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- Protect Your Wheels From An Insidious Fiend!
A few years back, a friend of mine brought over his newly purchased and “gently used” 325i to my home. I was nearly as excited for him as he was for himself as this was the car that he had always wanted. A recent promotion and raise at work meant he could ditch his LeSabre for something a bit more classier and a bit more expensive. As he rolled into my driveway I gave the car a good “once over” before my eyes rested on his front left wheel. While the rest of his car looked showroom new, his front wheels were absolutely filthy. So, what was the culprit that messed up my friend’s wheels? Please read on to find out all the sordid details!
Brake dust. Yes, something as simple as dust from the 325i’s brakes messed up my friend John’s wheels. I handed him a sponge and a towel with some lukewarm water and he immediately began to touch up the alloy wheels and tires. Unfortunately, this was only a temporary fix as a few days later his wheels were messed up again. By that time, however, he had already ordered a set of brake dust shields to take care of the problem. Honestly, I never knew such a product existed until he told me about it. - Increase Your Torque And Save On Gas
If you were to mention to someone that most performance automotive parts can conserve fuel while producing more power, likely you would not be believed. In previous generations this statement would probably have held true, but today -- due to technological advances -- you can usually see an increase in power along with the added benefit of receiving a slight increase in fuel economy. This holds true for exhaust headers, the topic of this article.
Exhaust headers are one of the simplest add on accessories you can utilize to enhance your engine's performance. Headers make it easier for the engine to drive exhaust gases out of the cylinders and to purge the manifold's back pressure. Instead of a shared manifold that all of the cylinders use, each cylinder has its own exhaust pipe. The result? More power for your car and less fuel expended as the headers harness what was previously wasted power and turns it back into raw energy. - Catalytic Converters And Your Vehicle’s Emission System
Before 1975 no U.S. vehicle came equipped with a catalytic converter. Changes in environmental policy -- started with the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] by the Nixon Administration – soon changed all of that. Now, with very few exceptions, all vehicles must come outfitted with a catalytic converter. So, what does a catalytic converter do exactly? Good question…we will answer that query in this article.
When your engine burns fuel it produces gases that are harmful to the environment. If not handled properly, these same gases will exit through your vehicle’s exhaust and work to do harm on the environment. The EPA, which was established in 1970, mandated that starting in 1975 vehicles were to come equipped with an apparatus to reduce dangerous emissions. The particular piece of equipment created to accomplish this task was the catalytic converter. - When To Replace Brake Pads
Worn brake pads can adversely impact your ability to bring your car to a halt. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency situation when adequately working brakes are a must to help you stop your car promptly. There are some telltale signs of pending brake problems; do you know what they are? Awareness of a problem is the key to avoiding potential harmful consequences; let’s examine some well known warning signs.
Signs of pending brake trouble include the following: - Clutch Kit Essentials
If your vehicle’s clutch has failed, then you could be faced with an expensive repair bill depending on the make and model of your car and the garage doing the work. Between high parts prices and labor costs, you could easily face a bill of $500, $700, or even $1000 or more. Perhaps you should consider doing the job yourself? If so, let’s take a look at clutch kits and the best way for you to obtain one at a reasonable price.
All clutch kits come with three items standard, with a fourth item included with some kits. - Consider A Performance Exhaust System
Is it time for you to replace your car’s exhaust system? Have you noticed rust around your muffler and tailpipe? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then consider replacing your stock exhaust system with a performance exhaust system. Up front you will pay more, but in the end a performance exhaust system just may be the last one you will ever need to purchase for your car.
Nothing lasts forever, right? Well, in the case of some performance exhaust systems you can come darn close. Consider this: one top manufacturer of cat-back exhausts [more on what one is a bit later] produces an exhaust system with a one million mile guarantee! How can they do this? By making a product from aircraft quality stainless steel, that’s how. That’s right; the same steel used by aircraft manufacturers goes into every Borla brand exhaust system to produce a product that is durable and long lasting. Other brands have similar warranties, so I am not saying Borla is the end all or be all product for your car. - Replacement Auto Parts: Where To Find Them
When needing a replacement part for you car, where do you shop? Like many motorists you may head down to the big box retailer for all of your needs. A good choice both for value and for selection. Still, mostly any retailer is limited as to what they can stock. This especially holds true if you drive a rare or uncommon vehicle. Try finding a window regulator for your ’69 Torino at the parts store; they’ll get it for you but it will have to be back ordered. So, where should you shop? That’s up to you, but let’s goes over the options that you have.
The Salvage Yard. Let’s admit it: there isn’t anything wrong with going to the junkyard to find the part you need. My ’78 VW Rabbit’s window handle broke and I snagged one off of a junker for just a few bucks. Still, if you are looking for a radiator, engine, exhaust stuff, or anything else that actually runs, you risk that the part will fail soon after you place it in your car. Naturally, the price you pay through the junkyard should be the lowest price going. - Keep Your Truck Bed Clean
It was bound to happen. You lend your truck to a “friend” who says they have a couple of pieces of furniture to move and it comes back to you with scratches in the bed area of your truck. It wouldn’t have been so bad had they apologized, but now you have to deal with unsightly scratches that can only make your truck’s value deteriorate quicker. Had you thought about it, you would have stuck a bed liner in your truck ahead of time to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
The above account actually happened to me as I was trying to help a young couple out with a good deed. I was warned in advance by a friend that the couple would take advantage of me and he was, unfortunately, correct. Let’s just say that it was a bitter lesson learned. - Top Truck And Suv Accessories
If you own a pickup truck or SUV chances are your vehicle looks quite a bit different than from the day that you bought it home from the dealership. I’m not talking about wear and tear, scratches or dings, or any other thing that may have happened to it over the course of time. Rather, I am suggesting that you have customized it to look the way you want it to look. Let’s take a peek at some popular accessories on the market for pickups as well as for SUVs.
There are literally hundreds of after market parts and accessories available for trucks and SUVs. The following list is an alphabetical example [well, almost] of add-ons for your consideration: - Daimlerchrysler: Merger Or Acquisition?
In 1998 Daimler-Benz and the Chrysler Corporation tied the knot. The newly created DaimlerChrysler [DCX] conglomerate was touted in the business world as a merger of equals with both companies retaining their unique and distinct identities. Soon after the merger the honeymoon period abruptly ended and the rancor began. Diametrically opposite management and cultural differences contributed to deep divisions which nearly scuttled the new relationship. Today, things are much different than they were in 1998; however it remains to be seen whether the long term partnership between the German and American automakers will outlast the deep, mutual distrust that prevailed for so many years.
A changing global automobile market during the final decade of the 20th century signaled the end of small, independent automakers. Although fairly large in size, the Chrysler Corporation, which nearly vanished in the early 1980s, was once again nearing a crisis point: a rapidly changing market meant that large amounts of cash would be needed to keep their product line up to date as well as to take their product to emerging and lucrative new markets. Unlike in the early 1980s when the US federal government stepped in with much needed cash, no government suitor was expected this time around. For Chrysler, the long term strategy strongly suggested that the automaker would have to be acquired in order to survive. In stepped Daimler-Benz. - Volkswagen Parts: Getting The Real Deal
The growth of the counterfeits parts industry is causing problems for motorists, suppliers, manufacturers, and governments from around the world. Just how bad is the problem? For starters, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit car parts is a multi billion dollar per year business. Car owners from the Kia to the Camaro and from the Geo to the Golf, and every make and model in between are all susceptible to getting hooked with fake parts. This doesn’t have to happen and I am going to share with you how you can avoid being deceived by purveyors of bogus car parts.
Read the labels. Fake parts purveyors are getting very crafty in copying logos and other important information off of product boxes. Check for typographical errors or odd sounding language on the boxes. Most counterfeiters are smart when it comes to crime, but pretty dumb when it comes to understanding the proper use of English terms, grammar, and spelling. For example, brand names spelled wrong such as Monrow for Monroe. One more point: packaging may be “correct” but sized wrong; be suspicious of any part sold to you in a package that isn’t sized according to the product it holds. - Catalytic Converter Fires: A Real Danger!
Driving down the street with the setting sun at his back, Bob Cummins navigated around parked cars and fire hydrants to find the right place to park. It just wasn’t something that was easy to do – finding a vacant spot – on his narrow, winding suburban street. Wedged between two business districts, Bob’s block was frequently filled with cars from outside the area, taking away from the already limited on street parking. While he knew he could simply pull into his own driveway and park, he also knew that he’d have to move vehicles around later when his wife, Susan, returned home with the kids.
Glancing out of his right mirror he noticed it and slammed on his breaks. A car pulled out of a spot down the street behind him and its driver pulled into a nearby driveway and exited the car. Bob slowly backed up halfway down the block and slipped his Volvo XC90 into the empty spot. A little tight, he thought, as he left just enough room between the driveway in front of him and the car behind him for his SUV. Within moments Bob left the comfort of his Volvo and stepped inside the foyer of his center hall colonial. - Knock Sensor Failure: Now What?
Bella Miller skillfully navigated her BMW 735i onto the expressway, dodging a semi that was quickly barreling down on her. Darting over to the left lane she eased up on the accelerator just enough to give herself a little bit of extra room between her car and the Blazer she was now following. Traffic was fairly heavy at this hour of the afternoon, but one kilometer down the road Bella would be able to take the left fork and follow the outer beltway for seven kilometers. Within moments she would be out of rush hour traffic and on her way home.
With the fork fast approaching, Bella turned on her left turn signal and eased her car off of the expressway and onto the ramp leading to the outer beltway. Seeing that traffic was now light, she pressed on the accelerator and immediately felt a bit of hesitation followed by two loud knocks. Perplexed, Bella eased up on the accelerator and moved over to the right hand lane, reduced her speed, before pressing down on the accelerator again. This time, her BMW responded but she could still feel some sense of hesitancy, so she decided to lower her speed the rest of the way home. - Air Deflectors For Your Vehicle
Placing a new air deflector on your car is a wise decision. Bugs, road debris, and rocks can all macerate your hood or even break your windshield. Within moments your trip upstate has come to a screeching halt because of what was tossed up in the air by the vehicle in front of you while you were cruising down the highway. An air deflector might have sent that stone harmlessly to the side or up and over the roof of your car. Instead, your windshield took a direct hit. Let’s take a look at all of the advantages of an air deflector and how installing one is a cost effective solution.
# An air deflector doesn’t have to cost you a bunch of money and when you consider what you save in replacement glass, it pays for itself right away. - 9 Japanese Automakers
Japanese built and designed cars have flooded the North American market for over forty years now. Over time, many nameplates have come and gone, but Japanese cars continue to gain market share and acceptance with a growing number of motorists attracted to their high quality and durability. There are nine Japanese automobile manufacturing companies in existence. Can you name them? Let’s take a look at the list:
Toyota – The second largest automaker in the world is Toyota, maker of the Camry, the Corolla, and a host of SUVs, trucks, passenger cars, and a van. Toyota’s Lexus division produces luxury cars, while its Scion division manufactures youth oriented vehicles. - Fuel Injectors: Time To Replace?
When it comes to squeezing out maximum fuel efficiency as well as power from your engine, properly working fuel injectors are an essential component to helping your vehicle run flawlessly. Eventually, however, like any part they do wear out. Fortunately, the selection of stock fuel injectors available on the market is wide; with a little research you can find replacement fuel injectors that are right for your car and at a price that is right for your wallet.
Before you go to the expense of replacing your current fuel injectors, you should first check your fuel filter to see if it is the culprit. If clogged, replace the fuel filter and keep changing it every 25,000 miles. Gas prices are at all time record high levels, but you should only use name brand gasolines containing fuel injection cleaner additives to ensure continued good performance. - 21 Classic Pontiacs!
So, you think you know your cars now, do you? Well, consider this to be a test of your knowledge of Pontiac history. 21 Pontiacs are featured here: some are current models while others are truly classic in every sense of the word, dating back to the early 1960s.
6000 – Full sized [or almost] front wheel drive sedan of the 1980s. - You Can Custom Fit Your Vehicle
Part of the fun of owning a car is giving it your own look. Sure, some cars come fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, but they lack one thing: your personal touch. Starting back in the 1950s when customizing cars really took off, enthusiasts have been modifying their cars to suit their own purposes. Let’s take a look at some ways you can make your car a real stand out.
Under the Hood: The most obvious customizing for your engine compartment is a cold air intake, designed to increase power to the engine. A cold air intake changes the appearance of your car’s engine bay with custom colors such as rad red, silver, chrome, powder coated blue, and more. - You Can Install Custom Tail Lights
You have seen them on all kinds of cars: tail lights that are an obvious aftermarket modification that give even the most nondescript compact sedan an attention getting, stylish look. From Neons to Civics, and from Dakotas to Escalades, and for mostly any model in between, enthusiasts are changing their vehicle’s appearance with these cool looking mods. Exactly what are they? Some call them European tail lights while others call them Altezzas, after the name of a popular manufacturer of this type of tail light. No matter what you call them, you can install a pair in less than one hour on your vehicle.
European tail lights are an easy to install modification of your car’s tail light assembly. Available as either “clear tail lights” or “red tail lights” your stock tail light assemblies are replaced with a custom fitted unit developed for your particular make/model. In short what you are doing is installing crystal clear or red lenses that go over bullet-style taillight and turn signal lenses. The new lenses, paired with style rings and platings, help to accentuate the light emitting from auto tail lights and turn signals for a distinctive look that is vastly superior to the original design. - You Can Examine Your Shock Absorbers
Bouncing down the road one day it occurs to you that things are just not what they should be. The road you are riding on is as smooth as glass, yet your car is jostling up and down like nobody’s business. You enter an upcoming curve in the road and quickly learn that the control you had over your car was lost just moments before. Suddenly, the vehicle careens off the road, goes down through a ditch and up an embankment before coming to rest against a fence adjacent to Tony’s garage. You are in luck: you aren’t dead and your car is at Tony’s, who happens to be your favorite mechanic.
Yes this story is ridiculous, exceedingly so. All joking aside, your shock absorbers [or struts in the case of some cars] plays a vital part in your vehicle’s suspension system. When certain signs of wear and tear become apparent, you must replace your shocks or otherwise you can put yourself in danger and/or damage your car. - You Can Install A Performance Exhaust System
If you are considering replacing your vehicle’s exhaust system, a performance exhaust system can be an ideal choice, offering to you many benefits over a stock exhaust system. Let’s examine the benefits of installing a performance exhaust system versus a stock exhaust system.
1. More Power – One of the obvious benefits of a performance exhaust system is more power for your car. Using catalyst back [cat-back] technology, additional horsepower is freed up, with horsepower increases of 5%, 10%, and even 15% possible. Exactly how does a cat-back system work? By keeping all the key emissions components in place, a cat-back system brings in large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers for your car resulting in a lowering of exhaust back pressure. One nice side benefit is the deeper, throatier pitch created by the exhaust system. Since your vehicle’s engine is in essence an air pump, a cat-back system helps the engine to pump and flow air with less disruption. - You Can Examine Your Brakes
Regular brake inspections are an essential part of good automotive maintenance that can save you money and keep your car from wrapping itself around the first tree out of your driveway. Make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper maintenance by following the steps outlined. Your safety as well as that of your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers is at stake.
1. Time for a free inspection. Many local brake shops as well as national brake repair chains offer customers free brake inspections at no obligation to you. The inspection typically includes the following steps: - Dodge Buzz: Upcoming Models
DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge division has certainly been making a name for itself over the past decade. No longer in the shadow of Chrysler or a carbon copy of Plymouth, Dodge has its own vehicles stamped with its own unique personality. The Charger is Dodge’s latest hot model; what can Dodge do for an encore? Read on for all the exciting details!
Caliber – The compact Neon is dead and a replacement vehicle is waiting in the wings by the name of Caliber. Sporting Dodge’s signature crosshair grille, the Caliber resembles a Chrysler Pacifica but it is in the Chrysler PT Cruiser’s size range. This five door wagon-like vehicle features jacked up wheel arches and a sloped roofline that tapers off to a rear hatch spoiler. On demand all wheel drive is expected to be one of the car’s options. Built on a Mitsubishi Lancer platform, the Caliber has been planned to go toe-to-toe with the VW Golf and Mazda 3. The Caliber is expected to debut in early 2006 as a 2007 model. - Famous Ford Flops
American automakers sometimes take the brunt of the criticism for producing models that are ugly, useless, or even downright dangerous. Ford has had its share of beasts through the years in addition to several winners including the current Mustang for which demand cannot be met. For the fun of it let’s take a look at some of the Ford models that have been derided down through the years.
Model T – What?! How can the car that introduced mass production make the list? Well, the car was fine, but Mr. Henry Ford’s statement, “…you can have any color you want as long as it is black” has been attributed with the rise of General Motors [who gave its customers a choice in colors] which eventually dethroned Ford as the top automaker in the world. No, the Model T was fine, but Mr. Ford’s marketing strategy was not. - Retro Vehicles: Is Volkswagen Next?
Retro styled vehicles are all the rage today and Volkswagen’s New Beetle was one of the first of many of these types of cars to show up on the market. Given VW’s long running popularity, other long since retired models are certainly worthy of being copied, don’t you agree? The Karmann Ghia, the Thing, and the Scirocco are a few that come to mind, however they aren’t the ones slated for a comeback. Yes, VW’s famous “Bus” or Microbus is scheduled to return, to the delight of aging hippies everywhere.
Okay, first a quick test. Can you name some of the recent retro vehicles to hit North American highways lately? Besides the Volkswagen’s New Beetle, here are a few: - Mercedes: Just How Low Should It Go?
Back during the 1980s when Mercedes introduced its first “baby” Mercedes, the car was received with mixed reviews. Motorists loved the car, now a “C” series model, as it made a Mercedes automobile affordable for the middle class. On the other hand, critics worried that the esteemed Mercedes-Benz name would suffer as a car touching the price level of many ordinary American models would soon become part of the line up. Today, even smaller Mercedes are planned for the US market. Will this be a huge mistake for the German automaker or is Mercedes incorporating smart thinking?
To the surprise of many Americans, the Mercedes brand isn’t as pompous or pretentious in Europe as it is in the U.S. Crafty Mercedes-Benz marketing over the years has presented an image of Mercedes as being an ultra-luxury automobile line, a truly superb benchmark from which all other cars are measured. In some respects this image is true, but in reality Mercedes goes well beyond such a narrow definition. - Is America Ready For A Tiny Bmw?
I wrote previously about Mercedes’ foray into the small car market. As strange as that may seem to many Americans, both Mercedes and BMW have long produced smaller and less costly models for the European market. Now, it appears that BMW is considering doing the same: introducing to the North American market a truly compact car, smaller than any BMW that has ever graced our highways and back streets. Is this a good move for the German automaker? Or, will it water down a prestigious brand name?
Part of any automaker’s marketing strategy is to convince you, the consumer, what their vehicle line is all about. Dodge would like you to believe that they sell sporty cars and rugged trucks; Scion touts their youth oriented vehicles; and both BMW and Mercedes, like Cadillac, sell luxury vehicles. Millions of dollars of advertising is spent per year to reinforce brand image which is supported by consumer surveys of that particular sentiment. - Automotive Resource Guide
Finding information about past, current, and future car offerings used to be a task that involved wading through countless glossy magazines, perusing bulky sales brochures, shifting through inky newspapers, and skimming through a host of other print material of varying sizes and depths. How many of us have subscribed to 2, 4, or even 5 or more publications just to get the latest information about our favorite cars? Today, thanks to the internet, there are a host of sites available to learn more about your classic and to take a look at concept cars. I will list some of my favorites here; I hope that you will enjoy scrutinizing them as much as I have.
The Detroit News – I doubt that there is a single newspaper in the USA that matches the depth and breadth of coverage that The Detroit News provides on a daily basis about the automobile industry. It certainly makes sense that they are the leader, given that the Detroit area has long been the bastion of American automotive might. Visit www.detnews.com for more information. - 3 Ultimate Japanese Automakers
Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the American automobile industry has changed, so has Japan’s. To this day, however, Japan still has the highest concentration of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let’s take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the North American market.
Toyota – As the largest of all Japanese automakers, Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the late 1970s, Toyota quality levels began to exceed the industry standard. Today, some consider Toyota the benchmark by which all car lines are judged; the company’s Lexus line of luxury vehicles and Scion brand of youth oriented vehicles are also leaders in their respective classes. - Maintaining Your Car Will Make It Last Longer
Regular maintenance of your vehicle will extend its life perhaps well beyond what you or others may think is its normal lifespan. Today’s cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles. Ask owners of high mileage cars how they got to that point and most will point to their own rigorous and disciplined maintenance schedules as being the chief factor. By carefully and diligently following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle’s life too. Let’s take a look at several important maintenance steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help you hold onto your vehicle longer.
Regular oil changes – The 30 minute oil change specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000 miles if your car is subject to hard driving. - 3 Exceptional European Automakers
When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.
For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes. - Why Not A Cold Air Intake?
Squeezing more power out of your engine is not as difficult or as expensive a task as you might think. Performance chips, performance exhausts, and sport air filters are all easy to install parts that can help your car achieve greater horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel economy. In addition, a cold air intake can go a long way toward helping your engine perform better without costing you a mint to install. Let’s examine why a cold air intake just might be the enhancement your car could use to achieve a greater level of performance.
So, just how does a cold air intake work? I am glad that you asked! A cold air intake is designed to decrease the temperature of the air entering your car to take full advantage of your engine’s power. Colder, denser air acts like “food” for your engine, giving it the extra amount of power that it needs to perform optimally. - Beware Of The Leaves!
It is fall and the trees are ablaze in all of their glory. Who isn’t in awe of this bountiful tapestry of red, gold, and orange leaves that adorn deciduous trees in neighborhoods, parks, and mountains from coast to coast? With an azure sky as a backdrop the colors are all the more magnified, your viewing pleasure increased. In the middle of all of this lurks a menace, one that can be both destructive and deadly. Please read on to discover the inherent dangers of the autumn season and what you must do to protect yourself and your property.
Anne Bridgeton was accustomed to taking her ’99 Camry on weekday excursions from her home in the Kentucky foothills to her job some thirty miles away. By traveling along narrow, twisting back roads and avoiding the interstate, Anne’s trip took an additional fifteen minutes each way but it was a small price to pay as one of the benefits included viewing a bucolic landscape replete with farms and forested areas, and pocketed by small stores. Somehow the sterile scenery of the interstate was more unnerving than calming, even unsettling at times. Besides, no tandem trailers took the Kentucky backgrounds unlike the interstate which was full of them. Staying out of their way was the chief reason Anne avoided the interstate. - Custom Car Covers For That Perfect Fit!
Bob Crowley and his wife, Teresa, were proud of their silver Honda Accord. Despite living in the city and parking their car right on the street, their ’98 Accord was nearly free of dings. The finish looked just as good as when they purchased the car. How could this be possible? With kids playing stick ball, tight parallel parking, air pollution, and pigeons that frequently splattered cars up and down the street, no car was immune from the regular insults of urban living. For the Crowley’s it was no mystery: a custom fitted car cover was placed over their Accord whenever it was parked to give it maximum protection. For an investment costing less than two hundred dollars you can protect your car too. Please read on to discover all the advantages of utilizing a high quality car cover.
Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a woman’s body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off. - Auto Vent Shields: Keep The Bugs Away
In days gone by, the thought of placing a bug shield on your car simply meant finding a tacky looking navy blue mesh net and draping it across the front of your car. Besides looking awful, these earlier shields were poorly fitting and bulky. Bugs still got through and little good came out of having one on your car. Fortunately, innovative manufacturers have changed all of that. Let’s examine the current crop of auto vent shields [bug shields] out there and see how one can protect your car.
Unlike bug shields of yesteryear, today’s shields have kept up with current technology; updated design changes have yielded a group of shields that custom fit your vehicle as well as looking attractive too. Unlike previous one-size-fits-all models, current shields curve with the contour of your vehicle’s hood for a precise fit. In addition, an auto vent shield can do the following: - Environmentally Sound Automotive Air Filters
When I explain to someone that there are several lines of vehicle air filters available that are environmentally sound I usually receive a quizzical look back from that person. For some motorists the idea of environmentally compatible automotive parts is a foreign concept to them. Yet, when you think about it many parts that come standard on just about any vehicle qualifies for that title. A catalytic converter is one part that everyone knows about, even if they don't understand exactly how one works. So, exactly what is an environmentally sound air filter? Let’s take a closer look for all the details.
As you probably know the air filter that comes with your car is made predominately of paper with plastic molding holding the filter together. If you change the air filter at recommended intervals – once a year is common – you can easily go through 3, 5, or even 10 or more air filters depending on how long you keep your car as well as how many miles you put on your car. All of these air filters end up in your trash and then go straight to the dump. The paper in the filter will probably disintegrate quickly, but the plastic sits in place perhaps for thousands of years. - Premium Exhaust Systems Rock
Stock exhaust systems are designed to adequately convert unsafe emissions into minimally harmful exhaust. Unfortunately, these particular types of systems are prone to corrosion. It is not unusual for owners to have to replace their muffler, a tail pipe, or even a catalytic converter at some point during the time that they own their vehicle. If automobile manufacturers would only fit their vehicles with premium exhaust systems this problem would cease to exist. Unfortunately, it is the “bottom line” that determines that decision. Let’s take a look at premium exhaust systems as they are definitely something you many want to consider the next time your exhaust system has to be replaced.
When it comes to premium exhausts systems, a Borla exhaust system is the benchmark by which all others are designed. The reason? Aircraft quality material, specifically T-304 stainless steel the same steel that goes into building all those lovely Boeing aircraft you see in our skies, is what a Borla exhaust is made of. - Hooray For Colder Air!
Don’t you just love the first burst of autumnal cold each year? After a long, hot summer a fall chill can certainly change your perspective. No longer are you concerned with trying to find ways to stay cool, instead your thoughts are now redirected toward changing leaves, pumpkin picking, apple harvesting, and gathering enough wood before the first deep winter chill settles in. Somehow the cool air makes your feel better…more invigorated and less lethargic. You aren’t the only person or object that likes colder, denser air. Yes, your car thrives on it but only if it could get enough of it. Let’s take a look at what makes any vehicle a true lover of cold air.
Your engine wants cold air and it wants it now! Say again?! Well, your engine can run on hot air, but it is the colder, denser air that helps your engine achieve maximum levels of horsepower and thrust. A special device, a cold air intake, is designed to help bring this needed “food” to your engine. - Oxygen Sensor Solutions
Virtually every car produced since the early 1980s contains a sensor that regulates oxygen flow to your engine. The oxygen sensor works by sending information to your vehicle’s engine management system to help your car fun efficiently as well as to reduce noxious emissions. When an oxygen sensor fails your vehicle will run less effectively and devour more fuel. Thus, when oxygen sensor failure has been determined the sensor must then be replaced, a costly proposition if you rely on a garage to do the work for you. However, replacing an oxygen sensor is a task that you can do yourself, thereby saving you precious time and money. Let’s take a closer look at just what an oxygen sensor does and the steps you can take to do the work yourself.
As a backgrounder, your oxygen sensor works like this: placed inside of your exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects the ratio of air and gasoline your engine is fed. If the mixture is too rich or too lean than the oxygen sensor adjusts the amount of fuel entering your engine accordingly. The wrong mix of gasoline and oxygen can increase pollutants that exit your vehicle – thereby harming the environment -- as well as potentially causing your catalytic converter to fail or even damage your engine. So, a properly working oxygen sensor is a must for any vehicle. - Gm Death Watch: It Ain’t Gonna Happen!
I have been enjoying reading the news these past few days, perhaps in a perverse sort of way. Pundits and prognosticators are all forecasting the pending doom of the world’s largest automaker as if the approaching layoffs and restructuring are signaling the venerable automaker’s end. Certainly, GM has some problems – big ones – but the company isn’t likely to go away or even file for bankruptcy. The news isn’t all that it seems to be on this subject either…GM will survive and likely thrive in the decades ahead.
Okay, I am not crazy. Could GM go away? Of course, as could any poorly managed company. Yes, executives are overpaid and so are union workers. There…I said it. GM has been taking it on the chin from Asian automakers for three decades now and their U.S. market share continues to dwindle. Still, it isn’t doomsday for the general. Far from it. Here are some things that I believe GM is attempting to do to as they restructure. - Tips On Selecting Your Custom Car Cover
If you take extended trips away from home, one of your concerns is the care and protection of your car while away. Unless it is garaged, it is subject to damaging rays from the sun, bug splatter, bird droppings, falling branches, nicks, scrapes, and more. Upon returning from your trip the damage is evident and not easily reversed. You can prevent problems in the first place by installing a custom fit car cover to protect your investment. Not all car covers are created equal, so here are some things you should consider before making your purchase.
Car covers are basically all the same, right? Absolutely not! There are car covers which are anything from what is essentially a loose fitting tarp to those like the BMW car cover which are custom designed for the particular make and model of the car. A loose fitting car cover can actually cause more problems than it can help as unwelcome moisture, debris, and harmful UV rays will still be able to get in. - 2007 Nissan Maxima: 300, Avalon Take Notice!
During the late 1990s, Nissan rolled out a new version of its Maxima to the critical acclaim of automobile experts as well as to consumers who snapped up the snazzy car in record numbers. Nissan carried the momentum forward until when the 2004 model was released; it was perceived by many as a step backward and sales dropped accordingly. Now, Nissan is poised to release a new Maxima and the company has the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon in its crosshairs!
Make no mistake about it: when consumers are disappointed with a particular model they will look elsewhere; not even brand loyalty can keep consumers in the fold. Nissan found this out painfully in 2003 as the first Maximas were released as 2004 models. Sales dropped as potential buyers complained about the cheap looking interior as well as the uninspiring exterior. - Ford V. Chevy: The Battle Rages On
As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GM’s and Ford’s misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eye…and just what would that be?
For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. That’s right, America’s love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford. - Toyota's Prius To Be Built In China
The Toyota Prius, a car built on hybrid gas-electric technology, will soon receive a major production boost. Toyota and an undisclosed Chinese based manufacturing company have sealed a deal where the two companies will be working together to produce the Prius for worldwide export. This bodes well for the American consumer who has to endure long waits for an all new Prius. More importantly, the move signals a sea change in the way Japanese cars are built and marketed. Ultimately, you may be the biggest winner; please read on for all the scintillating details!
If you wait nine months for a car, it means you must really want that model. This is exactly what future owners of the Prius have been doing as well as owners of other hybrid cars including some Honda models. No manufacturer has been able to keep up with the surging demand and, despite lower fuel prices, demand continues to increase. - Volkswagen, Daimlerchrysler Hook Up!
Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler are getting hitched. Well, sort of. The two predominately German automakers are not merging, but are in the process of exploring building products for one another. What is coming? Who gets what vehicle? What can all this mean? Read on and I will tell you.
It is official: Volkswagen has decided not to import its microbus “minivan” to the American market. Citing conversion costs and exchange rate differences, VW has elected instead to start selling its own version of Chrysler’s popular minivans in the US. Based on the Chrysler Voyager, the new VW minivan has yet to be named but it will be nothing more than a rebadged Voyager. The minivan will fill a glaring hole in the VW line up and keep current owners from departing the company in search of a larger people mover. - Beware Of Hurricane Damaged Vehicles!
Nearly a half million cars were destroyed by two of this past season’s biggest hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Some of these cars may not have received much apparent damage but they were totaled nevertheless because of water, mud, and debris which flooded engine bays and the interior. Damaged cars are supposed to make their way to the junkyard for scrap, unfortunately some unscrupulous parties are gaining a hold of the vehicle titles and turning around and selling damaged cars to the public. Should you be concerned? Absolutely! Read on to learn more about this problem and what you can do to avoid being stuck with a vehicle that is certain to be a lemon.
Let me just say this: it is not illegal for weekend mechanics to buy a salvaged vehicle, repair it, and sell it to you. What they must disclose to you is this: you are buying a salvaged vehicle. This is where most of the problems begin: the dishonest purveyors are not sharing this information. - Happy Honda Days, Eh?
I love this time of year! The seasonal music, the lights, manger scenes, and the silly ads on television. No, I am not talking about ads pitching products to put in your stocking or to set under your Christmas tree. Instead, what I like is all the car ads cleverly designed to get you to leave the mall and hit dealer showrooms. There is a lot more then meets the eye when a car ad makes its appearance during the holiday season. It isn’t all ho, ho, ho either! Read on and I will tell you what it is all about.
Happy Honda Days! Yes, playing on the “Happy Holidays” theme the group of five or six “carolers” singing Honda songs are doing what they can do to get you to buy a new Honda. So, why this pitch and why this time of year? For two reasons: consumers are buying Christmas presents, so purchasing a new car is nowhere near the top of anyone’s priorities, and Toyota. Toyota?! Yes, that is right. Toyota and Honda are once again battling for the top spot for the best selling car in America. Long ceded by American automakers who sell more trucks than cars, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are the two top selling cars. Guess what? December 31st marks the final day that cars sold can be tabulated as 2005 sales. Honda wants you in their showrooms and they want you to buy. Move over, Toyota! - Light Your World With Xenon Headlamps!
Lighting has certainly changed over the years...for cars, that is! No longer do drivers have to rely on halogen headlights as Xenon lighting is coming into vogue. Nor do owners have to go with stock tail lights, as European [or Altezza] lights are in fashion. Even fog lights have come a long way, baby! Let’s take a look at the newest kid on the block, Xenon headlamps, and how they can light up your world of driving.
If you could have a set of headlamps that produced twice the light of Halogen bulbs while expending only half the power, that would be a good thing, right? Yes it certainly would and that is the idea behind Xenon headlamps which are fast gaining acceptance as standard equipment on luxury vehicles from around the world as well as finding their way on certain popular, mass production vehicles too. - Taking Care Of Your Car’s Battery
Every car comes with one, but some motorists act as if this particular component is completely maintenance free. What am I talking about? Your car’s battery. Technological advances have made “maintenance free” batteries standard equipment on virtually every vehicle produced today. However, the term “maintenance free” is a misnomer, one that can leave you stranded if you do not perform proper and regular maintenance. Battery maintenance isn’t difficult to do, so let’s take a look at what you can do to keep your car running.
Before discussing battery maintenance, please make sure that your battery is, in fact, the sealed type. If it isn’t, then the “maintenance free” label certainly does not apply and you will need to add water on a regular basis. Unsealed batteries are easy to spot as they have small vent caps on top of the battery which can be twisted open. You will need to periodically add distilled water to maintain water levels; more so in the summer months as water tends to evaporate quicker. Do not let your battery run low or run out of water as the battery’s cells can be ruined. - BMW On Pace to Outsell Mercedes
It is a close race, one that likely will not result in deep price cutting to move models, but is certain nevertheless to be on the minds of executives employed by two automakers until the clock strikes midnight for the final time this year. What the race is all about is this: the perennial sales battle between two German automakers, BMW and Mercedes, with BMW expected to pass Mercedes in world sales totals for 2005. The ramifications are strong for each automaker and will set the tone for the way each company produces and markets vehicles from 2006 forward.
Mercedes finishing second to BMW is not a comfortable taste for DaimlerChrysler, parent of Mercedes and now owner of The Chrysler Group, maker of Jeeps, Dodges, and Chryslers. Only Volkswagen sells more cars than either make, but when it comes to a predominately luxury line up Mercedes and BMW battle alone amongst German makes with Audi a distant third. - Renault Eyes Purchasing Saab
With the misfortunes of America’s two largest automakers being trumpeted frequently on the news, it seems as if little attention is being paid to some of the other automakers out there. France’s Renault, once in poor shape itself, has rebounded nicely and is prospering with its relationship with Nissan, a company it has controlling interest in. Speculation is that Renault wants a greater piece of the luxury car market, even beyond Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti. Would General Motors consider selling Saab to Renault or would the French automaker be better off looking elsewhere? Let’s take a look at some options for Renault.
Make a bid for Saab. It is no secret that the Swedish automaker hasn’t been much of a hit for General Motors. Unlike the other Swedish automaker Volvo, itself owned by Ford, Saab has produced little benefit for GM since being brought into the fold in 1990. A clash in management styles hasn’t helped with GM’s line management style going up against Saab’s egalitarian style. Although not exactly a luxury line, Saab could be upgraded and give Renault renewed access to the American market and much needed cash for GM. - Audi Exhausts And Other Fine Parts
Long lurking in the shadow of two German luxury auto giants, Audi has quietly been gaining ground as sales of Mercedes vehicles continue to lag. Within the next few years, Audi is likely to surpass Mercedes and sneak up right behind BMW. These are heady days for Audi, but they aren’t too many years removed from the time when critics called the cars “warmed over” Volkwagens. Times are a changing and auto fans know it. Let’s take a look at some of the best selling accessories for the Audi lover’s car!
1. Custom Tail Lights. Altezza [or Euro] tail lights continue to remain popular with the aftermarket crowd. On older model Audis, including the 90 and 200, these parts look the best as newer models reflect the latest design standards. - You Can Improve Your Car’s Power!
I can hear it now from the Prius loving, gas sipping, and bike riding crowds: a more powerful car is environmentally irresponsible. Balderdash! Not that anyone should care what others think of them, but this thought pattern is totally incorrect. Thanks to advances in automotive technology, virtually every performance part on the market will yield greater fuel mileage for your car as well as give you more power. A true win-win result; let’s take a look at four powerful performance enhancing parts for your vehicle.
1. Power chips and programmers. Whether your replace your car’s computer chip or enhance it with a power programmer, in either case you will achieve noticeable gains in horsepower and thrust. By overriding the factory limitations imposed on your vehicle you can get more power for a small amount of money. - Teaching Student Drivers: 9 Tips To Keep Everyone Safe And Sane
I have had the experience of teaching several people how to drive. Some were youngsters, but I have also taught a few adults how to drive too. Let’s just say that I am more than glad to have “retired” from this practice as teaching someone how to drive can be taxing mentally as well as physically. Still, not everyone has the funds to go to driving school or an available friend to help out. So, if you are one of the “lucky” ones playing the role of instructor, here are some tips to help keep you sane and your student listening.
1. Set A Schedule. Keeping teens on a schedule can be nearly impossible as they juggle their busy lives with after school programs, work, homework, socializing, etc., but it is something that you must do. Find a time that works for the both of you and go out no more than one hour each time for your lessons. Oh, by the way, make sure your driver in training has his or her driver’s permit on them at all times. - Snow And Your Car
Welcome to Winter! Snow, ice, and cold can be especially challenging to the body and mind, as well as to important items in your life, including your car. Is your vehicle ready for winter? If not, there are some things you can do to help ensure that your car will start on cold mornings and survive even the nastiest winter weather.
Check under the hood. Make sure that your battery and all of its connections are clean and fastened; hoses and belts securely in place; your oil and oil filter changes up to date; your air filter clean; the radiator flushed and refilled; and your engine well tuned. One of the biggest contributors to a car not starting is the battery. If it is old and needs to be replaced, do it now before you take that long trip. - Easy Ways To Save On Car Expenses
For some drivers, their cars have become money pits. Higher fuel prices have been the monkey wrench that has spoiled many a motorists driving experience. No longer can any of us count on cheap fuel, high gasoline prices are here to stay. However, you can save money on your overall car expenses and restore your driving pleasure quickly. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:
Regular Gas v. Premium Gas -- Very few vehicles built today require premium gasoline. Thanks to knock sensors, which adjust the mixture of air and fuel to your engine, many cars can run on “87” octane fuel v. “91” octane fuel. By selecting the cheaper priced grade of fuel, you can save a nice amount of money over one year’s time. - You Can Replace Your Car's Egr Valve
Located smack dab on your car’s intake manifold, an EGR [Exhaust Gas Recirculation] valve functions by sending exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber as “exhausted air” is much hotter than intake air. By bringing warmer gas into the combustion chamber, your engine operates much more cleanly and efficiently.
Like any part, your Ford EGR valve or Toyota EGR valve is subject to getting clogged with dirt or crud. A clogged unit may cause your car to stall, hesitate, or idle roughly. Sometimes, simply cleaning the EGR valve with a product like STP carburetor cleaner will resolve the problem. Still, if you take your car in for its MV inspection and the diagnostic tests shows that your EGR valve is not working, you will fail inspection and be forced to swap out the device before bringing your car back in for a follow up inspection. What a hassle, but something you just don’t want to forget about. - Heater Core Problems: Cold Snap Solutions
Doesn’t it figure, that the very first time you have a problem with your car’s heater core is when you need it the most: in the middle of a horrible cold snap. Frost on the outside and frost on the inside -- giving new meaning to air conditioned discomfort. Cranking up the heat means billows of cold air filling your car’s cabin instead of the soothing and relaxing heat you should be feeling…ugh! Sounds like a job for your mechanic, but it may be something you can repair yourself. Please read on for more information.
Playing with the heat settings does no good and a check of the coolant, hoses, and connections reveals that everything is okay. So, what is the problem? More than likely your Ford heater core has died. You jump in your car and head directly over to your Ford dealer to get a price on a new heater core. Within moments you are gasping for air as the man behind the counter looks over his computerized inventory and quotes an outrageously high price for a new heater core. For a moment you don’t know whether to whack the guy over the head or start driving around with a portable heater you plug into your car’s cigarette lighter. Quickly you dismiss either option and decide to take matters into your own hands. - Buick’s Fabulous Five
The Buick Motor Division of the General Motors Corporation is in transition, much like the rest of the venerable auto company. Old models have been canceled, new models added, and the current line up is radically different from just three years earlier. Now down to five models, the remaining vehicles in the Buick line up are all winners. Let’s take a look at each model and what they have to offer to you, the consumer.
Lucerne – Buick’s Roadmaster and LeSabre are both gone, but the full size Lucerne have taken their place. Featuring V8 power and luxurious appointments such as heated and cooled seats, liquid heated windshield fluid, and leather appointments, the big Lucerne is based on the Cadillac DTS, but the car sells for more than $10,000 less than its up market Caddy cousin. - Power Steering Pump Failure…or Is It The Steering Rack?
Has your car’s power steering suddenly quit working? If so, it could be that your power steering pump has failed. The unit itself may be shot or it could be a loss of steering fluid through a bad hose that is causing the problem. Regardless, you better tend to the problem now or you will soon be struggling with steering a car that seems to be working against you, not with you.
Before pump failure becomes obvious, you will usually hear buzzing or whining noises coming from underneath the hood. On the other hand, if you notice a gradual loss of power as evidenced by an increasingly difficult time moving the steering wheel [as when attempting to parallel park] or if you notice the problem when you first start up your car in the morning, then your steering rack may be going. - Diesel Engines: Tap The Advantage!
If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let’s take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.
Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel’s 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline. - You Can Install A "green" Air Filter!
All right now, no laughing. Probably the easiest part to swap out in a car is the air filter. A quick pop of the hood and the loosening of a couple of clamps or a wing nut and you simply reach in and pull out the old air filter. Next, open the box up containing your new air filter, pop it into place, secure everything and you are done. Five, maybe ten minutes to accomplish the easiest job going. So, why doesn't everyone change their own air filter? More importantly, why don't more people opt for environmentally friendly air filters, commonly known as "green" air filters? You can install a green air filter yourself and do much more than keep the air clean in the process.
So, what is a "green" air filter? A green air filter is an environmentally friendly air filter. No, they aren't usually green as the color green is what signifies that the product works in harmony with nature. Now go hug a tree. - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider: A Rebadged Delight!
If you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered in the middle of its beefy looking grille. However, as you let your eyes run the full length of the truck’s body and take a look at its styling cues, you would see something different, yet very familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have been reversed and Mitsubishi’s pick up truck is now a Dodge instead of the other way around. Beyond the obvious similarities there are some differences between the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its own.
Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed small cars and trucks to fill out its limited line up, the company tapped its business relationship with Mitsubishi to supply what it needed. Included in the mix was a small pick up truck, most recently the D50. When Chrysler developed the midsized Dakota during the late 1980s, the need for the small Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no more. - 2007 Nissan Versa: Gen "y", Take Notice
Automakers are clamoring to build and market cars to the Generation “Y” crowd which, loosely defined, and encompasses new drivers and mostly everyone who is under 30. Toyota threw the gauntlet down in 2003 when they introduced a line of cars under the Scion brand. Now, Nissan is responding and the Versa – to be released during the summer of 2006 – is their answer. Will the Versa compete successfully or be lost in a sea of Gen “Y” vehicles soon to flood the market? All of that is too early to determine, so let’s take a look at the Versa and what the car has to offer to motorists.
A visit to Nissan’s website reveals much about the Versa. Unlike a certain Scion vehicle that takes its styling cues from a toaster, the Versa is aerodynamic and reminds me of the Toyota Matrix. Available as a four door sedan or five door hatchback, the Versa is expected to retail for around $12,000, the same price range as Scion vehicles. Like Scion, the Versa will be fairly well equipped to give motorists a value packed experience without having to add on several thousands more to the base sticker price in order to achieve a satisfactory and comfortable driving experience. - 2010 Dodge Challenger: Back To The Future!
Blogs, car sites, and auto shows have been hyping up the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where you would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of a DCX assembly line. To say that the prototype is being well received is an understatement -- quite frankly if the Challenger was available for sale today the waiting list would be many months long. Such is the demand for a retro car that takes its styling cues right from the ’71 Challenger.
As it currently stands, the car will be built as DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than three years from being manufactured as it is likely to be released some time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the wait will be hard for many, but if the hype equals the performance, then the wait will certainly be worth your while. - Awesome Automotive Accessories!
When you purchase a vehicle chances are you want to outfit it the way you want it to look, no matter how many options or accessories may have come with it. There is just something about a car that begs for a personal touch beyond what a factory, dealership, or previous owner can give to you. Companies specializing in automotive accessories know this and have you in mind when it comes to designing and developing products they think that you will like. Let’s take a look at some proven products that have been popularized by the accessories crowd.
Car Covers -- More and more car owners are opting to purchase a car cover to protect their investment. Even owners who regularly garage their vehicles know that investing in a car cover can go along way toward protecting a vehicle’s finish beyond what a top notch wax can do. Dust, dirt, debris, and falling objects can harm a garaged vehicle while bird poop, rain, snow, ice, pollution, tree sap, and the sun can mar the finish of a car left outside. One company, Covercraft, has designed over 600 car covers ranging from one layer basic covers to four layered covers offering top protection and fitted with side mirror pockets. - 4 Reasons Why You Need A Tonneau Cover
Installing a quality tonneau cover on your pick up truck is a great idea that can only enhance your truck’s look and value. You can shell out a little bit of money and get a cover that looks no better than a tarp or you can pay a lot of money and get a tonneau cover that really makes a statement. In the middle area -- where most consumers shop -- you can find more than a few sensibly priced designs that are sturdy, long lasting, and eye-catching. Some covers look cut-rate -- and they are, while others look costly -- but they really are not. For the most part you will pay less for a soft-top tonneau cover than for a hard-top cover, therefore it becomes a matter of personal taste as to which cover you select.
Simple to maintain The way you wash your truck is the way you will clean your tonneau cover: just be careful not to use a car tire or dashboard cleaning agent on it. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how best to maintain your cover. Most any auto supply retailer should stock products expressly developed for maintaining a tonneau cover. - 4 Reasons Why You Need A Tonneau Cover
Installing a quality tonneau cover on your pick up truck is a great idea that can only enhance your truck’s look and value. You can shell out a little bit of money and get a cover that looks no better than a tarp or you can pay a lot of money and get a tonneau cover that really makes a statement. In the middle area -- where most consumers shop -- you can find more than a few sensibly priced designs that are sturdy, long lasting, and eye-catching. Some covers look cut-rate -- and they are, while others look costly -- but they really are not. For the most part you will pay less for a soft-top tonneau cover than for a hard-top cover, therefore it becomes a matter of personal taste as to which cover you select.
Simple to maintain The way you wash your truck is the way you will clean your tonneau cover: just be careful not to use a car tire or dashboard cleaning agent on it. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how best to maintain your cover. Most any auto supply retailer should stock products expressly developed for maintaining a tonneau cover. - Gm: Solutions For Effective Change
I, like so many people who have been following General Motors’ fortunes for some time, am wondering what the company’s long term plan of action is in the face of historic losses, plant closings, and unrelenting and widening competition. No, I am not talking about GM’s global operations, rather I am talking about the North American fortunes of the world’s largest automaker. Quite frankly, the North American market is currently unprofitable for the company while GM holds its own, even thrives, in many markets beyond our borders. The following are some suggestions to help “The General” not only get back on its feet again, but to halt the bleeding in North America.
File For Bankruptcy -- It is time to play hardball with recalcitrant unions and government authorities who don’t understand that GM is playing on an uneven field. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai all build cars in the U.S. None of them are saddled by huge legacy costs, i.e. health and pension benefits, local tax burdens, etc. Yes, GM negotiated their contracts in good faith, however the market has changed tremendously over the past several decades and is wholly unfavorable to the way GM has been doing business since then. In addition, GM often operates at a disadvantage in foreign markets as local laws limit their ability to effectively sell their vehicles. - 500 Auto Accessories!
The auto accessories market is experiencing explosive growth thanks to the ever increasing number of new vehicle models being marketed all across North America. For more than fifty years consumers have been the chief benefactors of this unrelenting growth and the selection for you has never been better. Let’s take a look at some of the many automobile accessories available to auto enthusiasts like you and how you can get your hands on what you want!
By definition, automobile accessories are those items [including parts] that do not come with your vehicle. Yes, in some cases you can purchase a fully accessorized vehicle, but for the sake of clarity I am defining auto accessories as aftermarket purchases only. - Discount Auto Parts: 4 Ways To Save!
If you are in the market to purchase replacement or performance automobile parts, you have several options before you in order to get what you want. Thanks to the internet, you can research your options and narrow down what you need right online. In fact, in many cases, you can order what you need right from the ease of your desktop. Still, some sources are better than others and you really need to know what you are buying before purchasing parts from anyone.
The following are four options for finding parts: - You Can Select A Quality Car Cover
Maybe the thought of owning a car cover sounds a bit ridiculous to you. After all, you typically keep your car garaged, right? Besides, who wants to have an ugly tarp draped over a car anyway? Not you! Car covers serve a purpose even for the person who keeps their vehicle sheltered most of the time. Let’s examine the benefits of owning a car cover and how you can go about selecting one that is right for your car.
Keeps the bird poop at bay If you leave your car outside, there is a nemesis that takes aim at your car...birds! Yes, birds are all right, but their excrement is not. If you don’t wash it off right away, your car’s finish can be damaged. Some bird poop is so damaging that even a buff and wax job won’t completely restore the finish. A car cover will catch the poop before it does permanent damage. - Floor Mats And Liners For Your Vehicle
Your Ford F Series, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram, or GMC 1500 pick up truck gets the job done when it comes to moving people and your stuff. Likely, your truck’s cargo bed is utilized frequently as you use it to transport wood, gravel, household items, or even food items. To protect your cargo bed and the truck’s interior from mistreatment, custom made liners and floor mats offer extraordinary protection for your vehicle that no stock product can possibly equal. Let's examine some important features that custom made liners and floor mats have to offer.
Custom made liners offer the best protection for your pick up truck or SUV because they feature the following characteristics: - You Can Save Money On Car Expenses
Gas prices remain at historically high levels and the long term trend is indicating that they will stay high. If you own one or more cars, you understand that saving cash somewhere, somehow is important to helping you preserve your budget. The following are some important tips to help you manage your car expenses.
Look over your insurance. If your car is between two and three thousand dollars, consider canceling your collision coverage. The money you save could then be set aside by you toward a down payment on your next vehicle. - Flex Fuel Vehicles: More Choices
Owning a flex fuel vehicle gives motorists options beyond high gas prices at the pump. Depending on the fuel’s availability and local taxes, you could save as much as one third at the pump by fueling up your car with E85, the ethanol/gasoline blend popular with flex fuel vehicles. As additional service stations add flex fuel to their available fuel options, more drivers will consider this alternate fuel source to save money and to help the environment. However, before you make the switch, your vehicle must be designed to run on E85 in the first place. Fortunately, select auto manufacturers are jumping in by offering vehicles that can operate with either E85 or straight gasoline. Let’s take a look at the current offerings available to American consumers.
Surprisingly, not many of the vehicles from Japanese automakers have flex fuel capabilities. Toyota and Honda are concentrating on hybrid technology while also exploring hydrogen power. The American automakers have taken the lead in this all important endeavor and the following vehicles from General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler all have FFV models available for consumers: - Cargo Liner Essentials And Information
The proliferation of available pick up trucks on the market has yielded quite a few useful aftermarket accessories to enhance the ownership experience. Trucks from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are all being marketed to businesses as well as to individuals who prize the versality of these types of vehicles. If you own a pick up truck, more than likely you extensively use the cargo bed as you transport wood, gravel, home supplies, or other heavy duty items. To protect your cargo bed from damage, quality custom made cargo liners offer ample protection for your vehicle that no off the shelf product can possibly equal. Let's take a look at some key features that make custom made liners a smart buy.
Liners from Husky are among the select brands on the market offering premium protection for your SUV or truck as they made to exacting specifications to produce the following importaint characteristics: - Install A Cold Air Intake For Better Performance
A simple way for any car buff to get more power out of his or her ride is to install a cold air intake system. A cold air intake is designed to reduce the temperature of air entering a vehicle to maximize the engine’s power. The net result is a vehicle that performs better, saves on fuel, and produces a nifty intake tone. Additionally, a cold air intake will improve the look of a vehicle's engine bay. Fortunately, installing a cold air intake system is not a difficult job: you can do it yourself. Let's take a look at the advantages of installing a cold air intake.
More Power – Denser, colder air acts like “food” for your engine. The lower the temperature of the air entering your engine, the more efficient it runs. If an engine could speak it would say, “feed me cold air.” By installing a cold air intake you give your engine what it really wants. The result is more horsepower and torque as your engine taps into power that would have otherwise have gone to waste. - Insuring Your Cadillac For Less Money
Just because you own one of America’s premier luxury makes doesn’t mean you must pay a mint for car insurance. True, Cadillacs are not cheap cars but you shouldn’t have to pay a premium for your Cadillac car insurance. Are you in the market for better insurance coverage for your Cadillac? Do you want information that could save you hundreds of dollars per year on your Cadillac car insurance? If you answered yes to either question then please read on as I have important information that can result in big savings for you.
Over the past decade, the Cadillac line up has been overhauled to compete much more effectively against foreign luxury brands. No longer simply Lincoln’s chief competitor, Cadillacs are routinely mentioned in the same breath as Mercedes, Lexus, and BMW when comparing global luxury brands. Like the foreign brands, insuring a Cadillac can be an expensive proposition. However, just because you can afford a Cadillac doesn’t mean you want or should have to pay the highest Cadillac car insurance rates going. With a little research, you can come across sizable Cadillac car insurance savings. - Bmw's Hydrogen Fuel Quest
German automaker BMW is on a quest, one that may likely make them the first automaker in the world to produce a fleet of vehicles capable of running on hydrogen fuel. That’s right, BMW is leading the way and if all goes as promised the first hydrogen cell powered production BMW will hit the streets in 2008.
Back around 2000, General Motors announced that they would work toward building a fleet of vehicles that could run on hydrogen power. When that announcement was made few thought that hydrogen technology could be successfully tapped and used in a car. However, if it was to come about, most people thought that it would take at least 20 years to come to pass. - Save On Gas Sensibly And Sanely
If some people had their way, you’d be driving a small hybrid powered vehicle with no choice of other types of cars to own. While a gas-electric hybrid is fine for some folks, the majority of American drivers want the power and responsive of a trusty internal combustion engine and are not interested in being told which kind of car they must drive. Yet, saving on gas is a universal concern one that nearly every driver considers each time he or she stands at the gas pump. I doubt that there are many folks who give no thought to paying $3 per gallon for gasoline and fill ups costing $40, $60, even $80 or more are no fun. While you can’t control OPEC, you can squeeze more mileage out of your current vehicle thereby reducing your pain at the pump. Read on and we’ll explore several sensible and sane fuel saving options that can help you today:
Easy on the Brakes. If you slam on the brakes, chances are you also press the pedal to the medal. Jackrabbit starts will get you there, but you’ll also gobble up more gasoline than you can imagine. Ease up on the gas pedal and you could see your fuel economy jump by 3 to 5%. - Federated Prepares to Absorb May Department Stores
The American retailing industry is witnessing the absorption of The May Department Stores Company ["May"] into the Federated Department Store group of companies. Pending federal approval, Federated will sell off as many as 68 May stores after the upcoming holiday season is complete. How this plan will affect shoppers is only beginning to now be realized.
When Federated announced their interest in acquiring May earlier this year, not too many people were surprised. Yes, the size of the acquisition is huge and some wondered aloud how Federated would fit May into the fold, especially with a huge overlap of store brands and locations. Still, Federated was looking at the merger as an opportunity to expand their venerable Macy's name to areas of the country not served by the chain. - Fed Hikes Interest Rates Again
On November 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Bank [Fed] raised interest rates one quarter of a percentage point. Since Summer 2004, outgoing Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has been raising interest rates on a regular basis since hitting its low point of just 1%. Now at 4%, Greenspan is expected to raise rates two more times before exiting office in January 2006. Will the higher rates stave off inflation? Will the new Chairman continue Greenspan’s incremental adjustments upward or will he let rates level off? Speculation is rampant but there is one thing you can know for sure: you will pay more for many of life’s expenses.
A rate hike by the Fed means that you will likely pay more for something including: - Hurricane Recovery: Financial Institutions Step It Up
We have all heard the stories of financial institutions exploiting consumers with shady practices such as exorbitant interest rates, hidden fees, and the like. These accounts anger us and, rightfully, those that practice these deeds should be exposed. Fortunately, not all reports are bad as evidenced in the way many companies are treating their customers in light of recent disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Let’s take a look at how some companies are responding in the wake of disaster.
1. Disaster Relief Programs. If you live in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] and own property, you may be eligible for relief depending on your financial institution and the program they have in place. One well known bank, for example, is automatically deferring mortgage and home equity loans for as long as ninety days, or three payments. In addition, this same bank is not assessing late charges for that timeframe, nor are they reporting negative information to affected consumers credit reports. - Identity Theft: Don't Become A Victim!
Moments after stepping out of the taxi, Rachel plunged through the entranceway of the hotel lobby eager to put behind what had been a terribly exhausting day. Flight delays due to weather had caused her LAX-MDW-BWI trip to take nearly eleven hours to complete. All she could think of was taking off her shoes to relieve her aching feet and dipping them into soothing, warm bath water.
The line at the front desk was mercifully short. One clerk caught Rachel's attention and signaled her forward — she gave him her reservation information and then dug out her American Express card for payment. As he stepped away to verify its authenticity Rachel's eyes surveyed the lobby. "They've updated everything since I was last here", she thought. Her concentration, clouded by fatigue, was now on the mission style tables, chairs, and light fixtures, which had replaced the heavy, wooden furniture previously occupying the lobby. "Here is your card and room key, ma'am," the clerk interrupted minutes later. Quickly, Rachel stuffed her card back into her wallet, gathered her bags and whisked away to her room. - Future Shock: Voice Recognition Identification Technology
Dateline: Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Location: Teterboro, New Jersey - New Year’s Writing Resolutions: Steps To Success!
Don’t you just love it when people make resolutions for the new year? How many people that you know give up on a resolution once they break it? Really, whoever said that if you fail [or fall] once that you must quit altogether? Well, the good news for article writers is that the measure of your success is not weighed by one article or even by article writing itself. It is an “attitude” that you must present, one that you need to have on December 31st as well as on January 1st. Here are some tips toward helping you in the upcoming year:
1. Write Frequently. I won’t suggest what “write frequently” should mean to you, but what it should mean is that you come up with a set output that works for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained means this: you haven’t challenged yourself to bigger and better things. Think about this: whatever “x” number of articles you write during the coming year will be added to the total that you have written so far. If you want free exposure for your site, then article writing is the best way to go. - Trends V. Fads
Writing for online publishing can be a tricky undertaking especially considering that what may be popular today may not be so in a month or two, thereby making what you wrote irrelevant.
To overcome the possibility of your words falling to the ground instead of being received by your customers’ eyes you need to determine if the subject matter is a trend or a fad. - Not A Term Paper Mill!
I have seen jobs posted for help with term papers. What I mean by "help" is a little more than editing a student's term paper. Specifically, there are college students who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to have someone else write a paper for them. This practice is nothing new, but it is much more prevalent than many folks realize.
Truthfully, I could probably make a good sum of money writing term papers for the rich kids out there. In college, I usually garnered an "A" or "A-" on my papers. Yes, I did quite well and that was due to my paying attention to what the professor wanted written and being thorough with my research. Once my research was completed, I worked very hard to produce a "jam up" paper. It was exhausting work, but personally rewarding! - Hemorrhoids: A Real Pain In The Butt!
Being afflicted by hemorrhoids is no laughing matter. The pain and itching associated with the condition can be embarrassing as well as distracting. There are a variety of solutions to help you overcome hemorrhoids and we'll discuss some of your options here.
Exactly what are hemorrhoids? In short, hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the lower rectum or anus are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be found internally within the anus or externally around the anus. - Spill Control: Preventing Exposure To Contaminants
In today's work environment, professionals who come in contact with blood and fluid waste products run the risk of exposure to potentially infectious hazards. In my particular industry, aviation, the chance of someone coming into contact with an unknown substance can be great, particularly for in-flight crew. There are a variety of products on the market that can help prevent or limit your exposure including the two featured herein.
One product to consider to help promote a safe clean up is SAFETEC’S Red-Z. Red-Z works by simply sprinkling the encapsulator on spilled blood, urine, vomit or other potentially hazardous waste and the fluid is encapsulated in seconds. Just scoop-up the granulated gel and dispose in accordance with facility policy. - Lasik - Is It Right For You?
What is LASIK and, is right for you? Let's take a look at this very popular method of eye surgery which is allowing hundreds of thousands of Americans to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses for good.
LASIK stands for Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a common type of refractive eye surgery. In short, LASIK changes the way your eye refracts light. As light rays enter your eye, your cornea refracts -- bends back -- the rays to focus them on your retina, which is the back part of the eye. - West Nile Virus Remains A Persistent Threat
West Nile Virus, the disease transported by infected mosquitos, continues to remain a threat to the American populace. Already this year, California has recorded over 200 cases resulting in the deaths of five of her residents. With August and September being peak months for this ailment, people across the country are being encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect themselves. Please read on for four helpful tips.
1. Destroy Potential Breeding Sites. Standing water is an invitation for mosquitoes to “set up home” in your yard. If you have a birdbath, bucket, or any other container in your yard make sure that it is free of water, otherwise it becomes a welcome mat for mosquitoes to hatch their larvae. You don’t want to get rid of your birdbath? Install a device to keep the water moving [such as a fountain] and the mosquitoes will not set up home. - Persistent Heartburn: Get Relief Now!
If you regularly suffer from heartburn, you know that there is not much worse in life than the pain of an acute attack. Perhaps you have paid your druggist a visit in search of help or you have seen your doctor, yet you still suffer intermittent attacks. What more can you do to get relief? Overhaul your diet! You may not need to make extreme changes in what you eat, but you must be attentive to which types of foods can trigger an attack. The following list underscores which foods may trigger an attack:
Beverages: Beer, colas, and nonalcoholic wines are some causes of heartburn. - It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
All through the town the winds howled and the rains came down in torrents as the storm pushed through the tiny village with unrelenting and unrestrained fury. Moments earlier, what had been an eerie calm, gave way to a sudden deluge and a rapid pick up in wind intensity as the eye of the hurricane left and was quickly replaced by the ferocious back side of the Category 4 killer. Electricity had been lost hours earlier as transformer after transformer exploded and gave way to utter darkness.
Sergeant Robert Simmons laid in wait with members of his team ready to exit the police station as soon as the winds dropped below hurricane force. When the eye passed over, Simmons and his team left the station long enough to see that the driveway was blocked by a massive oak that had fallen during the height of the storm. Special equipment would need to be brought in to remove the tree and any calls for help would likely have to be handled on foot as long as dangerous downed wires did not get in the way. - Chery Automobiles: China’s Auto War Begins
China is laying plans at this very moment to begin shipment of passenger vehicles to the North American market by mid 2007. Chinese automobile manufacturer, Chery, yes read that again…the company sounds strangely like Chevy, is looking at bringing not just one, but a whole fleet of low cost production vehicles to our shores. Proposed prices will astound you and could potentially bring the U.S. auto market to its knees. Don’t think for even one moment that Japanese and Korean automakers will be immune from this flood of low cost cars. Chery vehicles have been designed – some say stolen – from current Asian models and will compete directly against the likes of Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai. China’s long awaited war with the US – at one time expected to begin with a Red Army attack on Taiwan -- may be fought on an economic front instead.
Chery, a state-owned car producer formed in China’s eastern Anhui Province, is currently building a number of cars in China including the QQ – a compact car strangely similar to the Daewoo Spark [GM’ Korean division], as well as several sedans and a compact SUV. Indeed, recent charges made by Toyota, GM, and Honda have all alleged that Chery mimicked or outright stole designs from at least one of each automaker’s vehicles including the Honda CR-V. For the record, the Toyota case was rejected, Honda is still attempting to work out a solution with their case, and GM recently dropped its suit after the Chinese automaker agreed not to sell their cars in the US under the Chery name which GM has stated is too close to the Chevy name. Chinese courts have also ruled that the Daewoo Spark design was not registered in China, so GM dropped its suit. - A Non-Routine Day
As Miriam rushed through the hangar door and whisked herself over to the operations desk she requested from the equally busy coordinator the flight itinerary/report for her trip that afternoon. She glanced at the paperwork and paused to reflect on what was ahead of her for the day and then indulged herself to look back on the events of the day earlier.
Less than three hours before, Miriam was fast asleep – the previous day was a busy one as she finished painting the bathroom and the bedroom closet of her new home and was just days from making her move from her present crowded apartment to the homey little cape that she had just bought. Jarred awake by the ringing telephone, Miriam glanced and saw that the clock read 8:11. “Good grief! Who could this be?,” she thought. It was Jack from Flight Operations who was calling to explain to her that a trip had popped up for later that afternoon (TEB-MDW-BUR-TEB) and he wanted her to fill in. Having just been permanently reassigned to the company’s Gulfstream fleet of aircraft, she did not want to pass the opportunity by. Yes, she had some hard days off, but she was also moving into a new home and the cash would certainly help. Besides, it was only an overnighter and she would be home late the following evening. Two days later the movers would be coming by and she still had plenty of time to finish packing. - Windex and Food: Imperfect Together!
As tempting as it may be to use, Windex or any similar type product can be a hazard to use in the vicinity of food products, particularly cutting boards. If you do not have the proper sanitizer available, a certain “secret” common household item will suffice. Please read on to find out how you can keep your guests safe!
Our web community for business flight attendants can be frequently found discussing proper food handling and food safety tips. One lively discussion a few years back surrounded the proper way of cleaning a cutting board. Might I add that the food preparing area of the typical business jet galley is about the size of a two-by-four? Thus, food can easily get into contact with the wrong products if extra care is not taken. - The Rise Of The Dollar Stores
Sheryl Huenster is a self proclaimed dollar store junkie. The Clifton mother of four makes the trek to various fixed price stores within a ten mile radius of her white clapboard home two or three times per week.
“I’m an addict. I admit it. I can’t go more than a week without visiting the stores, unless I’m on vacation. You better believe that when I go to the Jersey Shore I know where the all the stores are in the Toms River area,” she laughed. - Back To School: Bus Safety Tips
Beginning in early August and all the way through much of September, schools throughout the country begin welcoming students back from their summer hiatus. Whether you are a parent, child, school administrator, driver, or a concerned citizen, the following tips will help keep our nation's students safe.
1. Bus Stop. Your child's bus stop should be in an area that is well lit, easily accessible, and away from traffic. If it is not, contact school administrators to have the stop moved. In some situations you may need to contact the school board instead. If you live in an area where there is heavy snowfall, make sure that the stop is sufficiently free of snow, ice, and related debris. - Back To School: Shopping Tips
Back to School sales seem to start almost as soon as your kids leave school for the summer. For parents, these sales are one of the best ways to save money and save big. Let's take a look at some the ways for you to realize savings as you prepare to send your children off to school.
1. Sales. Yes, Back to School sales are still real bargains for parents. The national retail chains such as, WalMart, Target, Sears, JC Penney, and KMart all run sales, as well as do the "pharmacy" chains including: CVS, Walgreens, and Eckerds. The former group of stores are great places to shop for clothing and bookbags while the latter group will feature cut rate school supplies.
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