By: Chuck Huckaby
When's the Best Time To Buy A Car?
We'll probably have to agree to disagree, but I don't
necessarily think it's at the "end of the month" is the answer
to the "when's the best time to buy a car" question any more.
Don't get me wrong, when you're buying a car at retail (
a new or used one), going on the last day of the month when the
shop is trying to reach it's quota may be in your best interests.
I remember buying a used Honda Accord once.
I showed up on the last day of the month and the last day of the
quarter. It was also just a few hours before closing time.
I didn't realize it until the salesman started sweating and
complaining about it as if I was some kind of car buying shark!
I'm not sure I got any kind of super deal, but at least the
salesman acted as if I had some kind of leverage and that I was
using some kind of "insider knowledge" that dictated the best
time to buy a car.
You can see their point though.
Near month end and quarter's end, the number crunchers are hard
at work bewailing the lack of sales.
So the sales manager is trying to rouse the sales people into
greater productivity so they can all get their bonus.
But I repeat the question. Is waiting till the last day of the
month in the last few hours of the day the ABSOLUTE best time to
buy a car?
Nowadays I'd say NO.
Why is that?
Because I don't believe in buying a car at RETAIL at all if I
can help it!
Call me cheap, but I'd like to buy perfectly serviceable, BUT
DIRT CHEAP cars sold at rock bottom... up to 90% off in some
cases.
So now my answer to when the best time to buy a car is... "At
Auction!"
Whether it's a government auction from the local sheriff who's
seized cars from drug dealers, an IRS auction, government
vehicles that have 50,000 more miles but are forced to be sold
by local policy, bank repossessions, or a car dealer's auction
where some auto insider has to go with you, I'm convinced that
the best time to buy a car is always at an auto auction!
Click here for nationwide
lists of auto auctions...
Here are my reasons...
Let's take an auction from the finance company of a major
manufacturer..
1. You've got a nearly new car. The previous driver took the
"depreciation hit".
2. You're probably going to get a new warranty for at least 3
months - or save enough to purchase your own "extended warranty"
if you are worried the car will fall apart on you.
3. You're going to probably get excellent "new car" financing
rates on a used car just to get it off the lot.
Why all the goodies?
The company may have already completely written off the previous
transaction as a "complete loss".
If so, they consider whatever they can get from you to be 100%
profit!
Let's take a government auction... either from a drug dealer or
an IRS seizure.
Why might these opportunities be the best time to buy a
car?
Remember the drug enforcement officers and the IRS have NO COST
BASIS in the car.
They're in the same position as the finance company that's
written off their loss.
Like the finance company, the government agency selling items at
auction have 100% to gain.
It's "found money" to them whether they make $1,000 or $10,000.
Sure they'd like as much as possible on any given day, but
they'll take the money and run.
So the best time to buy a car for these agencies is "any time
they have an auction" as long as the car is something you can
use or something you can quickly sell at a profit.
This isn't brain surgery.
It's just basic economics.
The answer to the question "when's the best time to buy a car"
is simple economics.
1. Do you prefer to buy at RETAIL or WHOLESALE?
In other words, do you want to pay what the average person pays,
including years of interest and face the risk of massive
depreciation and being "upside down" on your loan (this is when
you buy a new car that depreciates so fast when you go to trade
it in, the car has no trade in value)?
Or do you want to buy a car at wholesale prices, like a dealer,
and save thousands on not only the purchase price, but thousands
of dollars in interest payments if you get a loan?
2. If you prefer to buy at retail, then by all means the best
time to buy a car is at the end of the month in the closing
hours of the day (and preferably the quarter).
3. If you prefer to buy at wholesale instead of retail, then the
best time to buy a car is at auction.
Let's say it together...
When's the Best Time
To Buy A Car? At Auction!
About the author:
Chuck Huckaby writes the Work At
Home Business Opportunities Blog and 1stHowToWorkAtHome.com and 1st-WorkFromHomeJobs.com
- Real Jobs Continuously Updated!. They're 3 of the best
Work At Home resources on the web! Visit soon!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Nissan: 40 Years in North America
By: Matthew C. Keegan
The North American market has seen some bold changes by Nissan
over the years. Originally imported under the Datsun name,
Nissan cars in Canada and the US made the switch over to the new
name in the early 1980s and the company hasn't been the same
since. A broader line up and the introduction of the luxurious
Infiniti brand in the late 1980s changed the face of Nissan
tremendously. The winners are consumers everywhere who can get a
great vehicle for a fair price.
It was in 1965 when the first Datsuns arrived in Canada. Who
could forget the 1600cc 510 wagon with a 4 speed manual
transmission? The only thing that could kill this car was rust
and a rust bucket it was at that. Or, how about the 620 pick up?
A great little hauler that is in a league of its own. My
personal favorite was the 720 pick up truck equipped with a
diesel engine. A good, sturdy truck that really sipped fuel.
Today's Nissan line up is a far cry from the cars that dotted
the landscape during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. For consumers
that is probably a good thing too. Today's line up still offers
glimpses of the original Datsuns with the Sentra reminding some
of the old B210, but about ten times more comfortable at that
too. The Altima, Maxima, and the revived 350Z round out the car
line up and when you add in all the SUVs and trucks that Nissan
now sells the Japanese automaker has something for everyone.
Consumers are maintaining their Nissans/Datsuns with premium
Nissan parts and accessories. Your dealer will have what you
need, but remember the prices you pay for parts through the
dealership will be the prevailing retail rate. Some national
auto parts chains will have a decent selection, but they may
have difficulty hunting down the rare Datsun or early Nissan
part for you.
A new choice for consumers is auto parts wholesalers,
particularly those who sell online. Prices are usually much
lower because wholesalers buy direct from leading manufacturers
including Bosch, K&N, Hella, Monroe, Covercraft, and others.
Still, make sure that the retailer is based in Canada and not
charging you outrageous shipping and duty charges for parts
shipped in from the US or elsewhere. The selection they offer to
you should be great, parts stocked must meet or exceed OEM
requirements, and customer service should be just a click of the
mouse and/or a toll free phone number away.
Be careful of retailers specializing in generic Nissan parts as
counterfeit auto parts are a big problem in North America.
Always learn in advance what the company's shipping, return, and
warranty policies are before making your purchase.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for A
uto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of fine N
issan parts and Nissan accessories for your Datsun or
Nissan truck, van, SUV, or passenger car.
The North American market has seen some bold changes by Nissan
over the years. Originally imported under the Datsun name,
Nissan cars in Canada and the US made the switch over to the new
name in the early 1980s and the company hasn't been the same
since. A broader line up and the introduction of the luxurious
Infiniti brand in the late 1980s changed the face of Nissan
tremendously. The winners are consumers everywhere who can get a
great vehicle for a fair price.
It was in 1965 when the first Datsuns arrived in Canada. Who
could forget the 1600cc 510 wagon with a 4 speed manual
transmission? The only thing that could kill this car was rust
and a rust bucket it was at that. Or, how about the 620 pick up?
A great little hauler that is in a league of its own. My
personal favorite was the 720 pick up truck equipped with a
diesel engine. A good, sturdy truck that really sipped fuel.
Today's Nissan line up is a far cry from the cars that dotted
the landscape during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. For consumers
that is probably a good thing too. Today's line up still offers
glimpses of the original Datsuns with the Sentra reminding some
of the old B210, but about ten times more comfortable at that
too. The Altima, Maxima, and the revived 350Z round out the car
line up and when you add in all the SUVs and trucks that Nissan
now sells the Japanese automaker has something for everyone.
Consumers are maintaining their Nissans/Datsuns with premium
Nissan parts and accessories. Your dealer will have what you
need, but remember the prices you pay for parts through the
dealership will be the prevailing retail rate. Some national
auto parts chains will have a decent selection, but they may
have difficulty hunting down the rare Datsun or early Nissan
part for you.
A new choice for consumers is auto parts wholesalers,
particularly those who sell online. Prices are usually much
lower because wholesalers buy direct from leading manufacturers
including Bosch, K&N, Hella, Monroe, Covercraft, and others.
Still, make sure that the retailer is based in Canada and not
charging you outrageous shipping and duty charges for parts
shipped in from the US or elsewhere. The selection they offer to
you should be great, parts stocked must meet or exceed OEM
requirements, and customer service should be just a click of the
mouse and/or a toll free phone number away.
Be careful of retailers specializing in generic Nissan parts as
counterfeit auto parts are a big problem in North America.
Always learn in advance what the company's shipping, return, and
warranty policies are before making your purchase.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for A
uto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of fine N
issan parts and Nissan accessories for your Datsun or
Nissan truck, van, SUV, or passenger car.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Financing Your Car -- What You Should Know
By: Dennis James
Buying a new car is the dream of many Americans; as a result
many are sold each year, that is after financing is obtained in
order to pay for them. While you might think going and picking
out a car and then receiving on the spot financing is relatively
easy it is not always so. Before you head to your local
dealership to buy the car of your dreams, consider these tips on
automobile financing.
Tip #1 Credit Score Your credit score has everything to do with
whether or not you receive automobile financing as well as the
interest rates and down payment requirements you will receive.
Because of this it is incredibly important for you to know your
credit score before you ever head to the dealership. If your
credit score is above 600 then you should be able to get
financing without too much trouble, however if your score is
below 600 you should spend a few months lowering your bills and
focusing on increasing your credit score so you can not only
qualify for financing, but also for a great interest rate in
order to buy that new car.
Tip #2 Compare Rates Different lending institutions from banks,
online lenders and the dealership will be able to finance your
vehicle. However, each of them is likely to have different
interest rates, fee structures, and general requirements for you
to meet. As a result, you should evaluate as many financing
options as possible in order to find the best deal for you.
Because, when it comes down to it, you don't want to pay a
single cent more than you have to for your car financing needs.
Tip #3 Get Pre-Approved If there is any way you can get
pre-approved for auto financing then you should do so. The
reason for this is when you are pre-approved and head to the
dealership you will be able to negotiate as if you had cash in
hand. This will allow you to qualify for all the rebates and
discounts the dealership might be offering and you can negotiate
the price of the vehicle down as well.
Following these tips will help you get the best financing
available to you considering your personal credit score and
financial situation, not to mention the car of your dreams. So
follow these tips, save money and finally put that new car in
your driveway.
About the author:
"It is time that we the people stand up and declare we will not
be overtaken by the car dealers, but rather we will take the car
dealers by storm. Researching the cars is not enough; we need a
way to research the dealers themselves." - Dennis James
At Car Dealer Check
you can read independent car dealer reviews written by car
buyers for car buyers.
Buying a new car is the dream of many Americans; as a result
many are sold each year, that is after financing is obtained in
order to pay for them. While you might think going and picking
out a car and then receiving on the spot financing is relatively
easy it is not always so. Before you head to your local
dealership to buy the car of your dreams, consider these tips on
automobile financing.
Tip #1 Credit Score Your credit score has everything to do with
whether or not you receive automobile financing as well as the
interest rates and down payment requirements you will receive.
Because of this it is incredibly important for you to know your
credit score before you ever head to the dealership. If your
credit score is above 600 then you should be able to get
financing without too much trouble, however if your score is
below 600 you should spend a few months lowering your bills and
focusing on increasing your credit score so you can not only
qualify for financing, but also for a great interest rate in
order to buy that new car.
Tip #2 Compare Rates Different lending institutions from banks,
online lenders and the dealership will be able to finance your
vehicle. However, each of them is likely to have different
interest rates, fee structures, and general requirements for you
to meet. As a result, you should evaluate as many financing
options as possible in order to find the best deal for you.
Because, when it comes down to it, you don't want to pay a
single cent more than you have to for your car financing needs.
Tip #3 Get Pre-Approved If there is any way you can get
pre-approved for auto financing then you should do so. The
reason for this is when you are pre-approved and head to the
dealership you will be able to negotiate as if you had cash in
hand. This will allow you to qualify for all the rebates and
discounts the dealership might be offering and you can negotiate
the price of the vehicle down as well.
Following these tips will help you get the best financing
available to you considering your personal credit score and
financial situation, not to mention the car of your dreams. So
follow these tips, save money and finally put that new car in
your driveway.
About the author:
"It is time that we the people stand up and declare we will not
be overtaken by the car dealers, but rather we will take the car
dealers by storm. Researching the cars is not enough; we need a
way to research the dealers themselves." - Dennis James
At Car Dealer Check
you can read independent car dealer reviews written by car
buyers for car buyers.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Consumer Reports: Most reliable cars '06
Consumer Reports: Most reliable cars '06
Nissan, Hyundai have models in both the highest and lowest ranks; hybrids do well.
October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:22 a.m. EDT (1422 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Consumers can't just put their faith in a trusted brand name when it comes to looking for a new car.
Nissan and Hyundai had models in both the highest and lowest rankings of Consumer Reports predicted-reliability survey this year, according to the magazine.
Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, had two of the most reliable models -- the Infiniti M35 and M45. But four Nissan cars -- the Nissan Quest, Armada and Titan and and Infiniti QX56 -- landed on the list of worst for predicted reliability. (Click on car names for vehicle details and images.)
For Hyundai, Consumer Reports predicted, the Hyundai Tucson SUV will likely have poor reliability, while theSanta Fe SUV and and the Elantra should have average reliability. Reliability for the newly redesigned Sonata remains unknown.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/10/26/cr_most_reliable/index.html
Nissan, Hyundai have models in both the highest and lowest ranks; hybrids do well.
October 27, 2005; Posted: 10:22 a.m. EDT (1422 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Consumers can't just put their faith in a trusted brand name when it comes to looking for a new car.
Nissan and Hyundai had models in both the highest and lowest rankings of Consumer Reports predicted-reliability survey this year, according to the magazine.
Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, had two of the most reliable models -- the Infiniti M35 and M45. But four Nissan cars -- the Nissan Quest, Armada and Titan and and Infiniti QX56 -- landed on the list of worst for predicted reliability. (Click on car names for vehicle details and images.)
For Hyundai, Consumer Reports predicted, the Hyundai Tucson SUV will likely have poor reliability, while theSanta Fe SUV and and the Elantra should have average reliability. Reliability for the newly redesigned Sonata remains unknown.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/10/26/cr_most_reliable/index.html
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
When to Replace Brake Pads
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Worn brake pads can adversely impact your ability to bring your
car to a halt. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency
situation when adequately working brakes are a must to help you
stop your car promptly. There are some telltale signs of pending
brake problems; do you know what they are? Awareness of a
problem is the key to avoiding potential harmful consequences;
let's examine some well known warning signs.
Signs of pending brake trouble include the following:
Squealing brakes
Pulling of the car from one side to the other
Wheel grabs
Brake pedal pumping
Sudden and hard brake pedal
Spongy brake pedals
Grinding of the brakes
While some of these problems may necessitate you replacing other
brake components, an inspection of your brake pads should reveal
that they are worn and are in need of immediate replacement.
Your next course of action depends on your expertise, your time,
and on your wallet. Most garages offer a free brake inspection
and this can be a wonderful opportunity to have someone else
inspect your system to confirm your findings.
Ask your mechanic for a complete diagnosis of your brake system
and an estimate on what parts and repairs will cost you. A good
garage will give you a print out showing a fairly close estimate
of what your costs will be. Throw in your local taxes and the
price quoted should be within 95% of the final cost, barring an
unforeseen additional problem being detected [for example, brake
master cylinder failure].
If you feel reasonably confident that you can do the work
yourself, you stand to save yourself plenty of money, at least
in labor costs. You can save money with parts, too, by shopping
around; the highest prices you pay will likely be through your
dealer's parts department. Prices at a national auto parts
supply store should be lower, while prices through an online
wholesaler should be about the lowest available as they purchase
directly from the manufacturer.
If you decide to purchase online, only obtain parts from a
reputable dealer selling parts from trusted manufacturers. Be
careful of those sites selling generic parts from overseas
merchants. Make sure that you can return what you purchase, if
needed, to address in based in the U.S.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for the Auto Parts Warehouse: EBC brake pads and Brembo brakes.
Worn brake pads can adversely impact your ability to bring your
car to a halt. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency
situation when adequately working brakes are a must to help you
stop your car promptly. There are some telltale signs of pending
brake problems; do you know what they are? Awareness of a
problem is the key to avoiding potential harmful consequences;
let's examine some well known warning signs.
Signs of pending brake trouble include the following:
Squealing brakes
Pulling of the car from one side to the other
Wheel grabs
Brake pedal pumping
Sudden and hard brake pedal
Spongy brake pedals
Grinding of the brakes
While some of these problems may necessitate you replacing other
brake components, an inspection of your brake pads should reveal
that they are worn and are in need of immediate replacement.
Your next course of action depends on your expertise, your time,
and on your wallet. Most garages offer a free brake inspection
and this can be a wonderful opportunity to have someone else
inspect your system to confirm your findings.
Ask your mechanic for a complete diagnosis of your brake system
and an estimate on what parts and repairs will cost you. A good
garage will give you a print out showing a fairly close estimate
of what your costs will be. Throw in your local taxes and the
price quoted should be within 95% of the final cost, barring an
unforeseen additional problem being detected [for example, brake
master cylinder failure].
If you feel reasonably confident that you can do the work
yourself, you stand to save yourself plenty of money, at least
in labor costs. You can save money with parts, too, by shopping
around; the highest prices you pay will likely be through your
dealer's parts department. Prices at a national auto parts
supply store should be lower, while prices through an online
wholesaler should be about the lowest available as they purchase
directly from the manufacturer.
If you decide to purchase online, only obtain parts from a
reputable dealer selling parts from trusted manufacturers. Be
careful of those sites selling generic parts from overseas
merchants. Make sure that you can return what you purchase, if
needed, to address in based in the U.S.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for the Auto Parts Warehouse: EBC brake pads and Brembo brakes.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
The mysterious "check engine" light
By: Jason Miller
If you have had your car or SUV long enough, that annoying
"check engine" light has probably made an appearance on your
dash board. The first time I saw it, I popped the hood and
"checked" the engine. It seemed ok to me. My car was running
fine. So like most experienced car drivers, I ignored it or I
tried too. The really insidious thing about that little innocent
light is that it really gets to you after a while. After a long
drive at night with that light shining at me like a laser beam,
I considered putting it out its misery with my tire iron. Which
brings up the question, what is it there for. Well here is a
basic answer. The "check engine" light is connected to the car's
engine fuel management computer. This is the computer that runs
the fuel injectors, reads the engine sensors, etc. The oxygen
sensors are used by the ECM to determine how accurately it's
injecting the fuel, and adjusting the way the fuel is injected
to compensate for changing conditions. When the computer inside
the ECM detects that there is something wrong, the ECM turns on
the "check engine" light. For example, a bad sensor or engine
operating parameter that exceeds a preprogrammed set point then
the ECM turns on the light to let you, the driver, know that
something is wrong and needs to be corrected. It doesn't mean
something cataclysmic is about to happen, just that the computer
that runs a lot of the functions in your engine is getting some
bad information. Most of the time this means an oxygen sensor
has failed and needs to be replaced. In a lot of states, your
car will not pass the inspection when the light is on. So you
have to fix it before you can get a new inspection sticker.
About the author:
Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools
http://www.redhillsupply.com
If you have had your car or SUV long enough, that annoying
"check engine" light has probably made an appearance on your
dash board. The first time I saw it, I popped the hood and
"checked" the engine. It seemed ok to me. My car was running
fine. So like most experienced car drivers, I ignored it or I
tried too. The really insidious thing about that little innocent
light is that it really gets to you after a while. After a long
drive at night with that light shining at me like a laser beam,
I considered putting it out its misery with my tire iron. Which
brings up the question, what is it there for. Well here is a
basic answer. The "check engine" light is connected to the car's
engine fuel management computer. This is the computer that runs
the fuel injectors, reads the engine sensors, etc. The oxygen
sensors are used by the ECM to determine how accurately it's
injecting the fuel, and adjusting the way the fuel is injected
to compensate for changing conditions. When the computer inside
the ECM detects that there is something wrong, the ECM turns on
the "check engine" light. For example, a bad sensor or engine
operating parameter that exceeds a preprogrammed set point then
the ECM turns on the light to let you, the driver, know that
something is wrong and needs to be corrected. It doesn't mean
something cataclysmic is about to happen, just that the computer
that runs a lot of the functions in your engine is getting some
bad information. Most of the time this means an oxygen sensor
has failed and needs to be replaced. In a lot of states, your
car will not pass the inspection when the light is on. So you
have to fix it before you can get a new inspection sticker.
About the author:
Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools
http://www.redhillsupply.com
Monday, October 24, 2005
15 Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage
By: Ellen Daniels
Whether you are shopping for a new car or just trying to
maintain the one you have, you can take some steps to get the
best mileage out of your gas purchases.
On the Road: Drive More Efficiently
1. Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases
rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
2. Stop aggressive driving. You can improve your gas mileage up
to five percent around town if you avoid "jackrabbit" starts and
stops by anticipating traffic conditions and driving gently.
3. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money,
and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a
wait.
4. Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start
can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same
distance when the engine is warm.
5. Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They
improve the fuel economy of your car when you're driving on a
highway.
6. Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in
the trunk can reduce a typical car's fuel economy by up to two
percent. Avoid packing items on top of your car. A loaded roof
rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel
economy by five percent.
At the Garage: Maintain Your Car
7. Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your
owner's manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four
percent. Increases vary depending on a car's condition.
8. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. It can
increase gas mileage up to three percent.
9. Change your oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can improve
your gas mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade
of motor oil. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the
performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains
friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
10. Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged
filters can increase gas mileage up to ten percent.
At the Pump: Use the Octane Level You Need
11. Your owner's manual recommends the most effective octane
level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gasoline is
regular octane. In most cases, using a higher octane gas than
the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit. Unless your
engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of
money.
In Advertising: Check Out Claims About "Gas-Saving" Gadgets
12. Be skeptical of claims for devices that will "boost your
mileage by an extra 6 miles per gallon," "improve your fuel
economy up to 26 percent," or the like. The EPA has tested over
100 supposed gas-saving devices -- including mixture "enhancers"
and fuel line magnets -- and found that very few provide any
fuel economy benefits. The devices that work provide only
marginal improvements. Some "gas-saving" devices may damage a
car's engine or increase exhaust emissions.
In the Showroom: Consider the Alternatives
13. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) operate on alternative
fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas,
liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and others. Using these
alternative fuels in vehicles may reduce harmful pollutants and
exhaust emissions.
14. Government Rules require labels on all new AFVs to give the
vehicle's estimated cruising range and general descriptive
information. Find out how many miles a new AFV travels on a tank
or supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some don't travel
as far as gasoline-powered vehicles.
15. Hybrid Electric Vehicles offer another option for car
buyers. These vehicles combine the benefits of gasoline engines
and electric motors and can be configured to achieve different
objectives, such as improved fuel economy and increased power.
About the author:
Ellen Daniels Learned How to Stop Paying High Prices for
Gasoline, So Can You. Get Your Free Ebook to Learn How to Make
Your Own Fuel at
http://www.solarpowersecrets.com/Free_Biodiesel_Book.html
Whether you are shopping for a new car or just trying to
maintain the one you have, you can take some steps to get the
best mileage out of your gas purchases.
On the Road: Drive More Efficiently
1. Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases
rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
2. Stop aggressive driving. You can improve your gas mileage up
to five percent around town if you avoid "jackrabbit" starts and
stops by anticipating traffic conditions and driving gently.
3. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money,
and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a
wait.
4. Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start
can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same
distance when the engine is warm.
5. Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They
improve the fuel economy of your car when you're driving on a
highway.
6. Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in
the trunk can reduce a typical car's fuel economy by up to two
percent. Avoid packing items on top of your car. A loaded roof
rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel
economy by five percent.
At the Garage: Maintain Your Car
7. Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your
owner's manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four
percent. Increases vary depending on a car's condition.
8. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. It can
increase gas mileage up to three percent.
9. Change your oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can improve
your gas mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade
of motor oil. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the
performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains
friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.
10. Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged
filters can increase gas mileage up to ten percent.
At the Pump: Use the Octane Level You Need
11. Your owner's manual recommends the most effective octane
level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gasoline is
regular octane. In most cases, using a higher octane gas than
the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit. Unless your
engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of
money.
In Advertising: Check Out Claims About "Gas-Saving" Gadgets
12. Be skeptical of claims for devices that will "boost your
mileage by an extra 6 miles per gallon," "improve your fuel
economy up to 26 percent," or the like. The EPA has tested over
100 supposed gas-saving devices -- including mixture "enhancers"
and fuel line magnets -- and found that very few provide any
fuel economy benefits. The devices that work provide only
marginal improvements. Some "gas-saving" devices may damage a
car's engine or increase exhaust emissions.
In the Showroom: Consider the Alternatives
13. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) operate on alternative
fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas,
liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and others. Using these
alternative fuels in vehicles may reduce harmful pollutants and
exhaust emissions.
14. Government Rules require labels on all new AFVs to give the
vehicle's estimated cruising range and general descriptive
information. Find out how many miles a new AFV travels on a tank
or supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some don't travel
as far as gasoline-powered vehicles.
15. Hybrid Electric Vehicles offer another option for car
buyers. These vehicles combine the benefits of gasoline engines
and electric motors and can be configured to achieve different
objectives, such as improved fuel economy and increased power.
About the author:
Ellen Daniels Learned How to Stop Paying High Prices for
Gasoline, So Can You. Get Your Free Ebook to Learn How to Make
Your Own Fuel at
http://www.solarpowersecrets.com/Free_Biodiesel_Book.html
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips
By: Boyd Norwood
As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best
thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you
where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance
you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you
will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that
comes with 'break-down' surprises. Listed below are some
additional reasons to get serious about preventative car
care:
* Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned
dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly
maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your
family members to get in an accident.
* Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved
fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.
* A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale
value of your vehicle.
* Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means
that you won't have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment,
worn tires and worn suspension components.
* Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a
certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!
Establish Car Maintenance Habits
It is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil
changed every three months but it's a bit more difficult to make
those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs.
You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least
every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of
your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn
and your fuel filter. Common Complaints that Can be
Solved with a Fuel Filter Replacement
This article focuses on fuel filter replacement because
experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain
that their vehicles are 'experiencing' power loss, hard
starting, or hesitation.¹ These problems are in general due to
clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple 10x
Marketing in Orem, UT. For more information in regards to Dakota Filter Services.
As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best
thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you
where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance
you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you
will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that
comes with 'break-down' surprises. Listed below are some
additional reasons to get serious about preventative car
care:
* Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned
dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly
maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your
family members to get in an accident.
* Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved
fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.
* A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale
value of your vehicle.
* Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means
that you won't have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment,
worn tires and worn suspension components.
* Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a
certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!
Establish Car Maintenance Habits
It is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil
changed every three months but it's a bit more difficult to make
those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs.
You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least
every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of
your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn
and your fuel filter. Common Complaints that Can be
Solved with a Fuel Filter Replacement
This article focuses on fuel filter replacement because
experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain
that their vehicles are 'experiencing' power loss, hard
starting, or hesitation.¹ These problems are in general due to
clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple 10x
Marketing in Orem, UT. For more information in regards to Dakota Filter Services.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Top 9 Used Car Salesmen Tricks, and How to Avoid Them
By: Donald Lee
One of the biggest moments in many people's lives is driving off
in their brand-spanking-new automobile. It's an exhilarating
feeling. It's also a big moment because in that very instant,
that brand-spanking-new car loses a big chunk of its value--the
difference between the retail price you paid and the car's
wholesale value. That's typically thousands gone in an instant.
That's why some car buyers choose to shop around for a used car.
You save yourself that steep initial drop-off in value. More
importantly, you get a car that runs just as well, is just as
dependable, and looks and feels as good as that new car--that
is, if you play your cards right.
For if there is one pitfall of buying a used car, it's the risk
of buying a lemon, a junker--call it what you want, you get the
point: the wrong car. Used car dealers, after all, have nearly
as bad a reputation, if not worse, than lawyers do. This holds
true for individual people selling their cars through
newspapers, Web auctions and classified sites, or with the
old-fashioned signs in their car windows. The saying, "Buyer
Beware," no where has more meaning than with cars.
The opposite to that, of course, is that there are some real
steals out there in used cars. We're talking about quality
vehicles that will perform beyond your expectations at a low
price. Here's how to find these perfect used vehicles, and avoid
the top 10 scams that used car dealers everywhere try to pull on
you.
1. Get a second opinion for the hype. Used car dealers will
bombard you with every adjective under the book to sell you on a
car--sporty, thrifty, fast, and etc. Don't take their word for
it. Instead, find someone you know, whether a neighbor, a
colleague, a family member, or a friend, who owns the same make
and model of the vehicle, and ask them for their opinion.
2. Do a background check. One of the most unethical, but legal,
things someone can do to you is sell you a used car that's been
in a flood (and sort of repaired), or one that's had 10 previous
owners (none of whom repaired it). To be sure you don't fall
victim to this, track down a history report, including a
clearance check on the vehicle title. You can even get some of
this information from the seller, simply by asking why they are
selling it. You'd be surprised what beans people may spill.
3. Examine for past damage. Used car dealers may also try to
peddle a vehicle that was wrecked in a major accident. It's
amazing what autobody experts can do to repair a car's exterior.
So don't go by the outer appearances of a vehicle. Before you
buy it, make sure that it does not have serious damage to its
frame, which it would have if it was involved in a crash.
4. Call up your trusted mechanic. Used car dealers, especially
the big lots, will say they put their used cars through a "100
point inspection," or something like that. Once again, a second
opinion is in order. Get this one from your own mechanic. He'll
be able to tell how good a shape the car actually is in. Also be
sure to ask him or her how often the car had been serviced. A
good mechanic can even gauge that.
5. Research for recalls. Needless to say, a used car dealer may
sell you a car that's actually under recall in his mad rush to
get the car off his lot. So be sure to call the car
manufacturer, or visit their Web site, to see if the vehicle has
any active recalls.
6. Avoid the leftover lemon. Along with recalled vehicles,
dealers may even perpetrate something much worse on you--sell
you a lemon. (By definition, a lemon is a car that's still under
warranty, which has such major problems that, warranty or not,
it still cannot be fixed in a reasonable way.) The best way to
avoid this is to research in Consumer Reports or the various
automobile magazines, which all have yearly reviews of every
make and model on the market. They'll tell you whether a kind of
car is known for being a lemon and prone to breakdowns.
7. See through the old paint and bait. Along with performing
their "100 point inspection," car dealers may shine and wax a
used car--even repaint it--to hide dents, dings, and rust spots.
A keen eye, though, can see right through this.
8. Take the test drive. Once you've done all your research,
homework, extra credit, and everything else called for in the
first seven steps, then comes the fun--the test drive. Drive the
car for as long as its owner or dealer will allow you. Then
you'll get a better feel for how the vehicle handles,
accelerates, brakes, and otherwise suits your tastes (or
doesn't).
9. Be wary of the pushy seller. At any stage of the game--from
the moment you first talk to the seller to the test drive--be
careful if the seller gets pushy. Any dealer or seller who is in
a rush to move a vehicle should set off bells and whistles. Why
the rush? Are they hiding something? In some cases the seller
may just be excited to sell you the car--and actually happy for
you--but in many other cases, they may be up to something.
Better be safe than sorry.
Follow these 9 simple steps to avoid the scams and pitfalls of
used car deals, and you could get the car of your dreams--for
far less than you'd pay if it was brand-new. Plus, you get that
same high when you drive your new used car home, without losing
thousands of dollars.
About the author:
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for
Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified
listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers,
household items, real estate, pets and much more. For global and
localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com
One of the biggest moments in many people's lives is driving off
in their brand-spanking-new automobile. It's an exhilarating
feeling. It's also a big moment because in that very instant,
that brand-spanking-new car loses a big chunk of its value--the
difference between the retail price you paid and the car's
wholesale value. That's typically thousands gone in an instant.
That's why some car buyers choose to shop around for a used car.
You save yourself that steep initial drop-off in value. More
importantly, you get a car that runs just as well, is just as
dependable, and looks and feels as good as that new car--that
is, if you play your cards right.
For if there is one pitfall of buying a used car, it's the risk
of buying a lemon, a junker--call it what you want, you get the
point: the wrong car. Used car dealers, after all, have nearly
as bad a reputation, if not worse, than lawyers do. This holds
true for individual people selling their cars through
newspapers, Web auctions and classified sites, or with the
old-fashioned signs in their car windows. The saying, "Buyer
Beware," no where has more meaning than with cars.
The opposite to that, of course, is that there are some real
steals out there in used cars. We're talking about quality
vehicles that will perform beyond your expectations at a low
price. Here's how to find these perfect used vehicles, and avoid
the top 10 scams that used car dealers everywhere try to pull on
you.
1. Get a second opinion for the hype. Used car dealers will
bombard you with every adjective under the book to sell you on a
car--sporty, thrifty, fast, and etc. Don't take their word for
it. Instead, find someone you know, whether a neighbor, a
colleague, a family member, or a friend, who owns the same make
and model of the vehicle, and ask them for their opinion.
2. Do a background check. One of the most unethical, but legal,
things someone can do to you is sell you a used car that's been
in a flood (and sort of repaired), or one that's had 10 previous
owners (none of whom repaired it). To be sure you don't fall
victim to this, track down a history report, including a
clearance check on the vehicle title. You can even get some of
this information from the seller, simply by asking why they are
selling it. You'd be surprised what beans people may spill.
3. Examine for past damage. Used car dealers may also try to
peddle a vehicle that was wrecked in a major accident. It's
amazing what autobody experts can do to repair a car's exterior.
So don't go by the outer appearances of a vehicle. Before you
buy it, make sure that it does not have serious damage to its
frame, which it would have if it was involved in a crash.
4. Call up your trusted mechanic. Used car dealers, especially
the big lots, will say they put their used cars through a "100
point inspection," or something like that. Once again, a second
opinion is in order. Get this one from your own mechanic. He'll
be able to tell how good a shape the car actually is in. Also be
sure to ask him or her how often the car had been serviced. A
good mechanic can even gauge that.
5. Research for recalls. Needless to say, a used car dealer may
sell you a car that's actually under recall in his mad rush to
get the car off his lot. So be sure to call the car
manufacturer, or visit their Web site, to see if the vehicle has
any active recalls.
6. Avoid the leftover lemon. Along with recalled vehicles,
dealers may even perpetrate something much worse on you--sell
you a lemon. (By definition, a lemon is a car that's still under
warranty, which has such major problems that, warranty or not,
it still cannot be fixed in a reasonable way.) The best way to
avoid this is to research in Consumer Reports or the various
automobile magazines, which all have yearly reviews of every
make and model on the market. They'll tell you whether a kind of
car is known for being a lemon and prone to breakdowns.
7. See through the old paint and bait. Along with performing
their "100 point inspection," car dealers may shine and wax a
used car--even repaint it--to hide dents, dings, and rust spots.
A keen eye, though, can see right through this.
8. Take the test drive. Once you've done all your research,
homework, extra credit, and everything else called for in the
first seven steps, then comes the fun--the test drive. Drive the
car for as long as its owner or dealer will allow you. Then
you'll get a better feel for how the vehicle handles,
accelerates, brakes, and otherwise suits your tastes (or
doesn't).
9. Be wary of the pushy seller. At any stage of the game--from
the moment you first talk to the seller to the test drive--be
careful if the seller gets pushy. Any dealer or seller who is in
a rush to move a vehicle should set off bells and whistles. Why
the rush? Are they hiding something? In some cases the seller
may just be excited to sell you the car--and actually happy for
you--but in many other cases, they may be up to something.
Better be safe than sorry.
Follow these 9 simple steps to avoid the scams and pitfalls of
used car deals, and you could get the car of your dreams--for
far less than you'd pay if it was brand-new. Plus, you get that
same high when you drive your new used car home, without losing
thousands of dollars.
About the author:
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for
Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified
listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers,
household items, real estate, pets and much more. For global and
localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com
Friday, October 21, 2005
Budget Performance-Car Value -- Honda CRX
By: David Bellm
Looking for sports-car kicks, but with the abundance of speed
parts and vast modification potential of a Civic? Look no
further than Honda's feisty little CRX.
These pocket-size coupes made their debut for 1984. Essentially
a two-seat version of the redesigned Civic also introduced that
year, the CRX was initially aimed at people who sought frugal
commuting (base 1.3-liter versions had EPA fuel economy ratings
of 51 mpg city, 67 highway).
But the real news for enthusiasts came the following year when
Honda gave the CRX its sporty Si version, which included
upgraded suspension, performance-oriented tires, and a hotter
91-hp version of its 1.5-liter engine -- good for
sub-nine-second 0-60 mph times in the featherweight car.
For 1988, an all-new CRX bowed, based again on a new Civic
platform. CRX's wheelbase increased, and this second-generation
design was somewhat heavier and bigger overall. Fortunately,
performance remained in the same league, with the Si's
horsepower rating increasing to 105, then 108 the following
year. For 1990, CRX got four-wheel-disc brakes.
As sweet of a car as it was, this generation of CRX was destined
to be the last -- Honda discontinued the line after 1991,
replacing it with the similar but open-roofed Del Sol several
years later.
Today, used CRXs are pretty easy to find, but it can sometimes
be hard to gauge their true value -- completely stock ones are
showing up less and less since these cars became immensely
popular with sport-compact fans. The price of a particular CRX
can often depend on the various upgrades it's received.
Popular mods include body kits, custom paint, aftermarket
wheels, and hotter VTEC engine swaps. As with any modified car,
look closely at how well upgrades are executed. In most cases,
the work will have been done by the car's owner, whose talent,
budget, and experience are unknowns.
Most CRXs now sell for less than $5000, with many of them below
$3000. Those sub-$3k CRXs tend to be unmodified. And unmodified
CRXs also tend to be unrestored.
That can be an important point, because all CRXs are at least 14
years old -- a lot them are pretty tired. You aren't likely to
find a CRX with less than 100,000 miles at this point. Therefore
buyers who want a completely stock example to start with will
need to carefully consider how much money and patience they're
willing to devote to basic mechanical repairs.
First-generation CRXs are getting kind of scarce, but if you
have your heart set on their lighter weight and trimmer
dimensions, those cars can be found with a little patience. And
one plus is that they tend to show up in the lower end of the
price range.
Regardless of what generation or level of modification, Honda's
little CRXs can offer big-time fun. They're good performers to
start with, there's plenty of aftermarket stuff available, and
prices are about as low as performance cars go. Check 'em out.
For more on affordable performance cars, along with drive-test
articles on today's hottest sports cars, sport compacts, and
muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/
About the author:
David Bellm is a seasoned test driver and automotive writer. His
work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print
publications.
Looking for sports-car kicks, but with the abundance of speed
parts and vast modification potential of a Civic? Look no
further than Honda's feisty little CRX.
These pocket-size coupes made their debut for 1984. Essentially
a two-seat version of the redesigned Civic also introduced that
year, the CRX was initially aimed at people who sought frugal
commuting (base 1.3-liter versions had EPA fuel economy ratings
of 51 mpg city, 67 highway).
But the real news for enthusiasts came the following year when
Honda gave the CRX its sporty Si version, which included
upgraded suspension, performance-oriented tires, and a hotter
91-hp version of its 1.5-liter engine -- good for
sub-nine-second 0-60 mph times in the featherweight car.
For 1988, an all-new CRX bowed, based again on a new Civic
platform. CRX's wheelbase increased, and this second-generation
design was somewhat heavier and bigger overall. Fortunately,
performance remained in the same league, with the Si's
horsepower rating increasing to 105, then 108 the following
year. For 1990, CRX got four-wheel-disc brakes.
As sweet of a car as it was, this generation of CRX was destined
to be the last -- Honda discontinued the line after 1991,
replacing it with the similar but open-roofed Del Sol several
years later.
Today, used CRXs are pretty easy to find, but it can sometimes
be hard to gauge their true value -- completely stock ones are
showing up less and less since these cars became immensely
popular with sport-compact fans. The price of a particular CRX
can often depend on the various upgrades it's received.
Popular mods include body kits, custom paint, aftermarket
wheels, and hotter VTEC engine swaps. As with any modified car,
look closely at how well upgrades are executed. In most cases,
the work will have been done by the car's owner, whose talent,
budget, and experience are unknowns.
Most CRXs now sell for less than $5000, with many of them below
$3000. Those sub-$3k CRXs tend to be unmodified. And unmodified
CRXs also tend to be unrestored.
That can be an important point, because all CRXs are at least 14
years old -- a lot them are pretty tired. You aren't likely to
find a CRX with less than 100,000 miles at this point. Therefore
buyers who want a completely stock example to start with will
need to carefully consider how much money and patience they're
willing to devote to basic mechanical repairs.
First-generation CRXs are getting kind of scarce, but if you
have your heart set on their lighter weight and trimmer
dimensions, those cars can be found with a little patience. And
one plus is that they tend to show up in the lower end of the
price range.
Regardless of what generation or level of modification, Honda's
little CRXs can offer big-time fun. They're good performers to
start with, there's plenty of aftermarket stuff available, and
prices are about as low as performance cars go. Check 'em out.
For more on affordable performance cars, along with drive-test
articles on today's hottest sports cars, sport compacts, and
muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/
About the author:
David Bellm is a seasoned test driver and automotive writer. His
work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print
publications.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Give Your Auto TLC, It's Fall Car Care Month
By: Joe Thompsom
October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the
Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to
educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance.
This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the
approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the
car's old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and
components checked or get the car properly serviced by a
mechanic.
Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles,
especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to
give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for
those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of
time. As early as now, work on your car's problems, even the
minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for
example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and
stress-free.
By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield,
trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your
car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps
on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is
annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might
break as you drive through bumpy roads.
Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping,
Honda weatherstripping,
Ford weatherstripping, Chevy
weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great
choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match
your car's original parts.
Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your
lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long
years of using your car's original lights, you would need to
replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and
durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store
features great variety of lights including high quality and
stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.
The fog lights are very important
during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low
illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and
rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving
through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are
driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning,
you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you.
Your headlights when used in
circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous
since they emit stronger light that produces glare.
Keep your car wheels including the tires at their
best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly
inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on
the car's air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and
electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the
original auto parts, don't hesitate replacing it. Spending some
extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn't a bad idea
especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.
Check out the store's featured premium quality replacement auto
parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts
and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.
Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No
matter how tough its original parts are, you can't expect them
to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don't
maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and
care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance
and driving abilities.
About the author:
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in
Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific
writer, contributing automotive related articles to various
publications.
October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the
Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to
educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance.
This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the
approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the
car's old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and
components checked or get the car properly serviced by a
mechanic.
Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles,
especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to
give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for
those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of
time. As early as now, work on your car's problems, even the
minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for
example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and
stress-free.
By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield,
trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your
car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps
on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is
annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might
break as you drive through bumpy roads.
Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping,
Honda weatherstripping,
Ford weatherstripping, Chevy
weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great
choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match
your car's original parts.
Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your
lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long
years of using your car's original lights, you would need to
replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and
durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store
features great variety of lights including high quality and
stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.
The fog lights are very important
during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low
illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and
rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving
through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are
driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning,
you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you.
Your headlights when used in
circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous
since they emit stronger light that produces glare.
Keep your car wheels including the tires at their
best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly
inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on
the car's air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and
electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the
original auto parts, don't hesitate replacing it. Spending some
extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn't a bad idea
especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.
Check out the store's featured premium quality replacement auto
parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts
and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.
Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No
matter how tough its original parts are, you can't expect them
to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don't
maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and
care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance
and driving abilities.
About the author:
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in
Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific
writer, contributing automotive related articles to various
publications.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
5 Easy Steps to Buying a Used Automobile
By: Jerry Christopher
Are you looking to buy a used automobile for the first time? Are
you concerned about making the right choice? Yes, it's true that
a car's value will decrease the second you drive it off the lot,
all the more so with a brand new vehicle.
So, there is actually a great deal of merit in deciding to buy
used. In fact, you may save up to 50% on a well-maintained 2-4
year old used auto as compared to buying a new one.
Does it seem that your head is already swimming with a variety
of makes and models? Don't despair! Purchasing a used car can
actually be very simple, if you follow some key steps in the
buying process:
1. Identify Driving Needs.One way to keep from getting
overwhelmed by the variety of cars available is for you to get
specific about what your driving needs are. This will help you
to stay focused on that sensible minivan you'll need to drive
your three kids around, and to avoid getting sidetracked by that
gorgeous two-seater sports car you saw. Here are some questions
you may want to ask yourself before you begin looking:
· How much money can I spend on a vehicle? · How much can I
afford to pay on insurance? · How many people will be depending
on this car for transportation?
· What items will the car be transporting on a regular basis?
(groceries, equipment, etc.)
· (If buying a minivan) should there be two sliding doors, or
only one? Right side? Or left side?
· What is the maximum amount of mileage the car can have?
· Will I be required to drive in potentially hazardous weather
conditions?
· Do I want a standard, automatic or semi-automatic transmission?
· Foreign or domestic?
2. Become Informed.Once you have clarified your specific
driving and transportation needs, it is time to search for the
specific kinds of cars that will meet your requirements.
Consumer Reports and online discussion groups and bulletins can
be useful sources of information with regard to different
vehicles, their pros and their cons.
3. Begin Your Search. Use several used car resources to
diversify your search. Try browsing the internet, using the
resources at your local library or skimming your local
newspaper. Once you have narrowed your search down to a handful
of used vehicles, you are ready to pick up the phone and inquire
about each one; but first, do a little research on what their
fair prices are. This will help you gauge the fairness of the
quoted price, taking into account the car's age, mileage and
condition.
4.Uncover Maintenance and Warranty History. This is
perhaps the most important aspect to buying a used car. An
automobile that was diligently maintained will be a most
reliable vehicle that will require few repairs. On the other
hand, a car that was not cared for properly will be more likely
to give you problems in the near future. Here are some helpful
hints:
· Ask the seller if the car comes with any records of oil
changes, routine services and repairs. Some car owners will keep
meticulous records. · Run a Vehicle History Report online at
www.carfax.com or at www.autocheck.com. (Please Note: While
we do recommend using one of these services, do not be mis-lead
into believing that the reports are all inclusive of all damages
and histories) · Take an online course at
www.usedcarwise.com to learn how to tell if a car has been in an
unreported accident or if it has been well maintained or not. ·
Check for any open recalls at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
5. Go Out for a Test DriveIf you have made it this far in
the process, chances are you are ready to take your prospective
cars out for at least a 20-25 mile test drive over different
road surfaces. Here are some things to consider:
· Can you adjust the seat, headrest, steering wheel and mirrors
to a position that is comfortable for you? · Do all the locks,
windows, horn and lights function properly? · How does the
engine sound? It should be smooth, without any tapping or
ticking, griding or rumbling · If the car has power steering,
there should be no loud squealing noise when the wheel is
turned. · If the brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor
after pumping it a few times, it may mean the car's brakes need
work. · Do the gears shift smoothly and crisply? · Does the
steering wheel vibrate while you drive? The steering wheel
should stay steady.
These five easy steps will help you to narrow your choices and
to have a good used car-buying experience. If you know the
things to look for and what to avoid, you can land a sweet deal.
Finally, be sure to keep various choices in the running, since
having several options in mind will give you negotiating power.
Once you factor in all the variables, try to get a deal on the
best car you find; and remember that the time you invest in
researching and carefully investigating your choices will surely
pay off, both in the short and long-term.
To quote the phrase "patience is a virtue". It's true when
searching for a quality used car. Don't get in a hurry, do your
research and minimize the risk of purchasing a lemon.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching the average consumer
"How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way"
Are you looking to buy a used automobile for the first time? Are
you concerned about making the right choice? Yes, it's true that
a car's value will decrease the second you drive it off the lot,
all the more so with a brand new vehicle.
So, there is actually a great deal of merit in deciding to buy
used. In fact, you may save up to 50% on a well-maintained 2-4
year old used auto as compared to buying a new one.
Does it seem that your head is already swimming with a variety
of makes and models? Don't despair! Purchasing a used car can
actually be very simple, if you follow some key steps in the
buying process:
1. Identify Driving Needs.One way to keep from getting
overwhelmed by the variety of cars available is for you to get
specific about what your driving needs are. This will help you
to stay focused on that sensible minivan you'll need to drive
your three kids around, and to avoid getting sidetracked by that
gorgeous two-seater sports car you saw. Here are some questions
you may want to ask yourself before you begin looking:
· How much money can I spend on a vehicle? · How much can I
afford to pay on insurance? · How many people will be depending
on this car for transportation?
· What items will the car be transporting on a regular basis?
(groceries, equipment, etc.)
· (If buying a minivan) should there be two sliding doors, or
only one? Right side? Or left side?
· What is the maximum amount of mileage the car can have?
· Will I be required to drive in potentially hazardous weather
conditions?
· Do I want a standard, automatic or semi-automatic transmission?
· Foreign or domestic?
2. Become Informed.Once you have clarified your specific
driving and transportation needs, it is time to search for the
specific kinds of cars that will meet your requirements.
Consumer Reports and online discussion groups and bulletins can
be useful sources of information with regard to different
vehicles, their pros and their cons.
3. Begin Your Search. Use several used car resources to
diversify your search. Try browsing the internet, using the
resources at your local library or skimming your local
newspaper. Once you have narrowed your search down to a handful
of used vehicles, you are ready to pick up the phone and inquire
about each one; but first, do a little research on what their
fair prices are. This will help you gauge the fairness of the
quoted price, taking into account the car's age, mileage and
condition.
4.Uncover Maintenance and Warranty History. This is
perhaps the most important aspect to buying a used car. An
automobile that was diligently maintained will be a most
reliable vehicle that will require few repairs. On the other
hand, a car that was not cared for properly will be more likely
to give you problems in the near future. Here are some helpful
hints:
· Ask the seller if the car comes with any records of oil
changes, routine services and repairs. Some car owners will keep
meticulous records. · Run a Vehicle History Report online at
www.carfax.com or at www.autocheck.com. (Please Note: While
we do recommend using one of these services, do not be mis-lead
into believing that the reports are all inclusive of all damages
and histories) · Take an online course at
www.usedcarwise.com to learn how to tell if a car has been in an
unreported accident or if it has been well maintained or not. ·
Check for any open recalls at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
5. Go Out for a Test DriveIf you have made it this far in
the process, chances are you are ready to take your prospective
cars out for at least a 20-25 mile test drive over different
road surfaces. Here are some things to consider:
· Can you adjust the seat, headrest, steering wheel and mirrors
to a position that is comfortable for you? · Do all the locks,
windows, horn and lights function properly? · How does the
engine sound? It should be smooth, without any tapping or
ticking, griding or rumbling · If the car has power steering,
there should be no loud squealing noise when the wheel is
turned. · If the brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor
after pumping it a few times, it may mean the car's brakes need
work. · Do the gears shift smoothly and crisply? · Does the
steering wheel vibrate while you drive? The steering wheel
should stay steady.
These five easy steps will help you to narrow your choices and
to have a good used car-buying experience. If you know the
things to look for and what to avoid, you can land a sweet deal.
Finally, be sure to keep various choices in the running, since
having several options in mind will give you negotiating power.
Once you factor in all the variables, try to get a deal on the
best car you find; and remember that the time you invest in
researching and carefully investigating your choices will surely
pay off, both in the short and long-term.
To quote the phrase "patience is a virtue". It's true when
searching for a quality used car. Don't get in a hurry, do your
research and minimize the risk of purchasing a lemon.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching the average consumer
"How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way"
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tips On Choosing Discount Tires
By: Kathryn Whittaker
There is a saying by a famous tire manufacturer Michelin: "So
much is riding on your tires." This is true no matter if you're
driving a sport coupe or an electric scooter. Cheap tires can
damage a great car, and great tires can do wonders for a worn
out vehicle. Luckily, today, thanks to technological advances,
you can buy a great set of discount tires and still be quite
happy about them.
If you understand that you have to buy new tires, you have a few
options. The easiest way is to buy the exact size and brand of
tires that your vehicle had when you picked it at the
dealership. However, you may choose to upgrade your tires
depending on what driving conditions you currently have or
foresee. There are many reasons to change the tires for a
different model. While some people look for a new design they
may simply change the wheel and use the same tires as before.
Some people prefer to wait till they need new tires and then
they upgrade for a larger diameter of the wheel and new tires at
once.
When choosing your new discount tires you should honestly
evaluate your driving needs and habits. If you really want to
enjoy your ride, you need to find a reliable discount tire store
which will not push you towards the most expensive make, but
rather help you pick the brand that does justice to your car
while remaining within your budget. The type of the tire also
depends on the driving conditions you normally drive in.
Here are some factors you should consider when choosing your
discount tire set:
Tread life of the tires will determine how long a set of tires
would last. Life expectancy of the tires is estimated by the
manufacturer under governmental guidelines after a field
testing. The higher the tread life grade, the longer the tire
will last.
Wet weather tires are essential if you live in a climate where
it rains often. Four-season tires are the best option for wet
climates. If it snows often, then you should also have a set of
winter tires that you will switch for during the colder season.
Speed rating is an often underestimated factor in choosing the
right set of discount tires. In the USA the speed limit hardly
ever climbs over 75mph. In Europe the lovers of speedy rides can
really get loose, but in North America you can hardly ever need
a tire capable to ride over 100mph - even though you will not
likely need to drive this fast. Speed ratings show the safe top
speed of a tire and are marked with letters, with Q as lowest
and V as highest. You can always go for the ultra-performing
tire for speedy sports cars, but this quality is something that
you will almost never use.
High- or low-profile? Low-profile tires look really stylish but
these tires cannot always bear the hardships of the real road
with all the bumps and cracks. Plus, with low-profile tires the
wheel is getting damaged faster. Higher-profile tires often mean
a safer and smoother ride.
That's the basics on tires, which you need to know before you
start looking for a discount tire store, either online or
offline. Even if you choose to go discount, it's really hard to
buy a truly awful set of tires. Usually all tires on the market
today can be touted as bad or good depending on how you use them
and how you drive your car. Be honest with your expectations and
choose the best discount set of tires you can afford.
About the author:
Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different
topics. For more information on Discount Tires please visit
http://www.tires-guide.com/ and for additional Tire articles
please visit the following article
http://www.tires-guide.com/tire-articles/.
There is a saying by a famous tire manufacturer Michelin: "So
much is riding on your tires." This is true no matter if you're
driving a sport coupe or an electric scooter. Cheap tires can
damage a great car, and great tires can do wonders for a worn
out vehicle. Luckily, today, thanks to technological advances,
you can buy a great set of discount tires and still be quite
happy about them.
If you understand that you have to buy new tires, you have a few
options. The easiest way is to buy the exact size and brand of
tires that your vehicle had when you picked it at the
dealership. However, you may choose to upgrade your tires
depending on what driving conditions you currently have or
foresee. There are many reasons to change the tires for a
different model. While some people look for a new design they
may simply change the wheel and use the same tires as before.
Some people prefer to wait till they need new tires and then
they upgrade for a larger diameter of the wheel and new tires at
once.
When choosing your new discount tires you should honestly
evaluate your driving needs and habits. If you really want to
enjoy your ride, you need to find a reliable discount tire store
which will not push you towards the most expensive make, but
rather help you pick the brand that does justice to your car
while remaining within your budget. The type of the tire also
depends on the driving conditions you normally drive in.
Here are some factors you should consider when choosing your
discount tire set:
Tread life of the tires will determine how long a set of tires
would last. Life expectancy of the tires is estimated by the
manufacturer under governmental guidelines after a field
testing. The higher the tread life grade, the longer the tire
will last.
Wet weather tires are essential if you live in a climate where
it rains often. Four-season tires are the best option for wet
climates. If it snows often, then you should also have a set of
winter tires that you will switch for during the colder season.
Speed rating is an often underestimated factor in choosing the
right set of discount tires. In the USA the speed limit hardly
ever climbs over 75mph. In Europe the lovers of speedy rides can
really get loose, but in North America you can hardly ever need
a tire capable to ride over 100mph - even though you will not
likely need to drive this fast. Speed ratings show the safe top
speed of a tire and are marked with letters, with Q as lowest
and V as highest. You can always go for the ultra-performing
tire for speedy sports cars, but this quality is something that
you will almost never use.
High- or low-profile? Low-profile tires look really stylish but
these tires cannot always bear the hardships of the real road
with all the bumps and cracks. Plus, with low-profile tires the
wheel is getting damaged faster. Higher-profile tires often mean
a safer and smoother ride.
That's the basics on tires, which you need to know before you
start looking for a discount tire store, either online or
offline. Even if you choose to go discount, it's really hard to
buy a truly awful set of tires. Usually all tires on the market
today can be touted as bad or good depending on how you use them
and how you drive your car. Be honest with your expectations and
choose the best discount set of tires you can afford.
About the author:
Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different
topics. For more information on Discount Tires please visit
http://www.tires-guide.com/ and for additional Tire articles
please visit the following article
http://www.tires-guide.com/tire-articles/.
Monday, October 17, 2005
AutoMart.com Announces Top Searched Vehicles
By: Lindsey Roder
(Virginia Beach, VA) October 10, 2005 - AutoMart.com has
released a report of the most popular searched vehicles amongst
online consumers for September 2005. The study is based on the
most recent vehicles searched on AutoMart.com. Among the top
manufacturers are Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
Top 10 Searched Vehicles 1 Honda Civic 2 Honda Accord 3 Ford
Mustang 4 Ford F-150 5 Volkswagen Jetta 6 Toyota Tacoma 7
Mitsubishi Eclipse 8 Toyota Camry 9 Jeep Wrangler 10 Toyota
Corolla
"The core of AutoMart.com listings come from major franchise
automobile dealers who traditionally focus on selling late model
pre-owned vehicles," said Skip Dowd, regional manager and vice
president for AutoMart.com. "This offers us a clear look at the
popularity and consumer demand for pre-owned vehicles," said
Dowd.
AutoMart.com's study also shows that the economy has had a
profound effect on buyer behavior and demand, as seven of the
Top 10 vehicles are smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The study
also shows a substantial increase in market trends with compact
and mid-sized cars in the past several months. In the era of
increasing gas prices, the small vehicle market is continuing to
grow.
AutoMart.com provides consumers a unique opportunity to only
search ads from dealerships, providing a sense of confidence in
their search for a new vehicle. The continued success and
increasing Internet traffic growth of AutoMart.com shows that
consumers are relying more on quality instead of quantity.
About AutoMart.com AutoMart.comT is the Internet's largest
automotive website featuring new, used and certified pre-owned
car listings exclusively from automobile dealers. With the a
database of over one million cars for sale, AutoMart.com
showcases listings provided by Auto Mart® Magazine, Harmon
Autos, Auto Deals, Truck Mart, Auto Mercado and Diablo Dealer.
AutoMart.com is owned and operated by United Advertising Media
and Trader Electronic Media, both divisions of Trader Publishing
Company. ###
About the author:
Media Contact: Lindsey Roder, Marketing Manager, (757) 321-8524
lindsey.roder@automart.com
(Virginia Beach, VA) October 10, 2005 - AutoMart.com has
released a report of the most popular searched vehicles amongst
online consumers for September 2005. The study is based on the
most recent vehicles searched on AutoMart.com. Among the top
manufacturers are Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
Top 10 Searched Vehicles 1 Honda Civic 2 Honda Accord 3 Ford
Mustang 4 Ford F-150 5 Volkswagen Jetta 6 Toyota Tacoma 7
Mitsubishi Eclipse 8 Toyota Camry 9 Jeep Wrangler 10 Toyota
Corolla
"The core of AutoMart.com listings come from major franchise
automobile dealers who traditionally focus on selling late model
pre-owned vehicles," said Skip Dowd, regional manager and vice
president for AutoMart.com. "This offers us a clear look at the
popularity and consumer demand for pre-owned vehicles," said
Dowd.
AutoMart.com's study also shows that the economy has had a
profound effect on buyer behavior and demand, as seven of the
Top 10 vehicles are smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The study
also shows a substantial increase in market trends with compact
and mid-sized cars in the past several months. In the era of
increasing gas prices, the small vehicle market is continuing to
grow.
AutoMart.com provides consumers a unique opportunity to only
search ads from dealerships, providing a sense of confidence in
their search for a new vehicle. The continued success and
increasing Internet traffic growth of AutoMart.com shows that
consumers are relying more on quality instead of quantity.
About AutoMart.com AutoMart.comT is the Internet's largest
automotive website featuring new, used and certified pre-owned
car listings exclusively from automobile dealers. With the a
database of over one million cars for sale, AutoMart.com
showcases listings provided by Auto Mart® Magazine, Harmon
Autos, Auto Deals, Truck Mart, Auto Mercado and Diablo Dealer.
AutoMart.com is owned and operated by United Advertising Media
and Trader Electronic Media, both divisions of Trader Publishing
Company. ###
About the author:
Media Contact: Lindsey Roder, Marketing Manager, (757) 321-8524
lindsey.roder@automart.com
Saturday, October 15, 2005
"My Car Was Stolen" Misery - 10 Prevention Tips
By: Sunny Tan
Car theft folks have been so diversified with their sets of car
theft skills that they could virtually penetrate into any car
makes without much glitch. They have been enjoying virtually
good income from stealing cars. As much as you would hate it,
here are tips on how to prevent car theft so you can put a smack
on their faces for good and relieve you from the car theft misery
Do you know that 3 out of 4 people in the United States do not
have car theft protection systems or any car anti theft device
installed on their cars? Well even if they do, most them do not
even bothered to activate these car anti theft devices. Just
think about it, when was the last time you left your car idling
outside while you were busy picking up snacks from the gas
stations?
Let's face it, car theft "market" for these car theft folks have
been literally blooming and striving like a twister on steroids.
According to Insurance Information Institute, US, the average
value of a motor vehicle reported stolen in 2003 was $6,797,
compared with $6,701 in 2002. The latest key statistic says that
for every 25 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United
States.
1) Lock it up.
Lock your vehicle at all times, close all windows and sun roof
and take your keys
2) Don't be dumb by hiding keys in your car.
Never hide second set of keys in or on your vehicle. The car
thieves can outsmart you by knowing all the hiding places.
3) Hide valuables
Don't think about leaving your valuables in your car and left to
be seen by the potential car thieves. Items left in the open
attract car thieves.
4) Protect Your Data - Beware of Identity fraud.
Don't ever leave any important documents such as bank
statements, credit card bills/statements, or other personal
information in your car. Car thefts can use this vital
information against you and steal your bank money by accessing
your bank or credit car accounts.
5) Do not dispose your Car registration
Some drivers literally take convenience up to the extreme. They
often leave their car registration or car titles inside their
car. Doing so may help the car thieves to dispose your car
faster than you can ever imagine.
6) Parking Strategy
Do you know that parking at the right place may literally
prevent car thefts and protect your car altogether? It is best
to park in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic.
7) Stop idling and learn to increase gas mileage.
By leaving your car unattended might literally pose a danger to
your car of being stolen, especially when you are at the
convenient stores or ATMs. The ebook "Gas Mileage Tactics" at
http://www.extragasmileage.com will reveal to you that not only
learning to stop idling will prevent car thefts, but also the
potential wastage of gas and wear and tear of your car. So
you'll get two sides of the same coin literally.
8) Prevent Theft by Towing.
You'd be surprised that thieves nowadays use tow trucks to steal
vehicles. At the most extreme cases, some of them might pose as
the bank credit officer and tow your car away in the broad
daylight. So always use your emergency brakes and leave your
transmission in the park position. You should also turn the
wheels toward the curb. Although these steps will not 100%
prevent auto thefts, but somehow or rather, this will make up a
nightmare for the potential car thieves who use tow trucks to
steal vehicles.
9) Park in your garage.
If you have a car porch / garage in your house, always park your
car at those places and never park them outside of your house.
Lock the gates or the garage as well as your car windows.
10) The "One" is not enough.
There are many car anti theft devices that are mushrooming in
the auto market like nobody's business. Although I will not say
that these car anti theft devices may 100% prevent car thefts
altogether, but at least it will prolong their time to steal
your car and bring them one heck of a tough time to hack into
your vehicle. So if you happen to park your car in high theft
areas, never rely on just one device alone. Use as many as you
can.
Here are some of the car anti theft devices you can use.
i. Vehicle Alarm
Vechile Alarms are one of the most common security alarm in a
motorcar today. It pays in actually invest in a good car alarm
system. Most auto alarm systems are equipped with motion sensors
as well as impact sensors. As series of high-decibel tones are
blasted out when somebody is trying to steal your vehicle. High
quality car alarm systems may include an automatic kill switch
and may also use flashing headlights and horn in addition to
sounding the siren.
ii. Steering Wheel Lock
This is a simple device which looks like a long metal bar with a
lock that fits on the steering wheel. When fitted on, it
prevents the steering wheel from being turned. It's a pretty
inexpensive way to safeguard your car.
iii. Starter disablers.
There are quite a few of common starter disablers in the market.
They serve as the one last extra safeguard to your car in case
the car thief has broken into your car. These devices e.g
armored collars will prevent them from breaking into the
steering column to hot wire the vehicle. Some disablers may be
used to prevent the flow of electricity of fuel to the engine,
thus making it impossible for the thieves to get the car
running.
So here are the top car theft protection tips for you. Apply
them and you will see your vehicles better protected.
About the author:
Sunny Tan debunks the myth and truth about ways to increase gas mileage
in his latest ebook Gas Mileage Tactics at http://www.extragasmileage.
com. He also favors writing tips articles for his website http://www.tips.com.my
covering many aspects and subjects. S
Car theft folks have been so diversified with their sets of car
theft skills that they could virtually penetrate into any car
makes without much glitch. They have been enjoying virtually
good income from stealing cars. As much as you would hate it,
here are tips on how to prevent car theft so you can put a smack
on their faces for good and relieve you from the car theft misery
Do you know that 3 out of 4 people in the United States do not
have car theft protection systems or any car anti theft device
installed on their cars? Well even if they do, most them do not
even bothered to activate these car anti theft devices. Just
think about it, when was the last time you left your car idling
outside while you were busy picking up snacks from the gas
stations?
Let's face it, car theft "market" for these car theft folks have
been literally blooming and striving like a twister on steroids.
According to Insurance Information Institute, US, the average
value of a motor vehicle reported stolen in 2003 was $6,797,
compared with $6,701 in 2002. The latest key statistic says that
for every 25 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United
States.
1) Lock it up.
Lock your vehicle at all times, close all windows and sun roof
and take your keys
2) Don't be dumb by hiding keys in your car.
Never hide second set of keys in or on your vehicle. The car
thieves can outsmart you by knowing all the hiding places.
3) Hide valuables
Don't think about leaving your valuables in your car and left to
be seen by the potential car thieves. Items left in the open
attract car thieves.
4) Protect Your Data - Beware of Identity fraud.
Don't ever leave any important documents such as bank
statements, credit card bills/statements, or other personal
information in your car. Car thefts can use this vital
information against you and steal your bank money by accessing
your bank or credit car accounts.
5) Do not dispose your Car registration
Some drivers literally take convenience up to the extreme. They
often leave their car registration or car titles inside their
car. Doing so may help the car thieves to dispose your car
faster than you can ever imagine.
6) Parking Strategy
Do you know that parking at the right place may literally
prevent car thefts and protect your car altogether? It is best
to park in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic.
7) Stop idling and learn to increase gas mileage.
By leaving your car unattended might literally pose a danger to
your car of being stolen, especially when you are at the
convenient stores or ATMs. The ebook "Gas Mileage Tactics" at
http://www.extragasmileage.com will reveal to you that not only
learning to stop idling will prevent car thefts, but also the
potential wastage of gas and wear and tear of your car. So
you'll get two sides of the same coin literally.
8) Prevent Theft by Towing.
You'd be surprised that thieves nowadays use tow trucks to steal
vehicles. At the most extreme cases, some of them might pose as
the bank credit officer and tow your car away in the broad
daylight. So always use your emergency brakes and leave your
transmission in the park position. You should also turn the
wheels toward the curb. Although these steps will not 100%
prevent auto thefts, but somehow or rather, this will make up a
nightmare for the potential car thieves who use tow trucks to
steal vehicles.
9) Park in your garage.
If you have a car porch / garage in your house, always park your
car at those places and never park them outside of your house.
Lock the gates or the garage as well as your car windows.
10) The "One" is not enough.
There are many car anti theft devices that are mushrooming in
the auto market like nobody's business. Although I will not say
that these car anti theft devices may 100% prevent car thefts
altogether, but at least it will prolong their time to steal
your car and bring them one heck of a tough time to hack into
your vehicle. So if you happen to park your car in high theft
areas, never rely on just one device alone. Use as many as you
can.
Here are some of the car anti theft devices you can use.
i. Vehicle Alarm
Vechile Alarms are one of the most common security alarm in a
motorcar today. It pays in actually invest in a good car alarm
system. Most auto alarm systems are equipped with motion sensors
as well as impact sensors. As series of high-decibel tones are
blasted out when somebody is trying to steal your vehicle. High
quality car alarm systems may include an automatic kill switch
and may also use flashing headlights and horn in addition to
sounding the siren.
ii. Steering Wheel Lock
This is a simple device which looks like a long metal bar with a
lock that fits on the steering wheel. When fitted on, it
prevents the steering wheel from being turned. It's a pretty
inexpensive way to safeguard your car.
iii. Starter disablers.
There are quite a few of common starter disablers in the market.
They serve as the one last extra safeguard to your car in case
the car thief has broken into your car. These devices e.g
armored collars will prevent them from breaking into the
steering column to hot wire the vehicle. Some disablers may be
used to prevent the flow of electricity of fuel to the engine,
thus making it impossible for the thieves to get the car
running.
So here are the top car theft protection tips for you. Apply
them and you will see your vehicles better protected.
About the author:
Sunny Tan debunks the myth and truth about ways to increase gas mileage
in his latest ebook Gas Mileage Tactics at http://www.extragasmileage.
com. He also favors writing tips articles for his website http://www.tips.com.my
covering many aspects and subjects. S
Friday, October 14, 2005
Gas - Real Money Saving Tips
By: Robert Rogers
Real Money-Saving Steps
There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat
rising gas prices. Most cars can run on regular unleaded - 87
octane. High performance vehicles will usually require 91 octane
or higher. Check your owner's manual to determine the right
octane level for your car. It's also usually written inside your
gas lid, door panel, and sometimes right on your dashboard under
the fuel gauge. It will say something like "Premium Unleaded
Only" which means 91 octane or higher. All gas pumps must post
the octane rating.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card
companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every
gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there
right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that's
$60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective
cost per gallon just $2.85. It's like getting a free gallon of
gas with every fill up!
Drive more efficiently:
-- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the
more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour
(mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20
percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel
consumption by another 25 percent. This is caused by the amount
of energy it takes to push your car through the air and the
amount of drag created by your cars body.
So if your car gets 25-mpg highway at 55 mph, driving 65mph will
drop it down to 20 mpg! Driving 75 mph drops it down to just 16
mpg!
My personal experience with my 98 VW Beetle: I drove to New York
at the posted speed limits between 55 and 65 mph. I got about
35mpg and 450 miles on one tank!!! When I drove to Florida the
posted speed limits were between 55 - 70 mph. I actually drove
about 75 mph most of the way. I only got 27 mpg and about 350
miles on one tank. I lost almost 100 miles distant per tank! I
couldn't believe it.
-- Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy
of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed
decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel
consumption and engine wear. Most automatic transmission cars
will have an overdrive button right on the gearshift. Look for a
"D" and/or "O/D". You will see a light on the dash indicating
weather it's on or off. Check your owner's manual to be sure. If
your car has a tachometer, you should be able to tell by
watching your engine's rpm speed on the highway. Buy switching
the overdrive on, your rpm's should drop significantly.
-- Use cruise control. For longer trips using cruise control can
help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce
your fuel consumption. Set it to 55 mph on highways.
-- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your
fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50
percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to
acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit"
starts and sudden stops are wasteful. Let off the gas early when
approaching yellow and red lights, stop signs etc... Most
fuel-injected cars will cut off the fuel supply to the engine
while you slow down saving you even more gas.
-- Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start
can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same
distance when the engine is warm. It takes about 15 to 20
minutes for a car to reach normal operating temperature. Until
then, your car is using almost twice as much fuel to keep the
engine running!
-- Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded
items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk
reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent.
Maintain your car
Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned
engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20
percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended
maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel
and your car will run better and last longer.
-- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Under inflated
tires on a car is like running on the beach with no shoes. Car
manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct
tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or
doorjamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap
cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range,
use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Under
inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%. --
Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction
between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the
engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.
-- Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air
filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine
components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve
your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged
filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption.
Imagine running up a flight of stairs with only using one
nostril in your nose to breath.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card
companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every
gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there
right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that's
$60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective
cost per gallon just $2.85. It's like getting a free gallon of
gas with every fill up!
About the author:
Robert Rogers is a writer in the Washington DC area and
specializes in money saving. For More Information - Visit
http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
Real Money-Saving Steps
There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat
rising gas prices. Most cars can run on regular unleaded - 87
octane. High performance vehicles will usually require 91 octane
or higher. Check your owner's manual to determine the right
octane level for your car. It's also usually written inside your
gas lid, door panel, and sometimes right on your dashboard under
the fuel gauge. It will say something like "Premium Unleaded
Only" which means 91 octane or higher. All gas pumps must post
the octane rating.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card
companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every
gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there
right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that's
$60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective
cost per gallon just $2.85. It's like getting a free gallon of
gas with every fill up!
Drive more efficiently:
-- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the
more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour
(mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20
percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel
consumption by another 25 percent. This is caused by the amount
of energy it takes to push your car through the air and the
amount of drag created by your cars body.
So if your car gets 25-mpg highway at 55 mph, driving 65mph will
drop it down to 20 mpg! Driving 75 mph drops it down to just 16
mpg!
My personal experience with my 98 VW Beetle: I drove to New York
at the posted speed limits between 55 and 65 mph. I got about
35mpg and 450 miles on one tank!!! When I drove to Florida the
posted speed limits were between 55 - 70 mph. I actually drove
about 75 mph most of the way. I only got 27 mpg and about 350
miles on one tank. I lost almost 100 miles distant per tank! I
couldn't believe it.
-- Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy
of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed
decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel
consumption and engine wear. Most automatic transmission cars
will have an overdrive button right on the gearshift. Look for a
"D" and/or "O/D". You will see a light on the dash indicating
weather it's on or off. Check your owner's manual to be sure. If
your car has a tachometer, you should be able to tell by
watching your engine's rpm speed on the highway. Buy switching
the overdrive on, your rpm's should drop significantly.
-- Use cruise control. For longer trips using cruise control can
help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce
your fuel consumption. Set it to 55 mph on highways.
-- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your
fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50
percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to
acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit"
starts and sudden stops are wasteful. Let off the gas early when
approaching yellow and red lights, stop signs etc... Most
fuel-injected cars will cut off the fuel supply to the engine
while you slow down saving you even more gas.
-- Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start
can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same
distance when the engine is warm. It takes about 15 to 20
minutes for a car to reach normal operating temperature. Until
then, your car is using almost twice as much fuel to keep the
engine running!
-- Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded
items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk
reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent.
Maintain your car
Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned
engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20
percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended
maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel
and your car will run better and last longer.
-- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Under inflated
tires on a car is like running on the beach with no shoes. Car
manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct
tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or
doorjamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap
cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range,
use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Under
inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%. --
Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction
between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the
engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.
-- Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air
filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine
components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve
your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged
filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption.
Imagine running up a flight of stairs with only using one
nostril in your nose to breath.
Gas Cards
Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card
companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every
gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there
right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that's
$60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective
cost per gallon just $2.85. It's like getting a free gallon of
gas with every fill up!
About the author:
Robert Rogers is a writer in the Washington DC area and
specializes in money saving. For More Information - Visit
http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Honda Vs. Toyota: The Battle For Number One
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord are the two top selling
passenger cars sold in the US. Who will be number one this year?
The battle lines are drawn and consumers have a chance to shape
the outcome. Let's take a look at what makes these cars so
popular with American drivers.
Up until ten years ago, American cars dominated the marketplace
with offerings from Ford or Chevrolet regularly securing the top
spot. A series of bland and poorly made models from the domestic
giants gave foreign car makers a unique opportunity to wrest
control of the passenger car market. Since then the Toyota Camry
and Honda Accord have been battling for the top spot with
American models coming in a distant third.
Both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are noted for high
quality, affordability, refinement, and durability. The Accord
is the sleeker of the two, although the Camry Solara, the coupe
version of the Toyota, is sportier than its sedan stable mate.
Honda Accord: For 2006 the Accord gets a significant make
over. Redone from the ground up, the Accord's exterior is even
sleeker than before and its interior has been refreshed as well
with a new instrument panel being the key factor in the updated
cabin. The base Accord features a 2.4L i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine
mated to a 5 speed transmission. Double wishbone suspension,
front and side impact airbags, and ABS are some of the standard
options for the Accord. Base models start at $18,225 with fully
loaded Accords retailing well into the high 20s.
Toyota Camry: The 2006 Camry comes equipped with a 2.4L
16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder engine paired with a 5 speed manual
transmission. Power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD Player
with 6 speakers, are some of the important standard features on
the Camry. Base MSRP is $18,445 with fully loaded Camrys
retailing as high as the mid 20s. The Camry was last restyled in
2002.
Sales totals thus far this year suggest that the battle is very
tight once again with perhaps only a few thousand sales
ultimately separating the two models. With an updated Accord
already in the mix, Honda has the best chance of winning this
year's battle.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an
online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile
parts. For more information about quality Honda auto
parts and Toyota
parts visit Car Parts Stuff today.
Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord are the two top selling
passenger cars sold in the US. Who will be number one this year?
The battle lines are drawn and consumers have a chance to shape
the outcome. Let's take a look at what makes these cars so
popular with American drivers.
Up until ten years ago, American cars dominated the marketplace
with offerings from Ford or Chevrolet regularly securing the top
spot. A series of bland and poorly made models from the domestic
giants gave foreign car makers a unique opportunity to wrest
control of the passenger car market. Since then the Toyota Camry
and Honda Accord have been battling for the top spot with
American models coming in a distant third.
Both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are noted for high
quality, affordability, refinement, and durability. The Accord
is the sleeker of the two, although the Camry Solara, the coupe
version of the Toyota, is sportier than its sedan stable mate.
Honda Accord: For 2006 the Accord gets a significant make
over. Redone from the ground up, the Accord's exterior is even
sleeker than before and its interior has been refreshed as well
with a new instrument panel being the key factor in the updated
cabin. The base Accord features a 2.4L i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine
mated to a 5 speed transmission. Double wishbone suspension,
front and side impact airbags, and ABS are some of the standard
options for the Accord. Base models start at $18,225 with fully
loaded Accords retailing well into the high 20s.
Toyota Camry: The 2006 Camry comes equipped with a 2.4L
16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder engine paired with a 5 speed manual
transmission. Power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD Player
with 6 speakers, are some of the important standard features on
the Camry. Base MSRP is $18,445 with fully loaded Camrys
retailing as high as the mid 20s. The Camry was last restyled in
2002.
Sales totals thus far this year suggest that the battle is very
tight once again with perhaps only a few thousand sales
ultimately separating the two models. With an updated Accord
already in the mix, Honda has the best chance of winning this
year's battle.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an
online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile
parts. For more information about quality Honda auto
parts and Toyota
parts visit Car Parts Stuff today.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Safest Cars on the Road Keep Your Family Safe
By: Steven Anderson
When you go car shopping you are probably dazzled by the sports
cars or even the big burly SUVs as well as the shiny colors and
whether or not the vehicle is fully loaded. Frequently, you will
hear people talking about what car they want to buy and will
hear them mention things like leather seats, a great sound
system, DVD players and mini TV screens, great rims and other
similar features. However, unfortunately, you do not frequently
hear people talking about the safety rating of the vehicle and
how well it performed in crash tests or if it has recently been
recalled. For some reason Americans are more consumed with how
comfortable and cool their car is and makes them rather than how
safe it can keep them. However, even if consumers are not overly
interested in safe cars insurance companies are. Insurance
companies focus on keeping people safe, reducing accidents, and
ultimately the amount of money they have to pay out for
coverage. So, safe cars are the pick of the litter so to speak
for insurance companies. They are so favored, in fact, that
insurance companies frequently offer discounts to individuals
who buy safe cars resulting in hundreds of dollars in savings
each year on premiums. Safe does not mean the car is
unattractive or without all the extras you want, so get it out
of your head that safe does not equal cool. And while the trend
may not change and people will continue to look for cool cars,
they should keep in mind that there are indeed cool cars that
are also safe cars. Each year a rating list of the top 25 safest
cars is produced and if you are in the car buying market you
should definitely take a peak and see if the car you are
interested in buying is on that list. If not, check out the
other safe cars that did make the list and see if you can find
something that is equally cool and considerably safer. The
following cars made it on the safe car list and also have some
amazing features that will please even the pickiest car
connoisseur.
Upscale Cars
If you are interested in and can afford an upscale car and are
also concerned about safety, then you should consider the Audi
A4 or perhaps the BMW 330i. The Lexus ES300 also ranked high in
the crash tests and overall safety in the upscale sedan category.
Small Cars
Small cars that rank high on the top 25 safety car list include
the Volkswagen golf and Honda Civic which received the top
honors. Another safe car in this category includes the
Volkswagen Jetta.
Midsize Cars
Volkswagen also took the top prize in the midsize category with
the Volkswagen Passat GLX 6.0. The Nissan Altima and Subaru
Legacy also ranked high in the mid size family sedan category.
Pickups
Everyone thinks pickup trucks are safe, however some are safer
than others and generally pick up trucks are not as safe as
cars. In the top 25 safest cars the Toyota Tundra SR5 4.7, Ford
F150 XLT 5.4, and the Dodge Ram SLT 4.7 ranked higher and safer
than the rest.
Minivans and SUVs
The minivan and SUV category have an interesting array of really
safe vehicles and then some that are hazards to drivers and
passengers. Minivans that responded well in the tests include
the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey EX, and the Mazda MPV. The
safest SUVs include the Lexus RX300, Toyota Highlander, and the
Saturn VUE as well as others. Of course, you could choose to buy
a safe vehicle and still be injured in an accident. This is
because there is no perfect car that is constructed in a way
that it can protect you 100%. However, there are plenty of cars
that are significantly safer than others and as a result
consumers should pay attention to these cars. Fortunately, some
of the safer models are actually very stylish and come with the
latest gadgets and features so many people are looking for in a
new car. So, no matter if you want the coolest car on the market
you can still find one that is rated high in the safety
category. Honda, Lexus, BMW, Saturn, Volkswagen, and others all
ranked high in their respective categories and are all very
popular car models. Also, cars today are significantly safer
than they were even 15 years ago and tires are safer as well.
If you buy a used vehicle that is 10-15 years old you can rest
assured it will not have the same safety qualities as new cars
made today. The reason for this is safety standards were
different as well as the technology used to build the cars. As a
result, older cars simply are not as safe. The best option for
your safety and that of your family and other passengers is to
buy a car that is ranked high on the safety list and rest
assured that if you are in an accident your car will protect you
as much as possible because it was designed with safety in mind.
By making safety one of the qualities you look for in a vehicle,
even above price or design, you are choosing to protect yourself
and your family, which is the best decision you can possibly
make. Remember to take a look at the top 25 list before you
start car shopping. Not only are the top 25 cars in all
categories listed, but some of the worst cars are listed as well
so you will know what to avoid. Happy car shopping!
About the author:
Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount
Car Rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many
of the Hawaiian activities and as described above, and is a
specialist in Maui,
Hawaii car rentals.
When you go car shopping you are probably dazzled by the sports
cars or even the big burly SUVs as well as the shiny colors and
whether or not the vehicle is fully loaded. Frequently, you will
hear people talking about what car they want to buy and will
hear them mention things like leather seats, a great sound
system, DVD players and mini TV screens, great rims and other
similar features. However, unfortunately, you do not frequently
hear people talking about the safety rating of the vehicle and
how well it performed in crash tests or if it has recently been
recalled. For some reason Americans are more consumed with how
comfortable and cool their car is and makes them rather than how
safe it can keep them. However, even if consumers are not overly
interested in safe cars insurance companies are. Insurance
companies focus on keeping people safe, reducing accidents, and
ultimately the amount of money they have to pay out for
coverage. So, safe cars are the pick of the litter so to speak
for insurance companies. They are so favored, in fact, that
insurance companies frequently offer discounts to individuals
who buy safe cars resulting in hundreds of dollars in savings
each year on premiums. Safe does not mean the car is
unattractive or without all the extras you want, so get it out
of your head that safe does not equal cool. And while the trend
may not change and people will continue to look for cool cars,
they should keep in mind that there are indeed cool cars that
are also safe cars. Each year a rating list of the top 25 safest
cars is produced and if you are in the car buying market you
should definitely take a peak and see if the car you are
interested in buying is on that list. If not, check out the
other safe cars that did make the list and see if you can find
something that is equally cool and considerably safer. The
following cars made it on the safe car list and also have some
amazing features that will please even the pickiest car
connoisseur.
Upscale Cars
If you are interested in and can afford an upscale car and are
also concerned about safety, then you should consider the Audi
A4 or perhaps the BMW 330i. The Lexus ES300 also ranked high in
the crash tests and overall safety in the upscale sedan category.
Small Cars
Small cars that rank high on the top 25 safety car list include
the Volkswagen golf and Honda Civic which received the top
honors. Another safe car in this category includes the
Volkswagen Jetta.
Midsize Cars
Volkswagen also took the top prize in the midsize category with
the Volkswagen Passat GLX 6.0. The Nissan Altima and Subaru
Legacy also ranked high in the mid size family sedan category.
Pickups
Everyone thinks pickup trucks are safe, however some are safer
than others and generally pick up trucks are not as safe as
cars. In the top 25 safest cars the Toyota Tundra SR5 4.7, Ford
F150 XLT 5.4, and the Dodge Ram SLT 4.7 ranked higher and safer
than the rest.
Minivans and SUVs
The minivan and SUV category have an interesting array of really
safe vehicles and then some that are hazards to drivers and
passengers. Minivans that responded well in the tests include
the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey EX, and the Mazda MPV. The
safest SUVs include the Lexus RX300, Toyota Highlander, and the
Saturn VUE as well as others. Of course, you could choose to buy
a safe vehicle and still be injured in an accident. This is
because there is no perfect car that is constructed in a way
that it can protect you 100%. However, there are plenty of cars
that are significantly safer than others and as a result
consumers should pay attention to these cars. Fortunately, some
of the safer models are actually very stylish and come with the
latest gadgets and features so many people are looking for in a
new car. So, no matter if you want the coolest car on the market
you can still find one that is rated high in the safety
category. Honda, Lexus, BMW, Saturn, Volkswagen, and others all
ranked high in their respective categories and are all very
popular car models. Also, cars today are significantly safer
than they were even 15 years ago and tires are safer as well.
If you buy a used vehicle that is 10-15 years old you can rest
assured it will not have the same safety qualities as new cars
made today. The reason for this is safety standards were
different as well as the technology used to build the cars. As a
result, older cars simply are not as safe. The best option for
your safety and that of your family and other passengers is to
buy a car that is ranked high on the safety list and rest
assured that if you are in an accident your car will protect you
as much as possible because it was designed with safety in mind.
By making safety one of the qualities you look for in a vehicle,
even above price or design, you are choosing to protect yourself
and your family, which is the best decision you can possibly
make. Remember to take a look at the top 25 list before you
start car shopping. Not only are the top 25 cars in all
categories listed, but some of the worst cars are listed as well
so you will know what to avoid. Happy car shopping!
About the author:
Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount
Car Rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many
of the Hawaiian activities and as described above, and is a
specialist in Maui,
Hawaii car rentals.
Do You Want to Increase Your Car's Resale Value? Here's How!
By: Sarah McBride
If you are planning to resell your car in the future and buy a
new and more advanced model, then you have to exert more effort
in keeping it in good shape and excellent driving condition.
Even if it's already old, you can sell it at high price if it
looks and performs like new. Anyway, let's go straight to the
question: how do you improve its resale value?
The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good
shape and condition, but there's one store that can completely
answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of
replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your
car's proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands
of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of
aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs
and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store
definitely does both.
Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our
health, you need to replace some of your car's parts and
mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade
its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck
for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport
heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance
parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known
to be exceptionally tough but it doesn't mean they don't require
much attention and care. Among the auto parts that require your
utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These
parts are closest to the road and their quality affects
significantly your vehicle's ride quality and handling. Replace
your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement
wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most
dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels.
For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also
offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these
parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of
course excuses no one and no vehicle. It's always better to be
on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen.
Also, check out the store's top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts.
Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way.
This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the
future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable,
more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect
reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement
parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.
About the author:
As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in
Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto
parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a
certified car enthusiast.
If you are planning to resell your car in the future and buy a
new and more advanced model, then you have to exert more effort
in keeping it in good shape and excellent driving condition.
Even if it's already old, you can sell it at high price if it
looks and performs like new. Anyway, let's go straight to the
question: how do you improve its resale value?
The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good
shape and condition, but there's one store that can completely
answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of
replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your
car's proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands
of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of
aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs
and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store
definitely does both.
Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our
health, you need to replace some of your car's parts and
mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade
its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck
for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport
heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance
parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known
to be exceptionally tough but it doesn't mean they don't require
much attention and care. Among the auto parts that require your
utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These
parts are closest to the road and their quality affects
significantly your vehicle's ride quality and handling. Replace
your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement
wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most
dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels.
For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also
offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these
parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of
course excuses no one and no vehicle. It's always better to be
on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen.
Also, check out the store's top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts.
Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way.
This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the
future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable,
more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect
reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement
parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.
About the author:
As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in
Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto
parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a
certified car enthusiast.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Winter Car Care Tips
By: Norman Fleming
The cold weather affects your car too. Along with making driving
more hazardous due to ice and snow, extreme winter weather can
be stressful, especially on older cars.
As winter approaches take your car to your trusty mechanic and
have him check the following items: battery, wipers, antifreeze
levels, heating system, brakes, defroster.
You'll want to make sure your battery is fully charged as cold
weather starting is a heavy drain on your battery. You'll want
to make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition
as they'll get a lot of use brushing snow off, and, make sure
you have plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and
carry an extra gallon in your car. Your windshield washer fluid
will get used up quickly keeping salt off the windshield. You
will want to make sure that your antifreeze is at proper levels.
Antifreeze can prevent freezing of your engine to about 30
degrees below zero. It should be replaced every two years. Have
your heating system checked, this will include your defroster,
which you'll really need during the winter.
Make sure you have good winter tires on your car. If you live in
an area where you get a good amount of snowfall you may want to
make a seasonal change from all season to snow tires. All season
radials just don't give you the same performance in snow and ice
that dedicated snow tires do.
There are things that you should keep in your car during the
winter. Snow scraper, deicer, blankets, extra hat and mittens,
small snow shovel, sand (to help with traction), boots. At all
times you should have a small first aid kit, booster cables,
small tools such as screwdriver, wrench and pliers a flashlight
with extra batteries, extra water. Keep a can of deicer in your
home so you'll be able to get into your car.
Remember before leaving home to make sure your car is completely
cleaned off. Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk
and side. Make sure your headlights and tail lights are clearly
visible. Drive slowly. The posted speed limits are for ideal
driving conditions. When driving leave plenty of stopping
distance between you and the car in front of you. You may need
to leave more distance in icy conditions. Make any turns slowly.
Brake slowly.
By following these tips above you can have a safe winter driving
season.
About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.carbuddy.net
The cold weather affects your car too. Along with making driving
more hazardous due to ice and snow, extreme winter weather can
be stressful, especially on older cars.
As winter approaches take your car to your trusty mechanic and
have him check the following items: battery, wipers, antifreeze
levels, heating system, brakes, defroster.
You'll want to make sure your battery is fully charged as cold
weather starting is a heavy drain on your battery. You'll want
to make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition
as they'll get a lot of use brushing snow off, and, make sure
you have plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and
carry an extra gallon in your car. Your windshield washer fluid
will get used up quickly keeping salt off the windshield. You
will want to make sure that your antifreeze is at proper levels.
Antifreeze can prevent freezing of your engine to about 30
degrees below zero. It should be replaced every two years. Have
your heating system checked, this will include your defroster,
which you'll really need during the winter.
Make sure you have good winter tires on your car. If you live in
an area where you get a good amount of snowfall you may want to
make a seasonal change from all season to snow tires. All season
radials just don't give you the same performance in snow and ice
that dedicated snow tires do.
There are things that you should keep in your car during the
winter. Snow scraper, deicer, blankets, extra hat and mittens,
small snow shovel, sand (to help with traction), boots. At all
times you should have a small first aid kit, booster cables,
small tools such as screwdriver, wrench and pliers a flashlight
with extra batteries, extra water. Keep a can of deicer in your
home so you'll be able to get into your car.
Remember before leaving home to make sure your car is completely
cleaned off. Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk
and side. Make sure your headlights and tail lights are clearly
visible. Drive slowly. The posted speed limits are for ideal
driving conditions. When driving leave plenty of stopping
distance between you and the car in front of you. You may need
to leave more distance in icy conditions. Make any turns slowly.
Brake slowly.
By following these tips above you can have a safe winter driving
season.
About the author:
This article courtesy of http://www.carbuddy.net
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Ford Hybrids Hitting Showrooms
By: Scully Samuelson
Ford hybrids have already arrived in a showroom near you. That's
no surprise since Ford has placed a high value on hybrid
technology. The Ford hybrids that are currently available for
purchase are the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, which was named the
North American Truck of the Year and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid
SUV, which has been endorsed by the Sierra Club.
The Escape Hybrid is a smaller SUV, which boasts a Duratec 2.3L
4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, matched up with a
70KW (equivalent to 94hp) permanent electric motor. There is
also a 330-volt battery pack (located under the cargo floor).
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV shares the same hybrid
power-train as the Escape Hybrid but is a little more upscale in
its interior design and set of standard features such as a
perimeter alarm system and tire pressure monitoring.
The other three Ford hybrids that will hit the showrooms within
the next couple of years are the Ford Fusion Hybrid Car, Mercury
Milan Hybrid Car and Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV. Ford knows that
hybrids are its future and by 2010 half of the Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury lineups will be hybrids.
According to CEO, Bill Ford "From this point forward, innovation
will be the compass by which the company sets its direction.
Today, I am renewing the promise of Ford Motor Company - to
again be first in delivering innovative products to our
customers - stylish in design, safer for families, first in
technology that uses new fuels and offers new services to
consumers."
Besides hybrids, Ford is also committed to just going green as
well. The 2006 Ford F-150 Truck offers flexible fuel technology
running on both gasoline and ethanol. The next year, Ford Crown
Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car also will
offer the flexible fuel option. The Ford Focus is rated as a
partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) by the EPA, exceeding the
strictest of emissions standards. In addition, Ford has also
fitted a Focus with hydrogen fuel cell technology as Ford
continues to go down the path of having a hydrogen car or
vehicle in everyone's garage by 2015.
The first hybrid car to roll out in Ford's lineup will be the
Fusion, slated to hit the showrooms in 2007 for the 2008 selling
season. The current year 2006 Fusion is rated as a PZEV, so you
can see how Ford has decided to go down the path to greener and
greener vehicles. First, the PZEVs roll out, then the Ford
hybrids and finally the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles hit the
market. The 2008 Fusion will share the same hybrid power-train
as the 2008 Mercury Milan when it rolls out a little later in
the same year.
The Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV will be going into production in
2006 and hit the showrooms late this same year or in 2007. Since
Ford owns 33-percent of Mazda it is likely the Tribute will
share many features of the Ford Escape Hybrid including the
hybrid power-train.
Ford may be a little late to the hybrid game compared to its
Japanese automaker counterparts, but it is definitely coming on
strong with commitment and dedication to less dependence of
foreign oil and a cleaner and greener environment. And this is a
game in which everyone will benefit.
About the author:
Scully Samuelson writes for the Hybrid
Vehicles website regarding cutting-edge automotive topics
including the future direction of cars, trucks, SUVs, aircraft
and watercraft.
Ford hybrids have already arrived in a showroom near you. That's
no surprise since Ford has placed a high value on hybrid
technology. The Ford hybrids that are currently available for
purchase are the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, which was named the
North American Truck of the Year and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid
SUV, which has been endorsed by the Sierra Club.
The Escape Hybrid is a smaller SUV, which boasts a Duratec 2.3L
4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, matched up with a
70KW (equivalent to 94hp) permanent electric motor. There is
also a 330-volt battery pack (located under the cargo floor).
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV shares the same hybrid
power-train as the Escape Hybrid but is a little more upscale in
its interior design and set of standard features such as a
perimeter alarm system and tire pressure monitoring.
The other three Ford hybrids that will hit the showrooms within
the next couple of years are the Ford Fusion Hybrid Car, Mercury
Milan Hybrid Car and Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV. Ford knows that
hybrids are its future and by 2010 half of the Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury lineups will be hybrids.
According to CEO, Bill Ford "From this point forward, innovation
will be the compass by which the company sets its direction.
Today, I am renewing the promise of Ford Motor Company - to
again be first in delivering innovative products to our
customers - stylish in design, safer for families, first in
technology that uses new fuels and offers new services to
consumers."
Besides hybrids, Ford is also committed to just going green as
well. The 2006 Ford F-150 Truck offers flexible fuel technology
running on both gasoline and ethanol. The next year, Ford Crown
Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car also will
offer the flexible fuel option. The Ford Focus is rated as a
partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) by the EPA, exceeding the
strictest of emissions standards. In addition, Ford has also
fitted a Focus with hydrogen fuel cell technology as Ford
continues to go down the path of having a hydrogen car or
vehicle in everyone's garage by 2015.
The first hybrid car to roll out in Ford's lineup will be the
Fusion, slated to hit the showrooms in 2007 for the 2008 selling
season. The current year 2006 Fusion is rated as a PZEV, so you
can see how Ford has decided to go down the path to greener and
greener vehicles. First, the PZEVs roll out, then the Ford
hybrids and finally the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles hit the
market. The 2008 Fusion will share the same hybrid power-train
as the 2008 Mercury Milan when it rolls out a little later in
the same year.
The Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV will be going into production in
2006 and hit the showrooms late this same year or in 2007. Since
Ford owns 33-percent of Mazda it is likely the Tribute will
share many features of the Ford Escape Hybrid including the
hybrid power-train.
Ford may be a little late to the hybrid game compared to its
Japanese automaker counterparts, but it is definitely coming on
strong with commitment and dedication to less dependence of
foreign oil and a cleaner and greener environment. And this is a
game in which everyone will benefit.
About the author:
Scully Samuelson writes for the Hybrid
Vehicles website regarding cutting-edge automotive topics
including the future direction of cars, trucks, SUVs, aircraft
and watercraft.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Become a Test Driver for Car Magazines -- a Dream Job for Car
By: David Bellm
Imagine getting paid to drive some of the world's greatest cars
-- Mercedes, Corvette, Porsche, Viper, and others. Sounds great?
Now picture doing that on luxurious all-expense-paid trips to
exotic locations, where you hang out with some of the biggest
names in the auto industry.
That's everyday life for car-magazine test drivers.
Hard to believe? You're not the only person who thinks so. I've
worked as a car-magazine test driver since 1999 and I still get
looks of astonishment when I tell people what I do for a living.
Getting a job like this seems like it would be as hard as
winning the lottery. But the truth is, you don't have to be
working for big, glossy sports-car magazines to enjoy a great
job as a test driver. There are countless other publications
that use test drivers. And you don't need extraordinary luck or
rare talent to get into this profession.
Granted, it's not as easy as applying to get a part-time job at
the mall, or even like going after a typical office job. But
it's also not a frustrating, one-in-a-million chance like trying
to become a rock star or a Hollywood actor either. Far from it.
There isn't a pre-specified way to become a car-magazine test
driver as there is for, say, becoming a doctor or lawyer. So you
have to pretty much find your own path into the field. That may
sound intimidating, but it's actually another one of the
profession's upsides -- people can work their way into
test-driver jobs from widely varying experience and education.
For example, one of my colleagues was working in a retail
bookstore before becoming a test driver. He got into an
automotive publication by taking a relatively easy job in a
publisher's photo library. The photo library worked with the
company's automotive division a lot, so he was in a prime
position when a job opened up there.
Now he hangs out at racetracks, drives Jaguars and Corvettes,
and goes on press trips to Hawaii and Palm Springs.
His story is fairly typical. Plenty of people -- men and women
alike -- get into the profession in similar sorts of ways. And
you might be surprised at how quickly things can move along
toward getting such a job if you put your mind to it. Although
every person's career progresses at a different pace, three to
five years is a pretty normal time for breaking into becoming a
test driver. Not bad for a job that routinely puts you behind
the wheel of $60,000 cars for a week at a time.
Regardless of your experience or education, you'll have to learn
how to write fairly well. Once test drivers drive a car, they're
usually required to write an article based on their findings.
And when they're not behind the wheel, test drivers are usually
sitting at their desk writing other things such as news pieces,
interview stories, or retrospective articles.
That said, you don't have to be an award-winning writer with
decades of journalism experience to become a test driver. A lot
of people working in this field are self-taught. With some study
and diligent practice, most car enthusiasts could learn how to
write well enough to do the job.
For anyone who loves cars, being a test driver is like a fairy
tale mixed with a weekend in Vegas -- you can't help but be
amazed by some of the things you get to do. It takes more effort
to get these jobs than it does to break into other, more mundane
fields. But it's well worth it.
For more information on how to become a test driver, go to:
http://www.autiv.com/
About the author:
David Bellm is the president of Autiv Corporation, the web's
leading authority on automotive careers. Prior to founding
Autiv, Bellm was a test driver and editor for Publications
International, which publishes Consumer Guide automotive buying
guides, Collectible Automobile magazine, and an ongoing line of
hardcover automotive-history books.
Imagine getting paid to drive some of the world's greatest cars
-- Mercedes, Corvette, Porsche, Viper, and others. Sounds great?
Now picture doing that on luxurious all-expense-paid trips to
exotic locations, where you hang out with some of the biggest
names in the auto industry.
That's everyday life for car-magazine test drivers.
Hard to believe? You're not the only person who thinks so. I've
worked as a car-magazine test driver since 1999 and I still get
looks of astonishment when I tell people what I do for a living.
Getting a job like this seems like it would be as hard as
winning the lottery. But the truth is, you don't have to be
working for big, glossy sports-car magazines to enjoy a great
job as a test driver. There are countless other publications
that use test drivers. And you don't need extraordinary luck or
rare talent to get into this profession.
Granted, it's not as easy as applying to get a part-time job at
the mall, or even like going after a typical office job. But
it's also not a frustrating, one-in-a-million chance like trying
to become a rock star or a Hollywood actor either. Far from it.
There isn't a pre-specified way to become a car-magazine test
driver as there is for, say, becoming a doctor or lawyer. So you
have to pretty much find your own path into the field. That may
sound intimidating, but it's actually another one of the
profession's upsides -- people can work their way into
test-driver jobs from widely varying experience and education.
For example, one of my colleagues was working in a retail
bookstore before becoming a test driver. He got into an
automotive publication by taking a relatively easy job in a
publisher's photo library. The photo library worked with the
company's automotive division a lot, so he was in a prime
position when a job opened up there.
Now he hangs out at racetracks, drives Jaguars and Corvettes,
and goes on press trips to Hawaii and Palm Springs.
His story is fairly typical. Plenty of people -- men and women
alike -- get into the profession in similar sorts of ways. And
you might be surprised at how quickly things can move along
toward getting such a job if you put your mind to it. Although
every person's career progresses at a different pace, three to
five years is a pretty normal time for breaking into becoming a
test driver. Not bad for a job that routinely puts you behind
the wheel of $60,000 cars for a week at a time.
Regardless of your experience or education, you'll have to learn
how to write fairly well. Once test drivers drive a car, they're
usually required to write an article based on their findings.
And when they're not behind the wheel, test drivers are usually
sitting at their desk writing other things such as news pieces,
interview stories, or retrospective articles.
That said, you don't have to be an award-winning writer with
decades of journalism experience to become a test driver. A lot
of people working in this field are self-taught. With some study
and diligent practice, most car enthusiasts could learn how to
write well enough to do the job.
For anyone who loves cars, being a test driver is like a fairy
tale mixed with a weekend in Vegas -- you can't help but be
amazed by some of the things you get to do. It takes more effort
to get these jobs than it does to break into other, more mundane
fields. But it's well worth it.
For more information on how to become a test driver, go to:
http://www.autiv.com/
About the author:
David Bellm is the president of Autiv Corporation, the web's
leading authority on automotive careers. Prior to founding
Autiv, Bellm was a test driver and editor for Publications
International, which publishes Consumer Guide automotive buying
guides, Collectible Automobile magazine, and an ongoing line of
hardcover automotive-history books.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
By: Dennis James
The American economy is sucking a lot of money out of consumers'
pockets due to high gas prices and the general increase in every
other consumer good from food to clothing that is associated
with high oil prices. However, there is good news on the
horizon, and that is that auto insurance rates are being
reduced. Despite this reduction, there are several things you
should keep in mind when shopping for car insurance to ensure
you receive the best rate and coverage for you and your vehicle.
Tip #1 Shop Around There are so many different auto insurers out
there you might think it difficult to find the best insurance at
the lowest prices. However, don't despair because all you have
to do is shop around. The easiest way to do this is to go online
and search all your favorite car insurers in order to receive a
fast and free online quote. Then, you can simply compare the
services and prices of the insurers and make the best choice for
you. Spending a little time on research might save you hundreds
of dollars on car insurance.
Tip #2 Look for the Discounts You may not have known this, but
many auto insurers provide discounts to drivers for good driving
behavior and other reasons as well. So, ask about the discounts
available through various insurance providers and consider how
many you would qualify for. More than likely if you qualify for
one or two then your rates could easily drop several hundred
dollars per year.
Tip #3 Maintain Your Credit Unbeknownst to you, your credit
score affects your car insurance rate. As a result, you should
be sure to maintain your credit score as high as possible in
order to not only receive the benefits of good credit, but also
to pay lower car insurance premiums. It is really worthwhile,
and something you will benefit from economically.
These tips are great ways for you as a consumer to take your car
insurance needs into your own hands and find the best provider
with the lowest rates and most coverage. When you start doing
the research, you will be amazed how much money you can save as
well as how many more benefits you can receive. Go ahead and
start saving on your auto insurance today, there is no reason to
wait.
About the author:
"It is time that we the people stand up and declare we will not
be overtaken by the car dealers, but rather we will take the car
dealers by storm. Researching the cars is not enough; we need a
way to research the dealers themselves." - Dennis James
At Car Dealer Check
you can read independent car dealer reviews written by car
buyers for car buyers.
The American economy is sucking a lot of money out of consumers'
pockets due to high gas prices and the general increase in every
other consumer good from food to clothing that is associated
with high oil prices. However, there is good news on the
horizon, and that is that auto insurance rates are being
reduced. Despite this reduction, there are several things you
should keep in mind when shopping for car insurance to ensure
you receive the best rate and coverage for you and your vehicle.
Tip #1 Shop Around There are so many different auto insurers out
there you might think it difficult to find the best insurance at
the lowest prices. However, don't despair because all you have
to do is shop around. The easiest way to do this is to go online
and search all your favorite car insurers in order to receive a
fast and free online quote. Then, you can simply compare the
services and prices of the insurers and make the best choice for
you. Spending a little time on research might save you hundreds
of dollars on car insurance.
Tip #2 Look for the Discounts You may not have known this, but
many auto insurers provide discounts to drivers for good driving
behavior and other reasons as well. So, ask about the discounts
available through various insurance providers and consider how
many you would qualify for. More than likely if you qualify for
one or two then your rates could easily drop several hundred
dollars per year.
Tip #3 Maintain Your Credit Unbeknownst to you, your credit
score affects your car insurance rate. As a result, you should
be sure to maintain your credit score as high as possible in
order to not only receive the benefits of good credit, but also
to pay lower car insurance premiums. It is really worthwhile,
and something you will benefit from economically.
These tips are great ways for you as a consumer to take your car
insurance needs into your own hands and find the best provider
with the lowest rates and most coverage. When you start doing
the research, you will be amazed how much money you can save as
well as how many more benefits you can receive. Go ahead and
start saving on your auto insurance today, there is no reason to
wait.
About the author:
"It is time that we the people stand up and declare we will not
be overtaken by the car dealers, but rather we will take the car
dealers by storm. Researching the cars is not enough; we need a
way to research the dealers themselves." - Dennis James
At Car Dealer Check
you can read independent car dealer reviews written by car
buyers for car buyers.
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Sales Traps That Every Car Dealer Uses To Suck Money Right
By: Gus Skarlis
There are two components to any good advertisement or sales
pitch: an emotional appeal and a rational appeal. A good
advertisement or sales pitch plays to both.
Here's an example: let's say your child can't read very well,
and you're considering buying one of the many reading programs
available.
Check out an ad for any of them, and you'll find they can be
boiled down to two basic premises:
Your child can improve their reading skills. (That's the
rational appeal - he or she will do better in school, better in
life, etc.)
You need your child to read better. (That's the emotional appeal
- you're the parent, it's your role in life to raise your
children well, if you don't you've failed them....)
Most car dealers, once you're in the showroom, will play on your
emotions to help make the sale. (Sure, they'll discuss fuel
mileage and safety ratings... but if you think about it, most
cars are very similar in terms of performance. Styling varies a
lot... but styling appeals to your emotions, not to your
rational side.) To play on your emotions, they'll often say
things like:
"We only have two of these left - I can't believe how fast
they've gone."
"The sale ends this Sunday... you better act now."
"We have special factory prices... but just for this week."
And my favorite: "If I sell one more car this month I'm over my
quota - so I'll do anything to get you the best price."
What the dealer is doing is simple: by creating a sense of
urgency they're making you afraid you'll miss out on a great
deal, or a special price... or even make you worry that if you
don't act now all the cars will be gone.
Just keep this in mind: in 2004 alone over 15 million cars were
sold in the US - there are always plenty of cars for you to
choose from.
So how do you keep from falling prey to emotional sales tactics?
Take away their edge. Educate yourself about the vehicle you
would like to purchase and then make your decision before you
buy a car. This will eliminate any emotional buying decisions
and save you money.
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
There are two components to any good advertisement or sales
pitch: an emotional appeal and a rational appeal. A good
advertisement or sales pitch plays to both.
Here's an example: let's say your child can't read very well,
and you're considering buying one of the many reading programs
available.
Check out an ad for any of them, and you'll find they can be
boiled down to two basic premises:
Your child can improve their reading skills. (That's the
rational appeal - he or she will do better in school, better in
life, etc.)
You need your child to read better. (That's the emotional appeal
- you're the parent, it's your role in life to raise your
children well, if you don't you've failed them....)
Most car dealers, once you're in the showroom, will play on your
emotions to help make the sale. (Sure, they'll discuss fuel
mileage and safety ratings... but if you think about it, most
cars are very similar in terms of performance. Styling varies a
lot... but styling appeals to your emotions, not to your
rational side.) To play on your emotions, they'll often say
things like:
"We only have two of these left - I can't believe how fast
they've gone."
"The sale ends this Sunday... you better act now."
"We have special factory prices... but just for this week."
And my favorite: "If I sell one more car this month I'm over my
quota - so I'll do anything to get you the best price."
What the dealer is doing is simple: by creating a sense of
urgency they're making you afraid you'll miss out on a great
deal, or a special price... or even make you worry that if you
don't act now all the cars will be gone.
Just keep this in mind: in 2004 alone over 15 million cars were
sold in the US - there are always plenty of cars for you to
choose from.
So how do you keep from falling prey to emotional sales tactics?
Take away their edge. Educate yourself about the vehicle you
would like to purchase and then make your decision before you
buy a car. This will eliminate any emotional buying decisions
and save you money.
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
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Sunday, October 02, 2005
Clean Car for Good Gas Mileage
By: Marilyn Pokorney
In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips into
one there are many more ways you can increase gas mileage by
simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a car to
use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as 40
percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and replace
them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The wind
drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency by 5
percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every 100
pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a bed
cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas mileage by as
much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud under
the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or nail
polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas tank. In
tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of the fuel line
went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone, if spilled, will
also eat the paint and finish on your vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
About the author:
Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals
and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
In addition to all the practical ways, such as not speeding,
keeping proper tire pressure and combining several trips into
one there are many more ways you can increase gas mileage by
simply taking good care of your vehicle.
Keep the engine well tuned and in good running order.
Make sure the spark plugs are in good shape.
Be sure the valves are adjusted properly.
Keep the carburetor clean. A dirty carburetor can cause a car to
use 5 to 9 percent more gas than a clean one.
Maintain a clean catalytic converter.
Keep air filters clean. Clogged air filters lower fuel
consumption as much as 10%.
Faulty oxygen sensors lower fuel consumption by as much as 40
percent.
Make sure the automatic choke is working properly.
Change the oil regularly as recommended by your cars manual.
Remove snow tires as soon as possible in the spring and replace
them with radial tires to gain a 4 percent gas efficiency.
Remove roof and ski racks if not using them regularly. The wind
drag caused by these additions reduce fuel efficiency by 5
percent.
Remove unnecessary items from the car and trunk. For every 100
pounds the car eats up 0.5 percent more gas.
For pickup owners remove the tailgate or put it down if not
using it. Or replace it with the net-type of gate or use a bed
cover. Tailgates cause a drag effect reducing gas mileage by as
much as 15 percent.
When driving in muddy conditions clean the car often. Mud under
the bumpers and wheel wells add on unnecessary weight.
And lastly, one popular myth today is to pour acetone, or nail
polish remover which is mostly acetone, into the gas tank. In
tests performed on the gas lines, the thickness of the fuel line
went from 3/8 to 1/32 in just 3 days. Acetone, if spilled, will
also eat the paint and finish on your vehicle.
For more information on keeping your car clean visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm
About the author:
Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals
and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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