CAR MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Support Group for Performance-Challenged Engines

2008-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Support Group for Performance-Challenged Engines
by: Dee Scrip

The heart of the circulatory system in vehicles is the engine. Your engine could be performance-challenged if it exhibits one or more of these symptoms:ท Chronic Fatigueท Listlessness or Sluggishnessท Difficulty Maintaining Former Miles Per Gallonท Hemophiliac Emissionsท Irritabilityท Octane DeprivationAs the primary caregiver of your engine, you’ve accepted the responsibility for maintenance, e.g., purchasing fuel, changing spark plugs, lubricating valves, changing oil, etc., but in spite of meticulous nurturing, your engine continues to be unreceptive.According to the Fuel Doctor, the problematic symptoms are indicative of a common eating disorder known only to vehicles, e.g., automobiles, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, etc. The eating disorder is a direct result of gasoline or diesel fuel feedings. This vehicle food produces sulfuric acid reflux in the engine. Sulfuric acid (created from the union of fuel and water – which is present in all fuel), never completely burns off during engine combustion, and the end result is grotesque carbon deposits clinging to spark plugs, valves, etc., choking away its life. When these toxic carbon deposits fester in the engine, its performance noticeably diminishes, even after nourishing with higher octane fuel.As your engine becomes more irritable, it develops an easily identifiable repugnant smell, while it increasingly spews into the environment hemophiliac emissions known as toxic exhaust fumes. Before your engine needs a fuel tracheotomy or becomes suicidal, promptly seek emotional support.The Fuel Doctor is a compassionate friend, always available for consultation. Ask the Fuel Doctor to prescribe a nutritious pill to pop in your tank before each feeding – a pill that will immediately place your beloved engine on the road to recovery and prevent future performance-challenged behavior.Experience your engine’s vitality spring back to life. Watch how your engine performs better with increased miles per gallon, even on less octane requirements. Encounter the thrill of a healthier aroma with drastically reduced emissions.Why not give your engine the emotional reinforcement it needs? Join the support group for performance-challenged engines right now and share your own success story. **Attn Ezine editors / Site owners **Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed above.

About the author:Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published expert author of numerous articles on Home Business, Business Opportunities, Fundraising, VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues.

Learn how to properly check tire pressure

2008-07-17T01:12:00.000-07:00

Learn how to properly check tire pressure
by: Jakob Jelling

Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly. In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side doorjamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it. Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Learn how to choose the right fuel treatments for your car

2008-07-06T03:28:00.000-07:00

Learn how to choose the right fuel treatments for your car
by: Jakob Jelling

Choosing the right fuel treatments might be the difference between your car mechanism's receiving bad deposits or not as well as it could reduce the engine's wear or increase it in case it was wrongly chosen. Due to all these reasons, it is very important that you buy the right fuel treatments for your car instead of choosing them randomly.If you wish to learn which the right fuel treatments for your car are, you should start by consulting your car owner's manual. Most car owner's manuals come with indications regarding the use of fuel treatments and some of them would let you know which ones you should buy and which ones you should avoid since some of them could be very prejudicial.Fuel treatments are applied in order to improve specific car functioning areas and therefore you should have a clear idea on what you need to correct before buying the treatment fuel for it. This way, one of the best ways to make sure you will buy the right fuel treatment for your car is by choosing it according the specific problem it is going through.Although there are some low cost treatments which are not bad, you should always try to make sure you buy a well known one or one which has been recommended to you by your mechanic or someone who knows what he is talking about. Another great way to buy your treatments is when they are on sale which happens very often in many stores.After you have bought the right treatment, you should wait to add it until the next time you will add gas to the tank. This way, you should add the treatment, with a maximum of one bottle, and then add the gas you wish. If you have any doubts regarding fuel treatments you should ask your mechanic, or, in case you have doubts on how to use it you should ask the treatment manufacturer for further advice. You shouldn’t add any treatment to your car if you are not sure about it and what it could do to the car.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Why does a car engine overheat?

2008-04-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Why does a car engine overheat?
by: Jakob Jelling

There are many different reasons that can cause an engine overheat, but they all have in common three aspects. The three aspects which all engine overheat factors have in common are that they cause that the heating system can not get rid of heat, they cause a loss of coolant or they directly cause too much heat in the engine.One first problem which might be the cause of an engine overheat is a problem with the radiator cap and the pressure it holds. If the radiator cap does not hold pressure correctly then coolant could boil and therefore the engine would overheat. Another reason might be caused by thermostat failures; it is recommendable that you check it.The car engine might also overheat due to coolant leaks such as those from the radiator, the hoses, the water pump, the freeze plugs or any others. Also, problems in the water pump could be the cause and therefore you should check it and replace it in case it is needed. Some other reasons by which the car engine could overheat are problems in the exhaust system which you can discover by checking vacuum readings, pipes and converter. Besides, you should also make sure that the radiator hose has not collapsed and the ignition timing is working properly.You should also check the electric cooling fan by making sure that the fan motor, the relay and temperature are correct or otherwise it could cause the engine to overheat. Besides this, you should also check the radiator in case there are any debris in it as well as you should check its hose in case it has collapsed. It is also recommendable that you check the antifreeze concentration which should be 50/50 in order to be correct, otherwise it could cause the car engine to overheat. If you do not find why your engine does overheat, you should ask a mechanic or an expert for advice. You should not try to fix this if you do not have the proper tools and general car knowledge necessary for it.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

How to change a tire without help

2008-01-08T00:57:00.000-08:00

How to change a tire without help
by: Jakob Jelling

Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.In order to change a tire you should make sure you have parked your car at the side of the road and following all the safety rules that correspond to the case. You must apply the parking brake and place the shift in first gear. Then, you should look for the spare tire, the lug wrench and the jack. If you do not know where the spare tire is, you can look for it in the car owner's manual. Once you have found all you need, you should start by taking off the hubcap of the tire you wish to remove. You should do this with the help of a screwdriver or the end of the lug wrench. Then you should loosen the lug nuts with only one turn, do not completely loosen them until you have lifted the car.Next you should lift the car with the jack. If you do not know how to do this, you can find instructions in your car owner's manual on where to place the jack as well as the jack itself might bring some directions too. You should lift the car until the tire you wish to change is some inches away from the ground. Then finish removing the lug nuts and remove the tire.Once you have removed the old tire, you should place the spare one in the correct place aligning the holes. Then, you should place the lug nuts and tighten them until they feel secure. Once you have done this, you must lower the car back to the ground and take the jack away from it. Then, you should have the flat tire repaired and change it back as soon as you can.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

How to check and change your air filter

2007-12-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

How to check and change your air filter
by: Jakob Jelling

You car's air filter is very important since it maintains some parts of your car system clean and free of dirt. If your air filter doesn't work properly and dirt enters your car this might make it go through different problems, and therefore it is important that you check the filter and change it when necessary. Your mechanic can do it for you although it is very easy and you could do it yourself as well.It is recommended that you change your car's air filter once a year or every 15.000 miles if you live in an averagely dusty area. But, if you can check it once in a while and replace it as soon as it needs it this would be much better. Checking it is a very easy thing to do and replace it is not complicated once you learn how to do it.If you wish to check your car's air filter yourself and in an easy way, you can do so by using a light from inside pointing outside and check how bright it looks through it. If you see the light clearly, then your air filter is still good, but if you can't see much of the light then it indicates the filter needs to be changed. Newer cars have different air filters than older ones. If your car is rather new, its air filter is probably rectangular and you might find it located under the hood, near the radiator area or the fender wells. In order to change it, you must open it and take the actual air filter from it, replacing it by the new and then closing it again.If your car is older, then the air filter will probably be of a big round shape and located near the engine area. It might probably be screwed, and all you might need to do is to unscrew the cover, let the air filter come out, and place the new one instead of it. You must pay attention in case it has any other attachment mechanisms such as clips which you would need to take off as well.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

How To Save Money With Car Maintenance

2007-11-13T09:24:00.001-08:00

How To Save Money With Car Maintenance
by Terry Bolton

As a car owner it's crucial to take your car maintenance seriously. Too often we see that unnecessary expenses are generated just because of ignorance, lack of knowledge or even lazyness. If you neglect the maintenance of your vehicle it may not only give huge car repair costs, it can make you and others injured for life or in worst case you can loose it. For this purpose I have crammed together a few tips for how to perform a regular maintenance of your car, focusing on the most important tasks.
Tip #1 - Regular Fluids Check - When I say fluid I don't mean gas; although it's vital to know when you have to tank. I mean oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant. It goes without saying that these are crucial maintenance issues that shouldn't be taken easy on. If you find that the levels are too low, add enough fluid immediately, thus preventing engine collapse that can take your leg and your arm to repair.
Tip #2 - Get Regular Oil Changes - Another important thing to remember to keep your car in great shape is to make sure that you get regular oil changes. The oil in your car is the life of your engine, so if you don't change the oil often enough, it could ultimately cause engine problems. You should have the oil changed about every 3000 miles for the best results. So, be sure that you take the time to make sure that the oil is changed on a regular basis for the best performance.
Tip #3 - Check the Air in Your Tires - Checking the air in your tires is important when it comes to car maintenance as well. If you don't have enough air in your tires it can cause the tires to wear down faster and too much air can be a problem as well. Tires often lose air in the winter due to the cold; however, you should be sure that you routinely check the air in your tires during any season. If the air is too low, make sure that you add some. You can check the specs on your tires to find out how many pounds of air will be the best for your tires.
Tip #4 - Keep the Car Washed and Waxed Regularly - Of course you will need to keep the body of your car up as well, so it is important that you keep the car waxed and washed on a regular basis as well. This will help to keep the body clean, shiny, and of course free from any corrosion problems, which is important as well.
As you can see, car maintenance is extremely important. Once you have a nice car, you want to do all you can to preserve it and to save money as well. Proper maintenance is important to the life of your car, so be sure to use these tips. There are many other great maintenance tips that you can find as well, and if you want to get the most out of your car, take the time to learn even more about car maintenance.

About the Author
Terry Bolton is and internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about buying cheap used cars, especially how to buy used cars online

How To Never Make Another Car Payment

2007-10-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

How To Never Make Another Car Payment
by: Tony Puckerin

AgainCar prices today compete with small houses and well-equippedmobile homes. As these price increases become more accepted byconsumers, so too are the longer terms that are necessary to fitthem into cost of living budgets. At one point, the magic paymentamount for the retail automobile market was $200 per month. Butthat payment would only satisfy a loan of approximately $8000-10000 depending on interest rates.The average car payment today is closer to $400 per month andthat's with financial institutions stretching the terms to 72-84and 120 months. Something has gone terribly wrong in the psyche ofconsumers to even imagine that an automobile will not becomeobsolete before it is all paid up, 6, 7 or 10 years down the road.All they really need to do is take a look at a vehicle sold in1995, 1997 or 1999, to get a live preview of what their new carwill look like and potentially what it will be worth.Interestingly, research indicates that most Americans get boredwith a car after driving it for 24-36 months. Why thenwould the typical financing term be 72-120 months? At the point of purchase, most consumers tend to forget that carpayments never include the cost of insurance, required maintenanceand gas. When these items are added to a car payment, it caneasily exceed what some people are paying in mortgages.It's analogous to the Middle Eastern people like Iranians whoseculture practices beating themselves on the back with chains andwhips. Every month, millions of Americans face the self-inflictedpain of making another car payment. Like the Iranians, theybelieve that if they can do it, it must be good and it willsomehow make them better people in the hereafter. A self-made millionaire, Dr. Cooper, an advocate for reversingunnecessary consumer debt has come up with a simple plan to changehow we think of automobile ownership. His plan uses the samephilosophy that our grand fathers grew up with, i.e. never buyanything that you cannot afford to pay for out of your own pocket.Unfortunately, if we lived by those rules we would need trafficlights and zebra crossings on our major highways because theywould be packed with pedestrians. Well let's share Dr. Cooper's plan. He calls it the "VehicleSaving Fund". This is a basic commercial bank savingsaccount that can be started at any local bank. To make it moremeaningful to you, lets call it the "Freedom From CarPayment Fund." Anyone can start such a fund; it does notmatter if they are currently financing a vehicle. The idea is that if you intend to be a productive member ofsociety and enjoy the benefits of your labor you will need to havepersonal transportation. This is not optional for most people whodo not live in a big city where public transportation isavailable. The fund should be considered absolutely necessary,much like the rent or mortgage, it's a living expense. Here is how it works; if you are currently driving a financedvehicle, resolve to pay it off in its normal term. It's hard tokeep making payment on a vehicle you do not like but that's wherethe discipline becomes important. Also, resolve to put aside asmall amount every month to your "Freedom From CarPayment" account. Initially, it is totally understandablethat it may be a little difficult but the amount is not important,it's the habit and the psychology of doing it that makes all thedifference. You can start with as little as $5-$10-$25 just becommitted to doing it every month until it becomes a habit. You will also have to make a decision to continue driving thevehicle you are currently paying, this plan does not work if youdecide that you need a new vehicle before paying off the one youare driving. The closer you are to your end of term, the betterposition you will be in to get what you want. But there is norush, when you pay it off you should then begin to put the amountof your previous payment into your vehicle fund. Now with theequity in your current vehicle and your savings you can beginshopping. Considering the prices of automobiles today, there is a highprobability that because of your vehicle depreciation and thesmall savings, you might not have enough money to buy a newvehicle. If you do not have enough to purchase what you want,there are always other options; the first is to buy what you canafford. The alternative (worst-case scenario) is facing the dealerwith no savings and having negative equity in the vehicle you arecurrently driving.Strange concept, I know, but when its all said and done,transportation is transportation, it gets you from point A topoint B. The only difference is what you are willing to pay to getthere. For many, because of the values they hold "whateverit takes" is an appropriate answer but the mind set has tonow change to discipline and the desire to stop making lifetimepayments. If you don't have a car right now and are enjoying the bliss ofnot having a financial obligation to an automobile, you can beginyour savings immediately so that when the time comes you will havea sizable chunk to begin your search for your new car. You are ina very good position if you are not in the market presentlylooking for a vehicle.You have the time to save and plan for your next automobile. Beginthe "Freedom From Car Payments Fund" today and in acouple of years you will really be much better off. Contrary towhat dealers try to make you believe, car ownership does requirelong term planning in order to break the cycle of swappingpayments every 3-4 years. It is a long term serious investment.It's that simple. Easy, no but simple, and it can be done. Itrequires discipline and patience two characteristics that are noteasily harnessed in by the now generation. The obvious benefit isno car payment but you will also save on insurance and have muchmore disposable income for other necessities. With determination,a little vision and planning anyone can drive exactly what theywant; without the burden of a monthly payment. Could that be you?

About the author:Tony Puckerin is an Automobile Broker in Southern Florida who represents clients at local automobile dealerships. His service has recently expanded to Internet and cover the United States and a few select international clients. For more information go to http://www.automobilenetmarketing.com

Buying a New Sports Car – Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock

2007-10-20T17:15:00.001-07:00

Buying a New Sports Car – Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock
by: Valerie Mills

Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it. Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot. Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record. Before You Fall In Love . . . Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities: 1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more? 2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage. Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150. 3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change? 4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter? A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims. Do Your Homework . . . 5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up. Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up. 6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale. 7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax. The Driving Experience . . . 8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time. 9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting. The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner. Closing the Deal . . . 10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model. 11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around. 12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker! As you can see, sports car buying is a process. Do you need to do all this stuff? Nope, you don’t. But consider the financial sticker shock when you’re paying an extraordinary amount for maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and taxes! Just for that Autobahnesque experience!

About the author:Valerie Mills,a copywriter/designer specializing in direct mail and web advertising, has written sales letters, web sites, and brochures for the finance, self-help, and technology areas. She also audits sites for usability, sales appeal, structural integrity, and readability. In addition, using her experience as an educator and corporate trainer, Valerie has written several articles and a parents' guide to coach kids of all ages about money and personal finance. Refer to web sites http://v.mills.home

What to do when a cold engine is hard to start

2007-10-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

What to do when a cold engine is hard to start
by: Jakob Jelling

Starting a car with a cold engine can be very difficult sometimes and it can become a real obstacle for those who live surrounded by extremely cold weathers. This way, for all those who might experience this problem it is not only important to learn how to overcome it but also why it happens in order to be able to prevent it as much as possible as well. Cold engines might experience problems at the time to start due to different reasons. One of these reasons can be based on the effect which cold has on liquids evaporation. When it is cold, gasoline evaporates less and this cause it to be more difficult to burn due to the fact that it is burnt when it is evaporated.Another reason by which a cold engine might have problems to start is caused by the fact that oil becomes much thicker in cold than the way it is in hot. Oil, like any other liquid changes its consistency when it is exposed to very low temperatures as well as it changes back when it is in a very hot weather, and this might cause oil to have problems at the time of circulating in the car engine. Besides the engine, car batteries might experience problems while being in cold weathers as well and this could affect the engine. Batteries function through chemical reactions which loose agility while being cold and therefore, in such circumstances, batteries don't function properly. When this happens, the car energy becomes affected and this causes problems for the engine start.If these three problems happen together, starting an engine might become a really hard task to achieve. In order to overcome the lack of gasoline evaporation problem, you can spray ether into the engine which would evaporate quickly and help the engine start. Besides this, you can also to prevent having oil too thick which wouldn't circulate properly by using thin synthetic oils. You should also try to maintain the car isolated from cold as much as possible, but by using the two last mentioned methods you would experience much less problems at the time of staring the car in cold weather.
About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

10 Checks To Be Done When Preparing A Car For A Road Trip

2007-09-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

10 Checks To Be Done When Preparing A Car For A Road Trip
by Arthur Raise

Traveling on highways and small tree lined country roads in a car is exciting and an adventure for most city and town dwellers. But you must remember that once you exit major roads and settlements you may need to travel miles before you come across a gas station, house, or mechanic. So you must prepare your car old or new for a road trip.
Begin preparations for the trip by planning the journey. Get a road map and study the roads you will take, decide where you will spend the night if the trip is for more than a day. Make a list of essentials you will need to pack including making a list of emergency numbers.
Be sure to:
1. Give the car a thorough once over at a garage. Get major tune ups and repairs done at least two weeks in advance so that any minor adjustments will all be done before you set out.
2. Get all fluids topped up or replaced; battery fluids, brake oils, engine oils, coolants and so on. If your destination is warmer or cooler than home tell the garage so that they can adjust anti-freeze and water mixture to suit your destination.
3. Get tires checked and aligned. Replace worn out tires and get the tires properly inflated. If you feel it is essential get a mobile puncture repair kit, pressure gauge, and a small portable air tank.
4. Ensure that all door and boot locks are working and that windows are in working order too.
5. Do a physical check on your boot; check the tool box, spare tire, and jack.
6. Put in the glove box a set of car papers, insurance documents, and list of emergency numbers. Keep a manufacturer's manual handy. Put in a small box containing prescription medicines, a torch, and spare batteries.
7. Ensure that the car has a car adaptor to charge mobile phones.
8. Schedule maintenance just before you leave.
9. Get a AA membership and if you already have one get their 24/7 assistance numbers.
10. Ring a friend or family member and let them know where you are headed and your contact numbers.
If you have any serious medical problems then consult your doctor before leaving on a long road trip. Make sure all your insurance papers medical as well as car insurance are in good order. Keep a copy of your medical records with you just in case there is some emergency.
Ensure that you shut all the gas and mains before you leave and lock up the house with a check list by your side. Never leave a set of keys on the lintel or under a pot. And if you are planning to be away for a while inform the neighborhood watch as well as police station so that they will be vigilant. Alternately get a house sitter.
Enjoy your trip.

About the Author
Arthur Raise is a writer for Buy Used Car , the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more.

Updating Your Garage With Garage Floor Tiles

2007-09-12T11:37:00.001-07:00

Updating Your Garage With Garage Floor Tiles
by Ben Andrews

Whether you're looking for a cleaner floor or an attractive look, garage floor tiles will update your home while protecting the floor from grease, oil, and dirt. Garage tiles are easy to install, even when you want a patterned look, and easy to clean. You'll love how your garage looks when you install floor tiles in it.
Your garage may have the dirtiest floor in the house. Not only do you park your car there, but you may also keep your lawnmower, cans of oil or antifreeze, pool chemicals, and lawn tools in the garage. The floor also endures the most abuse of any in your home. Heavy vehicles drive across the floor, dirt accumulates, and chemicals can leak out onto the concrete. Your garage floor handles a lot of abuse daily, probably more than you've ever thought about.
Garage floor tiles offer one way to protect your floors from seeping chemicals and heavy pressure. Manufacturers make tiles out of things like polyvinyl and polypropylene materials and they come in various different sized squares, corners, and edge tiles. The squares interlock with each other, making installation a breeze. You can install a single solid color, add a border color, or create a design with different colored tiles.
When looking for tiles, consider the greatest risk to your garage floor. Diamond patterned tiles contain spills. Coin patterned tiles gives the best cushioning and channel patterns allow you to sweep out the garage easily. You might also choose the tiles based on their appearance and what you like best.
Floor tiles for your garage install without the use of adhesives. You simply interlock the tiles in place. When you want to clean the tiles, you can either sweep them off or pick them up and wash them off. If you move, you can take the tiles with you and if you need to replace one tile, you can easily find a replacement.
If you use your garage for a home office, gym, or work area, floor tiles give the garage an attractive appearance while still protecting the floor. The floor will also be warmer on your feet than cold concrete and the tiles are more practical than having to place rugs around the area.
Garage floor tiles protect your garage floor from spills, leaks, and driving on it. The tiles are attractive, durable, and low maintenance. You'll love not only the look but the protection that the tiles will give your garage.

About the Author
You'd be amazed at what garage floor tiles can do for your garage. Learn more about ideas for your garage at Discount Flooring Options. When you're ready to work on the interior, you can check carpet prices and more.

Saturn car cover as an easy maintenance solution

2007-08-13T06:05:00.001-07:00

Saturn car cover as an easy maintenance solution
by Anthony Fontanelle

Motorists want to have a brand new finish on their car's exterior. But this is not always the case, especially when the car is left outside. It tends to gather up dirt. Dirt is just a minor problem but when leaves or small twigs fall off to a car, it can cause some damage to the car's exterior. The sun's harmful rays can also have an affect on the car's paint job. Outdoor elements are not just the problem, sometimes even if the car is inside the garage, it still accumulates dust and dirt that can affect the car's finish. Saturn owners usually use Saturn car cover to address this problem.
Saturn car cover serves two functions like two kinds of car cover. It prevents all sorts of coarse and harmful stains and contaminants and it can protect the car from the sun's scorching heat. The car's exterior finish will benefit for it will retain its glossy shine and brand new look. The Saturn car cover basically serves as a protective jacket and first line of defense against coarse substances. Exposing it to such elements can damage the exterior finish and can make a car look rugged.
New car owners take precious care of their vehicle. They often drive very carefully, avoiding pot holes, humps and puddles to avoid damaging the vehicle. Having a protective jacket for their car is the easiest way they can prolong the new car finish. The Saturn car cover will protect the overall structure of the car, when it is not in use. The car cover is also the basic car maintenance any car owner can have. A car cover should fit well the intended car. It should give a tight and secure fit to avoid harmful components getting in contact with the car. The Saturn car cover is made from breathable material, that will allow air to flow through the cover.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car or your Car Maintenance

2007-07-24T06:43:00.001-07:00

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car or your Car Maintenance
by I.C.

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car or your Car Maintenance. The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to car maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we're going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don't get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop.
After you get recommendations for honest car mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It's always smart to get a second opinion.
How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on "fumes" allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.(Car maintenance)
Sometimes a problem with your car's electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!
Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician, so keep the car maintenance on time.
Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.
Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple car maintenance can add up savings at the gas pump!
Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you "major" in short trips.
Car Insurance
There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let's look at the insurance payments.
If you've budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.(car maintenance)
Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.
Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.(car maintenance)
Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.
Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.
More car maintenance tips.In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn't going to cost you an arm or leg either.
Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won't last long- leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.(car maintenance)
Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.
If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.
When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!(car maintenance)

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.carmaintenance.bravehost.com
Another site of http://www.shop-in.net network.

Fuel-Efficient Car Makes 3 Autos In The Driveway

2007-07-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Fuel-Efficient Car Makes 3 Autos In The Driveway

by Anthony Fontanelle

With gas prices rising above $3 a gallon nationwide, many drivers are pushed to purchasing small cars. But hundreds of thousands of owners are not giving up anything to downsize. Instead, they opt to add fuel-efficient cars to their driveways, parked alongside their SUV or pickup.
In households that own a small car, the family fleet is close to an average of three vehicles, according to CNW Marketing Research, which tracks industry trends. These growing fleets suggest an approach to conservation that is more addition than subtraction. "Small cars are like a fashion statement," said Art Spinella, the president of CNW Marketing. CNW data also showed that more than 500,000 were sold last year as second or third cars in a household for three small cars, the Toyota Prius and Corolla and the Honda Civic.
Ken Collinsworth purchased a Toyota Yaris last month for his daughter to take to college this fall. But with gasoline price close to $4 a gallon near his home in Paso Robles, Calif., Collinsworth has been forced to driving the Yaris instead of his BMW X5 SUV and his GMC Sierra pickup. "I steal it from her every chance I get," said Collinsworth, 53, who added that he would like to get another Yaris.
In another era, he might be pitied for parking one of his luxury cars to drive around in a gas saver. But unlike small cars introduced in the past, which had limited creature comforts, the latest bunch, including the Yaris, Nissan Versa, and the Honda Fit, can be bought with many of the same sought-after options as their bigger siblings, like navigation screens or iPod connections.
"It is a fundamental change," Spinella said. "People are willing to buy small cars because they are more sophisticated." And buyers appear willing to pay a lot for them. In 1990, buyers stuck to the low end of the scale when they bought a small car, CNW's data showed. More than three-quarters opted for basic no-frills models, sometimes even forgoing a radio to keep the price down.
Now, ninety percent of purchasers are buying fully loaded small cars, the data revealed. "You look at these cars, and they have 16-inch wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a high-quality interior," said A. Andrew Shapiro, a partner in the Casesa Shapiro Group, an auto industry investment and advisory firm. "They aren't econoboxes, they're just smaller cars."
Pierre Tremblay, 67, of Howell, Mich., purchased a Toyota Prius this month because driving his Dodge Ram pickup 40 miles round-trip to work was costing so much. So far the Prius is getting 55 miles per gallon, compared with 13 for the truck. "I can go to work now, back and forth, on less than a gallon. Before it was at least three," said Tremblay, a maintenance manager for a cement company.
With regular unleaded gas averaging $3.53 a gallon in Michigan this week, according to AAA, that is a savings of over $8 every workday. But Tremblay was not ready to get rid of his pickup, which is used to haul a camping trailer. The Acura head gasket and accessories as well as tempting huge luxury vehicles could not change his mind.
Americans have spent $20 billion more on gasoline so far this year compared with 2006, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office. "From a dollars-and-cents point of view, it doesn't make sense," said Jesse Toprak, the director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com, a Web site that offers car-buying advice. "There's no way you're going to drive it enough to justify the purchase, so it's more of a psychological decision."

About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Safety rules to consider when doing car maintenance yourself

2007-06-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Safety rules to consider when doing car maintenance yourself
By Jakob Jelling

Working on a car involves several risks which you should be aware of and prevent before actually starting the job. First of all, you should never try to work on the car and try to fix any part of it if you do not know what you are doing and how it works. One of the main things you should be very careful with when working on a car is the batteries, but there are many other things you should be careful about as well.
The car batteries contain an acid and emit hydrogen gas, which can be not only dangerous for human health but can also produce explosions. This way, it is mandatory that you do not take any ignition source, such as cigarettes, close to the car while working on it. Besides this, you should wear gloves while handling the batteries and try to avoid having any direct contact with them. Besides this, batteries can also give you shocks due to the amps they have, and you should disconnect the battery negative cable in order to avoid having problems due to this.
It is also highly recommendable that you maintain a fire extinguisher near the car and easily to reach while you are working on it. Some of the most combustible parts of the car are the engine and the batteries, so you should always be extremely careful while working on them and should not allow anyone who is smoking to come close to you or the car until you have finished.
Another important thing you should have in mind while working on the car is the existence of poison gases. Some parts of the car, such as the exhaust, contain poison gases which could be very harmful and even intoxicate you. Therefore, it is important that you avoid allowing these gases to enter your respiratory system by wearing a protection.
Also, while handling car cables it is very important that you are extremely careful on how you connect them. Car cables could cause voltage sparks and, in combination with the gases and other combustible elements it implies the danger of fire. This way, it is very important that in cases such as when you need to receive help from another car, you learn how to properly connect the cables before trying to do so as well as you maintain the car keys away from the ignition while working on them.

About the authorJakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com/. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Your Engine, Your Baby: Synthetic or Conventional Oil

2007-06-19T02:33:00.001-07:00

Your Engine, Your Baby: Synthetic or Conventional Oil
by: Michael Walker

One central argument between car enthusiasts and on Internet car forums alike is what oil is better for your car, synthetic or conventional. Before synthetic oils became available for regular automobiles, the argument centered solely on brand types and weight. But now, with the advent of these synthetics all over the market, what is truly the best choice for your engine? Let’s explore both of these worlds to find out.Conventional oil is rated according to a SAE system. This scale is used so that you know what type of oil is best for your car given the environmental conditions (temperature, city driving, etc.) of where you live. The first number, for example on 10W30 motor oil, is 10 followed by a “W”. This “W” indicates that the number before it is the viscosity rating of the oil. The lower this number, the better the oil is for colder climates. The higher the number, the better it is for hotter driving conditions.Synthetic oils, on the other hand (before their commercial release) were used in many military vehicles and fighter jets. Airlines also use synthetics in their engines. The synthetic oil has been designed not to break down as quickly and can tolerate extremities in temperature and weather (hot to cold).One of the major differences between conventional and synthetic oils is that synthetics are treated with more additives that protect your engine for a longer amount of time before you have to change it. And, while we don’t want to get into all the molecular chemistry involved in the making of these oils, we should mention that they also last longer in hotter conditions and won’t “gel” in colder ones, like conventional oil. In other words, synthetics have more additives, which greatly protect the car from viscosity breakdown. They are designed to withstand temperature extremes. It may be safe to say that extreme driving conditions call for the use of synthetics.On the financial side of the matter, synthetics cost a whole lot more; up to three or four times as much as regular conventional oil. But, the wonderful thing is that you don’t have to change your oil every 3,000 miles; recommended with conventional oil use. In fact, you may not have to change it until well after 25,000 and up to 50,000 miles as long as the oil filter is changed every 10,000 miles. So, the cost at first might scare consumers away, but the long-term benefits of synthetic oil use are substantial.However, you will still have to be responsible for your car’s maintenance check-up every 3,000 miles or so. With regular oil-changes, you are automatically checking over the car for other problems (or if you don’t an inspection mechanic does). It might help you find a problem that could be dealt with, that could’ve gone unchecked. Also, you’ll want to check the synthetic oil every now and then to be sure that it isn’t contaminated and/or that there isn’t any moisture build-up.With normal everyday driving, perhaps conventional oils work best for you. You aren’t driving in extreme conditions and you swear allegiance to regular oil. That may be fine. Synthetic oil cannot really offer you anything that conventional oil cannot under normal operating conditions. However, the definition of extreme driving states that if you do a lot of short driving (two to twenty miles) daily, it’s hard on your car. And, specialists agree that this constitutes extreme driving due to the faster breakdown of the structure of conventional oil.Another major reason that many are choosing the synthetic route is that it contains fewer impurities; impurities that can cause your engine harm, perhaps to the point of premature engine wear. With conventional oil, there’s no way to totally rid, filter or clean the impurities from the natural elements. That’s another reason why synthetic oils do not have to be changed as much even in extreme driving conditions.You’ll want to be careful; however, if you do decide that you want to give synthetic oils a try. If you’ve been driving your 1983 Ford Thunderbird for years using 10W30, you may not want to switch using your conventional oil brand. Conventional oils have solvents that stick to gaskets and seals and often cause them to swell a certain way. These gaskets and seals have been used to the same oil for years and the switch to any other type of oil (whether it is to a different conventional oil brand, or an upgrade to a synthetic) may be harmful. The oil you change (or upgrade to) will also have solvents and additives, different from the original. So in other terms, the changing of oils could result in oil leaks and/or a once small oil leak becoming bigger due to the reaction the seals and gaskets will have to the change (not because of the oil itself). If you think that this might be the case for you (i.e. if you have an older car using conventional oil), it’s recommended that you not try synthetic oil until you have an engine (or new car) with relatively virgin gaskets and seals that will be able to acclimate much more easily to the chemical changes of the newer type of oil.It’s easy to see that that fanfare for one or the other is an argument that has really been explored. It’s best for you to decide what will fit your personal needs. If you have an older car, you may want to wait until you upgrade. However, if you have a newer car, the benefits of synthetic oils are easily seen. Again, it’s solely dependent upon you and the conditions where you drive. Synthetics are shown to provide their best protection above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Most people do not drive their cars this hot. However, many do drive in cities, where driving times are considered to be more of a “stop-and-go” nature, which may be considered “extreme” in many circumstances. When the time comes for you to make a decision, at least you’ll be informed of the differences of each. And, until that time, no matter what, keep up that automotive pride!

About the author:Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as JDM motors, used import engines and engine swaps. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.

What to do when a hot engine is hard to start

2007-06-11T22:35:00.001-07:00

What to do when a hot engine is hard to start
by: Jakob Jelling

Although usually engines exposed to cold weather is the most known problem related to car starting difficulties, hot engines might bring obstacles as well. Many people realize that the car do not start as easily as it should when the engine is hot and do not know what to do about it. In order to be able to overcome this problem, it is important to start by learning why it happens.Most of the reasons by which a hot engine would be hard to start are based on problems related to the fuel. When the engine is too hot, fuel can't circulate properly due to the way in which vapor obstructs it and therefore the engine wouldn't start as easily as it should or it wouldn't start at all.A car engine would keep on gaining temperature until a while after it was shut off. During this period of time is when the highest amount of vapor would be circulating around and therefore that is when the chances it obstructs the engine are bigger as well. This way, if you are driving in hot weather and you have just turned off the car in which you experience start problems, you should wait for a few minutes until starting it back.Fuel injected engines do not experience this problem as much as others do due to the fact that the fuel remains inside the injectors by being under a very high pressure. This way, fuel injected engines would not become so easily obtruded by vapors as other engines would and therefore the car would not have the same problems to start as another would.Also, engines might become hard to start while being hot if it coincides with the season in which refiners change from a fuel blend to another. Sometimes gasoline refiners change from a higher volatility fuel to a lower one when summer approaches due to the way in which hot weather causes fuel to evaporate easier. If refiners change back to a higher volatility fuel while the engine is still exposed to days of high temperatures, this could cause the fuel to evaporate too much creating too much vapor and therefore obtruding the engine.

About the author:Jakob Jelling is the founder of Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

What is Fleet Maintenance Management?

2007-06-06T02:45:00.001-07:00

What is Fleet Maintenance Management? -
by: Jennifer Bailey

Fleet Maintenance Management is a critical position in any company that has a number of commercial vehicles. The individual responsible for the management and maintenance of fleet vehicles performs a variety of functions. It is imperative that companies such as delivery drivers or even taxi services know what is going on with their vehicles at all times. Preventative maintenance, order/vendor logging and fuel economy are among a few of the issues that fleet maintenance managers deal with on a daily basis. One of the most important duties of a fleet maintenance manager is the maintenance of vehicles. With the number of vehicles many companies have on the road each day, maintaining quality vehicles is important. Regular and controlled fleet vehicle maintenance can assist in more efficient and lower cost repairs, fewer technical problems and more efficient tracking, management and budgeting of the fleet. An outstanding fleet vehicle maintenance program can save time and money by ensuring that vehicles are safe and on time. Repairs and downtime for fleet vehicles can cost your company a considerable amount of money. High-quality fleet vehicle maintenance can mean the difference in your company’s reputation being one of top-notch service rather than undependable service. Preventative maintenance and scheduling routine maintenance or repairs can extend the life of your fleet vehicles. Many fleet vehicle managers find that using a specialized software program is the best way to organize these needed elements. With the high cost of fuel today, fleet managers also take into consideration the fuel usage among the vehicles. Fleet maintenance software programs often have features that enable the manager to appropriately budget for gas. The ability to log and track the mileage of drivers can give the manager a good idea of the average fuel consumption of each vehicle in the fleet. Fleet maintenance managers occupy important positions within a company. Most managers within top U.S. companies recommend the use of high-quality fleet maintenance software programs. These programs enable the fleet managers to keep detailed records and logs of everything that happens with each vehicle. For companies whose primary service depends on well-maintained vehicles, organization and tracking of the fleet and expenses is obviously a key responsibility. Your company’s business reputation is important and it is essential that the fleet manager is able to accurately maintain an exceptional level of quality of all vehicles in your fleet.With all of the products available on the market, the fleet maintenance management needs to examine the company’s needs to find the product best suited for them. The manager may choose to examine some of the top products by taking advantage of free trials offered by most companies. During the free trial, you are generally capable of performing the full range of functions in order to get a good feel for the product. This is a critical first step in choosing the software program that is right for your company About the author:Fleet Maintenance Software Info provides comprehensive information on fleet maintenance software, reviews and programs for commercial vehicles. Fleet Maintenance Software Info is the sister site of Preventive Maintenance Software Web.

Save at the Gas Pump - Real Money Saving Tips

2007-05-31T22:17:00.001-07:00

Save at the Gas Pump - Real Money Saving Tips
by: Robert Rogers

Real Money-Saving Steps There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat rising gas prices. Most cars can run on regular unleaded – 87 octane. High performance vehicles will usually require 91 octane or higher. Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car. It’s also usually written inside your gas lid, door panel, and sometimes right on your dashboard under the fuel gauge. It will say something like “Premium Unleaded Only” which means 91 octane or higher. All gas pumps must post the octane rating. Gas Cards Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up! Drive more efficiently: -- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent. This is caused by the amount of energy it takes to push your car through the air and the amount of drag created by your cars body. So if your car gets 25-mpg highway at 55 mph, driving 65mph will drop it down to 20 mpg! Driving 75 mph drops it down to just 16 mpg! My personal experience with my 98 VW Beetle: I drove to New York at the posted speed limits between 55 and 65 mph. I got about 35mpg and 450 miles on one tank!!! When I drove to Florida the posted speed limits were between 55 – 70 mph. I actually drove about 75 mph most of the way. I only got 27 mpg and about 350 miles on one tank. I lost almost 100 miles distant per tank! I couldn’t believe it. -- Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear. Most automatic transmission cars will have an overdrive button right on the gearshift. Look for a “D” and/or “O/D”. You will see a light on the dash indicating weather it’s on or off. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. If your car has a tachometer, you should be able to tell by watching your engine’s rpm speed on the highway. Buy switching the overdrive on, your rpm’s should drop significantly. -- Use cruise control. For longer trips using cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption. Set it to 55 mph on highways. -- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50 percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit" starts and sudden stops are wasteful. Let off the gas early when approaching yellow and red lights, stop signs etc… Most fuel-injected cars will cut off the fuel supply to the engine while you slow down saving you even more gas. -- Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for a car to reach normal operating temperature. Until then, your car is using almost twice as much fuel to keep the engine running! -- Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent. Maintain your car Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel and your car will run better and last longer. -- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Under inflated tires on a car is like running on the beach with no shoes. Car manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or doorjamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%. -- Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. -- Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption. Imagine running up a flight of stairs with only using one nostril in your nose to breath. Gas Cards Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up! About the author:Robert Rogers is a writer in the Washington DC area and specializes in computer security. For More Information - Visit

Transporting Your Exotic Car -

2007-05-25T02:48:00.001-07:00

Transporting Your Exotic Car
by: Thomas Morva

Exotic car transport is a growing branch of the car transport industry, a specialized field that includes auto transporters of custom-built automobiles, luxury cars, antique autos, exotic cars, and prototypes. Exotic car transport companies utilize state of the art satellite tracking and mobile phones to keep track of your vehicle every mile of the way. Secure and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates and unique tie-down systems provide security without damage to your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth and even travel are just some of the many special options available for shipping an exotic or special car. Custom equipment designed to meet your specific needs is a standard in the exotic car transport business. When investigating exotic car transport companies check to see whether they maintain fleet of opened and enclosed transports at their facility, and whether they employ a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people to serve your needs. To protect your interests, also make sure they carry the finest insurance coverage available.Some popular trailer options for secure exotic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of exotic vehicles will offer delivery from door to door or delivery to the customer wherever they choose. Most exotic car companies will accept non-running vehicles. Many exotic car transport companies will design an itinerary according, solely, to your car transport requirements.When you are searching for a exotic car transport company ask if exotic and vehicle shipping is their main focus or a sideline of another business, further find out if they contract out shipping jobs to third parties. Be certain when you are investigating exotic car transport companies that exotic and custom-made cars are their specialty and they are experts.Many exotic car transport companies will offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These car transport companies specialize in dependable, efficient service with numerous departures from major U.S. ports. Usually you will be assigned a very knowledgeable customer service person to insure the safe convey of your exotic car. Exotic car transport companies use various methods and vehicles to move your car long distances, such as custom designed flatbed trucks, enclosed single and double non-stacking trailers and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. It should not be difficult to find an exotic car transport company with a crew of certified professionals who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the some basic information about the nuances and services of moving exotic cars will make finding the best exotic car transport company an assured success. About the author:Car Transport Info provides detailed information about car transport services and trailers, as well as advice on locating an cheap, domestic and international car transport company for your standard, classic, or exotic car. Car Transport Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Do You Want to Increase Your Car’s Resale Value? Here’s How!

2007-05-19T12:41:00.001-07:00

Do You Want to Increase Your Car’s Resale Value? Here’s How!
by: Sarah McBride

If you are planning to resell your car in the future and buy a new and more advanced model, then you have to exert more effort in keeping it in good shape and excellent driving condition. Even if it’s already old, you can sell it at high price if it looks and performs like new. Anyway, let’s go straight to the question: how do you improve its resale value? The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good shape and condition, but there’s one store that can completely answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your car’s proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store definitely does both. Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our health, you need to replace some of your car’s parts and mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known to be exceptionally tough but it doesn’t mean they don’t require much attention and care. Among the auto parts that require your utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These parts are closest to the road and their quality affects significantly your vehicle’s ride quality and handling. Replace your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels. For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of course excuses no one and no vehicle. It’s always better to be on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen. Also, check out the store’s top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts. Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way. This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable, more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.About the author:As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

How to Transport Your Classic Car

2007-05-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

How to Transport Your Classic Car
by: Thomas Morva

Classic car transport is a large branch of car transport; it is a specialized field that includes car transport companies that are dedicated to the transport of antique and vintage cars. Most trailers used for the safe and efficient transport of classic cars are specially designed for smooth travel and protection from road and weather. Classic car transport companies usually employ only professional drivers who are experienced handlers of antique and exotic cars. Some popular trailer options for secure classic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of classic vehicles will offer delivery from door-to-door or delivery to the customer. Most classic car transport companies will accept non-running vehicles. When you are searching for a classic car transport company, ask if classic and vintage vehicle transport is their main activity or a sideline of another business. In addition, find out if they contract out transport to third parties. Make sure when you are investigating car transport companies that classic vehicles are their main focus. To safeguard your interests, also make sure they carry the best insurance coverage available.Many classic car transport companies will design an itinerary exclusive to you, this allows for greater flexibility on times of pick-up and delivery. Additionally in-transit contact between office and drivers through cell phones is a service that most classic car transport companies will provide as part of the basic transport service. Winching is also available at a modest fee.Many classic car transport companies offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These classic car transport companies specialize in reliable, proficient service with frequent departures from major U.S. ports. Normally you will be assigned a very experienced customer service representative to insure the safe convey of your car. Classic car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, enclosed single trailer and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. Easy and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates is usually a standard and most classic car transport companies have tie-down systems that provide security without harming your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth travel are other popular available options. Custom equipment designed to meet your needs is often available upon request. It should not be difficult to find a classic car transport facility with a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the basic facts about classic car transport will make finding the best company a sure success. About the author:Car Transport Info provides detailed information about car transport services and trailers, as well as advice on locating an cheap, domestic and international car transport company for your standard, classic, or exotic car. Car Transport Info is affiliated with Original Content.

OEM-quality Ford Focus Parts Available at Top American Ford Parts Dealer

2007-05-13T01:16:00.001-07:00

OEM-quality Ford Focus Parts Available at Top American Ford Parts Dealer
by: Jay Stevens

“It begs to be driven,” says Ford. Beyond doubt, this car is very inviting. It appeals to a lot of buyers not only because of its modern styling and excellent driving abilities but most especially, its reasonable price. Now on its sixth year, Ford Focus remains to be a strong contender in the economy car class in America and in United Kingdom. Since its debut in 1998 (in UK), Ford Focus has garnered over 60 awards, including 13 Car of the Year awards, both in Northern American and in Europe. It was also included in Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best List from 2000 through 2004 and recognized as the world’s best-selling car in 2001 and in 2002. The Ford Focus was substantially upgraded in 2005 so there are only few changes to the 2006 Ford Focus model. The 2005 Ford Focus came with restyled Ford hood, larger Ford grille, reshaped Ford front fenders integrated with the Ford headlights. These new Ford parts were maintained for the 2006 model; however, Ford offers this time a new Street Appearance Package for Ford Focus ZX3, Ford Focus ZX4, and Ford Focus ZX5, laden with safety and convenience features. Ford Focus Street Appearance Package came with different front and rear fascias, adding new Ford lights(Euro Altezza); lower Ford air deflector, Ford spoiler and rear Ford Front bumper; and chrome exhaust tip. The S and SE trim levels got optional alloy Ford wheels. All these additional features gave the new Ford Focus a racing car look. Continuing success of the Ford Focus only reaffirms Ford’s renowned excellence in creating vehicles of extraordinary performance, interior and exterior auto parts. Also it further proves Ford’s high standards on quality automobiles and its commitment to the customer’s ultimate satisfaction. Because of this, manufacturers and dealers of aftermarket and replacement Ford parts like the country’s top quality Ford auto parts supplier, Ford Parts Online, feel the need to continuously raise their quality standards as well in order to meet higher demands of Ford car users and match the latest from Ford. At one time or another, you would need to replace some auto parts in your Ford Focus or any other Ford vehicle, whether it’s simply for maintenance, for repair, for car enhancement or customization. No matter how well built and how well designed your Ford is, it is still subject to some car problems and of course, you can make it better. Replacing your OEM Ford auto parts has never been easier than it is today. There are thousands of aftermarket auto parts dealers all over the country and even online. You can have access to virtually all of them in just a click on a mouse, making it more convenient on your part. However, you still have to choose what is best for you. Even if many offer rock bottom Ford Parts Discount deals, you are not guaranteed to get the best for your Ford. Choosing a trusted and experienced auto parts dealer like Ford Parts Online can save you from worries. This auto parts dealer offers a great variety of Ford replacement and aftermarket parts including the finest line of Ford Explorer parts, Ford Mustang parts Ford F-150 Pickup parts and Ford Escape parts. Sourced from well recognized Ford parts manufacturers, you can be sure that these parts meet the industry’s highest standards for car parts. Priced like Ford Parts Used, its Ford Parts Discount are the perfect answer to your high quality and inexpensive Ford replacement part needs. Ford Parts DiscountAbout the author:Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips

2007-05-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips
by: Boyd Norwood

As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that comes with ‘break-down’ surprises. Listed below are some additional reasons to get serious about preventative car care:• Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your family members to get in an accident.• Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.• A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale value of your vehicle.• Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means that you won’t have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment, worn tires and worn suspension components.• Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!Establish Car Maintenance HabitsIt is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil changed every three months but it’s a bit more difficult to make those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs. You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn and your fuel filter.Common Complaints that Can be Solved with a Fuel Filter ReplacementThis article focuses on fuel filter replacement because experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain that their vehicles are ‘experiencing’ power loss, hard starting, or hesitation.1 These problems are in general due to clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) fuel filter replacement. How Often Should You Change Your Fuel Filter?As mentioned above, it is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement only applies to high mileage vehicles. Those of you who use your vehicles only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. If you have questions in regards to your vehicle, ask an (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) experienced filter specialist how often you should change your fuel filter.Don’t Fall For It!Many new vehicles supposedly are equipped with a ‘lifetime’ fuel filter that the manufacturer claims will never have to be replaced. These newer vehicles may require a fuel filter replacement only every other year, but they will indefinitely have to be replaced at some time. Any fuel filter (including the new ones) can clog or be exposed to moisture and rust--so don’t fall for the lifetime fuel filter story.Fuel Filter Replacement ServicesYou can replace your fuel filter by yourself, but today when there are literally dozens of service stations at your disposal, you will find that you will actually save more time and more money if you do your shopping right the first time. Take time to shop/compare and even ask for references. If you take the time now, it is unlikely that you will regret your decision later. Also, if you do decide to change your fuel filter by yourself, make sure that no one smokes around you as you work. Changing a fuel filter can be extremely dangerous.Choose a Better Fuel Station?Also, to prevent the quick ‘decay’ of your fuel filter you may want to consider patronizing only those fuel stations which have fuel filters within their gas pumps. These filters assure that the fuel you put into your vehicle will go through one final ‘filter session’ before going into your car. You would be surprised at the amount of dirt and other junk that is prevented from going into your vehicle because of fuel station pump filters. 1It’s simple science; a clogged fuel filter cannot allow the same amount of fuel to flow through it as a newly replaced one. This may mean that on roads around your home--as you drive slowly--your car will respond well, but at highway or freeway speeds your car may splutter and lack power.About the author:About the Author: Boyd Norwood is a Web Content Specialist for (http://www.10xmarketing.com) 10x Marketing in Orem, UT. For more information in regards to (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) fuel filter replacement or basic preventative car maintenance, please feel free to contact (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbd/Contact_Us.html) Dakota Filter Services.