A DUI can be hard to bounce back from, especially because of a sharp increase in car insurance costs

If you have received a DUI conviction, you know that there are many ways a DUI can disrupt your life. One of the biggest obstacles to getting back on the road can be the high price of car insurance after your conviction. A DUI puts you in the highest risk category with standard insurance companies, which means you will have to pay top dollar for regular coverage. In fact, some standard insurance companies might even reject your application due to the DUI conviction. Fortunately, there are car insurance companies that offer more limited high risk insurance at a decent rate to help you rebuild your driving history so that you will eventually qualify for more reasonable rates on standard insurance policies.

An Affordable way to Stay Legal

High risk insurance can be more affordable than a standard insurance policy because it is more restricted than typical insurance policies. If you buy a high risk policy through a traditional insurance company, your policy choices will be far more limited than the choices you had before your DUI. Some insurance companies specialize in selling only high risk policies. While these high risk companies are not as well-known as some standard companies, they usually offer the best rates and policies for the highest risk drivers. High risk specialty companies are able to offer lower rates because they do not offer any extra coverage features that might lead to more expensive claims.

High Risk Usually Covers Minimum Requirements

Regardless of where you purchase your high risk car insurance policy, you will probably only be allowed to buy the legally required minimum insurance coverage for your state until your driving history has recovered from the DUI. High risk coverage is meant to be a safety net to keep you legal and allow you to drive even though your record puts you in the category of drivers most likely to file a claim. In some states, the amount of high risk insurance you are allowed to buy is regulated by the state rather than the insurance company.

Part of Rebuilding Your Driving History

High risk car insurance is one of the building blocks that you need in order to put your DUI behind you. The high risk coverage allows you to drive legally and start your driving history all over again. The only way to earn a lower risk standard insurance rating is to get out on the road and drive safely for a certain period of time. Every year that you drive a car without getting into any accidents or being issued any further traffic tickets puts you closer to being able to purchase a standard insurance policy at a more affordable rate.

Check Quotes Regularly

Since your high risk insurance rates are tied directly to the amount of time you’ve been driving safely, you should compare insurance quotes every few months to see how they are changing. You will probably not see much change in the rates you are offered during the first year after your DUI, but the quotes should begin to fluctuate once you’ve driven safely for more than a year or two. Keep track of those changes so that you can take advantage the best coverage at the lowest price as soon as possible.

Author Brandon Everts is an insurance consultant and writes for GetInsuranceQuotes.ca, a provider of high risk insurance Canada, with knowledgeable auto insurance brokers as well.

The problem with a smartphone as a navigation device, however, is that using your phone’s navigation app can result in data charges – and even data roaming charges when you’re headed outside your primary coverage area. If you’re not careful, your phone’s “free” navigation app can actually cost you a small fortune.

As a result, many consumers are still happy to use their old portable GPS. But what about map updates? Depending on how long you have owned the device and which unit you have purchased, you may be able to download updates for free for for a nominal fee.

Here’s a short overview of the different options available for the different units.

Garmin Nuvi GPS Map Updates

Garmin offer three different download models: nuMaps Guarantee, nuMaps Onetime, and nuMaps Lifetime. The Guarantee option is the free map update version – but is only applicable to car drivers that are in the first 3 months of ownership of their Garmin Nuvi GPS. Should you wish to purchase new maps after 3 months of ownership, then you can buy the Onetime update for $50 Dollars, or the more expensive Lifetime update option (which is just what it sounds like – updates forever) at just under $80.

TomTom GPS Map Updates

TomTom offers free map updates via their TomTom Map Share Technology. This lets their customers upload their own changes to a centralised website resource – however, TomTom won’t guarantee the accuracy of these changes. Should you want official TomTom upgrades then you will need to register the device with them and sync your GPS up to the TomTom Home website to view all available options, as the pricing changes depending on the model and original purchase date.

Navigon GPS Map Updates

Navigon is a German company who also sold a lot of portable GPS units in North America. They run a map update service called Fresh Maps, but unfortunately it’s not possible to download any free updates. Instead, the customer has to purchase an update online with prices starting at around $120. Considering the cost, one might be better off with a new GPS device from TomTom (which offers quality free updates via Map Share).

More Information on GPS Map Upgrades

For a full list of other manufacturers and more information on the different options available, please visit the independent advice website at http://www.mygpsmapupdates.com. It contains full listings on all brands and models and lets the customer choose their GPS model and find out how to update the latest software install.

But is it wise to buy a used transmission? By definition, a used transmission is used. A portion (or perhaps a majority) of the transmission’s life is gone, isn’t it? How do you know when to buy a used transmission and when not to?

Is a rebuilt or refurbished transmission worth it? Image copyright Flickr user Brownpau (click for details)

Here are a few tips to help you determine whether a used transmission is right for you, and how to find a good one.

1. Do your homework. First, the importance of doing your homework cannot be overstated. If you spend the money on a used transmission without knowing what you’re getting into, you will be sorely disappointed. Shop mercilessly online to find the best price from an accredited seller. Shipping won’t be cheap on such a heavy item, so if you can find a seller near you, you might go pick your transmission up yourself to save a few bucks. If not, take the shipping costs into account when doing price comparisons. More times than not, what looks like the “best” deal will come with exorbitant shipping fees.

2. Know exactly what you need. This could also fall under the category of doing your homework, but you need to know precisely what you are looking for. On newer vehicles (say newer than 1992), you can usually match the transmission you need by knowing your vehicle’s engine, year, make, and model. However, that’s not always the case. SO, before you spend big money, make sure you find out the exact model number you need, or at least get the seller to guarantee it’s the right transmission (they can usually figure it out with your vehicle’s VIN number).

3. Get a guarantee. Don’t even think about buying a used transmission without an insurance policy or a product warranty. This will protect you from damage during freight, installation, and use. A warranty will refund or replace your transmission if it doesn’t work for any reason. Because of the relative anonymity of shopping online, you may feel you’re taking a leap of faith. The warranty is there to guarantee you are getting the best quality for your money. A good seller will have customer reviews available for you to read as well, so take advantage of these to help you decide. If you are satisfied with your purchase, do the next guy a favor and leave a detailed review. After you install the transmission, keep up with the maintenance to make sure you get the most life from your purchase.

4. Manual transmissions are easier. Manual transmissions are far simpler to work with than automatic. In most cases, even among seasoned professionals, damaged transmissions are considered a lost cause. Replacing a manual transmission is a more approachable task. So, if you have a dead manual transmission on your hands, take heart: buying a used or refurbished or recycled transmission is going to be easier for you than for someone with an automatic.

NOTE: That’s not to say that you can’t replace an automatic transmission with a used or rebuilt unit. It’s just harder sometimes, depending on the make and model.

Bottom Line: Used transmissions, or transmissions built from recycled or salvaged parts, are typically as reliable as their new counterparts and a good deal less expensive. Shopping online gives you the option to comparison shop, and even though you cannot thoroughly examine the transmission, you will be able to get a product warranty. Compared to hunting for a transmission at the local salvage yard – and then doing the dirty work of removing the transmission you find and rebuilding it – buying a used/refurbished/rebuilt/recycled transmission online makes a heck of a lot of sense.

Author Lawrence Reaves writes about Used Ford engine from Woodfins and Used Transmissions from Woodfins

There’s also the fact that, if you run out of gas, you know your car isn’t going very far. That’s why we pay so much attention to how much gas is in the tank. The thing is, there are other fluids levels in your car that you shouldn’t ignore. In some cases, a drop in one of these other fluid levels will just be an inconvenience. For example, a few years ago I was behind a truck that took a mud puddle too fast and splashed some mud up on my windshield. It was at that moment that I realized I was out of wiper fluid.

In other instances, low fluid levels can be downright dangerous. Running out of oil can damage your engine, sometimes beyond repair. Transmission fluid, antifreeze, and brake fluid are additional fluids that you really don’t want to run dry on, as they can all lead to catastrophic mechanical failures.

Car maintenance is incredibly important. MSN Autos says that “even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives.” Checking fluid levels can be a hassle, but it’s usually a lot easier to prevent something bad from happening than it is to fix it after it really happens. It’s a lot cheaper, too. Wouldn’t you rather spend the $40 for an oil change than you would $6,000 – $12,000 for a major engine repair? I would!

Not long ago I was online looking for a quote on car insurance and instead I found information that showed me that my oversights on my essential fluids might cost me an arm and a leg in the future-forget about the high prices of gas!

The following is a short list of 5 fluids that you should keep your eye on as far as general car maintenance is concerned:

1. Oil- The oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It must remain at safe levels at all times. Whatever you do, don’t let the oil level drop below the minimum level. A good rule of thumb is to check your engine’s oil level every 2 weeks – preferably just before you start your car first thing in the morning. It’s also a good idea to keep a quart of oil on hand to add a little bit just in case your low.

Now there’s something really important to know here about checking your oil – it’s a good idea to do it on all vehicles, but it’s essential to check the oil on older vehicles and/or vehicles with more than 100k miles on the odometer. As vehicles age, they’re more prone to burn a little bit of oil during normal driving…so if you’re driving a car that’s more than 8 years old, or if it has more than 100k miles, you need to check the oil religiously.

2. Transmission fluid- The good news is that transmission fluid is necessary but it rarely gets low. It should be checked on a regular basis, and for most drivers this can be done when the oil is changed. Fortunately, most decent shops will check your transmission fluid for you at the same time that they put new oil and a new filter on your car. However, if you change your own oil and need to check  the transmission fluid level yourself, there are some things you should know:

• The need to check transmission fluid really only applies to vehicles with an automatic transmission. While manual transmissions do technically have some fluid, it almost never needs checked. Furthermore, some vehicles now come with sealed automatic transmissions that never need to be checked (you just service them every 60-100k miles).
• On many vehicles, the transmission fluid must be checked while the engine is running and the vehicle is level. However, there are some cars that don’t need to be running…so check the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual before getting started.
• When you check the transmission fluid, you want to make sure that it doesn’t smell burnt.
• Generally speaking, transmission fluid is red or green. If your fluid looks dark red, dark green, or some other color, that could indicate a problem.
• If you feel the transmission fluid is low, smells or looks bad, your next move is to have it looked at by a professional. Transmissions can cost at least $1,500 to rebuild, and it’s not uncommon for them to cost $4,000 to rebuild/repair…so get it checked if you’re not sure about the fluid. The sooner you get it looked at, the less it will cost you in the long run.

3. Coolant- There are four things to know about checking your vehicle’s coolant:

1. Don’t open anything until your engine is cool. If the radiator cap is hot or even warm to the touch, don’t open it unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing. It’s OK to check a coolant system that’s cool.
2. On many vehicles, you don’t ever need to touch the radiator cap. There’s something called a coolant overflow tank instead, and you can often determine if you’ve got enough fluid by simply looking at the overflow tank. If you don’t, you open and fill the overflow tank to the appropriate level.
3. Coolant should be a bright, clean color (typically green). If the coolant looks “muddy,” rusty, or just generally dirty, have it checked. Often times this just means the coolant needs to be flushed, but sometimes it can indicate a head gasket failure…and that’s something you want to know about earlier rather than later so you can plan accordingly.
4. You can overfill your car’s coolant system if you’re not following instructions, and that could result in a nasty overflow that will probably put a good scare in you if it happens on the highway. SO, before you put any coolant in your car, check the instructions in your owner’s manual.

4. Brake fluid- Brake fluid shouldn’t get low very often. If it does get low on a regular basis, then you might have a leak so you should get it checked out. Brake fluid should be at least 2/3 full. It’s very important not to get water in the system so either do it on a sunny day or inside a garage. Also, make sure not to get brake fluid on you, your clothes, or your car’s paint…it’s highly corrosive.

5. Windshield wiper fluid- It might not be as important as brake fluid or transmission fluid, but when you really need it you’ll wish you had it. You’ll probably notice when you’re low on windshield wiper fluid: you’ll try to wash your windows and get barely a squirt out.

So the next time you’re doing your research to find the best rates on car insurance to save yourself some money, consider the money that you’ll also save by keeping your fluids in check. What will just take a few minutes of your time will actually save you lots of money and heartache in the future.

About the Author - Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer and full time mother of two. She became interested in car maintenance problems when she found herself stranded on the side of the road in a rainstorm due to a faulty transmission. Now, she spends her “free time” trying to find creative ways to stretch her resources and learning the latest developments on the products she loves.

Of course, now that I’m an adult and I see my parents retired and getting older, I know that’s not true.

The Key to Staying Healthy for Aging Parents – Mobility

Now the big issue is keeping them independent and active. I worry because I’ve seen so often how older people go downhill quickly when they can’t move around anymore. They lose hope, they give up, and they stop living even while they are still alive.

The more that seniors can go out and get involved in things, the better chance they have of living longer, better lives. My mom adores getting involved in her volunteer work, for example, and I don’t know what will happen when she can’t do that anymore.

Of course, one of the keys to maintaining independence is maintaining the ability to drive, and driving can be expensive. Between fuel costs, maintenance costs, and insurance, it’s not cheap to have a car. That’s why I encouraged my parents to do a motor vehicle insurance comparison. There are organizations that offer insurance discounts for seniors, and a comparison helped my parents discover these discounts and verify they had the right coverage limits too.

Help Parents Recognize That A Change in Driving Status Is Inevitable

I’ve already told my Mom that when she no longer feels confident driving, I’d happily drive her to her various appointments. I know how important it is to her to be able to get out and about, and when I offered my help I could see in her eyes that she’d never considered this possibility. Her reaction was part appreciation and part horror: she knows as I do that when she can longer drive herself it will be a big shock, and a big loss. Loss of independence is a very hard thing to deal with…for anyone.

In my opinion, it’s important for everyone to talk to their parents about what will happen when they lose their ability to drive, mostly because many of our parents haven’t ever considered this possibility. My Dad, for example, will be a little better about losing the ability to drive when the time comes than my Mom. As long as Dad can get out to the golf course and hang around with his buddies, his life will be complete. Besides – my parents only have one car. Dad is basically chauffeured around now anyways.

The point is, discussing the possibility of losing the ability to drive and making a plan is a good way to have a healthy conversation about driving. You may learn that your parents would appreciate some help getting around right now, in fact.

Providing the Right Safety Measures To Older Drivers

One thing I did a little while ago was make sure my parent’s car was well-equipped with the right safety features. Along with making sure they take it in for regular maintenance, checking their spare tire, and making sure their car insurance included roadside service, I also added an emergency kit in the trunk.

When older people get stranded there is a greater danger of death or serious illness from the hardship. They need water, a heat source and other necessities in case the unwanted happens. Some of the things I added to their kit in the trunk are:

1. Blankets
2. Pillows
3. Water
4. A flashlight
5. Batteries
6. Freeze-dried food packs

I also made my parents enter the 21st century and get a cell phone. My mom used to tease me about how when she was my age they didn’t have a phone with them all the time, they only had one phone in the kitchen. I wanted them to always have a way to contact us, or the authorities in an emergency though, so now she dutifully carries her cell phone with her, although she still can’t text, or retrieve her voicemail.

Other safety measures for older drivers include:

• Making sure they know how the local bus system (if available) works, what times it runs, etc. Riding the bus might be preferable to an older driver who is reluctant to drive in heavy traffic, drive in evenings, etc., so making sure they have a bus pass and a working knowledge of the system is a good idea.
• Making sure the driver’s seat and steering wheel are adjusted as optimally as possible. Many people are unaware that their steering wheel is adjustable, for example, and even if your favorite older driver knows how to adjust the seat or steering wheel, they might not be strong enough to work the levers. Offer to help them get everything adjusted correctly, and make sure anyone who borrows the car does this too.
• Many older drivers have difficulty driving at night, largely because human night vision deteriorates with age. If your favorite older driver has trouble seeing at night, you can investigate upgrading their headlight bulbs. Many after-market light bulbs offer improved performance, and just about any auto parts store has a few different after-market brands to choose from.
• Be sure to check over your favorite older person’s car for dents, scrapes, and scratches on a regular basis. If they’ve got any damage on the vehicle, that could be a sign that they’re no longer confident parking the car…and it might be a sign that you need to start driving them around.

It can be incredibly difficult to talk about driving safety with an elderly parent, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the topic. Safety statistics show that older drivers are at a much greater risk of accident or injury than the greater population. It’s your duty to help your parents – or aunts or uncles or neighbors – stay safe on the road.

Guest author Melissa Cameron is a proud mother of two daughters, and lives with her husband and family in Austin, Texas. Her parents live right next door, and she is happy to be able to spend as much time with them as she does. As a freelance writer she often researches better things like car insurance quotes online, and other ways to live a better healthier life, and writes about parenting, and helping her own parents as they get older.

Car seats are no longer optional safety equipment. They protect the fragile bodies of our children in a car crash. Because an error could be deadly for the little ones you love most, installing the car seat correctly is vital. These instructions will walk you through car seat installation, but be sure to have your local fire or police department check your work.

Before You Begin

You will need to skim through your car seat’s manual to get an understanding of how to install your seat. By doing so, you will notice any instructions particular to your car seat model, making this normally aggravating process as easy on yourself as possible.

If you are installing a car seat after a car accident, check with the insurance company to find out if the seat is still safe to use. The best auto insurance companies will pay to replace a damaged car seat after an accident if there is a chance the seat was damaged.

The Procedure

When using your car’s seat belt to secure the car seat, first you must position the seat correctly. Then feed the two parts of your car’s seat belt though the side openings of the car seat, one at a time, and buckle it. Make sure the belt is not twisted. Pull on the belt to make sure it is as tight as possible. Increase the tightness by putting your weight on the seat and pulling at the belt. Make sure the seat is immovable by yanking at its sides. If you find that the seat moves, secure it with the locking clip that came with either the car or the car seat. The locking clip is constructed to fit around the seat belt. This ensures that the child’s seat is firmly gripped.

In addition to installing the car seat properly, parents can do a few things to ensure the baby is even safer and more comfortable:

Rear-Facing Seats

These are recommended for newborns, but recent studies suggest rear-facing seats might be best for children up to age 2. If you have a rear-facing seat, it should only be installed in the back seat. A precaution to take while installing this type of seat is to make sure the seat belt and harness are not too loose. Also, check that the seat’s retainer clip sits high, preferably on the baby’s chest, for maximum protection.

The LATCH System

The acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, LATCH is a method of permanently attaching the child’s seat to anchors found in the car, as opposed to using only the vehicle’s seat belt. This dramatically reduces the risk of injury to your child in the case of an accident. It is possible to have older model cars fitted with this anchoring system, but generally speaking most cars built from the late 1990′s on have the LATCH system.

Proper Use of the Locking Clip

Proper use of this clip (which looks like an oversized paper clip) ensures that the buckles on both the child seat and seat of your car are taut. The clip is attached to both parts (shoulder and lap) of your car’s seat belt to hold them together. It should be installed just above the clipping mechanism or buckle. Use this clip to prevent your car’s belt system from malfunctioning when you need it most. Following these procedures will allow you to rest easy knowing that your infant or toddler is as safe as possible.

AutoInsurance.Info wants you to remember to have a police or fire department check the installation for you. It only takes five minutes and could save your child’s life.

The F150 XL Work Truck - Plain, easy to clean, and inexpensive

On the other end of the spectrum is what some refer to as “city slicker trucks,” vehicles loaded to the gills with soft, French-stitched leather, shiny chrome wheels and as much advanced technology as your typical Mercedes-Benz.

The 2012 F150 King Ranch Edition - Arguably the most luxurious truck you can buy

Read on to see just how many features (and how much money) separate the high and low-end versions of the best selling pickup in America, the Ford F-150.

Base: The Perfect Work Truck

The cheapest Ford F-150 money can buy is the $22,790 XL model with a two-door regular cab, two-wheel-drive and a 6.5-foot bed. Not too long ago, most pickups resembled this bare bones truck: heavy-duty vinyl seating, roll-up windows and manual locks, steel wheels and bare plastic bumpers. Comfort features are limited to manual air conditioning, an am/fm radio (no CD player) and a digital clock.

However, the most basic of F-150s belies its low price with a potent powertrain: providing motivation is a thoroughly modern 3.7-liter V6 capable of 302 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the motor hustles the truck to a zero-to-60 mph time in the mid-seven second range, which is fast enough to keep up with the V8-powered F-150 from only several years back. Fuel economy is also impressive, with its 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway ratings tops among all full-size pickups. Towing capacity, at 5500 pounds, is merely adequate, but as long as hauling heavy boats isn’t a primary goal, the simple, rugged and powerful F-150 XL is a good choice for those seeking a minimalistic work truck.

Loaded: A $50,000+ Luxury Truck

Sitting at the pinnacle of the F-150 model range is the Harley Davidson model, which runs a staggering $53,856 with all available options. That price nets a four-door, four-wheel drive truck with a 5.5-foot bed and a mind-boggling amount of extras. On the outside, special graphics, badges and huge 22-inch chrome wheels pay homage to the truck’s namesake, while under the hood a throaty, 411 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 makes almost as much noise as a performance motorcycle when given the spurs. Zero-to-sixty mph flies by in a touch over six seconds and towing capacity is a useful 7500 pounds, but don’t ask about the fuel economy.

It’s inside the Harley Davidson model where things start to get truly hedonistic. Step into the cabin with the help of the power-deployable running boards and the first sign that this is a different kind of pickup are the heated and cooled leather bucket seats. Another indicator is the infotainment system, which includes (deep breath) a GPS-based navigation system, a premium Sony sound system, HD radio, 10 GB of music storage, real-time traffic updates and even the capability to play DVD movies. Helping the big truck back up is a camera system with a color display on the navigation screen, and once things are underway a power sunroof gives a feeling of being in the open air. Overall, the interior of the Harley Davidson model wouldn’t be out of place in a German luxury sedan.

Bottom Line

The F-150 XL and Harley Davidson models bear so little relation to one another that they hardly even seem to be variants of the same truck. Separated by a $20,000 difference in price, one pickup is built for work and work alone, while the other is equally suited to impressing in-laws with its cosseting cabin or hauling a bed full of lumber. What the existence of these trucks (and the myriad models positioned between them) seems to indicate is that no matter what a customer’s needs might be, Ford has a F-150 to fit the bill.

LeftLaneNews.com stives to be your one stop information source for all things Ford F-150. Feel free to check out our extensive image gallery, read up on breaking automotive news, or even get a price quote from a Ford dealer near you!

When looking for the reliable transportation component, drivers tend to overlook the most important factor when it comes to winter driving: SNOW TIRES. Without snow tires, even the most rugged four-wheel drive vehicle will be subject to poor traction control. Turning and braking on snowy or icy conditions without the proper winter tires will simply defeat the purpose of a car designed to handle extreme conditions. The perfect car for snow and mountain vacations will blend comfort, safety, all-wheel or four-wheel drive, and of course great tires…so make sure whatever you buy/rent/borrow or drive is wearing some good snow shoes.

The best mountain snow vehicle is the one with the best combination of safety, capability, and tires

Once you add winter tires to your list of things to gather before setting off on your vacation, it’s time to choose the right car that will take you, as well as your family and friends, to that special snowy mountain spot. Here are the top five vehicles for the mountains and snow this year:

1 – Subaru Forrester

All-wheel drive vehicles perform better in winter conditions, and Subaru has redefined all-wheel technology in its Outback and Forrester models. The Forrester’s interior is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers and luggage. While the all-wheel is a standard feature, you can always upgrade to the Forrester 2.5XT, which has a turbocharged and gas-friendly 4-cylinder engine pumping out 224 horsepower.

2 – Volvo XC70 T6 and the S60

Volvo has always distinguished itself as a safety-conscious manufacturer. Whether you choose the Volvo SC70 SUV or the S60 sedan, you can be sure to get to your ski resort and back home safely even during a blizzard. The SC70 comes with standard anti-lock brakes, downhill control and heated rear-view mirrors, but drivers have the option of adding heated front and rear seats, windshield washer nozzles that spray warm water, and even headlight washers. The stylish S60 features a 6-speed automatic transmission with Instant Traction on an all-wheel drive package. The S60 also comes with a detection system that warns drivers of pedestrians or animals suddenly appearing in front of the car and even brakes automatically in case of emergency.

3 – Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser has always been considered an all-terrain and all-weather vehicle, but the new edition of Toyota’s flagship luxury SUV goes all out with the ingenuous Crawl Control. When Crawl Control is activated during difficult weather conditions, the Land Cruiser assumes smart control of the braking and acceleration functions. Fog lamps, a heated side mirror and a windshield defroster are standard features.

4 – Range Rover Sport Supercharged

Land Rover is destined to become a benchmark for staying warm on the road this winter with its 2011 Supercharged SUV. The cold weather climate option heats everything inside the car, the front seats, the rear seats, the floorboards, and even the steering wheel. If that wasn’t enough, the windshield and washer nozzles are also heated.

5 – BMW 535Xi Sports Wagon

BMW does not make SUVs, they make outstanding vehicles with ample passengers and cargo space that handle like sports car. With its powerful 6-cylinder 3.0L engine and smart all-wheel traction, the 535Xi is a wonder of German auto engineering. Automatic load-leveling is a feature that prevents over-steering even in winter rally or blizzard conditions. Front and second row heated seats are optional, as well as the side-view mirrors and the steering wheel.

Isn't winter driving great?

About The Author: When Josey Wales is not writing about traveling, he’s researching condo rentals in search of the best lodging deals in Vail.

But not all mechanics are what they seem to be…mechanics have the unfortunate reputation of being slightly unsavory, and tweaking the cars of unsuspecting grandmothers so that the car will break down and they’ll have to come and get it fixed again and again and again…

What To Look For

To prevent a potential mechanic rip-off situation, there are some things you can look for that can indicate the quality of the shop you’re about to do business with. People may say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, but well, that’s a book. You do have the right to take a look around the garage and judge what you see, assuming you are able to correctly interpret what you find!

• How well maintained are the 2 post lifts and the 4 post vehicle lifts? Are they Bendpak, or are they of perhaps lesser quality? Is there visible rust or wear and tear?
• How well is the equipment maintained in the shop?
• How clean are the floors?
• Is the place (relatively) clean overall?
• Are the mechanics certified to be doing this work – can you see the actual certifications? ASE certification is very common and a good standard, but look for membership in your local chamber of commerce too.
• Are there any reviews of the shop on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, etc?
• A big indicator that a lot of people sometimes forget about is the actual state of the cars currently in their parking lot. Do they look like functional, working cars, or are they simply lawn ornaments?

You should also take into consideration how you found the garage. Did you just happen to see it on the roadside and decide to stop in, or was it recommended to you by a friend or family member? Especially for those of us that are a little less motor-literate than the rest of the population, I would strongly suggest going off of the recommendation of people you know and trust the opinions of.

Finally, when you interact with the technician himself (or herself).

• How do they interact with you?
• Are they knowledgeable about your car make and model?
• Do they try and determine what is going on with your car just based on your oh-gosh-I-don’t-know-anything-about-cars description, or do they actually do a full review of your car?
• Can they actually articulate to you what is going on with your car, or do they avoid a full explanation?
• Does your car get repaired and then die again a few weeks later?
• Do they try and sell you on preventative maintenance that seems unnecessary?

These are all definitely warning signs that something is more than a little off with this roadside mechanic. Take heed of the alarm bells going off in your head and get out before you get in too deep and your car is inadvertently totaled, or stuck with a lifetime of repairing the “repairs” that your “mechanic” did.

Buyer beware!

Jackie Ryan is a freelance writer who works often with suppliers of Bendpak products, including durable 4 post lift – hopefully you won’t be seeing your car hauled up on one by a mechanic who doesn’t know what he’s doing…

The 2011 SEMA car show is the World Series of the auto industry, especially after-market accessories.

SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association and true to its’ name, you can be sure anything in SEMA’s show is going to make your car bigger, faster, and stronger. SEMA features the industries hottest cars fitted with the best and most innovative aftermarket parts. From the engine to the interior, SEMA shows off the newest equipment to turn your car into a fastball on speed traps on any road.

Aftermarket companies across the world bring their newest projects to SEMA and through the years some pretty legendary cars and products have made their debut at the Las Vegas Convention Centers spectacular show. Covering speed, audio, wheels, electronics, and more, if it’s hot SEMA’s got it on the show floor, and it’s non-stop home runs from the time you step up to the plate. From fancy one-of-a-kind concept cares to run-of-the-mill accessories from Toyota’s TRD, SEMA has everything.

The show invites manufacturers, media outlets, buyers, and tons of specialists out to see what’s up next for the auto markets true high-end gear heads. As an event closed to the public, SEMA is a truly professional showing of the car worlds best and brightest minds, debuting parts, exotic cars, and even boasting it’s own awards ceremonies. Walking onto the SEMA show floor is like walking into a car lovers dream, and SEMA isn’t just about cars, it’s about car, truck, SUV, import, and exotic car culture as well. There’s something for everyone at SEMA, from those looking for inspiration to those looking for that next tweak that will start them on the road to restoration or place them in the pole position on the track.

If you’re trying to take your car to the next level, SEMA is an obvious stop on the way there and you’ll be sure to rub elbows with entertainment and auto celebrities alike. Attracting much more than your everyday auto enthusiast, SEMA puts itself head and shoulders above the competition with it’s knack for flare and flash, but don’t let the bright lights fool you. SEMA is 100% auto driven and is always the hottest thing when it opens and closes it’s doors to the world each year.

About the Author: Tom Bleekman works with Olathe Toyota Parts, an online seller of genuine Toyota parts and accessories. Check them out at Parts.OlatheToyota.com.