Tips For Winter Driving
May 23, 2008
Tips For Winter Driving
by: David Maillie
Winter driving can be hazardous and stressful. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions increase the normal dangers of driving. There is a lot you can do before the winter driving season and during a storm to protect yourself and your family.
Before winter arrives, have your car inspected to be sure it is ready for the road conditions. You can do this yourself or take it to a qualified mechanic. Check the battery, wipers and fluid, thermostat, brakes, ignition system, antifreeze, exhaust system, lights, oil level, heater and defrosters. Make sure everything is in good working order to keep you safe throughout the cold weather.
Check your tires to be sure they are road ready. Install tires that are appropriate for the driving conditions. In moderate amounts of snow, all weather radials will do the job nicely. If you live in a climate where you experience a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These have better tread to deal with snow and ice.
Prepare an emergency kit to keep in the back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in the snow. Things to include in the kit:
Perform Your Own Automobile Maintenance
May 22, 2008
Perform Your Own Automobile Maintenance
by: David Maillie
Today’s cars can typically be expected to pass the 200,000 mile mark with consistent automobile maintenance. With the price of automobiles, you will want to protect that investment by performing regular maintenance. If you can do much of the work yourself, you will save a lot of money in labor. Invest in a good set of tools and choose quality parts when performing your own automobile maintenance.
If you have some skill, but want to learn more look for courses in general repairs and maintenance. These can often be found at your local community center, Community College or an automotive technical school in your area. Consider investing in a good repair manual for your car, such as a Chilton’s manual. The internet is a good place to look for articles and information. There are many sites devoted to auto repair and maintenance.
You will want to keep track of all maintenance performed on your car. You can do this in a log, a notebook or on your home computer. There is software available to help you keep track of maintenance. These programs track repairs, maintenance, replacement parts used on the vehicle and fuel consumption. You can use the same software for multiple vehicles.
Facts You Need To Know About The Hybrid Car
May 21, 2008
Facts You Need To Know About The Hybrid Car
by: Ron King
The term “hybrid” means that something is mixed with its original form. The hybrid is a car that has both an electric and a gas motor to run it. But, unlike electric cars of yesteryear, the hybrid will recharge itself, hence no need to plug it into an outlet.
The gasoline engines in these cars are smaller than in standard vehicles and where they leave off the electric engine takes over. The hybrid can work on just one of these engines, but hybrid owners will use both to conserve on fuel.
What’s Under The Hood?
Most hybrids use the gasoline engine primarily. But when more power is needed, the electric motor kicks in.
In the gasoline motor, there is energy conservation, for example, it instantly shuts off when the vehicle stops. When you hit the pedal again, the engine smoothly turns back on. Meanwhile, the battery keeps all of your appliances on — lights, radio and other needed features.
Prevent Injuries and Damages to Your Ford Truck through Auto Parts Deal’s Top Quality Ford Bumpers and Other Performance and Safety Parts
May 20, 2008
Prevent Injuries and Damages to Your Ford Truck through Auto Parts Deal’s Top Quality Ford Bumpers and Other Performance and Safety Parts
by: Sarah McBride
National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration says 71% of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving a large truck are caused by the other vehicle. While it is true that you cannot predict and totally stop an accident or a collision from happening, you can do something to lessen the risk of meeting any misfortune on the road. Having durable and high quality safety auto parts and body parts in your vehicle can make a significant difference.
Today as we enter the busiest season of the year, http://www.autopartsdeal.com reminds every driver of his responsibility to keep his vehicle safe as he drives down the road. The store is offering this time the best deals on top quality safety parts, performance auto parts and car accessories including high class Ford fog lights, GMC bumpers, Dodge bumper covers, Chevy headlights, Jeep wheels and Toyota tail lights.
How to Obtain Better Gas Mileage
May 19, 2008
How to Obtain Better Gas Mileage
by: Ken Reno
During the early years, ten dollars per barrel was just the price of oil, but nowadays, it has reached a staggering price that makes ten dollars per barrel prehistoric in proportion.
Everybody has heard the news, (if really it’s considered news at all), that gasoline price is continually increasing, which brings us to the question: “Can we do something to prevent gas price hike?”
The world can’t do much to control the gas price increase. But being frugal and wise in consuming gas could help. Gas conservation not only safeguards our environmental resources, it will also keep our almost-empty pockets filled with few silver coins.
There are various ways that one may employ to help alleviate the discomfort that the increase of gas price brings.
The least that one can do is to maximize the gas his or her little amount of money was able to afford. So how does one obtain better gas mileage?
1. Don’t consume it at all.
Car Insurance - How Can You Lower Your Premiums?
May 19, 2008
Car Insurance - How Can You Lower Your Premiums?
by: Michael Challiner
Many factors influence the premium for your Motor insurance policy. Your insurer will have asked you many questions whilst producing your quote - some of which will affect your premium and some will not. Below we discuss the key variables that are within the policyholder’s control.
Consolidating policies
By insuring a number of vehicles with the same insurer, or by trying to take out home and life insurance through your car insurer, you may be able to secure a ‘bulk buy’ discount.
Location
A big influence on the cost of your car insurance is where you live. The chance of your car being broken into or stolen is a key concern for the insurer. More urban areas traditionally facing greater risk of theft and therefore tend to be more expensive than countryside locations.
Excess
By agreeing to pay a greater excess on each claim you can reduce your car insurance premiums. This is because you are reducing the liability of the insurer and therefore in return they are able to offer you a lower premium.
Your Vehicle
Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use
May 18, 2008
Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use
by: Scott Babb
Getting the best gas mileage is harder during the winter. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve your winter gas mileage.
Maintain your car. Check your tires to make sure they have plenty of tread. Slipping tires are dangerous and they waste gas. Ask your car dealer or mechanic if you can use a lighter weight oil during the winter to reduce friction and save gas. Consider using a low-friction or synthetic oil to save gas. If it’s been awhile since you changed your air filter, check your owners manual to find the recommended changing interval. A new air filter can greatly improve your gas mileage. Consider an after-market low restriction air filter system. Not only can these improve your gas mileage, but they often come with permanent filter media that can be washed or cleaned and reused. The higher cost of the after-market filter can be offset by not having to buy new air filters.
Performance Parts 101
May 17, 2008
Performance Parts 101
by: Chris Casarez
In the automotive industry, the term ‘performance parts’ is used for a variety of car and truck parts or accessories, that are designed to enhance a vehicle’s performance. The term is generally tied to the aftermarket industry which makes sense considering that car or truck enhancement parts or accessories are typically purchased after the original purchase. This is not to say that O.E.M. manufacturers won’t create performance parts, because they often do.
Products such as Borla Exhausts, K&N Air Intake filters, ReadyLift Suspension Kits, or Bilstein shocks are considered performance parts because they are created to enhance car or truck performance. On the other hand, the O.E.M. exhaust, intake filter, suspension kit, or shocks that come with the newly purchased vehicles are generally stock parts designed to meet standards at a reasonable price. Someone looking to boost their car or truck’s performance will then purchase an aftermarket part designed to boost performance.
Strictly being aftermarket however, does not categorize a car or truck part or accessory as a performance part. Aftermarket products may include seat covers, car covers, bumpers, sun visors, make-specific paraphernalia (such as TRD’s line of Toyota® accessories), and steering wheel covers. These products are based on aesthetics, comfort, or brand loyalty, not performance. This would make them a car or truck accessory, but not a performance part.
Car Battery Cleaning Made Easy
May 16, 2008
Car Battery Cleaning Made Easy
by: Michael Walker
Did you ever go to jumpstart your car, and notice that you can barely see your battery underneath all the gunk? This ‘gunk’ is actually battery corrosion, which is formed by acid condensation. Since this is formed by acid, a basic chemical solution will do the cleaning trick. Battery acid is actually very easy to clean away with a common household item- baking soda! But still, precautions must be followed. This article will inform you step by step how to clean the battery while keeping safe.
First, you will need to gather supplies for this project. Most of these items you may already have in your home.
Safety glasses or goggles
Box of baking soda
Adjustable pliers with insulated handles
Screwdrivers with insulated handles
A small, stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work just fine!)
Assorted small open-end and box wrenches
Small metal or plastic scraper
Special battery tools, including a cable puller and cable terminal cleaning brushes
A turkey baster or small funnel
All-purpose household cleaner in a spray bottle
Hiring A Limousine
May 15, 2008
Hiring A Limousine
by: Sintilia Miecevole
You can ride in just about any type of stretch limo for a lot less than you’d expect– if you know how to drive a hard bargain.
Steps:
1. Assess your finances. A standard limousine (four to six passengers) will set you back about $40 to $80 per hour; a stretch limo (six to eight passengers) runs slightly more–about $60 to $100 per hour. Both have an hourly minimum of four to five hours (although this is usually negotiable). For specialty limos such as a Mercedes, a Hummer or a superstretch (up to 22 passengers), costs can top out at $3,000 for the night.
2. Research, research, research. Be sure the limo operator is licensed and insured. Decide what type of limo you want (standard, stretch, superstretch or specialty) and for how long, based on the event and the number of people in your party. What are you looking for, whether it’s a bar, stereo, TV and DVD player, video-gaming system, intercom, sunroof, Jacuzzi, or all of that and a bag of chips. Prices may or may not be posted online. You’ll need to do some phone work to get the best deal.
