วันศุกร์ที่ 29 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2551

The Benefits of Rough Terrain Forklifts

Author : Thomas Morva
Rough terrain forklifts are perfect for a variety of outdoor construction and loading needs. A rough terrain forklift is often used to carry materials like lumber, bricks, steel beams, and concrete, among others. A rough terrain forklift differs from a normal forklift in two major ways: they are operated by internal combustion engines, and they have inflatable tires with thick tread that allows operators to drive them over uneven or loose terrain.A rough terrain forklift is a strong rugged vehicle. Many heavy-duty rough terrain forklifts can carry several tons of material at a time. They are carefully calibrated to provide a counterbalance at the back of the lift that keeps the load from making the lift tip forward. Some models of rough terrain forklifts have four-wheel drive as well as four wheel steering. Most rough terrain forklifts have a hydraulic system that lifts and lowers the forks.Internal combustion engines power rough terrain forklifts. These engines provide more power than electric engines, allowing for greater acceleration and speed. Different internal combustion engines run on different fuels. Gasoline, liquid propane, compressed natural gas, and diesel are the most common. Diesel is the cheapest, but it is not as commonly found as gasoline. One additional advantage of internal combustion engines is that they significantly reduce refueling time.The tires on a rough terrain forklift are important. Rough terrain forklifts are able to ride over uneven ground because of the traction that the tires provide. Some rough terrain forklifts are equipped with tires that allow people to drive them over rocks, wood, sand, mud, snow, and ice, making them virtually unstoppable. Most of these tires fill with air like conventional tires found on cars and trucks, but some are solid rubber.A rough terrain forklift is a great addition to any construction site. Forklifts make it possible for operators to transport tons of material over hazardous ground.Forklifts Info provides detailed information about forklifts, including rough terrain and truck-mounted forklifts, used forklifts, and forklifts for sale, as well as forklift parts, accessories, operators, and safety. Forklifts Info is affiliated with Original Content Web.
Keyword : forklift, used forklifts, rough terrain forklifts

Buying New Vs. Used Cars

Author : Mantius Cazaubon
New vs used. Which car is right for you? Consider the following.Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer "new".New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit?The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way.Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don't have to worry about paying sales tax.As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission.A used car is usually less reliable. You don't know exactly what you're getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones.If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling.Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object.Mantius Cazaubon offers a guide geared towards helping you find the best deals on reliable parts and accessories for your automobile at http://www.toyota-parts-guide.com. Visit Toyota Parts Guide for auto parts savings.
Keyword : buying new cars, buying used cars, new cars, used cars, cars, buying cars

Tips for Buying Car Parts

Author : Jeff Lakie
Car repair and refinishing can be an expensive hobby. Whether you fix the cars of family and friends, or have a clunker that you want to turn into a head-turning show car, you have to put out a fair amount of money to buy car parts. What follows, though, is a step by step method of finding inexpensive car parts to help keep your hobby in budget.1. Put an advertisement in the classifieds of a local newspaper or local penny-saver paper that you are looking for fellow car enthusiasts to team up with to find inexpensive car parts. Give your name and number and tell them you're looking to form a club.2. When the car enthusiasts respond your advertisement, tell them your idea: that you form a discount car parts club so that you call can save money by filling the minimum purchase order on bulk car part purchases. Get a list from them of the parts they need to fix their cars, and add it to the list of parts you need.3. Go online to an inexpensive or wholesale car parts site by typing "cheap car parts" or "wholesale car parts" into the search line of your browser. Many of these places have a minimum order of only a couple hundred dollars (or sometimes even less!) So you shouldn't have any problem filling the order. Sometimes, these minimum order quantities mean you also get free shipping and warranties on the parts!4. When the parts arrive, call the car enthusiasts in your discount car parts club and have them pick up the order and drop off the payment payment. They'll be surprised at how much they saved and you may be able to get another order from them.If a venture like this is very successful, it could lead to an enjoyable money making hobby where you act as a parts-ordering middleman for local car part enthusiasts.If the only thing stopping you is whether or not you can trust the people who respond to your ad, simply get something from them in writing to say that they will reimburse you when the part arrives.Car part buying can be an expensive part of a fun hobby. But if you can find a few people to help buy parts in bulk, you can reduce your costs… and that will increase your fun!Jeff Lakie is the founder of Car Parts Information a website providing information on Car Parts
Keyword : CAR PART, CAR PARTS, AUTO PART, AUTO PARTS, USED AUTO, USED AUTOS, AUTO AUCTION, CAR AUCTION

Mobile Car Wash Product Preference

Author : Lance Winslow
One of the first things a new mobile car wash or auto detailing business owner asks themselves is where do I purchase my supplies? It is important to use commercial grad automotive waxes, polishes and conditioners, not off the shelf stuff at Wal-Mart. Remember just because it is the same brand name does not mean that it is the same stuff. Most major automotive car care product suppliers have two different product lines. One which they sell to the big box store merchandisers and one which is sold thru dealers or licensees, they typically are not the same. Although occasionally you will find a few items that are sold using each method, which are the same.If you are running multiple crews and you have hired operators for your crews which have any longevity in the business you will find that they probably already have a preference for a certain brand of products and thus it would be wise for you to allow them to use such a brand. You may find that some use inferior products, which gives your customers an imperfect job, thus you may wish to check each product they use and approve it or disapprove it.Owners of mobile carwash companies with multiple crews should allow each crew to purchase the supplies they need to complete their assigned routes and enough on hand to take walk up customers, well that is if there is actually time to take on additional clients, as the routes should be packed for maximum efficiency. If you are looking for business off your normal schedule, then you are wasting time, by assigning sales duties to auto care professional practitioners and technicians, which should be out making you money. Think on this.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : Mobile Car Wash Product, Preference, carwash companies

A Woman's Guide to Basic Tire Care

Author : Debbie Pettitt
Women certainly are not helpless. But sometimes we are a little overwhelmed working a 40-hour week, taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. The car is just another added burden when there isn't a man around to tinker with it.For the woman who finds herself in this situation, this is a short primer on routine tire care that will extend the life of your tires and hopefully make your life a little bit easier.Check Tire Pressure Regularly:Tire pressure should be checked whenever you suspect a problem or at a minimum, seasonally.
Symptoms of improper tire pressure include excess wear and squeeling when going around a corner (for under-inflated tires) and reduced traction (for over-inflated tires).Even the temperature can affect your tire pressure. Check your owner's manual to find where they've posted the proper tire pressure (usually on one of the doors) and be sure to keep it at that level. An improperly inflated tire not only wears quicker, it can also be dangerous when stopping and can cause tread separation.You can purchase a tire-pressure gauge at your local auto parts store, use a gauge at the gas station or ask your tire dealer to check it for you.Have Your Tires Rotated:Tires should be rotated every 5000 - 6000 miles. For various reasons, all four tires on a car do not wear the same. The purpose of the tire rotation is to allow for even wear and an extended life for your tires.Some manufacturers recommend "cross-rotation" (moving the right-front tire to the left-rear, etc.). Check your owner's manual for it's recommendations. Have your tire dealer rotate your tires regularly.Check Your Wheel Alignment:If you've hit a pothole or scraped your tire on a curb, your wheels may have been thrown out of alignment. Symptoms of wheels that are out of alignment are excessive wear (one tire may wear more than the others) and steering problems. You may notice that your car veers to the side when you're on a straight road or the car doesn't steer properly in a turn.Unless you notice any of these symptons, you should have your alignment checked annually.Have Your Wheels Balanced at the Same Time They're Rotated:An improperly balanced wheel will cause a vibration at higher speeds (50-70 MPH) which is noticable in the steering wheel (if a front tire is out of balance) or in the seat (if a rear tire is out of balance). It will also increase wear of shock absorbers, struts and suspensions.If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your tire dealer take a look. He will need to locate the heavier part of the tire and attach a lead weight opposite it to counter-balance it.Unless you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your wheel balanced every time you have them rotated (every 5000 - 6000 miles).Debbie Pettitt is webmaster for Everything Tires
For additional articles and information regarding tires, visit

http://everythingtires.com
Keyword : tire, tires, tire care, tire gauge, wheel alignment, wheel balance, tire rotation, tire pressure

Volvo and Saab: A Tale Of Two Swedes

Author : Matthew Keegan
For a country of only nine million people, Sweden has certainly left its mark on the world, particularly on the automotive industry. Two car makers, Volvo and Saab, hail from this Nordic nation. Interestingly, both car makers are now part of two American auto giants, but their legendary quality and engineering continues to shape the industry.Changes in the global auto industry during the 1980s and 1990s meant that many smaller players would have to merge in order to survive. Although Saab and Volvo were building the cars that consumers wanted and needed, their long term survival was in jeopardy. Questions regarding the costs involved in modernizing factories, streamlining production, updating models, and expanding their respective markets became paramount in the decision that both companies made to seek outside assistance. Fortunately, two American suitors were found that have allowed these Swedish automakers to continue production unabated while allowing for a much needed infusion of cash.Saab – General Motors purchased the remaining shares of Saab in 2000 and the car company has gradually been pulled into the GM fold ever since then. Unlike American divisions such as Cadillac, Buick, and Chevrolet, General Motors is handling their Swedish division a bit differently by giving the automaker a bit more autonomy in product development and market distribution. Still, new Saab models are borrowing heavily from the GM parts bin, with the Saab 9-7x being a chief example of this change. Based on the successful Chevrolet/GMC/Buick midsize SUVs – think Chevrolet TrailBlazer – the new Saab is more refined with a stiffer and quieter ride than its GM cousins. Happily, the powers that be at GM also had the presence of mind to incorporate familiar Saab interior ideas into the 9-7x including: the ubiquitous Saab center console mounted ignition switch, green backlighting, and the grid patterned vents with rubbery knobs. Consumer sentiment so far has been favorable and the new 9-7x has been well received by auto critics.Volvo – When Ford Motor Company purchased Volvo's car division in 1999 [Volvo's truck division was not part of the deal], many felt that an important era in Volvo engineering would come to an end. Fortunately, they have been proven wrong. Even more so than GM, Ford has allowed Volvo to exercise significant independence and has adopted Volvo engineering and safety practices to other Ford models quite successfully. Most new Volvo models are Volvo inspired with the U.S. automaker benefiting by the sharing of important resources. One exception is Volvo's new CX50 SUV which will be sharing the same platform as the Land Rover Freelander and the Ford Mondeo, but beyond that the rest of the vehicle is all Volvo engineering. Volvo's influence on Ford has extended to the new Ford Five Hundred sedan, which borrowed Volvo's front wheel drive chassis because it could be easily converted to an all wheel drive chassis, an important selling point.In all, both Saab and Volvo have a lot to be proud of. If Ford and GM behave themselves and give the two automakers wide latitude, all the cars within the two company's folds are certain to benefit. Only time will tell if this proves out.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts. If you are looking for replacement Volvo parts or Saab parts for your Nordic wheels, then stop by today to persuse our online inventory.
Keyword : Volvo parts, Saab parts, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, new car sales, Car Parts Stuff, loans

2006 Ford Fusion: A Better Idea?

Author : Matthew Keegan
For the last two decades, the Ford Taurus has served as the bread and butter car for the Ford car line up. In its early years, the Taurus ranked as the number one selling car in America. However, after its first decade the Taurus ceded the number one spot to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord as a dull redesign effectively chased customers away. Although in its final year of production as a fleet sales car, the Taurus has mercifully been replaced by the Fusion, a refreshing and invigorating car based on the Mazda 6 platform.With a base MSRP of $17,795, the Fusion is priced smartly against the Accord and the Camry. Standard engine is a 2.3L DURATEC I4 paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 3.0L DURATEC V6 is optional and it can be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.Other features of the Fusion include:AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3-capable player and 4 speakersPower mirrors, windows, and door locksClothe bucket seating with a 60/40 split rear seatTilt steering with speed control4 wheel independent suspensionFor Ford, the Fusion represents an already proven winner as the platform and much of its engineering is borrowed from the successful Mazda 6. As a part owner of Mazda, and as long and mutual business partners, Ford has saved considerable engineering costs in bringing the Fusion to the market. The Fusion is a five passenger sedan with front wheel drive; an all wheel drive version of the car will debut for the 2007 model year as well as hybrid gas/electric versions.Source:[1] Ford Motor Company at www.ford.comCopyright 2005 -- Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Samples from his portfolio are available right online.
Keyword : Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, Mazda 6, Ford Motor Company, Ford trucks, Ford cars

Bio Fuel by Farmers not Oil Companies

Author : Lance Winslow
Recently I had a conversation with a brilliant engineer and scientist about growing our fuel that is to say Bio Fuel planted, cultivated and harvested by Farmers not from drilling, pumping, transporting and refining by the Oil Companies. He indicated that; "Bio fuel will be produced by farmers not oil companies."After doing some checking I discovered that farmers can only at max produce 6-8% of our total diesel needs now, but still that is a lot of fuel. It is about the amount of Diesel Sales of Knoxville Based Pilot Truck Stops in the US pumps each month. So this is one way to modify our supply issues against the demand of a nation, which is driven by the fuel, which drives our economy.One item, which is a problematic issue, which is unresolved, is who is paying for the water during droughts when there is none? Remember the recent long-term Western, Midwestern droughts. What about crop failures? If we think price spikes in crude oil commodity markets are bad now, what if... we have issues with growing and it is our fuel? Unpredictable price spikes would kill airlines and trucking. Somewhat serious for rail, but they have more storage capacity. What about military reserves, we cannot open that valve to commercial markets every time there is an issue with price causing disruptions in distribution to our nation without a greater risk.I mean, the concept sounds cool and all but refining is still an issue and this means lots of capital investment and time to build. Eight percent Max would draw down Supply side spikes, but could also cause them. And why would those producing the Bio-diesel or bio fuel bother selling the Bio-Diesel here, when they can get double for it in the China in the near future, as they are entering their industrial revolution and will be an energy hungry nation, of which this world has never seen?World Markets and one world peaceful economies dictate price, we would not necessarily over come the market reality of world currencies or the up and coming super powers and their needs; India and China. Now with that said I am not against the try for 8% of our nations fuel coming from Bio-Fuels in fact I kind of fancy the ideas, but know all the ramifications prior to moving that Knight to the black square, you see? Thus we need a real reality based look-see into all the possible futures and 13 moves ahead if we are going to play the game this way. We do not need any more crises coming from unintended consequences of an ill-conceived created reality, by silly humans. With that said, let's be honest with all the issues, including those no one is willing to talk about and continually sweep under the proverbial civilizations carpet. Think here and be rewarded with abundance of energy.Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Keyword : bio fuel, grow our own fuel, farmers, oil companies, droughts, bio diesel, droughts, water issues

Increase Your Torque And Save On Gas

Author : Matthew Keegan
If you were to mention to someone that most performance automotive parts can conserve fuel while producing more power, likely you would not be believed. In previous generations this statement would probably have held true, but today -- due to technological advances -- you can usually see an increase in power along with the added benefit of receiving a slight increase in fuel economy. This holds true for exhaust headers, the topic of this article.Exhaust headers are one of the simplest add on accessories you can utilize to enhance your engine's performance. Headers make it easier for the engine to drive exhaust gases out of the cylinders and to purge the manifold's back pressure. Instead of a shared manifold that all of the cylinders use, each cylinder has its own exhaust pipe. The result? More power for your car and less fuel expended as the headers harness what was previously wasted power and turns it back into raw energy.Selecting a header for your car basically comes down to two choices: stock headers and performance headers. With a stock header you come out ahead on price and with a performance header you win on power. Essentially, a performance header takes off where the stock header leaves off by providing an individual runner, or pipe, for each cylinder. In addition, exhaust backpressure is reduced, and air flows more easily out of your engine. Thus, you pay more for a performance header but you get what you really want: more power for your wheels.So, who sells headers? Fortunately, the number of manufacturers producing excellent quality performance headers is on the rise. More competition means a better selection and lower prices. Some of the top manufacturers are:Apexi HeadersBBK HeadersBorla HeadersDC HeadersDynomax HeadersEdelbrock HeadersFlowTech HeadersGibson HeadersHedman HeadersJBA HeadersPacesetter HeadersWhen it comes to purchasing headers, prices are all over the place. Shop around and compare price, service, and selection, between online wholesalers to uncover who is in the best position to deliver to you the highest quality parts for the lowest prices.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Wholesaler [APW], a high quality supplier of replacement and performance parts for many makes and models of vehicles. At APW, we sell exhaust headers including Hedman Headers. Through our always open online store you can purchase Honda headers and headers for other fine vehicles.
Keyword : Hedman headers, exhaust headers, Honda headers, cat-back exhaust systems, mufflers, tail pipes

Help Me, Honda!

Author : Matthew Keegan
So, you need a new car, do you? Have you considered Honda? Not too long ago your choices were the Civic, Accord, or Prelude. Today, Honda has expanded their line up to cover just about every segment going. Let's take a look at their current line up and see how Honda stacks up against the competition.Accord – Soon after the Civic entered the North American market, the Accord was introduced. The car has been so well received that it routinely battles with the Toyota Camry for the top spot in the American market. Every few years the Accord receives a complete makeover; today's Accord is available in three models: coupe, sedan, and hybridCivic – When Honda entered the US market in the early 1970s, it was the Civic that led the way. The reason? High fuel economy. At that time, Detroit was primarily building gas guzzling behemoths and the American market was ripe for an affordable and economical compact car. Despite being derided by some – pregnant roller skate was one of the terms given to the Civic – the car proved to be the toehold Honda needed to get established in the North American market. Today's Civic bears no resemblance to the original and it is available in three models: coupe, sedan, and hybrid.CR-V – Available in either FWD or 4WD, the CR-V is Honda's compact SUV with seating for as many as five adults.Element – The Element defies easy characterization. Some call it a bread box on wheels. Available as a FWD or 4WD vehicle, the Element is targeted to the youth set and is an alternative to Toyota's Scion brand.Insight – The first gasoline-electric hybrid sold in the US was the Insight. Five years later it still commands an important part of the Honda line up.Odyssey – The new benchmark for minivans is the Honda Odyssey. In just a few short years, Honda transformed a Plain Jane people mover into a van with pizzazz. The Odyssey routinely competes with the Toyota Sienna for top honors in the North American market.Pilot – A 7 passenger SUV, the Pilot is Honda's first large SUV. Competing against the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner, the Pilot has performed well and has gained respect in the tough, competitive American market.Ridgeline – A four door AWD truck, the Ridgeline goes where no Honda has gone before: off the road. Sure, other Hondas come equipped with AWD or 4WD, but the Ridgeline was built expressly to handle hill as well as highway. The unique five foot long bed has a trunk built into it; certainly the Ridgeline defies easy comparison.S2000 Roadster – Honda's race car capabilities are displayed with the S2000 Roadster a two seat coupe that compares favorably with the BMW Z4 Roadster. Ranked as one of the best wanted car by consumers with several leading automobile magazines and web sites including Edmunds.com.Honda's top competitor is Toyota and both now have luxury brands from which motorists can purchase more upscale versions of their vehicles. Toyota's Lexus division and Honda's Acura division offer to consumers vehicles that go beyond their standard brands. Still, you can't go wrong if you buy a Honda, an automotive line which continues to expand and grow because of high quality and consumer loyalty.Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse, a wholesaler of fine discounted Honda parts and Honda accessories.
Keyword : discount Honda parts, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Prelude, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, car parts

Why Car Share?

Author : Alexandra Gubbins
Around 60% of drivers of the 31 million cars on Britain's roads travel alone, and with the number increasing every year, the idea of car sharing as an option is being promoted by County Councils as well as Friends of the Earth and Carplus.Car sharing, also known as carpooling, is when two or more people travel together by car, and the passenger generally makes a donation towards running costs. There are a number of organisations, such as www.liftshare.co.uk, that enable people living in the same area who make similar journeys to make contact with each other, encouraging more participation in lift sharing.The number of people taking part in car sharing arrangements is relatively small but increasing, and supporters of car sharing initiatives hope that this will become a much more popular way of travelling in the future.Why car share?- Car sharing reduces your travel costs. By car sharing for a year, the average driver would save £1000 on fuel and parking costs. If car sharers alternate with whose turn it is to drive, the amount of wear and tear that happens to both cars is halved and the cars will better keep their value.- Car sharing reduces emissions. Sharing a car with 1 other person would save 648 kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and if half the drivers of the UK shared a lift just once a week, pollution would be reduced by 10%. Emissions are a serious problem for both people and the environment.90% of the population in London is caused by cars, and the cost of that pollution in human lives is high, with estimates suggesting that more people die from pollution than from car accidents. 70% of asthma sufferers believe that pollution makes their condition worse, and with 5.1 million asthmatics in the UK, anything that can be done to reduce emissions should be encouraged.- Car sharing reduces congestion and parking problems. There are massive congestion problems on Britain's motorways and in and around many towns and cities across the UK, and car sharing would help alleviate the situation. Congestion costs British businesses a staggering £15 billion every year in lost work hours, and parking presents a problem for many employers.If the average car occupancy were to increase by half - from 1.58 people per car to 2.37 people per car – there would be a third fewer cars on the roads. Many employers who encourage car sharing have found that their car parking problem has disappeared with their employees coming to work in one car rather than three.- Car sharing increases transport options for rural areas. Rural areas often have little or no access to public transport and it can be very difficult for people without cars to get around. Car sharing would provide options for these people, who may be able to share a journey with someone in their neighbourhood.There have been taxi-sharing initiatives arranged in some villages, which have had some success, but have yet to widely catch on.- Car sharing is a good way to meet new people. It often works best in situations such as travelling to and from work or doing the school run where there are lots of people entering and leaving the area at the same time. People can get to know colleagues that they would not otherwise have met, as well as neighbours and other people who live nearby.- Car sharing can reduce car insurance. If two people alternate who drives and who is a passenger, they can both get cheaper car insurance because they will be doing fewer miles a year.The reason for this is that, although the car occupants are just as likely to be in a car accident, both cars are less likely to be involved in an accident if they are being driven less. Thus, car insurance companies appreciate this lower risk and lower their prices appropriately.Car sharing is good for health, money and the environment, and is a good way to meet more neighbours. Trials of new lanes just for car sharers are being introduced on motorways such as the M1, as similar principles have been successfully applied in America and Australia, so car sharing could get people to work quicker too.- ends -Editorial notes: Duck2water Car Insurance provide fast, free quotes for cheap car insurance in a matter of seconds – just go to http://www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk or call 01243 523306.Author: Alexandra Gubbins of http://www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk
Keyword : car sharing

Infiniti M45 Sport: Middleweight Thriller

Author : David Bellm
In any category of car there's always those obvious top-name picks that everybody seems to gravitate toward. Maybe it's me-too-ism, or maybe it's just people's faith in certain apparently "sure-thing" brands. Whatever the underlying reasons for this phenomenon, in the world of luxury cars, the big names are evergreens BMW and Mercedes, along with more recent fave Lexus.And then there's Infiniti. Introduced at approximately the same time as Lexus, the nameplate hasn't made nearly the impression that its biggest rival Japanese luxury brand has. And that's a shame. This upscale Nissan division has offered its share of sophisticated machinery to rival Lexus and other luxury marques. And, in many cases, Infinitis have a livelier, sportier feel than those more-popular competitors.But while the brand's relative obscurity might be a bad thing for Infiniti, it's certainly not a bad thing for Infiniti owners. Not those willing to forgo image projection in favor of real, satisfying automotive substance anyway. For such folks looking to get a top-notch midsize luxury car that won't get lost in a sea of BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Classes, and Lexus GSs, the all-new Infiniti M45 fits the bill beautifully.And even if you don't care about being a nonconformist, the new Infiniti M is a terrific car. It's worth considering strictly on its merits alone.This all-new M was introduced in Spring 2005 as a 2006 model. It's offered as the M35 with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and as the M45 with a 335-hp 4.5-liter V8. The M45 can also be had in a Sport version, which has 19- instead of 18-inch wheels, upgraded suspension, and a unique automatic rear-wheel steering system. It's this hottest version of the M that we were lucky enough to get for our test session.Easing into the M45's roomy interior, you're surrounded by high-grade furnishings that speak of expensive quality. Sport versions of the M45 eschew luxury-car-cliche wood trim in favor of attractive stainless steel panels dressed with a fine crosshatch pattern. The cabin's overall look is a confidently understated luxury, with a clean, modern flavor. Very nice.The instruments are traditional dials, neatly arranged in front of the driver. Somewhat less "neat," however, is the integrated navigation/climate/audio control system, which sprawls across a somewhat odd, almost horizontal panel jutting out of the middle of the dashboard. Although not as frustrating to use as some similar systems found in the M's rivals, the layout is nonetheless more distracting than it should be.That said, the busy array of buttons is really the only major negative to be found in the M45's cabin. The seats are long-haul comfortable and supportive, with good leg- and head-room even for tall occupants. Trunk space, while not massively copious, is more than adequate for a foursome's weekend luggage.Getting ready to embark in the M45 requires just the push of the starter button -- no key required as long as someone in the car has it in their pocket. Holding the button down, first the seats and steering wheel motor to their memory position, then the engine fires with a low, muted V8 rumble.Now get ready to really wow your friends: Grab the leather-wrapped shift knob and slide the lever into Reverse. You'll see not just the standard gee-whiz deal of the outside mirrors motoring down, but a reverse-view camera appearing on the dashboard LCD screen as well.Wow -- real James Bond stuff!Pause a minute while the oohs and ahhs die down, shift into Drive, and punch the gas. Your right-foot prompting is rewarded with a satisfying, refined growl and the muscular pull of the M45's impressive 340 lb- ft. of torque. Although the car weighs a substantial 3995 pounds, it nonetheless moves with an effortless, rather addicting urgency when asked to.And believe me, we asked it to a lot. No matter what speed you're traveling, the M45 has speed-hungry drivers covered. Nail it off the line and you're hauling along readily. Plunge into the throttle at highway speeds and the 5-speed automatic transmission promptly and appropriately drops a gear or two as needed, pushing the speedometer needle vigorously upward. Leave the pedal down to the floor and the magic 100-mph mark approaches and passes by with pleasing effortlessness.Indeed, if you're not watching closely, you can find yourself thinking you're cruising a cop-friendly 65 mph, and actually be doing more like 85 or 90. Aside from a little too much wind noise around the A-pillars, the M45's speedometer is the only substantial indication that you're approaching triple-digit velocities.Part of that sensation of effortless speed is a result of the M45s ride. It's a fine mix of competent body control and impressive bump absorption, despite stiff 40-profile performance tires. The car is admittedly a tad on the firm side for a luxury sedan. But it's nevertheless comfortable and, more importantly, composed. Our test M45 remained surefooted and stable even when traversing wavy country roads at close to 100 mph.In fact, it seemed no matter how fast we were going the M45 felt planted and ready for more. At 130 mph on smooth roads, the car's confidence-inspiring composure remained intact and the engine was still pulling strong. Satisfied with this as proof of the M45's high-speed prowess, we eased off the gas to more sane velocities.Using the car's powerful brakes to haul us quickly back down into the double-digit realm, we were able to sample the M45's fine road manners. Although this is a sizeable machine and it's obviously aimed at luxury and comfort more than athleticism, it's nonetheless quite satisfying to put through its paces. Grip is very good, helped by performance rubber, along with electronic handling aids that are effective and generally unobtrusive. Body lean is minimal, and the car treats drivers to a nimbleness that's impressive for a large sedan.No doubt some of that agility is due to the Sport version's rear-wheel steering. The system's operation is entirely transparent to the user, except when you consider that this big two-ton sedan is whipping through corners as if it were a size or two smaller.Complementing the rear-wheel steering is the sensation drivers get from the front wheels. The M45's steering feel is perhaps one of the car's most satisfying elements. It's a pleasing blend of good feedback, reasonably quick ratio, and light but appropriate weighting. It isn't likely to disappoint luxury buyers who seek a more rewarding driving feel than many of the M's rivals can offer.And in a broader sense, that notion is the real core of the M45's appeal. This is a car that's rich, luxurious, and comfortable, yet sporty, modern, and a little unique. It's an excellent blend. Perhaps the best evidence of that is how much we hated to give this car back when our week-long test session was over.Anyone who experiences the M45 will most likely feel that strongly about it too.For more drive-test articles on today's hottest luxury cars, sports cars, sport compacts, and muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/David Bellm is a seasoned test driver and automotive writer. His work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print publications.
Keyword : luxury car,Infiniti M45

Nissan Buzz: Future Cars

Author : Matthew Keegan
Nissan Motors continues to make important strides in becoming one of the highest quality automakers on the scene in North America today. Long living in the shadow of Japanese stalwarts Honda and Toyota, Nissan is fighting back with a series of new or updated models to cut into the Honda-Toyota dominance. Can they succeed? You be the judge as we take a look at four coming attractions soon to make their appearance at a Nissan dealer near you!Nissan Versa – Toyota's Scion division has been a hit with the youth, while Nissan has been scrambling to provide models that can capture the interest of new drivers while being at the same time affordable. Scheduled for release by Summer 2006, the Versa will come with a 1.8L inline four cylinder engine and be available as either a five door hatchback or a four door sedan. The car will be manufactured in Mexico with a starting price in the neighborhood of 12 thousand dollars expected.Nissan Cube – Still in the "maybe it will be imported" stage, the new Cube is Nissan's response to the Scion xB and the Honda Element. Seating five to seven adults, the Cube is exactly that: a box on wheels. Published reports suggest that the Cube will be released to the North American market by 2008.Nissan Sentra – A new Sentra is expected to bow during the second half of 2006 as a 2007 model. Significant styling changes and an up market push are planned by Nissan to help the car compete more effectively with the VW Golf and Mazda 3.Nissan Altima – The big change coming for the Altima is the introduction of a hybrid engine. Scheduled to hit Nissan showrooms by Fall 2006, this new Altima model will actually borrow Toyota technology to create Nissan's first hybrid. The engine and the battery will be all Nissan, however; Nissan apparently needs an assist from its Japanese rival to enter the growing hybrid segment.Beyond 2008 consumers can expect to see an updated Quest van makes its appearance with subtle changes on the remaining vehicles in Nissan's line up. Additional models are in the concept stage; expect some to be shown at upcoming auto shows.Although it is too early to confirm each of the four featured models, Nissan's thrust in the coming years is to increase its share of the Generation "Y" market. Should the Cube and Versa make their appearance as hoped for, Nissan is likely to score some points with young drivers in two areas: style and price. Look out Honda and look out Toyota!Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and contributing writer for
Auto Parts Warehouse, a wholesaler of premium auto parts including

discount Nissan parts and accessories for your Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, or other fine Nissan vehicle.
Keyword : discount Nissan parts, Nissan Sentra, Nissan hybrid, Nissan Altima, Nissan Cube, Nissan Versa, cars

Is America Ready For A Tiny BMW?

Author : Matthew Keegan
I wrote previously about Mercedes' foray into the small car market. As strange as that may seem to many Americans, both Mercedes and BMW have long produced smaller and less costly models for the European market. Now, it appears that BMW is considering doing the same: introducing to the North American market a truly compact car, smaller than any BMW that has ever graced our highways and back streets. Is this a good move for the German automaker? Or, will it water down a prestigious brand name?Part of any automaker's marketing strategy is to convince you, the consumer, what their vehicle line is all about. Dodge would like you to believe that they sell sporty cars and rugged trucks; Scion touts their youth oriented vehicles; and both BMW and Mercedes, like Cadillac, sell luxury vehicles. Millions of dollars of advertising is spent per year to reinforce brand image which is supported by consumer surveys of that particular sentiment.Speaking about Cadillac, in the early 1980s GM's luxury brand briefly marketed a compact car – the Cimarron – that ultimately bombed, in part, because it strayed far from its big luxury car base. Sure, the car was little more than a rebadged and re-tweaked Chevrolet Cavalier, but it contradicted the entire Cadillac mystique. Even a slightly larger and much later model, the Catera, also failed as the car was perceived for what it really was: a remade Opel.So, now the dilemma: will consumers accept the "1 Series" BMW's planned entry or will it cause confusion and diminish the BMW name? As a backgrounder, the current 1 Series is expected to be overhauled in 2006. Right now the car is offered as a sport hatchback, but the hatchback isn't likely to be imported due to America's aversion to that particular body style. Thus a sedan version is being considered by BMW for production according to published reports.I visited BMW's U.K. site to examine the current Series 1 model. With the typical BMW fascia in place the Series 1 resembles a slightly stretched Volkswagen Golf mated to a compact BMW. The "1" comes equipped with either a 1.6L or 2.0L I4 gasoline engine, a gas 24V 3.0L V6, or a 2.0L four cylinder diesel that achieves a whopping 50 mpg fuel economy. Prices for the "1" start at just under $25,000Equipment on the "1" is typical BMW with ABS and all the full luxury appointments. Clearly, the current "1" is not a stripped model as it features many of the amenities found on larger BMWs.In my opinion BMW must tread carefully in bringing a car of this size to the American market. Forget the hatchback and just go with the sedan with either a wagon and or a coupe being a possibility. Unlike the basic Mercedes models, the "1" may just be able to pull it off for BMW and allow the German automaker to sell a tiny BMW successfully in the U.S. Alternatively, BMW just may want to consider launching a separate brand, to retain the BMW mystique in the American market.Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Race Pages as well as an automotive fan. For the best BMW parts, including
auto radiators, or for quality
Borla exhausts, shop our store today!
Keyword : BMW parts, BMW brake rotors, EBC brakes, Mercedes, Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Lincoln, Maybach, BMW

Grab the Best Honda Catalytic Converters from Auto Parts Inner

Author : Terry Brown
Millions of cars travel through our roads, highways and streets and each one of them is a source of hazardous gases and fumes that contribute to the worsening air pollution. The exhaust gases that these cars produce are very harmful to the environment, causing a variety of ecological problems such as ozone depletion and global warming. To counter these problems, laws have been enacted to keep the air clean. Carmakers have also introduced innovations in their vehicle's engine systems to control the harmful emission of gases.The catalytic converter is one of the devices introduced by car manufacturers to help curb the discharge of dangerous exhaust gases into the atmosphere. Its basic function is to treat the exhaust gases produced during the combustion process before it leaves the car. Exhaust gases include harmful volatile organic compounds or hydrocarbons, chemicals such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. What the catalytic converter does is transform these chemicals into less harmful varieties. This is achieved through a catalyst, usually rhodium or platinum that lines the inside of the converter.For all vehicles including Honda automobiles, there are two basic types of catalysts, reduction and oxidation. Reduction catalysts break down nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and oxygen, its basic components. Meanwhile, oxidation catalysts convert the lethal carbon monoxide gas into less harmful carbon dioxide. A functioning catalytic converter ensures that the gases that are expelled from the car's exhaust system are safer and less hazardous.Honda automobiles are known for their high fuel economy and gas mileage. They are also acknowledged for their excellent emission ratings. Catalytic converters are standard equipments that are required by law in all vehicles. Every Honda has a first-rate catalytic converter that helps contribute to its superb emission rating. Honda vehicle owners must maintain their catalytic converters in good working condition to ensure that the exhaust gases their Honda automobiles produce are safe.When catalytic converters become defective due to corrosion, wear and tear or internal clogging, replacement may be the only practical option. Replacement Honda catalytic converters must be tough, durable and able to withstand the rigors of every day use and give long years of excellent service. When purchasing Honda catalytic converters, it is important to know the type of road and weather conditions you'll be driving in. Honda catalytic converters made of steel withstand damages.Meanwhile, Auto Parts Inner offers a wide variety of Honda parts and accessories including top quality Honda catalytic converters. At Auto Parts Inner, you get the best Honda catalytic converters at marked down prices you can't see anywhere else.Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.
Keyword : auto parts,Honda parts,catalytic converters,exhaust system

An Overview on How to Install LED Under Car Lights

Author : Antonio T Gabellone
Are you having trouble installing LED under car lights onto your vehicle? Or maybe your just not sure where all the wires for the under car lights go? Let us show you all the "in's & out's" of this type of installation - which i should mention, is designed with the "Novice" in mind.The first thing you'll need to do when installing LED under car lights, is to find where you want to mount the led tubes. Be sure to keep their location in mind while doing the wiring part of the installation, so you can allow for the correct lengths of the wires.It is ideal to mount the led tubes so as they are centered between the overall length of the vehicle for optimal appearance. Tubes should be positioned on the chassis of the vehicle so as they are not visible. Visible led car lights are prohibited by law in most cities.You'll now need to disconnect the battery before starting on the installation and the drilling of holes. Do this by disconnecting the negative battery cable. This led under car lights installation involves disconnecting the battery first and foremost for safety reasons, and so you don't "short-out" your car wiring.The easiest way to mount the LED tubes is to start the screws in the brackets first,(supplied in kit) then holding the bracket in place, insert and tighten the screws into the holes. Make sure that the wires coming from the *Side* tubes are facing the front of the vehicle. It's best to tighten the screws just enough to hold the bracket in place, then go back after once you almost finished and individually tighten each one until it seats firmly.You should have a distribution block in your under car lights kit, find a good location for the block on a flat surface in the engine compartment away from any heat or moving parts.Next you will need to determine a location inside your vehicle to mount the digital control panel. You want it to be in a location where you can easily access all its buttons and functions while your sitting in the vehicle.The LED under car lights distribution block and the control panel can be hooked together using the ribbon wire that comes with your particular kit. The wire needs to be pushed through a hole in the firewall and plugged into the "input" on the side of distribution block. For those of you who may be a bit confused as to what the firewall is, it's the wall that divides the engine compartment and the interior of the vehicle. Be careful when you do this because the wire adaptors are fragile.The power wire on the digital control panel can be connected directly to the Positive side of the car battery or to any 12V power wire under the dashboard. There will also be an "Earth wire" or Negative ground wire coming out from the control panel that will need to be securely screwed to the chassis of the vehicle or to any "Earth wire" to complete the power circuit.Finally, to be able to operate your LED under car lights, the included switch and fuse should be connected between the control panel and the power supply. All you need to do now is to plug all the LED tubes into the Distribution block, complete any additional wiring according to your kit instructions and then you'll be all set to show em off!Please see our "More-In-depth" and step-by-step picture illustrated instructions on the How to install page listed below.Antonio Gabellone is the Owner/Author of All-Neon-Car-Lights.com - The Site is a great resource aimed at Neon Car Lights from PlasmaGlow with "life-time Warranties".
Copyright© All-Neon-Car-Lights.com 2005-2006 - Permission is granted to reprint this article provided the webmaster supplies a *LIVE* link to the authors website.
Keyword : neon car lights, neon under car lights, led car lights, interior car lights, car lighting accessorie

Brake Me!

Author : James Monahan
The sound of screeching tires may be one of the most annoying things you get to hear on the streets. However, for some people, the violent screech of tires and the nauseous whiff of brake fluid can mean something totally different: that their brakes are doing their job of keeping passengers safe from a collision.Brakes are devices that are used to slow rotating wheels until they stop. Friction brakes are the most common examples of such brakes. Brakes like the ones used on everyday vehicles such automobiles, bicycles, trucks and trains use friction between brake pad and a wheel to slow the motion of a vehicle.However, the friction created by the brakes generates a great deal of heat. The brake system should be able to dissipate this heat or else the brake could lose its efficacy.There are many kinds of brakes – the most common of which are the ones used in automobiles: the disc and drum brakes. Both, however, rely on hydraulics, or the use of brake fluid pressure to activate the brakes.The drum brakes work by the constriction of brake shoes installed on the inside of the wheel. The friction generated by this action slows the motion of the vehicle.The disc brake works by clamping the rotors of the wheel itself. Disc brakes are superior to drum brakes due to the fact that disc brakes are not prone to malfunction even when wet or immersed in water. This malfunction is called brake fade. Disc brakes can also handle higher braking temperatures and dissipate heat more quickly. Also, disc brakes do not trap water as drum brakes can.In 1985, the first antilock brake system (ABS) was introduced for motor vehicles in the United States. ABS works as a safety feature to give drivers more control when braking. ABS has a microprocessor and individual wheel-speed sensors that monitors the brakes of a vehicle. The hydraulic control valves for each brake circuit prevent skidding during panic stops or when braking hard on wet or slippery surfaces. By 1990, ABS was available on about 25 percent of all new cars and trucks. Today, ABS is available on over 90 percent of all new vehicles.Other Braking SystemsIn 1869, George Westinghouse invented a different system of applying brakes. Instead of using liquid pressure to apply the brakes, he used a system wherein it is the air pressure that prevents the brakes from applying.This is helpful since the Achilles heel of hydraulic brakes is that when there is a loss of pressure, the brakes become ineffective. In Westinghouse's system, when there is loss of air pressure, the brakes automatically apply.This is a safer alternative that is useful in high-load transportation such as trains.Large, heavy-duty trucks, as well as buses and trains, use compressed air pressure rather than hydraulic fluid to operate their brakes.Tomorrow's BrakesWhile we still mostly rely on friction for braking, many technological advances call for new braking methods.For example aircraft also use spoilers, and flaps to slow its velocity through the air.Electric cars and other electric vehicles use drum and disc brakes to stop, but some vehicles also make use of magnetic brakes, which create opposing magnetic fields to resist motion. This type of braking is called regenerative braking. This technique recaptures some of the vehicle's momentum as electrical energy. Regenerative braking uses the magnets within the electric motor itself to slow the vehicle. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the electric motor changes into a generator, thus recapturing the energy from the moving car and transforming it back into electricityAs transportation becomes faster, safety becomes a primary concern. More powerful means of controlling speed are needed, and the evolution of braking systems is not far off.James Monahan is the owner and senior editor of BrakeHub.com
Keyword : Brakes, Brake, Cars, Vehicles, Car parts

Why Won't My New Car Just Let Me Eat?

Author : Albert Medinas
Just looking at it is enough to depress you, isn't it? The payment on your new car isn't just depressing, it's a nightmare that's not going to end for five years - meaning that you are going to be pinching pennies and surviving off of mac & cheese for awhile! The new car loan rate on your "new baby" is enough to make your palms sweat - and your bank account empty. Sure, you made a few mistakes with the plastic when you were in college, but was it enough to justify an 18% APR on a $25,000 car?But now you are stuck with that new car loan rate, right? Nothing to do now but just stick it out. It's a shame to have such a pretty car and not be able to afford actually, you know, driving it anywhere! If you are stuck with a new car loan rate that is killing you and your social life, maybe it is time to look into your options.You must be kidding. Is there some "Do-Over" button or something?Well, not exactly. Truth is, you are stuck with that new car loan until you pay it off. Fortunately, you don't have to wait five years for that to happen. The way to lower that new car loan rate is to go to another lender and get a better rate. Basically, you have to refinance your new car. Is this a do-over button? No. But it can save you thousands of dollars if you play your cards right.Refinance? Are you nuts? I thought they did that with houses!Yes, they do, and for the very same reason that you need to refinance your new car loan - to get a lower interest rate. The idea is pretty simple: you take out another loan to pay off the first new car loan. Of course, this time you might want to take a little more time and shop around for the best rates. After all, you aren't going to lower those payments on that new car unless you get a better APR than you did the first time around!Where do I go to refinance my new car?While traditional banks are an option, a lot of companies on the Internet can generally give you a great deal on a new car loan rate. Plus, since it is so easy to compare rates, it doesn't take a lot of time to shop around for the best deal. Just be sure to watch out for application and processing fees, which can quickly add up to a real headache when refinancing your new car.Anything else I should know?Now that you mention it, there is: NEVER forget that your credit score is the key to everything! Not only does this magic little number help determine your new car loan rate, it is used to get a mortgage, credit cards, and even plays a role in getting some jobs and determining your insurance rates. If your credit score is below 550, then fix it before thinking about trying to get a new car loan with a lower rate. And finally, always know what your credit score is before even thinking about shopping for a new car. That way, you won't be tempted to sign on the dotted line for a new car loan that is more likely to bankrupt you than get you off the mac & cheese!Albert Medinas has developed and maintains the website New Car For YOU, which answers the most common questions drivers have about purchasing a New Car. Please visit us at http://www.newcarforyou.net today.
Keyword : New Car, New Car Loan, New Auto, New Auto Loan, Car, Auto, Loan, New York Car Insurance

Road Rage Impairs Driving Safety!

Author : William Ron
Road rage is often referred as the aggressive emotion between drivers caused by difficult driving conditions disguised in the name of traffic. Imagine a hypothetical scenario where you drive next to some guy who doesn't give you space to make a turn and he is far beyond the posted speed limit. Does this irate you to certain extent that you revolt back?? If so, you are raging on road.Signs & Symptoms of road rage
• Tailgating.
• Obscene gesturing.
• Blasting the horn.
• Racing to beat a yellow light that's about to change into red.
• Traveling in the passing or left lane at a slower speed, making it impossible for others to pass.
• Cutting people off.
• Slowing down after passing someone.
• Changing lanes without signaling
• Frequently changing lanes by weaving back and forth
• Not making a right turn in the right-hand turn lane.
• Not reacting quickly after the red light turns green
• Flashing lights in order to signal persons to move to another lane.
• Driving with the high beams on behind another vehicle or toward oncoming traffic. Myth: are aggressive driving and road rage same?
Aggressive driving is a traffic offense or combination of offenses such as following too closely, speeding, unsafe lane changes, failing to signal intent to change lanes, and other forms of negligent or inconsiderate driving.
While Road rage on the other hand, is a criminal offense, norm prescribed by DMV. This occurs when a traffic incident manifests into a serious situation. These violent acts might include physical confrontation to an assault with a motor vehicle or possibly a weapon. Remedy
A preliminary action would be to act dumb, avoid responding back to the misdemeanors. If the other driver's aggressive behavior is intentional, the best thing to do is to avoid eye contact and get out of the way. Don't create a competitive environment between you and the other driver. This vengeance makes you forget your driving laws.
Defensive driving skills make a significant change in your driving attitude.
Apart from psychological disturbance and physical injury, the aggressive feeling affects the driving in the ways like speeding, ignoring road signs, poor lane discipline and lack of courtesy.
Highly recommended tips to avoid road rage- these are simple driving tips
• don't take traffic problems personally
• don't tailgate
• use your horn sparingly
• don't block the right hand turn lane
• don't block the passing lane
• avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver
• don't make obscene gesturesThese are just a few suggestions to reduce the risk of road rage. Never drive at the extremities of slow or defense. Treat the other road users as you wanted to be treated by them. Do remember tolerance is a virtue and patience does pay for your safety on roads.Drivers involved in truck driving need to track their attitude while driving. These giants merely take away lives at the very infraction itself. They cause higher damage than the general automobiles. Hence forth it is quintessential to be relaxed and enduring while driving behind the wheel.Ignorance is surely bliss. Especially to avoid becoming a victim of a "road rage" driver. Be calm and patient. This serene driving attitude is helpful for you and healthier for road safety. You can read many more tips and information @ driving safetyvisit driving safety
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Get Better Gas Mileage This Winter - Simple Tips You Can Use

Author : Scott Babb
Maintain your car. Check your tires to make sure they have plenty of tread. Slipping tires are dangerous and they waste gas. Ask your car dealer or mechanic if you can use a lighter weight oil during the winter to reduce friction and save gas. Consider using a low-friction or synthetic oil to save gas. If it's been awhile since you changed your air filter, check your owners manual to find the recommended changing interval. A new air filter can greatly improve your gas mileage. Consider an after-market low restriction air filter system. Not only can these improve your gas mileage, but they often come with permanent filter media that can be washed or cleaned and reused. The higher cost of the after-market filter can be offset by not having to buy new air filters.

Check your tire pressure. As the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure. Low tire pressure is one of the most common causes of poor gas mileage and it can also wear your tires quicker and make your car handle badly. Check your tires regularly with a tire pressure gauge and make sure they're at the manufacturer's recommended settings. To find the recommended settings look in your owners manual or open your driver's door and look for a sticker on the rear of the door near the latch mechanism. Some cars have different recommended pressures for the front and rear tires. Don't overinflate your tires because that can make them wear out quicker and make your car handle poorly.

Don't run your car's engine to warm it up. This is a common way people waste gas in the winter. See your owners manual for recommended warm-up time for your car. It's usually less than a minute and often less than 15 seconds. Running your car's engine longer wastes gas. If you live in a very cold climate, install an electric block heater to pre-heat your car's engine. Consider bundling up in warmer clothes if comfort is an issue. If you're out shopping, park in a sunny spot and let nature help keep your car warm for your return.

Clear all ice and snow off your car before you start driving. In addition to being a lot of extra weight to haul around, ice and snow can increase wind resistance which also hurts gas mileage. Also make sure you're not dragging around any more weight than absolutely necessary by removing unneeded items from your trunk.

Remove your roof rack. If you use a roof rack for skis, snowboards, or other items, remove the rack when you're not using it to reduce wind resistance. If you must leave the rack on, at least remove the equipment from the rack to minimize the mileage drop. Consider using an aerodynamic box-style container on your roof rack for your winter sports equipment. If you transport sports gear or other items in your trunk or inside your vehicle, remove them as soon as you're done using them to save weight.

Avoid the drive-through. It's convenient to use drive-through lanes for coffee, food, or banking, but all that sitting in line wastes gas. Park your car and brave the cold to walk inside the eatery or bank and you'll save gas.

Bonus: Holiday gift suggestions to help save gas.

For those on a budget, an accurate dial-type tire pressure gauge should cost you less than $15. Even the entry-level digital gauges are less than $20. Of course if you want a professional-quality gauge with superior accuracy or a digital gauge that tells you your tire pressure audibly, you can spend considerably more.
If you're shopping on a higher budget, consider a GPS navigator. These electronic marvels listen to radio signals from orbiting Global Positioning System satellites and calculate your location with amazing accuracy. They can display maps, give you step-by-step directions to your destination, and even tell you where to find the nearest restaurant, gas station, or hotel when you're on the road. You'll never have to worry about being lost and you'll save gas by having a computerized navigator to direct you to your destination. The cost? An entry-level GPS navigator is under $90 and they range from there to over $1000 for a top-of-the-line model.
Scott Babb is the webmaster of http://www.gas-mileage-tips.com where you'll find many more tips, tools, and resources to help you get better gas mileage, save money, and be kinder to the environment.
Keyword : gas mileage,fuel economy,winter,save gas,mileage,gps navigator,save fuel,tire pressure

Is A Radar Jammer a Wise Idea for You?

Author : John Mancini
For most people the need to avoid a ticket is enough of a reason to slow down and (mostly) obey the speed limits. For the rest of the population, however, the need to go increasingly faster has prompted the purchasing of radar jammers. While the use of these devises can seem to be a no-brainer, there are some things to know before purchasing one.It's best to check with your state about if a passive radar jammer is legal where you live. If it is, you may want to check which models and manufacturers are acceptable and which are not.Radar Jammers can be purchased through online dealers. Because of the legality issues involved with owning and operating them, they can be expensive. Most models run around $1,500.00 each, this is for an active jammer as opposed to a less expensive, less dependable passive jammer.This is a good time to think about the debate of whether a passive jammer for radar detectors actually works or not. While passive and active jammers themselves send signals back to a police radar detector and can jam up the signal that it receives, a passive jammer needs to be very close to accomplish this. For example, a police detector can be upwards of 1,000 feet away from your vehicle and accurately measure how fast you are driving. While your passive radar jammer can scramble that signal, it would need to be about 100 feet away to work. An active jammer does the job better and does not need to be as close as a passive jammer, but is the one what is illegal to own. Keep this in mind when looking for a radar jammer to purchase.If you are contemplating the purchase of an active radar jammer for your vehicle, you should know that they are illegal and have been banned by the federal government since December of 1977. The FCC has banned the use and the sale of these devices and the consequences for repeatedly and willfully using them can be steep. Per the FCC, you could be fined as much as $11,000 per violation (with a maximum amount of $75,000) and you could be sent to jail.John Mancini has been writing about radar detectors online and offline for a long time. Visit http://best-radar-jammers.net or http://radar-detector-reviews.com to read more about matters like whistler radar detectors and rocky mountain radar detector.
Keyword : radar jammers, radar detector reviews, cobra radar detectors, whistler radar detectors, escort radar

Mobile Phone Satellite Navigation

Author : Francis Ononye
Dedicated portable GPS navigation systems in cars are now very popular, What could be better than being able to get to wherever you want to without having to stop and ask for directions.Nevertheless, a lot of people overlook a convenient an easy way of navigation which is using your mobile phones for GPS Navigation. You might think because of the small screens on mobile phonbes, it wouldn't be practical, but from experience that is farther from the truth. There are quite a few advantages choosing a a mobile phone over a dedicated portable gps system for navigation. The main being convenience, Since mobile phones are usually compact and small, it makes it much easier then having a bulky dedicated system.Another overlooked advantage is security, Since dedicated portable navigation sytems come with a distinct windscreen car mount. There have been cases where cars have been broken into because thieves saw the windscreen mount on the windscreen and the owner park the vehicle, coming out with nothing and then assumed the unit will be in the car.With the mobile phones, all you need is a compatible phone loaded with the navigation software and a bluetooth receiver. One thing I do sometimes is to also use a bluetooth headset and have the voice prompts from the phone through the headset. You just have to make sure you get the right phone by checking which mobile phones are supported by your choice of navigation software. When you receive an incoming call the software pauses and allows the call to come through and resumes when the conversation is ended. So if you have a correct phone, it might make more sense opting for a navigation software and bluetooth GPS receiver.Francis Ononye is a GPS enthusiast and webmaster at http://www.bluetoothgpstips.com
Keyword : GPS, Satellite Navigation

How to Find a Good, Clean, Used Car and Pay Less

Author : Amit Laufer
How to buy a CarBuying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand :-) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in love" with a certain car model.There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.Buying a Used CarThe question I would like to bring up here is whether it's wise to buy a used car or to make an additional effort and buy a new car.If you look at it purely from an economical stand point then it's quiet obvious that due to the fact that you miss out on the heaviest depreciation hit the average car absorbs in the first two and three years it's wise to buy a used car. A car of two or even three years on the road is basically a new car and in some cases didn't even finished the manufacturers original bumper to bumper warranty. (Not included labor :-(On the average you might save on a used car anywhere between$3,000 to $8,000. In case you know how to do it via a car dealer that will buy the car for you at a car
auction limited to car dealers only (for a couple of hundreds of Dollars commission(you might even get a real bargain.
See: http://www.carbuyingtips.com/auto-auctions.htmAnother good reason to buy a used car is the fact you can put your hands on a bigger or better or in other words more car for the same budget as the new smaller car would have cost you.More and more manufacturers offer "certified pre-owned" programs. Cars sold as certified pre-owned (CPO) bridge the gap between new and used. They are subject to a rigorous inspection and repair process, and usually are covered by a warranty from the manufacturer. CPO cars will usually cost a bit more, but the added warranty and peace of mind makes them a good value.If you want to get extended warranty look at:
www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htmWhere do you get the market value of the cars, that's pretty easy, all you have to do is follow this link: Blue Book - Used Car Values at: www.cars.com/go/index.jspWhen purchasing a used car you should protect yourself from buying a flood damaged vehicle by doing a little research and by having the vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic. Rain, thunderstorms, swelling rivers and seasonal hurricanes hitting the coastlines all contribute to flooding disasters that can mean serious water damage to vehicles in those areas.Water damage from 1999's Hurricane Floyd ruined approximately 75,000 vehicles and more than half of those ended up back on the road. Tropical Storm Allison damaged another 95,000 in 2001 and Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles water-logged. The numbers for Hurricane Katrina are expected to skyrocket above half-a-million and safety experts warn that many of these flood damaged vehicles also will be dried out and offered for sale. Hurricanes and tropical storms, however, are only part of the problem.Flooding can occur throughout the year and in any part of the country; however, auto industry analysts caution consumers that the risk of buying a flood damaged car is not limited to these areas. Flood damaged cars are often repaired cosmetically, and moved to adjacent states or even across the country where they are sold to unsuspecting consumers. These floodwaters can cause damage to vehicle computer and electrical systems, as well as potentially causing anti-lock braking and airbag systems to malfunction
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World Trade Center Damaged Cars, thousands of cars were damaged in New York City on 9/11/2001. It's a prime example of disasters having long term effects other than the initial death and destruction. These cars will no doubt be salvaged, rebuilt, sold at car auctions and have their titles rebuilt, most likely out of state.An important help is the nationwide history data base of the cars in terms of damages, salvaged, lemon, flooded, fraud, accidents, rental etc' you can look it up at:
www.carfax.com/In addition it's recommended you have a mechanic check it out – A certified, trusted mechanic will test the electrical and safety systems, two of the major components that water can affect. They can also look for signs of water damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye.Car DonationIt is estimated that every year, more than a million Americans donated their cars. Why do they donate their car? Well, few reasons: A. The proceeds go to charity organizations and it provides for the donor a good feeling of contributing to society. B. its tax deductible (Less than it used to). C. The car is being towed or driven away by the company who arranged the deal.Unfortunately, whether through ignorance, confusion or greed, a substantial percentage of car donors have been deducting the full "suggested retail price" - what a dealer would get for reselling your trade-in instead of the fair market value. That's far more than the IRS had intended, costing the government millions in lost tax revenue.The charities weren't making much, either. Most of the donated cars were sold by the charities for a pittance at auction, and middlemen who administered the programs on behalf of the charities took a large percentage of those meager profits.So IRS changed the rule last year. From now on, if your car is valued more than $500, the deduction is limited to the charity's actual selling price. The donor must attach a statement of sale to the tax return in order to receive the deduction. (The charity is obligated to provide the statement within 30 days.) You are not entitled to know the deduction amount before donating your car. Although the IRS has closed the loophole in the law, there is still a way to deduct full market value of your vehicle: If the charity uses the car itself to further its specific purpose.------Author Resourch Box - Must be Included with your copy----MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University - C.W Post Campus.
Hobby: Photography.
Married with two Children.Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com
Keyword : Car,cars,automobile,auto,vehicle,auto vehicle,truck, trucks

How Fuel Enhancers Works

Author : Robert Paris
With the recent increase in fuel prices, here is something I noticed- People will drive across town to save a few pennies on the gallon. I was one of those people! Then, I was introduced by a friend of mine to this little green pill that enhances fuel, thus increases gas mileage.So, how do the pills work?The gas pills have the property of modifying the fuel's molecular structure and liberating the energy contained within.• This is achieved by Brownian motion which consists on the molecular movement of the components of the polymeric chains contained in hydrocarbons.
Because the gas pills are a catalyst, they are capable of speeding or retarding a chemical reaction, without breaking down or changing the chemical reaction and producing a transformation which modifies the molecules. The result is the liberation of the total energy contained within.• The main property of fuels is the heat value, or the quantity of energy that the fuel liberates during combustion.• The volatility or evaporation of a liquid fuel is determined by the air/vapor ratio that can be achieved at a given temperature. This is the result of the FLASH POINT (the temperature at which the quantity of vapor is enough to form a mixture of air and flammable fuel). Each type of combustible has a different flammable point according to the norm ASTM D92-52 and D93.• Now, when lowering the flash point temperature, one can obtain a DEW POINT, with more evaporation, achieving an air and fuel mix with a bigger energy saturation. This produces more heat value with less combustible and a better and more complete combustion mix. The effect of the gas pills allows to diminish the combustion point increasing the concrete characteristics of evaporation that all fuels have at normal pressure and temperature. This is why we obtain a FLASH POINT at a lower temperature, increasing the amount of burning gases.• The enzymatic catalyst has countless applications in the food, textile, paper, alcohol, organic, chemical and other industries. Its manufacturing is especially designed for liquid petroleum-based fuels.• The gas pills have the property of modifying the physical state of these fuels, accelerating the breaking of molecular connections.Benefits to the Environment• The use of the gas pills in diesel and gasoline increases the production of carbon dioxide (perfect combustion) and it diminishes the production of carbon monoxide (incomplete combustion) reducing the environmental pollution generated by carbon monoxide. This way, smoke and gas emissions are reduced by more than 50%, gradually eliminating the formation of suspended particles.Robert owns and operates several websites, including onlinecoralcalcium.mybpbiz.com. For more information about BIO PERFORMANCE FUEL, visit our website.
Keyword : gas prices, increased gas mileage, home-based business

The Best in Headlight Repair, Cleaning, and Restoration

Author : David Maillie
Everywhere you go you will see them - headlights and I'm not talking about girls headlights like Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson have. Plastic ones on your car. The problem is that most aren't very clear and are unsafe and in need of replacement or repair."An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced, cleaned, and/or repaired." -AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety."Your night vision can be reduced by as much as 90% by dirty headlights. Get your headlights restored with headlight repair, cleaner and restorer by mdwholesale.com - Their product works!" - Road & Travel magazine."Clean the headlights or have them professionally restored and repaired(our department uses New Lite headlight repair and cleaner on all our police cruisers and department vehicles- www.mdwholesale). Dirty headlights will decrease visibility by as much as 90%." - New York Broome County Police Traffic Division's Traffic Safety Team.So it is obvious that it is vitally important to have clean, functional headlights.Headlight replacement was the only option available until recently. Due to technological advances and extensive research there are products available to clean, restore and even repair worn headlights. Even cracked, leaking headlights can be repaired.If there is water or condensation inside it must first be removed. This is accomplished by using a small drill bit and drilling a small hole in the bottom of the headlight assembly. It is easiest to remove the lens first and make sure the hole goes all the way into the headlight chamber. Drain all water and then place the headlight assembly next to your air conditioning ducts in your house or a dehumidifier to remove all moisture. Reseal with silicone seal (at all automotive stores - glues will crack and leak). Its also a good idea to check the whole seal that attaches the outer globe to the headlight assembly - reseal if necessary. Then reinstall.If you have a large crack, or a s hole from a rock or such, there is plastic resin which will seal the lens and increase its integrity. Plastic resin will also maintain a clear and safe appearance so it can pass inspection. Plastic resins can be found at your local hardware store or on your favorite internet search engine.The biggest problems with plastic lenses is that they get cloudy and worn. This is usually caused by sun or UV damage and a mixture of acid rain or road debris and dirt. The sun breaks down and dries out plastic. It turns them cloudy and yellow and it only takes 2-3 years for this to happen on plastic headlight lenses. Acid rain will usually leave a characteristic line and either the top half or bottem half will be etched from it. Road debris and dirt will basically have a sand blasting effect on the lenses. All these conditions are considered severe weathering and will break down and ruin your headlights - it is just a matter of time. Its like cancer, once it starts to show it will get worse and worse. It will affect your night time visibility and has been proven to cause accidents due to poor visibility.In the past you had to replace the cloudy headlights with expensive replacements at your local dealer who would charge $400+ and that doesn't include installation. Now there are headlight repair, cleaner and restoration kits that will do this. In under 20 minutes, in most cases, you can have new looking headlight lenses. One company is even backed by the U.S. government and was awarded a patent by the U.S. government - thats us (www.mdwholesale.com).So there you have it - the best in headlight repair and headlight restoration. You now know how to remove condensation and water, how to patch scratches and holes, and how to get rid of the cloudy haze that affects 90% of plastic headlights. So go repair your headlights and increase your driving safety at night - you will be glad you did - the life you save may be your own!David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com
Keyword : headlight repair, car safety, headlight restorer, headlight, cloudy headlight, headlight cleaner

Driver's Education Lesson Plans

Author : Jimmy Sturo
Online driving education courses include text, videos, and animations to create an interesting and interactive online experience. The lessons include all the traditional driving safety information like the right method to pass another vehicle. They also provide some extra helpful information on how to handle crashes, highway emergencies, or how to be safe around unsafe drivers on the road. The course takes about 8 hours to complete and contains several chapters, each chapter outlining a different aspect of driving safety.At the end of each chapter is a quiz on that topic. The questions could be multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, or other kinds of questions based on material just covered. The answers are scored online instantly so that if the answer is wrong, the material can be reviewed and the exam tried again. The final exam is to be taken after the completion of the course and must get a passing grade to get the certificate by mail.The basic driver education course includes the responsibility of driving, defensive driving strategies, traffic signs, signals, and roadway markings, driving in the city, driving on the expressway, safe driving practices, driving in varied environments, nature's challenges of driving such as weather and poor road conditions, turning and passing, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, sharing the road, and vehicle safety and maintenance.The complete course can be finished online without the hassles of the classroom, workbooks, pencils, or notes. All the material required will be on the computer. Also, this course allows the flexibility of studying at a leisurely pace and at one's own convenience. As and when the reader finds time, the studying can start at the place where it was last left off with a bookmark provided within the website.Drivers Ed provides detailed information about drivers ed, drivers education books, drivers education classes, and more. Drivers Ed is affiliated with Bad Car Accidents.
Keyword : drivers ed, drivers education books, drivers education classes

Car Accident Statistics

Author : Eric Morris
Car accident statistics indicate that at least four people involved in car accidents die every hour. These accidents could be due to the fault of the driver, the other driver, or due to a faulty vehicle. The important thing to consider is the number of deaths occurring every day, excluding the people involved in car accidents and sustaining severe personal injuries.The main causes for car accidents are reckless and negligent driving and alcohol. Teenagers, according to the statistics, cause most car accidents Inexperience coupled with irresponsible behavior and a lack of respect for the safety precautions are the main causes for such a high number of teenage car accidents.Another reason is the inattentiveness of the driver. Many people talk while driving, which might prove to be fatal because it distracts the driver from the road. Even though hands free mobile phones are the latest craze, the driver would be unable to concentrate on the road while on the phone. The best option would be to park and then take the call, or not take the call at all while driving. These rules have already been implemented in a number of states.Inattentiveness can also be caused due to alcohol, drugs, or the driver being distracted by music in the car. This might prove to be perilous to other drivers on the road and might result in either distracting them with reckless driving or causing side or rear end collisions due to inattentiveness. Such negligence can even cause pileups in highways and must be avoided at all costs.Car accidents can be very traumatic, sometimes affecting the person for the rest of their life. Other than the physical injuries that may result due to the accident, mental pressure might also result. A few precautions can eliminate the prospect of accidents on the roads and provide a safety net. It is advised to follow the safety road rules and not drive while on the phone or while on drugs or alcohol.Car Accidents provides detailed information about car accidents, car accident injuries, car accident lawsuits, and more. Car Accidents is affiliated with Drivers Ed Games.
Keyword : car accidents, car accident injuries, car accident lawsuits

Brake it All! Tales from the Automotive Darkside from Austin, Texas

Author : Frank Bellucci
You know I hate going to the Doctor. They poke and prod, take X-rays and blood tests, and then come up with some report telling you that you have some rare disease that was born in monkeys 10,000 years ago and you're one of 17 people in the world that have it. So, generally, with such a positive attitude towards preventive medicine, I'm clearly not the best at rushing to the Doctor when I get a snivel or a headache. But sometimes, it's clear that maybe I should to avoid deeper problems. At least I admit my shortcomings!

Well you know, the same thing goes with your car. Big problems can be prevented when you get some warning signals from your brakes. In short, the brakes should operate very smoothly and should not do anything crazy like pull you to one side or not. To get the full run down on what can go wrong, we had a fire-side chat with Troy Guthrie, our shop manager, who has over 25 years experience fixing everything from Jaguars to big trucks. Here's what's on Troy's list of things to pay attention to. If any of these things are happening, it's time to take your car to the Doctor… for a few tests:

Vibration: There should be no shake in the car on braking. Warped drums or rotors cause this and there are many causes for this.

Low pedal: Usually caused by worn out brakes and there inability to adjust up

Hard pedal: caused by a failing power brake system

Squeal: When the friction material gets too close to the metal backing plate, it starts to squeal

Drag: Feels like you're dragging something. Brakes are staying applied from a bad caliper or brake hose.

Grab: Brakes seem to be on or off. Braking should be smooth, not on and off.

Pull: A sticking caliper on one side or the other will cause this.

Mileage: Brakes should be checked every year.

Grinding: This happens when you don't pay attention to the above!
Frank Bellucci is the President of Performance Motors in Austin, Texas. In addition, he likes to think of himself as a rather funny person. His wife doesn't agree. But that's OK. Frank seems to have limitless funny experiences with cars, one of his great passions in life. You can catch Frank driving down 183 in Austin in his Land Rover. He loves his Rover more than wine. And he really likes wine (just not at the same time). Anyhow, look for articles that have good information with a bit of humor in the coming months!
Keyword : Brakes, Austin,Texas,Range Rover, Land Rover

Monaco RV - A Solid Choice for RVers

Author : Eriani Doyel
Monaco RV and the Monaco Corporation have long been recognized as some of the top recreational vehicles on the market. Not only do their vehicles have a strong customer appeal, they also work to improve customer service and customer relations with their buyers through a number of different activities and institutions including rallies, magazines, conventions, all women social gatherings, and roadside clubs. Through these events, magazines, and other means they solicit feedback from Monaco RV owners to know what they can do to better improve their product-and they follow through with improvements to current models and also integrating new ideas into their new Monaco RV models.There are quite a variety of Monaco products on the market; both Diesel and Gas Class A Motor Coaches and Class C mini motor homes. There are 9 diesels: Dynasty, Signature, Executive, Windsor, Camelot, Diplomat, Knight, Cayman, and La Palma (diesel.) There are 2 gas powered including La Palma (gas) and Monarch SE. The sole Monaco RV Class C mini motor home is the Esquire.To get a better description of the Monaco products you can visit the company website which has detailed information about each model including floor plans, color scheme, standard features and accessories. They also have information about owner clubs and activities that Monaco owners might be interested in.Monaco RV pairs with industry leaders for some of their parts, accessories and featured interior products. They work with Goodyear tires, Cummins engines, Sirius Satellite, Bose Stereo, Corian countertops, and so on and so on. By doing this they can not only attract some of the more discriminating buyers, they can also distinguish themselves as an industry leader.One thing that the Monaco RV Corp. does to make its products durable, safe, and comfortable is to custom make the chassis for not only each model, but for each floor plan as well. This provides the best support for all of the appliances, etc, in the right location rather than just a general support frame. The Roadmaster Chassis is a patented Monaco RV exclusive product.When you are looking for a recreational vehicle of any type, you should take a look at Monaco Corporation. At a dealer or on their website you can find information that you will need to make an informed decision if this make of recreational vehicle is for you.Eriani Doyel writes articles about RVs and Home and Family. To find out more about Monaco RV visit dscrvs.com.
Keyword : Monaco RV, motor home, RV, recreational vehicle, diesel pusher, motor coach, motor home

Volvo 140 Owning Up to Its Personal Space in Automobile History

Author : Kenneth McKinley
In its own history, Volvo is a Swedish world leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, buses, and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and service, and this group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Cars, however, which is the manufacturer of automobiles that we know at present, has since been owned by the Ford Motor Company starting the year 1999.The name Volvo is a Latin word that means "I roll". This name surely fits well as a description of their products – vehicles – that the company crafts. However, originally, it is a name for a ball bearing that was being developed by the company which, at that time, provided funding to a small number of employees for them to be able to set up the car manufacturing business. Today, the Volvo Group has been manufacturing vehicles in twenty five countries with its sales in more than 185 markets around the globe.Some of the reasons why Volvo had took the initiative to sell the automobile manufacturing was because of the increasing development costs for new car models, added up with the fact that at that time it was a relatively small producer of such. Its strategy was then to grow as a truck manufacturer where it had a stronger market position. Now, Volvo the line of vehicles is included and part of the Ford Motor Company's line up.The list of Volvo models could look seemingly endless with new models coming up out in the market regularly. A part of the list includes the Volvo 140 which consists of the models Volvo 142, which is a two door vehicle, the Volvo 144, which has four doors, and the Volvo 145, which is an estate wagon. This model was first introduced in 1967. The

2009 Buick Enclave: From Concept to Reality

Author : Matthew Keegan
General Motors has been taking a beating for over a year now due to sales dips, make/model image problems, and labor and legacy issues. Truly, if there was a better time to jumpstart the company, I don't know what it would be. Fortunately, someone in GM's walnut-trimmed boardroom is getting the message: build what we want and we will buy it. The Buick Enclave, a luxury SUV making the rounds of the U.S. auto shows, appears to be one such winner.I realize that I am in the minority of car critics, but I think that Buick is on the right track. The Lucerne, a full sized car based on the Cadillac DTS, is a beauty and Buick's next newest model, the mid sized Lacrosse, is another attractive looking car. Still, Buick's remaining fleet has been scaled back with only two SUVs and one crossover vehicle, the Terraza, left. At times it isn't clear what plans GM has for its "near luxury" division, but if the Enclave is one example, then Buick has a promising future.Without having pictures available to show you, it can be difficult to describe the Enclave. When I viewed pictures on various web sites, I couldn't help but think that the Enclave was similar to the Subaru B9 Tribeca. Before you get your knickers twisted in a wad, the Enclave is a swan in comparison to the ugly Subaru.Sporting a front end akin to the Lucerne, the back end looks a lot like the Tribeca. Overall lines are somewhat car like but the Enclave certainly does sport an SUV look with calmer lines.What we know about the Enclave at this point is fairly limited. The vehicle sits on a 119 inch wheelbase and is powered by a 3.6L V6. So, it appears that Buick will replace the smaller Rendezvous with the Enclave and keep the larger Rainier. Or, perhaps, the Rainier will be retired altogether.The Enclave has all the amenities a Buick owner is accustomed to including: leather appointments, power everything, OnStar, a variety of entertainment options, responsive handling, and a quiet cabin. Pictures reveal 21" tires with seven spoke wheels. Seating is for six, spread out over three rows. No couch seating either; individual bucket seats are planned for all six passengers.There is no official word yet whether the Enclave will see the light of day at least in its present interpretation. Still, the vehicle is a fresh look for a refreshed division, something that Buick certainly needs in order to keep the momentum going.Copyright 2006 – For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.
Keyword : Buick Enclave, Buick Lucerne, Buick Lacrosse, General Motors, Cadillac, concept cars, auto shows, GM