10000 FrEe Car TiPs

Changes to Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

2012-01-27T05:04:00.000-08:00

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Dear Google user, We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google. We believe this stuff matters, so please take a few minutes to read our updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at http://www.google.com/policies. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.
One policy, one Google experience

Easy to work across Google Our new policy reflects a single product experience that does what you need, when you want it to. Whether you're reading an email that reminds you to schedule a family get-together or finding a favorite video that you want to share, we want to ensure you can move across Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, or whatever your life calls for with ease.	Tailored for you If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries – or tailor your search results – based on the interests you've expressed in Google+, Gmail, and YouTube. We'll better understand which version of Pink or Jaguar you're searching for and get you those results faster.	Easy to share and collaborate When you post or create a document online, you often want others to see and contribute. By remembering the contact information of the people you want to share with, we make it easy for you to share in any Google product or service with minimal clicks and errors.

Protecting your privacy hasn't changed Our goal is to provide you with as much transparency and choice as possible, through products like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager, alongside other tools. Our privacy principles remain unchanged. And we'll never sell your personal information or share it without your permission (other than rare circumstances like valid legal requests).	Got questions? We've got answers. Visit our FAQ at http://www.google.com/policies/faq to read more about the changes. (We figured our users might have a question or twenty-two.)

Notice of Change March 1, 2012 is when the new Privacy Policy and Terms will come into effect. If you choose to keep using Google once the change occurs, you will be doing so under the new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Please do not reply to this email. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. Also, never enter your Google Account password after following a link in an email or chat to an untrusted site. Instead, go directly to the site, such as mail.google.com or www.google.com/accounts. Google will never email you to ask for your password or other sensitive information.

Never Lose Sight of a Blind Spot with the Cornering Light

2008-10-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Never Lose Sight of a Blind Spot with the Cornering Light - It is a big hassle for drivers if they always have to second-guess where another car is moving to. Fortunately, drivers do not need to worry because cars are equipped with cornering lights that inform them the direction being taken by other cars. Cornering lights serve as a safety feature and a decorative add-on to any vehicle. They are standard auto parts in vehicles such as the Eagle Talon.

Cornering lights are small and yellow lights found at each side of a vehicle’s front and rear ends. When a car turns to the right, the right cornering lights at the front and rear areas light up. Likewise, the left cornering lights at the front and rear ends blink together when a car turns to the left. Cornering lights allow other drivers on the road know where a car is going. These lighting devices inform drivers in advance where a car is moving to. That way, drivers can adjust their vehicle’s speed and position in response to the other car’s blinking cornering lights. Aside from functioning as signaling lights, the Eagle Talon cornering lights are also a car’s hazard lights. The driver only needs to press a button to activate all four cornering lights. When all four cornering lights are blinking, other drivers are signaled to avoid that car because it may be experiencing problems such as engine malfunction or faulty brakes. Cornering lights also indicate that the person driving the vehicle is a novice. Hazard lights are also very helpful because they allow a vehicle to be more visible in hazy weather conditions such as rainy or snowy days. Cornering lights are most useful when a vehicle turning into the so-called blind spot, the area that is not visible from the driver’s seat. For the driver, the Eagle Talon cornering light illuminates the blind spot where the car is heading to. For other drivers, the cornering light signals that another car is turning into the corner. The Eagle Talon cornering light enables drivers to adjust their cars accordingly to avoid collisions.

Cornering lights also have a decorative function because they contribute to the overall look of a vehicle. It is interesting to see how these small and attractive cornering lights can improve a vehicle’s façade.

Because of its importance to vehicle and passenger safety, each Eagle Talon cornering light should always be functioning properly. When the cornering light malfunctions, it should be immediately replaced.
Never Lose Sight of a Blind Spot with the Cornering Light by ANTHONY FONTANELLE - amazines.com

How to Install Racing Seats

2008-10-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

How to Install Racing Seats - Proper Racing Seat Mounting.
There are 3 main ways of mounting a racing seat to your car. Some are easier than others. We will discuss the Pros and Cons of each.
Best Method: Welded in seat base rails, slider rails and side mounts.
Pros: Strength, Safety, Positioning.
Cons: Requires welding, non-removable.

This method is the most useful as it allows for a perfectly positioned racing seat in addition to being the most secure mounting method. To achieve this type of installation you should have your cage builder weld in 2 round or square tubes across the floor in such a position that when the seat bottom is laid across the bars the driver position is acceptable. Square tubes allow direct attachment; round bars will require flat tabs to be added for the seat mounts to attach. A bottom or side mount seat can be bolted directly to the welded in bars. In addition, seat sliders may be bolted across these bars to give some for-aft adjustability. By spacing the sliders far enough apart, you can bolt the side mounts from a 'side mount seat' to the sliders. Care must be taken that the welded in bars are not installed in a location that will interfere with either the slide adjusters or the sub belts or their attachments. Obviously this is probably not the choice for most daily driven street cars. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corbeau Custom Brackets: Bolt in using off the shelf bracket adapters.
Pros: Ease of installation, removable.
Cons: Seat sits higher, slightly more flexible, requires a bottom mount seat to prevent fabrication.

This is probably the most common mounting method as it requires no welding and can be done completely with purchased components and no custom fabrication. This method works best with bottom mount seats. Corbeau offers 100's of Custom racing seat brackets to fit most vehicles. Brackets bolt to stock mounting location and in most cases include mounting points for stock seat belt buckles if needed.

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Floor Mount Method: For taller drivers or where the lowest center of gravity is required.
Pros: Strength, Safety, Removable, Lowest CG, Ease of installation.
Cons: Only for taller drivers, Non-adjustable.

Seats can be mounted directly to the floor if the driver is tall enough to see over the dash. Using this method the seat bottom can actually touch the floor giving the absolute lowest possible center of gravity for the driver. Seats that are side mount capable (such as the Corbeau FX1 and FX1 PRO) can use side mounts by themselves (no sliders) for a very simple installation. The side mount brackets should be bolted directly to the floor however the use of flat steel bars under the floor must be used to prevent the seat from pulling through the floor's thin sheet metal in the event of a crash. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: We are not responsible for any injury or death that results from improper mounting of your racing seat. If you are not experienced in preparing race cars, please seek out the advice of someone who is before you install your seat.
How to Install Racing Seats by J G - amazines.com

How To Determine The Price of an Antique Car

2008-10-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

How To Determine The Price of an Antique Car - How much is your antique car worth?

Every year more become classified as antique or collector cars. With so many antique cars on the market these days, it's getting harder and harder to keep track of market prices. Luckily there are a number of guidelines you can follow to come up with a fair price for a classic automobile.

Antique car prices are determined by a number of factors, but the most important one is supply and demand. The more popular a car is and the less of them that are on the road, the greater its market value. Forget about how much the car sold for originally. Forget about how much money has been put into restoring a car. None of that matters. How popular is the car and how many are there? That's the most important question of all to ask.

So how can you determine supply and demand? Where can you find a price list for antique cars? If you want to buy a used car, you can go to the Kelley Blue Book, the standard authority for used car prices in the country. Is there something similar for classic cars?

Fortunately there is. The Gold Book has been around for nearly 40 years, and similarly to Kelley's Blue Book, it is the defacto standard for antique and classic car prices. They not only monitor auctions all over the U.S. but also monitor private transactions between individuals - as long as they can be verified. They also have a web site where you can use there on-line search tool to find the sold prices for thousands of antique makes and models. This can give you a good baseline as to what others think the car is worth.

What is the condition of the car. This is not as much of a factor as supply and demand but it is nevertheless an important factor. First off, you can ignore the odometer readings. Many antique cars, especially those that have had significant restoration work done on them, have simply had their odometers rolled back to zero. Unless you're a mechanic yourself, bring one along to evaluate the physical condition of the car. Listen to the engine, check the wiring, inspect the engine mount and ignition systems, take it out for a test run. Any problems will normally cause the evaluation price to be adjusted downwards.

Has a celebrity owned the car? Celebrity ownership raises the price of everything. That the bid price of a piece of chewing gum spit out by Britney Spears reached $14,000, tells you what celebrity ownership can do to the price of a classic car. If you are buying a classic car from someone who claims it was owned by a celebrity, be sure to get some sort of document of authenticity - as there is no shortage of shysters willing to take your money.

And lastly, keep in mind that collecting antique cars usually turns into a lifetime hobby. You'll no doubt meet fellow collectors at future auctions and events that can give you further advice about not only valuating antique cars but also can help you find some really great deals.
How To Determine The Price of an Antique Car by CARL PHILLIPS - amazines.com

Top Ten Car Buying Money Savers

2008-10-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Car Buying Money Savers - The first thing that you should know when you want to buy a new car is that both you and the dealer are looking to get the better end of the deal. If you don’t learn anything else from this you will learn how to walk away from your next car deal with both sides being satisfied. A good deal is a win, win situation for both parties. Most of the time, it's the buyer that leaves unsatisfied and the dealer counting their profits.

In this day and age a car is no longer a luxury, but a necessity with our fast paced life and growing families. You will likely have to purchase a new car more than once in your life for you or a loved one so you might as well learn to do it in a way that will make buying cars less painful.

If you are looking to buy a car you should begin with these 10 basic car buying tips.

1. You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time because with everybody focused on their Christmas presents, there aren't many people with neither the time nor the money to worry about looking to buy a new car, and it forces dealerships to get creative with their sales strategies. Salesmen and dealerships are more willing to haggle down to your prices to close the deal when customers are few and far between.

2. You can also usually score a good deal from July to October because that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to unload most of their inventory to make way for the new models coming in.

3. Purchasing a car online is becoming a great way to get a new car. Although some are still skeptical, others are reaping the benefit on the deals that some dealerships are offering. Just wait for good rebates and incentives online and shop around. Print out your information from the best quotes, get two or three online quotes for free and bring it to the dealer that you are most willing to work with. Bringing in lower quotes from another company might be your best bet in getting a good deal. Most dealers will match that price or beat it by a slight percentage, either way you get what you want.

4. You should visit various online car purchase sites to find new car prices, dealer incentives, and the best rebate offers. There are a lot of options out there that can be used to your benefit.

5. It’s a great idea when going into a dealership to bring a copy of your personal credit score with you. I can't express enough how much this will help, especially with all the credit scams some dealers play. A good credit score can actually lower your interest rates on your car loan. Your car dealer should not know more about you than you do.

6. Keep an ear out to avoid a common scam that dealerships pull. We often hear that they will tell customers that the financing fell through and that you have to respond by paying more money on your loan. This should give you more incentive to bring your own credit score from a trusted provider.

7. Another common scam used by dealership salesmen is for them to tell you that they have found you a lower rate, but that they want you to re-sign your loan papers. Usually, that is a downright lie. Once they pull up your financing information, they have the upper hand if you don’t know the details about your credit information. Can you start to see why we encourage you to understand your personal credit information?

Get Your Equifax.com Credit Report Now! It will cost around $10-$15. It’s better to pay $15 now than thousands later. You can also get your free credit score and more from FreeCreditReport.com.

8. Don’t bother bringing in a car for trade in if you still owe money on it. The dealership rarely pays the rest of the loan on time which will result in you having to pay a great deal of late fees to the bank. If you do decide to bring a car in that you owe money on, get it in writing from the dealership that they will pay the balance on the car within 10 days.

9. Sometimes a dealership may not have all of your options and must order the car directly from the dealership. When this happens they will often ask you to pay $500-$1000 for a deposit on the car. They don't like ordering special options if they don't have a buyer handy. Try not to pay more than $500 and be sure to pay with a credit card because sometimes the dealership will tell you that there was a price increase on the vehicle and will want more money. If you pay with a credit card you have room to dispute the amount being taken from you. If you pay by check, you can just consider the money gone.

10. You should never buy a car when you are in desperate need for one because a dealer will see that and take advantage.

You should never wait until an old car is dead before searching for a new one because you should give yourself time to shop around for one and get the best deal possible. Desperation often clouds your judgment and will cost you more than you were willing to pay on your new car.
Top Ten Car Buying Money Savers by NEIL TEASDALE - amazines.com

Tips For Getting A Great Deal On A Used Vehicle

2008-10-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

Tips For Getting A Great Deal On A Used Vehicle - You can get an excellent deal on a used car with a lot of life left in it if you're willing to put some effort into the search process and take a few precautions along the way. One of the main keys to getting an excellent deal on a used car is to buy from a party more interested in getting rid of or replacing the used car than interested in making a profit off it. Most of the time getting an excellent deal on a used car means not buying from a used car dealer, except when the dealer has had a particular car on the lot for a very long time.

However, you may want to get a car from someone who has mechanics and that has made the car run well. One alternative along this line is to buy your used car from a rental agency. You can get an excellent deal on a used car from a rental agency that is trying to clear inventory space for new car models. It is true that renters don't treat cars as well as owners, but few sources of used cars maintain their cars as well as car rental agencies. Most car rental agencies have full time or outsourced mechanic care to constantly keep the cars in good running condition. Further, they are usually not liquidating cars because of flaws, but rather to make space for new model rentals.

Of course, it has long been known that for the best deal on a used car, you buy it from the original owner. While original owners usually start with their prices high for emotional reasons, they don't usually make sales right away with their little newspaper or flier ads. Eventually reality sets in and they lower their prices or accept the best offer they get. You often get an excellent deal on a used car from the original owner because they have usually taken good care of the car.

The one thing to watch out for is some unscrupulous individuals put their used cars up for sale because their mechanic has told them some part of it is about to go bad. If the price is too good, consider that there may be a reason. Also, they may not have taken their car for as many tune-ups as they should have. They may not have even changed the oil half as often as they should have.

If you can't find an excellent deal on a used car in your local papers or on street corners, consider doing an online search. There are many sites that allow owners to list their cars and visitors to search for used cars in their areas. While you will be up against a greater number of buyers in your pursuit of an excellent deal on a used car, you will also have a lot more used cars to choose from.

Once you've found a good price on a used car, the key is to make sure the price is really good for the condition of the car. Do your homework and take the VIN number and get a vehicle history for any car you are considering purchasing. Don't tell the car seller you've gotten a history. Ask the seller questions and see if the seller is honest about the history. If they lie about something, they are probably being dishonest about everything.

Also, watch out for cars with accident histories. The car may look as good as any other car its age, but it may not function just as well and it may have cheap replacement parts in it. Cars that have had serious accidents or problems in the past are far more likely to continue having problems.

Finally, don't be hesitant to pay a mechanic to look over the car for you before you make your purchase decision. The mechanic may not see everything, but he will be able to pick out things you wouldn't pick out. A clean bill of health from a mechanic is not a guarantee, but it is really the best way to certify that you have gotten an excellent deal on a used car.
Tips For Getting A Great Deal On A Used Vehicle by TERRY BOLTON - amazines.com

TIPS ABOUT FORKLIFTS

2008-10-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

TIPS ABOUT FORKLIFTS - When purchasing a forklift, it might cause difficulties unless you are knowledgeable about it. You might end up with a forklift having characteristics that you don't need or might not get acclimatised to or you could unnecessarily overspend. Customer Forklift Sales will give you all the guidance about buy forklift for sales in Queens land and the type most suitable to your needs, as they are professional forklifts supplier.

Custom Forklift Sales can give you information not only about the product design, characteristics, and prices of various products but also about spare parts, as they are also a forklifts equipment supplier. You can contact them for whatever information you need and they will happily cater to all your requirements. As forklifts supplier, they have products ranging from Toyota, Nissan, Hyster, Komatsu and many others.
Aspects That You Need To Be Conversant When Choosing New Or Used Forklift For Sale:
" Capacity/size of the truck - The maximum weight that must be transported/carried. You must be completely sure about the weight as otherwise it might be impossible to lift the required weight, thereby wasting your money and time. " Fork length - The fork length needed for your product is dependent on the dimensions and height of the product. The standard fork lengths for the standard truck are usually 72, 60, 48 and 42 inches. " Height to lift - Be aware of the restrictions of width and height. Moreover, you must be able to judge the height to which the forklift needs to be raised to move your products, the height and width of the doorways, overhead obstructions and aisle measurements. " Power - Make sure that there is no limitation in your facility. " Tires - Select the appropriate tire that goes well with your terrain. For indoors applications, cushion tires that are comparatively small can be recommended. These manoeuvrable and compact tires are made up of hard rubber compound. On the other hand, for outdoors applications the larger pneumatic tires with intense traction grooves are used, enabling travel over rough and wet terrain.
After you get an idea from them on what type of forklift to purchase or hire you can make the decision about what type is suitable for you and you will not regret your decision. If you find that new forklifts are above your budget, you can buy a used forklift for sale or hire forklifts from them. Being a forklifts equipment supplier, Customer Forklift Sales can help you to estimate the hourly operating costs, fuel cost and the extra supplies needed. Forklifts must be properly and promptly maintained to keep them in good shape. They will see to repairs and maintenance of forklifts, thereby relieving you of such worries. Use forklifts safely.
Safety Tips:
" The stabilizer feet placed on the ground, when a heavy load must be picked up. " Fasten the seatbelt. " To carry a weighty load down to the bottom of a hill or else a slope take care to do it in reverse. " When reversing, beep to warn others. " Try to make sure that the zones are pedestrian free to increase the safety.

TIPS ABOUT FORKLIFTS by CLIFF PETERSON - amazines.com

Ever lock yourself outside of your car or lose your car keys?

2008-10-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Ever lock yourself outside of your car or lose your car keys? - Ever lock yourself outside of your car or lose your car keys?

These things can happen to anyone, and they usually happen when you're already having a bad day... Still, as annoying as it may seem, there are some steps you can take to get yourself back in the driver’s seat and on your way in little time.

The Self Help Guide to Lost Car Keys:

1) Check if the trunk is open - in some car models the trunk is locked separately from the doors. If the trunk is open you may be able to get into the car through the trunk.

2) Check for a slightly open window. If you have one, you can use some type of extension/hook, to do one of three things: 1. Push the electronic window button (if the car is running) 2. Push the lock/unlock door button. 3. If you can reach the keys, you can try to hook them. 3) If you opened the car and still can’t find your keys, you will have to call a locksmith to create a new key for you. Available Locksmith Inc. offers fast, professional and high end 4) Calling a local locksmith: If you have a cell phone, you may dial 411 and ask for the nearest locksmith, or call a friend that has an access to internet. 5) If you don’t have a cell phone you can barrow one (it costs only $1.50 for a 411 call), or find the nearest pay phone. 6) When speaking with a locksmith, ask for the company name, license number, and actual store location (there are locksmiths that are unlicensed and operate from their home). 7) Ask for arrival time (25 – 40 minutes is a reasonable time for an emergency call). 8) Ask for an estimated price. Some locksmiths will say that they can’t give you a price over the phone, keep insisting on getting a price range by giving the locksmith the car brand and model. 9) When the locksmith arrives, you can identify common signs for all unlicensed locksmiths: 1. Locksmith drives a vehicle that is not a van 2. Locksmith drives a van that is not banded 3. A locksmith that is not dressed in uniform. 10) Ask for the exact price before the job is being performed. 11) Make sure he uses professional tools and is not scratching your car when attempting to open it. 12) If you lost your keys, it will be an extra charge to create a new key and might take more than an hour. 13) Don’t forget to ask for a receipt (that includes company name and phone number) 14) Buy a magnet box for your extra key and magnetize it to the bottom of your car, for your next lockout!

Taking these steps will help you resolve your car key situation in a timely and orderly fashion. When emergencies such as these occur, it’s important not to panic and to plan your steps properly. In doing so, you will be able to avoid much of the stress that is known to occur under these conditions. Learning the steps that have been given in this article can better prepare you to solve any car key trouble on any given day, when you least expect it!
Ever lock yourself outside of your car or lose your car keys? by ANDREW DALTON - amazines.com

10 Great Tips For Buying Car Tires Online

2008-10-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

10 Great Tips For Buying Car Tires Online - Cars need tires and it is best to buy new tires. The key is to get high quality car tires at low prices. The market online and offline is filled with a huge variety of tires. Choose tires with care and get a set of tires that are most suited to your car.

The first step in buying car tires is to follow recommendations made by the car manufacturer. Unless you are an auto mechanic or formula one car racer what the manufacturer recommends as suitable tires for the car are the best choice.

1. Get all the parameters right. From the side of the tires or your car manual jot down : vehicle application; tire width; aspect ratio; radial designation; wheel diameter; load index; speed rating; DOT; ply construction; load and pressure limits; tread wear and traction ratings.

2. Be smart shop around for the best deal locally as well as online.

3. Check aspects like factory warranties and shop guarantees before paying for the tires.

4. Know which features are important and find tires that will give you safety, longevity, and peace of mind.

5. Find out if you are buying online how the tires will be delivered to you, who will mount and balance the tires. Many online sites offer tires for great rates but you will have to pay for shipping as well as for a mechanic to fit the tires. So well before buying check out the instructions on the website and find out exactly how much it will cost to get new tires fixed on the car.

6. While many recommend buying refurbished tires in the long run new tires will stand you in good stead. While you may save money on purchase the wear and tear will be quicker.

7. Most people buy all season tires but in case you live in a snow bound or very wet region you may need special car tires for specific seasons. If in doubt consult an automotive expert.

8. Check whether the tires you are considering buying are for passenger vehicles and radial. Tubeless tires are great for urban roads that are well maintained.

9. Always get the tires fitted by an expert and ensure that balancing is done. Ask about how to prevent new tire wear and tear by rotating the tires/wheels.

10. Always replace tires in pairs. It is best to replace all four but in case of budget constrains then do the needful two at a time. The front wheels first followed by the back wheels. Never replace one in the front and the other at the back.

Read up about tires on the internet. When in doubt ask the manufacturer. If you care for your car and its tires then the car will serve you well.
10 Great Tips For Buying Car Tires Online by TIMOTHY RUDON - amazines.com

Protecting your Vehicle's Treasure

2008-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

Protecting your Vehicle's Treasure - Engine protection is one of the things car owners should make sure of, second to passenger protection. The reason for this is already obvious as the engine is undoubtedly the most important part in a vehicle. Car owners cannot afford to have their vehicle’s engine damaged or they can just forget about ever driving their vehicles again (that is, if damage is already beyond repair). To an extent though, protection for the engine is already provided for by automakers with the installation of the car hood.

Vehicles before were traditionally equipped with hoods that were only simple metal sheets. These days, hoods are made to have both an inner and outer panel to better protect the engines. The outer panel is what serves as the engine cover and the inner panel offers support for the outer panel. Also, for optimal engine protection, automakers usually make use of polyurethane as materials involved in the manufacture of their hoods. This is very much ideal since it exhibits great heat resistance, helping engines avoid overheating.

In addition, hoods installed in vehicles today already come along with a variety of stylish accessories such as hood scoops, hood spoilers, and nose protectors. These hood accessories are not only designed to provide hoods with style, they have other functions as well. For one, nose protectors are installed on the hood’s front end to protect them from road debris. For another, hood spoilers are installed to minimize air drag. Hood scoops, on the other hand, are used to help direct the outside air into the air filter. It is also possible for some hoods to have built-in scoops already so car owners do not have to buy this accessory.

Hoods are generally strong and durable in nature so they don’t get easily damaged. But when head-on collisions happen, they are among the first ones to experience major damages. Replacement is their only solution which their owners should get as soon as possible.
Protecting your Vehicle's Treasure by ANTHONY FONTANELLE - amazines.com

How to Avoid Overheating

2008-10-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

How to Avoid Overheating - No one wants their engine to overheat. No one wants to run late for a very important meeting just because the car failed to start. People buy cars because they rely on these modes of transportation to bring them to places, safely and in time. But what happens when engine problems start to get in the way? It is, thus, handy for the modern-day driver to be knowledgeable in basic engine maintenance measures. They must know that when the engine overheats, it is most likely their own fault for being careless. The basic engine check-ups were probably missed, or maybe the car is already being driven to the ground. The latter usually happens when the car is forced to use up too much power. Power is usually achieved at a high temperature. So when there’s too much heat, the car fails.

In order to avoid these instances, a cooling system is employed onto the car. The cooling system has two tasks to fulfill. It aims to lessen the temperature inside the engine bay, and then it must keep that temperature consistent. Having a consistent range of temperature will make the engine keep on combusting without emitting too much heat. Most cars are implemented with a fan clutch. This is one device that helps drivers avoid overheating. A fan clutch is basically a “small fluid coupling” which controls a speed fan. Hence, the fan clutch makes sure that the cooling fan will speed up its operation. This will greatly help in preventing the engine from overheating. Impressively, aftermarket part makers specified that the fan clutch must bear a fluid coupling. This makes it able to accomplish this task effectively. Installing a fan clutch is one modern way to be worry-free from overheating woes.

If in case one finds themselves already stuck in the situation, he or she must pop the hood open and check the engine bay. Checking for any punctured hose is a good start. When the coolant leaks, the cooling system loses its catalyst and ends up overheating. The same reasoning applies if, upon checking, it becomes apparent that something merely got stuck in the cooling fan. Thus, stopping fan blades from rotating. The cause of the trouble, this time, is most probably the lack of enough air directed into the engine compartment to cool and regulate the temperature. This, again, explains the overheating. In the end, no one really wants their engine to overheat and suffer from the inevitable consequences. Hence, with a great deal of caution and a lot of careful checking, they won’t have to.
How to Avoid Overheating by ANTHONY FONTANELLE - amazines.com

DON'T GET TRICKED BY THE CAR DEALER Part 2

2008-10-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

DON'T GET TRICKED BY THE CAR DEALER Part 2 - The most widespread trick currently being used is to make the customer believe that the salesperson can get the lowest price for the car, so that you (the customer) will start negotiations with the dealer almost immediately. The specific methods vary, but here are some common ways of doing it:

The salesperson will tell you. ’You could probably get the car for less than $36,250…’, but will avoid giving a specific price. Instead, the salesperson will say, ‘When you are ready to buy, we can strike a deal, are you ready to buy now?’

The salesperson tells the customer: ‘If you're going to spend more than $36,250 on the car, you should come back and see me’. When the customer returns and asks to buy the car for $36,250, the salesperson will point out that he/she never promised to sell you the car for $36,250, but is ready to give you the best price when you are ready to buy. ‘Do you want me to get a good price for you? …so are you ready to buy now?’. We all know that buying a new or used car can be a daunting process however; at discountnewcars.com.au, you will find the latest car specials from reliable dealers.

Your salesperson may give the price for an older model car. Either the ‘old’ car is a previous model, or perhaps it has been gathering dust because no one has wanted to buy it (usually for good reason) and the dealer wants to get rid of it quickly to make room for newer models. This is likely to happen if you don’t think carefully and specifically ask for the price for a current model car that is not older than 3 months. Be wise and search OzFreeOnline.com, where they have thousands of cars in their cars classifieds pages. By simply registering and submitting a keyword search, you will find the car you want in no time.

The other ploy is when the salesperson takes your credit card along with an insufficiently low offer to ‘the boss’ for approval, but then returns to say it was not accepted. This is intended to drag the customer into more negotiations. i.e. ‘…we only need to increase it slightly and she’s yours..."

Don’t get caught by being given the price for the car excluding the on-road costs. If you don’t specifically ask for on-road costs to be included, the sales person will most likely give you the excluding on-road costs price. Of course, you have to be guarded because your contract may be drawn up on this proviso. Trouble is that when you are ready to sign, the ‘quoted’ price of the car, will then be understated by many thousands of dollars.

If you are a bit slow and think your car is worth more than it really is, you just might get a clever salesperson that will give in, and agree to an excessive price for your trade in. Now you might be pleased by this, because you may be thinking that you are ‘putting one over’ the dealer. No so, generally the sales person will look up on the computer or in the Car Dealers Price Guide to find out the going price for your trade in and will start from there. In addition, believe me; you will pay for it in the end. How you ask? Well when the dealer charges TOO much for your new car. You can check on the internet for a price as well, so go to gumtree.com.au, so you are armed with the real price, when you go to trade your motor vehicle.

From time to time, a ruthless sales person will have a go at this. He/she will contact you before your new car is delivered. When the niceties are over you will be told that there is an issue with the trade in. You will be asked to bring the car into the workshop for further inspection. When your vehicle has been in the garage, for 60 minutes, (having nothing done to it), the salesperson will tell you that the mechanic claims to have found it is really only worth $500 less than what they have offered for it. Watch for this old ruse, because if you fall for it, the sales person gets another $500 in his pocket. To make sure this does not happen to you go to OzFreeOnline.com and check out the great car deals in their Car classifieds. You will find thousands of cars to choose from and be equipped with all the information you need when you arrive to look at the car you want to buy.

Now if you don’t want to be pursued by a dealer just don’t give a phone number. Say ‘it's a silent number’, ‘...don’t have a mobile’, ‘can't leave a work number’, or at the test drive ‘accidentally’ give the wrong phone number. If you don’t, dealers will sometimes pursue a potential customer until they wear them down to buy.

Even after continual phoning, and when you end up buying from a different dealer, the sales person (who has missed out on the deal) will then give you the bad news. When you tell them you bought elsewhere (at a very good price of $34,550) they will say, ‘Oh no, you shouldn’t have paid any more than $32,000 for it!’ This is designed to make you feel as bad as the salesperson, who lost out too. It also highlights just how spiteful some people can be.

No matter when, where or which dealership you may stroll into, there is always a reason to feel ‘lucky’, according to the keen sales person. Early in the month, they might say they missed their target last month and are desperate to make it up. During the middle of the month, ‘the boss has told me to push out more cars or I'll never reach my target this month either’. The most common, is probably the most used because most people fall for it. This is the end of the month trick.

The time of month may matter to some dealers sometimes, though; it never matters to a car broker. Beware of this because you may end up paying more than you expected. Go online to consumer.vic.gov.au and find out the information you need before rushing headlong into the ‘big end of financial year deal’. This trick deserves serious consideration. It is the most elaborate trick of this type. Manufacturers know that companies often buy around this time of year for accounting purposes. They therefore rarely offer any factory discounts, and they sometimes increase their retail prices to take advantage. To find a great deal on a car why not log on to OzFreeOnline.com. It’s Australia’s largest free classifieds site. You will find auto classifieds, motorcycle classifieds, and Australian cars for sale all over the country.
DON'T GET TRICKED BY THE CAR DEALER Part 2 by FULL HOUSE - amazines.com

Keeping Engines Steady

2008-10-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Keeping Engines Steady - The engine is the most important part of any vehicle. Without it, there will be no means of supplying power to a number of car parts. The internal combustion process will not take place too without an engine. Even with all the innovations made in the automotive industry, a car still needs an engine. This is why engine maintenance is always a top priority.

When there is car failure, the primary suspect is the engine. Typically, one would pop the hood open, and immediately begin inspecting the engine bay. Among the many components and peripherals of the engine, an engine mount is one of the most crucial. The engine mount is the adjoining device used between the engine and the chassis. Also, it basically carries the engine to keep it steady even in the midst of vibrations brought about by the chassis. Failure of the engine mount may not necessarily lead to the failure of the car. But, it affects the performance of the engine. This is all the more evident during acceleration. When the engine mount becomes too weak, excessive noise is one result. This often takes the form of disturbing, clunking sounds that happen as the car speeds up.

Sometimes, a bigger symptom of having failed engine mounts is when they create vibrations in car seats. These vibrations will often be felt when the speed of the car is at a high. This bouncy feeling, of course, is very irritating especially if one knows how easy it is to prevent such troubles from happening. When these symptoms are experienced, then it’s high time for a car owner to secure replacements. Engine mounts usually last for 60,000 miles. So when one decides to get some tune-ups, have the engine mount checked for rust too.

The engine is indeed a really critical part of the car. It is connected to various parts and systems. When one of them fails, the engine will also suffer. It is therefore not only the oils that need to be replaced every tune-up session. It is also a must that the engine is fastened sturdily, and connected effectively to the chassis. So before one starts to make the engine kick out hundreds of horsepower, keeping it steady must come first.
Keeping Engines Steady by ANTHONY FONTANELLE - amazines.com

Know When to Scrap Your Car and How to Go About It

2008-10-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Know When to Scrap Your Car and How to Go About It - When you first buy your car (especially if you buy it brand new from a car dealership), you were probably head over heels in love with it. And like all lovers, you probably tended your car with all the love and attention your wife would have wanted but that you couldn’t give her (because she’s not a car, to put it simply.) But all cars, regardless of how much love and attention we put into them, will inevitably wear down, decay, and get to the point that the most merciful thing you can do with your beloved car is to either donate it to a car museum or sell it for scrap. So when should you scrap your car and how do you go about it?

One common reason even the best cars go for scrap is that the current owner just cannot cope with the cost of maintaining the car anymore. The older your car gets, the harder it becomes to find spare parts for it, to keep the car in good working condition, to find mechanics who know how to treat the peculiar problems that old cars get, and even to find appropriate storage facilities for your aging car. All these problems will cost you money (like when you need to rent storage space to park your car in) – and of course, you too aren’t getting any younger so there might come a point when you have to choose between financing your own needs and that of your car, you opt to scrap your car instead.

If you do opt to scrap your car, you are actually doing not just yourself a favor, but you might also be serving the community. To scrap your car, you should take into consideration just how much your car is worth to other people. Like, is your car a vintage motor vehicle? If so, there might be considerable demand for the different car parts that will be produced when you do scrap your car. One collector might pay a hefty price just for your steering wheel, another might like your hubcaps, and yet another might give you a pretty penny for the body of your aging car (well, she was always a beauty anyway.) At times like these, you may feel that taking care of your car all these years the way you did is certainly paying off for you.

Some of you might get emotional when it is time to scrap your car, because you may feel a special bond to this motor vehicle which has served you for so long, so faithfully. Some people even have special nicknames for their cars. So you might want to get someone else to scrap your car for you if you feel such a strong bond to your vehicle. There are companies that specialize in the scrap-your-car business – some of these simply dump the car in a car compacting machine. If that is not the untimely end you want for your car, be sure you know what type of company in the scrap-your-car business you are trying to contact. You probably want a scrap-your-car company that will take apart your car carefully so that any valuable parts worth selling will retain their market value.

Nowadays, it is no longer a matter of just deciding on your own to scrap your car – government has also made specific rules for the public to follow regarding how to scrap your car, and when. Be sure to learn what these rules are and any benefits that come with following the regulations (like possible tax breaks for you.)
Know When to Scrap Your Car and How to Go About It by MARK FLANIGHAN - amazines.com

10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle

2008-10-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle - Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.
10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle by TIMOTHY RUDON - amazines.com

The Reason behind Better Driving

2008-10-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

The Reason behind Better Driving - Building automobiles involves complicated procedures as auto parts must be well-coordinated with each other to perform the required functions for a vehicle. For instance, the powertrain or drivetrain is composed of essential car components that support the structure of an entire vehicle. One of these components is the axle assembly. Without it, the performance of other powertrain parts is likely to be affected.

The axle assembly is responsible for transferring the rotational force from the transmission to a vehicle’s wheels. The assembly, which includes a CV-joint or constant velocity and axle shaft, must be strong enough because it supports the weight of a vehicle and its contents. It also assures that the wheels’ position is perfectly aligned with the vehicle’s body. On the other hand, the CV-joint transmits power at a continuous rotational speed. Although it involves power transmission, the CV performs the process without any recognizable increase in the produced friction. Just like other vehicle components, the joint is delicate and needs the protection of the device called the CV boot. The CV boot shields the joint against external elements like dust or dirt.

Normally, the axle assembly is used on high-performance rear-wheel drive, front-drive, and even on four-wheel drive vehicles. These automobiles are often exposed to damaging road conditions. At times, a vehicle has to traverse rough terrains, which test the performance and durability of the axle assembly. Consequently, the powertrain components may become defective. A sign of a defective axle assembly is a grinding sound while driving. This problem is usually solved through flushing, which gets rid of the contaminants accumulated in the assembly. Applying lubricants on a regular basis also does the trick. However, these do not completely restore the ideal function of the components. Therefore, an entire axle assembly replacement is a better option.
The Reason behind Better Driving by ANTHONY FONTANELLE - amazines.com

The Vatican's 10 Commandments for Drivers

2008-10-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

The Vatican's 10 Commandments for Drivers - Italy may be the home of the Ferrari and Lamborghini – the fiercest beasts on the road, but that didnt keep the Vatican from releasing a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers to keep “sins” at bay.

The 10 Commandments for drivers tells motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in case of accidents. Aimed at the faithful not just in Italy but around the world, the document also encouraged bishops to set up chapels along highways and have "periodic celebrations of liturgies" at truck stops, as well as encouraged motorists to pray while on the road.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.

"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."

Here are the "Drivers' Ten Commandments":

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

But the Vatican apparently isn’t the first from the religious profession to deal with this issue. Inside Line reports that long before the Vatican issued its 10 Commandments for motorists this week, a small Catholic group in Mississippi has already been busy concerning itself with the same issues: the Sacred Heart Auto League has been promoting "prayerful and careful driving" since 1955 —offering visor clips, key chains and other car-related prayer aids on its Web site.
The Vatican's 10 Commandments for Drivers by EVANDER KLUM - amazines.com

Car Stereo Buying Guide

2008-10-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

Car Stereo Buying Guide - Car Stereo Buying Guide I’ve seen a lot of people asking what kind of car stereo would best fit their ride and I have seen a lot of people get frustrated of their car stereo just because of following someone’s advice. Don’t let this happen to you. You can avoid the common mistakes done by a lot of people in choosing their car stereo by following the guidelines that I’m about to give you. You might say, “Okay Richard, is this a sales pitch?” not even close. The truth is that a lot of people are seeking advice from others not realizing that those people are not the best ones to ask about the matter and in turn could have a negative effect after having bought the car stereo. Commonly, they get frustrated. Let’s face it, some people love to give advice even if they don’t know anything or just a little about the matter.

So what should you do now?

Follow these guidelines and tips before purchasing a car stereo.

1. Decide on what type of car stereo you want, will it be a plain tuner, cassette player, CD player, DVD player, HDD stereo, car stereo with video, 1 ½ din player (GM/Chrysler Fit) or any combination of the above.

2. When you see someone with a nice car stereo or know someone who has a nice car stereo, try to ask them the brand and model of that car stereo unit, ask them about the good and bad things it has and ask them if they would recommend that kind of stereo but don’t buy just yet or you might end up like the one I was talking about above “Frustrated”.

3. After having a list of car stereo, go to a store and ask the salesperson for a demo. Pay close attention to what the salesperson is talking about so you could compare what he is saying with what the person you asked about the car stereo will tell you.

4. Listen carefully to the sound that the car stereo is producing. Take note if the sound has a loud bass, clear or if the feature can produce both sound. Some people like the sound of loud bass while some go for clarity. It’s just a matter of preference but personally, I’ll go with the one that could produce both a loud bass and a clear sound.

5. Inspect the feature of the car stereo if the quality of sound can be easily manipulated like the bass, mid and high frequency and check if the car stereo control is user friendly and driver friendly.

6. Inspect the specification if it will be compatible with the current speakers you have (if you have speakers already) or not. This is a better way than having to buy a new set of speakers if your speaker’s circuitry is damaged by the power of the stereo because some stereo are so powerful that it could easily damage speakers.

7. The technology of car stereos are evolving the way computers evolve so consider new features like iPOD, Bluetooth, GPS and such if you plan to attatch this devices into your car stereo. Not every car stereo out in the market is iPOD, Bluetooth and GPS ready. So choose wisely.

8. Take into consideration future enhancement and sound expansion. I mean like having expanded bass and separates for better sounds. Inspect whether the car stereo unit has expansion inputs and outputs. You might decide in the future to join a car sound set-up competition. ?…

9. Warranty. Check the warranty, the longer warranty period, the better.

10. Select a price range and eliminate those that does not fit in your list of car stereos. (consider all the guidelines above before eliminating some stereo from your list).

Having followed these guidelines, you should have a list car stereo that will match your expectation. Again, it’s just a matter of choice depending on your preferences and other factors to consider like the price.

Now for the sales pitch ? (kidding).

There are a lot of good car stereo brand out there too many to mention here some of the many brands are Alpine, Kenwood, Bose, Sony, Eclipse and Pioneer car stereo which has 2 kinds, the Pioneer Car Stereo and the Pioneer Premier Car Stereo.

Whichever you choose depends on you.

The bottomline is choose wisely so you can avoid getting frustrated and not end up spending more money.

Car Stereo Buying Guide by CHARD BACULO - amazines.com

Is Running Your Car on 100% Water Possible?

2008-10-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Is Running Your Car on 100% Water Possible? - The need for alternative ways of powering our vehicles has become very critical. The ever-increasing cost of fuel, not only in the United States but all over the world has led to the outcry for an alternative.

The search for more fuel has even led to deaths and unnecessary wars, like the Iraq war. There is the need for alternatives to fuel for powering our vehicles.

If you have been following such issues for sometime you obviously would have heard from certain quarters of the possibility of running your car on 100% water, right?

While such "dreams" is the way we want things to be in the future, it's NOT YET POSSIBLE to power your car on 100% water... without serious complications.

So, yes, it's indeed possible to power your car on 100% water, but such ways are not only complicated but seriously expensive and completely unpredictable.

Looking at such ways critically one might end up spending even more than using the usual fuel for powering vehicles. Even worse, pressurized Hydrogen in cars and gas stations (which can be said to be one form of 100% water cars) is a serious safety hazard.

The best alternative to fuel is for you to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas.

In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it!

Yes, such technology are now possible. And the best news is that you don't have to buy cars that are already made this way (in fact none exists for sale that are made this way). Instead, you can turn any car you have into such a low-cost hybrid car, if you are armed with the necessary information.

Finally, you can get such information completely free on the Internet. But without having access to the right knowledge regarding this, you might end up with junk information, after spending endless days searching.

So, it's best to get your information on how to make your own low-cost hybrid car from the right source.
Is Running Your Car on 100% Water Possible? by KING FOR - amazines.com

Why GPS Navigators Are Necessary For Today's Taxis

2008-10-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Why GPS Navigators Are Necessary For Today's Taxis - Global positioning system navigators, or GPS navigators, are now beginning to become an integral part in communications and safety. It has a number of uses, most of which are not new to most people anymore, although there are still some who are still not familiar with how GPS navigators work, and what it can do. Nonetheless, more and more businesses, including telecommunications companies, are beginning to explore its different uses and applications, and expanding its capabilities. One such application for GPS navigators can be found in today’s taxis.

Benefits of GPS

Taxis use the GPS navigators mainly to ensure their safety, as well as provide an effective dispatching system that most taxi fleets are able to benefit from. Basically, what GPS navigators in taxi fleet’s communication systems do is it helps them dispatch, trace, rescue, and even manage the different taxis in the fleet. It also offers services not only for the taxi driver, but to the passenger as well, providing them with an e-map and a chance to check their location and some other information that they may find the need to know. If a taxi is vacant, busy or in rest conditions, the dispatcher will be able to know through the GPS navigator. These new technological advancements in taxis are very overwhelming, but not all people truly understand how much this system can benefit the taxis, thereby minimizing their understanding of how necessary it is for taxis to function to their utmost potential.

Fast dispatching

One of the main things that GPS navigators help taxis do is that they allow taxis to get to their potential customers in the quickest amount of time. The GPS navigator helps pinpoint the taxis location, as well as indicate where the customer is located. If the dispatcher knows this information, and is able to see it, he can immediately locate and assign the nearest taxi to the customer, thereby saving time and money for both of them. There is no more need for taxis to look for their customers, especially in unfamiliar streets, since the GPS navigator can help locate their positions, and direct the taxi to the customer, thereby reducing the time that it would take for a taxi driver to get to his potential passenger.

Accurate driving

This will also allow taxis to cut down the cost of their fuel consumption, as well as decrease air pollution since they move only move with pinpoint accuracy. No more unnecessary driving since the GPS navigator is able to provide taxis with high-accuracy e-maps that can pinpoint their exact location, as well as their passengers.

Safety feature

Another feature that GPS navigators are able to provide is the safety that it can bring to both the driver as well as the passenger. Whenever the taxi is experiencing problems or emergencies, the GPS navigator allows the driver or the passenger to call for help through the dispatcher, making it easier for them to get to the location of the taxi since they know exactly where they are. The dispatcher is able to monitor the vehicle at all times, which can help increase his reaction time when unfortunate things would occur.
Why GPS Navigators Are Necessary For Today's Taxis by VANESSA DOCTOR - amazines.com

Women Driving: To Heel or Not to Heel

2008-10-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

Women Driving: To Heel or Not to Heel - How many times has your wife, mother, or sister worried more about her heels while driving than the car’s parts, the GMC brake dust shield, for instance?

Well now it looks like someone has finally come up with a solution to their worries.

A new footwear design concept that aims to “make women safer and more comfortable behind the wheel, without compromising on their style” has been recently launched by Sheilas' Wheels this week. Sheila’s Wheels, an insurance brand for women, has developed the 'Sheila Driving Heel' which gives women the best of both worlds - a safe, flat driving shoe and a glamorous pair of heels in one - all interchangeable at a push of a button.

According to new research from Sheilas' Wheels, more than 11.5 million women drivers in the UK are putting themselves and other drivers at risk by wearing the wrong footwear when behind the wheel. Around a sixth (15%) of female motorists in Yorkshire admit that they have had a car accident or a 'near-miss' because of their shoes slipping off or getting stuck between, or under, the foot pedals while driving.

The report highlighted that 75% of women in Yorkshire called for better guidelines to advise them on the correct form of footwear to wear when driving. A lack of understanding is clearly evident as almost three fifths (58%) of female motorists in Yorkshire believed that sports trainers were the safest shoes to drive in - even though their thick soles and chunky design limit both movement between, and contact with, the pedals.

According to the company’s 'Safe Shoes' report a massive 78% of female drivers in Yorkshire wear inappropriate footwear when in control of a car - choosing style over safety. Two fifths (39%) of all female drivers in the area also confess to wearing flip-flops, while 19% claim that they have worn no shoes at all when driving, which experts say can be extremely hazardous and is currently illegal in some parts of the UK.

Apparently safety goes second to style to some of those surveyed as over a third (34%) of women drivers in Yorkshire said they chose what shoes to wear when getting ready in the morning based on what went best with their outfit rather than being the safest for driving in.

Only around one in six (14%) female drivers in Yorkshire keep a spare pair of 'driving shoes' in the car to change into, while 19% admit they can't be bothered to change their shoes when behind the wheel even if they know they are not the safest for driving.

"It's astonishing that so many women are putting themselves, their passengers and other drivers at risk by wearing the wrong shoe or no shoe at all whilst behind the wheel. Stilettos, sling-backs and strappy sandals aren't the sensible choice when it comes to controlling a car,” Jacky Brown, spokesperson for Sheilas' Wheels said, "Our Sheila Driving Heel design could provide safety-conscious female motorists with the ultimate driving shoe - allowing women to wear a safe flat shoe whilst driving, and a fashionable heel once they are out of the car."

The Safe Shoes report also reveals that although two thirds of women (66%) wear heels when behind the wheel, they cited a number of disadvantages - all of which are eliminated by the 'Sheila Driving Heel' design:

- It damages or scuffs the back of the heel (52%) - with the 'Sheila Driving Heel' design, the heel tucks up into the shoe and out of harms way - Heels can sometimes get caught under the pedal when driving (49%) - the flat shoe option removes this potentially dangerous problem - Wearing heels causes an uncomfortable driving position (43%) - the flat shoe option lessens pressure on the knee and lower back, improving comfort behind the wheel - Heels don't provide enough grip (31%) - the 'Sheila Driving Heel' shoe has a discrete yet effective tread on the sole, to aid grip on the pedals - It wears out the driving mat (17%) - the 'Sheila Driving Heel' shoe has a curved back to aid pivoting of the ankle and remove the possibility of damage

About Sheilas' Wheels Sheilas' Wheels was launched in October 2005 to offer women drivers cheaper car insurance and product enhancements including GBP300 handbag cover - for bags stolen from the car (comprehensive cover only) - competitive breakdown recovery rates, a dedicated counseling line run by trained professionals to help customers cope with driving issues such as road rage (comprehensive cover only), and a network of female-friendly repairers.
Women Driving: To Heel or Not to Heel by IVER PENN - amazines.com

Tips for Success at Auto Auctions

2008-10-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

Tips for Success at Auto Auctions - A car auction can be thrilling if you have the right equipment going in. There are a few things you should know about auto auctions to tip the scales in your favor and allow you to find the best possible value. Buying an auction car always come with a bit of risk; you won’t be positive it’s a good car until after you’ve bought, and by then it’s too late to take it back. If you want a risk-free car the only option to you is buying a brand new one. If you’re into saving money then you can find a quality vehicle at an auction and be fairly sure you’re getting quality if you play your cards right. Whether you’re looking to attend a live auction or join the new wave of online buyers, these tips will aid you in getting the best deal and a quality car to boot.

Live Auctions 1. Inspect the car on preview days if possible. Many auction hold a preview or inspection day the day before the actual auction. If at all possible, go to it! You’ll get a good idea of what’s being offered and the option of checking out the car before bidding on it. Also if possible, bring along someone who knows cars pretty well to help you ‘see’ potential problems. Ask to look all over the car, under the hood, and hear it start up. You probably won’t be able to test drive any of the selections, but if you can do a thorough check you’ll be much better off.

2. Arrive early on auction day. Arriving early lets you observe other buyers, see what cars they are going for, and also another chance to check out the cars you’re interested in. If the auction you’re attending didn’t have a preview day, use the time before the auction to inspect the cars as thoroughly as possible.

3. Pick more than one car as ‘interests.’ If you are setting all of your hopes on only one car, you might be very disappointed when someone goes over your budget. There is a lot of variety at auto auctions depending on which you choose to go to. A good number of interests is 3. You can favor one more than another, but try not to get your hopes up. Having more option increases your chances of getting a good deal on a car.

4. Know the worth of a car. You can look up the retail value of the different cars offered to make sure you’re truly getting a good value. If you have no idea what a car is worth, how do you know if you’re overbidding or not? Depending on the age and make of the car, the value can range a lot of over its lifespan.

5. Stick to your budget. You should always go to an auction with the mindset that you will not go over a certain price. Be realistic, but stick to that number!

Live auctions can be a great way to find a used car. If you don’t hit big at one keep in mind that there are many many more out there that you can attend.

Online Auctions 1. Find cars that are in your area. When you look online for auctions, you are going to be surprised at how many cars are listed. Private owners can also auction off their cars, not just the government. You might have a better chance at getting a specific car you want if you search for it. By staying in your area you won’t have to pay for the car to be delivered and you can take advantage of some other tips.

2. Ask to see the car before you buy. Staying your area will allow you to do this. Always see if you can inspect the car before buying it. See if you can get the car checked out or bring someone who knows cars with you if they let you. Some dealers won’t let you do this, but you’ve lost nothing in asking.

3. Ask questions about the car. You have the chance now to find out anything you can about the car before you buy. Don’t be shy; ask whatever you want to know and decide if you believe their propaganda or if they give you truthful answers.

4. Know the retail price of the car and stick to a budget! Same as live auction, never overbid or go over the price you’re willing pay.
Tips for Success at Auto Auctions by ASHLEY BIGHAM - amazines.com

Tips To Find The Best Driving Course

2008-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Tips To Find The Best Driving Course - When you venture out onto the roads to get to work or school, you can be placing yourself in a very difficult situation if you have not had any defensive driving training. Those drivers who are not familiar with defensive driving risk being involved in serious accidents.

There are many defensive driving courses available today, yet the hardest part can be deciding on the one that will provide the best driving course for you. This decision can be difficult if you do not know what to look for.

When looking for the right driving school, see to it that the school instructors are certified and licensed to perform defensive driving training and instructions. It is therefore a good idea to conduct a simple background check on the school you are considering, as well as the instructors before enrolling. Since there are a lot of defensive driving schools opening every day, the risk of ending up in a fly-by-night operation is very high.

To avoid this, verify whether the school itself has been duly approved by your local state. The school should have approval from the state for the specific program or course you wish to take, be it classroom style or online driving classes.

Finding out about the course-guidelines of a particular school is important as well, along with understanding how the school structures the lessons. Also, aside from the lectures, the school should have the supporting educational materials.

As for parents who wish to enroll their teenager in a defensive driving school, the school should have a system that sends parents a progress report for their kids. That way, parents can easily track their achievements and improvements.

If you want to learn at a little faster pace, then you might want to look for a driving course that will allow you to get one-on-one instruction. The school should have the proper insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents during the teaching process.

All vehicles should be fully insured and there should be public liability insurance as well. You will also want to know the length of the class. Some schools offer classes that are longer than others. Some schools are also more expensive than others.

If you wish to choose the correct driving course for you, then you need to know why you are taking the course to begin with. If you need a basic driver's permit, then you can get that from most any school.

However, if you are looking for defensive driving training or safety defensive driving, then you will need to look harder for a school that provides those courses. Make sure that whatever school you choose is licensed to provide the courses you need.
Tips To Find The Best Driving Course

Top 5 Car Performance Tips

2008-10-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Car Performance Tips - Car performance is an essential activity that includes customization, modification, and tuning of various car parts that help to boost performance, drivability, and fuel efficiency.

There are numerous ways to ramp up the performance. Many of the Indian car consumers tune their old cars to improve performance but some of them even customize new cars as per their likes and aspirations. Whether new or used, car tuning gives a complete new looks to the car.

Here are some of the most helpful tips for ramping up the car performance:

Body Kits:

Body kits include a wide number of car accessories like front bumpers, headlights, taillights, and spoiler. Some kind of modification in these car parts helps maximize performance. A good bumper with air dams help to streamline the car to a great extent by allowing air to pass through the upper edge of the car without putting any pressure on the underneath of the car.

Side skirts are beneficial to increase the car’s stability on road, thereby delivering a better ride quality. Tuning the spoiler helps to add extra force on the rear wheel so that front wheels can be free of pressure. Headlights and taillights have nothing to do with performance but still many car enthusiasts customize these parts to add beauty and aesthetics to their cars.

Engine Tuning:

Engine tuning is the most essential part of car customization and modification as the car’s engine plays a vital role in performance. The best thing is to add a performance chip that directly boosts the engine’s power to about 10%. Apart from that try to replace all heavy-weight engine components with light-weight materials because lighter the engine, better will be the performance.

Changing of the cams is also beneficial to have better performance. This helps to deliver more horsepower and thereby more power with comparatively less fuel-consumption. Some of them also do porting and polishing of cam heads to have better flow of fuel. Another best way to improve car’s performance is to force induction engines like turbos and superchargers to the car. Any good mechanic can safely and successfully replace the existing car engines with customized ones.

Brake Performance:

Brake performance is also important when it comes to boosting car performance. These don’t directly participate in enhancing power but indirectly they influence the working of the car. A simple addition of performance brake pads and fixing of performance discs enhances the braking power as well as the car performance as they have better ability to withstand comparatively higher temperatures than the regular brake pads. Wheels Modification:

Wheels and tyres modification help to increase road stability and traction control. Replacement of chromed steel wheel is beneficial as those are heavier as compared to the OEM wheels. Heavy weight wheels eventually detract from the car performance as enhanced weight directly influences the delivered power and performance. Aluminium rims are lighter than chromed steel and will help increase performance.

Car Suspension:

Suspension also plays an integral role in reducing or increasing car performance. Addition of customized sway bars, strut bars, and coilover kits help attain a better suspension system. This helps to have a better hold during cornering and turning and also helps improve performance. Good components helps to maximize friction between tyres and the road, which eventually delivers a better and smoother ride quality even on bumpy roads.
Top 5 Car Performance Tips

Why I'll Never Drive Without Rubber Floormats

2008-10-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Why I'll Never Drive Without Rubber Floormats - I’ve always been a frugal person, saving every penny and trying to build up my savings. Some people thought I was just a tightwad, but the truth was that I was saving up for a very special purchase: a ’67 Mustang! For some reason I have always loved the bold stylings of Mustangs and I was really excited when I finally got mine and drove it into my garage.

For the first week, I never even took it out. Instead, I spent every minute I could waxing and kissing its surface, and tenderly vacuuming every crevice.

Finally, the big day arrived. I turned the key and slowly drove out into afternoon sunshine. My first stop was my friend Tim’s house. He was wowed by the car and insisted that we go out on a drive. His dog Champ leapt in the car with us. Little did I know that Champ would be the cause of my worst nightmare. A few minutes after we started driving, Champ started whimpering and making strange noises. A pungent odor began to fill the air. Tim and I turned to look and we simultaneously screamed: “Ahhh! Doggy diarrhea!”

It was true. My interior had been befouled.

The next day was gross and heartbreaking, but I managed to clean up the mess. Then I laid my hands on the hood of the car and swore a sacred oath: “I swear by Ford that I will henceforth allow no creature to soil thy interior.”

I went online and began to research all the floormat options that are available nowadays. From carpeted to all-weather, it seemed that there was something for every situation. Then, I saw what I was looking for: rubber floor mats. Just as you shouldn’t hit the nightclubs without a few rubbers in your pocket, you shouldn’t drive without quality rubbers in your car. This goes double if you live in proximity to a canine with an explosive diarrhea disease.

It was great because the mats were made for a customized fit and could be easily hosed off should a spill happen. Plus, the underside was ridged so the thing would stay put and not slide around.

If your looking for automobile accessories, I’d recommend checking out a quality set of car mats, and in particular, rubber floor mats.
Why I'll Never Drive Without Rubber Floormats