By: Adam Lenk
If you're like most of us, or maybe I should say if you're like
me, the way you choose what new tires you should purchase for
your car is by reading the label on the side of your existing
car tires. After comparing the prices of the compatible tires
with the amount of money in your tire budget, then a choice can
be made. But is it the right choice? I mean, if you have no idea
what the label on your tire means or what you are purchasing,
you could really be leaving out a whole new world of tire
options.
Okay, a typical car tire label reads something like this
"P185/60R 14 82H." In this little car label "sentence" there is
a wealth of information. But it doesn't do you any good if you
haven't the slightest idea of what it all means. So, if you're
like me, this guide to car tire language can come in quite handy
on your next trip to the automotive department.
The first letter on the tire label indicates what type of
vehicle the tire is intended for: P is for passenger car, LT is
for light truck, and T is for your temporary or spare tire. The
numbers immediately following, "185" in this label, is the
section width of the tire in millimeters. Shorter or narrower
tires have lower numbers.
The numbers immediately following the slash indicate the tire's
aspect ratio, which is translated as the section height as
percentage of the section width. In lay's terms, this tire's
height is 60 percent of its width. Performance tires would have
a lower number in this space.
The next letter stands for the tire's type. In this case, "R"
stands for radial. The 14 immediately following is the wheel rim
diameter in inches.
The next number in the label, "82," stand for the tire's load
index. According to the Maximum Load-Carrying Capacity chart, a
set of four of these tires could safely support a vehicle
weighing 4,188 pounds. The final letter stands for the amount of
traveling speeds that the tire is capable of sustaining safely
under optimal driving conditions.
"The speed ratings are S for up to 112 mph, H for up to 130
mph, V for up to 150 mph, Z for 150 mph+.At high speeds, the
tire can get very hot and the tread can separate from the belts.
The speed ratings tell you how fast you can go and still be safe.
When selecting tires for your car or motorcycle you should also
pay attention to some other tire qualities which may effect your
car or motorcycles performance or the durability of your tires.
While the most important considerations for you to consider when
purchasing new tires will be the tread type, size and mileage
warranty, do not hesitate to ask questions if your dealer uses a
term that you are unfamiliar with. After all, it's your money
and you want the safest most durable tires for your dollar. Most
of the tire size and speed ratings are the same for car and
motorcyle tires but always refer to your owners manual.
About the author:
By Adam Lenk
For more car and motorcycle tire
information visit Premier
Tires
Friday, September 30, 2005
How To Get An Extra $1500 For Your Trade In
By: Gus Skarlis
If you're trading in a car to a dealer follow these steps and
get an extra $500 to $1500 for it!
Get the wholesale price for the car you're trading in. This
allows you to have a starting figure and know what the dealer
thinks your vehicle is worth.
Now you'll know what you can expect to get from your car, but
the dealer won't make it easy.
Remember, they're trying to make a profit, and giving you as
little as possible for your trade-in is another way they can
make money.
They'll try to bargain down the price they'll give you for your
car by saying:
"There are huge rebates on the new ones which affects the
secondary market."
"That's a nice car, but we have 6 just like it already on the
lot."
"Oh, that's an old body style... they're impossible to sell
anymore."
"Wow, this one's been through the wringer... there sure are a
lot of dings and scratches."
"Hmmm...it has a lot of miles on it... we'll have to take it to
the auction."
Of course, some of these statements might be true, but the
dealer is also likely to exaggerate so they can under-value your
car. How can you fight back? Here are a few tips:
Have your vehicle professionally detailed.
Bring all your service records to show the car was properly
maintained.
Make sure everything works: air, radio, etc.
Put a few new car brochures (from other manufacturers) are in
your car, plainly visible, so the salesperson knows you're
shopping.
If you you follow these simple steps you will guarantee to get
more for your trade-in!
About the author:
Gus Skarlis is a former car dealer and founder of Before You Buy
A Car. His Book "10 Things You Must Do Before You Even Think
About Buying A Vehicle" has helped thousands of consumers save
money and time when purchasing a vehicle. This FREE resource
takes you step by step through the car buying process. The site
is located at: http://www.BeforeYouBuyACar.com
If you're trading in a car to a dealer follow these steps and
get an extra $500 to $1500 for it!
Get the wholesale price for the car you're trading in. This
allows you to have a starting figure and know what the dealer
thinks your vehicle is worth.
Now you'll know what you can expect to get from your car, but
the dealer won't make it easy.
Remember, they're trying to make a profit, and giving you as
little as possible for your trade-in is another way they can
make money.
They'll try to bargain down the price they'll give you for your
car by saying:
"There are huge rebates on the new ones which affects the
secondary market."
"That's a nice car, but we have 6 just like it already on the
lot."
"Oh, that's an old body style... they're impossible to sell
anymore."
"Wow, this one's been through the wringer... there sure are a
lot of dings and scratches."
"Hmmm...it has a lot of miles on it... we'll have to take it to
the auction."
Of course, some of these statements might be true, but the
dealer is also likely to exaggerate so they can under-value your
car. How can you fight back? Here are a few tips:
Have your vehicle professionally detailed.
Bring all your service records to show the car was properly
maintained.
Make sure everything works: air, radio, etc.
Put a few new car brochures (from other manufacturers) are in
your car, plainly visible, so the salesperson knows you're
shopping.
If you you follow these simple steps you will guarantee to get
more for your trade-in!
About the author:
Gus Skarlis is a former car dealer and founder of Before You Buy
A Car. His Book "10 Things You Must Do Before You Even Think
About Buying A Vehicle" has helped thousands of consumers save
money and time when purchasing a vehicle. This FREE resource
takes you step by step through the car buying process. The site
is located at: http://www.BeforeYouBuyACar.com
Thursday, September 29, 2005
SUVs vs. Minivans: Making The Right Choice
by: Tom McKnight
Has your family started to cram into the old sedan like a pack of sardines? Have members of the neighborhood car pool begun to look suspiciously at your battered station wagon? Perhaps it’s time to retire the old family car and move up to a bigger vehicle. Often, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is a toss-up between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Although the SUV has a slightly higher risk for rollovers than minivans do, both are equipped with similar safety features, such as air bags and anti-lock brake systems. So, which one deserves to park in your family garage? To come up with the right choice, you need to look at how the vehicle’s styling, fuel economy, passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and safety will suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.
Styling
More than a matter of need, a vehicle’s styling is a matter of personal preference. The SUV usually wins out over the minivan when it comes to appearance. With its rugged, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urban cool, unlike the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would recoil at the thought of driving a minivan, so if your husband would be sharing driving duties, you might have to talk it out with him. Likewise, many teenagers wouldn’t be caught dead stepping out of a minivan, so if you’d be using the vehicle mainly to drop off and pick up your adolescent children from school, you’d have to consider their preferences, too.
Fuel economy
Minivans give better mileage than SUVs, which have a reputation for being gas guzzlers. If you want to squeeze more miles out of the gasoline tank, then a minivan would make a more economic choice than an SUV. Other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, also tend to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless you’re willing to pay the price for being cool and stylish, the practical minivan is the way to go.
Passenger and cargo space
Sport utility vehicles and minivans have comparable passenger and cargo space, but the roomy interiors of a minivan can be a delight to young kids. Unlike SUVs, minivans also have a low step-in height, so they’re easier for kids to climb into. Minivans’ large picture windows afford young passengers a better view of the passing scenery, therefore keeping your impatient young ones amused for a good part of the ride.
Towing capacity
If you own a boat and like to take the entire brood for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would make an appropriate choice. SUVs have superior towing capacities, enabling them to pull practically anything between a trailer and a small boat. Otherwise, if you’re only schlepping groceries and your kid’s soccer team, then there’s no reason to overlook the minivan.
Safety
Although both have comparable safety features, SUVs have a higher rollover risk than minivans. SUV devotees counter this by pointing out that rollovers account for only three percent of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs offer excellent passenger protection in two-car collisions. It remains to be seen whether this supposed collision safety factor outweighs the risk of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you awake at night, then a minivan could give you a little peace of mind.
About The Author
Tom McKnight is a freelance author and Ford Mustang enthusiast who writes articles for http://www.Mustang-Shopper.com.
Has your family started to cram into the old sedan like a pack of sardines? Have members of the neighborhood car pool begun to look suspiciously at your battered station wagon? Perhaps it’s time to retire the old family car and move up to a bigger vehicle. Often, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is a toss-up between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Although the SUV has a slightly higher risk for rollovers than minivans do, both are equipped with similar safety features, such as air bags and anti-lock brake systems. So, which one deserves to park in your family garage? To come up with the right choice, you need to look at how the vehicle’s styling, fuel economy, passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and safety will suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.
Styling
More than a matter of need, a vehicle’s styling is a matter of personal preference. The SUV usually wins out over the minivan when it comes to appearance. With its rugged, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urban cool, unlike the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would recoil at the thought of driving a minivan, so if your husband would be sharing driving duties, you might have to talk it out with him. Likewise, many teenagers wouldn’t be caught dead stepping out of a minivan, so if you’d be using the vehicle mainly to drop off and pick up your adolescent children from school, you’d have to consider their preferences, too.
Fuel economy
Minivans give better mileage than SUVs, which have a reputation for being gas guzzlers. If you want to squeeze more miles out of the gasoline tank, then a minivan would make a more economic choice than an SUV. Other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, also tend to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless you’re willing to pay the price for being cool and stylish, the practical minivan is the way to go.
Passenger and cargo space
Sport utility vehicles and minivans have comparable passenger and cargo space, but the roomy interiors of a minivan can be a delight to young kids. Unlike SUVs, minivans also have a low step-in height, so they’re easier for kids to climb into. Minivans’ large picture windows afford young passengers a better view of the passing scenery, therefore keeping your impatient young ones amused for a good part of the ride.
Towing capacity
If you own a boat and like to take the entire brood for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would make an appropriate choice. SUVs have superior towing capacities, enabling them to pull practically anything between a trailer and a small boat. Otherwise, if you’re only schlepping groceries and your kid’s soccer team, then there’s no reason to overlook the minivan.
Safety
Although both have comparable safety features, SUVs have a higher rollover risk than minivans. SUV devotees counter this by pointing out that rollovers account for only three percent of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs offer excellent passenger protection in two-car collisions. It remains to be seen whether this supposed collision safety factor outweighs the risk of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you awake at night, then a minivan could give you a little peace of mind.
About The Author
Tom McKnight is a freelance author and Ford Mustang enthusiast who writes articles for http://www.Mustang-Shopper.com.
How To Buy A New Car
By: Tom McKnight
Car buying is not a task to be taken lightly. The cost of a new
car equals almost what my parents paid for their first home.
It's imperative to do behind the scenes research to ensure you
get a great deal.
Do not be in a hurry. Car dealers can detect the scent of
desperation a mile away! If you are totally without
transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. If
you rush your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad end
of the deal.
You can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and
model right on the internet. With a little extra research, you
can discover the wholesale cost as well. These two pieces of
information give you an edge when it comes to negotiation.
It's best to work toward a win-win situation with the car
salesperson. They need to make some money on the deal, and you
want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate a price that
is $500 above dealer cost, or about 20% off the sticker price.
Make sure you take your calculator with you when car hunting.
You can often order a car with *custom* option choices. This
could save you hundreds of dollars. You might wait a couple of
weeks, but why pay for options that you do not need?
Always check with the dealership to see if you can return the
car if you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this
option. Some dealerships will give you a three day trial period
in which to try the car.
It is a good idea to wait until the end of the month to go car
hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain quota will be
eager to strike a deal.
Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a
better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in
possibility until you get a purchase price. Sometimes this is
difficult, as most salespeople will ask upfront about a trade in.
I took my car to one lot, and was told the trade in value was
$1,200. Another dealership said they would give me $3,500 for
the same car! So do your research to make sure you receive a
fair price on your used vehicle. Stick to your guns when it
comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if
you've had your car serviced regularly.
A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation.
Most consumer information shows no need to buy an extra contract
on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the
first months of use.
Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract
before signing it. Ask questions about what certain phrases mean
if and when you do not understand something.
Also, just because a car is brand new doesn't mean you should
buy it without asking questions. New cars can land in the lemon
category as well as used ones. Keep on your toes during the
negotiation process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, AND
creating a win-win situation for yourself and the dealer.
About the author:
Tom McKnight is a freelance author and Corvette enthusiast who
writes articles for http://www.Corvette-Shopper.net
Car buying is not a task to be taken lightly. The cost of a new
car equals almost what my parents paid for their first home.
It's imperative to do behind the scenes research to ensure you
get a great deal.
Do not be in a hurry. Car dealers can detect the scent of
desperation a mile away! If you are totally without
transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. If
you rush your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad end
of the deal.
You can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and
model right on the internet. With a little extra research, you
can discover the wholesale cost as well. These two pieces of
information give you an edge when it comes to negotiation.
It's best to work toward a win-win situation with the car
salesperson. They need to make some money on the deal, and you
want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate a price that
is $500 above dealer cost, or about 20% off the sticker price.
Make sure you take your calculator with you when car hunting.
You can often order a car with *custom* option choices. This
could save you hundreds of dollars. You might wait a couple of
weeks, but why pay for options that you do not need?
Always check with the dealership to see if you can return the
car if you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this
option. Some dealerships will give you a three day trial period
in which to try the car.
It is a good idea to wait until the end of the month to go car
hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain quota will be
eager to strike a deal.
Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a
better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in
possibility until you get a purchase price. Sometimes this is
difficult, as most salespeople will ask upfront about a trade in.
I took my car to one lot, and was told the trade in value was
$1,200. Another dealership said they would give me $3,500 for
the same car! So do your research to make sure you receive a
fair price on your used vehicle. Stick to your guns when it
comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if
you've had your car serviced regularly.
A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation.
Most consumer information shows no need to buy an extra contract
on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the
first months of use.
Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract
before signing it. Ask questions about what certain phrases mean
if and when you do not understand something.
Also, just because a car is brand new doesn't mean you should
buy it without asking questions. New cars can land in the lemon
category as well as used ones. Keep on your toes during the
negotiation process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, AND
creating a win-win situation for yourself and the dealer.
About the author:
Tom McKnight is a freelance author and Corvette enthusiast who
writes articles for http://www.Corvette-Shopper.net
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Want Extra Gas Mileage? Get Your Own!
By: Sunny Tan
Recent technology advancement in automotive industry has seen an
upsurge in improving the fuel economy of our car engines and
thus making them as efficient as they can be. Heavy investment
has been poured in making the car engines as clean as possible,
where exhaust emission is concerned, thus increasing the gas
mileage capability of the car. This has created a new batch of
vehicles with engines more fuel economical compared to engines
of comparable size a decade or more ago.
We can't deny that apart from the engines alone, electronics do
play an important part on the quest to reach the best mileage
cars available with better fuel economy. However, with the ever
going onslaught of constant and increasing fuel hike, there's no
way that advances made in producing more engines with higher
fuel efficiency may far exceeds with the increasing cost of gas.
Much budget and investment have been spent on research and
development of better car engines with best fuel economy, which
in the end may take years to recoup the cost of initial
investment alone: let alone the vast manpower needed for these
arduous tasks. Thus, where corners can be cut, manufacturers
will, although it must be emphasized that this will not be done
at the expense of the safety of the driver, passengers and other
road-users.
But are there additions that may be fitted with vehicles to
improve fuel economy and make them even more fuel-efficient?
Well, the good news is that there are loads and loads of gas
saving devices in the open market and can help improve fuel
mileage or increase gas mileage of your car and will work on
your car like a charm, so to speak. These products claim to save
money on gas and increase fuel efficiency of your car. But the
bad news is, most of the so-called gas saving devices that
purportedly claim to increase gas mileage of your car are
nothing but are subject to advertising hype and thus are a waste
of your time.
Hence, there are several ways you need learn to use when it
comes to increasing fuel mileage of your car.
1) Electronic Ignition Systems
2) Fuel Catalysts
3) Free-Flow Air Filters
4) Tire Inflation
5) Other Products
Electronic Ignition Systems
This class of accessories really applies to the older vehicles
that still run on the traditional contact breaker systems. Those
who wish to keep vintage vehicles on the road will find that
fitting a contact-less ignition system is the way to go.
Although it is not strictly a fuel-saving device, it ensures
that the vehicle stays in tune and retains the fuel economy that
a freshly-installed contact breaker system would provide.
Minimal maintenance and consistent fuel economy result in
increased gas mileage and fuel savings of your car.
Fuel Catalysts
Due to the recent increases in fuel prices, we've been getting a
lot of response on this method. Suffice to say, fuel catalysts
are elements you would put on your gas tank to speeds up the
combustion process. This in the end will improve your car fuel
efficiency and improve your gas mileage.
Some catalysts can simply be dropped into the fuel tank, while
there are some that require to be installed somewhere along the
fuel line, between the tank and engine.
A catalyst is a chemical, substance or compound that accelerates
a chemical reaction. But it remains unchanged and is not used up
during the process. When a catalyst is installed along the fuel
system, it speeds up the combustion process, rendering it more
complete, and allows for the complete release of energy from
fuel combusted.
Installation is pretty straightforward and one-off affair.
You'll recover your initial investment spent on catalyst within
a short period of time, from the increased gas mileage savings
of your car. Catalysts may also be used for the entire life of
the vehicle, and are transferable from one vehicle to another.
The more popular fuel catalysts are made of compounds of tin and
other precious metals, but the actual formulation remains a
commercial secret. They claim to promote smoother engine
operation, cleaner exhaust emissions and can increase fuel
mileage savings of up to 8%.
Free-Flow Air Filters
Grouped in the same category as the contactless ignition
systems, free-flow air filters offer no gas mileage savings over
a brand new item. Most filter elements are washable, and can be
used over thousands of kilometers. After that, you may need to
replace the air filter on regularly basis. According to the
report on http://www.extragasmileage.
com, studies have shown that replacing a clogged air filter
can improve the mileage that you get with your car as much as
10%.
Tire Inflation
Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire,
and inflation pressure is reduced over time. In the process,
oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing under
inflation and deteriorated rubber. Dry nitrogen will can prevent
auto-ignition; it will not corrode rims, and can will help the
tire to run cooler, resulting in longer tread life. So tire
replacement costs go down.
Other Products
Fuel and lubricating oil additives claim to lower internal
engine friction drag and improve combustion respectively. Some
may work and some may fail considerably. It is important that
the device fitted or the additive used does not destroy the
catalytic converter. Neither it should void your new vehicle
warranty
About the author:
About the author: Sunny Tan is a freelance Car DIY
enthusiast where he reveals his hardcore gas-money pulling
secrets and tactics to increase gas mileage
at http://www.extragasmileage.
com . He also writes monthly newsletters that dispels all
the mysteries lurking under the hood of your car. Check it
out...
Recent technology advancement in automotive industry has seen an
upsurge in improving the fuel economy of our car engines and
thus making them as efficient as they can be. Heavy investment
has been poured in making the car engines as clean as possible,
where exhaust emission is concerned, thus increasing the gas
mileage capability of the car. This has created a new batch of
vehicles with engines more fuel economical compared to engines
of comparable size a decade or more ago.
We can't deny that apart from the engines alone, electronics do
play an important part on the quest to reach the best mileage
cars available with better fuel economy. However, with the ever
going onslaught of constant and increasing fuel hike, there's no
way that advances made in producing more engines with higher
fuel efficiency may far exceeds with the increasing cost of gas.
Much budget and investment have been spent on research and
development of better car engines with best fuel economy, which
in the end may take years to recoup the cost of initial
investment alone: let alone the vast manpower needed for these
arduous tasks. Thus, where corners can be cut, manufacturers
will, although it must be emphasized that this will not be done
at the expense of the safety of the driver, passengers and other
road-users.
But are there additions that may be fitted with vehicles to
improve fuel economy and make them even more fuel-efficient?
Well, the good news is that there are loads and loads of gas
saving devices in the open market and can help improve fuel
mileage or increase gas mileage of your car and will work on
your car like a charm, so to speak. These products claim to save
money on gas and increase fuel efficiency of your car. But the
bad news is, most of the so-called gas saving devices that
purportedly claim to increase gas mileage of your car are
nothing but are subject to advertising hype and thus are a waste
of your time.
Hence, there are several ways you need learn to use when it
comes to increasing fuel mileage of your car.
1) Electronic Ignition Systems
2) Fuel Catalysts
3) Free-Flow Air Filters
4) Tire Inflation
5) Other Products
Electronic Ignition Systems
This class of accessories really applies to the older vehicles
that still run on the traditional contact breaker systems. Those
who wish to keep vintage vehicles on the road will find that
fitting a contact-less ignition system is the way to go.
Although it is not strictly a fuel-saving device, it ensures
that the vehicle stays in tune and retains the fuel economy that
a freshly-installed contact breaker system would provide.
Minimal maintenance and consistent fuel economy result in
increased gas mileage and fuel savings of your car.
Fuel Catalysts
Due to the recent increases in fuel prices, we've been getting a
lot of response on this method. Suffice to say, fuel catalysts
are elements you would put on your gas tank to speeds up the
combustion process. This in the end will improve your car fuel
efficiency and improve your gas mileage.
Some catalysts can simply be dropped into the fuel tank, while
there are some that require to be installed somewhere along the
fuel line, between the tank and engine.
A catalyst is a chemical, substance or compound that accelerates
a chemical reaction. But it remains unchanged and is not used up
during the process. When a catalyst is installed along the fuel
system, it speeds up the combustion process, rendering it more
complete, and allows for the complete release of energy from
fuel combusted.
Installation is pretty straightforward and one-off affair.
You'll recover your initial investment spent on catalyst within
a short period of time, from the increased gas mileage savings
of your car. Catalysts may also be used for the entire life of
the vehicle, and are transferable from one vehicle to another.
The more popular fuel catalysts are made of compounds of tin and
other precious metals, but the actual formulation remains a
commercial secret. They claim to promote smoother engine
operation, cleaner exhaust emissions and can increase fuel
mileage savings of up to 8%.
Free-Flow Air Filters
Grouped in the same category as the contactless ignition
systems, free-flow air filters offer no gas mileage savings over
a brand new item. Most filter elements are washable, and can be
used over thousands of kilometers. After that, you may need to
replace the air filter on regularly basis. According to the
report on http://www.extragasmileage.
com, studies have shown that replacing a clogged air filter
can improve the mileage that you get with your car as much as
10%.
Tire Inflation
Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire,
and inflation pressure is reduced over time. In the process,
oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing under
inflation and deteriorated rubber. Dry nitrogen will can prevent
auto-ignition; it will not corrode rims, and can will help the
tire to run cooler, resulting in longer tread life. So tire
replacement costs go down.
Other Products
Fuel and lubricating oil additives claim to lower internal
engine friction drag and improve combustion respectively. Some
may work and some may fail considerably. It is important that
the device fitted or the additive used does not destroy the
catalytic converter. Neither it should void your new vehicle
warranty
About the author:
About the author: Sunny Tan is a freelance Car DIY
enthusiast where he reveals his hardcore gas-money pulling
secrets and tactics to increase gas mileage
at http://www.extragasmileage.
com . He also writes monthly newsletters that dispels all
the mysteries lurking under the hood of your car. Check it
out...
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Tips For Keeping Up With Automotive Recalls
By: Jeff Dragt
You hear about automotive recalls all the time in the newspaper,
on the Internet, as well as on the nightly news. Amazingly, one
in 12 cars traveling the roads today were recalled for one
reason or another in 2003. However, even more amazing is the
fact that only one third of the owners of the recalled vehicles
chose to take their car in for the needed repairs. The car
manufacturers are required to send out letters informing owners
of these vehicles of the recall, regardless of whether it is a
major or minor event. Also, the information regarding the recall
is delivered to consumers in so many different mediums it is
almost impossible that owners of the affected vehicles do not
learn of the problems. However, people seem to think that if
they are not experiencing any problems at the moment then the
recall affects all of the other vehicles instead of theirs and
end up ignoring the recall. This is negligence and simply asking
for the problem with the car to crop up. However, if this
happens after the recall then it is the owners fault because
they were given the information and allowed to fix the problem
free of charge yet they simply ignored it. As long as car
manufactures report the recall and inform owners of the vehicles
as they are required to do by law, it is up to the consumer to
take advantage of the recall and have their automobile fixed. If
not, then the owner is taking the risk. If you have not heard
anything about car recalls or just bought a used vehicle and
want to find out if the manufacturer issued any recalls then you
should check out www.nhtsa.gov or www.autorecalls.org to see
if your car is listed.
Both of these websites have all the information about recalls
over the past years so you can search through the year, make,
and model of a vehicle to see if yours is listed. It is very
likely you will see your car listed on one of these website
because more than 31 million cars were recalled in 2004. That is
almost unbelievable considering the amount of technology used in
developing cars as well as the fact that cars are safer than
they have ever been. However, it is true that mistakes are still
taking places and consumers are buying vehicles with basic
problems like fuses or major problems with gas lines, tires, and
seats buckling in crashes. Regardless of whether or not you
believe you are driving a safe car you need to check out the
websites stated above every few months just to make sure your
vehicle has not ended up on the list. If it has, don't fall into
the two thirds of individuals who never respond to the recall.
Instead, head to the nearest dealership or authorized mechanic
who can make the free repairs to your vehicle. Why so many
people don't have time for free repairs is beyond me, but
knowing your vehicle has a problem that could be potentially
fatal for you and your family and that a free repair is
available should be enough to motivate you to have the repair
taken care of.
Another thing to keep in mind is that simple problems with your
vehicle that result in a visit to the mechanic may not be a
problem you are required to pay for. Millions of Americans each
year take their cars to the mechanic for a basic repair, or even
a major one, assuming something went wrong and they simply need
to fix it. Unfortunately, many of these individuals never check
to see if the problem was due to a recall and end up paying for
a repair that might be free or discounted by the automobile
manufacturer. So, armed with this knowledge the next time your
vehicle has even the slightest problem make sure you check and
see if the car has been recalled for similar problems and if you
can get free repairs or discounted ones at the least. It is
certainly worth checking out and could save you hundreds or even
thousands of dollars.
Who Issues Recalls?
In general, the reason so many people don't respond to recalls
is because they simply don't understand the recall process. The
NHTSA , National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, is
responsible for investigating consumer complaints regarding
specific vehicles and problems associated with them. After
several consumers have reported the same or similar problem to
the NHTSA for the same model vehicle an investigation is
launched. The point of the NHTSA investigation is to determine
whether the consumer caused the problem or malfunction in some
way or if the manufacturer of the vehicle is at fault. If the
manufacturer is determined to be at fault then the owners of
affected models will receive information in the mail regarding
the recall of the vehicle with information included on how they
can have the problem corrected free of charge. However, the
NHTSA is not always the one who issues a recall.
Occasionally, the manufacturer realizes a problem exists in a
certain model vehicle and will voluntarily issue a recall. Of
course, the NHTSA is informed as well, and the same letter is
sent to owners of the vehicle letting them know the problem with
the vehicle and how to correct it. Many times, however, a recall
does not affect all models of a particular year. For example, if
a recall is issued on 2005 Ford Explorers more than likely it
will only affect a certain batch of these vehicles and not all
of them. However, if you own a vehicle of that make and year
then you can take it to the dealership and the service
department will run the VIN, or vehicle identification number,
to determine if in fact your vehicle is affected by the recall.
If so, then you can have the repairs made at no cost. If not,
then you can head home knowing your vehicle is safe and sound.
Just keep in mind, however, each year millions of cars are
recalled for various reasons and you should always take your car
in if you suspect the recall might apply to your vehicle or if
you receive a recall letter. Don't take your safety for granted,
especially if the repair for the recalled vehicle is free.
About the author:
Jeff Dragt runs an automotive recall website called Auto
Recalls. For more information please visit
http://www.autorecalls.org
You hear about automotive recalls all the time in the newspaper,
on the Internet, as well as on the nightly news. Amazingly, one
in 12 cars traveling the roads today were recalled for one
reason or another in 2003. However, even more amazing is the
fact that only one third of the owners of the recalled vehicles
chose to take their car in for the needed repairs. The car
manufacturers are required to send out letters informing owners
of these vehicles of the recall, regardless of whether it is a
major or minor event. Also, the information regarding the recall
is delivered to consumers in so many different mediums it is
almost impossible that owners of the affected vehicles do not
learn of the problems. However, people seem to think that if
they are not experiencing any problems at the moment then the
recall affects all of the other vehicles instead of theirs and
end up ignoring the recall. This is negligence and simply asking
for the problem with the car to crop up. However, if this
happens after the recall then it is the owners fault because
they were given the information and allowed to fix the problem
free of charge yet they simply ignored it. As long as car
manufactures report the recall and inform owners of the vehicles
as they are required to do by law, it is up to the consumer to
take advantage of the recall and have their automobile fixed. If
not, then the owner is taking the risk. If you have not heard
anything about car recalls or just bought a used vehicle and
want to find out if the manufacturer issued any recalls then you
should check out www.nhtsa.gov or www.autorecalls.org to see
if your car is listed.
Both of these websites have all the information about recalls
over the past years so you can search through the year, make,
and model of a vehicle to see if yours is listed. It is very
likely you will see your car listed on one of these website
because more than 31 million cars were recalled in 2004. That is
almost unbelievable considering the amount of technology used in
developing cars as well as the fact that cars are safer than
they have ever been. However, it is true that mistakes are still
taking places and consumers are buying vehicles with basic
problems like fuses or major problems with gas lines, tires, and
seats buckling in crashes. Regardless of whether or not you
believe you are driving a safe car you need to check out the
websites stated above every few months just to make sure your
vehicle has not ended up on the list. If it has, don't fall into
the two thirds of individuals who never respond to the recall.
Instead, head to the nearest dealership or authorized mechanic
who can make the free repairs to your vehicle. Why so many
people don't have time for free repairs is beyond me, but
knowing your vehicle has a problem that could be potentially
fatal for you and your family and that a free repair is
available should be enough to motivate you to have the repair
taken care of.
Another thing to keep in mind is that simple problems with your
vehicle that result in a visit to the mechanic may not be a
problem you are required to pay for. Millions of Americans each
year take their cars to the mechanic for a basic repair, or even
a major one, assuming something went wrong and they simply need
to fix it. Unfortunately, many of these individuals never check
to see if the problem was due to a recall and end up paying for
a repair that might be free or discounted by the automobile
manufacturer. So, armed with this knowledge the next time your
vehicle has even the slightest problem make sure you check and
see if the car has been recalled for similar problems and if you
can get free repairs or discounted ones at the least. It is
certainly worth checking out and could save you hundreds or even
thousands of dollars.
Who Issues Recalls?
In general, the reason so many people don't respond to recalls
is because they simply don't understand the recall process. The
NHTSA , National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, is
responsible for investigating consumer complaints regarding
specific vehicles and problems associated with them. After
several consumers have reported the same or similar problem to
the NHTSA for the same model vehicle an investigation is
launched. The point of the NHTSA investigation is to determine
whether the consumer caused the problem or malfunction in some
way or if the manufacturer of the vehicle is at fault. If the
manufacturer is determined to be at fault then the owners of
affected models will receive information in the mail regarding
the recall of the vehicle with information included on how they
can have the problem corrected free of charge. However, the
NHTSA is not always the one who issues a recall.
Occasionally, the manufacturer realizes a problem exists in a
certain model vehicle and will voluntarily issue a recall. Of
course, the NHTSA is informed as well, and the same letter is
sent to owners of the vehicle letting them know the problem with
the vehicle and how to correct it. Many times, however, a recall
does not affect all models of a particular year. For example, if
a recall is issued on 2005 Ford Explorers more than likely it
will only affect a certain batch of these vehicles and not all
of them. However, if you own a vehicle of that make and year
then you can take it to the dealership and the service
department will run the VIN, or vehicle identification number,
to determine if in fact your vehicle is affected by the recall.
If so, then you can have the repairs made at no cost. If not,
then you can head home knowing your vehicle is safe and sound.
Just keep in mind, however, each year millions of cars are
recalled for various reasons and you should always take your car
in if you suspect the recall might apply to your vehicle or if
you receive a recall letter. Don't take your safety for granted,
especially if the repair for the recalled vehicle is free.
About the author:
Jeff Dragt runs an automotive recall website called Auto
Recalls. For more information please visit
http://www.autorecalls.org
All About Hybrid Gas/Electric Vehicles
We found a great resource with all kinds of information on hybrid vehicles. Check it out.
http://www.hybridcenter.org/
http://www.hybridcenter.org/
Monday, September 26, 2005
A subjective insight of the future automobile
By: Jeff Darling
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different
machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with
computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt
driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit
strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by
now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of
our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting
edge technology emerging now may well make it into production
models of the future. But how much of this technology will be
needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already
influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety
regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept
seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre
shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and
fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most
enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the
ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix
therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car
designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically
correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is
coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the
more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily
beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one
thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and
I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never
before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the
world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the
automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible
for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to
sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because
their computer system failed to brake the car even though they
were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you
have automation of every single vehicle on every single road
computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are
just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in
the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving
is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for
you if your not looking where your going and your too close to
the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the
car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get
closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car,
if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would
happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle
automation?
In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that
visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that
still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning
System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be
able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology
is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the
UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge
motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what
times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with
an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to
track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to
be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the
car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available
nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car
and the police car officers can track the car even if they
cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into
a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology
a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the
owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even
find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course
who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on
your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later
and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he
didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice
do you have.
Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys
of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the
key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will
become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it
still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used
to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some
computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be
an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it
for members of your family deciding between access only for the
children or access and drive functions for those with licenses.
However I belive it will be some time before this is the only
means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your
car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.
Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the
point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we
stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more
video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a
rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are
going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video
being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This
MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more
footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet
connections could mean that the larger roads can support
Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with
up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can
display live images to show traffic reports and also predict
traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show
areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and
then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will
also improve and become more personalised for the various
passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets,
there might be four different radio stations that can be played
at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that
can be played at once.
Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car
manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the
future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side
impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to
be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better
positioning will continue to improve their performance and
reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so
in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided
after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take
this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use
airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be
inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic
headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a
collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and
reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.
It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a
very important factor when it comes to safety during a
collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can
override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly
into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe
risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car
collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by
having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they
are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height
would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of
collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy
nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be
avoided.
Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and
safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor
the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous
conditions, this information will then be displayed to the
driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve
traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The
information gathered may also be relayed to a central road
monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing
weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a
roving weather station.
Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if
the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic
lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the
Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the
drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and
if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would
sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which
monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are
applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good
contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this
process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night
vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time
crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each
year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night.
Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on
some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see
light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand
out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected
onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight
allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital
projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to
identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally
highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path
and then emit an audible warning.
New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field,
in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite
materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This
biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car
and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor
body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of
using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled
and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more
environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic
compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are
becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive
limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using
ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them
suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use
of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform
under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with
exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as
carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed
for their high strength and lightweight properties have now
filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end
vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear
in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy
whilst maintaining structural rigidity.
In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and
find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to
catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold
and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design
in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before'
market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous,
just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by
law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced
requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking
has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is
difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of
car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources
such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine,
vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their
power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight
Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly
repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to
then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not
intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's
psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent
concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be
improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning
vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is
finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an
optional power source.
The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user
friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and
lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as
standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce
chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised
interior space will also become desirable features on the future
automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash
could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger
than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the
possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an
increasingly demanding consumer.
Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more
popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the
super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by
then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel
counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may
take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his
piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just
not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars
will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors,
but not for a long long time.
Find out more about concept vehicles, designs, current vehicles,
and strange vehicles at http://www.diseno-art.com/
About the author:
Jeff Darling studied transport design at Coventry university and
is currently working on a career in web design,
www.diseno-art.com, while also working as an independant design
consultant for small engineering companies.
The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different
machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with
computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt
driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit
strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.
Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by
now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of
our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting
edge technology emerging now may well make it into production
models of the future. But how much of this technology will be
needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already
influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety
regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept
seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre
shopping cart, but at least its legal.
Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and
fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most
enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the
ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix
therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car
designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically
correct car that is also desirable.
Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is
coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the
more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily
beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one
thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and
I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never
before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the
world.
Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the
automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible
for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to
sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because
their computer system failed to brake the car even though they
were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you
have automation of every single vehicle on every single road
computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are
just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in
the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving
is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for
you if your not looking where your going and your too close to
the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the
car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get
closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car,
if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would
happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle
automation?
In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that
visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that
still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning
System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be
able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology
is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the
UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge
motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what
times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with
an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to
track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to
be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the
car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available
nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car
and the police car officers can track the car even if they
cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into
a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology
a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the
owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even
find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course
who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on
your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later
and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he
didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice
do you have.
Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys
of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the
key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will
become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it
still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used
to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some
computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be
an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it
for members of your family deciding between access only for the
children or access and drive functions for those with licenses.
However I belive it will be some time before this is the only
means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your
car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.
Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the
point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we
stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more
video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a
rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are
going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video
being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This
MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more
footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet
connections could mean that the larger roads can support
Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with
up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can
display live images to show traffic reports and also predict
traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show
areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and
then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will
also improve and become more personalised for the various
passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets,
there might be four different radio stations that can be played
at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that
can be played at once.
Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car
manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the
future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side
impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to
be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better
positioning will continue to improve their performance and
reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so
in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided
after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take
this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use
airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be
inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic
headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a
collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and
reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.
It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a
very important factor when it comes to safety during a
collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can
override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly
into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe
risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car
collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by
having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they
are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height
would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of
collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy
nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be
avoided.
Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and
safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor
the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous
conditions, this information will then be displayed to the
driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve
traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The
information gathered may also be relayed to a central road
monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing
weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a
roving weather station.
Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if
the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic
lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the
Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the
drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and
if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would
sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which
monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are
applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good
contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this
process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night
vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time
crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each
year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night.
Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on
some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see
light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand
out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected
onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight
allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital
projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to
identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally
highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path
and then emit an audible warning.
New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field,
in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite
materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This
biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car
and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor
body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of
using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled
and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more
environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic
compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are
becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive
limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using
ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them
suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use
of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform
under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with
exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as
carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed
for their high strength and lightweight properties have now
filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end
vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear
in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy
whilst maintaining structural rigidity.
In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and
find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to
catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold
and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design
in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before'
market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous,
just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by
law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced
requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking
has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is
difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of
car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources
such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine,
vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their
power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight
Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly
repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to
then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not
intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's
psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent
concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be
improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning
vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is
finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an
optional power source.
The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user
friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and
lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as
standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce
chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised
interior space will also become desirable features on the future
automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash
could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger
than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the
possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an
increasingly demanding consumer.
Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more
popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the
super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by
then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel
counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may
take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his
piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just
not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars
will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors,
but not for a long long time.
Find out more about concept vehicles, designs, current vehicles,
and strange vehicles at http://www.diseno-art.com/
About the author:
Jeff Darling studied transport design at Coventry university and
is currently working on a career in web design,
www.diseno-art.com, while also working as an independant design
consultant for small engineering companies.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Cool Cars - What is Hot and What is Not!
By: Charlie Cory
What is at the heart of cool cars everywhere? Is it the speed
they can travel at? Is it the thought of the wind brushing your
hair? If it's the latter, then you have a soft top
(convertible), or someone's pinched your roof!
Well, it could be either of these things. Or perhaps cool cars
mean something else to you entirely. But to me, it is the shape
of the car. Not so much cool cars but cool curves ... Sexist?
Perhaps, but true none the less. I think I classic car is
defined by it's architecture.
Look at any sports models over the years. What has defined them,
made them stand out? Ok, the price is one thing, but take a step
back and really think about what makes a hot car so cool?
There is something else that makes a car cool, at least as far
as I am concerned. And that is the interior. Or to be more
precise, what the interior is made of. My first car lives in my
memory to this day, and surely that is the mark of a cool car. I
can remember the smell of the leather seats and look of the
wooden dash surround. Plastic just doesn't cut it, especially
not in more mass produced models.
And it had curves!
So what else puts the cool into a car for you?
For me personally, low is cool. The closer I am to the ground,
the better I feel. Some people like to have a high vantage
point, and perhaps that is cool to them. It certainly helps to
have a better view of the road from a practical point of view.
For many, the colour of a car defines its 'cool'. Red is often
the colour to fuel associated with the hottest cars around (not
surprisingly really). But what about black? There is something
mystical about jet black automobiles, don't you think? To some,
an unusual colour is the height of chic as far as a car is
concerned. You might not like bright yellow or lime green, but
your will always notice them, won't you. And to some folk, that
is all that is required from a cool car.
About the author:
The article was written by Charlie Cory, who is the owner of
Autos Inclusive, a website dedicated to providing news and
information about automobiles.
You can visit his website about cool cars, on cool
cars.
What is at the heart of cool cars everywhere? Is it the speed
they can travel at? Is it the thought of the wind brushing your
hair? If it's the latter, then you have a soft top
(convertible), or someone's pinched your roof!
Well, it could be either of these things. Or perhaps cool cars
mean something else to you entirely. But to me, it is the shape
of the car. Not so much cool cars but cool curves ... Sexist?
Perhaps, but true none the less. I think I classic car is
defined by it's architecture.
Look at any sports models over the years. What has defined them,
made them stand out? Ok, the price is one thing, but take a step
back and really think about what makes a hot car so cool?
There is something else that makes a car cool, at least as far
as I am concerned. And that is the interior. Or to be more
precise, what the interior is made of. My first car lives in my
memory to this day, and surely that is the mark of a cool car. I
can remember the smell of the leather seats and look of the
wooden dash surround. Plastic just doesn't cut it, especially
not in more mass produced models.
And it had curves!
So what else puts the cool into a car for you?
For me personally, low is cool. The closer I am to the ground,
the better I feel. Some people like to have a high vantage
point, and perhaps that is cool to them. It certainly helps to
have a better view of the road from a practical point of view.
For many, the colour of a car defines its 'cool'. Red is often
the colour to fuel associated with the hottest cars around (not
surprisingly really). But what about black? There is something
mystical about jet black automobiles, don't you think? To some,
an unusual colour is the height of chic as far as a car is
concerned. You might not like bright yellow or lime green, but
your will always notice them, won't you. And to some folk, that
is all that is required from a cool car.
About the author:
The article was written by Charlie Cory, who is the owner of
Autos Inclusive, a website dedicated to providing news and
information about automobiles.
You can visit his website about cool cars, on cool
cars.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
How To Save Money On A New Car
By: Shaan Randow
The price of cars these days is just out of this world. You can
figure on spending upwards of $30,000 for a family van. No
wonder a lot of people are opting for used cars. Even with
prices creeping up and up there are still ways for you to save
money if you have your heart set on a new car.
The first advice I'll offer is to do your homework before you
approach a dealership. There is an endless amount of information
available on the internet. Every car manufacturer has a website,
dealerships have web sites. See what deals they are offering on
what models. Check on the edmunds.com website for information on
retail prices for new and used cars of any make and model. You
should, before you even pull into the dealership, have a
ballpark figure of what your new car should cost, including any
special packages you may want.
A lot of dealers have taken the haggling and pressure out of new
car buying, which many of consumers like. Remember the days when
you'd ask what the price of a car is and the salesman would
reply "how much can you afford to pay a month?". You never knew
exactly what you were paying for your new car until you were at
the desk ready to sign the contract. Today we are educated
consumers and those days are gone forever.
You will be able to get a good deal during the end of model year
sales. The dealers will make just about any deal to get an older
model off the lot to make room for a new one. Also, go into the
dealership at the end of the month. Your salesman will be doing
his best to sell a few more vehicles to up his commission
payment.
Get the bottom line price for that new car before you talk about
a trade in. Generally the first thing a salesman will ask is if
you have a trade in. Say "no". If your salesman knows you have a
trade in it will affect the price you pay for your new car, no
doubt. If he makes you a ridiculously good deal for your trade
in you can believe that the price of your new car will reflect
this. Make sure you know what the value of your trade in is.
Again you can check edmunds.com. Take you car to a variety of
dealerships and get an idea of this price from them.
The bottom line is to do your homework. Get a price for the new
car from several different dealers. There is nothing wrong with
each of them vying to give you the best deal.
Consider your finance charges. Get a quote on the interest rate
you're offered from the dealership, then check with your bank or
credit union to see what type of interest rates they offer.
About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.porsche-fanclub.com
The price of cars these days is just out of this world. You can
figure on spending upwards of $30,000 for a family van. No
wonder a lot of people are opting for used cars. Even with
prices creeping up and up there are still ways for you to save
money if you have your heart set on a new car.
The first advice I'll offer is to do your homework before you
approach a dealership. There is an endless amount of information
available on the internet. Every car manufacturer has a website,
dealerships have web sites. See what deals they are offering on
what models. Check on the edmunds.com website for information on
retail prices for new and used cars of any make and model. You
should, before you even pull into the dealership, have a
ballpark figure of what your new car should cost, including any
special packages you may want.
A lot of dealers have taken the haggling and pressure out of new
car buying, which many of consumers like. Remember the days when
you'd ask what the price of a car is and the salesman would
reply "how much can you afford to pay a month?". You never knew
exactly what you were paying for your new car until you were at
the desk ready to sign the contract. Today we are educated
consumers and those days are gone forever.
You will be able to get a good deal during the end of model year
sales. The dealers will make just about any deal to get an older
model off the lot to make room for a new one. Also, go into the
dealership at the end of the month. Your salesman will be doing
his best to sell a few more vehicles to up his commission
payment.
Get the bottom line price for that new car before you talk about
a trade in. Generally the first thing a salesman will ask is if
you have a trade in. Say "no". If your salesman knows you have a
trade in it will affect the price you pay for your new car, no
doubt. If he makes you a ridiculously good deal for your trade
in you can believe that the price of your new car will reflect
this. Make sure you know what the value of your trade in is.
Again you can check edmunds.com. Take you car to a variety of
dealerships and get an idea of this price from them.
The bottom line is to do your homework. Get a price for the new
car from several different dealers. There is nothing wrong with
each of them vying to give you the best deal.
Consider your finance charges. Get a quote on the interest rate
you're offered from the dealership, then check with your bank or
credit union to see what type of interest rates they offer.
About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.porsche-fanclub.com
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
High Gas Prices - Ways To Try And Get Cheaper Gas
By: Allen Reed
If you live any where in the world right now, the price of oil
has risen dramatically over the last few months, which in turn
has created a massive spike in the price of gas prices.
Everywhere you turn, people are talking about how the price of
gas is affecting lives and they want cheap gas or at least
cheaper gas.
For a person who was just making it by financially just months
ago, the price increase in gas may impact their ability just to
meet their basic needs, possibly even the needs of their
families. It costs more to commute to work, take kids to
practices, even going away on a weekend trip is now something
one has to carefully justify.
There are few things that one can do to control the price of
gas. One of the important ways we as consumers can ensure all is
being done to keep gas prices in check, is to contact our
government officials. If the people of a nation, state or
province, contact their government officials and make getting
cheaper gas a political issue, a few things may happen.
One thing that government can look at is possibly reducing the
tax on gas, thereby making it more affordable. For the average
person even having gas that is cheaper by two percent, can be a
big savings in a year, depending on the amount of driving.
As well, it is important that our government ensure that oil and
gas companies are being held accountable for the price increases
we are seeing on the market. Our government has a responsibility
to ensure that their people are not being taken advantage of,
and that the spike in gas prices is justified.
Many would argue that driving ones vehicle is not a basic need,
and therefore the government cannot obtain getting cheaper gas
prices for consumers. I would agree that it would be difficult
to say that getting cheap gas is a basic need, but the impact of
high gas prices could be astronomical. If prices soar to a point
that the average person cannot afford, think about how this
might affect the average person. Some may need to turn to public
transportation, which means that public systems could be
burdened to a point of not being able to meet the demand, thus
needing to spend many more dollars on increasing the capacity.
Many people may quit jobs because the commuting costs are to
high, meaning that unemployment rates could increase, increasing
the demand for social welfare programs. The impact of these
simple changes would have large effects on economies of all
scales (locally, nationally).
It's important that we as consumers make an effort to contact
those sitting in government offices, they represent us. We need
our government officials to take a close look at trying to get
consumers a cheaper price on gas. There is little we can do
individually to get cheap gas, but together when may individuals
contact our officials, we can ensure that our governments make
gasoline prices a high priority.
About the author:
Allen Reed is co-creator of the site www.cheapergascanada.com, which was created so that Canadians could voice their
concerns over wanting cheaper gas prices, through a quick online
process, to the Prime Minister's Office. Allen also operates, www.portable-dvd
-players-guide.com.
If you live any where in the world right now, the price of oil
has risen dramatically over the last few months, which in turn
has created a massive spike in the price of gas prices.
Everywhere you turn, people are talking about how the price of
gas is affecting lives and they want cheap gas or at least
cheaper gas.
For a person who was just making it by financially just months
ago, the price increase in gas may impact their ability just to
meet their basic needs, possibly even the needs of their
families. It costs more to commute to work, take kids to
practices, even going away on a weekend trip is now something
one has to carefully justify.
There are few things that one can do to control the price of
gas. One of the important ways we as consumers can ensure all is
being done to keep gas prices in check, is to contact our
government officials. If the people of a nation, state or
province, contact their government officials and make getting
cheaper gas a political issue, a few things may happen.
One thing that government can look at is possibly reducing the
tax on gas, thereby making it more affordable. For the average
person even having gas that is cheaper by two percent, can be a
big savings in a year, depending on the amount of driving.
As well, it is important that our government ensure that oil and
gas companies are being held accountable for the price increases
we are seeing on the market. Our government has a responsibility
to ensure that their people are not being taken advantage of,
and that the spike in gas prices is justified.
Many would argue that driving ones vehicle is not a basic need,
and therefore the government cannot obtain getting cheaper gas
prices for consumers. I would agree that it would be difficult
to say that getting cheap gas is a basic need, but the impact of
high gas prices could be astronomical. If prices soar to a point
that the average person cannot afford, think about how this
might affect the average person. Some may need to turn to public
transportation, which means that public systems could be
burdened to a point of not being able to meet the demand, thus
needing to spend many more dollars on increasing the capacity.
Many people may quit jobs because the commuting costs are to
high, meaning that unemployment rates could increase, increasing
the demand for social welfare programs. The impact of these
simple changes would have large effects on economies of all
scales (locally, nationally).
It's important that we as consumers make an effort to contact
those sitting in government offices, they represent us. We need
our government officials to take a close look at trying to get
consumers a cheaper price on gas. There is little we can do
individually to get cheap gas, but together when may individuals
contact our officials, we can ensure that our governments make
gasoline prices a high priority.
About the author:
Allen Reed is co-creator of the site www.cheapergascanada.com, which was created so that Canadians could voice their
concerns over wanting cheaper gas prices, through a quick online
process, to the Prime Minister's Office. Allen also operates, www.portable-dvd
-players-guide.com.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Get A Free Auto Quote Online
With the news car models coming out some of you may be interested in buying a new vehicle. You can price all the models out with the new sidebar we've put up.
With gas prices rising you may want to check out the fuel efficiency specifications.
There's been a lot of interest in the hybrid gas/electric vehicles. You can check prices on them but make sure you also check availability. Some dealers have them backordered.
We'll be posting reviews on select new models as they become available.
With gas prices rising you may want to check out the fuel efficiency specifications.
There's been a lot of interest in the hybrid gas/electric vehicles. You can check prices on them but make sure you also check availability. Some dealers have them backordered.
We'll be posting reviews on select new models as they become available.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Buying Used Cars - Top 10 Dealership Scams
By: Andy McDowell
Top 10 Dealership Scams:
1. The VIN# window etching scam
Basically a dealer will charge you $300-$900 for
window etching and they will tell you that you
have to pay the money to get the loan because the
banks insists on it.
Some dealers might tell you that the etching is
free but will add on the etch money to your
monthly payments to make up for it.
The best way to avoid this scam is to force the
dealer to put it in writing if they say that the
etching is free or simply etch the car yourself.
Remember a lender doesn't require that you
purchase any extras on a car. All the lender
cares about is that you can make your payments on
time regularly. Don't buy into it.
2. The Financing Scam
I have mentioned this before already, but here it
is in more detail.
Basically you trade in your old car and the
finance manager tells you that your interest rate
is good and then gives you the car.
After a week or two passes you get the call from
him that you didn't qualify for the interest
rates that they gave you upon making the deal.
Every new purchase has a clause in the contract
that usually states that the deal is "subject to
loan approval."
This gives the finance manager a loop hole in
getting more money out of you.
All that this means in the contract is that the
deal is not finished yet even you already have
possession of the car and have signed the
contract.
The dealer can then charge you $1000 more in
finance fees and up your monthly payments by $50.
This scam is generally pulled on people with bad
credit because it is more plausible.
If you are wondering why they would sell you the
car at 6% APR if they knew you had bad credit
(remember they ran the credit search already) the
answer is simple; to sell the car.
You can avoid this scam by not financing the car
with the dealer if you know that you have bad
credit.
You are better off going to a credit union and
financing the car yourself. When you buy a new
car the deal should be made on the price of the
car, not on the monthly payments.
3. The Credit Score Scam
This scam is ridiculous at best. This is when the
finance manager tells you that your credit score
is lower than it really is so that they can get
you for higher interest rates.
This scam is pulled on everyone; good or bad
credit.
This scam is easy to avoid. Just get your own
copy of your credit report from Equifax.com, and
bring it with you.
It is really difficult to lie to you about your
credit score if you have your own copy of it. If
your paper and theirs doesn't say the same thing,
go somewhere else because that dealership is
lying to you.
Don't forget to let them know it too because
it'll be nice to watch them squirm.
4. The Forced Warranty Scam
This is when the finance manager tells you that
you are not eligible for the loan by the bank
unless you pay an extra $2000 for a 2-3 year
extended warranty.
This scam just doesn't make sense. Basically the
finance manager is telling you that the bank
won't trust you to pay the $20,000 loan for the
car, but they will trust you if you pay even more
money. That's just stupid.
You can avoid this scam if you can force them to
put it in writing that you "have" to pay the
extended warranty in order to get the loan.
That way you can bring a copy of the contract to
your local State's Attorney's office to verify
that the deal is valid. I can bet that the
finance manager will change his tune pretty
quickly.
5. The Dealer Prep Scam
Let me first let you know that cost is not only
legal but very much common practice. I still
refer to it as a scam because it is just another
way for you to end up paying more money for the
car.
Basically the dealer will tell you have to an
extra $500 to cover the labor costs of the
dealership's 5-point inspection.
You are paying for the time it took for the
dealership to make sure that the car wouldn't
explode on you in the first week of owning it.
This check up that you are paying so much money
for is for the dealership to remove plastic from
the seats etc, vacuum the car out, and making
sure that all of the fuses and fluids are ready
to go.
When factories deliver the new cars to the
dealerships the cost of delivery and prep is
already covered, so basically you are paying the
dealership for work that they haven't really
done.
I swear they could get the car in perfectly ready
to drive condition and put everything right back
in it just so that they can make you pay the fee
again.
You can avoid this scam by simply asking the
dealership to add an extra $500 credit to the
deal to make sure you do not have to pay the
money.
If they refuse, you can then decide if the car is
worth the money. If it is fine; buy the car, if
not; go to another dealer that will remove the
dealer prep costs.
6. The Dealer Mark up Scam
This is an unnecessary fee that the dealer
charges for no reason other than greed. This fee
can be seen on the orange sticker marked on the
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
The additional dealer markup is nothing more than
requiring more money for no real reason. They can
include all kinds of extra fees in the additional
dealer markup.
When you see an extra dealer mark up fee, ask the
dealer to get rid of it. If they refuse, it is
pretty much up to you, but remember that if you
do pay the extra dealer markup, you are
overpaying for no real reason.
7. The Payoff Your Loan Scam
This is when the dealer offers to pay off the
balance of your current car loan no matter how
much money you still owe. It is a common sales
strategy.
When the average buyer hears it, they think that
by purchasing a new car with a new dealership,
they will automatically owe no more money on
their current car.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
What really happens is that the dealership does
help you get out of your current contract;
however, they normally are forgetting to tell you
how high your fees are going to be for breaking
the lease agreement with your old dealership.
You will now be responsible to pay fees that are
in the thousands to make up for it.
You also will not be able to refinance for a new
car until those fees are paid. Of course the
dealership can add the cost on to your contract
with them at a substantially higher rate.
The dealership only agrees to this deal because
they want to get more money off of your current
car. They aren't really doing anything for you at
all.
The dealership will also give you far less then
the car is worth on the trade off. Basically this
scam works because they will up your monthly
fees, and then sell your trade in for a more
money than its worth.
The dealership then extends your monthly payments
so that they can make it appear that you are
paying a small amount monthly when you don't even
realize that you have committed to an extra year
of payments.
To avoid this scam, you have to bite the bullet
and ride out your current lease till the end. If
you are really determined to get a new car, then
you should try selling your current car on your
own.
Just sell it so that the buyer just takes over
the lease payments.
8. The Used Car Sold "As Is" Scam
This is when a dealership will sell you a car
that has been in a car wreck, but they will tell
you that the car has been completely refurbished.
When you see the car it has a sticker on it that
says "as is" on it and no warranty is included
with your purchase.
This is the dealer's way of telling you that you
can't bring the car back, you are assuming all
risks for the car, and that it is not under
warranty.
To avoid this scam, don't buy a car without a
warranty or one that says "as is" on it. By doing
this, you might as well buy a car from a stranger
on the street with the same deal.
9. The Bounced Check Scam
This is when you walk into a dealership with a
bank draft and the dealership charges that they
can't accept your draft because your bank bounces
checks often so they now refuse checks from that
bank.
Of course, this leaves the table open for them to
get the extra money they want by offering to sell
you a car at a higher interest rate.
You can avoid this scam first by getting your
drafts from Capital One Auto Finance.
Then let the finance manager know that you are
aware of the scam that they are pulling and that
Capital One Auto Finance is in the business of
giving loans so the checks don't bounce.
10. The Forced Credit Application
If you are hoping to pay for a car outright or in
cash with a bank draft or check that is what you
should do. Some dealerships will not let you.
You will hear one of these lines so that they can
try and get you into paying monthly terms for
more money.
"State laws require that you must fill out a
credit application before I can sell you this
car."
"Everyone that buys a car from us fills out a
credit application first."
"It's the company's policy".
If you hear any of these lies, then know what's
going on. When you are paying cash why would you
think that you need to fill out a credit
application?
It doesn't make sense. No state will force you to
apply for credit when paying cash.
Would you have to fill out a credit report if you
want to buy a sofa or groceries while paying
cash? See how silly this is. To avoid this scam,
just laugh in their faces.
Top 10 Dealership Scams:
1. The VIN# window etching scam
Basically a dealer will charge you $300-$900 for
window etching and they will tell you that you
have to pay the money to get the loan because the
banks insists on it.
Some dealers might tell you that the etching is
free but will add on the etch money to your
monthly payments to make up for it.
The best way to avoid this scam is to force the
dealer to put it in writing if they say that the
etching is free or simply etch the car yourself.
Remember a lender doesn't require that you
purchase any extras on a car. All the lender
cares about is that you can make your payments on
time regularly. Don't buy into it.
2. The Financing Scam
I have mentioned this before already, but here it
is in more detail.
Basically you trade in your old car and the
finance manager tells you that your interest rate
is good and then gives you the car.
After a week or two passes you get the call from
him that you didn't qualify for the interest
rates that they gave you upon making the deal.
Every new purchase has a clause in the contract
that usually states that the deal is "subject to
loan approval."
This gives the finance manager a loop hole in
getting more money out of you.
All that this means in the contract is that the
deal is not finished yet even you already have
possession of the car and have signed the
contract.
The dealer can then charge you $1000 more in
finance fees and up your monthly payments by $50.
This scam is generally pulled on people with bad
credit because it is more plausible.
If you are wondering why they would sell you the
car at 6% APR if they knew you had bad credit
(remember they ran the credit search already) the
answer is simple; to sell the car.
You can avoid this scam by not financing the car
with the dealer if you know that you have bad
credit.
You are better off going to a credit union and
financing the car yourself. When you buy a new
car the deal should be made on the price of the
car, not on the monthly payments.
3. The Credit Score Scam
This scam is ridiculous at best. This is when the
finance manager tells you that your credit score
is lower than it really is so that they can get
you for higher interest rates.
This scam is pulled on everyone; good or bad
credit.
This scam is easy to avoid. Just get your own
copy of your credit report from Equifax.com, and
bring it with you.
It is really difficult to lie to you about your
credit score if you have your own copy of it. If
your paper and theirs doesn't say the same thing,
go somewhere else because that dealership is
lying to you.
Don't forget to let them know it too because
it'll be nice to watch them squirm.
4. The Forced Warranty Scam
This is when the finance manager tells you that
you are not eligible for the loan by the bank
unless you pay an extra $2000 for a 2-3 year
extended warranty.
This scam just doesn't make sense. Basically the
finance manager is telling you that the bank
won't trust you to pay the $20,000 loan for the
car, but they will trust you if you pay even more
money. That's just stupid.
You can avoid this scam if you can force them to
put it in writing that you "have" to pay the
extended warranty in order to get the loan.
That way you can bring a copy of the contract to
your local State's Attorney's office to verify
that the deal is valid. I can bet that the
finance manager will change his tune pretty
quickly.
5. The Dealer Prep Scam
Let me first let you know that cost is not only
legal but very much common practice. I still
refer to it as a scam because it is just another
way for you to end up paying more money for the
car.
Basically the dealer will tell you have to an
extra $500 to cover the labor costs of the
dealership's 5-point inspection.
You are paying for the time it took for the
dealership to make sure that the car wouldn't
explode on you in the first week of owning it.
This check up that you are paying so much money
for is for the dealership to remove plastic from
the seats etc, vacuum the car out, and making
sure that all of the fuses and fluids are ready
to go.
When factories deliver the new cars to the
dealerships the cost of delivery and prep is
already covered, so basically you are paying the
dealership for work that they haven't really
done.
I swear they could get the car in perfectly ready
to drive condition and put everything right back
in it just so that they can make you pay the fee
again.
You can avoid this scam by simply asking the
dealership to add an extra $500 credit to the
deal to make sure you do not have to pay the
money.
If they refuse, you can then decide if the car is
worth the money. If it is fine; buy the car, if
not; go to another dealer that will remove the
dealer prep costs.
6. The Dealer Mark up Scam
This is an unnecessary fee that the dealer
charges for no reason other than greed. This fee
can be seen on the orange sticker marked on the
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
The additional dealer markup is nothing more than
requiring more money for no real reason. They can
include all kinds of extra fees in the additional
dealer markup.
When you see an extra dealer mark up fee, ask the
dealer to get rid of it. If they refuse, it is
pretty much up to you, but remember that if you
do pay the extra dealer markup, you are
overpaying for no real reason.
7. The Payoff Your Loan Scam
This is when the dealer offers to pay off the
balance of your current car loan no matter how
much money you still owe. It is a common sales
strategy.
When the average buyer hears it, they think that
by purchasing a new car with a new dealership,
they will automatically owe no more money on
their current car.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
What really happens is that the dealership does
help you get out of your current contract;
however, they normally are forgetting to tell you
how high your fees are going to be for breaking
the lease agreement with your old dealership.
You will now be responsible to pay fees that are
in the thousands to make up for it.
You also will not be able to refinance for a new
car until those fees are paid. Of course the
dealership can add the cost on to your contract
with them at a substantially higher rate.
The dealership only agrees to this deal because
they want to get more money off of your current
car. They aren't really doing anything for you at
all.
The dealership will also give you far less then
the car is worth on the trade off. Basically this
scam works because they will up your monthly
fees, and then sell your trade in for a more
money than its worth.
The dealership then extends your monthly payments
so that they can make it appear that you are
paying a small amount monthly when you don't even
realize that you have committed to an extra year
of payments.
To avoid this scam, you have to bite the bullet
and ride out your current lease till the end. If
you are really determined to get a new car, then
you should try selling your current car on your
own.
Just sell it so that the buyer just takes over
the lease payments.
8. The Used Car Sold "As Is" Scam
This is when a dealership will sell you a car
that has been in a car wreck, but they will tell
you that the car has been completely refurbished.
When you see the car it has a sticker on it that
says "as is" on it and no warranty is included
with your purchase.
This is the dealer's way of telling you that you
can't bring the car back, you are assuming all
risks for the car, and that it is not under
warranty.
To avoid this scam, don't buy a car without a
warranty or one that says "as is" on it. By doing
this, you might as well buy a car from a stranger
on the street with the same deal.
9. The Bounced Check Scam
This is when you walk into a dealership with a
bank draft and the dealership charges that they
can't accept your draft because your bank bounces
checks often so they now refuse checks from that
bank.
Of course, this leaves the table open for them to
get the extra money they want by offering to sell
you a car at a higher interest rate.
You can avoid this scam first by getting your
drafts from Capital One Auto Finance.
Then let the finance manager know that you are
aware of the scam that they are pulling and that
Capital One Auto Finance is in the business of
giving loans so the checks don't bounce.
10. The Forced Credit Application
If you are hoping to pay for a car outright or in
cash with a bank draft or check that is what you
should do. Some dealerships will not let you.
You will hear one of these lines so that they can
try and get you into paying monthly terms for
more money.
"State laws require that you must fill out a
credit application before I can sell you this
car."
"Everyone that buys a car from us fills out a
credit application first."
"It's the company's policy".
If you hear any of these lies, then know what's
going on. When you are paying cash why would you
think that you need to fill out a credit
application?
It doesn't make sense. No state will force you to
apply for credit when paying cash.
Would you have to fill out a credit report if you
want to buy a sofa or groceries while paying
cash? See how silly this is. To avoid this scam,
just laugh in their faces.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
How to reduce fuel consumption amidst skyrocketing gas prices
Good article here, especially in the midst of the huge jump in gas prices in the aftermath of the destruction caused by hurricane Katrina.
How to reduce fuel consumption amidst skyrocketing gas prices. by Roger Charles
Gas prices keep skyrocketing. But there is a lot a motorist can do to reduce fuel consumption. There are quite a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps that can be taken to add miles to every gallon and save money.
Consumers waste millions of dollars everyday because of dirty oil, worn spark plugs, faulty thermostats, loose gas caps, underinflated tires, malfunctioning engine controls, poor wheel alignment, dirty air filters, and so on. These problems are basic and easy to take care of, yet still they are major causes of wasted fuel.
As they say, "a stitch in time saves nine". With proper maintenance you can save a lot of fuel. Avoid gas vaporization by ensuring that your vehicle gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing. Your tires must be properly inflated; otherwise it can cost you a few miles per gallon. Replace your spark plugs regularly to avoid misfiring and fuel wastage. Replace clogged air filters and improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
Driving habits are another major contributor to poor fuel economy. Bad habits include exceeding speed limits, aggressive driving, excessive idling, carrying heavy items in vehicle, and the list goes on.
Fast driving in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed. When traveling at highway speeds keep windows closed. Open windows reduce your mileage by 10%. You should drive steadily. Sudden changes in speed wastes fuel.
A lot of fuel can be wasted by prolonged warming up of the engine. You do not need to warm up engine for more than 45 seconds even on cold mornings. Starting and stopping your engine needlessly is another no-no. Avoid revving the engine, especially just before it is switched off.
You should also buy your gasoline carefully. Choose quality brands that provide greater economy. Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day. And never fill your gas tank to the top. The gas can slosh over and out of the tank.
Other fuel saving habits include avoiding rough roads, using straighter roads, regular tune-ups, inspection of suspension and chassis parts for misalignment, and removing snow tires during good weather seasons.
About the Author
Roger Charles is a successful author and publisher of www.Toyota-Parts-Guide.com
A resource for information and tips on buying auto parts and accessories online.
How to reduce fuel consumption amidst skyrocketing gas prices. by Roger Charles
Gas prices keep skyrocketing. But there is a lot a motorist can do to reduce fuel consumption. There are quite a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps that can be taken to add miles to every gallon and save money.
Consumers waste millions of dollars everyday because of dirty oil, worn spark plugs, faulty thermostats, loose gas caps, underinflated tires, malfunctioning engine controls, poor wheel alignment, dirty air filters, and so on. These problems are basic and easy to take care of, yet still they are major causes of wasted fuel.
As they say, "a stitch in time saves nine". With proper maintenance you can save a lot of fuel. Avoid gas vaporization by ensuring that your vehicle gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing. Your tires must be properly inflated; otherwise it can cost you a few miles per gallon. Replace your spark plugs regularly to avoid misfiring and fuel wastage. Replace clogged air filters and improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
Driving habits are another major contributor to poor fuel economy. Bad habits include exceeding speed limits, aggressive driving, excessive idling, carrying heavy items in vehicle, and the list goes on.
Fast driving in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed. When traveling at highway speeds keep windows closed. Open windows reduce your mileage by 10%. You should drive steadily. Sudden changes in speed wastes fuel.
A lot of fuel can be wasted by prolonged warming up of the engine. You do not need to warm up engine for more than 45 seconds even on cold mornings. Starting and stopping your engine needlessly is another no-no. Avoid revving the engine, especially just before it is switched off.
You should also buy your gasoline carefully. Choose quality brands that provide greater economy. Buy your gasoline during the coolest times of the day. And never fill your gas tank to the top. The gas can slosh over and out of the tank.
Other fuel saving habits include avoiding rough roads, using straighter roads, regular tune-ups, inspection of suspension and chassis parts for misalignment, and removing snow tires during good weather seasons.
About the Author
Roger Charles is a successful author and publisher of www.Toyota-Parts-Guide.com
A resource for information and tips on buying auto parts and accessories online.
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