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Sunday, November 25. 2007Driving Tips - Driving in the City
category : Automotive
Driving, especially in the city, during rush hour, or driving to a place that is unfamiliar can by a trying task. There are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to have a more pleasant driving experience. First of all, when driving in the city, make sure that you leave at a time that would be the least busy throughout the day. During rush hour, bring a book or along to listen to or to read or pick up a hobby that you can work on in the car to pass the time. When driving to a place that is unfamiliar, get the directions or locate the final destination ahead of time. Driving in the city, especially for someone that has not grown up in one can be a scary and frustrating experience, if you are not aware of when you need to leave to get to where you are going comfortably on time. One tip in driving in the city is to leave much earlier than you normally would to get to your destination prior to morning rush hour traffic. The same applies to the evening. Wait long enough that you will just miss the rush hour in the evening. Listen to the radio to find out where there are traffic jams and accidents, so you will be aware of what is going on around you and so that you may avoid those areas. For some people, they may wish they could avoid driving in the city all together, especially during rush hour. During this time, if you unable to leave early or late to miss the busiest time for traffic, bring a book to read, a best selling novel, the Bible, something to pass the time. Another way you may make your driving experience more pleasurable and fruitful is by taking up a hobby like cross stitching or drawing to pass the time. What a way to find that hidden talent and niche that you have been searching for all these years! The best driving tip would be to know where you are going! If you are going to an unfamiliar place, make sure that you have a map, a companion, or some sort of system in your car that will direct you to the proper destination. If not, if it is possible, go the night before to an unfamiliar destination nearby to make sure you know exactly where to go the following day. If all else fails, go to a web site, such as mapquest.com in order to know every turn you are to make along the way. With these driving tips, your driving experience is sure to be a much more pleasurable one. Avoiding the trouble areas, bringing something to do and knowing where you are going are just a few of the many ways you can make driving more than just a way to get somewhere. Make your next trip an exiting, stress-free adventure by keeping these tips in mind and don't forget to fuel up! Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Driving Tips By : Michael Russell Sunday, November 25. 2007Saturday, November 24. 2007Accidents? What Do You Do?
category : Automotive
Accidents could happen anytime. In fact, even if you are the careful driver or even if you are the reckless driver, you could actually meet accidents on the road. Sometimes, it even happens right on your street just as you are pulling away from your garage. What do you do when you get involved and be part of a traffic accident? According to the Consumer Protection Association of America, they are continually developing a list of suggestions to help drivers anticipate what they actually need to know when they have to deal with a traffic accident. This organization is also continuously increasing public awareness on traffic safety. The president of the association, Dr. Ray Bruce, state, ?These tips (on dealing with accidents) can make a big difference in everything from protecting yourself and your passengers to ensuring that you won?t be without a car while yours is in the shop.? Always have an emergency kit in your glove compartment. This should include a cellular phone, a pen, a paper, and a disposable camera. These would be to take important information about the scene. There should also be a card carrying information about your medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention. In the trunk, there should also be cones, warning triangles and emergency flares. If you are involved in minor accidents and there are no serious injuries, move your cars to the side. Do not stay on the road and bother oncoming traffic. If you do such a thing, chances are that there might be more traffic accidents headed your way because of your vehicles obstructing the road. On the other hand, if the car cannot be moved, make sure that you warn other motorists by setting out your hazard lights, cones, flares, or warning triangles. Exchange information with the other parties involved. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, drivers license numbers, and license plate numbers. Also, take down the description of each car, the year, make, model, and color. The location of the collision and how it happened should also be recorded. If your vehicle needs some replacement parts, you can actually get them for low prices at Auto Parts Online which specializes in Jeep parts although there are other vehicle parts available as well. ------- Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. By : Jenny McLane Saturday, November 24. 2007A Few Driving Tips
category : Automotive
Do not make eye contact with the following: Anyone you have just 'cut up'. Anyone you have just overtaken. Anyone who has just resentfully pulled over so's you can pass. Anyone. you should have your eyes on the road, silly. Beware of older drivers. They are generally a menace. Particularly older men and older women. Older drivers of any other category are also trouble. Watch out for the heroes and knights of the road. These are people who stop to let other drivers out of driveways and side roads. They violate all the rules whilst thinking they are doing a favour. They aren't doing any favours, they are just breaking the flow and doing what everyone isn't expecting. If you want to be a hero, go to war and save some babies. Don't be a knight in shining armor when I'm behind you. There's a certain flow to traffic life, and everyone knows what to expect. When drivers break the flow and start letting others out of side roads and being all goody goody, it messes it up for everyone. Go where you're going and get on with it! Older drivers do not know nothin' about roundabouts!! Beware! (Give way to traffic coming from your right - remember?) Stephen Kaye is an Author and businessman living in Devon. He is the owner of http://www.kaymexdirect.co.uk By : Stephen Kaye Saturday, November 24. 20075 Easy Steps to Buying a Used Automobile
category : Automotive
Are you looking to buy a used automobile for the first time? Are you concerned about making the right choice? Yes, it's true that a car's value will decrease the second you drive it off the lot, all the more so with a brand new vehicle. So, there is actually a great deal of merit in deciding to buy used. In fact, you may save up to 50% on a well-maintained 2-4 year old used auto as compared to buying a new one. Does it seem that your head is already swimming with a variety of makes and models? Don't despair! Purchasing a used car can actually be very simple, if you follow some key steps in the buying process: 1. Identify Driving Needs.One way to keep from getting overwhelmed by the variety of cars available is for you to get specific about what your driving needs are. This will help you to stay focused on that sensible minivan you'll need to drive your three kids around, and to avoid getting sidetracked by that gorgeous two-seater sports car you saw. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself before you begin looking: 1.1 How much money can I spend on a vehicle? 1.2 How much can I afford to pay on insurance? 1.3 How many people will be depending on this car for transportation? 1.4 What items will the car be transporting on a regular basis? (groceries, equipment, etc.) 1.5 (If buying a minivan) should there be two sliding doors, or only one? Right side? Or left side? 1.6 What is the maximum amount of mileage the car can have? 1.7 Will I be required to drive in potentially hazardous weather conditions? 1.8 Do I want a standard, automatic or semi-automatic transmission? 1.9 Foreign or domestic? 2. Become Informed.Once you have clarified your specific driving and transportation needs, it is time to search for the specific kinds of cars that will meet your requirements. Consumer Reports and online discussion groups and bulletins can be useful sources of information with regard to different vehicles, their pros and their cons. 3. Begin Your Search. Use several used car resources to diversify your search. Try browsing the internet, using the resources at your local library or skimming your local newspaper. Once you have narrowed your search down to a handful of used vehicles, you are ready to pick up the phone and inquire about each one; but first, do a little research on what their fair prices are. This will help you gauge the fairness of the quoted price, taking into account the car's age, mileage and condition. 4.Uncover Maintenance and Warranty History. This is perhaps the most important aspect to buying a used car. An automobile that was diligently maintained will be a most reliable vehicle that will require few repairs. On the other hand, a car that was not cared for properly will be more likely to give you problems in the near future. Here are some helpful hints: 4.1 Ask the seller if the car comes with any records of oil changes, routine services and repairs. Some car owners will keep meticulous records. 4.2 Run a Vehicle History Report online at www.carfax.com or at www.autocheck.com. (Please Note: While we do recommend using one of these services, do not be mis-lead into believing that the reports are all inclusive of all damages and histories) 4.3 Take an online course at usedcarwise.com to learn how to tell if a car has been in an unreported accident or if it has been well maintained or not. 4.4 Check for any open recalls at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ 5. Go Out for a Test DriveIf you have made it this far in the process, chances are you are ready to take your prospective cars out for at least a 20-25 mile test drive over different road surfaces. Here are some things to consider: 5.1 Can you adjust the seat, headrest, steering wheel and mirrors to a position that is comfortable for you? 5.2 Do all the locks, windows, horn and lights function properly? 5.3 How does the engine sound? It should be smooth, without any tapping or ticking, griding or rumbling 5.4 If the car has power steering, there should be no loud squealing noise when the wheel is turned. 5.5 If the brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor after pumping it a few times, it may mean the car's brakes need work. 5.6 Do the gears shift smoothly and crisply? 5.7 Does the steering wheel vibrate while you drive? The steering wheel should stay steady. These five easy steps will help you to narrow your choices and to have a good used car-buying experience. If you know the things to look for and what to avoid, you can land a sweet deal. Finally, be sure to keep various choices in the running, since having several options in mind will give you negotiating power. Once you factor in all the variables, try to get a deal on the best car you find; and remember that the time you invest in researching and carefully investigating your choices will surely pay off, both in the short and long-term. To quote the phrase "patience is a virtue". It's true when searching for a quality used car. Don't get in a hurry, do your research and minimize the risk of purchasing a lemon. Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new and innovative training course teaching the average consumer "How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way" By : Jerry Christopher Saturday, November 24. 20073 Quick Auto Repair Tips
category : Automotive
Maintaining your car is a very important job. A well maintained car will last longer, perform better and get better gas mileage. Learn some quick tips to help you easily maintain your car. 1. Change the oil every 3000 miles or 3 months. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your car. If you cannot change it that often have your mechanic change your oil with synthetic oil. It lasts much longer and will allow you to go longer between oil changes. 2. Have your brakes checked as soon as they begin to squeal. If you replace them as soon as they become worn you will save your vehicle any further damage. If brake pads wear down too much they can damage your rotors or drums. 3. When your radiator reservoir becomes low add premixed antifreeze. You can now buy antifreeze premixed to the correct 50/50 ratio. It might seem like you are wasting money by paying for water but it will save you time and ensure that your vehicle receives the correct ratio of antifreeze to water. The right balance is important to protect your engine and provide proper cooling. That's it for now. Remember a well maintained car will save you money in countless ways so take the time to take care of your car. The author operates a website on finding an auto repair mechanic. Learn about auto repair and auto mechanics in your city. By : James C Saturday, November 24. 20072006 Honda Civic - Whow! category : Automotive After taking a look at the all new 2006 Honda Civic, I have to say that I?m most impressed. It?s seems to have had a complete redesign job and I think it looks just fantastic despite the raw comments from the usual critiques. I?m just a Joe average and no real authority on the motor, but as a long and loyal customer of Honda cars, I think I have some valid remarks to make on this latest addition to the Honda family. One of the fist things I noticed when I got inside the car was that it seemed to have more space than the previous models. There?s also a smart looking all black 2 level instrument panel which I really like. Once you've got the ignition on, the lower dash area lights up and the upper layer displays the digital speedometer. Really slick and very easy on the eye. The layout is smart, clean, functional and convenient. It?s also void of any distractions. Being a family man I was looking at the 5 speed 4 door manual model with a 140bhp 1.8 liter engine. It seems as though electric windows are a standard feature now which is a nice touch. Other features and options worth a mention are electric door mirrors, front and rear air bags, side curtains, ABS and few other minor touches. This is only a short review as I?m neither a professional critique nor a driver of all models but what I can say as an avid fan and owner of Honda Civics is that Honda has done us proud on this model. The Hybrid, which is a class of its own, differs in a number of ways. Its engine is smaller to start with, but it has a big electric motor support it. The clever thing about the Hybrid motor is that charges itself, spending and saving fuel as the situations arise. The new Honda Civic Hybrid boasts an impressive 50 mpg and not at the expense of power either, as this clever design has the gas engine and electric motor working together in perfect harmony. As always, Honda has brought out the Si which has a different engine to the standard models. I?ve not driven it but I?m assuming the performance of the Si will be as impressive as always. In my opinion, Japanese cars have always been great all round value from money but for me, Honda rules. I?ve been lucky enough to have owned a total of 7 Honda cars now and haven?t encountered any serious problems for any of them. Andy Maingam is a proficient writer for KeepingCars dot com where he has articles on Radio Controlled Cars and the New Honda Civic Hybrid. He also has many other auto related pieces on the site. By : Andy Maingam
Saturday, November 24. 20072006 Audi A3: Heading Towards the American Market category : AutomotiveThe 2006 Audi A3 has revolutionized the automobile industry. It has made its own set of standards as per its class. It provides appeal, personality, dynamism, ambition, and ambience. And that is all in one vehicle. When Audi was creating this vehicle, it was a crucial moment for them. The company had created the 2006 Audi A3 so as to seek the niche and claim equality with its rivals from Bavaria and Stuttgart. This time, the 2006 Audi A3 will make its way to the United States automobile market. This new vehicle from Audi provides a responsive and adjustable ride that is very much like the BMW Compact. The 2006 Audi A3 has been specially crafted so as to provide tactile qualities for its major controls. Like its throttle pedal as an example. The Audi A3 throttle pedal now pivots, just like a BMW, from the floor. The brake has also been ideally positioned so as to provide great heel and toe control. The long throw gearshift of the old Audi A3 has been replaced and discarded for a unit that is faster and is more positive. New for the vehicle is an electromechanical steering and it varies it assistance as per the vehicle?s speed. The European predecessor of the Audi A3 had soft curves. This new one has been given a harder edge. It sports a stronger and a more boastful demeanor. It has high set shoulder lines that gives the Audi A3 a more hunched and determined stance. It is less elegant than its older sibling however it sports and exudes more power. In order to provide more cabin space, this vehicle has had its shape expanded. The wheelbase welcomed in an additional 2.5 inches. It also is 1.1 inches wider than before. Every passenger is given luxury and comfort inside its spacious and roomy interior. The chairs also are comfortable and provide utmost support. The atmosphere inside the cabin simply provides premium quality. This is given more emphasis as Audi had also given the Audi A3 round air vents and easy to use air conditioning controls. The 2006 Audi A3 has been bequeathed and bestowed with features that include power outside mirrors with defoger, a power rear window wiper, side indicator lights mounted in its front fenders, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) with vacuum power assist, Sideguard? head protection airbags for its front and rear passengers, power central locking system with safety unlock feature, the LATCH system, child safety rear door locks, manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats with active head restraints, power sport driver seat and manually adjustable sport front passenger seat, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, cloth seat upholstery, leather seating surfaces, a 4-spoke steering wheel, electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features, and illuminated glove box, rear cargo area, lighter and ashtray, power windows with power retention. The new 2006 Audi A3 total package of design and performance puts it at the head of its own class. Shane is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week. By : Shane Carter Saturday, November 24. 20072005 Corvette LS2 400 HP Engine category : Automotive The new Corvette has a 400 hp engine so notable named the LS2. The predecessor was the LS1 model at a mere 350 hp. This engine along with aerodynamics allows this Corvette to have the highest top speed of any Corvette, including the exotic ZR-1 model from the early 1990?s. This new engine is all aluminum and with the Z51 package, allows the fastest acceleration of any model currently available. The team considered using a 405 hp LS6 engine, but it had a lot of special components in it to get that horsepower. They were afraid that the cam might have been too aggressive for everyday street driving. When the team finished, they came up with a 400 hp engine at 6,000 RPM. The engine also boasts 25 lb-ft greater torque than the previous engine. Torque numbers are 400 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. Now the engine is larger. The engine displacement increased from 346 cu in to 364 cu in. This was accomplished by a larger cylinder bore of 101.6mm. The stroke remained the same at 92mm. The LS2 also uses a higher lift cam and stronger valve springs. Another engine feature is the throttle body has been increased from 75mm to 90mm which allows more air into the engine. Couple all of this together with new flat top pistons at a higher compression of 10.9:1 and faster responding fuel and engine management computers results in one of the most advanced engines GM ever put in a car. Other interesting features in the overall layout of the engine included moving the engine 1 forward. What could that do? Actually, it allowed for a better exhaust system, which in turn gave the car more power. There is more than enough power to exceed the traction of the rear tires. But cornering also had to be considered in the engine design. If the car is capable of 1.0+ G?s in maximum cornering, this is the equivalent of turning the engine on its side at 45 degrees. The team made a different windage tray and oil pickup to control the lubrication system during spirited driving. Redesigning also allowed the team to eliminate the gull-wing? oil pan of older models leaving room for more exhaust work to further tune the engine. But how did all of these modifications effect the overall gas consumption? The new Corvette can get 23 mpg on the combined EPA city/highway test. That?s better than the 320 hp Porsche 911 at 20 mpg. Forget the 400 hp Ferrari Modena at 12 mpg. This new engine has been totally redesigned for the Corvette enthusiast and shows a tremendous effort GM has put forth for this new model. This is by far the best Corvette ever produced. Stuart SimpsonI collect pictures of the new C6 corvettes. Take a look at my website. http://www.corvette-links.com By : Stuart Simpson
Saturday, November 24. 200718 Tips For Privately Buying A Second Hand Car
category : Automotive
1.Do some initial homework. Find out about the type of car you are considering. Check out any known mechanical problems with that model. 2.Check out the current second hand values for the car. A good place to start is www.what car .com. Also get your local paper and some of the specialist second hand car magazines and look up the prices of similar cars. 3.How much will it cost you to insure the car? That's so easy to do on the Internet ? get a quote or two. It'll just take a few minutes. 4.Also check out the car's other running costs. Again www.what car .com will help. Make sure you can afford to run the car! 5.When you go to see a car insist on seeing the registration documentation, including its MOT certificate if the car is more than 3 years old. This will also show the cars' chassis number. Check that the documents all tallies with the car. Be sure that the person selling the car does actually own it and always see it at the seller's own home or business premises. 6.Make sure that the address on the Registration Document is the address where you are viewing the car - if not ask why. Be suspicious. 7.Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid and do the registration number on the disc matches the Registration document? 8.Ask to look at the cars' Service Record. This will also show the cars' chassis number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills? 9.Now look under the bonnet and find the VIN Number (it could also be on the chassis). Check out that the VIN number tallies with the number on the Registration Document and that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn't had its identity changed. 10.Take a friend with you who knows' about cars ? not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and agreed. 11.Never pay for a car on your first visit and don't be pushed into paying a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below). 12.Ask the owner if the car has outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. When you get home check out the information with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC' web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you ?24.99 but it will tell you if the vehicle has outstanding finance. 13.Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Checks, the Check will also tell you if the car had previously been ?written off?. 14.Make sure that the car hasn't been clocked. Be aware that the average mileage is around 12,000 per year. Be wary if the wear on the car looks greater than the mileage would suggest. The wear on the drivers pedals may help. Then ask when the car last had new tyres. Then look at wear on the tyres. Does the wear look about right? 15.Always test-drive the car for at least 10/15 miles. By the way, don't forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Do not automatically assume that your own insurance will cover you for driving someone else's car. Check your insurance documents before you leave home. If the seller says his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy ? better safe than sorry! 16.Still interested in the car? Then get it independently inspected. 17.Never hand over any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then don't pay any money until the car is handed over to you with its Documents. Always get a written receipt for your payment which includes the sellers name and address. 18.Finally, make sure you have insurance in place from the minute you drive the car away. Did you know that the Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you're driving it without insurance or road tax? If the car has not got Road Tax, drop in at a Post Office on the way home and buy one. You'll need to show an insurance cover note for the vehicle and its up to date MOT Certificate to do this. About The AuthorMichael Challiner writes for Brokers Online ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk ) who offer life insurance cover and most UK financial services including car insurance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/ ). Visit our finance blog for useful tips on uk finance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/family-finance/ ) By : Michael Challiner Saturday, November 24. 2007Saturday, November 17. 2007Opel Flextreme Concept-2008
Opel's Flextreme concept car, which makes its premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007), boasts the body of a dynamic monocab,as well as the completely new environmentally friendly E-Flex electric propulsion concept and a host of innovative details like-
Exterior design: Dynamic design language in compact monocab form Interior: Futuristic and top technology Propulsion: Low-emission mobility with Flex technology Plug-in: full capacity after three hours of charging at 220 volts * Doors: Unconventional and practical Opel Flextreme Concept Expected to Achieve Less Than 40 gm/km CO2 Emissions Plug-in electric Vehicle Features 55 Km of Emissions-Free Range   Engine Configuration Model: Flextreme Concept Cylinders: 3 Aspiration/Induction: TurboDiesel Displacement: 1.30 L | 79.3 cu in. | 1299.7 cc. Fuel Type: Diesel Dimensions Length: 4796.001 mm | 188.8 in. Thursday, November 15. 2007Mitsubishi Concept-ZT-2008  Year: 2008 Model: Concept-ZT Drive Type: AWD Body Material: Aluminum space frame Engine Configuration Cylinders: 4 Aspiration/Induction: TurboDiesel Displacement: 2.20 L | 134.2 cu in. | 2199.5 cc. Valves: 16 valves. Valvetrain: DOHC Horsepower: 140.00 kw (190.3 HP) Torque: 400.00 NM (294.9 Ft-Lbs) Fuel Type: Diesel Fuel Feed: Fuel Injected Transmission: Manual Dimensions Seating Capacity: 5 Doors: 4 Tuesday, November 13. 2007Mercury Grand Marquis-2008  Engine Configuration Cylinders: 8 Aspiration/Induction: Normal Displacement: 4.60 L | 280.7 cu in. | 4600.7 cc. Valves: 16 valves. Horsepower: 224.00 HP (164.9 KW) @ 4800.00 RPM Torque: 272.00 Ft-Lbs (368.8 NM) @ 4000.00 RPM HP to Weight Ratio: 18.5 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) HP / Liter 48.7 BHP / Liter Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 Gears: 4 Final Drive: 2.73:1 Dimensions Cargo Volume: 20.60 Passenger Volume: 107.40 Towing Capacity: 1500.001 lbs Fuel Capacity: 19.0 Gal Seating Capacity: 5 Doors: 4 Brakes Front Brake Size: 12.001 in | 304.8 mm. Rear Brake Size: 12.001 in | 304.8 mm. Tires / Wheels Tires: P225/60R16 Wheels: 16-in steel Tuesday, November 6. 2007Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG-2008  Engine Configuration Cylinders: 8 Displacement: 6.30 L | 384.4 cu in. | 6300.3 cc. Valves: 32 valves. Valvetrain: DOHC Horsepower: 457.00 HP (336.4 KW) @ 6800.00 RPM Torque: 443.00 Ft-Lbs (600.7 NM) HP / Liter: 72.5 BHP / Liter Fuel Type: Gasoline - Petrol Fuel Feed: Fuel Injected Gears: 7 Performance Top Speed: 155 mph | 249.4 km/h (limited) Similar top speeds Dimensions Cargo Volume: 12.30 cu. ft. Interior Volume: 88.501 cu. ft. Seating Capacity: 5 Doors: 4 Length: 196.001 in | 4978.4 mm. Width: 73.001 in | 1854.2 mm. Height: 55.001 in | 1397 mm. Wheelbase: 113.601 in | 2885.5 mm. Front Track: 62.201 in | 1579.9 mm. Rear Track: 62.201 in | 1579.9 mm. Brakes Front Brake Size: 360.001 mm | 14.2 in. Rear Brake Size: 330.001 mm | 13 in. Wheels: 18-inch AMG light-alloy |
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