Monday, 29 September 2008

How To Jump Start A Dead Car Battery

How To Jump Start A Dead Car Battery
By Jason Miller

Here are few tips and instructions on jump starting a dead battery. First things first, though. You need to inspect the dead battery. If you see any damage such as leaks or cracks. DO NOT go any further. Put away the jumper cables and call a wrecker. A damaged battery can explode and really hurt you. If the battery looks ok, then park the cars close enough to each other for the jumper cables to reach and shut off both engines. Now make sure the terminals are not caked with corrosion. Try to clean them off as best you can. A corroded terminal will make it a lot harder to jump the battery. At this point you are ready to hook up your jumper cables to the batteries. (Normally, the red cable is (+) positive and black cable is (-) negative)

They must be connected in this exact order:
1.Connect one end of the (+) positive cable to the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.
2.Connect the other end of the (+) positive cable to (+) positive terminal on the good battery.
3.Connect one end of the (-) negative cable to (-) negative terminal on the good battery.
4.Connect the other end of the (-) negative cable to the engine block of the dead car.

You are ready to start up the good cars engine and charge the dead battery. First of all, shut off all electrical equipment on the good car. (head lights, radio, etc.) Let the good cars engine run for a minute or so before you attempt to start the dead one. Now get in the dead car and attempt to crank it. If it sounds like it wants to start but wont quite get there, give it some more time and try again. When the dead has started and is running, it is time to remove the jumper cables. This must be done in reverse order.

Here are the steps:
1.Disconnect (-) negative cable from the engine block on dead car.
2.Disconnect (-) negative cable from the (-) negative terminal on the good battery.
3.Disconnect (+) positive cable from the (+) positive terminal on the good battery.
4.Disconnect (+) positive cable from the (+) positive terminal on the dead battery.

After the dead car has been running for a while, turn it off. See if will start on its own. If it does, you should be ok on the drive home. If not, jump it again and have someone follow you home. When you arrive at home, you can then put a battery charger on it all night and see if it cranks in the morning.

Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools

Battery Chargers, Battery Boosters and More

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Thursday, 25 September 2008

The History of Racing and Off Road Go Carts

The History of Racing and Off Road Go Carts
By Larry A. Johnson

What started out as a way for airmen in the 1950s to pass the time has turned into a popular worldwide sport for many. Go carts have quickly become a phenomenon all over the globe. With most historians giving Art Ingels the credit for inventing the go cart, he built his very first one back in 1956. But that first go cart was nothing compared to the models we have today. Newer more modern go carts can now travel 160 mph or faster. Now that's amazing.

This miniature Formula One racing machine is referred to by a lot of names including go carts, go karts, go-carts, shifter carts, gocarts, gokarts, enduro carts, and a number of other ways. But one thing is for sure, getting behind the wheel of one of them is exciting. Go carts are related to open-wheel Formula One or Indy Car racing. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to race a Formula 1 or Indy Car, while still being as safe as possible, go carts would be your best bet. And that's probably what Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty all thought when they were kids. They all started their racing careers in go carts. With speeds as high as 160 mph these little machines can travel as fast as the professional race car drivers do on many of their tracks.

There are many different options available today for people that want an exciting vehicle to drive. There are ATVs, dirt bikes, scooters, mopeds, go peds, mini bikes and motorcycles. But go carts are the closest thing you will find to the thrill of Formula 1, NASCAR or Indy Car racing. They are small open-wheeled vehicles with 4 wheels and no suspension. Instead of a suspension they rely on chassis flex. They are basically a smaller version of the professional open wheel race cars.

Many hopefuls who dream of one day racing at the pro level will get their start in go carting. Go carts can be a stepping stone to professional Formula One or Indy Car racing. The reason is that there are many different classes in go carting. No matter what level of experience you have there is a class for you. And as you improve you can move up to increasingly higher classes with greater competition. If you can get to the top in a go cart you may have what it takes for Formula 1 or Indy.

Professional racing is a very expensive sport. But with go carts drivers can get involved on a shoestring budget. It's a cheaper way to get involved with racing. Find out if you have what it takes without breaking the bank to do it.

But go carting is not only for the professionally-minded drivers. Go carts are usually driven by non-professionals, people just like you or me, out for a good time and a lot of excitement. Because anyone can drive one, regardless of their experience level, go carts have become extremely popular all over the world. They can be found in just about every large city either in family fun centers or other venues.

A go cart is made up of a chassis, motor, transmission, seat and 4 tires and a few other odds and ends. As mentioned earlier they have no suspension. The chassis must provide the stiffness and also enough flexibility to allow the cart to grip the road well on the straightaways as well as in the turns. The chassis can be either open or caged. The caged chassis allows protection for the driver in the event of a rollover while the open chassis does not. The cage performs a similar function as does a roll bar.

Engines used in carting are typically either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. They are made by manufacturers such as Honda or Briggs and Stratton among others. You would think that the 4-stroke engines would be more powerful than the 2-stroke engines, but that's not usually the case.

If you have ever wondered how fast go carts can travel you will be amazed at the top speeds. Sprint carts can usually get up to about 60 mph while the more powerful enduro carts can reach a top speed of about 90 mph. And if that's not fast enough for you how about the shifter karts that reach top speeds of 160 mph or more. You heard right, that is not a misprint and these are certainly not toys. Transmissions differ from cart to cart, but the shifter carts use a manual transmission with a clutch that allows the driver to get the most out of the motor.

It seems as though every part of the go cart has become a separate entity, a specialized piece of equipment with different options available to the purchaser. And with regard to the tires they are certainly no exception. In dry weather slicks are used. They are smooth tires that grip the road well. And as they heat up while driving they get even better traction. During wet weather tires with treads are needed. These are called rain tires. And of course, how could any respectable driver racing on ice do without specialized spiked tires? That's correct, there are even go cart races on ice in some parts of the world.

With the many different levels available for drivers today anyone can race at a comfortable level. And the sky is the limit to a talented driver. With a lot of practice, a bunch of talent and a little luck you might find yourself racing alongside Tony Stewart someday. It's certainly possible.

This article about racing fast go carts is brought to you by Go Carts Supreme. For more information about carting and go carts visit Go Carts Supreme.

http://www.go-carts-supreme.com

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Compare New Car Warranties

Compare New Car Warranties
By Seth Miller

When you are purchasing a new vehicle, be sure that you check the warranty that comes with your car. Some warranties cover everything up to three years or 36,000 miles, while others cover repairs up to 100,000 or ten years. There are usually two parts to a new car warranty - bumper to bumper that covers everything except items like brakes and tires and the powertrain warranties that cover any parts that move on the car like the engine and transmission. Depending on the warranty that comes with your new car, you may need to consider purchasing an extended auto warranty.

When you purchase an extended warranty you essentially are prolonging the coverage of bumper-to-bumper coverage. This coverage comes as either a factory warranty or a third party warranty. If you decide to go with a third party warranty, you will probably have to pay for work when it is done and then get reimbursed.

A basic warranty covers anything in a car with the exception of things like wiper blades, brake pads, etc. Tire and batteries are also not included in a basic warranty.

A drive train warranty covers the drive train after the basic warranty is over. It covers all parts that make an automobile move like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft. It does not cover parts like hoses and belts.

You can also purchase a warranty against rust and corrosion and roadside assistance. This assures that if you are stranded because you've locked yourself out of your car or you've run out of gas, there is a number that you can call and someone will take care of the problem.

Car Warranty provides detailed information on Car Warranty, New Car Warranty, Extended Auto Warranty, Used Car Warranty and more. Car Warranty is affiliated with Extended Auto Warranty.

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Monday, 22 September 2008

MP3 Car Stereos

MP3 Car Stereos
By Jason Gluckman

MP3 car stereos play audio CDs, CD-R/RW discs and MP3 files. MP3 car stereos can play long hours of digital music. The key features of these stereos include programmable track memory, digital anti-skip memory, and professional digital stereo headphones. These players allow you to skip, search, play, pause, and repeat. MP3 car stereos are provided with AM/FM tuners that can store a number of FM and AM stations.

The leader of in-car MP3 technology is Kenwood, so a product from this company is a safe buy. Kenwood's KRC-M4524 is a very cost-effective entry-level MP3 player. Blaupunkt and Sony are other well known manufacturers of quality MP3 car stereos. Other brands to choose from are Pioneer, JVC, Alpine, Panasonic, Philips and Sanyo.

MP3 car stereos have high quality audio and require very little space for installation. Today, MP3 car stereos have SD, USB and iPod connections to provide better services.

When buying an MP3 car stereo, there are a few points to bear in mind. The first and foremost feature one should look for is the power of the stereo. Another standard feature is a detachable front panel, which ensures the security of your stereo. Other important elements are the cost and brand. An MP3 car stereo with a high-level output and a fader is ideal. A stereo with a high-level output will allow you to adjust the relative volume of the front and rear speakers. MP3 car stereos with four channels can drive four speakers.

MP3 car stereo prices range from $120 to $750.

Car Stereos provides detailed information on Car Stereos, Car Stereo Systems, Car Stereo Installations, Car Stereo Speakers and more. Car Stereos is affiliated with Wholesale Car Audio.

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JL 500/1 2 1 Channel D Car Audio Amplifier What You Must Know

JL 500/1 2 1 Channel D Car Audio Amplifier - What You Must Know
By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

Are you in search of a good amplifier? Then I would suggest you check out the JL car audio 500/1 amplifier. This amplifier is very efficient and will give little, if any, reason to worry. Here is something more about this product.

It is a class D amplifier. What does this mean? It means that it belongs to the class of highly efficient amplifiers that are up to 90% power efficient. This is a great advantage as it means your battery will not be easily run down. It makes the most efficient use of power when compared to other amplifier classes. And for your car, this is an invaluable feature.

This amplifier features a 12 inch polymer-coated subwoofer and a 12 inch polymer-coated passive radiator. These two are responsible for providing ample bass.

It has a minimum frequency response of 5HZ and a maximum of 0.5kHZ. This means that it will reproduce sound frequencies within this points.

It has protection circuitry which means you are protected from blowouts and short circuits.

It has an SN/R (Signal to noise ratio) of 95dB. This is the difference between the desired electronic signal and the background or self-noise of an audio system. The higher the SN/R, the better. So you can do a comparison with other amplifiers.

It has bass boost which means it can dramatically alter your bass levels to a preset value.

It has remote control. I guess this one doesn't need any explanation.

OUTPUT POWER...It has preamp outputs which means you can pass through another amp (For whatever reasons you'll want to do that -- perhaps for a show or something or for some huge setup).

It has a peak power rating of 500 x 1. However, its power at 2 ohms is 250 watts x 1. An ohm is a unit electrical impedance. In simple terms it means that at 2 ohms, this amp can exert a maximum of 250 watts (that's a lot for a car amp!).

It is tri-mode capable. This means that it supports an advanced method of connecting 2 amplifiers to one audio system.

It has a built-in crossover. This is an internal filter arrangement that breaks up a music signal into different frequency bands that can be sent to different speakers.

Now let's score this amplifier...

Pros of JL car audio amplifier

* It is extremely powerful.

* It has an amazing bass boost and has more than 500 watts of power.

* This amplifier has appealing looks.

* Easy to use and install

Cons of JL car audio amplifier

* Requires careful tuning.

* A bit expensive

I rate this amplifier highly. This amplifier is totally durable and user-friendly. This amplifier is very sleek and gives high-level performance.

This would cost you $400 to $439. So if youre looking for an efficient amplifier then you should certainly go for the JL 500/1 car audio amplifier (Unless you prefer something less expensive and maybe not as powerful).

Visit car-audio-products-and-accessories.com to read more. Chimezirim Odimba writes for CAP.

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Sunday, 21 September 2008

1917 Woods Dual Power the First Hybrid Car

1917 Woods Dual Power - the First Hybrid Car
By Michael Doherty

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could 'pimp' your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.

Learn more about hybrid cars at my site Hybrid Cars and Review.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?1917-Woods-Dual-Power---the-First-Hybrid-Car&id=203001

A Quick Guide to Dallas Car Auctions

A Quick Guide to Dallas Car Auctions
By Joseph Ducat

If you live in the Dallas-Forth Worth metropolitan area of Texas, then you can be proud that your city is a burgeoning economic center and boomtown. It is a core Southern state city for many vital US industries, including communication, computers, and transportation. Of course, Dallas is also known for being an oil industry hub. These factors make owning a car a big thing if you come from Dallas. If you dont have a car of your own in that city, its like youre telling people that you dont really belong there.

But its not at all difficult to gain ownership of a car in Dallas, no matter what your taste in vehicles might be. Whether you are into compact sedans or gas-guzzling SUVs and Hummers, you are sure to find what you are looking for in one of the numerous public car auctions. This is a city where driving a personal car is the most common means of transportation for the majority of the residents.

Where there is a large population of car owners, there is also a large pool of vehicles available for the public auctions. These are cars that have been seized by the local government or police, or confiscated due to a traffic violation and not reclaimed. The auctions generally benefit the city, by providing financial compensation for unpaid fines.

If you want to take part in a public car auction in Dallas, it would be best for you to find out when exactly such auctions are being held. They are often held regularly, on a specific schedule. You can find announcements in the newspapers at times, but it is better if you try to get the information yourself by calling the relevant agencies.

The Dallas police hold regular public auctions of cars, often through their officially accredited impounding garages or towing services. You should call the local police department nearest you to find out when these take place. Car auctions are also held by certain Dallas firms that specialize in them. Not all of these auctions are open to the public, but special public auctions may be held from time to time. You will just have to keep an eye of for announcements of that nature.

Attending a car auction may help you to find a great bargain on a used automobile. There are regular car auctions around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Do your research, find out when regular auctions are held, check on used car prices, and ask about inspection periods for the vehicles on auction.

Did you find my tips for Dallas public car auctions helpful? You can get more help on public car auctions at http://www.deal-finders.com/car-auctions/

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Your First Car Auction

Your First Car Auction
By Jay Moncliff

You are about to go to your first car auction. You can feel the excitement in the air. There are so many cars to choose from. But do you really know what to expect at a car auction? Do you know the legalities that occur at a car auction? Most people get in way over there heads at a car auction. If this is your first car auction, you better come prepared.

There are a lot of things you need to do and a lot of things you need to pay attention to at a car auction. First off, before you go to a car auction make sure you have enough money in your bank account. All cars purchased at a car auction must be paid in full. You also need to bring your drivers license and any other form of ID to the car auction. This is needed to buy the vehicle and to do the title work and registration.

When you first get to the car auction you should make notes of the cars you are interested in. Then, if you can, go to kellybluebook.com and check the retail value of the vehicles you would like to purchase. This way you know what to go with when you make your bid. At a car auction, many vehicles have a reserve price. This means that the vehicle has a minimum price t be sold at. If it is too high, do not bid on it. Be sure when you do bid that you do not get into a bidding war. Never bid more than you can afford. If the bidding war begins, just walk away. At a car auction, it is every man for himself.

Before you begin to bid on cars, you need to see if the vehicle is a good buy or not. Many vehicles at a car auction could have been previously damaged. An example of this is in Texas and Louisiana many cars were severely damaged by flooding during a hurricane. These vehicles were sent to a car auction and the buyers more than likely had no idea the vehicles had flood damage. You may also wish to take a mechanic to the car auction. A mechanic is a good idea at a car auction because they can see where someone may have tried to hide repairs and damage that the vehicle might have incurred. Lastly, you can get a free Carfax vehicle history report on the vehicle if you get the vehicles identification number (VIN).

Remember, at a car auction vehicles are sold as is and they do not come with a warranty. Keep all of these tips in mind to protect yourself from a bad purchase. You are supposed to go to a car auction to get a great deal on a car and to save money. With the proper frame of mind, this is easily accomplished.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.caronlinecenter.info a blog focusing on the Car, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on Car. For more info visit his site at: Car

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What The New California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights Means To You

What The New California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights Means To You
By David Silva

Beginning on July 1, 2006, California granted its car-buying residents a new set of protections under the Car Buyers Bill of Rights. Not only will these new rights change the way cars are bought and sold in California, they're already spreading across the country and being adopted by other states as well.

The protections under the new law apply to vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs) purchased in California for personal use from a dealer/dealership. They do not apply to private sales, out of state purchases, commercial vehicles, RVs and motorcycles.

What are the protections?

1. The Two Day Return

Used car buyers now have the opportunity to protect themselves with a two-day return option. This is designed to help buyers who may not have had the time to have the vehicle properly inspected by a mechanic, for those who are purchasing a car as is, or for those car buyers who might have succumbed to the pressure to buy on the spot.

There are a few limits on the two-day return protection. First, the option only applies to used vehicles purchased through a dealership for personal use that cost $40,000 or less. Second, the dealership can charge you for this option (anywhere from $75 to $400, plus a restocking fee, all depending on the price of the vehicle). Additionally, the vehicle must be returned within two days, having been driven fewer than 250 miles, and be in the same condition as when it was purchased.

2. Trade-Ins

With the two-day return option, the dealer is required to hold onto your trade-in until the option expires. If the dealer sells your trade-in early, you're entitled to the vehicle's fair market value or the price listed in the cancellation agreement, whichever is more.

3. Certified Used Cars

In the past, any used car that a dealer has had inspected by a mechanic could be advertised as a certified pre-owned vehicle. This is no longer the case. Dealers can no longer advertise (or sell) certain problem cars as certified pre-owned vehicles.

4. Seller Disclosures

Under the new law, auto dealers must provide the following in writing:

a. The price of the vehicle without extra options and add-ons.

b. The specific price for add-ons, such as anti-theft devices, fabric protection, extended service contracts and gap insurance.

c. A copy of your credit score if you're getting a loan through the dealership. Your credit score will range from 300 to 900, and reflect your credit worthiness as primarily determined by the timeliness of your past loan payments. If your credit score is high enough, you can often benefit from lower interest rates.

5. Limit On Interest Rate Markups

It's a common practice in the industry for auto lenders to pay dealers an incentive for getting buyers to pay a higher interest rate than they should be paying, according to their credit history. This additional boost in the interest rate is referred to as a markup. The new California Car Buyers Bill of Rights limits the markup a dealer can receive from a lender to a maximum of 2.5% for loans up to 60 months and to 2% for longer loans.

The New California Car Buyers Bill of Rights is designed to make it safer for you to purchase your next used vehicle through a dealership without fear that you're going to get stuck with something you either don't want or something that doesn't live up to its advertising. Knowing your rights can save you both months of headaches and significant money, but only if you take advantage of them.

D. Silva is the webmaster for Car Buyer Central, a site dedicated to educating car buyers in the car buying process so they can get the best deals available.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?What-The-New-California-Car-Buyers-Bill-of-Rights-Means-To-You&id=238219

Two Way Car Alarms

Two Way Car Alarms
By Max Bellamy

Given the high incidence of car theft in the United States, the manufacturers of car alarm systems have tried to come up with more sophisticated and more effective alarm systems. They have been fairly successful, as some of the alarm systems in the market have been proven to be very effective in preventing car theft. However, these manufacturers continue to improve systems to take the process of securing your car a step further. One example is the development of the two-way car alarms. The two-way car alarm system has made it possible for your car to exchange information with you instead of you engaging the alarm to an 'on' state.

Two-way car alarms come with the usual utilities that are found in other car alarm systems including sound alarms, mute alarms, vehicle tracking, anti-hijack function, trunk release and auto central locking. However, these systems are equipped with other utilities that allow your car to send you information from a distance. For example, the car can send theft proof reminders, battery indicators and unlocked door reminders. In addition to this, the remote control system of this alarm allows you to set up a locking password, and to start or stop your engine using a remote control that can work up to a distance of 1,000 meters in open space.

Given that this technology is fairly new, it is not yet readily available in most car parts stores. A good source is the Internet as the manufacturers of these alarms already sell them on their web sites. You should try to compare as many of these systems as you can online because just like any purchase, a good amount of research can give you access to the some of the best prices. However, your primary concern should not be the price but the features that come with the system that allow you to maximize the benefits from two way car alarms.

Two-way car alarm systems have 'revolutionized' how we can protect our cars from thieves, as it allows two-way communication between you and your car. Given this, it is clear that two-way car alarms are considered a more effective security system than most car alarms because it allows you to monitor your car while you are away from it.

Car Alarms provides detailed information on Car Alarms, Car Security Alarms, Car Alarm Systems, Best Car Alarms and more. Car Alarms is affiliated with Wholesale Radar Detectors.

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Thursday, 18 September 2008

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help
By Rishi Chawla

The automobile market can be intimidating, and if you are just starting out in the wonderful world of wheels you may need advice on buying your first car. There are so many options for car buyers: new or used, red or blue, sports car or SUV, two or four doorsand that is just for starters! Also, as a new car buyer you need to be wary of advice on buying your first car, because there are still quite a few snake-oil salesmen out there in the automotive market looking to sell you a lemon. Following you will find some solid advice on buying your first car.

The first consideration for anyone who wants to buy his or her first car is usually whether to buy new or used. Many first car buyers are young people who are just starting out, so the necessity of buying used is often present. Advice on buying your first car new from a showroom is fairly straightforward: buy from a reputable dealer, research the best type of vehicle for you, and seek out the best deals including free extras, low interest and rebates. However, if you plan to buy a used vehicle, where should you look to avoid getting taken advantage of? Most car dealerships also sell gently used cars, usually those that have been previously leased. When these are out of your price range, there are also many used car lots with lower-priced second-hand vehicles. Look for a car dealer who is willing to do all the necessary repair work to get your first car in top running condition, and who also has all the necessary certifications to be in business. Ask whether you can talk to other people who have bought cars from the dealer and find out if they have had major problems with the vehicle. Always test-drive a car before you buy!

When it comes to the car itself, there are a number of things you should check out on your first car. You can examine the tires, the body and the interior on sight and look for possible problems. When considering the tires, be alert for rips and gouges and demand replacements for poor tires or ask for a lower purchase price. Also, uneven wear on tires indicates an alignment or suspension problem, in which case you should tell the dealer to perform the repairs before you will consider buying. On the body of the car, a few dents and scratches wont affect the performance - but several of them could indicate the car has been in an accident. Also, rust along the bottom of doors or on the frame can attack the structure of the vehicle. Excessive rust is a bad sign. Check the interior of the car thoroughly for missing mirrors, frayed seatbelts, loose knobs and switches that dont work. Test the audio system as well. Any of these points can be used as a bargaining tool to lower the asking price!

With any used vehicle, you should always obtain a used car report such as those from CARFAX. This information will tell you whether there are any outstanding liens, holds, or fines associated with the vehicle, and whether its been involved in an accident.

What is the best advice on buying your first car? Take your time, and have fun. With some careful research and a bit of the right knowledge, you can soon say, This is my car!

About The Author
Rishi Chawla has a informative site on lemon law for owners of defective cars. http://www.your-lemon-car.com/.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Advice-On-Dealing-With-A-Defective-Car-Seat-And-Getting-Help&id=177185

18 Tips For Privately Buying A Second Hand Car

18 Tips For Privately Buying A Second Hand Car
By Michael Challiner

Do some initial homework. Find out about the type of car you are considering. Check out any known mechanical problems with that model.

Check out the current second hand values for the car. A good place to start is www.what car .com. Also get your local paper and some of the specialist second hand car magazines and look up the prices of similar cars.

How much will it cost you to insure the car? That's so easy to do on the Internet get a quote or two. It'll just take a few minutes.

Also check out the car's other running costs. Again www.what car .com will help. Make sure you can afford to run the car!

When you go to see a car insist on seeing the registration documentation, including its MOT certificate if the car is more than 3 years old. This will also show the cars' chassis number. Check that the documents all tallies with the car. Be sure that the person selling the car does actually own it and always see it at the seller's own home or business premises.

Make sure that the address on the Registration Document is the address where you are viewing the car - if not ask why. Be suspicious.

Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid and do the registration number on the disc matches the Registration document?

Ask to look at the cars' Service Record. This will also show the cars' chassis number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills?

Now look under the bonnet and find the VIN Number (it could also be on the chassis). Check out that the VIN number tallies with the number on the Registration Document and that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn't had its identity changed.

Take a friend with you who knows' about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and agreed.

Never pay for a car on your first visit and don't be pushed into paying a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

Ask the owner if the car has outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. When you get home check out the information with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC' web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will tell you if the vehicle has outstanding finance.

Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Checks, the Check will also tell you if the car had previously been written off.

Make sure that the car hasn't been clocked. Be aware that the average mileage is around 12,000 per year. Be wary if the wear on the car looks greater than the mileage would suggest. The wear on the drivers pedals may help. Then ask when the car last had new tyres. Then look at wear on the tyres. Does the wear look about right?

Always test-drive the car for at least 10/15 miles. By the way, don't forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Do not automatically assume that your own insurance will cover you for driving someone else's car. Check your insurance documents before you leave home. If the seller says his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy better safe than sorry!

Still interested in the car? Then get it independently inspected.

Never hand over any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then don't pay any money until the car is handed over to you with its Documents. Always get a written receipt for your payment which includes the sellers name and address.

Finally, make sure you have insurance in place from the minute you drive the car away. Did you know that the Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you're driving it without insurance or road tax? If the car has not got Road Tax, drop in at a Post Office on the way home and buy one. You'll need to show an insurance cover note for the vehicle and its up to date MOT Certificate to do this.

About The Author
Michael Challiner writes for Brokers Online ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk ) who offer life insurance cover and most UK financial services including car insurance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/ ). Visit our finance blog for useful tips on uk finance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/family-finance/ )

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Car Fraud A Growing Concern On Auction Sites Like Ebay

Car Fraud A Growing Concern On Auction Sites Like Ebay
By David Maillie

All one has to do is troll through the car auction listings on Ebay and you will see hundreds if not thousands of fraudulent listings. They stand out when you see a deal that is just too good to be true. Right now, searching through the keyword Ferrari I find many in the normal range of $100,000 plus, but there is one 2006 that is selling for $30,000. Why is it selling for less than 1/3 of its value? There is no mention of a wreck or damage and it has low miles. This is because it is most likely a fraudulent listing. There are many listings like this and this is only the start.

Some you can quickly tell by the poor English in the listings description. Much of this online car fraud is from overseas. Dont rely on the sellers feedback or country of origin as profiles have been bought and sold over the internet. Someone from Romania or Italy can easily use a bought or stolen Ebay profile with great feedback to lure unsuspecting buyers. They copy some pictures from the internet or another sellers listing and put a great price on the listing so it will sell quickly. Some buyers get so caught up in the low price that they become blind to the signs of this car fraud:

1)Poor English throughout the listing description.

2)Fraudulent escrow services (look for contact information and contact them. Also look for poor English and bad phone numbers).

3)Emails that dont go through Ebay or Yahoo Auctions (Many of these fraudulent transactions have occurred because someone emails a bidder that is not the winning bidder and tells them they are and to send them their last bid price All Ebay transactions will have winning bidder notifications from and through the Ebay email system).

4)Also watch out for fraudulent promises. Car salespeople at car dealerships are notorious for this. Get any promises in writing. If the car has a warranty and what is actually covered can be quite different from what the salesperson says. Remember, the salesperson doesnt care about you and only wants a quick sale. You must make sure it has the warranty you desire. The salesperson at Farmerville Motors stated that the entire emissions system on the car I purchased was covered for one more year - upon taking the car to a GM dealership it was found that only the catalytic converter was covered, not any part of the OBD and emissions system. Get it in writing.

5)Inspections and Emissions. Just as important as warranties is whether the car can even pass inspection in your state. I can not state this enough every state has its own inspection and emission requirements. I recently bought a car through Ebay from Farmerville Motors in Monroe, LA. I specifically asked if the car would pass inspection in my state, North Carolina. I was told it was in great condition and that it would pass in my state without any problems. I bought the car, drove it back, and later found it couldnt pass inspection because the OBD system had been tampered with and was inoperable. Dont rely on a sellers word.- get it in writing!

6)Undisclosed flood and frame damage. This is a big one. Unscrupulous car dealers and body shops are selling crashed cars and flood cars, doctoring titles, not properly listing damages and repairs done to make a quick dollar. With the advent of over the internet sales which are basically done sight unseen and based on seller reputation and feedback crooks are coming out in droves. Just search for car fraud on Google or Yahoo. You will see thousands of articles, victims, etcBe careful and do your homework. Dont send payment or sign any paperwork until you see and checkout the car. Don't become a victim like I did - the car Farmerville Motors in Monroe, LA sold me upon a thorough examination had been involved in a possible unreported flood - no wonder the OBD system didn't work.

Online car fraud is here to stay. Take a few minutes to dig deeper into the deal. See if it is or even seems fraudulent or fishy. If it is dont go through with it. As the old adage says, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are many good sellers and even car dealers out there, but there are just as many fraudulent sellers and dealers that you need to watch out for. Dont become a victim of online car fraud like I did.

David Maillie specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information, tips, safety and money saving products for your auto please visit http://www.mdwholesale.com

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17 Handy Tips to follow when choosing your Car Insurance

17 Handy Tips to follow when choosing your Car Insurance
By Tommy Connolly

It is an obvious fact that most new and young drivers are on a limited budget when it comes to car insurance so with this in mind this article has summarised 17 handy tips which you should try to consider when trying to find a low cost motor insurance policy.

1. Do some research Try to find insurance company's that specialize in policies for your age, gender, car and occupation. Ask around, people who have the same occupation or car as you could give you valuable information on what insurance will suit you best, and whether the policy they are using is good or bad. Shopping around is probably the best tip you will find and is very inportant if you want to find the best quote.

2. NEVER take the first quote The first quote you get on your car is most likely to be quite high. Insurance companies known that until you have received a few quotes you will not know a realistic one that will suit you. So never take the first quote you receive no matter how good the deal seems.

3. Phone around When you have a few companies that have caught your attention phone up the companies or car insurance brokers (3rd parties who are simply giving you a quote and not actually 'underwriting' your policy) see what quotes they are giving and if they can give any better.

4. Have awareness Those companies who have all this money to spend on advertising probably are not giving the cheapest policies to customers, but the large amount of money could mean a lot more coverage is available.

5. Play companies off against each other Do some research and make detailed notes about all the aspects of each quote you receive, then play the companies off against each other. There isn't much point in lying as most the insurance companies are very aware of the real cost of a car insurance quote. The phone operatives have the ability to negotiate on the price of their quotes and all of them would rather drop the cost than lose good business to a competitor.

6. Mileage Consider how much mileage you are roughly going to do, less mileage means less time on the road which reduces the chances of accidents. A limited mileage policy is a very good way to get better car insurance quotes.

7. No Lying LYING! will invalidate your policy, and most companies record telephone calls to cover themselves against litigation. State all modifications on your car and if someone else is likely to use your auto-mobile and whether you will use it for business.

8. Drive more carefully Not having accidents is very hard to escape but by joining the Pass Plus scheme or by taking an advanced drivers' course, discount offers can reach up to 35% from some of the major insurers.

9. Protect your no-claims bonus - This may increase the premium by a few pounds, but this fades into insignificance against the potential loss of a 60% discount on a premium of several hundred pounds. But the definition of a protected no-claims bonus can vary widely between insurers. Though accidents caused by another driver will normally have no impact on such a bonus, those caused by the insured could.

10. Garage If you store your car in a garage, then your car is a lot less likely to get stolen or damaged, so a good way to bring down the cost is to store your car in a garage but remember lying is a criminal offence and would cause you a lot of trouble.

11. Buy online A lot of insurance companies offer discounts for people who buy online.

12. Voluntary Excess - If you agree to accept a voluntary excess (the amount you agree to pay in the event of an accident), you can reduce your premium.

13. Dont automatically buy comprehensive - If your car has a low value you can save a third off your premium by insuring your car for Third Party Fire and Theft.

14. Named drivers - Adding a named older driver to your car insurance policy, i.e. your parents, can save you 10% on your premium. Likewise, avoid having younger named drivers on your policy.

15. Pay your premium in one go - It is often cheaper to pay your years car insurance in one lump sum rather than in monthly installments. Most insurers charge interest of around 15% APR (some up to 30%) to allow you to pay your premium in monthly installments.

16. Pass Plus - The pass plus examination is for new and young car drivers who have passed their practical test. It is an intensive training course that helps improve new and young drivers abilities on the road. The pass plus allows you to get up to a discount of up 35% on your car insurance. Taking the Pass Plus will cost around 100 but given the high cost of new driver car insurance you should save more than this on your car insurance premium. Ask your driving instructor for details.

17. Work traveling If you do not use your car to travel to work then you might be getting coverage you do not need.

For more information about driving schools, motor car insurance, the pracitcal driving test and the highway code visit DRIVINGwise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TommyConnolly
http://EzineArticles.com/?17-Handy-Tips-to-follow-when-choosing-your-Car-Insurance&id=299890

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Custom Car Audio

Custom Car Audio
By Peter Emerson

Although car audio installations are best done by professionals, real electronic geeks find great pleasure in installing the audio setting by themselves. There are literally hundreds of do it yourself help available on the Internet. You also have a great number of printed material on the subject. By following the steps, one can install a custom car audio system with relative ease.

Custom car audio installation is perhaps the most exciting aspect of having a good car audio. The first thing you need to do is to do a thorough analysis of your requirements. Planning is of utmost importance. Then you start with the installation of the amplifiers first. Installing car audio amplifiers is one of trickiest things that you can encounter. To begin with, acclimatize yourself with the wiring diagram. Choose a place which is a non-conductive surface and try and place your amplifier there, all the while being guided by steps provided by either through online resources or through user manuals. One good thing about installing car audio amplifiers is that you can always have a professional do the installation, should you find it cumbersome.

You can then go through the entire process step by step, like installing the car audio capacitors, placing the speakers at proper locations, and then connecting the various components involved in a car audio system. By following the guidelines given in various car audio guides, you can carefully connect the different parts with appropriate wiring. Once done you can check for the audio output. If it does not sound good, then you can try rectifying the same yourself or better still seek professional help. One can become pretty good at car audio installation with rial and error method. Constant practice would enable you to install your custom car audio, with relative ease. Check out online car audio installation guides, which can equip you with the what's what on car audio.

Car Audio provides detailed information on Car Audio, Discount Car Audio, Wholesale Car Audio, Car Audio Systems and more. Car Audio is affiliated with Car Stereo Installations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PeterEmerson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Custom-Car-Audio&id=407630

Monday, 15 September 2008

Aston Martin A Car With a Movie Screen History

Aston Martin- A Car With a Movie Screen History
By Fei Lim

Have you ever wondered where the car company name of Aston Martin originated? With headquarters situated in Warwickshire, England, the Aston Martin Lagonda Limited line of luxury cars gathered its name from a hill climber named Aston Clinton and one of the founding fathers of the company, Lionel Martin. The history of the Aston Martin is rather intriguing, seeing as it earned the esteemed respect of being the glamorous auto selection for the series of James Bond books and movies.

The first mention of the vehicle came in the seventh 007 novel, Goldfinger (1964), promptly followed by a showing on the silver screen in the movie of the same title. The Aston Martin was then regarded as the company car in GoldenEye (1995) and his private vehicle in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Additional Aston Martin models also made appearances in a variety of James Bond films, including the Volante and Vantage in The Living Daylights (1987), the Vanguish in Die Another Day (2002). The new DBS was even featured in the latest Bond flick, Casino Royale (2006).

The History of Aston Martins

The Aston Martin car company was founded in 1913 with the help of Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two worked with one another to produce their first car under the company name, which incorporated the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini and a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine. Before the production of their first car took place, the company would have to overcome the obstacle of World War I, which had both owners serving their country under different branches of military. All of their machinery was lost in the war effort.

After the war, the company was re-founded in Kensington and rejuvenated with new car designs. In 1920, Bamford left the company and funding started to come from a different resource. By 1922, the company produced cars that fared quite well in the French Grand Prix, actually setting records in speed and endurance. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt in 1924 and was bought by Lady Charnwood, only to see failure again in 1925. The factory closed in 1926, prompting Martin to walk away from the business.

That same year, the company was renamed Aston Martin Motors and received the backing of an assortment of wealthy investors. A known designer was brought in and racers, such as the 1929 Aston Martin International, the Le Mans, and the Ulster became quite successful. It wasn't until 1936 that the company decided to produce cars that were suitable for the open road.

The Second War World slowed production, but in 1947, the company underwent yet another change in leadership. The cars now showcased the signature letters of DB, marking the initials of the managing director, David Brown. A number of DB series cars flourished, ranging from the DB2 in 1950 to the DB V8 of the 1970s. The V8 lasted until 1988 until the Virage line was introduced, followed by the Vantage in 1992. Several other models would trail, including the V12 Vantage (1999), the V12-engine Vanquish (2001), the convertible DB9 Volante (2004), and the 2006 V8 Vantage sports car.

Aston Martin Cars

Throughout the history of Aston Martin vehicles, there have been many different pre-war and post-war GT and supercars introduced to the public. Before the war, the company was responsible for models, such as the Aston Martin Standard Sports (1921-1925), Aston Martin International Le Mans (1932), and the Aston Martin 15/98 (1937-1939). After the war passed on, a host of DB series cars were created, including the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports (also known as the DB1; 1948-1950), Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (1961-1963), Aston Martin DB7 (1993-2003), and the 2004 Aston Martin DB9.

Supercars, such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage hit the market from 1977 to 1989, which was named the First Supercar of Britain. It was valued for its ability to reach speeds of up to 170 mph. During the 90s, the Aston Martin Virage, Aston Martin Vantage, and Aston Martin V8 Coupe/V8 Volante were prime. With the Virage, the public embraced the possibilities of a sleeker, modern design and improved acceleration.

Currently, consumers may purchase Aston Martin cars, such as the V8 Vantage and the V8 Vantage Roadster, which is a light, yet pretty strong vehicle. The DB9 and the DB9 Volante are also on the market, which offers buyers the optional Sport Pack upgrade. The Vanguish S is available today as well, which can reach a top speed of 200 mph.

The Future of Aston Martin Cars

There have been numerous concept cars created throughout the years, including the 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog and 1993 Lagonda Vignale. A recent concept has emerged for the company, which comes in the form of the Aston Martin Rapide. It is likely that this model will become the latest in the line of cars, which will offer a longer, Grand Tourer-style that seats four. Perhaps, you may even see the limited edition line of the Aston Martin DBS that appeared in the Casino Royale film (only 300 of these exist).

VehicleRide is everything the current and future of cars. Find Aston Martin cars at VehicleRide.com. We also have Honda cars, Acura cars, Toyota cars, and many more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=FeiLim
http://EzineArticles.com/?Aston-Martin--A-Car-With-a-Movie-Screen-History&id=641486

Sunday, 14 September 2008

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks
By Amit Laufer

How to buy a new Car

Buying 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 mans 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 its almost impossible to function without one and its expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.

Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two est times to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!

How and where to search for prices:

Invoice price what the dealer pays the manufacturer has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.

Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.

Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.

Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country.www.Edmunds.com/

for example, reveals the True Market Value: www.CarsDirect.com/, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.

The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:

After you made your research via the Internet, its important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.

You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.

Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.

There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, its called throwing a lowball, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car,Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.

Then something happens. All of a sudden an error in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...

The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the mistake, other times the boss is not approving the deal because wed be losing money. They make it look as if its not that big mistake as its a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.

The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say o and go somewhere else.

If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm

Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.

Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.

---------------------------
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

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Your Car Stereo's System 5 Tips to Professional Results

Your Car Stereo's System - 5 Tips to Professional Results
By George Steiner

You have chosen your new car stereo and now it is time to install. The final result will depend on the quality of the installation. It won't matter how expensive your car stereos system is if you do not install it correctly. Your speaker sound will depend on the amplifier and the type of enclosure. Your amplifier will depend on the current, and the current will depend on the alternator and the wiring. Mistakes will leave you with disappointing results. Here are a few tips that will make the installation of your car stereos system a success:

The first thing you should do is determine the location of the speakers. Speaker location is the key to quality sound. The distance between the left and right speakers and the distance between the left and right ears is not always the same. Try to make the difference between the left and right speakers as little as possible. You may have better luck if you place the speakers on the floor, but you do run the risk of the sound seemingly coming from below. The location of your speakers is imperative to the sound quality you get from your car stereo. When installing your car stereos system, place the speakers temporarily in various locations to find the perfect sound before you install them permanently.

After you have determined the perfect location for your speakers, you must use Dynamat or other similar materials to stop vibration. This is to prevent the metal panels from becoming part of your sound system. How you connect your cables and the location of the cables is essential to achieving a top quality sound from your car stereos system. Some install huge amplifiers in an attempt to get the best sound from their speaker. The fact is you do not need to over do it on the amplifier; you simply need good quality cables to connect it.

Now you can begin the installation of the amplifiers and head unit. You can choose to use the factory wires or you may want to give the head unit a separate circuit. If your car stereo has excellent quality factory audio you should have no need for an additional circuit. Use good quality cables and do not cut costs on clamps and distribution blocks. This is the time to install filters as well.

Building a speaker enclosure is the next step. There is no set rule on which type of enclosure will work best with your car stereos system. You should determine which type of enclosure will give you the sound you desire. Different sizes and shapes of enclosures will produce different sounds. The best type of enclosure is an individual choice. You should experiment with various shapes and sizes until you find the sound quality you are looking for.

After your speakers are installed to your satisfaction, be sure to upholster your door panels with colors that match your car interior. Installing your car stereos system is a highly personal experience. Experiment with various locations and connections until you find the sound quality you are looking for.

George Steiner
www.1-caraudio.com

George and Judy Steiner from North Carolina have unsuccessfully maneuvered through the teenage eons with their two daughters. The countless boyfriends with modified auto stereo systems broadcasting bone-jarring bass, little room to sit due to the electronic gagets and non-existant trunks, experiences we could have done without!

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Do You Drive A Gay Car?

Do You Drive A Gay Car?
By Joe Ratzkin

Is your car the gayest? Wheels24, a South African website spent 3 weeks running a poll to vest the Alternative Car of the Year title. After furious voting online, Wheels24 divulged the 3 new car models that wowed auto crowd the most. From there, the gayest and straightest cars were named.

At the finish line is the vivacious Peugeot 207, which was named the gayest car. Next to it is the muscular Audi RS4, which was tagged the straightest car. Alfa Romeo Brera was also awarded the ear of the year title.

The chosen cars for the three categories were all launched this year. Since said campaign was an instant success, Wheels24 decided to make it an annual event. Visitors of said website can vote for their favorite newly released cars to make them one of the most popular in the auto industry.

The Alternative Car of the Year campaign was conducted in cooperation with Road Angel Navigator, SA's premier in-car global positioning system (GPS). Said campaign has recorded more than 16 000 votes.

On the gayest car title, Peugeot 207 got 7155 votes, BMW 3 Series Coupe with 3378 votes, Jaguar XK with 2571, Honda Civic Hatch 1776, and Alfa Romeo 159 with 1293 votes. These cars are designed to capture the fetishes of car owners who wanted no less than striking, sleek and stylish cars that are worthy of every person's attention. Gay cars are curvaceous and atypical. This is the reason why they are loved by artsy aficionados.

On the straightest car title, Audi RS4 garnered 9824 votes, next is Toyota Fortuner with 2629, Dodge Caliber got 1808 votes, Volkswagen Jetta with 979, and Lexus IS250 with 936. These cars are bulky and muscular. They don't have that shapely curves but they sure have endurance and performance. Audi, Toyota and Dodge auto parts exude state-of-the-art quality mated with toughness.

Alfa Brera was named ear of the year with 6608 votes. Next to it in the sexiest rear-end category were BMW Z4 Coupe with 5722 votes, Opel Astra GTC 2270, Renault Clio with 1071, and Nissan Tiida with 505. The rears of the mentioned cars are catchy and stunning just like the rear of some Saturn car body kits.

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Visit http://www.rushcarparts.com/dodgeparts.html

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-You-Drive-A-Gay-Car?&id=401274

12 New Rules for the Car Wash Industry

12 New Rules for the Car Wash Industry
By Lance Winslow

It appears we need some new rules for this so-called car wash industry. Having studied the car wash industry for 20 plus years, it appears we need a few changes to balance the fairness of the market to the consumer and still retain a proper ROI to entrepreneur. There has been many a scandal in the car wash industry and perhaps you have seen the Sixty Minutes, TV Special Segments on this issue? Personal items being stolen from cars, fake hot wax and even the crime issues, which come with that business model.

Here are some Rules, which the Car Wash Industry needs to consider. Twelve simple rules to bring the car wash industry back into reality and restore consumer confidence. Today the average car wash only has a 15% regular customer following. The remainder of their business does not come from regulars? Why is this, how can any business operate with such a dismal rate of returning customers?

#1. A carwash must only use 5 gallons per car or face water restrictions or be shut down. The earth is overpopulated enough that we need to conserve this natural resource.

#2. A customer should be able expect a car wash in five minutes or less.

#3. A car wash should remain open at least 2 hours after people get off of work for convenience. Shutting down early is not fair to customers.

#4. A car wash should be liable if an employee steals something out of some ones car.

#5. A car wash should be liable for the wash process, including the damage they cause to vehicles.

#6. A car wash should give back to the community it serves.

#7. A car wash should recycle their water until they reach the 5-gallon maximum per car usage.

#8. A car wash must hire competent people. A car wash is responsible for the crime it generates in a community when it hires malcontents.

#9. A car wash is responsible for the 8 gallons of water that drips out of the cracks and from the undercarriage onto the street when the car leaves as well as any accidents the wet concrete causes on a dry day or the ice that it forms on an extremely cold day.

#10. A car wash should respect the traffic flow in and out of their car wash.

#11. A car wash should not up-sell more than once, when talking to customers or try to bully their way into a higher ticket if the car wash customer has already said no.

#12. A car wash should fix immediately any customer complaints with the quality of work and immediately refund money or re-wash.

The car wash industry needs to now step up to the plate and do the right thing, to service their customer, tell them the truth, prevent damage and clean the cars better. It is time, over due in fact for the car wash to come clean once and for all. Think about it.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LanceWinslow
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-New-Rules-for-the-Car-Wash-Industry&id=33261

Friday, 12 September 2008

Your First Car In USA

Your First Car In USA
By Ramesh Ubbu

Your mobility depends too much on your possession of a private vehicle. You may go for a car, motorcycle or truck as your own vehicle. But due to severe weather conditions in many regions it is not a good idea to depend on motorcycles all the time. It is also not a good idea to have a truck or SUV as they drink lot of gas and the maintenance is high. Somewhere in the middle and perfectly positioned vehicle for Desi would be a car. There are various types of cars to suite your need.

What you should have

If you are a single man and do not depend primarily on your car for commuting to your work, then go for anything as you wish.

There are coupes which have capacity for 4 persons but only two big doors. Primarily these cars are designed keeping in view for two, driver and one passenger. The other model is the sedan which has capacity for 5 and has 4 doors. This can also be called a family car. Depending on the size of the car, they are categorized as Compact, Mid-sized and Full. Compact cars are very small in size and have a good mileage per gallon too. Some manufacturers even make two seated compact cars. The power of the compact car is also little less than the cars of other categories. There are other cars that have powerful engines and are rated as sports cars.

On the contrary, if you have a big family and need more space in your vehicle, then go for van/SUV. But I wont suggest this idea to people who have just come to US, before/after marriage and don't have any kids.

Besides, it is always your dream and desire that makes you to go for a particular type and model. But before deciding upon something, you must give a thought to the other factors like, the mileage, sitting capacity, transmission, trunk capacity, engine power, ease of driving/safety, interior, power doors and anti-theft devices. Also your affordability plays a major role in purchasing a vehicle.

Do you have a driver license yet? It is most important to have one before going for a vehicle. Various states have different rules for issuing drivers license. You can logon to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sites to know about the pre-requisites and methods of getting one driver license for your state. Normally it involves a written examination, minor vision test and a road test.

The never-ending comparison

Now you have to decide whether to buy a new car or a used car. I wont suggest you any thing or force you to go for what I think is right, but you must know the good and bad things involved in each.

Used Cars

* They are cheaper.

* They may be old.

* They might have more than one owner.

* They could be purchased from private parties or authorized dealers.

* They might have gone through serious maintenance/repair in the past.

* They might have gone through an accident in the past.

* Some parts/components are just about to die.

* There may not be enough warranty/guaranty on some expensive parts.

* The mileage may not be good.

* They may need more maintenance.

* They may not be reliable for long drives.

* Resale may be a headache.

New Cars

* They are not cheap.

* They are covered under manufacturer/dealer warranty.

* Their fuel efficiency must meet the specification.

* There is the satisfaction of owning a new car.

* Easy to get a finance for new car than a used car.

* No need to worry about the engine, body, suspension, tyre, batteries and interior conditions.

* Insurance premium may be higher.

* Can only be bought from an authorized dealer.

There are many other things that can be discussed as advantages and disadvantages under both the headings. However, I dont want to focus on them right now. If you are convinced to buy a new car, then go for it.

Your target

Now it is the time for you to decide the Make, Model and Type of your car. In US you will find hundreds of Make and Models (no Hind Motors/Maruti cars of course). From a Desi prospect I would say it is better to start with Honda/Toyota/Nissan. These Japanese car manufacturers know our requirement and never ditch us on the highways. The engines are good and prices are low. They run long enough before giving up. The life of a Honda/Toyota is considered to be 300K miles. But the look and interior designs are not at par with the American/European cars.

Buying a New Car

Take a cup of coffee, chat with your friends and go through some reviews before you decide upon the make model and color of your first dream car in USA. Check for the existing/upcoming models of your car by logging onto the sites. Select the color and interior and look at the car through the simulator. The most important thing that you must consider here is that, when the next model is going to be released. If it is very soon, then don't go for it, because after you buy your car, you will see the newer model in the market and the resale value of your car will fall drastically.

Cars with automatic transmission and power window have good resale value. ABS and anti-theft devices are added advantages. Leather interior is as per your wish.

Now you have all the details in your mind and the budget is also finalized. Next step is to study the finance market and look for the bank/credit union who gives the best APR. Also don't forget to decide upon your auto insurance. Find out a good insurance company and try to get a quote from them. The premium varies from place to place. With all these things set up, go to the Auto-Mall of your city. Go for a test drive for the car you have already decided. Beware of the car sales representatives. They will always try to sale you the most expensive car they have. But you shouldnt deviate from your decision. Try to bargain with them for a possible reduction in their margin and ask for extra accessories.

What is the status of the loan? Have you arranged one or you want the dealer to make some arrangements for you? Always try to bring down the APR. If you are very new to US and dont have any credit score, you may not get a good APR. However, dont worry about the APR right now. You can always refinance the loan with a better APR after you buildup the credit history after few months of repayment of the loan.

Once the deal is final, you need to sign some papers and then provide the Insurance details if you have. Otherwise, you could also provide the insurance agents phone number and the sales representative will talk to the insurance agent to get the car insured before leaving their premises (dont worry too much for the insurance premiums now, it is important to get your car insured before you drive out of the dealers premises, however you can easily change your insurance later, if you find a better one). In case you didn't get any insurance, you can always go for binder insurance, but they are quite expensive, but you can always cancel them in the middle once you establish your insurance with somebody else and get the refund for the unused portion of your premium.

The next thing is to make the financial paper work. You will be guided to the dealers accounts department and one of the accountants will assist you in finalizing the loan and payment for the car. At that time they will try to sale an extended warranty for another 3 years after the manufacturers warranty. It is you who will decide for that. Don't listen to them, but evaluate it being unbiased. They will try to sale so many other things like paint guard, gap insurance etc. I would suggest not to go with all these things except paint-guard.

After everything is over, they will apply for the vehicle registration/license plate to DMV on your behalf and give you the temporary ownership license (stuck to the windshield of your car). As far as I know, they wash the car and give you a full tank as a compliment before you drive your car back home.

New cars dont give you much trouble as long as you do all the regular oil change and maintenance in time.

Buying a Used Car

Used cars are good but not as new cars. They are much cheaper than the new cars, but at the cost of your peace of mind. You can buy used cars from either a private party or from any dealer. Here also you have to decide your budget and the make, model and year of the car that you need. Also the other main factor is the odometer reading.

There are many sites that give you the links for used cars for sale. You can also refer to the local news papers for any such advertisement. There are places in some cities where people come with their cars for auction/sale. Since you are new, don't go to such places. Rather get contact information from news paper ads or internet. Get the details of the car like make, model and year of the car, miles it has run, condition of batteries, tyres and engine condition etc.

Now go to Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) or Edmund (www.edmund.com) and try to evaluate the car. KBB will ask you some question depending upon the private trading or buying from dealer. After you enter data about the private trading car, it will show you an approximate value of the car.

Private Party

If you are buying a used car from a private party, then you need to be more cautious about certain things like, the engine condition, the body condition, the interior and the accident/maintenance history of the car. Dont go for cars that have already run almost 300K miles (for Honda and Toyota). You can start locating for used cars for sale from various sources like, news papers, local ads and internet. After locating the availability near your place, prepare your matrix.

* Call each of them to fix an appointment for trial.

* Get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the owner.

* Check for the approximate cost of the car using KBB or EDMUND sites.

* Compare the advertised price with the approximate cost that you arrived at.

* Use the VIN to find out accident/maintenance history from CarFax.com and check for any major incident. There will be a registration fee for CarFax.com, go for the one month pack.

* Talk to a mechanic for pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. Mechanics charge around $50 per car. It is better to go to some brand names like Pep-Boys. They are good and reliable, but you may need to take an appointment beforehand.

* Go to the owner, see the car physically (for any visible dents, body color, torn airbag containers and interior) and then drive it with the owner.

* Take the car to the mechanic and have it inspected.

* (All the cars need a timing belt replacement after running for around 100K miles, so if the car is around or over 100K, then you need to figure out if the timing belt has been replaced, this information could be obtained from the CarFax report too. One thing you must remember that, in US, the auto spare parts are not that expensive, but the labor charge to install them is too high.)

* The mechanic will give you a report, in which it will indicate the current condition of the car and what needs to be fixed with a rough estimation.

* Check for the vehicle registration, is it current?

* Is the vehicle smog certified?

*

With the Kelly Blue Book report, CarFax report and the mechanics report, you can have a good bargain with the owner. If you really like the car and every thing looks OK to you, then start bargaining. Dont focus more on the tyres/batteries, they are not that important as the engine.

NEVER BUY A CAR THAT HAS A SALVAGED TITLE.

Once you have decided to buy the car, talk to the owner about the payment and mode of payment (check or cash). The owner has to give you a pink slip indicating that you paid for the car and it is yours now. He cant simply lodge a complaint with the police saying you have stolen his car. It is his duty to inform the DMV office about the sale and transfer of title. You should also apply to DMV for transferring the title to your name. For registration, you will need the pink slip, the insurance (get one immediately) and smog certification. After you apply for the transfer of the vehicle registration into your name, you are the proud owner of the car.

It is too cumbersome to buy a used car from a private party, sometimes it is too risky and in all the cases it is damn cheaper. For some unlucky guys it might have resulted in spending huge money on maintenance the next day. But it is not always true. However, you are supposed to visit the mechanic frequently and spend lot of time there.

Buying from Dealer

The next best thing that you can do is to buy a used car from a dealer. It may not be as cheaper as buying from private party, but 100 times more reliable. Even some dealers give warranty on the used cars they sale. They buy the used cars, clean them up, do a thorough checking of the engine and repair any damages, dents etc before putting them on sale. You dont have to take the car to a mechanic for inspection, worry about the smog certification. But never forget to check the approximate price through KBB and have a CarFax report handy before making a deal with the dealer. Normally, good dealers dont keep cars for sale that have any major issues like bad accident history, salvaged title etc.

Go to the dealer, talk to the sales representative about your purpose. He/she will show you all the different used cars they have that fits your requirement as well as your budget. Once you have selected the model, make and color, go for a test drive (dont forget to check the odometer reading). If everything feels ok to you, then go to the dealers office and access their computer to logon to KBB for approximate pricing as well as to CarFax for accident/maintenance history for that car. Some dealers even do this for free. Now with all these things handy, start the bargain. You must always consider the worry free deal with the worth of the vehicle you are paying for. You may end up paying a little more than that of a private party deal, but there wont be any worries after you buy the car. If there will be any problem with the car (which is covered under warranty), you can always comeback to the dealer for having it fixed for free. The dealer may also arrange a loan for you and take care of the other formalities like title transfer etc. You will save a lot of time/worries in this. Time is important and costly in this country. So it is your call again.

After you finalise the deal, it follows the same process as a new car purchase. So finish all paper work and drive the car safely back home.

Tips

* If you own an old used car that needs maintenance and the mechanic gives you a list of jobs to be done, then do all of them once. That way you may save a lot of labor charge.

* As per my experience, buying a new car is always better than buying a used car from a dealer and buying a used car from a dealer is always safer than buying a used car from a third party.

* It seems to be a huge amount in the beginning to buy a new car. But if you compare the money spent for new (repay the loan) and used car (repair/maintenance), then over a period of 3 years they will almost equate with each other. So, why not to enjoy the ride of a new car.

Work as software consultant in USA. As a hobby I run a http://www.desicrunch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RameshUbbu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-First-Car-In-USA&id=376847

Car Accident Lawyer Legal Advice

Car Accident Lawyer Legal Advice
By Anna Henningsgaard

Car accidents are currently the number one killer of people between the ages of 1 and 37 in the United States. Car accidents, crashes, and collisions cause about 3 million injuries a year, 2 million of which are permanent and crippling injuries per year. 40,000 people die in car accidents every year in the United States alone. The Department of Transportation reports that most of these car accident deaths can be avoided. About 40% of car crash fatalities involve drinking alcohol and driving. Many accidents involve some combination of alcohol and speeding. Additionally, seatbelt use is only around 68% despite the proven fact that seatbelts protect drivers and passengers and save lives. In more than half of all car accident fatalities, the deceased were found not to be wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

Reckless and drunk driving is a serious offense and the law treats a car, when it causes injuries, as a dangerous weapon. When victims are injured and killed in drunk driving accidents, the driver can be charged the same as if he or she had attacked their victims with any other weapon, like a gun. A drunk driver who kills a person can be sent to prison for murder. Such dangerous activities as drunk driving and racing are often treated casually by young people, but they do not understand the inherent risks associated with this behavior. Every twelve minutes somebody in the country dies in a car accident.

If you or somebody you love has been involved in a car accident, either as a driver or as a victim, it is important to seek legal council. Remember, if you are involved in an accident, never to apologize or accept responsibility without consulting a lawyer. Car crashes are scary, but apologizing on the scene can fix the blame on you even if the collision is another drivers fault. A lawyer can help you work out the necessary paperwork and protect you from accusations and court proceedings. Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests, shouldnt you?

Finally, do not panic. As drivers become more aware of their responsibilities and car companies develop safer vehicles, the percentage of deaths in car crashes has steadily declined. When combined with safe, responsible driving techniques, such as acknowledging posted speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and going out with designated drivers, these new cars and advanced roadways promise a safer driving experience.

If you have more questions, contact a car accident lawyer or read car accident news at http://www.hugesettlements.com.

If you use this article, please include these links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AnnaHenningsgaard
http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Accident-Lawyer-Legal-Advice&id=44011

Benefits of Using a Hybrid Car in 2007

Benefits of Using a Hybrid Car in 2007
By Arindam Chattopadhyaya

Natural resources in the world are becoming more and more scarce and now we are having to find ways that we can conserve the natural resources and use other methods to meet our needs. Often we put various resources together to get one thing and often this is known as creating a hybrid.

Many times plants are put together to create a hybrid crop that is better than other crops and that can withstand more weather and pest problems. The creation of hybrids can help make sure that there is plenty of food to go round in the world today. Animals are also bred together to create hybrids that are healthy and hearty as well.

In todays world, transportation is changing since gas prices have soared and environmental changes have occurred. A new car that is being used is a hybrid car, which uses two types of power to make driving more beneficial.

One type or power that is used in a hybrid car is battery power. Batteries are placed in a hybrid car and they can be recharged. While these batteries are a bit like other automobile batteries, they have many differences as well. Most cars only use the battery in the car to get the engine started. The battery produces enough energy to get the engine to start and then helps to operate various powered options throughout the vehicle such as power locks and radio features. Even if the car is not running at the time you can use the electric features of your car. The charge of the battery is kept fresh by the alternator that is located in the car as well.

A hybrid car has batteries that are very different than those in regular automobiles. At first the hybrid batteries were very large and cumbersome, but now they are lighter and smaller. Nickel-Metal-Hydride is what these batteries are made of and this allows them to be light weight and to hold a great deal of power. A hybrid car also has a combustion engine and it works with the battery to give the car the power that it needs. You can use the electric batter to power the car by itself or you can use the engine and the battery together in the hybrid car.

Since a hybrid car does have a combustion engine you still have to use gasoline, diesel fuel, or other types of fuel to operate the engine. Using the hybrid car leads to a variety of benefits since the electricity and fuel options can be used together. This car is so efficient that you can get over 60 miles per gallon. The hybrid car also preserves energy by shutting off instead of idling and by using only the electric when it is going slow. This type of car is also better for the environment since is puts out much less emissions than a normal vehicle usually does.

Are you looking for some guide lines to buy a new hybris car?

Helpful Information for buying a new hybrid car

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ArindamChattopadhyaya
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Using-a-Hybrid-Car-in-2007&id=433470

Thursday, 11 September 2008

How to Wire you Car with Leds or Neon Lights

How to Wire you Car with Leds or Neon Lights
By Farnam Toussi

First off, there are hundreds of ways your car can be wired. A car is full of electronics and all of these electronics run off 12V DC power. This is the same power used in motorcycles, RV's and other machinery like tractors. All cars have a ground which is on the chassis of the vehicle; this is called negative or ground. So if you are going to wire something you can always hook the negative (black wire) of a led to the metal of the car exposes anywhere. The positive (white or red) needs to go to a 12V+ source in the vehicle. You must understand that LEDs only work in one polarity. If the wires are hooked up backwards they will not light up.

The best way to wire your car is to first find out what you're going to light up. Find the location you are going to mount the leds, and then look around the location for a source of power. For example, if you're going to mount the LEDS under the glove box dash: Find source of power behind the radio. The back of the radio has 2 types of 12V power you could use. 1. 12V+ Power which is always on, usually YELLOW and 2. A 12V+ power called remote (some times RED), which only comes on when you have your car ON. The remote wire is the best wire to use for 12V+ for running interior leds. You do not need to worry about installing switches to turn them off when you're leaving your car.

Other locations for power include your dome lights, which turn on only when the doors are open. You can create some nice led effects in your car if you wire to these. Installation of lights in the engine bay or front bumper can be wired to the headlights or park lamp lights. All you need to do is find which one is 12V+ and which ground. Simple wire to these and your lights only come on when you have the headlights or park lamp lights on. If you do not want to go that route, then you can wire the leds directly to the battery with a SWITCH INLINE. This is going to make things much more complicated because you need to figure how to get wires from the battery inside and create a circuit.

For more information on LEDs and installation in the car and home Plasma LED.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=FarnamToussi
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Wire-you-Car-with-Leds-or-Neon-Lights&id=257449

How To Install Car Seat Covers

How To Install Car Seat Covers
By Thomas Morva

Seat covers should snug fit the seat with no sagging ends. Though it requires a very few instruction to follow, the process of installation is very important. There are a few important instructions to follow when attempting to install car seat covers, though the installation method will vary depending on the type and style of seat covers you have.

In the case of universal bucket seats, firstly take off headrest and place seat cover over the top of seat and pull it down over the seat. Then place bottom of seat cover nicely over seat bottom. After that, fit base of cover snugly over seat. Later, fasten elastic under seat with supplied S hooks. At last, tie the supplied cord in position to ensure that the seat cover is held in correct shape. Check the seat cover is perfectly fitting the seat. After all the processes are over, re-install the headrest.

Installation of custom fit seat covers requires more steps than any other car seat covers. Firstly, remove any guards or shields covering original material that may obstruct seat cover installation. Install bottom of seat cover first. Tie three strings provided to bottom seat cover flap and attach to loops on the flap and fasten them under the seat to springs or to another opposing loop on the seat cover. Next place the seat cover backrest on the seat backrest Tie strings or straps to loops on the seat cover backrest. Then feed the strings or straps between the bottom and backrest of the seat and fasten them to corresponding loops on the top or sides of the seat cover. Make sure that seat covers are fitting correctly. Then, make small holes in the seat cover fabric to accommodate headrests and hardware. After all the processes are over, re-insert headrests and hardware.

Car Seat Covers provides detailed information on Car Seat Covers, Infant Car Seat Covers, Custom Car Seat Covers, Dog Car Seat Covers and more. Car Seat Covers is affiliated with Dog Car Seats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ThomasMorva
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Install-Car-Seat-Covers&id=407624

Tips For Maintaining A High Mileage Car

Tips For Maintaining A High Mileage Car
By Sandeep Kumar

For most people in India, buying a car is an investment , and there are certain steps to be taken to maintain your car for good performance, mileage and also a good resale value.

As a car's engine ages, its performance level decreases and the oil starts to break down at an increasing rate. Over time, the seals begin to break down, gaskets become very brittle, and the engine's oil consumption increases. All of these factors lead to a steady reduction in engine performance.

Here are a few tips for maintaining your high mileage car:

1. Make it a point to change your car's engine oil every 3 months or 3,000 Kilometers, whichever comes first. This is an important procedure, as the engine is the heart of your car and motor oil is the lifeblood. One cannot function without the other, so be very diligent with your oil-change schedule.

2. Check the air pressure in your car's tires at least once a month in order to prevent unexpected flats and excess tire wear. Cars which do not have the correct air pressure will lose a lot of mileage too.

3. Look for warning signs. Of course, not every little noise you hear means something is wrong. Cars, like people, have their peculiarities, and you'll quickly learn what is normal for your car.

But with a high mileage car, it's best to check out any symptom, be it a sound, smell, or just a feeling that seems the slightest bit out of the ordinary. Remember, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

4. Pay attention to outward signs. If your car is leaking oil or coolant, it could indicate a serious problem. Look carefully at your driveway or parking space for oil stains or spots that can warn you of possible fluid leaks.

High Mileage motor oils contain special conditioners that help keep your seals in good condition. Protecting the seals helps to reduce leakage which is a common problem in older, higher-mileage car engines.

5. Have your car tuned-up regularly. Even if your high mileage car seems ok, that is no guarantee that it is. Use regular tune-ups to make sure your car's major parts are running well and that they continue to do so.

6. Check your car's fluids on a regular basis. Keep your air filters clean and replace the fuel filters at regular intervals.

7. Store your car properly. Keeping your car in a dry, temperate location when it's not in use will help prevent wear and tear, both inside and out. Keeping your car in a garage whenever possible will help keep it looking good.

8. Do not neglect your car's safety features! Nothing is more important than your car's ability to keep you and your passengers safe. Your car's brakes, air bags, and any other safety features should be carefully checked on a regular basis (when your car has a tune-up is a great time) to ensure the safety of you and those you love.

Sandeep Kumar

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-Maintaining-A-High-Mileage-Car&id=324612