By: Levi Bloom
You need a new car, but you're just not ready? Even if you have
money and/or great credit and you know all the details of the
car you want, there is still one thing standing in your way.
Negotiating the price!
It can be uncomfortable or even scary, but you'll have to do it
at almost every car dealer. That's why I'm going to give you
some tips to get you through the negotiating process and drive
home in your new car!
Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. Sooner or
later you'll have to negotiate with someone for something, so
you better get started now.
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should
know that they are very practiced in the art already and will
hit you with everything they have. You will need to know how to
get through their "car speak" in order to be successful.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
-Remain positive and confident.
-Don't talk down to your opponent.
-Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up.
-Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon.
-Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to
avoid paying unnecessary extra fees.
-Bring a friend with you for extra support.
The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as
quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find
more loopholes to up your charges if you stay. However,
something that you should look out for from salesmen is the
extra little tricks they throw in to force or rush you into a
buying decision.
You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into
paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying
less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear
from them:
1. "These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be
available for the same deal tomorrow". (Threaten to leave and
they will ease up and try to change their strategy)
2. "This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow
I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same."
3. "I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this
weekend" (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars.
If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).
4. "I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the
table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I
am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned".
(Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't
want to interfere and that you should leave then.)
5. "To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this
car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them
wrong).
If you want to save money while you are negotiating you should
negotiate from the dealer cost up and not from the MSRP down.
You just need to remember that dealer cost is not the same as
the factory invoice.
Some dealerships refuse to haggle over the cost of a car. Once
you make your opening offer you should never accept anything
higher than that, as far as costs go. If the dealership that you
go to doesn't haggle, don't sweat it, some other dealership
will. (If you start to walk away, they might just chase after
you and change their mind!)
Keep these tips in mind and be prepared for the salesmen. If you
remain strong and confident, and don't let the dealer push you
around, you can get your new car for the price you want.
About the author:
Levi Bloom is the webmaster of http://www.thenewcarbuyers
guide.com. It's a great place to get started on the car
buying process.
Check out his site for more information on negotiating,
researching, and avoiding scams while buying your new car.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Sites To Help You In Car Buying Online
By: John G. Nuble
With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?
In fact in the past years, car buying online has evolved from
tips and comparison charts to honest-to-goodness online
transactions. Gone are the days when you have to personally
scout for your dream car, hopping from one store to another,
talking to car dealers and comparing prices.
Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more. that is if
you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some
sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as
shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual
shopping cart.
The comparison strategy
Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several
models, their specifications and features and to compare them
with each other. It also gives you an idea on what specific car
model suits your needs, lifestyle and of course the budget. Car
buying online has never been easier as websites like these allow
for clearer and faster comparisons as you are given prices and
features at the drop of the hat. There are also resources on the
site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions
about car buying online.
Price is the name of the game
If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the
model that you want, you can check your dream car's prices
online before going to different car dealers and haggling. The
InvoiceDealers.com is a site that gives you competitive prices
that you can choose from. You no longer need to visit several
dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a
breeze.
Virtual loans and finances
Who says you can only avail of financial arrangement through
face to face transactions? With the advent of super technology,
car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One
useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other
financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources
that would help people who are car buying online for the first
time.
Insurance at your fingertips
Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your
virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can
compare the prices of the plans being offered by several
insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the
site, 4insurance.
Delivery a click away
Another consideration when car buying online is the delivery.
Some websites offer instant delivery where the car of your
choice will be delivered to your home and office. If you are not
comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or
examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site
that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.
Saving on warranty
Warranties are really important whether you are car buying
online or offline. This is especially true when you are buying a
model that you have not yet tried using in the past or a model
that you are totally unfamiliar with. Doing your research and
scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save
you up to 60% of the actual cost since this is usually sold
direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit
Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?
In fact in the past years, car buying online has evolved from
tips and comparison charts to honest-to-goodness online
transactions. Gone are the days when you have to personally
scout for your dream car, hopping from one store to another,
talking to car dealers and comparing prices.
Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more. that is if
you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some
sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as
shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual
shopping cart.
The comparison strategy
Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several
models, their specifications and features and to compare them
with each other. It also gives you an idea on what specific car
model suits your needs, lifestyle and of course the budget. Car
buying online has never been easier as websites like these allow
for clearer and faster comparisons as you are given prices and
features at the drop of the hat. There are also resources on the
site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions
about car buying online.
Price is the name of the game
If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the
model that you want, you can check your dream car's prices
online before going to different car dealers and haggling. The
InvoiceDealers.com is a site that gives you competitive prices
that you can choose from. You no longer need to visit several
dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a
breeze.
Virtual loans and finances
Who says you can only avail of financial arrangement through
face to face transactions? With the advent of super technology,
car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One
useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other
financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources
that would help people who are car buying online for the first
time.
Insurance at your fingertips
Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your
virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can
compare the prices of the plans being offered by several
insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the
site, 4insurance.
Delivery a click away
Another consideration when car buying online is the delivery.
Some websites offer instant delivery where the car of your
choice will be delivered to your home and office. If you are not
comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or
examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site
that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.
Saving on warranty
Warranties are really important whether you are car buying
online or offline. This is especially true when you are buying a
model that you have not yet tried using in the past or a model
that you are totally unfamiliar with. Doing your research and
scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save
you up to 60% of the actual cost since this is usually sold
direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit
Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Tips to Maximizing Fuel Economy in today's climate of high gas
By: William Bolton
High costs at the pump have you troubled? Find yourself at the
pump yet again dishing out another $50 - $100? Well, you're not
alone. The rising price of gas is on most of our minds and
pocketbooks these days leaving us wondering if and when there
will be a reprieve.
Until gas prices do normalize, there are some things that you
can do to stretch that next tank of gas. Here are 10 tips that
should save you a few extra bucks at the pump:
1. Instead of running multiple errands, consolidate your trips
into one thus eliminating significant and unneccessary travel.
2. In congested, urban areas, avoid rush hour traffic. Grid lock
and its start and stop travel is one of the quickest ways to
drain that gas tank.
3. Resist the temptation to drive alone. Car pool with your
co-workers. Carpooling with three of your colleagues means you
only drive every fourth week saving you a bundle in fuel costs
over the course of a year.
4. In cold weather climates, have an engine block heater
installed. This will reduce the amount of fuel needed to warm
the car on those cold winter mornings.
5. Resist turning on the AC at the first sign of warm weather.
Air conditioning burns up alot of fuel. If you're driving in the
city, a better alternative is to roll down the windows and open
all vents. Highway driving is a different story though. The drag
from open windows can also result in your burning more fuel. If
you have to, roll up the windows and place the AC on the lowest
setting.
6. Remove roof racks and overhead carriers when not in use. The
drag created by these will result in less fuel economy.
7. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle that will
cause the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
8. Ensure your vehicle is tuned up on a regular basis. A
properly tuned vehicle operates more efficiently resulting in
the consumption of less fuel.
9. Alter your driving style. Do you accelerate quickly from a
starting position? Gradually accelerating until you've reached
your optimum speed will result in a significant gas savings over
the long haul.
10. Routinely have your brakes and tire pressure checked. Poorly
working brakes can result in your vehicle working harder and
using more fuel. The same for your tires, under or over inflated
tires will result in the consumption of more fuel.
Following even just a few of these tips should save you some
money.
About the author:
William Bolton is an expert in the field of automobiles
specializing in car care and auto leasing. He owns an automotive
website called Leasedwheels.com that specializes in the exiting
and takeover of auto leases. If you're stuck in a lease you need
out of or wish to take over an existing lease on a short-term
basis with no money down, check out http://www.leasedwheels.com
High costs at the pump have you troubled? Find yourself at the
pump yet again dishing out another $50 - $100? Well, you're not
alone. The rising price of gas is on most of our minds and
pocketbooks these days leaving us wondering if and when there
will be a reprieve.
Until gas prices do normalize, there are some things that you
can do to stretch that next tank of gas. Here are 10 tips that
should save you a few extra bucks at the pump:
1. Instead of running multiple errands, consolidate your trips
into one thus eliminating significant and unneccessary travel.
2. In congested, urban areas, avoid rush hour traffic. Grid lock
and its start and stop travel is one of the quickest ways to
drain that gas tank.
3. Resist the temptation to drive alone. Car pool with your
co-workers. Carpooling with three of your colleagues means you
only drive every fourth week saving you a bundle in fuel costs
over the course of a year.
4. In cold weather climates, have an engine block heater
installed. This will reduce the amount of fuel needed to warm
the car on those cold winter mornings.
5. Resist turning on the AC at the first sign of warm weather.
Air conditioning burns up alot of fuel. If you're driving in the
city, a better alternative is to roll down the windows and open
all vents. Highway driving is a different story though. The drag
from open windows can also result in your burning more fuel. If
you have to, roll up the windows and place the AC on the lowest
setting.
6. Remove roof racks and overhead carriers when not in use. The
drag created by these will result in less fuel economy.
7. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle that will
cause the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
8. Ensure your vehicle is tuned up on a regular basis. A
properly tuned vehicle operates more efficiently resulting in
the consumption of less fuel.
9. Alter your driving style. Do you accelerate quickly from a
starting position? Gradually accelerating until you've reached
your optimum speed will result in a significant gas savings over
the long haul.
10. Routinely have your brakes and tire pressure checked. Poorly
working brakes can result in your vehicle working harder and
using more fuel. The same for your tires, under or over inflated
tires will result in the consumption of more fuel.
Following even just a few of these tips should save you some
money.
About the author:
William Bolton is an expert in the field of automobiles
specializing in car care and auto leasing. He owns an automotive
website called Leasedwheels.com that specializes in the exiting
and takeover of auto leases. If you're stuck in a lease you need
out of or wish to take over an existing lease on a short-term
basis with no money down, check out http://www.leasedwheels.com
Friday, July 22, 2005
7 Great Tips To Save Money on Car Parts and Maintenance
By: Ispas Marin
Taking care of your car maintenance can be very rewarding if
done properly so here's a list of seven tips that can help you
save money on your car parts and service.
1. A well tuned car can has a fuel consumption from 25% to 33%
lower than a poorly tuned car making a tune-up cheaper than
driving without it, tuning your car for better performance can
save you between $150 and $250 per year.
2. Regardless of the number of miles the manual recommends a oil
change and filter change you should change them every 3,000
miles. This is one of the most important factors in your
engine's life since it's going to prolong your engine's life and
you're going to save on engine car parts. The potential savings
are $500 to $3000.
3. Dirty air filter means more gasoline used and reduces the
engine's life so you should check it regularly, maybe monthly.
The air filter can be cleaned by blowing it with a hose or can
be replaced. You can save about $130 per year..
4. Using steel-belted radial tires can increase the number of
miles you make per year by up to 10%, saving this way about $130
per year.
5. Most cars, don't work better on premium gas, so, unless your
car is pinging or knocking you shouldn't use higher octane gas.
If your car doesn't have a high performance engine, using the
gas that best suits your car's engine can save you $200 to $400
per year.
6. Having under inflated tires makes your engine burn about 6%
more gas so make sure you check your tire pressure regularly.
7. If your tires are improperly balanced the tread on them will
be destroyed. In addition, your suspension and shock absorbers
can be damaged leading to more expense on car parts and service.
Balancing your tires once a year can add thousands of miles to
their life.
About the author:
At http://www.mbsautoparts.com you will find discount part prices on millions of domestic and
import Auto Parts and oem parts.Cheap Mercedes Parts, BMW Parts,
Porsche Parts. Our discount prices on domestic and import truck
and car parts and accessories are unbeatable.
Taking care of your car maintenance can be very rewarding if
done properly so here's a list of seven tips that can help you
save money on your car parts and service.
1. A well tuned car can has a fuel consumption from 25% to 33%
lower than a poorly tuned car making a tune-up cheaper than
driving without it, tuning your car for better performance can
save you between $150 and $250 per year.
2. Regardless of the number of miles the manual recommends a oil
change and filter change you should change them every 3,000
miles. This is one of the most important factors in your
engine's life since it's going to prolong your engine's life and
you're going to save on engine car parts. The potential savings
are $500 to $3000.
3. Dirty air filter means more gasoline used and reduces the
engine's life so you should check it regularly, maybe monthly.
The air filter can be cleaned by blowing it with a hose or can
be replaced. You can save about $130 per year..
4. Using steel-belted radial tires can increase the number of
miles you make per year by up to 10%, saving this way about $130
per year.
5. Most cars, don't work better on premium gas, so, unless your
car is pinging or knocking you shouldn't use higher octane gas.
If your car doesn't have a high performance engine, using the
gas that best suits your car's engine can save you $200 to $400
per year.
6. Having under inflated tires makes your engine burn about 6%
more gas so make sure you check your tire pressure regularly.
7. If your tires are improperly balanced the tread on them will
be destroyed. In addition, your suspension and shock absorbers
can be damaged leading to more expense on car parts and service.
Balancing your tires once a year can add thousands of miles to
their life.
About the author:
At http://www.mbsautoparts.com you will find discount part prices on millions of domestic and
import Auto Parts and oem parts.Cheap Mercedes Parts, BMW Parts,
Porsche Parts. Our discount prices on domestic and import truck
and car parts and accessories are unbeatable.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Researching Vehicles Online
By: Amber Lowery
The purchase of a new car is a serious investment. It is best
that you do your homework before purchasing a new vehicle, to
avoid ending up with a vehicle thats overpriced or just not
right for your needs. Luckily, with the help of the internet,
you can do all of your research directly online from the comfort
of your home.
Your first goal should be to figure out what type of vehicle is
right for your family. Are you looking for a sports car, or do
you have children and need a sedan, minivan or SUV? You need to
consider how many seats you need and how much storage space for
cargo.
With todays rising gas prices, you may want to opt for the most
fuel efficient type of vehicle. In other words, carefully
compare the difference in gas mileage between two types of
vehicles before choosing the one thats right for you. A sedan
will likely use much less gas than a minivan, and if you dont
need the extra seats or cargo room, you can save a significant
ammount of fuel cost over the lifetime of a vehicle. Minivans
and SUV's use similar ammounts of gas, depending on the size of
the vehicle. A mini SUV may be a good choice over a full size
SUV, saving you money every time you fill up at the pumps.
After you know what type of vehicle you are shopping for, you
can focus on a make and model. Be sure to read reviews from
existing owners, they often times can save you from purchasing
something that isnt going to make you happy.
There are many excellent consumer review sites on the internet
that have a wealth of information on what owners like and
dislike about their vehicles.
Here are a couple of sites to get you started:
http://auto.consumerguide.com
http://www.edmunds.com
Many auto review sites also offer price guides so that you can
know in advance what the vehicle of your choice is likely to
cost you. Also, auto makers often offer price quotes directly
from their sites. You can also find additional information,
pictures, and sometimes video at the auto makers sites.
Once you have done all of your research, selected the make an
model of the vehicles you are interested in, you can then go to
your local dealership armed with all of the information
necessary to make an informed buying decision. By researching
vehicles online, you can save time, money and gain piece of
mind.
About the author:
Amber Lowery is an online publisher and is responsible for
maintaining a large network of consumer related sites. For more
articles and information on Auto Buying, visit:
http://www.newcarbuyer.info
The purchase of a new car is a serious investment. It is best
that you do your homework before purchasing a new vehicle, to
avoid ending up with a vehicle thats overpriced or just not
right for your needs. Luckily, with the help of the internet,
you can do all of your research directly online from the comfort
of your home.
Your first goal should be to figure out what type of vehicle is
right for your family. Are you looking for a sports car, or do
you have children and need a sedan, minivan or SUV? You need to
consider how many seats you need and how much storage space for
cargo.
With todays rising gas prices, you may want to opt for the most
fuel efficient type of vehicle. In other words, carefully
compare the difference in gas mileage between two types of
vehicles before choosing the one thats right for you. A sedan
will likely use much less gas than a minivan, and if you dont
need the extra seats or cargo room, you can save a significant
ammount of fuel cost over the lifetime of a vehicle. Minivans
and SUV's use similar ammounts of gas, depending on the size of
the vehicle. A mini SUV may be a good choice over a full size
SUV, saving you money every time you fill up at the pumps.
After you know what type of vehicle you are shopping for, you
can focus on a make and model. Be sure to read reviews from
existing owners, they often times can save you from purchasing
something that isnt going to make you happy.
There are many excellent consumer review sites on the internet
that have a wealth of information on what owners like and
dislike about their vehicles.
Here are a couple of sites to get you started:
http://auto.consumerguide.com
http://www.edmunds.com
Many auto review sites also offer price guides so that you can
know in advance what the vehicle of your choice is likely to
cost you. Also, auto makers often offer price quotes directly
from their sites. You can also find additional information,
pictures, and sometimes video at the auto makers sites.
Once you have done all of your research, selected the make an
model of the vehicles you are interested in, you can then go to
your local dealership armed with all of the information
necessary to make an informed buying decision. By researching
vehicles online, you can save time, money and gain piece of
mind.
About the author:
Amber Lowery is an online publisher and is responsible for
maintaining a large network of consumer related sites. For more
articles and information on Auto Buying, visit:
http://www.newcarbuyer.info
Monday, July 18, 2005
The Guide To Better Car Buying Deals
By: John G. Nuble
Buying a car is like making a journey into the unknown
especially if you do not know the meaning of mileage and the
only seats you have sat on inside a car are the ones for the
passengers. Without a map, one can get lost, confused by several
choices and generally duped into accepting a less than great a
deal.
Still like any journey, with the right guide to buying a car,
one can breeze through the experience with flying colors. Below
is a guide to getting better car buying deals not only in terms
of getting high quality cars but also in being aware of rebates
and discounts. Both online and offline transactions were
mentioned and discussed as some people are already doing their
shopping online.
Read on and see for yourself which car buying guide you already
know and which one you just heard for the very first time.
Car buying guide #1: List your requirements and stick to it.
Knowing what you need and what you want already takes you
halfway the decision-making process. List your requirements and
search for a perfect match out of the hundreds of car models
available. You can do this in the old fashion way by visiting
the car dealers near your area or the new age way through the
wonders of the World Wide Web. One car buying guide which you
should remember is to never go to dealers without having a car
in mind. Websites like CarDirect.com has a handy research tool
that can help you refine your search
Car buying guide #2: Have a budget and stick to it.
When you have already decided on your car model, you can now
look into the prices being offered by various car dealers. One
car buying guide that is really important is to do price
comparisons, which are available online at InvoiceDealers.com or
CarsDirect. You can also ask advice from people who have bought
cars in the last five years. Chances are, car dealers still have
the same practices.
Car buying guide #3: Be on the look out for special sales and
promos
Most car dealers and even websites will always come up with a
promo or a special deal guaranteed to outsell the competition.
You can also leave your contact details and ask the car dealers
that you have visited to inform you of upcoming promos. That
way, you will stay up to date and would be able to compare
different deals offered by different companies. One can also try
looking for great deals over the Internet.
Car buying guide #4: Buy at the right season
One car buying guide that is a sure hit is perfecting the timing
of buying a car. Usually, car dealers go on sale by the end of
December as there is low demand for expensive gadgets. Because
of the Christmas shopping rush, few actually buy a car at this
period of time. Another great time is on July to October where
new models have to replace the new. Sometimes, car manufacturers
even offer big discounts just to be rid of the stock.
Car buying guide #5: Beware of Add-ons
Some dealers would put add-on services that you do not really
need until the price skyrockets. Beware of these add-ons and
really determine if that is something that you would like for
your car.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
Buying a car is like making a journey into the unknown
especially if you do not know the meaning of mileage and the
only seats you have sat on inside a car are the ones for the
passengers. Without a map, one can get lost, confused by several
choices and generally duped into accepting a less than great a
deal.
Still like any journey, with the right guide to buying a car,
one can breeze through the experience with flying colors. Below
is a guide to getting better car buying deals not only in terms
of getting high quality cars but also in being aware of rebates
and discounts. Both online and offline transactions were
mentioned and discussed as some people are already doing their
shopping online.
Read on and see for yourself which car buying guide you already
know and which one you just heard for the very first time.
Car buying guide #1: List your requirements and stick to it.
Knowing what you need and what you want already takes you
halfway the decision-making process. List your requirements and
search for a perfect match out of the hundreds of car models
available. You can do this in the old fashion way by visiting
the car dealers near your area or the new age way through the
wonders of the World Wide Web. One car buying guide which you
should remember is to never go to dealers without having a car
in mind. Websites like CarDirect.com has a handy research tool
that can help you refine your search
Car buying guide #2: Have a budget and stick to it.
When you have already decided on your car model, you can now
look into the prices being offered by various car dealers. One
car buying guide that is really important is to do price
comparisons, which are available online at InvoiceDealers.com or
CarsDirect. You can also ask advice from people who have bought
cars in the last five years. Chances are, car dealers still have
the same practices.
Car buying guide #3: Be on the look out for special sales and
promos
Most car dealers and even websites will always come up with a
promo or a special deal guaranteed to outsell the competition.
You can also leave your contact details and ask the car dealers
that you have visited to inform you of upcoming promos. That
way, you will stay up to date and would be able to compare
different deals offered by different companies. One can also try
looking for great deals over the Internet.
Car buying guide #4: Buy at the right season
One car buying guide that is a sure hit is perfecting the timing
of buying a car. Usually, car dealers go on sale by the end of
December as there is low demand for expensive gadgets. Because
of the Christmas shopping rush, few actually buy a car at this
period of time. Another great time is on July to October where
new models have to replace the new. Sometimes, car manufacturers
even offer big discounts just to be rid of the stock.
Car buying guide #5: Beware of Add-ons
Some dealers would put add-on services that you do not really
need until the price skyrockets. Beware of these add-ons and
really determine if that is something that you would like for
your car.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
Sunday, July 17, 2005
What You Should Not Do When Buying A New Car
By: John G. Nuble
For people who have failed their mechanical aptitude test, the
difference between a handbrake and the fender would probably be
something that needs consulting in the dictionary. Buying a new
car is never easy but for some it can even rival the SAT.
With hundreds of articles handing out tips in buying a new car,
you should know by now what you should look for, what you should
bring and what else you should do, but do you know what you
should not do when buying that new car you want?
Never go without knowing what you want.
In buying a new car, it is not uncommon to have one or two
choices but please keep it at that. Having more than two choices
will spell not only trouble for your pocket but also a waste of
your time. Knowing what you want when buying a new car will give
you the confidence to talk to car dealers plus it will also
enable you to ask questions specific to the car model. This will
also allow you to do some research before hitting the stores.
Believe this, there is no one dubious car dealers want more than
buyers who do not have an idea what they want when buying a new
car.
Never negotiate for something that you know nothing of
When haggling with dealers, do not negotiate until you have
already canvassed the price. This is a no no in buying a new
car. If you have no time to scout for car prices, you can always
go to your car dealer's websites or even ask friends and people
you work with. Just tell them you are buying a new car and they
will be more than happy to help. That way, you know what the
bottomline and you know whether that bottomline can fit your
budget.
Never let on that you absolutely need the car
Attitude is the name of the game when buying a new car. Remember
that dealers need you more than you need them, so don't act as
if the car is the last of its model on earth (unless it's
vintage). In buying a new car, do it with professional savvy.
Never let on that you are desperate for their product or that
their price is the lowest you have seen in a hundred miles
radius. Be cool when buying a new car and you'll surely get a
cool deal.
Never let one dealer buy you a car from another dealer
While others do this because of the absolute lack of time, it is
still not advisable especially if you are buying a new car for
the first time. Some dealers may not only try to sell you the
car at a higher price, they might even try to scam you. If you
absolutely have to do it, do not sign anything or put down a
deposit until you have seen the product in the flesh.
Never take on add-on fees until you have reviewed them
Scammers plague people who are buying a new car for the first
time. Because they know that you don't have much experience in
buying a new car, dealers will sometimes put on additional
somethings to the final cost of the car such as "rustproofing,"
"environmental prep," and a host of others. Beware of this
first-time buyer scams.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us
For people who have failed their mechanical aptitude test, the
difference between a handbrake and the fender would probably be
something that needs consulting in the dictionary. Buying a new
car is never easy but for some it can even rival the SAT.
With hundreds of articles handing out tips in buying a new car,
you should know by now what you should look for, what you should
bring and what else you should do, but do you know what you
should not do when buying that new car you want?
Never go without knowing what you want.
In buying a new car, it is not uncommon to have one or two
choices but please keep it at that. Having more than two choices
will spell not only trouble for your pocket but also a waste of
your time. Knowing what you want when buying a new car will give
you the confidence to talk to car dealers plus it will also
enable you to ask questions specific to the car model. This will
also allow you to do some research before hitting the stores.
Believe this, there is no one dubious car dealers want more than
buyers who do not have an idea what they want when buying a new
car.
Never negotiate for something that you know nothing of
When haggling with dealers, do not negotiate until you have
already canvassed the price. This is a no no in buying a new
car. If you have no time to scout for car prices, you can always
go to your car dealer's websites or even ask friends and people
you work with. Just tell them you are buying a new car and they
will be more than happy to help. That way, you know what the
bottomline and you know whether that bottomline can fit your
budget.
Never let on that you absolutely need the car
Attitude is the name of the game when buying a new car. Remember
that dealers need you more than you need them, so don't act as
if the car is the last of its model on earth (unless it's
vintage). In buying a new car, do it with professional savvy.
Never let on that you are desperate for their product or that
their price is the lowest you have seen in a hundred miles
radius. Be cool when buying a new car and you'll surely get a
cool deal.
Never let one dealer buy you a car from another dealer
While others do this because of the absolute lack of time, it is
still not advisable especially if you are buying a new car for
the first time. Some dealers may not only try to sell you the
car at a higher price, they might even try to scam you. If you
absolutely have to do it, do not sign anything or put down a
deposit until you have seen the product in the flesh.
Never take on add-on fees until you have reviewed them
Scammers plague people who are buying a new car for the first
time. Because they know that you don't have much experience in
buying a new car, dealers will sometimes put on additional
somethings to the final cost of the car such as "rustproofing,"
"environmental prep," and a host of others. Beware of this
first-time buyer scams.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
GM Employee Discounts For Everyone
Since June, GM has been offering "employee discounts" for everyone. This is a great deal. Take advantage of it while you can. You can get an online quote below.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Summer Car Deals
Summer is one of the best times to buy a new car. The new models will be arriving shortly and the dealers and auto companies want to sell off waht they have left to make room for the 2006's. Check out the link below and get a free quote on a new car.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Explained
By: Belinda Ramos
A question you might ask yourself is: why must we carry auto
insurance? Hopefully one answer you should hear is to protect
yourself and your car. For those same reasons the government
also requires you to have car insurance.
The state of Florida requires you to carry at least the minimum
requirements, which is property damage at ten thousand dollars
and personal injury protection at ten thousand dollars. Property
damage covers another person's vehicle if you are at fault in an
accident. Personal injury protection covers 80 percent of
medical expenses and 60 percent of loss wages as well as up to a
five thousand dollar death benefit for you and your relatives
(that reside with you), minus the deductible if it applies. This
coverage would protect you in case there is any damage to other
vehicles and gives you medical coverage for yourself.
There are many different types of auto insurance coverage to
choose from, depending on what you want covered and what you can
afford. Where should you get started?
First you should ask yourself if you have enough coverage in
case of an incident occurring. Besides the minimum requirement
coverage previously mentioned, there is another type of coverage
that is very important, bodily injury.
Bodily injury coverage is not required by the state of Florida
until you get into an auto accident. This would cover you if you
were at fault in an accident and the person in the other vehicle
suffered injuries exceeding their personal injury coverage. If
you did not have this coverage the other party has the right to
sue and the state may place a financial responsibility on your
motor vehicle report, which you would have to carry for 3 years.
That financial responsibility is called an SR22.
Uninsured motorist is another coverage you may want to consider.
Uninsured motorist covers you if the other party was at fault
and you were injured (exceeding your personal injury coverage)
and they did not have bodily injury coverage. You may use this
coverage to cover the difference of your injuries.
Where does you car fit for injury theft and collision? What
about your dream car? Take a look at this run down based on
2000-2002 HLDI data:
There are two more very important types of coverage that you
might want to explore they are: comprehensive and collision.
Comprehensive coverage would cover your vehicle in the event of
fire, theft, vandalism, hail storm damage or any natural causes
minus the deductible you agreed upon when purchasing your
insurance.
Collision coverage would cover physical damage to your vehicle,
if you were at fault in the accident, minus the deductible. The
insurance company would pay the actual cash value of your
vehicle. If your vehicle is financed comprehensive and collision
coverage are possibly are required by your lending institution.
Extra medical payment coverage can also be provided if you are
interested and the list goes on. All types of coverage are
important but the reality of it is, what we can afford? Keep in
mind your life and your family is very important so having
insurance should be one of your main priorities.
With the web easily accessible you have a vast amount of
knowledge at your fingertips to help you choose the best
coverage for you and your lifestyle. Life is too short, get good
advice and get the right insurance coverage for you and your
family.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Auto Insurance Quotes
About the author:
Belinda Ramos is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can
visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact
them at 1-877-327-8728.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in
some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly,
online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance.
Buy online...anytime!
A question you might ask yourself is: why must we carry auto
insurance? Hopefully one answer you should hear is to protect
yourself and your car. For those same reasons the government
also requires you to have car insurance.
The state of Florida requires you to carry at least the minimum
requirements, which is property damage at ten thousand dollars
and personal injury protection at ten thousand dollars. Property
damage covers another person's vehicle if you are at fault in an
accident. Personal injury protection covers 80 percent of
medical expenses and 60 percent of loss wages as well as up to a
five thousand dollar death benefit for you and your relatives
(that reside with you), minus the deductible if it applies. This
coverage would protect you in case there is any damage to other
vehicles and gives you medical coverage for yourself.
There are many different types of auto insurance coverage to
choose from, depending on what you want covered and what you can
afford. Where should you get started?
First you should ask yourself if you have enough coverage in
case of an incident occurring. Besides the minimum requirement
coverage previously mentioned, there is another type of coverage
that is very important, bodily injury.
Bodily injury coverage is not required by the state of Florida
until you get into an auto accident. This would cover you if you
were at fault in an accident and the person in the other vehicle
suffered injuries exceeding their personal injury coverage. If
you did not have this coverage the other party has the right to
sue and the state may place a financial responsibility on your
motor vehicle report, which you would have to carry for 3 years.
That financial responsibility is called an SR22.
Uninsured motorist is another coverage you may want to consider.
Uninsured motorist covers you if the other party was at fault
and you were injured (exceeding your personal injury coverage)
and they did not have bodily injury coverage. You may use this
coverage to cover the difference of your injuries.
Where does you car fit for injury theft and collision? What
about your dream car? Take a look at this run down based on
2000-2002 HLDI data:
There are two more very important types of coverage that you
might want to explore they are: comprehensive and collision.
Comprehensive coverage would cover your vehicle in the event of
fire, theft, vandalism, hail storm damage or any natural causes
minus the deductible you agreed upon when purchasing your
insurance.
Collision coverage would cover physical damage to your vehicle,
if you were at fault in the accident, minus the deductible. The
insurance company would pay the actual cash value of your
vehicle. If your vehicle is financed comprehensive and collision
coverage are possibly are required by your lending institution.
Extra medical payment coverage can also be provided if you are
interested and the list goes on. All types of coverage are
important but the reality of it is, what we can afford? Keep in
mind your life and your family is very important so having
insurance should be one of your main priorities.
With the web easily accessible you have a vast amount of
knowledge at your fingertips to help you choose the best
coverage for you and your lifestyle. Life is too short, get good
advice and get the right insurance coverage for you and your
family.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Auto Insurance Quotes
About the author:
Belinda Ramos is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can
visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact
them at 1-877-327-8728.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in
some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly,
online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance.
Buy online...anytime!
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Car Detailing Manuals - Tips and Tricks that Save!
By: The Motor Bookstore
If your idea of car detailing is washing and waxing your car,
you might be in for a bit of a shock. While you can save a lot
of money making this a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, this is
definitely a skill which has been developed over the years.
If you do not want to pay the detail shops to perform this work
for you, buying a DIY manual on car detailing is probably the next best step.
A manual will provide time-saving shortcuts, as well as tips to
give you the professional edge you need.
Repair Minor Body Damage
We all hate the annoying dings and scratches we get from
everyday driving. Luckily, a repair book can save you a lot of
money. There are many how-to tips which will enable you to
repair simple dents (such as hail damage), saving hundreds or
even thousands of dollars.
Waxing and Buffing Techniques
Think you know how to wax a car? Well, after reading a manual
you might find out you didn't know as much as you thought!
First, you need to start with the right type of polish or wax
for your vehicle. Understanding the chemical and material makeup
which provides the best shine and long-term protection will help
you determine what type of wax to buy. Most do-it-yourself
guides will even list a comparison of the most popular brands
(so make sure you purchase a recent version).
Interior Preservation
The best way to make sure you don't have to restore your
interior is by preserving it. Easy how-to instructions explain
the best way to care for leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, and
cloth seats. You will also learn about wear patterns, and how to
prevent them. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
Interior Restoration
Although it is possible to completely restore the interior of a
vehicle by having new upholstery installed, this is not always
the most practical-or cheapest-method. Car detailing manuals
demonstrate common methods to repair small tears in cloth,
leather, and vinyl. They will also show you how to bring life
back into your worn fabric, which is valuable since it is not
always easy to find an exact match on vintage vehicles.
Engine Detailing
If you have ever purchased a car, surely one of the first things
you did was open the hood to look at the engine - even if you
didn't have a clue what you were looking for! Whether you are
looking to care for your existing car, baby your classic, or
spruce up a bit before you sell, engine detailing is one of the
most important steps in car detailing.
It is extremely important to follow the instructions in the
do-it-yourself manuals. Some cleaning chemicals can cause
accelerated deterioration of hoses and electrical components.
Certain cleansers are not meant for automotive use, and their
residue can remain flammable for several hours. Following a
manual will prevent you from making the basic mistakes, show you
the best techniques and tools to use (saving you scrapes on your
hands as well as time), and can even help you create your own
cleaning products which are just as effective as the one sold in
your automotive store.
Wheel and Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires looking good is a great way to keep your car
looking good as new. While there are many great products out
there to make your tires look great, you should know which ones
clean, and which ones leave a residue all over the rubber which
will haunt you once the shine wears off. When it come to wheels,
it is important to keep them clean and protected. Small rocks
and other debris on the road will put small pits in your wheels,
making them more susceptible to rust and corrosion. A good
how-to book shows you how to clean and protect your wheels so
they look brand new for years.
It Just Makes Sense
Owning a how-to manual or book just makes sense. For a few
dollars, you will have a wealth of knowledge and a handy
reference guide to look at while you are detailing your car. You
will pick up time-saving techniques and money-saving tricks that
will improve the overall quality and safety of your DIY projects.
It just may turn out that car
detailing will be a perfect new hobby for you!
About the author:
The Motor
Bookstore sells repair and service manuals for cars, trucks,
motorcycles, boats, farm tractors, and much more.
If your idea of car detailing is washing and waxing your car,
you might be in for a bit of a shock. While you can save a lot
of money making this a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, this is
definitely a skill which has been developed over the years.
If you do not want to pay the detail shops to perform this work
for you, buying a DIY manual on car detailing is probably the next best step.
A manual will provide time-saving shortcuts, as well as tips to
give you the professional edge you need.
Repair Minor Body Damage
We all hate the annoying dings and scratches we get from
everyday driving. Luckily, a repair book can save you a lot of
money. There are many how-to tips which will enable you to
repair simple dents (such as hail damage), saving hundreds or
even thousands of dollars.
Waxing and Buffing Techniques
Think you know how to wax a car? Well, after reading a manual
you might find out you didn't know as much as you thought!
First, you need to start with the right type of polish or wax
for your vehicle. Understanding the chemical and material makeup
which provides the best shine and long-term protection will help
you determine what type of wax to buy. Most do-it-yourself
guides will even list a comparison of the most popular brands
(so make sure you purchase a recent version).
Interior Preservation
The best way to make sure you don't have to restore your
interior is by preserving it. Easy how-to instructions explain
the best way to care for leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, and
cloth seats. You will also learn about wear patterns, and how to
prevent them. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
Interior Restoration
Although it is possible to completely restore the interior of a
vehicle by having new upholstery installed, this is not always
the most practical-or cheapest-method. Car detailing manuals
demonstrate common methods to repair small tears in cloth,
leather, and vinyl. They will also show you how to bring life
back into your worn fabric, which is valuable since it is not
always easy to find an exact match on vintage vehicles.
Engine Detailing
If you have ever purchased a car, surely one of the first things
you did was open the hood to look at the engine - even if you
didn't have a clue what you were looking for! Whether you are
looking to care for your existing car, baby your classic, or
spruce up a bit before you sell, engine detailing is one of the
most important steps in car detailing.
It is extremely important to follow the instructions in the
do-it-yourself manuals. Some cleaning chemicals can cause
accelerated deterioration of hoses and electrical components.
Certain cleansers are not meant for automotive use, and their
residue can remain flammable for several hours. Following a
manual will prevent you from making the basic mistakes, show you
the best techniques and tools to use (saving you scrapes on your
hands as well as time), and can even help you create your own
cleaning products which are just as effective as the one sold in
your automotive store.
Wheel and Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires looking good is a great way to keep your car
looking good as new. While there are many great products out
there to make your tires look great, you should know which ones
clean, and which ones leave a residue all over the rubber which
will haunt you once the shine wears off. When it come to wheels,
it is important to keep them clean and protected. Small rocks
and other debris on the road will put small pits in your wheels,
making them more susceptible to rust and corrosion. A good
how-to book shows you how to clean and protect your wheels so
they look brand new for years.
It Just Makes Sense
Owning a how-to manual or book just makes sense. For a few
dollars, you will have a wealth of knowledge and a handy
reference guide to look at while you are detailing your car. You
will pick up time-saving techniques and money-saving tricks that
will improve the overall quality and safety of your DIY projects.
It just may turn out that car
detailing will be a perfect new hobby for you!
About the author:
The Motor
Bookstore sells repair and service manuals for cars, trucks,
motorcycles, boats, farm tractors, and much more.
Auto Auction Success Tips
By: Graeme Sprigge
Article:
Here are some success tips that will help you buy a car at an
auto auction.
1) Research your car 2) Don't go to the auction after an
argument or when you are in a bad mood. You need to stay
focused. 3) Be willing to walk away. There will always be
another opportunity. It's very easy to get excited. 4) Avoid
bidding on bargains that you see, but haven't checked out. 5)
Make sure you include other fees into the price.
These are just a few short tips out of the many in my book. If
you are serious about buying and selling cars at auto auctions
you should check it out.
About the author:
Graeme Sprigge is the author of Motor Auction Profit Secrets.
http://www.90minutecarsalesman.com/motorauctionprofitsecrets.html
Copyright 2005 Graeme Sprigge
Article:
Here are some success tips that will help you buy a car at an
auto auction.
1) Research your car 2) Don't go to the auction after an
argument or when you are in a bad mood. You need to stay
focused. 3) Be willing to walk away. There will always be
another opportunity. It's very easy to get excited. 4) Avoid
bidding on bargains that you see, but haven't checked out. 5)
Make sure you include other fees into the price.
These are just a few short tips out of the many in my book. If
you are serious about buying and selling cars at auto auctions
you should check it out.
About the author:
Graeme Sprigge is the author of Motor Auction Profit Secrets.
http://www.90minutecarsalesman.com/motorauctionprofitsecrets.html
Copyright 2005 Graeme Sprigge
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Online Sales and The Auto Dealer
By: Cherie Szilvagyi
Auto Dealers are finding selling their vehicles online hit or miss at best. Auto Trader and Ebay along with Smart Auction from General Motors are offering some of the best options to an Auto Dealer. Why is it that less than 10% of the vehicles listed online are actually selling? There are plenty of companies offering solutions but none seem to be working on a consistent basis. What about the dealer with an internet department? Is he any more successful?
Internet selling has gotten to be big business for the local Auto Dealer. Large or small dealers have different needs but the same outcome. Selling successfully online is a necessary addition to their bottom line and overall sales numbers. Each and every dealer, no matter the size, needs to be able to sell effectively online.
The time and money that selling online costs the Auto Dealer can be a lot less than classic print, radio and television advertising. So why has the local dealer stayed away from selling online? Most are intimidated by a market that is selling less than 10% of the vehicles that are listed in a medium they do not understand.
Selling online needs an expertise that most dealers lack. Some dealers lack the size to handle supporting an internet department. There are companies out there that are offering a total solution to online sales. These companies can handle an effective, profitable internet department for each and every dealer, no matter the size.
A comprehensive internet strategy is needed to sell effectively online. A good consulting firm that brings expertise in auto sales, internet sales and technical computer skills. All of these skills are needed by the dealership to handle selling online effectively. When a dealer sells online effectively, profits and sales soar.
Accomplishing a comprehensive plan to sell online is being offered by very few companies in today’s market. What a dealer needs to look for is a consulting firm that is grounded in all three areas of online sales. Consulting firms that have Auto dealer experience, online sales experience and technical experience with building the software to accomplish an ease to selling online are necessary to meet the goal for the average dealer. These areas all need to be addressed to make a dealer self sufficient in online sales.
Dealers have found that keeping inventory fresh and up to date on their websites can be time consuming and not a profitable endeavor. Profitability in today’s market is essential to a dealer whether small or large. Online solutions are costly and hard to come by, but essential to a dealership.
Is there a solution? Hiring a company with auto experience, internet experience and technical experience is what the smart dealers are doing. Sell through ratios of these companies need to be checked and a company chosen that will effectively sell vehicles time and time again. There is a secret to selling online that major dealers and small dealers alike have found. To sell effectively online you need the right consulting firm to handle the details, leaving dealership personnel free to handle the sales. Sales are a given when the right online sales consulting firm is left to handle the management of online sales strategies. Hiring the right consulting firm for your online sales is essential to successfully selling online. These companies can accomplish positive online sales results more cost effectively than the local Auto Dealer.
Cherie Szilvagyi www.automobileclearinghouse.com
About The Author
Cherie Szilvagyi 17 years Auto Dealer experience, 3 years effective online sales experience, software programmer and CEO of www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com.
cherie@automobileclearinghouse.com
Auto Dealers are finding selling their vehicles online hit or miss at best. Auto Trader and Ebay along with Smart Auction from General Motors are offering some of the best options to an Auto Dealer. Why is it that less than 10% of the vehicles listed online are actually selling? There are plenty of companies offering solutions but none seem to be working on a consistent basis. What about the dealer with an internet department? Is he any more successful?
Internet selling has gotten to be big business for the local Auto Dealer. Large or small dealers have different needs but the same outcome. Selling successfully online is a necessary addition to their bottom line and overall sales numbers. Each and every dealer, no matter the size, needs to be able to sell effectively online.
The time and money that selling online costs the Auto Dealer can be a lot less than classic print, radio and television advertising. So why has the local dealer stayed away from selling online? Most are intimidated by a market that is selling less than 10% of the vehicles that are listed in a medium they do not understand.
Selling online needs an expertise that most dealers lack. Some dealers lack the size to handle supporting an internet department. There are companies out there that are offering a total solution to online sales. These companies can handle an effective, profitable internet department for each and every dealer, no matter the size.
A comprehensive internet strategy is needed to sell effectively online. A good consulting firm that brings expertise in auto sales, internet sales and technical computer skills. All of these skills are needed by the dealership to handle selling online effectively. When a dealer sells online effectively, profits and sales soar.
Accomplishing a comprehensive plan to sell online is being offered by very few companies in today’s market. What a dealer needs to look for is a consulting firm that is grounded in all three areas of online sales. Consulting firms that have Auto dealer experience, online sales experience and technical experience with building the software to accomplish an ease to selling online are necessary to meet the goal for the average dealer. These areas all need to be addressed to make a dealer self sufficient in online sales.
Dealers have found that keeping inventory fresh and up to date on their websites can be time consuming and not a profitable endeavor. Profitability in today’s market is essential to a dealer whether small or large. Online solutions are costly and hard to come by, but essential to a dealership.
Is there a solution? Hiring a company with auto experience, internet experience and technical experience is what the smart dealers are doing. Sell through ratios of these companies need to be checked and a company chosen that will effectively sell vehicles time and time again. There is a secret to selling online that major dealers and small dealers alike have found. To sell effectively online you need the right consulting firm to handle the details, leaving dealership personnel free to handle the sales. Sales are a given when the right online sales consulting firm is left to handle the management of online sales strategies. Hiring the right consulting firm for your online sales is essential to successfully selling online. These companies can accomplish positive online sales results more cost effectively than the local Auto Dealer.
Cherie Szilvagyi www.automobileclearinghouse.com
About The Author
Cherie Szilvagyi 17 years Auto Dealer experience, 3 years effective online sales experience, software programmer and CEO of www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com.
cherie@automobileclearinghouse.com
Is Your Car a Lemon?
By: Steven Chabotte
There are very few things more satisfying than buying a new car. There is great pride of ownership and a feeling of accomplishment and pride as you drive around town in your new vehicle. For most of us, that new car excitement lasts until we must make our first payment or until we get our first parking lot ding. For an unlucky few, they wish these were the only negatives that they had to worry about.
These unlucky few are the people who find themselves with an automobile that will, after much frustration and exhaustion on the part of the owner, be classified on a lemon.
So just what is a lemon car? After all, we've all had the occasional breakdown of some part of our car. And no matter when it happens, it is extremely inconvenient (and often quite expensive.) When does "regular wear and tear" flow into the realm of having a true lemon.
Typically a lemon is a new vehicle (or in some states a used vehicle under certain circumstances) that has had a large number of repair attempts on a single defect or an overall large number of repair attempts overall. It can also include just a single repair attempt on a portion of the car where failure could be a life threatening situation. Each state has their own lemon law warranty act and each of them defines what will make a vehicle a lemon. For instance, in California, a lemon automobile can be summarized as follows:
Vehicles Covered by California Lemon Law - California lemon law covers any new motor vehicle used primarily for family, personal or household purposes. It also includes the chassis portion of motor homes.
Repair Interval / Coverage Period Details - To be considered a lemon law vehicle in California , the vehicle must either be out of service for 30 calendar days or have 2 repair attempt for a defect that could cause death or a serious injury or have 4 repairs for the same defect. The coverage period is for 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
(Lemon law summaries and the statutes for all 50 states and Washington DC can be found at the Lemon Law Resources website at http://www.lemonlawresources.com.)
If you believe your car is a lemon, it is very important that you have proper records to show this. That means that each time you go to your service center, it is very important that they record exactly what you believe the problem is in the car and specify what they did to try to solve the problem. You need to do this for two reasons. First, you will need these records when making a claim for restitution. Second, for these "mystery" problems, dealers will try many different things and it may not be clear to an adjuster that they were all related unless you ensure this is the case on the receipts.
Once your car has passed the state hurdle to be classified to become a lemon, you must take actions to get restitution. Each state has a different procedure you must follow. Some states requre that you send a letter to the manufacturer to give them one last chance to repair the defect. Other states have arbitration panels you must deal with to get restitution.
No matter what method the state has in place for you to seek restitution, you always have the option of working with an attorney if you do not feel the issue was solved to your satisfaction. You should consider an attorney as a last resort as not all states allow you to be reimbursed for your legal fees if you win. (And of course if you lose, you would not get reimbursed.) So as frustrating as this situation may be, it is best to persue all state sponsored remedies before seeking legal help.
What happens if you win?
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon under your state's law, you are entitled to a refund or a comparable replacement vehicle. A comparable vehicle most be indentical or a reasonable equivalent of your current vehicle. A refund will include your purchase price, taxes and any other options installed in the vehicle minus a usage fee based on how much you used the car. The terms will very a bit from state to state but this is generally what you can expect.
What happens to the car after the manufactuer takes it back?
The manufacturer will generally recondition it and put it back for sale within its network. Depending on the state where the problem occurred, the title may or may not be stamped with a phrase like "Lemon Law Buyback" when it is returned to that state for resale. However, not all states require this and if the car was transferred from one state to another, the information may not follow on the title issued from the new state.
Used car buyer beware!
While lemon cars are only a very small percentage of the used cars that are sold, this issue with titles not always conveying the true history of the car, it shows the importance of doing research on any used car purchase. If you are buying a used car from a dealer, you should insist on a Carfax lemon check report and if you are buying from an individual, you should do one yourself at carfax.com. It is a very reasonable price to pay to be sure your car has no hidden defects.
About The Author
Steven Chabotte is a freelance writer that writes for Lemon Law Resources http://www.lemonlawresources.com and My Attorney Finder http://www.myattorneyfinder.com.
articles@myattorneyfinder.com
There are very few things more satisfying than buying a new car. There is great pride of ownership and a feeling of accomplishment and pride as you drive around town in your new vehicle. For most of us, that new car excitement lasts until we must make our first payment or until we get our first parking lot ding. For an unlucky few, they wish these were the only negatives that they had to worry about.
These unlucky few are the people who find themselves with an automobile that will, after much frustration and exhaustion on the part of the owner, be classified on a lemon.
So just what is a lemon car? After all, we've all had the occasional breakdown of some part of our car. And no matter when it happens, it is extremely inconvenient (and often quite expensive.) When does "regular wear and tear" flow into the realm of having a true lemon.
Typically a lemon is a new vehicle (or in some states a used vehicle under certain circumstances) that has had a large number of repair attempts on a single defect or an overall large number of repair attempts overall. It can also include just a single repair attempt on a portion of the car where failure could be a life threatening situation. Each state has their own lemon law warranty act and each of them defines what will make a vehicle a lemon. For instance, in California, a lemon automobile can be summarized as follows:
Vehicles Covered by California Lemon Law - California lemon law covers any new motor vehicle used primarily for family, personal or household purposes. It also includes the chassis portion of motor homes.
Repair Interval / Coverage Period Details - To be considered a lemon law vehicle in California , the vehicle must either be out of service for 30 calendar days or have 2 repair attempt for a defect that could cause death or a serious injury or have 4 repairs for the same defect. The coverage period is for 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
(Lemon law summaries and the statutes for all 50 states and Washington DC can be found at the Lemon Law Resources website at http://www.lemonlawresources.com.)
If you believe your car is a lemon, it is very important that you have proper records to show this. That means that each time you go to your service center, it is very important that they record exactly what you believe the problem is in the car and specify what they did to try to solve the problem. You need to do this for two reasons. First, you will need these records when making a claim for restitution. Second, for these "mystery" problems, dealers will try many different things and it may not be clear to an adjuster that they were all related unless you ensure this is the case on the receipts.
Once your car has passed the state hurdle to be classified to become a lemon, you must take actions to get restitution. Each state has a different procedure you must follow. Some states requre that you send a letter to the manufacturer to give them one last chance to repair the defect. Other states have arbitration panels you must deal with to get restitution.
No matter what method the state has in place for you to seek restitution, you always have the option of working with an attorney if you do not feel the issue was solved to your satisfaction. You should consider an attorney as a last resort as not all states allow you to be reimbursed for your legal fees if you win. (And of course if you lose, you would not get reimbursed.) So as frustrating as this situation may be, it is best to persue all state sponsored remedies before seeking legal help.
What happens if you win?
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon under your state's law, you are entitled to a refund or a comparable replacement vehicle. A comparable vehicle most be indentical or a reasonable equivalent of your current vehicle. A refund will include your purchase price, taxes and any other options installed in the vehicle minus a usage fee based on how much you used the car. The terms will very a bit from state to state but this is generally what you can expect.
What happens to the car after the manufactuer takes it back?
The manufacturer will generally recondition it and put it back for sale within its network. Depending on the state where the problem occurred, the title may or may not be stamped with a phrase like "Lemon Law Buyback" when it is returned to that state for resale. However, not all states require this and if the car was transferred from one state to another, the information may not follow on the title issued from the new state.
Used car buyer beware!
While lemon cars are only a very small percentage of the used cars that are sold, this issue with titles not always conveying the true history of the car, it shows the importance of doing research on any used car purchase. If you are buying a used car from a dealer, you should insist on a Carfax lemon check report and if you are buying from an individual, you should do one yourself at carfax.com. It is a very reasonable price to pay to be sure your car has no hidden defects.
About The Author
Steven Chabotte is a freelance writer that writes for Lemon Law Resources http://www.lemonlawresources.com and My Attorney Finder http://www.myattorneyfinder.com.
articles@myattorneyfinder.com
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com Launches New Website Dedicated to
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Sarah Breeding CollectorCarTraderOnline.com
sarah.breeding@traderonline.com (877) 354-4066 ext 6059 voice
(757) 282-6025 fax
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com Launches New Website Dedicated to
the Buying and Selling of Exotic Vehicles.
Virginia Beach, Virginia - July 6, 2005 -
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com [CCTOL.com], a division of
TraderOnline.com, announced the launch of its newest Web site
specifically for the exotic vehicle market.
ExoticTraderOnline.com is an online site for those interested in
buying and selling exotic cars. The site combines the
user-friendly format of CCTOL.com with a modern, sleek feel and
a database of exotic vehicles only.
The website will give dealers an opportunity to reach people who
are specifically interested in exotic vehicles. "We found that
many of our dealers were successful with CCTOL.com and were
looking for an avenue to specifically target the exotic market.
So, we decided to create a forum for exotic dealers to showcase
and sell their inventory online and have it reach a more
targeted audience," says Marcus Dame, Business Development
Manager, CollectorCarTraderOnline.com. "ExoticTraderOnline.com
gives these dealers what they want; the same value,
professionalism and results provided by CCTOL.com but aimed
directly at the niche market of exotic vehicles."
Exotic Dealers and private party sellers will be able to tap
into the traffic coming to CCTOL.com searching for exotic
vehicles. People who come to CCTOL.com to search for exotics
will automatically be redirected to ExoticTraderOnline.com.
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com is the Web's premier online
classified site for specialty vehicles. They receive
approximately 1.5 million visitors, 9 million searches, and 28
million page views monthly.
For more information, contact Sarah Breeding at (877)354-4066
ext 6059 or visit www.CCTOL.com ###
About the author:
Sarah Breeding is the Marketing Coordinator for Collector Car
Trader Web Services.
Media Contact: Sarah Breeding CollectorCarTraderOnline.com
sarah.breeding@traderonline.com (877) 354-4066 ext 6059 voice
(757) 282-6025 fax
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com Launches New Website Dedicated to
the Buying and Selling of Exotic Vehicles.
Virginia Beach, Virginia - July 6, 2005 -
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com [CCTOL.com], a division of
TraderOnline.com, announced the launch of its newest Web site
specifically for the exotic vehicle market.
ExoticTraderOnline.com is an online site for those interested in
buying and selling exotic cars. The site combines the
user-friendly format of CCTOL.com with a modern, sleek feel and
a database of exotic vehicles only.
The website will give dealers an opportunity to reach people who
are specifically interested in exotic vehicles. "We found that
many of our dealers were successful with CCTOL.com and were
looking for an avenue to specifically target the exotic market.
So, we decided to create a forum for exotic dealers to showcase
and sell their inventory online and have it reach a more
targeted audience," says Marcus Dame, Business Development
Manager, CollectorCarTraderOnline.com. "ExoticTraderOnline.com
gives these dealers what they want; the same value,
professionalism and results provided by CCTOL.com but aimed
directly at the niche market of exotic vehicles."
Exotic Dealers and private party sellers will be able to tap
into the traffic coming to CCTOL.com searching for exotic
vehicles. People who come to CCTOL.com to search for exotics
will automatically be redirected to ExoticTraderOnline.com.
CollectorCarTraderOnline.com is the Web's premier online
classified site for specialty vehicles. They receive
approximately 1.5 million visitors, 9 million searches, and 28
million page views monthly.
For more information, contact Sarah Breeding at (877)354-4066
ext 6059 or visit www.CCTOL.com ###
About the author:
Sarah Breeding is the Marketing Coordinator for Collector Car
Trader Web Services.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Car Insurance Discounts
by: Tim Register
Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver's discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.
You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Discount Car Insurance
About The Author
Tim Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver's discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.
You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Discount Car Insurance
About The Author
Tim Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Hybrid Hype and a Small Price Hike
by: Michael Walker
Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lot—that they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’re not sacrificing performance and that they’re helping the environment.
Let’s first take a look at how these cars are put together. First, we have to understand the concept of “hybrid”. A hybrid car might be defined as any vehicle that uses two or more sources of energy to propel itself. Seems simple enough. Hybrid machinery is all around us in the form of diesel-electric, such as city buses, and nuclear-electric, such as those used on many US submarines. So, the idea and the technology have been around awhile—it’s just now that another energy scare like that of the 1970s, that we start becoming resourceful and a little ingenious. Hybrid power is on the up-rise (and in-demand) only because the two different types of propulsion possibilities (gasoline/diesel and electric) standing alone have proven an ineffective means to get both power and efficiency in one package. But, working together, there is promise.
A hybrid car, in modern terminology, is usually referring to any car that has a combination of an electric and a gasoline (or diesel) motors. These cars use kinetic energy (referred to as regenerative breaking), absorbed by your breaks when you slow down to a stop, to recharge batteries that in turn push the electric motor. All of this is combined into one finely tuned schematic—the result being power to the transmission and propulsion power (i.e. wheel movement).
All hybrids contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission.
There are basically two different types of hybrid engines. The first is a parallel hybrid. This sort of hybrid actually contains both a gasoline and electric motor that both operate independently to propel the car forward. It’s designed to have two power sources working with one goal in mind. In many ways, they are still “connected”.
The second hybrid is often referred to as a series hybrid. In a series hybrid, the gas or diesel powered engine doesn’t connect to the transmission directly, meaning that it doesn’t actually propel the car by itself. It actually works indirectly, powering a generator, which in turn (controlled by computer monitoring systems) either feeds power to the batteries or directly feeds power to an electric motor that connects to the transmission.
As stated above, hybrid buyers are looking for the combination (and compromise) of power and energy that these cars seem to provide. Many gas-powered cars have a lot of horsepower. This is useful for modern driving experiences. No one wants to be doing the minimum 45 mph on the interstate and stopping to “refuel,” as with purely electric motors. Plus, there’s no need to feel like you should have placed your slow-moving reflective magnet on the trunk. However, many gas-powered cars are truly “wasteful” resources because out of those 175 horses, you’ll only have to use less than half that power for everyday driving. We don’t even have to get into the harmful environmental factors of pure gasoline engines. We are just now starting to see the results of our apathetic attitudes on this subject.
The engines in hybrid automobiles are usually much smaller (except in some brand new V-6 models). While this reduces fuel consumption, it means that for the extra “power” that drivers are looking for has to come from somewhere else. That’s where the electric motor and batteries come into play. In some models, sensors detect that the car is in need of extra energy for going up hill, for example. That’s when the “hybrid” half of the engine kicks in. It will do a dandy job of giving the engine that extra oomph or boost that it needs, without using any more gasoline.
Newer hybrid models do a lot of extra tricks so that your car gets as many miles to the gallon as possible. For example, when you’re stopped at a traffic light, another sensor will trigger the gasoline engine to idle down to a complete stop, while the car stays “running” solely on its electric power. Did I mention ingenious?
Since the idea behind the hybrid powered car is reduced fuel consumption without the loss of speed or power, many cars are being designed to move through the streets with the utmost in aerodynamic form; meaning that a hybrid will create less “drag,” simply due to its body structure. Many also use much lighter building materials, reducing weight and pull. Some models even have wheel covers and no mirrors (replaced with cameras and navigation equipment), which saves an enormous amount of energy.
Hybrids don’t seem to be a fad or some social experiment. Consumers and car enthusiasts alike are enjoying what they’re seeing in the market. Everyday it seems a better designed, lighter; more fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid enters. Recently released models are even beating their gas-powered counterparts. One boasts a 255 hp engine with other capabilities such as being able to shut down half the cylinders (without notice) while in motion to conserve fuel and energy.
Hybrid-engineered cars cost a bit more too. Usually the price difference is around 3,000 bucks. And, it may take a few years (depending on gas prices) for you to actually make the savings in fuel worthwhile. However, it’s still better for the environment, and that lingers (and makes it worthwhile) in some consumers’ minds.
And, if you are still one to wholeheartedly grip the stick of your V-8 without budging, you might take into mind that newer hybrid models are gaining on those petal-to-the-metal peelers of yesteryear. Hybrid models are inching nearer to (and even beating!) gas powered cars in 0 to 60 mph road tests.
So, when you decide that a new car might be a viable option in the near future, don’t expect to see too many hybrids in dealers’ lots. You may have to do some across-the-state driving to find a choice. Do some preliminary searching on the Internet and find out what model may benefit you and your lifestyle the most. Keep in mind all that we’ve mentioned and perhaps—in the future—you’ll have no other choice than a hybrid, which at this time seems to be by far the best choice around.
About The Author
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics in his website http://www.enginestar.com/, including: http://www.enginestar.com/jdm-engines.html and http://www.enginestar.com/used-nissan-engines.html. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.
Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lot—that they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’re not sacrificing performance and that they’re helping the environment.
Let’s first take a look at how these cars are put together. First, we have to understand the concept of “hybrid”. A hybrid car might be defined as any vehicle that uses two or more sources of energy to propel itself. Seems simple enough. Hybrid machinery is all around us in the form of diesel-electric, such as city buses, and nuclear-electric, such as those used on many US submarines. So, the idea and the technology have been around awhile—it’s just now that another energy scare like that of the 1970s, that we start becoming resourceful and a little ingenious. Hybrid power is on the up-rise (and in-demand) only because the two different types of propulsion possibilities (gasoline/diesel and electric) standing alone have proven an ineffective means to get both power and efficiency in one package. But, working together, there is promise.
A hybrid car, in modern terminology, is usually referring to any car that has a combination of an electric and a gasoline (or diesel) motors. These cars use kinetic energy (referred to as regenerative breaking), absorbed by your breaks when you slow down to a stop, to recharge batteries that in turn push the electric motor. All of this is combined into one finely tuned schematic—the result being power to the transmission and propulsion power (i.e. wheel movement).
All hybrids contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission.
There are basically two different types of hybrid engines. The first is a parallel hybrid. This sort of hybrid actually contains both a gasoline and electric motor that both operate independently to propel the car forward. It’s designed to have two power sources working with one goal in mind. In many ways, they are still “connected”.
The second hybrid is often referred to as a series hybrid. In a series hybrid, the gas or diesel powered engine doesn’t connect to the transmission directly, meaning that it doesn’t actually propel the car by itself. It actually works indirectly, powering a generator, which in turn (controlled by computer monitoring systems) either feeds power to the batteries or directly feeds power to an electric motor that connects to the transmission.
As stated above, hybrid buyers are looking for the combination (and compromise) of power and energy that these cars seem to provide. Many gas-powered cars have a lot of horsepower. This is useful for modern driving experiences. No one wants to be doing the minimum 45 mph on the interstate and stopping to “refuel,” as with purely electric motors. Plus, there’s no need to feel like you should have placed your slow-moving reflective magnet on the trunk. However, many gas-powered cars are truly “wasteful” resources because out of those 175 horses, you’ll only have to use less than half that power for everyday driving. We don’t even have to get into the harmful environmental factors of pure gasoline engines. We are just now starting to see the results of our apathetic attitudes on this subject.
The engines in hybrid automobiles are usually much smaller (except in some brand new V-6 models). While this reduces fuel consumption, it means that for the extra “power” that drivers are looking for has to come from somewhere else. That’s where the electric motor and batteries come into play. In some models, sensors detect that the car is in need of extra energy for going up hill, for example. That’s when the “hybrid” half of the engine kicks in. It will do a dandy job of giving the engine that extra oomph or boost that it needs, without using any more gasoline.
Newer hybrid models do a lot of extra tricks so that your car gets as many miles to the gallon as possible. For example, when you’re stopped at a traffic light, another sensor will trigger the gasoline engine to idle down to a complete stop, while the car stays “running” solely on its electric power. Did I mention ingenious?
Since the idea behind the hybrid powered car is reduced fuel consumption without the loss of speed or power, many cars are being designed to move through the streets with the utmost in aerodynamic form; meaning that a hybrid will create less “drag,” simply due to its body structure. Many also use much lighter building materials, reducing weight and pull. Some models even have wheel covers and no mirrors (replaced with cameras and navigation equipment), which saves an enormous amount of energy.
Hybrids don’t seem to be a fad or some social experiment. Consumers and car enthusiasts alike are enjoying what they’re seeing in the market. Everyday it seems a better designed, lighter; more fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid enters. Recently released models are even beating their gas-powered counterparts. One boasts a 255 hp engine with other capabilities such as being able to shut down half the cylinders (without notice) while in motion to conserve fuel and energy.
Hybrid-engineered cars cost a bit more too. Usually the price difference is around 3,000 bucks. And, it may take a few years (depending on gas prices) for you to actually make the savings in fuel worthwhile. However, it’s still better for the environment, and that lingers (and makes it worthwhile) in some consumers’ minds.
And, if you are still one to wholeheartedly grip the stick of your V-8 without budging, you might take into mind that newer hybrid models are gaining on those petal-to-the-metal peelers of yesteryear. Hybrid models are inching nearer to (and even beating!) gas powered cars in 0 to 60 mph road tests.
So, when you decide that a new car might be a viable option in the near future, don’t expect to see too many hybrids in dealers’ lots. You may have to do some across-the-state driving to find a choice. Do some preliminary searching on the Internet and find out what model may benefit you and your lifestyle the most. Keep in mind all that we’ve mentioned and perhaps—in the future—you’ll have no other choice than a hybrid, which at this time seems to be by far the best choice around.
About The Author
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics in his website http://www.enginestar.com/, including: http://www.enginestar.com/jdm-engines.html and http://www.enginestar.com/used-nissan-engines.html. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Consider the Alternatives: By Pierre Schexneider M. Ed.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels
Driving a car fueled by something other than gasoline or diesel
fuel is no longer the stuff of science fiction. In addition to
conventional gasoline and diesel fuel, reformulated - cleaner -
gasoline and alternative fuels now are sold in many parts of the
country. Alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed
natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity produce
fewer tail pipe pollutants than conventional gasoline and diesel
fuel. Using them could improve our air quality.
In 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act to promote the
use of alternative fuels. For example, the law requires owners
of fleet vehicles to purchase a certain number of alternative
fueled vehicles. Congress also directed the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to issue labeling requirements for alternative
fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Two FTC Rules - the
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles (AFV) Rule and the Fuel Rating
Rule - require fuel dispensers and alternative fueled vehicles
to be labeled with information to help consumers make
knowledgeable decisions when it comes to filling up or buying a
vehicle. The AFV Rule applies to new and used alternative fueled
vehicles that are sold to consumers or leased to consumers for a
minimum of 120 days. This Article explains the labels you'll see
on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers,
and suggests several important factors to consider as you
investigate the options.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles:
AFVs are vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, such as
methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum
gas, electricity, and others designated by the U.S. Department
of Energy. Some AFVs can run on conventional fuels, such as
gasoline, and alternative fuels. They are called dual-fueled
vehicles.
The required labels must be placed in plain view on the surface
of all new and used AFVs. The labels on new AFVs must include
the vehicle's cruising range as estimated by the manufacturer
and its environmental impact, as well as general descriptive
information. It's important to know how many miles your new AFV
will travel on a supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some
AFVs don't travel as far as gasoline-powered vehicles. The
label's description of the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) emission standard for the vehicle tells you to what extent
the vehicle produces emissions. If a vehicle meets an EPA
emissions standard, a box on the label will be marked and a
caret (^) will be placed above the particular vehicle's
certification standard. The label shows the levels of emissions
standards in a series of boxes that range from a "Tier l"
vehicle - one with more emissions - to a "ZEV" - a zero
emissions vehicle. The labels on new and used AFVs also advise
consumers to consider the following items before buying or
leasing an AFV.
Fuel type. Ask what kind of fuel powers the vehicle.
Operating costs. Fuel and maintenance costs for AFVs may differ
from gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles.
Performance/convenience. Vehicles powered by different fuels
vary in their ability to start when they are cold; their
acceleration rates; the time it takes to completely refill the
vehicle's tank; and how they are refueled.
Fuel availability. Find out whether refueling or recharging
facilities are available in your area for the fuel the vehicle
uses.
Energy security/renewability. Consider where and how the fuel
powering the vehicle is produced so you can anticipate long-term
fuel availability at a reasonable price.
These labels also must include additional sources of information
from the federal government: The Department of Energy maintains
a toll-free National Alternative Fuels Hotline to answer
questions about alternative fuels, give information about the
availability of alternative fuels in a particular area, and
suggest more sources of information about alternative fuels and
alternative fueled vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's toll-free hotline offers information about
safety related automobile issues.
In addition, because all vehicles affect the environment
directly (tailpipe emissions) and indirectly (how the fuel is
produced and brought to market), the labels on used AFVs advise
consumers to compare the environmental costs of driving an AFV
to driving a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Alternative Fuels: Among the fuels covered by the Fuel Rating
Rule and the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Rule are methanol,
ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gases, hydrogen, coal
derived liquid fuels, and electricity. For example, methanol is
an odorless, clear liquid produced from natural gas, coal, or
biomass resources, such as crop and forest residues. It usually
is sold as a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent
gasoline. Ethanol, a liquid produced from grain or agricultural
waste, usually is sold as a blend of 85 percent denatured
ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The labels for these fuels are
orange to distinguish them from gasoline octane labels, which
are yellow. They must be placed on the fuel dispenser so that
they are fully visible to consumers.
Gasoline labels tell you the octane rating. Alternative fuel
labels describe the fuel and its principal component(s). The
rating for an alternative fuel - other than electricity - is the
commonly used name of the fuel and the amount of its principal
component, expressed as a minimum percentage. For electric
vehicle fuel dispensing systems, the fuel rating is a common
identifier - such as electricity - and the system's kilowatt
capacity, voltage, whether the voltage is alternating or direct
current, amperage, and whether the system is conductive or
inductive.
Consider the Alternatives: Why consider switching to alternative
fueled vehicles or alternative fuels? According to the
Department of Energy, emissions from the 200 million cars and
trucks on U.S. roads - mostly hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide - account for about 50 percent of all air
pollution and more than 80 percent of urban air pollution.
Driving alternative fueled vehicles could reduce the level of
vehicle emissions, and choosing domestically produced
alternative fuels - instead of imported oil - could help reduce
the trade deficit, create jobs, and promote economic activity.
At the same time, you should be aware that some alternative
fuels have a lower energy content than gasoline. On a gallon for
gallon basis, some do not allow consumers to travel as many
miles as they could in a vehicle powered with gasoline or diesel
fuel. In addition, an AFV may cost more than a comparable
gasoline-powered vehicle.
The good news is that you can help reduce pollution from vehicle
emissions even if you don't choose an AFV or alternative fuel.
If you live or work in an area where air pollution is a
continuing problem, you may be able to find reformulated
gasoline at local service stations. Reformulated gasoline is
conventional gasoline with added oxygen. It burns more cleanly
than conventional gasoline. It is required in areas with the
most serious levels of ozone air pollution and is being used by
choice in others.
For Information on gas saving tips visit:
About the author:
Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an
E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research
abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his
knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:
Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels
Driving a car fueled by something other than gasoline or diesel
fuel is no longer the stuff of science fiction. In addition to
conventional gasoline and diesel fuel, reformulated - cleaner -
gasoline and alternative fuels now are sold in many parts of the
country. Alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed
natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity produce
fewer tail pipe pollutants than conventional gasoline and diesel
fuel. Using them could improve our air quality.
In 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act to promote the
use of alternative fuels. For example, the law requires owners
of fleet vehicles to purchase a certain number of alternative
fueled vehicles. Congress also directed the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to issue labeling requirements for alternative
fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Two FTC Rules - the
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles (AFV) Rule and the Fuel Rating
Rule - require fuel dispensers and alternative fueled vehicles
to be labeled with information to help consumers make
knowledgeable decisions when it comes to filling up or buying a
vehicle. The AFV Rule applies to new and used alternative fueled
vehicles that are sold to consumers or leased to consumers for a
minimum of 120 days. This Article explains the labels you'll see
on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers,
and suggests several important factors to consider as you
investigate the options.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles:
AFVs are vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, such as
methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum
gas, electricity, and others designated by the U.S. Department
of Energy. Some AFVs can run on conventional fuels, such as
gasoline, and alternative fuels. They are called dual-fueled
vehicles.
The required labels must be placed in plain view on the surface
of all new and used AFVs. The labels on new AFVs must include
the vehicle's cruising range as estimated by the manufacturer
and its environmental impact, as well as general descriptive
information. It's important to know how many miles your new AFV
will travel on a supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some
AFVs don't travel as far as gasoline-powered vehicles. The
label's description of the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) emission standard for the vehicle tells you to what extent
the vehicle produces emissions. If a vehicle meets an EPA
emissions standard, a box on the label will be marked and a
caret (^) will be placed above the particular vehicle's
certification standard. The label shows the levels of emissions
standards in a series of boxes that range from a "Tier l"
vehicle - one with more emissions - to a "ZEV" - a zero
emissions vehicle. The labels on new and used AFVs also advise
consumers to consider the following items before buying or
leasing an AFV.
Fuel type. Ask what kind of fuel powers the vehicle.
Operating costs. Fuel and maintenance costs for AFVs may differ
from gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles.
Performance/convenience. Vehicles powered by different fuels
vary in their ability to start when they are cold; their
acceleration rates; the time it takes to completely refill the
vehicle's tank; and how they are refueled.
Fuel availability. Find out whether refueling or recharging
facilities are available in your area for the fuel the vehicle
uses.
Energy security/renewability. Consider where and how the fuel
powering the vehicle is produced so you can anticipate long-term
fuel availability at a reasonable price.
These labels also must include additional sources of information
from the federal government: The Department of Energy maintains
a toll-free National Alternative Fuels Hotline to answer
questions about alternative fuels, give information about the
availability of alternative fuels in a particular area, and
suggest more sources of information about alternative fuels and
alternative fueled vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's toll-free hotline offers information about
safety related automobile issues.
In addition, because all vehicles affect the environment
directly (tailpipe emissions) and indirectly (how the fuel is
produced and brought to market), the labels on used AFVs advise
consumers to compare the environmental costs of driving an AFV
to driving a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Alternative Fuels: Among the fuels covered by the Fuel Rating
Rule and the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Rule are methanol,
ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gases, hydrogen, coal
derived liquid fuels, and electricity. For example, methanol is
an odorless, clear liquid produced from natural gas, coal, or
biomass resources, such as crop and forest residues. It usually
is sold as a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent
gasoline. Ethanol, a liquid produced from grain or agricultural
waste, usually is sold as a blend of 85 percent denatured
ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The labels for these fuels are
orange to distinguish them from gasoline octane labels, which
are yellow. They must be placed on the fuel dispenser so that
they are fully visible to consumers.
Gasoline labels tell you the octane rating. Alternative fuel
labels describe the fuel and its principal component(s). The
rating for an alternative fuel - other than electricity - is the
commonly used name of the fuel and the amount of its principal
component, expressed as a minimum percentage. For electric
vehicle fuel dispensing systems, the fuel rating is a common
identifier - such as electricity - and the system's kilowatt
capacity, voltage, whether the voltage is alternating or direct
current, amperage, and whether the system is conductive or
inductive.
Consider the Alternatives: Why consider switching to alternative
fueled vehicles or alternative fuels? According to the
Department of Energy, emissions from the 200 million cars and
trucks on U.S. roads - mostly hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide - account for about 50 percent of all air
pollution and more than 80 percent of urban air pollution.
Driving alternative fueled vehicles could reduce the level of
vehicle emissions, and choosing domestically produced
alternative fuels - instead of imported oil - could help reduce
the trade deficit, create jobs, and promote economic activity.
At the same time, you should be aware that some alternative
fuels have a lower energy content than gasoline. On a gallon for
gallon basis, some do not allow consumers to travel as many
miles as they could in a vehicle powered with gasoline or diesel
fuel. In addition, an AFV may cost more than a comparable
gasoline-powered vehicle.
The good news is that you can help reduce pollution from vehicle
emissions even if you don't choose an AFV or alternative fuel.
If you live or work in an area where air pollution is a
continuing problem, you may be able to find reformulated
gasoline at local service stations. Reformulated gasoline is
conventional gasoline with added oxygen. It burns more cleanly
than conventional gasoline. It is required in areas with the
most serious levels of ozone air pollution and is being used by
choice in others.
For Information on gas saving tips visit:
About the author:
Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an
E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research
abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his
knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:
Monday, July 04, 2005
Top 10 Tips You Must Know When Buying a Car
By: Alex Fir
1. You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time
because with everybody buying their Christmas presents, not many
of them are looking to buy a new car, and it forces dealerships
to up their sales strategies. Salesmen are more willing to
haggle down to your prices to close the deal.
2. You can also get a good deal from July to October because
that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to get rid
of their inventory to make way for the new models.
3. Purchasing a car online is becoming a great way to get a new
car. Just wait for good rebates and incentives online and shop
around. Print out your information from the best quotes and
bring it to the dealer that you are most willing to work with.
Bringing in lower quotes from another company might be your best
bet in getting a good deal.
4. You should visit FightingChance.com if you are hoping to find
new car prices, dealer incentives, and the best rebate offers.
This site is the first place that you should go for great advice
on buying a car. It's even more informative than the Kelley Blue
book. This program for buying new cars can literally save you
thousands of dollars.
5. A good place to start when going into a dealership is to
bring a copy of your credit score with you. It can lower your
interest rates on your car loan. Your car dealer should not know
more about you than you do.
6. You can avoid a common scam that dealerships pull. You will
often hear that your financing fell through and that you have to
respond by paying more money on your loan. Don't believe it.
It's another reason for you to get a copy of your credit score.
7. Another common scam by dealership salesmen is for them to
tell you that they have found you a lower rate, but that they
want you to re-sign your loan papers. Usually, that is a
downright lie. Once they pull up your financing information,
they have the upper hand if you don't know the details about
your credit information. You can get a copy of your credit
information online at equifax.com for about $10-$15. It's better
to pay $15 now than thousands later.
8. Don't bring in a car for trade in if you still owe money on
it. The dealership rarely pays the rest of the loan on time
which will result in you having to pay a great deal of late fees
to the bank. If you do decide to bring a car in that you owe
money on, get it in writing from the dealership that they will
pay the balance on the car within 10 days.
9. Sometimes a dealership may not have all of your options and
must order the car directly from the dealership. If this happens
they will often ask you to pay $500-$1000 for a deposit on the
car. Try not to pay more than $500 and be sure to pay with a
credit card because sometimes the dealership will tell you that
there was a price increase on the vehicle and will want more
money. If you pay with a credit card you have room to dispute
the amount being taken from you. If you pay by check, you can
just consider the money gone.
10. You should never buy a car when you are in desperate need
for one because a dealer will see that and take advantage. You
should never wait until an old car is dead before searching for
a new one because you should give yourself time to shop around
for one and get the best deal possible. Desperation often clouds
your judgment.
About the author:
Are you planning to buy a car? Visit Auto Loans Center
for the latest news and information on auto loans.
1. You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time
because with everybody buying their Christmas presents, not many
of them are looking to buy a new car, and it forces dealerships
to up their sales strategies. Salesmen are more willing to
haggle down to your prices to close the deal.
2. You can also get a good deal from July to October because
that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to get rid
of their inventory to make way for the new models.
3. Purchasing a car online is becoming a great way to get a new
car. Just wait for good rebates and incentives online and shop
around. Print out your information from the best quotes and
bring it to the dealer that you are most willing to work with.
Bringing in lower quotes from another company might be your best
bet in getting a good deal.
4. You should visit FightingChance.com if you are hoping to find
new car prices, dealer incentives, and the best rebate offers.
This site is the first place that you should go for great advice
on buying a car. It's even more informative than the Kelley Blue
book. This program for buying new cars can literally save you
thousands of dollars.
5. A good place to start when going into a dealership is to
bring a copy of your credit score with you. It can lower your
interest rates on your car loan. Your car dealer should not know
more about you than you do.
6. You can avoid a common scam that dealerships pull. You will
often hear that your financing fell through and that you have to
respond by paying more money on your loan. Don't believe it.
It's another reason for you to get a copy of your credit score.
7. Another common scam by dealership salesmen is for them to
tell you that they have found you a lower rate, but that they
want you to re-sign your loan papers. Usually, that is a
downright lie. Once they pull up your financing information,
they have the upper hand if you don't know the details about
your credit information. You can get a copy of your credit
information online at equifax.com for about $10-$15. It's better
to pay $15 now than thousands later.
8. Don't bring in a car for trade in if you still owe money on
it. The dealership rarely pays the rest of the loan on time
which will result in you having to pay a great deal of late fees
to the bank. If you do decide to bring a car in that you owe
money on, get it in writing from the dealership that they will
pay the balance on the car within 10 days.
9. Sometimes a dealership may not have all of your options and
must order the car directly from the dealership. If this happens
they will often ask you to pay $500-$1000 for a deposit on the
car. Try not to pay more than $500 and be sure to pay with a
credit card because sometimes the dealership will tell you that
there was a price increase on the vehicle and will want more
money. If you pay with a credit card you have room to dispute
the amount being taken from you. If you pay by check, you can
just consider the money gone.
10. You should never buy a car when you are in desperate need
for one because a dealer will see that and take advantage. You
should never wait until an old car is dead before searching for
a new one because you should give yourself time to shop around
for one and get the best deal possible. Desperation often clouds
your judgment.
About the author:
Are you planning to buy a car? Visit Auto Loans Center
for the latest news and information on auto loans.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Batteries - How Do You Know You'll Have the Juice When You Need
By: Brendon Turner
Modern vehicles make a lot of demands upon their batteries. We
expect our batteries to be reliable, have a large reserve
capacity and a long life span, and be maintenance-free. In
short, once a battery has been installed, we no longer want to
think about it. Here's some tips on how to choose a battery that
will serve you well.
For automotive applications, there are basically three types of
batteries: conventional, maintenance-free, and recombination.
Conventional Batteries
A 12-volt automotive battery contains six cells. In each cell is
a series of alternating positive and negative plates, between
which are isolator or separator plates to keep them apart. All
the negative plates in the battery are connected, as are all the
positive plates. Each plate has a grid construction, and to this
grid, the plate's active material - sponge lead - is bonded. The
plates in each. cell are covered with a solution of distilled
water and sulfuric acid (electrolyte). As the battery discharges
(supplies electricity), the acid in the electrolyte reacts with
the active material in the battery plates, forming lead sulfate
and weakening the electrolyte solution. Conversely, as the
battery is charged, the acid is returned to the solution,
thereby strengthening it, and the used portion of the lead
sulfate is converted back into active material in the plates.
During this process, hydrogen and oxygen molecules are
off-gassed out of the electrolyte, which is why a conventional
battery often needs topping up with distilled water. The charge
and discharge cycle also means that some lead sloughs off the
plates. Over time, this builds up in the bottom of the case,
reducing the overall capacity of the battery fluid. When enough
material builds up, the plates will short out, and you're stuck
with a dead battery.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Closed (maintenance-free) batteries are essentially the same as
conventional batteries, except that they contain extra
electrolytes in the partially sealed case. However, over time,
this excess fluid is used up as fluid slowly off-gases hydrogen
and oxygen molecules through the vents. Because these batteries
cannot usually be topped off, once the plates begin to be
exposed, the battery's life span is over. Usually, this takes a
long period of time, which is why these batteries often last
longer than conventional batteries. However, in situations where
frequent, rapid charge/discharge occurs (such as when running a
winch or powerful spotlight without running the engine), a
maintenance-free battery may not outlast a conventional one.
Another type of maintenance-free battery is the gel-type battery
While these batteries cannot leak or spill fluid and can be
installed at odd angles, they do have a weakness. Using
electrolyte gel necessitates the use of thinner plates so that
adequate dispersion of the acid through the active material
occurs. Since gel batteries are also sealed, they cannot be
topped off and care must be taken when charging so they don't
overcharge and gas-off, which will result in excessive sloughing
of the plates, premature reduction in electrolytes, and eventual
battery failure. This means that during the harsh vibrations
associated with trail riding, a marginal gel battery can fail
completely as the plates literally fall apart.
Recombination Batteries
The recombination battery is overall the best battery for
off-road and heavy-duty use. They're called recombination
because they recombine the gas formed during charging,
channeling it into the separators so it doesn't vent out of the
battery and reclaiming the water to keep electrolyte
concentration at optimum. They are completely sealed (except for
a reseating pressure-relief vent) and require no topping off of
fluids. Recombination batteries can use either liquid or
gel-type electrolytes and are different from other batteries
because the acid is bound into the separators and pure lead can
be used in the plates. Because of the purity of the materials
used, there is no sloughing and the plates in these batteries
can be very tightly packed. The result is a powerful, compact
battery with quicker charging time, lower internal resistance
than conventional or maintenance-free batteries, and a longer
life span. In fact, for a conventional battery to deliver the
same amount of starting power as a recombination battery, it
would have to be two or three times larger. Because they contain
no liquid as such, recombination batteries can be mounted in any
position, will work when the case is damaged, and won't leak in
a rollover. In short, for off-road use, they are just about the
perfect battery.
How Batteries Are Rated
Battery ratings are a determination of how much power a battery
can produce under marginal conditions. There are a number of
ways to determine a battery's output, but ratings by ampere hour
(Ah), cold-cranking amperes (CCA), and reserve capacity are the
most common.
Ampere hours are determined by the SAE 20 test. This test is
designed to show the amount of current that can be drawn from a
battery for 20 hours without the voltage dropping below 1.75
volts per cell. In real-world terms, this means that a healthy
battery should be capable of keeping the parking lights lit for
20 hours. For starting your truck, Ah doesn't mean much.
However, for powering accessories without the engine running,
this can be an important measurement.
Cold-cranking amperes or CCA is the unit of measurement that
generally determines a battery's ability to start your engine.
CCA is a measurement of the worst conditions under which a
battery can be expected to deliver current, and it tests how
much current in amperes a battery can deliver under extreme
cold. According to the American SAE standard, CCA is determined
by measuring how much current can be delivered in amperes for 30
seconds at -18 degrees C with a final voltage of 7.2 volts per
cell or higher.
Reserve capacity is an important measurement for the total
capacity of the battery and shows how long a battery can keep
the engine running if the alternator/generator fails. Reserve
capacity of a battery is measured in minutes at room temperature
(approximately 70 degrees F). During this test, 25 amperes is
drawn from the battery for as long as the voltage does not drop
below 10.5 volts. For off-road use, it's a good idea to make
sure any battery you purchase has a reserve capacity of at least
120 minutes.
Reserve capacity is also important for those times when you need
to run a radio, spotlight, winch, or other electrical accessory
without running the engine.
A Batteries Two Enemies
Although just about all modem batteries are pretty reliable,
there are two enemies that can grind even a brand-new battery to
a halt - extreme cold and extreme heat. Batteries are at their
best with internal temperatures (not ambient) above 50 degrees F
and below 105 degrees F. Below and above this range, problems
can develop, and a dead, damaged, or . useless battery can be
the result.
We've all noticed that under extremely cold conditions (below
freezing), the battery will turn over the starter motor slowly,
if at all. This is because when the internal temperature of the
battery gets below the optimum range, the chemical reaction
inside the battery happens more slowly, and for every 10-degree
drop below freezing, the time that the chemical reaction takes
doubles. Because of this increased resistance, the voltage in
the battery drops and cannot turn over the engine.
Heat can also have an adverse effect on your battery's overall
health. Battery power is reduced when it's subjected to
excessive temperatures, but the problem may not be immediately
noticed until the temperature drops. At higher temperatures, the
chemical reaction within the battery is more rapid. The battery
can produce more energy more quickly. This is good, right?
Wrong. The higher rate of energy production results in an
increase in off gassing; the water in the battery is vented out
as hydrogen and oxygen molecules and the rate of internal
corrosion, or sloughing, increases. This can result in a short
in one or more cells that is not noticed until cold weather
diminishes the overall ability of the battery.
What to Buy
When it comes to batteries for automotive use, there is no such
thing as a perfect battery. Any battery can fail if it is
neglected, constantly overloaded, or overcharged. The important
thing to remember is to get the right battery for your needs,
one that is rated for your vehicle and all the accessories you
use. Generally, this means a high Ah, high CCA, and high reserve
capacity. Also, make sure you buy a quality unit. Don't be
fooled by the low price of the budget shops. Batteries sold in
the no-name-battery discount stores often are poorly assembled
and use inferior materials in the plates and separators.
Name-brand batteries, such as AC-Delco, Sears DieHard, Exide,
Interstate, Optima, and others, are manufactured to the highest
standards, delivering high reliability combined with long life.
For off-road use, however, we feel that the recombination
battery is the best overall, since it delivers high output,
needs no maintenance, holds up well to the rigors of off-road
driving, and has a quick recharge rate, as well as a long life
span. It is a particularly useful battery for the off-roader
because it has no liquid to leak out and can be mounted in any
position (even upside down). Because of this, it won't corrode
battery trays or cables and is safe in a collision. You can
actually shoot a 45-caliber bullet through the battery casing
and it will still crank at full power. Try that with a
conventional battery, and you have a leaking mess that will at
best produce minimal voltage.
Although recombination batteries are sold under various brand
names, Optima's 800U is the original and also the only battery
available with both top posts and side terminals, a feature that
makes it especially well suited for specialized installations
and powering accessories and where there is installation room
for only one battery Since we also run a winch and driving
lights from the starting battery, it has to be a powerful one.
The 800 CCA and 120 minutes of reserve capacity the Optima
offers means we can rely on the unit as a power source for
lights and winch use when the engine is down, without
sacrificing starting ability. Additionally, the side terminals
make it easy to power the winch and other accessories directly
off the battery without disconnecting the main power cables and
disabling the vehicle's computer. This makes for a clean
installation without a lot of cable clutter at the main battery
posts, which is especially important when there's limited space
around the battery top.
About the author:
Visit AutomotiveGazette.com
- The Automotive Gazette weekly edition of car care articles,
automotive news and information on automotive repair for those
of us not adept at automotive troubleshooting.
Modern vehicles make a lot of demands upon their batteries. We
expect our batteries to be reliable, have a large reserve
capacity and a long life span, and be maintenance-free. In
short, once a battery has been installed, we no longer want to
think about it. Here's some tips on how to choose a battery that
will serve you well.
For automotive applications, there are basically three types of
batteries: conventional, maintenance-free, and recombination.
Conventional Batteries
A 12-volt automotive battery contains six cells. In each cell is
a series of alternating positive and negative plates, between
which are isolator or separator plates to keep them apart. All
the negative plates in the battery are connected, as are all the
positive plates. Each plate has a grid construction, and to this
grid, the plate's active material - sponge lead - is bonded. The
plates in each. cell are covered with a solution of distilled
water and sulfuric acid (electrolyte). As the battery discharges
(supplies electricity), the acid in the electrolyte reacts with
the active material in the battery plates, forming lead sulfate
and weakening the electrolyte solution. Conversely, as the
battery is charged, the acid is returned to the solution,
thereby strengthening it, and the used portion of the lead
sulfate is converted back into active material in the plates.
During this process, hydrogen and oxygen molecules are
off-gassed out of the electrolyte, which is why a conventional
battery often needs topping up with distilled water. The charge
and discharge cycle also means that some lead sloughs off the
plates. Over time, this builds up in the bottom of the case,
reducing the overall capacity of the battery fluid. When enough
material builds up, the plates will short out, and you're stuck
with a dead battery.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Closed (maintenance-free) batteries are essentially the same as
conventional batteries, except that they contain extra
electrolytes in the partially sealed case. However, over time,
this excess fluid is used up as fluid slowly off-gases hydrogen
and oxygen molecules through the vents. Because these batteries
cannot usually be topped off, once the plates begin to be
exposed, the battery's life span is over. Usually, this takes a
long period of time, which is why these batteries often last
longer than conventional batteries. However, in situations where
frequent, rapid charge/discharge occurs (such as when running a
winch or powerful spotlight without running the engine), a
maintenance-free battery may not outlast a conventional one.
Another type of maintenance-free battery is the gel-type battery
While these batteries cannot leak or spill fluid and can be
installed at odd angles, they do have a weakness. Using
electrolyte gel necessitates the use of thinner plates so that
adequate dispersion of the acid through the active material
occurs. Since gel batteries are also sealed, they cannot be
topped off and care must be taken when charging so they don't
overcharge and gas-off, which will result in excessive sloughing
of the plates, premature reduction in electrolytes, and eventual
battery failure. This means that during the harsh vibrations
associated with trail riding, a marginal gel battery can fail
completely as the plates literally fall apart.
Recombination Batteries
The recombination battery is overall the best battery for
off-road and heavy-duty use. They're called recombination
because they recombine the gas formed during charging,
channeling it into the separators so it doesn't vent out of the
battery and reclaiming the water to keep electrolyte
concentration at optimum. They are completely sealed (except for
a reseating pressure-relief vent) and require no topping off of
fluids. Recombination batteries can use either liquid or
gel-type electrolytes and are different from other batteries
because the acid is bound into the separators and pure lead can
be used in the plates. Because of the purity of the materials
used, there is no sloughing and the plates in these batteries
can be very tightly packed. The result is a powerful, compact
battery with quicker charging time, lower internal resistance
than conventional or maintenance-free batteries, and a longer
life span. In fact, for a conventional battery to deliver the
same amount of starting power as a recombination battery, it
would have to be two or three times larger. Because they contain
no liquid as such, recombination batteries can be mounted in any
position, will work when the case is damaged, and won't leak in
a rollover. In short, for off-road use, they are just about the
perfect battery.
How Batteries Are Rated
Battery ratings are a determination of how much power a battery
can produce under marginal conditions. There are a number of
ways to determine a battery's output, but ratings by ampere hour
(Ah), cold-cranking amperes (CCA), and reserve capacity are the
most common.
Ampere hours are determined by the SAE 20 test. This test is
designed to show the amount of current that can be drawn from a
battery for 20 hours without the voltage dropping below 1.75
volts per cell. In real-world terms, this means that a healthy
battery should be capable of keeping the parking lights lit for
20 hours. For starting your truck, Ah doesn't mean much.
However, for powering accessories without the engine running,
this can be an important measurement.
Cold-cranking amperes or CCA is the unit of measurement that
generally determines a battery's ability to start your engine.
CCA is a measurement of the worst conditions under which a
battery can be expected to deliver current, and it tests how
much current in amperes a battery can deliver under extreme
cold. According to the American SAE standard, CCA is determined
by measuring how much current can be delivered in amperes for 30
seconds at -18 degrees C with a final voltage of 7.2 volts per
cell or higher.
Reserve capacity is an important measurement for the total
capacity of the battery and shows how long a battery can keep
the engine running if the alternator/generator fails. Reserve
capacity of a battery is measured in minutes at room temperature
(approximately 70 degrees F). During this test, 25 amperes is
drawn from the battery for as long as the voltage does not drop
below 10.5 volts. For off-road use, it's a good idea to make
sure any battery you purchase has a reserve capacity of at least
120 minutes.
Reserve capacity is also important for those times when you need
to run a radio, spotlight, winch, or other electrical accessory
without running the engine.
A Batteries Two Enemies
Although just about all modem batteries are pretty reliable,
there are two enemies that can grind even a brand-new battery to
a halt - extreme cold and extreme heat. Batteries are at their
best with internal temperatures (not ambient) above 50 degrees F
and below 105 degrees F. Below and above this range, problems
can develop, and a dead, damaged, or . useless battery can be
the result.
We've all noticed that under extremely cold conditions (below
freezing), the battery will turn over the starter motor slowly,
if at all. This is because when the internal temperature of the
battery gets below the optimum range, the chemical reaction
inside the battery happens more slowly, and for every 10-degree
drop below freezing, the time that the chemical reaction takes
doubles. Because of this increased resistance, the voltage in
the battery drops and cannot turn over the engine.
Heat can also have an adverse effect on your battery's overall
health. Battery power is reduced when it's subjected to
excessive temperatures, but the problem may not be immediately
noticed until the temperature drops. At higher temperatures, the
chemical reaction within the battery is more rapid. The battery
can produce more energy more quickly. This is good, right?
Wrong. The higher rate of energy production results in an
increase in off gassing; the water in the battery is vented out
as hydrogen and oxygen molecules and the rate of internal
corrosion, or sloughing, increases. This can result in a short
in one or more cells that is not noticed until cold weather
diminishes the overall ability of the battery.
What to Buy
When it comes to batteries for automotive use, there is no such
thing as a perfect battery. Any battery can fail if it is
neglected, constantly overloaded, or overcharged. The important
thing to remember is to get the right battery for your needs,
one that is rated for your vehicle and all the accessories you
use. Generally, this means a high Ah, high CCA, and high reserve
capacity. Also, make sure you buy a quality unit. Don't be
fooled by the low price of the budget shops. Batteries sold in
the no-name-battery discount stores often are poorly assembled
and use inferior materials in the plates and separators.
Name-brand batteries, such as AC-Delco, Sears DieHard, Exide,
Interstate, Optima, and others, are manufactured to the highest
standards, delivering high reliability combined with long life.
For off-road use, however, we feel that the recombination
battery is the best overall, since it delivers high output,
needs no maintenance, holds up well to the rigors of off-road
driving, and has a quick recharge rate, as well as a long life
span. It is a particularly useful battery for the off-roader
because it has no liquid to leak out and can be mounted in any
position (even upside down). Because of this, it won't corrode
battery trays or cables and is safe in a collision. You can
actually shoot a 45-caliber bullet through the battery casing
and it will still crank at full power. Try that with a
conventional battery, and you have a leaking mess that will at
best produce minimal voltage.
Although recombination batteries are sold under various brand
names, Optima's 800U is the original and also the only battery
available with both top posts and side terminals, a feature that
makes it especially well suited for specialized installations
and powering accessories and where there is installation room
for only one battery Since we also run a winch and driving
lights from the starting battery, it has to be a powerful one.
The 800 CCA and 120 minutes of reserve capacity the Optima
offers means we can rely on the unit as a power source for
lights and winch use when the engine is down, without
sacrificing starting ability. Additionally, the side terminals
make it easy to power the winch and other accessories directly
off the battery without disconnecting the main power cables and
disabling the vehicle's computer. This makes for a clean
installation without a lot of cable clutter at the main battery
posts, which is especially important when there's limited space
around the battery top.
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