Addicted To Oil? You Bet Your Lipstick

In his State of the Union speech earlier this year, President Bush said America is "addicted to oil." Correct, but hardly a surprise. We generally think of oil products as the stuff that powers cars, trucks, SUVs, planes and trains. However, transportation accounts for only about half of the petroleum we use. What we rarely think of is all the other products in which oil is a key ingredient, such as lipstick. Petrochemicals are also used in the aspirin that relieves headaches and prevents heart attacks, the crayons our kids use -even diapers, DVDs, cameras, bandages, balloons and golf balls. Three-dollar gasoline is one thing, but consider what our lives would be like without deodorant, perfume or toothpaste (yuck). Can you imagine no vitamins, antiseptic, house paint, syringes, pacemakers,...

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Accessories To Improve Your Ride

Simple ad-on accessories can change the feel and function of your vehicle. This article focuses mainly on the lower priced parts that can be found in larger auto parts stores, big department stores, online, and electronic stores that are under 50$. The 12 volt heated mug has a plug for power from the cigarette lighter socket. It keeps coffee and other liquids hot as long as the car is running. Some models even have a thermostat to set the temperature. The 12 volt coolers can hold 2 cans of soda or can even be as big as a full size refrigerator for recreational vehicles. The cooler/warmer gives you the choice of keeping food or drinks either hot or cold. There are many sizes ranging from a can of soda to even hold a six pack. The cell phone charger plugs into the cigarette socket to charge...

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AAA Urges Drivers to Heed Dashboard Warning Lights

Every time you start your car, the dashboard warning lights glow to greet you and fade away after a few seconds. But if they stay on, there may be a major problem that needs to be dealt with right away. "Motorists need to be aware of the critical 'big three' warning lights," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Automotive. "They include those that monitor engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and the vehicle charging system. To reduce the chances of vehicle damage and/or a roadside breakdown, these warning lights require prompt and proper action when they illuminate." AAA provides the following guidelines on what to do if these lights come on: * Engine oil pressure: This warning light commonly displays an oil can symbol or the word "OIL." This means that the engine has lost its...

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A Safe Defensive Driving Technique For Everyone

The Benefits of Learning a Defensive Driving Technique Automobile accidents cause thousands of deaths and millions of injuries every year. The best way to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road is by learning a popular defensive driving technique. There are a large number of successful defensive driving techniques to help ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Being alert while driving is the important defensive driving technique and is connected with all of the others. This means being fully aware of what is going on around you. All too often, drivers concentrate on other objects besides the road. Examples of such distractions are: • cell phones • car radios • applying makeup • other passengers Some areas of the United States and other...

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A Quest For Answers

I have written a handful of articles about cars. The ones about “muscle cars” or the old generation and new generation are easily my most popular articles. In a quest to find out why this debate seems so popular I have developed a survey, which will be found in the “about the author” section below. This one survey may not answer all the questions but it will be a good start. It was funny because as I was creating the survey I was trying to figure out which I prefer and I could not do it. I think it is because I like combinations of both. I was watching the Barrett Jackson classic car auction this winter and there was a car I would love to have had. It was an old muscle car, a 1970 Cuda or Challenger I believe, and it had a modern day Dodge Viper power plant. There are advantages and disadvantages...

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A Look at Car Transport Trailers

If you are moving a standard passenger car and want to investigate different car transport trailer options there are many possibilities in today’s auto shipping industry offered to the discerning customer. Open carrier transport is the most popular and least expensive type of auto shipping. In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported...

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A Look at Automatic Tire Chains

With technology always advancing, it is no wonder that automatic tire chains have made their way into the tire chain market. These tire chains take away the pain of attaching tire chains in wintry or wet conditions, and can save drivers a lot of time. Automatic tire chains can be used on pickup trucks, RVs, mobile homes, trucks, and buses, and they offer the traction of a single set of conventional snow chains at the touch of the button, which means an end to stopping and getting out of the vehicle. To install automatic tire chains, drivers mount an electric switch to their dashboard, which provides 12 volts to an air solenoid mounted on the vehicle's frame rail. Compressed air is then supplied from either the vehicle's onboard air system or a 12-volt compressor kit. When the dashboard switch...

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A Guide to Trailer Hitch Covers

Parts of most trailer hitches are removable. The ball part of the hitch, the part that is used to fasten the cargo to the truck usually rests in the trailer hitch receiver opening. When the ball is removed, the receiver opening is left hollow. This opening protrudes from the tail of the truck and has sharp edges. People could bump into the metal rod or cut themselves on its sharp corners. It is a good idea to use a trailer hitch cover to protect the trailer hitch receiver opening. Trailer hitch covers can cover the opening and keep any debris from clogging it. Trailer hitch covers also protect people from cutting themselves or bumping into the hard edges. It can be inconvenient and time consuming to remove foreign objects from the hitch receiver opening. Dead, wet leaves, mud, sand,...

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A Global Solution To Regional Mass Transit

As gasoline prices continue to fluctuate, regional mass transit systems look better and better as an alternative to personal automobiles for daily commuting. But, as these systems expand to meet the growing demand, they often run into an increasingly common dilemma. Much of the best technology available today is from Europe and Asia, but most regional systems are government entities that must observe "Buy American" mandates when upgrading their infrastructure. Fortunately, reconciling the two demands doesn't always require settling for a less-than-optimal solution. Chicago's Metra commuter rail is a case in point. Metra serves 500 miles of track and 230 stations in six counties. As part of a plan to upgrade both efficiency and customer satisfaction levels, Metra is replacing aging passenger...

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A General View About The Bicycle

A bicycle, pushbike, or bike, is a pedal-driven land vehicle which has two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. They were first introduced in 19th-century Europe and then quickly evolved into its familiar, current design. Numbering over 1,000,000,000 in the world today, bicycles provide the chief means of transportation in many regions and also a popular form of recreational transport in others. The bicycle is amongst the most notable of human inventions. However there is a lot of confusion regarding when and who invented the very first bicycle. According to general belief, the earliest bicycle was a wooden scooter-like contraption named ‘celerifere’ and it was made by Comte Mede de Sivrac of France in about 1790. An Overview of the Bicycle – The basic shape and configuration...

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2010 Dodge Challenger: Back to the Future!

Blogs, car sites, and auto shows have been hyping up the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where you would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of a DCX assembly line. To say that the prototype is being well received is an understatement -- quite frankly if the Challenger was available for sale today the waiting list would be many months long. Such is the demand for a retro car that takes its styling cues right from the ’71 Challenger. As it currently stands, the car will be built as DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than three years from being manufactured as it is likely to be released some time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the wait will be hard for many, but if the hype equals the performance, then the wait will...

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2007 Nissan Versa: Gen "Y", Take Notice

Automakers are clamoring to build and market cars to the Generation “Y” crowd which, loosely defined, and encompasses new drivers and mostly everyone who is under 30. Toyota threw the gauntlet down in 2003 when they introduced a line of cars under the Scion brand. Now, Nissan is responding and the Versa – to be released during the summer of 2006 – is their answer. Will the Versa compete successfully or be lost in a sea of Gen “Y” vehicles soon to flood the market? All of that is too early to determine, so let’s take a look at the Versa and what the car has to offer to motorists. A visit to Nissan’s website reveals much about the Versa. Unlike a certain Scion vehicle that takes its styling cues from a toaster, the Versa is aerodynamic and reminds me of the Toyota Matrix. Available as a four...

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2007 Nissan Maxima: 300, Avalon Take Notice!

During the late 1990s, Nissan rolled out a new version of its Maxima to the critical acclaim of automobile experts as well as to consumers who snapped up the snazzy car in record numbers. Nissan carried the momentum forward until when the 2004 model was released; it was perceived by many as a step backward and sales dropped accordingly. Now, Nissan is poised to release a new Maxima and the company has the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon in its crosshairs! Make no mistake about it: when consumers are disappointed with a particular model they will look elsewhere; not even brand loyalty can keep consumers in the fold. Nissan found this out painfully in 2003 as the first Maximas were released as 2004 models. Sales dropped as potential buyers complained about the cheap looking interior as well...

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2006 Mitsubishi Raider: A Rebadged Delight!

If you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered in the middle of its beefy looking grille. However, as you let your eyes run the full length of the truck’s body and take a look at its styling cues, you would see something different, yet very familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have been reversed and Mitsubishi’s pick up truck is now a Dodge instead of the other way around. Beyond the obvious similarities there are some differences between the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its own. Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed small cars and trucks to fill out its limited line up, the company tapped its business...

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500 Auto Accessories!

The auto accessories market is experiencing explosive growth thanks to the ever increasing number of new vehicle models being marketed all across North America. For more than fifty years consumers have been the chief benefactors of this unrelenting growth and the selection for you has never been better. Let’s take a look at some of the many automobile accessories available to auto enthusiasts like you and how you can get your hands on what you want! By definition, automobile accessories are those items [including parts] that do not come with your vehicle. Yes, in some cases you can purchase a fully accessorized vehicle, but for the sake of clarity I am defining auto accessories as aftermarket purchases only. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the accessories available for it will...

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99 Octane Motivation Fuel

Keep them Euphoric: 5 more ways to turbocharge employees. These are five additional ways that you can successfully create an encouraging work environment while increasing employee. 1.Distinguish your employees. It is essential that you empathize with your employees. Know about their family; know about what they do after hours, what interests them. This is not meant to be prying into an employee’s personal life, but knowing an employee can help you to resolve what motivates that employee. Different people are motivated by dissimilar things. What does the employee want? What do they want from this job, from their life, and for their future? Reaching goals can be difficult. Helping someone to reach a goal at work is impossible if you do not know what that goal is. 2.Discover more. It is your...

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50th Anniversary

T The car Thunderbird had been around for many years. But sadly in the year 2005, Ford decided to stop manufacturing these vehicles. Coincidentally it was also just around the time of the vehicle’s fiftieth anniversary. The 2005 model is a little different from the original Thunderbird that was manufactured fifty years ago. The 2005 Thunderbird is quite a luxurious convertible. It has three trims for all budgets, ranging from the deluxe package to the fiftieth anniversary package. The 2005 model is equipped with a 3.9 liters,V8 and 280 horsepower engine. This last Thunderbird still holds its heritage of being a roadster with perennial style. This fact alone has appealed to many drivers over the years. However, within the last fifty years more options have been made available for the interior...

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21 Classic Pontiacs!

So, you think you know your cars now, do you? Well, consider this to be a test of your knowledge of Pontiac history. 21 Pontiacs are featured here: some are current models while others are truly classic in every sense of the word, dating back to the early 1960s. 6000 – Full sized [or almost] front wheel drive sedan of the 1980s. Aztec – Ugly is as ugly does. This crossover vehicle ashamed the Pontiac fleet for two years during the early 00s. Bonneville – Full sized Pontiac sedan excitement retired in 2005 after more than 40 years of service. Part of GM’s massive restructuring and retiring of top model names. Catalina – This model hearkens back to the mid 60s when two door hard tops ruled the day. Discontinued during the late 70s during GM’s “down sizing” shell game days. Fiero – Mid-engine...

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10 Safety Tips When Riding An ATV

More and more these days, riders of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are becoming injured or even killed when their ATV wrecks, enforcing the need for safe operating procedures. This is especially important for teenagers who are interested in riding ATVs and are less likely to practice safe conduct while operating the vehicles. Keep in mind that ATVs are just as dangerous as cars, motorcycles, trucks, or sport utility vehicles, so only operate them using the proper techniques and procedures. Many riders neglect the fact that these vehicles have the capability to extremely injure or kill the drivers, but in the correct hands, ATVs can be a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors. Follow these ten safety tips when riding any ATV: 1.) Only drivers over the age of 16 should operate an ATV. The...

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9 Japanese Automakers

Japanese built and designed cars have flooded the North American market for over forty years now. Over time, many nameplates have come and gone, but Japanese cars continue to gain market share and acceptance with a growing number of motorists attracted to their high quality and durability. There are nine Japanese automobile manufacturing companies in existence. Can you name them? Let’s take a look at the list: Toyota – The second largest automaker in the world is Toyota, maker of the Camry, the Corolla, and a host of SUVs, trucks, passenger cars, and a van. Toyota’s Lexus division produces luxury cars, while its Scion division manufactures youth oriented vehicles. Honda – The Accord and the Civic are Honda’s two most well known models, followed by the Odyssey minivan, the Ridgeline truck,...

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6 Simple Steps To Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs

Quite often, a visit to the car repair shop can be even more painful than a visit to your dentist. Perhaps physical pain it’s involved, but some car repairs can leave your wallet feeling pretty empty and you with a bad taste in your mouth. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take preventative steps that will keep your car in the best condition possible. The first thing to do is to follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual. The best one is always that recommended by the manufacturer and if you fail to follow those guidelines, your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Always be sure to change fluids, filters and spark plugs as the car’s manufacturer recommends. Upgrade your motor oil to a high performance synthetic oil, which can help to prevent...

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6 Earth-Friendly Auto Tips

Last year marked a turning point in which Earth-friendly alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles gained major attention and an increasing market share. On top of that, the AAA Great Battery Roundup collected more than 20,000 used vehicle batteries and disposed of them in an environmentally sound manner. But you don't need to have old batteries lying around or buy a different vehicle to protect the environment. According to AAA spokesman Michael Calkins, you can make a meaningful contribution by adopting two easy-to-implement strategies: regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits. The following tips can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care. * Keep your engine running at peak performance in order to conserve fuel. Perform regular vehicle maintenance at the intervals...

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5 Tips To Buying Cars On Ebay Motors

There are many terrific benefits to buying cars on eBay Motors, including a price that the you get to determine, lower insurance and the absence of a car payment every month if you pay in full. If you plan on buying used cars on eBay Motors in the near future, here are several tips to make sure that the road to your new ride is a smooth one. Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 1 Check with your local automobile insurance agent before deciding on a specific used car. If the cost of auto insurance is an important deciding factor, you should be aware that SUVs will be more expensive than a car. Regardless, however, a used car will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same model and make. Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 2 Request a CarFax report. This information is available...

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5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient

With gas prices sky high most individuals who drive are interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your car more fuel efficient. Fuel Efficiency Tip #1 Drive When You Crank Up This might seem obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary. Fuel Efficiency Tip #2 Don’t Ride the Break Many drivers hit the break more often than is necessary....

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5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily. With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels. * Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner's manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and gas levels are sufficient. * Carry an emergency kit. In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding the Autolite TriGlo safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. Powered by four AA batteries, this compact light serves a dual purpose: It shines like...

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5 Practical Ways To Check A Used Car

Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars. That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry. However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal. Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers: 1. Test drive There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to...

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4x4 Truck Tires - For The Big Boys

What do you want to see? A blur of forest and land slide by as you spin in all directions with mud surrounding your truck as if you’ve become engulfed in a tornado that’s comprised strictly of earth and water, is certainly a compelling option. And, that’s right, it can be an option. But, there’s something else that perhaps, unfortunately, cannot be ignored. Sometimes you need to get to work. And unless your office is conveniently located well off the highway, by way of some little known and covered path, well then you may need to consider the handling and driving of your vehicle under multiple conditions. Its not always glamorous, but the fact is your 4x4 tires are probably going to ride upon reasonably dry, smooth surfaces. But, that’s not to say that you can’t be ready for anything....

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4 Reasons Why You Need A Tonneau Cover

Installing a quality tonneau cover on your pick up truck is a great idea that can only enhance your truck’s look and value. You can shell out a little bit of money and get a cover that looks no better than a tarp or you can pay a lot of money and get a tonneau cover that really makes a statement. In the middle area -- where most consumers shop -- you can find more than a few sensibly priced designs that are sturdy, long lasting, and eye-catching. Some covers look cut-rate -- and they are, while others look costly -- but they really are not. For the most part you will pay less for a soft-top tonneau cover than for a hard-top cover, therefore it becomes a matter of personal taste as to which cover you select. Simple to maintain The way you wash your truck is the way you will clean your tonneau...

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3 Ultimate Japanese Automakers

Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the American automobile industry has changed, so has Japan’s. To this day, however, Japan still has the highest concentration of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let’s take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the North American market. Toyota – As the largest of all Japanese automakers, Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the...

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3 Tips To Buying The Right Radar Detector

There are many radar detectors on the market right now. Each one of them claims to have a single best feature. Some detect from the longest distance, while others claim to detect the most radar bands. Others claim to have the highest degree of accuracy and can tell the distance and direction of the radar gun. With all these different features on the market, which one is right for you? What model of radar detector should you buy? How do you know it will actually work in your state? Is it legal in your state? These and other pressing questions are frequently asked. Here are 3 ways to know you are buying the right radar detector. 1. It detects the right bands for you state. Some states use different types of radar guns, and unless your radar detector can pick up their signal, it isn't any...

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3 Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article. For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated...

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