodynamic design overhaul that drastically reduced drag.The glorious Corvette history moves on to the C4 or fourth generation Corvette, which saw the first Corvette to have a glass hatchback. The C4 was a total redesign and the emphasis on this model was handling. This model was acclaimed as being the best handling car ever. The mid-eighties saw GM collaborating with Lotus for developing the pricey ZR-1. The Grand Sport version of the Corvette released in 1996 marks the end of the C4 series. High performance and superb looks were highlighted in this model. The C5 rolled out in 1997 and was in action till 2004.The look of the car had improved considerably in this version. The performance also proved that this model was much superior to the previous versions. The C5-R and the Z06 are other remarkable cars in this series. The C6 is not very much different from its predecessor. The main thrust of the upgrade seems to be aimed at perfecting the older model and removing some snags and hitches. The new Z06 arrived in 2006. Corvette history is full of the various awards and prizes won by Corvette both for its looks as well as performance.Read more about the new corvette, the Corvette zo6 or perhaps about an old classic model like the 1969 corvette
Keyword : corvette, automotive history, corvette z06, corvette stingray, corvette c5, corvette c4

Mobile Car Wash Business; Keeping Employees From Stealing Your Cash

Author : Lance Winslow
A mobile car wash business is an excellent business indeed. It is simple; no inventory, no location and for the most part a cash business too. Yet with all its simplicity one has to ask the obvious question; How on Earth do you keep the workers in your mobile car wash business from stealing your cash when you are not there? Well, indeed, the human level of integrity makes one wonder sometimes, as you give someone a job and then they go and steal from you? It is a rather sad state of affairs isn't it? But do not let this get you down, as there is a way to prevent employee theft of the daily cash.The best way to solve this issue of missing dollars is to use the human innate characteristics of such want to prevent them from stealing. For instance; Run a crew of two; one truck manager and one worker. Give your crew a $10.00 bonus for signing car wash customer up via credit card for 12 washes in advance. Then give the first wash on the spot to the customer for free. This will mean you have the money in advance so there will be less actual cash trading hands, therefore it cannot be stolen. The crew will want to sign many customers up on a pre-pay to get the bonus each week.Next you need to pay the man riding shotgun, the worker $8-10 per hour and the crew leader (manager of the truck) a salary plus commission of what that unit does. If the crew leader starts stealing money the $8-10 per hour man will turn him in so he can have the better job after you fire the truck manager for stealing. The crew leader would not allow the $8-10 per hour worker to steal because it would come out of his perceived entitlement, the bonus? The bonus can be as little as 15% for this to work. Also keep switching crews a lot, so each $8-10 per hour worker learns the routes and do not be afraid to fire cheaters, liars or thieves.Hello my name is Lance Winslow and I am the Founder of the Car Wash Guys, this is what we do and it works. If you are worried or are currently having problems with your employees stealing your cash, please think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Mobile Car Wash Business, Keeping Employees From Stealing Cash. managers, crew leader, workers

Read This Article if Concerned with GM and Ford Layoffs and Manufacturing Sector

Author : Lance Winslow
The manufacturing sector in the United States is having a rough time of it and no other sector is trouble today quite as serious and the US Automakers. The old factories are not designed to be upgraded and re-tooled while the new factories are so high-tech they are robotic and can slam cars out in about 15 or less hours and change runs and make another whole different model without even going down for more than one week. As robotic factories of the future out produce the demands of the car buying public, there are issues, which must be realized in the form of reduced employment figures.Both General Motors and Ford Motor Company have announced combined lay offs of 60,000 people and those are generally very good jobs with exceptional benefits, which are not easily replaced and potentially devastating to the to local and regional economies where those jobs, factories, suppliers and small businesses are. Currently much of our country has approximately 17% of our jobs employed through manufacturing and as that number decreases those jobs will need to be transferred to other sectors. But in doing so it is equally important that we find suitable jobs, which are not under employing these displaced workers into jobs which are low-paying and have little or no benefits. Think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Concerned GM Ford Layoffs, Manufacturing Sector, robotic factories, benefits, low pay, economy

Lincoln Carpets: Made for Extra Comfort

Author : Pamela Hewitt
First used in the early 20's, the Lincoln has certainly been known and recognized for luxury and prestige. As a fact, different Presidents of the United States had consistently selected a Lincoln for their car of choice. They have preferred to use Lincoln cars and limousines.The Lincoln does not just give you luxury and prestige from the outside – its interior gives you just the same. Take the Lincoln carpet as an example. It does not only provide comfort to its passengers, it also protects the vehicle's interior and gives distinctiveness to the automobile itself as well.The

Winter Road Maintenance and Road Traffic Accidents

Author : Sophie Evans
At this time of year driving can become perilous. A combination of ice, wind, rain, snow, fog and dark, wintry evenings can lead to hazardous road conditions and car accidents. When you take your car out on a wintry morning you are more at risk of being involved in a car crash than during the light warm summer months. The worst months of the year for accidents are October and November between the hours of 4pm and 5pm. 42% of road deaths occur in the dark.As weather conditions deteriorate in autumn and winter the roads become more dangerous. The roads are maintained by the Highways Agency, an Executive Agency for the Department of Transport, who salts and grits the motorways and trunk roads. Other smaller roads are gritted by local councils although some rural roads are not covered at all. The Highways Agency aims to reduce delays and the amount of road traffic accidents by clearing snow and preventing the formation of ice.The gritting service depends on the weather forecast and there is therefore room for error. Teams of gritters are on nightly standby throughout the country in the winter months. They wait for the temperature to drop to around 1° and are then called in for gritting. An error of around 1° is crucial when the temperature is about zero, but is not as critical when the temperature is about 5°. Local expertise and experience is vital around the time when gritters are in operation. Precautionary gritting is carried out in the evening after the rush hour and first thing in the morning before the morning traffic.Personal injury claimUnfortunately there still many car accidents and road traffic accidents involving motorcycles and lorries every year in the UK due to adverse weather conditions. Whilst many of the accidents that occur are as a result of driver error or carelessness, some can be attributed to a failure on the part of the agencies in charge of road maintenance, to grit the roads. If a driver has a car accident because of icy or snowy conditions that could have been avoided because the agency in charge of this had failed to grit the road, then a personal injury claim may be brought against the agency. If the driver is injured and their vehicle is damaged then they may be entitled by law to claim compensation if it can be proven that someone else was at fault.The Highways Agency and each council have criteria for gritting. Unfortunately on occasions the roads may not be gritted because they could not predict the adverse weather conditions. If an accident occurs when the roads should reasonably have been gritted, then compensation could be sought. These cases can be complicated and it may be difficult to prove that a local authority or government agency was responsible for the accident. If you have been in a car accident that was caused by black ice on a road you believe should have been gritted then you may want to seek legal advice about your position.What should you do if you have an accident?If you have had a road traffic accident that you believe was not your fault then you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. You can get free legal advice at www.wheelsatonce.com or you can call on 0800 78 38 846 to learn more.Avoiding accidentsAlthough we do rely on road maintenance to a large extent to keep our roads safe we should always take our own precautions when driving in the winter. You should take extra care in the roads, drive slowly and carefully when the weather is bad and make sure you have carried out basic maintenance on your vehicle. You should always:•Check that your lights work and are clean
•Check the tyre pressure
•Check the oil level
•Make sure you have enough window cleaning solution, in case you have to drive on a dirty road
•Carry emergency provisions and warm clothes in case you break downAuthor: Sophie Evans – http://www.wheelsatonce.com


Call 0800 78 38 846 for more detailsWheels At Once provides help to hundreds of people who have been injured in a non fault accident. They can organise a compensation claim, a replacement car, repairs to your car and will also get your recovery and storage account paid.Editorial notes: Wheelsatonce www.wheelsatonce.com provides compensation to people who have been injured in an accident that was not their fault.
Keyword : Car accident, car crash, personal injury claim, claim compensation

Shattered Front Lights on Your Jeep? Get the Right Replacements at Auto Parts Deal

Author : Sarah McBride
The various forward lights on your Jeep are installed at its front end for a specific purpose: to make night and low visibility driving safer. First, those lights allow you to see the road ahead clearly at night and at other low visibility conditions. And while doing this, the lights also allow other people, especially drivers of vehicles approaching yours, to see your vehicle from afar.As genuine off-road vehicles, however, Jeep vehicles were made for trekking the rough and rugged off-road track. Using the vehicle for off-roading, however, would only mean damages to the Jeep front lights. It is, therefore, not surprising if you just see the front lights of your Jeep shattered after an off-road ride. Good thing, there is an online auto parts supplier that can provide you with all the replacement lights you will need at the front area of your Jeep.Here is a list of some of the Jeep front lights that is essential to your vehicles:• Jeep Headlights (passenger side and driver side)Headlights or headlamps refer to the main pair of lights attached to the front of your Jeep. Its main purpose is to illuminate the road ahead during low visibility conditions like when you're driving at night or during a precipitation.• Jeep Parking Lights (passenger side and driver side)The parking lights or parking lamps (also called sidelights in UK, city lights in Russia, and standing lamps or position lamps in other regions) are the pair of white or amber lamps also installed at the front of the vehicle, usually integrated on the front bumper. The main function of parking lamps is to mark the front end of your Jeep while it is parked on the side of the highway at night. As a secondary function, these lamps serve as reserve front position indicating system in case the headlights go off.• Jeep Front Fog Lights (passenger side and driver side)Fog lights refer to the pair of lights (optional components on most Jeep vehicle models) added at the front of the vehicle to help the headlights illuminate the road in extremely low visibility conditions, especially during fogs and other types of weather extremities. Fog lights gives off a wide, low beam light that won't bounce back through precipitation, unlike headlights that would.Auto Parts DealJeep HeadlightsHeadlights-------------------As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website, Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two from Memphis is a genuine car lover.
Keyword : auto parts,fog lights,headlights,jeep headlights

How Do Carburetors Work?

Author : Eric Morris
Carburetors are an important component in engines that help in internal combustion for running the machinery. Carburetors are used in automobiles including cars, motorbikes, jet skis, boats, and even light aircrafts. They are also used in small machinery like lawnmowers, chain saws, and other equipment.The carburetor influences the speed of the engine. This is possible by controlling the flow of air into the engine. The main function of a carburetor is to ensure that a correct mixture of gasoline and air enters the engine. This is very important as the engine is in different conditions at different times. The carburetor is needed when the engine must be started cold, or when it is idling, slow running, accelerating, moving at high speed or high power, or cruising.The carburetor comprises of a tube with an adjustable plate called the "throttle" placed across it. This throttle controls the amount of air that flows through the tube. The carburetor tube narrows down at a place called the venture, where a vacuum is created. There is a hole in this narrowing called the "jet", which allows the fuel to be drawn in because of the vacuum. When the throttle is parallel to the length of the tube, it is said to be at full throttle. At full throttle, the airflow is at its highest, creating more vacuums in the venturi. This vacuum causes more gas to enter the tube, thus increasing the power of the engine. On the other hand, when throttle plate is closed, the engine is said to be idling. The airflow into tube is reduced and the vacuum created in the venturi is not sufficient to bring in enough fuel. The shape of the carburetor causes changes in the air pressure in the engine, ensuring a good mix of fuel and air.There are several parts to a carburetor that allow for smooth functioning. They are the pilots or slow jets, pilot airscrew, throttle valve or slide, jet needle, needle jet or spray-bar, air jet, and main jet. Other important parts are the choke, accelerator pump, float chamber and barrels that help to create the ideal mixture of gas and air in the engine to increase fuel efficiency.Carburetors provides detailed information about carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning, and more. Carburetors is affiliated with Car Transport.
Keyword : carburetors, carburetor parts, carburetor tuning

What a Buyer Should Look For When Purchasing a Car Wash

Author : Joseph Biello
After searching all the available Car Wash locations that are available and finally deciding on a Car Wash location he desires to purchase, the buyer should create a punch list of competing washes in the chosen area of purchase. There are many unique variables a buyer should be aware of in purchasing a car wash location; an inexperienced buyer would be wise to consult with an industry consultant to help in analyzing and investigating the results from the following list.1) Check the demographics of this chosen area.2) Check the competition in a three mile radius.3) Check the physical layout of each of the competing locations.4) Check the type of competing competition, Full Service, Exterior, Etc.5) Check the offerings, (menu pricing) for all services.6) Check the appearance of each location.7) Check the customer handling and quality produced at the competing washes.8) Check the type of on site discounting offered at competing washes.9) Check how customer friendly each competitor is.10) Check with the city planning, if new car washes were approved in the area.Compare all of the above to the location you are about to purchaserBefore getting involved with the seller on a location he chooses to purchases, it would be wise for the buyer to inconspicuously perform an extensive review of all the aspects of this location by washing his car at this location a few times during a slow period and also during peak periods. Record detailed notes on the presentation of the seller and how efficient and pleasant was his sales pitch to upgrade you each time. The vacuuming your car received, if offered, the quality of the windows if offered and the overall experience you received from all the employees and management, (finally "the quality of the final end product". This is the only reason the majority of customers patronize a particular car wash location.In evaluating all of the above a buyer should compare the results to the above ten point punch list accumulated. In short, know your competition and the situations you will be competing against.In the evaluation process a buyer looking for a turn key operation should expect that all of the above results should average between (8.5 to 10) on a scale of 1 to 10. This being the case the location would be doing well in all aspects and in most situations asking a premium price for the business.In the event your results are below the scale, in most cases this should be reflected in the amount of business at this location, therefore also reflected in the price. The good news is that if you recognize the deficiencies of any location, in most instances they can be corrected.Through the years I have inspected numerous car wash locations and have observed many different management/ownership scenarios. It has been my experience that many of the same locations were top locations, producing huge volumes and great dollar averages per car and these same locations at other times were in total regression. Think about this: in 99% of the locations the only difference was that the management/ownership had changed and the present management lost focus on the one important ingredient, Consistently producing an exceptionally clean car in a freindly environment.Customers will go out of their way for this level of service.Continued:Once a buyer completes the detailed punch list, performs an initial site analysis and chooses to advance to the purchase stage, if the buyer is new to the car wash industry it is recommended that he consult with an industry car wash broker/consultant. The consultant/broker will help him determine what additional services could be added to increase the total prospective gross sales. Car washes are adding complete C stores, oil change & light mechanics, state inspection, windshield repair, dent repair and express detailing, just to name a few. The buyer should also review with the consultant any initial deficiencies encountered in his ten step punch list of the competitive area, and any deficiencies he encountered during the inspection of the intended site.Critical areas that affect the asking price for the location and are potential negotiating points are as follows.The amount of lease offered if the property is not included. The years remaining on the lease, the rent and the amount of rent increases. Is the buyer accepting structural responsibility? If so, the seller is obligated to assign the lease structurally sound. Building inspection is recommended.Equipment, on line and offline, should be inspected by a qualified car wash equipment mechanic; all equipment must be in operational order on passing of ownership.Inventory, Soap, Waxes, Chemicals and Retail items, what is included and what is not.Discount yearly plans club plans and gift certificates that continue in circulation. Usually an amicable formula will be worked out.The buyer should review all wholesale accounts if any to determine what percentage of income is derived from it.The buyer would review all income and expense statements, this is most critical, expenses are for the most part easily determined, and the income verification is best completed under the guide of an industry broker/consultant. This industry broker/consultant will also be valuable in arriving at a fair evaluation of the business. The car wash industry is a unique business in that there are many variables that could dictate the value, high or low of a particular car wash location.The next step assuming the buyer chooses to make an offer to purchase; the broker/consultant would assist the buyer with negotiations for the final selling price, if successful would guide the buyer in the due diligence process. Assuming all goes well the buyer should stipulate that the site be inspected with a phase one environmental. The buyer should also obtain permission to retain the telephone numbers dedicated to this intended location.Lastly, obtain a good lawyer, I would strongly recommend seeking an attorney that is very familiar with the contractual requirements in the sale of a car wash location, it is also to the buyers advantage to use a broker that specializes exclusively in car washes.WEB Page: http://www.josephbielloco.com

e-mail: jobco857@msn.comHOW OUR COMPANY EVOLVED
Our Company specializes exclusively in the Car Wash Industry. Our expertise developed from forty years of successful involvement in all segments of the car wash industry. We offer all our clients, either existing operators or prospective buyers this expertise to help insure their success.Professional Affiliations
Past President of the New York / Long Island Car Wash Association. Past Distributor for Sherman Industries of Palmyra NJ, Past Distributor for Hanna Industries of Portland Oregon, Past C.E.O. Paramount Car Wash Systems / Past, Partner Discount Brokers & Consultants, present CEO of Joseph Biello Company LLC.
Keyword : www.Josephbielloco.com, Carwash, Detailing, Auto, Laundry, Broker, Consultant, Designs

Trading the Car in

Author : Naum Levinson
Trading the car in: what makes financial sense?A lot of people are trading their cars in every 4-5 years.
A car payment, stretched over 5-7 years, is not uncommon.Unfortunately the situation known to dealers as "upside down,"
is not uncommon either. It means, that the person owes for his /
her car - more than the car is worth.If the person keeps trading cars every 4-5 years, there's still 2-3
years of payments left, and the financial situation is just getting
worse...How to avoid the situation like that?A lot of financial experts agree that maintaining your present
vehicle makes much more financial sense. Contemporary
vehicles are more reliable and, with proper maintenance, can
serve reliably for 8 years or longer. After the car is paid off,
you can save about $2500 per year, including repairs,
maintenance, license, registration, taxes and insurance.That's what we call "Return on Investment"....If proper maintenance was done over the years, a repair bill
from time to time is a "drop in the bucket," compare to the
regular monthly payments for the car. If a car was paid off
during the period of 5 years and has survived another 4 years,
it's the savings of $10,000,Nice downpayment for the new vehicle, right?Let me give you an example. When I've purchased my 1994
Toyota Camry, the car was two years old and had 27,000 miles.
Five years later, it was paid off. For four years I am enjoying
not having payments on my car. Except for the regular
maintenance, I didn't have any unexpected breakdowns and
car is still very reliable, taking me and my family where we want
to go.As you can see, I am preaching from my own experience.
It's not difficult and it can be done!ABOUT THE AUTHORMr. Naum Levinson was born in Eastern Europe. He holds a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in automotive design. He has over 35 years of experience in vehicle research, development, maintenance, and repair.On his website http://www.best-auto-repairs.com, he shares
his life experience with readers, and stresses the point
that the best repair is a preventive maintenance system.His other interests are computers, travel, and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. He lives with his family in La Mesa, California
Keyword : Car repair, car maintenance, car trading

Ford F350 Super Duty: Now Reporting for Duty

Author : Tracy Dawson
From cars to minivans to sport-utility vehicles to trucks. Ford Motor Company simply has it all. Each vehicle made to do a different type of job – just like Ford's customers who have varied and changing lifestyles, and who have different purposes for their vehicles in mind.As for the Ford Super Duty, this truck delivers just its specifications offer. Patrons of this Ford truck rely on this to get the job done. And this truck does it with unsurpassed gas and diesel power, more toughness, and useful new features that makes work easier, and also makes recreation and play time more enjoyable.Frank Davis, Ford vehicle programs director for pickups and commercial vehicles claims, "The original Super Duty proved that pickup trucks with the right stuff could handle jobs that once were associated only with the big, commercial medium-duty truck segment. The Ford Super Duty takes this capability to the to the max, with towing and cargo ratings that will astound our customers."Last year, 2005, the Super Duty made available that year featured a host of functional, capability, and convenience improvements. And now, customers of the Ford Super Duty are waiting as to what changes more could be done to this astounding truck.For last year's changes, the list included increased tow ratings across the board, with best-in-class maximum towing rating of 17,000 pounds; class-leading payload for Super Duty pickups – taking it up to 5,800 pounds of cargo in the F-350 dually, which on the average, payload improves 500 to 1000 pounds for F-250 and F-350 pickups; TowCommand™ System which is a combination of standard and optional features that makes towing easier, and added in is an industry-first factory-installed trailer brake controller; unsurpassed power that includes the segment's most powerful gasoline engine which is the 6.8 liter, 3-valve Triton™ V-10 with 355 hp and 455 pound-feet of torque; the best-selling 6.0 liter Power Stroke® diesel has been increased to 570 pound-feet of torque; a new front suspension and improved steering for a better ride, handling and maneuverability in 4X4 pickups and all F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs; best-in-class braking made with larger rotors and larger, stiffer calipers plus the parking brake is done larger and stronger; and topping it all up is the stronger and tougher frame to support all the workload.When it comes to how the Ford Super Duty fascia is, this truck has been redesigned with a bolder, tougher look up the front end, and in its own category is the only truck with 18- and 20-inch wheels. Its interior has been done over so as to exude a refined taste. The truck's instrument panel has also been redesigned with applications that are unique. As for steering, changes had also been made to its steering geometry, with tighter internal tolerances in its new steering gear and a revised power assist.Ford partswheels---------------------From cars to minivans to sport-utility vehicles to trucks. Ford Motor Company simply has it all. Each vehicle made to do a different type of job – just like Ford's customers who have varied and changing lifestyles, and who have different purposes for their vehicles in mind.
Keyword : auto parts,ford parts,wheels

The Heavenly Vehicle

Author : Mark Clarkson
The Toyota Celica's name is actually a Spanish word that means "heavenly" or "celestial". This vehicle was originally crafted and designed for those people who were young at heart and also for those people who desired and longed for simple transportation. Planning for this vehicle started in 1967. This vehicle lived a ripe age up until 2004. During the time of its planning and design, the Toyota Celica sported a style that was considered to be revolutionary for that time. It also became quite an influential vehicle as per the establishment of the sporty subcompact market segment.Originally, this vehicle was equipped with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. It was made available in only one trim level which was the ST form. This vehicle was a sport coupe that held two doors. It was rather an image car, not a high-volume car. It sold well during that time.Through the years, the Toyota Celica underwent many changes in its lifetime. One of the first changes came in 1976 when the whole line of the vehicle welcomed a new model. The addition was a liftback model. This offered a sportier handling, and a higher-grade trim. It was marketed and sold as a sport-touring type of vehicle that offers greater comfort and luggage capacity than the original model that was sold.After two years, the second generation Toyota Celica rolled off the manufacturing plants. This time, it was made available in ST and GT trim levels. It offered more safety, power, and economy than the previous models. In 1982, the third generation of Toyota Celicas came into view. And after a year, another model was added to the Toyota Celica line up – this time it held a sportier image and it was named the Toyota Celica GT-S model. This vehicle held larger wheels, larger tires, fender flares, sports suspension, and a sportier interior that featured special seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a gearshift knob. The following years, the Toyota Celica continued to receive a variety of changes that included new engines, upgrades on its wheels, tires, and power, new luxury items added in, sound systems and entertainment systems added up, and headlights changed.As per the last set of changes for the last batch of Toyota Celicas to be produced, this last line was made available in only two trims which were the GT and the GTS. This generation sported an aggressively styled front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, and rear spoilers. It offered a manual or automatic transmission. It also featured air conditioning, tilt steering, disc/drum brakes, 140 hp engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16 inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, power locks, cruise control, high intensity discharge headlamps, power tilt/slide moonroof, and side impact airbags.Toyota Parts OnlineToyota Celica parts
Keyword : auto parts,Toyota Celica parts,toyota parts

Driving Essentials: Tips For Driving In The Fog

Author : Justin Brown
Driving in foggy conditions can potentially be very dangerous, and so it is imperative that you take great caution. According to statistics it is the most dangerous driving hazard in existence.Considering that the braking distance of most vehicles is tens of metres even at slow speeds, it is suggested that drivers concentrate more than usual. In extremely foggy conditions, the level of visibility can be next to nothing.It can sometimes be hard to judge distance and speed of other vehicles in the fog, which may cause you to pull out from junctions when you normally wouldn't, or to take risks that you would usually evade. Take your time when driving in fog, and make no quick decisions.Ensure that you pay interest to the speed that you are travelling at, as it can become easy to start driving faster than you think, which obviously increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.An alarming event is that many drivers will insist on following the lights of a vehicle ahead. This may be because it comforts the driver as they know the road ahead is clear, however this is very dangerous. Depending on the level of visibility, the distance between the two vehicles may be very small. Needless to say, this provides the driver with little notice and little time to react should the car in front have to stop suddenly. Remember to use your windscreen wipers and lights to give you the best achievable visibility, so that the need to follow the car in front is not as great. Use your low beam headlights as the high beams will in fact make it harder to see in front of you.Also, do not forget that it is not only vehicles that will appear in the road, but also pedestrians and cyclists who may not be wearing high visibility clothing. As a consequence, be prepared to respond to any sort of movement in the fog, and even unlit parked cars that may be along the road.Be patient when driving in fog. Unless it can not be avoided, do not overtake and keep changing lanes down to a minimum on motorways and dual carriageways. However tempting it may be, don't speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly, or to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.Turn off any distractions in your vehicle, such as your mobile phone or your radio as your concentration is paramount in these conditions. Try and pay attention to any warning lights and make sure you abide by them.In extreme fog, refrain from traveling if you can and only journey if it is essential. If you are already traveling and encounter dense fog, think about pulling off the road completely and position your vehicle safely away from any other traffic until the fog lifts. However important it is that you travel, it is not worth risking your life or another person's life in driving.Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk where you can find information on a variety of automobile related subjects, and also sell any used cars in the UK.
Keyword : driving in the fog,driving tips