Auto Lemon Laws

Generally, there are three pieces of legislation that you are to be acquainted with if you ever have to deal with a lemon car case (God forbid!). They include state lemon laws (sometimes referred to as warranty laws) that show differences as you move from one state to another, the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). If your state lemon law does not cover your case, you can safeguard your rights by going to the latter two.

Now let's have a closer look at these laws. A state lemon law is legislation that applies to the vehicles with persistent defect(s) and defines in what cases the manufacturer breached the warranty and what the consumer is entitled to if the warranty is breached. Normally, the customer has the right to claim a refund or a new replacement.

The lemon law is effective only if the vehicle comes with an express written warranty and during the warranty period. In most states it covers new cars that have been purchased to be used for family, personal or household purposes. A car bought for business purposes is not covered by the state lemon law, but can be refunded or replaced under the Magnuson-Moss Act or Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

Usually, when you are reduced to seeking justice, the action that you have to take depends on the state where you bought or registered your vehicle. In some of them, launching a written complaint is enough, while in others you will have to hire an attorney. Anyway, if your car dealer or manufacturer are unable to satisfy your claim, you first go to the arbitration and, if necessary, to court of law to resolve the dispute. And it is a manufacturer, not a car dealer, that you take to court.

The Magnuson-Moss Act is a federal lemon law. It is a forebear of all state laws and serves as recourse, when state laws don't help. Its mission is to protect the buyer from manufacturer's breaching warranty. If your attorney chooses to sue under the Magnuson-Moss Act, the manufacturer is to recover your attorney's fees (if you win the case). It refers to the vehicles and other personal property priced $25 and higher purchased “for purposes other than resale”. The law was enforced in 1975 and covers the products that were acquired after July 4 that year.

The Magnuson-Moss Act deals with both “full” and “limited” warranties. The case can be taken to court with a valid cause of action even after the warranty has expired as long as the defect appeared in the vehicle during the period of warranty.

And last but not least is Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This law grants the customer the right to claim a refund or a new vehicle replacement, if the defect(s) present in the car have proved to continue after several attempts ("a reasonable amount of attempts") have been made to repair the inoperable part. The threshold of proof is defined by a particular state law.
When and if you decide to take action against lemon makers, you can study the laws and do it yourself, but it can be wise to hire an attorney, who can do it quicker and more efficient with his fees recovered by the manufacturer.

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Auto Import: Options To Count On

Auto import is one of the largest markets of car purchases each and every year in the United States. For some, this is a good thing. For others though, this is a very troubling aspect that many people need to be concerned about. Nevertheless, there are many reasons why people look overseas for their car purchases. Auto import sales are expected to continue to grow especially with more fuel efficient autos and the ever rising costs of fuel. But what is your side of the auto import story?

First, there are those who are just looking for the car they want. It doesn?t mater to them where it was made. They want a good car that offers all the bells and whistles it can, but that also provides great mileage as well as a great price. These things are more difficult than you think to come by. In the world of auto import options, many of the cars that come in form economies like Japan and China are much less expensive simply because of the cost of labor and the cost of manufacture is so much lower there. So, the price you pay is simply lower in this case.

But, on the other side of the coin are all of the manufacturers of autos in the United States who struggle to stay ahead. This is a fierce competition. People want the best products but they want them cheaply. In many cases, this is just not possible in the American economy. But it ends up hurting us all in the end when these factors lay individuals off and then they cannot work.

With all of this said, there are still many reasons to consider about the auto import. They are great cars, made to perform as they should. They offer many of the latest and great technologies that make them so very important on the market. Some are high class cars and SUV?s that are there to impress while others are economies that are just awesome in the way of saving you money. The choice is yours whether you go for the auto import or not.

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Auto Financing Scams

Car dealers are often portrayed as predators just waiting for an unsuspecting customer to come along. This is because many people believe that they are always on the prowl for unsuspecting buyers that are not very knowledgeable about cars. This can be unfair because we can argue that there are car dealers out there who would not cheat just to get an extra profit.

How do you tell the difference?

To avoid becoming a victim of sneaky car dealers, look at the following auto financing scams.

Yoyo scam

You will be allowed by the dealer to bring the car home as soon as possible. The dealer will take care of the financing, a few days later he will contact you again and tell you that there was a problem with your financing plan. He will tell you to set up a new financing scheme through him which, of course, will be at a higher cost and this will also entail a very high profit on the dealer's part.

Be wary of this trick and avoid it at all costs if you detect it. If you have a bad credit standing, don't have your financing done by the dealer and make arrangements for your own financing. If you ever do avail of the dealer's financing, you should never drive the car back to your home immediately. Wait for at least 24 hours just to make sure that the processing of your financing scheme has been completed already. By allowing 1 whole day to pass by, you are assured that the dealer cannot use this scam on you.

Window etching trick

Window etching is a very common scam. What the dealer will do is to offer to etch the VIN number of your car onto the window of the car for a price. Basically, the price ranges from as low as $300 to as high as $1,000. Some buyers think that they did a good job by being able to talk down the price to a few hundred dollars, but unfortunately for them, a few hundred dollars is still a good amount of money. The best way to avoid this kind of scam is for you to buy an etching kit that you can do on your own. This is available in most auto shops and costs around $20. See how much they profit from you!

Preparation fees

For preparing your car, the dealer will often add an additional preparation fee to your bill. Just to conduct a test drive, replace fuses, or take the car's plastic cover off will have your bill increasing by at least $500! If you visit other shops, you can get the information that these add on costs are already included in the MSRP as set by the manufacturer. Some dealers automatically add it to the buyer's order to make it look mandatory. To take care of this scam, you can ask the dealer to classify it as credit (it should be identical to the amount of the preparation fee) on the following line. If the dealer does not agree to this, you can just simply walk away from the dealership.

Market adjustment

The dealer will convince you that the vehicle you want is selling like hot cakes and very popular. In order to sell you the vehicle, they will do some "market adjustments" amounting to a few thousand dollars. This is usually indicated by a tag near the MSRP tag set by the manufacturer. Even if the car you want is very popular and is very much in demand, if it is in stock you should not be tempted because getting a "popular" car is not worth it if you have to pay a few thousand dollars more. You should never pay more than the MSRP set by the manufacturers. If you do, then you are allowing others to take advantage of you.

Warranty extension

Although this type of scam is old already, it is still being used and there are many who fall for this trick. What happens in this kind of scam is that when you make a loan for the car, the dealer will tell you that you are required to purchase an extended warranty because it is one of the conditions of the bank. There is a simple way of avoiding this scam. Ask the dealer to specify clearly in writing that the extended warranty is required for the loan to be approved. The dealer will most probably find a way to have it excluded. If he persists in including the extended warranty, do not do business with this guy and go to other dealerships.

These are some of the most common auto financing scams that are utilized by some car dealers. Always keep these in mind if you are going to buy a car. If you or a friend were treated fairly by a dealer in the past, consider using the same dealership again. It’s a good indication that they do care about their customers and aren’t just looking for a “fast buck.”

Think very carefully and do not buy on impulse. Good luck to you and go get that car!

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Auto Detailing: Making Your Old Car New Again

The wear and tear of seemingly ordinary, day to day driving can take its toll on even the most cautious of drivers. Nicks, scratches, dents, chips, and the like, can etch the surface of your car like an acid, marring the pristine finish it had when you drove it off the lot. These unwanted (and yet inevitable) scars are the proud automobile owner’s nightmare, but can be easily remedied by way of the talents of a professional auto detailer.

Those long bouts of highway driving we are all subjected to from time to time, can be as frustrating for the drone of the open road as much as they are for the caked layer of insects which inevitably grace the hood, bumpers, windshields, and grills of a once clean car. It’s an annoyance most easily absolved through a thorough automobile detailing. A good auto detailer can polish, buff, and wax your car back into the condition you remember it, and the condition you deserve it to be in. Of course, you might say, professional automotive detailing is not a necessity, I can scrub and polish my own car, thank you very much.” But this can be a dangerous misconception. Using the wrong equipment, or using improper techniques, or unqualified persons to work on your car can actually do more harm than good.

Cheap shampoos, soaps, scrub brushes and such, can wear down the quality of your automobile’s paint job, leaving it more spotted, tarnished, and lusterless. Even hasty, careless work with something as seemingly inconsequential as a bristly old rag can leave nearly unnoticeable scuffs, slowly wearing down the shine of a once beautiful marriage of paint and wax. This is where the talents and experience of a professional auto detailer can save the day. In the hands of a good detailer, your car can gain back the brilliance it once had, and had subsequently lost through the trials and tribulations of everyday use.

And that’s nothing to say of the interior. We all of us know how easy it is to stain, scuff, and generally wear down the carpet and upholstery of your car of truck’s interior, leaving it a paltry version of its former self. And then there’s the non-visible horrors of an unclean car: the smell. The tiniest of coffee spills or other such filth and dirt that can so easily be trudged into your car, can burrow their foul odor deep in the fibers of carpets and seat covers. And anyone who has ever taken their dog for a ride to the park knows that unmistakable canine musk lingers on well after the dog blanket and tennis ball have been removed. Such unpleasant odors area fact of your car’s life, but are in no way a death sentence. A thorough auto detailing can exorcise even the most offensive aromas from that enclosed space where, behind the wheel, we spend so much of our time.

There’s no need to go on driving a car that is slowly deteriorating away from its former glory. We can all recall that new car smell, that fresh-off-the-lot fragrance that has burned its way into all car drivers’ memories; it’s one of the saddest truths about regular car use that this smell represents cleanliness, and whose only hope of recovery can be through cleanliness. automotive detailing is your best bet to improving the look and feel of your car is by utilizing the efforts of a good detailer. A full auto detailing will appease that nagging guilt you feel whenever the sun comes out and all the blemishes of a once fine automobile are exposed for every prying eye to see. His expertise can do what the rest of us folk have neither the time nor the equipment to accomplish – and he might just have you, if not enjoying, at the very least, dreading that unavoidable rush-hour just a little bit less.

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Auto Auctions: Quality Ride For Cheap

You've probably either seen people advertising them or you may have even looked into buying cars through auto auctions. But my bet is that is about as far as you have gotten. I only say that because if you are like me and 95% of America you were pretty quickly turned off by either hearing or reading the words "MUST HAVE A DEALER LICENSE TO PARTICIPATE." Let me tell you I was turned off in a major way.

I mean who wants to pay the government for the right to do yet another thing under their complete control? And who has the money to pay for things like dealer licenses when all you want is a good deal on an automobile? After all you aren't going to actually profit from it. There's another thing too! Who wants to go through all of the rigmarole of the licensing process required for the auto auctions with credit checks and background checks and the new numbers you have to memorize and the new tax documents you have to fill out? I surely don't have the time or the energy for adding another huge pain in the ass to my already long list. Do you?

Well thankfully, for the both of us, there are people who aren't as willing to be discouraged in the face of a little bit of adversity--especially when the potential for huge money savings is on the line! Probably one of the best and probably the luckiest things that I ever did was to marry my wife. She is one of these people!

We were both sitting in front of the TV late one night flipping through a lot of crap when an ad came on for buying "police seized cars at pennies on the dollar!" This ad for government auto auctions caught our attention because I had just been laid off and we had just smashed our only car into a deer a couple of days before. We were in bad shape financially and my wife needed a car pronto in order to keep her job. Well like I said, I went and got on line to check this auction company out and as soon as I saw that a dealer license was required I gave up. My wife on the other hand decided that it wouldn't hurt to make a few calls and see what was all involved.

I'll say it again, boy am I glad I married her because by making that call she got us out of a tough spot. You see what she learned was that the dealer license was no big deal it was simply a trip down to the secretary of state, write a check, and take home your license that day. You could even get a temporary license if it was just going to be a one time purchase.

Well to make a long story short, we ended up getting a temporary license, went to an auction and came away with a beautiful vehicle for pennies on the dollar and sold it 6 months later for a nice profit. When I saw how easy it was, I decided to do it for my new job and have been doing it ever
since.

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Audi Exhausts and Other Fine Parts

Long lurking in the shadow of two German luxury auto giants, Audi has quietly been gaining ground as sales of Mercedes vehicles continue to lag. Within the next few years, Audi is likely to surpass Mercedes and sneak up right behind BMW. These are heady days for Audi, but they aren’t too many years removed from the time when critics called the cars “warmed over” Volkwagens. Times are a changing and auto fans know it. Let’s take a look at some of the best selling accessories for the Audi lover’s car!

1. Custom Tail Lights. Altezza [or Euro] tail lights continue to remain popular with the aftermarket crowd. On older model Audis, including the 90 and 200, these parts look the best as newer models reflect the latest design standards.

2. Car Covers. Ask any owner of a classic Audi how they maintain their car’s appearance and they will tell you: wash, wax, and cover. That’s right, washing and waxing alone are not enough. Keeping your car’s paint protected can only be fully accomplished by covering it with a custom fitted car cover. The more layers the better too for maximum protection.

3. Hood Protector. Some call them car bras, while others call them hood protectors. Regardless, you can protect your grille and give your vehicle a special look with a custom fitted car cover. Select only those that are durable and designed for the exact Audi model you own.

4. Wheel Protectors. There isn’t a whole lot that is worse than a set of dirty wheels on an otherwise immaculate looking car. It kind of reminds you of the handsome guy who wears an expensive Ralph Lauren button down shirt that has been yellowed by underarm stains! Wheel protectors can keep your tires looking great and keep your wheels looking shiny.

5. Performance Chips. Who says you have to be satisfied with your horsepower? A performance chip can help your engine run smoother and more efficiently without taking away from fuel economy. An increasingly popular aftermarket part sought by motorists everywhere.

6. Performance Exhaust. Borla and other brands have developed replacement exhaust systems that can help your car produce more power, achieve greater torque, and increase your fuel economy. These stainless steel parts are made of the same material that builds airliners, so you know that they have to be tough. A nice bonus is the one million mile warranty you get with the system!

Audi aficionados also customize their cars with custom sized floor mats, reusable air filters, performance rotors, heavy duty shocks, and mostly any other part imaginable.

Truly, this German make has made a name for itself as evidenced by the award winning Quattro, long a world leader in handling. If you own an Audi, you have a car that is certain to give you many years of driving enjoyment. Outfit your Audi the way you want with high quality performance and replacement parts sold through your favorite online wholesaler.

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ATV Safety Tips

1. Before You Squeeze The Throttle

* Choose the Right Vehicle - Adult model ATVs are for riders age 16 and older only. Younger riders should never ride an adult-sized vehicle until they are at least age 16. This is especially important, since younger children are usually injured on ATVs due to their size or inexperience with operating vehicles.

* Complete a Safety Course - First-time riders should always take an ATV safety course before heading out on the trails. Safety courses educate riders of the correct way to operate and ride an ATV to ensure he or she knows how to handle the vehicle. Also, safety courses will teach riders of all ages the appropriate behavior when riding an ATV, making it critical for teens and adults to attend.

* Gear Up - Riders should always wear an ATV helmet and other protective gear, including gloves, long pants, footwear that covers the ankles, a long-sleeve shirt or jacket and eye protection.

* Respect Vehicle Capacity Guidelines - Riders should never carry a passenger on an ATV unless the ATV has been specifically designed to carry an operator and a passenger. Since you have to manipulate your weight in order to control the vehicle, two riders on a vehicle is incredibly dangerous. Also, the ATV may be unable to successfully hold the combined weight of two riders, making it less stable and more apt to roll over.

2. When You're Rolling

* Respect the Environment Where You Ride - Always obey all applicable laws and ride only in approved or designated areas and trails. Make sure to get permission before riding on private property and never ride on paved surfaces.

* Choose Your Settings - When it comes to where to ride your ATV, ensure you choose a proper setting. Avoid roads and streets, since ATVs are not designed nor intended to be driven on concrete or asphalt with larger cars and trucks. Also, avoid improper terrain that may encourage the ATV to roll over due to instability in the ground.

* Know Your Limits - Do not ride at excessive speeds or past the limit of your visibility. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Increasing the speed — especially through certain terrains—decreases your control and the vehicle’s stability, making you more prone to have an accident.

* Don’t Drive Impaired - Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even over the counter or prescription medications can impair your reaction time, thinking process, and judgment, so be sure to avoid operating an ATV during this time.

* No Tricks or Stunts - The most injuries on ATVs occur when the vehicles are operated improperly. Take great care in riding your ATV and be sure to avoid any tricks or stunts that will encourage an accident. Furthermore, avoid improper interaction with other individuals, whether they are on an ATV or not.

* Tell a Friend - Always make a plan before you ride and tell someone where you’re going. Ride in a group of two or three and create a buddy system.

* Carry a Communication Device with You - ATV operations should be sure to carry a cell phone or walkie talkie with them at all times so that they can call for help in the event of an emergency. This is especially true if you are riding alone, which is not encouraged, so that someone will be able to find you if you become injured.

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Atv Accessories To Make That Next Ride Unforgettable

There are two aspects of ATV'ing that can really make your next ride an incredible adventure as opposed to just average. Better performance is the first and comfort is the second. To better aid you in enjoying your next ride we have assembled the top 8 atv accessory ideas to give you both an upgrade in atv performance and comfortabiltiy.

The bumper is the first part of the atv accessory list that has to be considered. Originally a bumper was a separate metal bar or blade at each end of a vehicle to prevent damaging the atv. The bumper is one of the more upgradable aspects of an atv. ATV bumpers com in different colors, shapes and materials. Which can give your atv a much more streamlined appearance and make your ride faster, thusly more enjoyable.

Another atv accessory is a cabin enclosure. What you use your atv for dictates which cab enclosure that you should purchase. If you use it for fishing expeditions. The weather becomes stormy and you are far from shelter. All you need is a atv cabin enclosure installed to make this atv problem go away. A good cabin enclosure has 3 windows, one entry door, and is made of a flame retardant material.

Another atv cabin enclosure is what is called a hunting blind. It is 5 zippered gun ports. Some hunting blind atv cabin enclosures have a zippered gun port in the roof for goose and duck hunting.

The third must have atv accessory can be broken down into several categories. This particular atv accessory is a holder for your spotting scope, camera, and 8mm and VHS camcorder.

Want to carry small things with you without losing them? A fender organizer atv accessory will do the trick. For bigger items think about purchasing a bucket hugger controlled cargo tray. The bucket hugger atv accessory securely holds two 50-gallon buckets and tools.

The next atv accessory no active ATV'er should be without is good grip. During a ride in the summer your hand may get slippery from the seat and you can easily lose control of the vehicle. You want grips that are made of non-slip soft rubber. Look at high-density foam. This can deaden vibration and prevents the dreaded "tingling" in your hands. Ask for anti-vibration pads, which minimize fatigue and prevent slippage.

Helmets are way to show your individuality. Helmets come in a multitude of styles, shapes and colors. But no matter what helmet you decide to purchase make sure have a lock for the helmet. A great atv accessory are slip through standard "D" rings which will help secure the helmet to your ATV.

Last but not least atv accessory which will give you the ultimate in comfortability while atving are handlebar mitts. Fitting easily over the handlebars they keep your hands warm and dry when the weather is not that favorable.

Just remember these are just suggestions to make your next trip enjoyable. An upgrade in both performance and comfortablity, increasing the chances of your next atv exprience one of the best yet.

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Asymmetric vs Symmetric Vehicle Lifts Which Is Right For Me

When purchasing a surface mounted two-post automotive lift, it is important to decide what type of lift you will need to best suit the vehicles you want to pick up. An automotive lift is a tool and just as you know that a pneumatic wrench is better than a monkey wrench for changing tires, it is important for you to determine which type of lift is best suited for each type of vehicle.

Symmetrical Vehicle Lifts

Approximately 30 years ago, when cars were built out of steel, men were strong and women wore skirts…..The symmetrical lift was designed as an alternative to the hydraulic inground lift. The lift wasn't known as "symmetrical" right off the bat; it was called a surface lift because it bolted to the concrete floor, rather than being installed through the floor. At the time of its inception, the surface lift was being designed (often times poorly) to pick up rear wheel drive vehicles that had a pretty good front to rear balance. The cars were big and heavy and mechanics relatively skinny and strong.

In order to balance these behemoths six feet up in the air, the columns were placed across from each other and the arms were all of equal length. Some lifts were connected from side-to-side overhead; a base plate connected others down below. One thing was certain about these lifts; if you were a mechanic with a beer belly trying to get out of the car after it had been driven into place, you were going to have a tough time. Since the lift was balancing the vehicle between front and back, the column needed to be located somewhat close to the center of the vehicle. What else is in the center of the vehicle? We all know the answer to that! The doors! What happens when doors meet columns? Door dings!

It took the lift manufacturers a while to figure it out, but eventually they did. Currently, very few lifts are sold as "symmetrical" lifts. The ones that are sold are usually being sold for a particular purpose, such as working on vans or trucks. (Vans and trucks have the door in front of the centerline of the vehicle, so a column really doesn't get in the way.) Some customers will purchase a symmetrical lift because they want a "drive thru" capability, and sure enough, the symmetrical lift usually gives a few more inches in that regard.

Sure Fire Ways to Tell a Symmetrical Lift:

The columns face each other.
Front arm length is the same as rear arm length.
The lift states "symmetrical".
You have a difficult time getting out of the car when you drive in.
You don't have a difficult time getting out of the truck when you drive in.
You have an account with a body shop to repair door dings.

Asymmetric Vehicle Lifts

Sometimes Europeans are smarter than Americans. I don't like to admit it, but it's true. It turns out, some guy named Günter was using his symmetrical lift (not a Rotary Lift, mind you), when he realized that those last two lagers had pushed his belly past the point of no return. That's right, he was stuck in the car and couldn't get out. Since he had some time to sit and think, he did what most mechanics do with their free time; he tried to design a better lift so that he wouldn't have to lose his bought and paid for beer belly.

What Gunter came up with seemed to be a pretty good design. By making the rear arms of the lift longer than the front arms, the vehicle would theoretically sit far enough back to allow him to open the doors. Not only that, since most of the cars being manufactured in Gunter's day were front wheel drive, the balance of the vehicle on the car lift would be better. (Gunter had never forgotten the time that he had pulled the engine out of a car, only to have the car flip backwards off the lift due to the newly created weight distribution imbalance). It would also help to reduce the number of times he had to have a customer's door fixed after dinging the door on the column.

Gunter's design worked for about two years. He still dinged a door occasionally, but he was able to continue growing his belly and was always able to get out of the vehicle. One day however, Gunter raised a car with his vehicle lift and heard a horrendous squealing noise, metal on metal. He also noticed that the arms of his lift were shaking and rocking and he stopped to make sure that the vehicle didn't bounce off the lifting pads.

After some serious investigative work (and several snaps of his suspenders), he noticed that there were metal shavings on the floor near the columns. It soon became apparent that when he had changed the load center of the lift by extending the rear arms, he had caused excessive wear on the load bearings that ride inside the column. Soon, all of Günter's beer drinking buddies (who had copied Gunter's idea) were shaking their heads and refusing to buy Gunter beer anymore. Gunter was not a happy man.

Thankfully, those smart engineers in the United States don't drink beer while they are trying to solve a problem. (Most of the time….) They had seen Gunter's design and saw the problem right away. They also realized that their solution would have an added benefit to the beer belly problem. Rotate the columns to face the new load center and you automatically get extended door-opening clearance. Ever wonder why American automotive lift engineers have big beer bellies? Because they CAN!

Enough about Gunter; A TRUE asymmetric lift has columns that are rotated 30 degrees to point the load center of the lift in the general direction of the load center of the car as it is being lifted AND front arms that are shorter than the rear. A semi-asymmetric lift only has the front arms shorter than the rear, without addressing the load bearing issue.

Very few manufacturers take the time to make this distinction on their auto lifts. The good majority of two-post auto lifts that are advertised as "asymmetric" are the exact same as the symmetric auto lift with different arm lengths. Does this concept work? Of course it will for a while. But remember what happened to Gunter and his buddies, you will experience severe wear on the bearings (or slider blocks) over time.

We highly recommend purchasing a TRUE asymmetric lift when you purchase this design. A quality auto lift manufacturer will also include a wheel-spotting dish to help you or your techs spot vehicles properly when positioning the vehicle.

Sure Fire Ways to Tell a True Asymmetric Lift:

Columns are rotated 30 degrees from each other, facing the load center of the vehicle.
Front arms of the automotive lift are shorter than the rear arms.
You have a beer belly bigger than Gunter's and don't have a problem.
A Rotary Lift engineer tells you it's a True Asymmetric Lift.
Reduction in bill from the body shop allows for a bigger beer belly.

Sure Fire Ways to Tell a "Semi-Asymmetric" Lift:

The columns face each other, rather than the load center of the car.
The front arms of the vehicle lift are shorter than the rear arms.
The lift squeals, shakes and whines when lifting a load.
You have metal shavings on the floor near the column.
You bought the lift so you wouldn't bang the door on the column, but continue to bang the door on the column.
You pay a company like mine to replace slider blocks every few years.

"Versymmetric" Design Auto Lift

If you have been really doing your research, you will have probably heard the term "Versymmetric" thrown out there from a few manufacturers. The theory behind this term is that they have designed an automotive lift that is capable of being both symmetrical and asymmetric at the same time.

One opinion is that this design takes the worst situations of two different types of lifts and combines them to really confuse a technician.

First off, a symmetrical auto lift will cause door dings and clearance problems with cars, no question. Second, an "asymmetric" lift that doesn't have columns rotated will still cause door dings. Third, if the technician isn't properly trained on how to set up each and every vehicle properly, the lift will be used improperly. The end result will be an unsafe lifting situation with the vehicle, door dings and excessive bearing wear.

Some of these lifts are listed with the ALI and pass 3rd party testing. They can be constructed well and the sales people selling the concept really have their pitch down. Having seen the products used improperly in the shops and having serviced numerous "Versymmetric" lifts that have had failed bearings (slider blocks), our opinion isn't very positive.

We here at Standard Industrial & Automotive Equipment are happy to discuss various issues regarding automotive lifts, quality and what is best suited for your shop. Feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance.

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Are You watching Your Fuel Guage More Than Your Speedo

Are You Driving on Fresh Air?
Do you travel miles to save pennies on fuel costs?
Do you watch your fuel gauge more than your Speedo?
Is the rising cost of Gas strangling you?

Fear not...Help is at hand...GET A BICYCLE!

Seriously, there are a few things that can be done without throwing your car

keys away and walking everywhere. (PHEW)!

A lot of the things you can do to save fuel are easy and free.

When was the last time you checked your tires to see if they were inflated to

the correct pressure? Under inflated tires are one of the main causes of

excess fuel consumption. It's easy to check your tire pressures daily with a

cheap tire pressure gauge; if you don't know how asks your local garage

mechanic to show you (A free beer works wonders).

When you buy your fuel can have an effect on what you get. Gas is sold by

volume and as we all know from school, liquids expand when warm, so if you

buy your gas at the hottest part of the day you will get less than if you buy

when it is cold. So the logical time to buy your gas is just before dawn (Who'

s Dawn?) when it's coldest.

With 24 hour shopping it would make sense to do your weekly shop while others

are asleep and fill up your tank at the same time. The roads will be quieter

so less traffic to get stuck behind and waste fuel.

There are various (free) websites that will tell you the cheapest gas prices

in your area.

How about just washing your car. It causes less drag, ... Honestly. Why do

you think that swimmers shave their heads (i.e. Duncan Goodhew)? Or what

about those skin tight smooth figure hugging suits worn by downhill skiers? (

Just going for a cold shower).

Make car washing fun, get all the family involved. Hose down the dog, hose

down the kids. Hose down the whole neighbourhood. (If winter you may ignore

this one)

Sitting at the lights revving the engine may impress the boy racers but it

uses gas. Rev the engine 15 times and you use enough fuel to travel one mile.

Remember this next time you have to push your car to the gas station.

Is your car due for a service? (I know a good priest who can give the last

rites at a reasonable price). I know it costs money for servicing your car if

you are unable to do it yourself. But the cost in extra fuel if your car is

not running right is even more. (Blocked air filter, worn spark plugs,

sticking brakes, etc.)

Best of all drive safely. Do not tailgate! if you do you will have to brake

harder when the car in front does. Give some distance to the car in front.

You will use your brakes less and still get there at the same time. Watch the

traffic far ahead and try to read how they are going to act, if you see brake

lights up ahead you can react a bit sooner.

If you are driving in the wet you can sometimes see the reflections of brake

lights on the wet road surface. This allows you to slow down sooner and avoid

harsh braking.

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Are You Giving Gas Back To The Gas Station?

Are You Giving Gas Back To The Gas Station?

You May Be Paying For Gas, And Leaving It Behind.

That's right; you could be losing a fortune by trying to get that extra bit

in because it is pennies cheaper at this gas station.

If you try to overfill your gas tank by squeezing that extra bit of gas in

after the pump has clicked off it could be going back into their tanks.

Let me explain.

The fuel pump at the gas station has a venting system which takes the fumes

out of the air as you fill up you tank. If this did not happen you would get

a face full of noxious fumes every time you fill up.

If you try to get more in after the pump has clicked off, it may suck some of

the fuel into the venting system instead and back into their tank.

Also, when you put the gas in your tank it is coming from buried storage

tanks and is colder than if it was stored above ground. What this means is

that as the gas warms up to the temperature of the day it expands.

If you overfill you tank and then park your car up, the fuel may go into the

cars fuel tank breather system and cause unknown damage or even leak from the

breather onto the floor. Now along with the wasted fuel you also have a fire

hazard. (Is you insurance up to date?)

For you pocket and you safety I recommend that you stop filling when the gas

pump clicks.

If you are going away on holiday, or business, early in the morning and think

it would be quicker to fill up the night before it may be wise to think again.

There are many 24 hour gas stations.

As fuel is sold by volume it will be colder, early in the morning and as the

day gets warmer it expands and you get less for your money.

It will only take minutes to fill up in the morning and gives you enough time

to remember things you forgot to pack (where's the kids?) before travelling

to far.

If you are driving for a long distance it would be a good idea to use your

cruise control as often as possible. A smoother speed will be more

economical.

What about all the clutter in your car. It all adds weight and means more

gas used. If you need to carry a full toolkit around in your trunk then it

is time to think about replacing your car. Clear out the stuff you don't

need (Compact discs, half empty pop bottles, Kylie tapes, those old papers

you were going to take to recycling). A tidy car makes you feel good too.

More...........
https://paydotcom.com/r/15410/johnbeck/1148255/

When you are driving does your steering wheel pull to one side or the other.

The wheel alignment may need checking. If the alignment is out it will cause

the tires to drag on the road and you will use more gas.

Also the tires will wear out extremely fast, usually on one side. The

handling of the vehicle will also be affected.

So for safety and economy get your alignment checked regularly.

For more tips I recommend you see this e-book.
https://paydotcom.com/r/15410/johnbeck/1148255/

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Are Electric Cars A Part Of Your Future?

It seems that not so long ago, electric cars were a very distant possibility. However, in today’s world, electric cars are becoming extremely popular and may very well be a large part of our not so distant future. Electric cars have been produced, tried, and tested by many manufacturers and consumers are excited about the prospect. Let us take a look at the many positives that can go with the future of electric cars and why we should consider it as a possibility in our own future.

Electric cars are all together cleaner and safer for our environment. By driving electric cars, our generation will virtually eliminate air pollution and make the air cleaner for future generations. Cleaner air to breathe is a necessity and electric cars can work to provide that.

Electric cars are more affordable than fuel powered cars. Studies on electric cars have shown that for a passenger vehicle it will cost less to run the electric cars, than filling your car up every week with gas. In fact, for about $30, electric cars can operate for one full month. With the price of fuel on the rise at a consistent speed, electric cars would offer our finances a nice break. Maintenance is more affordable as well; you will not have to worry about changing the oil, submitting your car for a smog check, or having a tune up performed on electric cars.

Noise pollution is something we all complain about, especially within the bigger cities. Electric cars provide a quieter environment for everyone concerned. The future of electric cars mean no more 3 AM wake up calls by our neighbor’s loud cars. Furthermore, those that live close to busy streets and highways will sleep and live easier without the extra noises from the cars driving down the streets.

One problem about electric cars is at the present time it cannot travel extremely far without needing a charge. 25 to 60 miles on one charge is about all you can expect at this point in time. However, some areas offer “charging stations”, for example those in California can stop at a charging station and charge their electric cars for longer trips. It takes about three hours to fully charge the electric cars before you are ready to go again. The technology of electric cars is still being manufactured and research; we can expect great things in the markets in the future.

In the end, we all live here on earth and are all responsible for its preservation. Everyone needs to do their part, however seemingly small that may be. Use of electric cars is only one possibility to consider in preserving quality of life on earth for ours and future generations.

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Are All Car Insurance Companies Equal? Here Is What To Look For.

Car insurance protects you against any financial loss that may happen due to an accident or theft of your car. It is a car insurance company that issues car insurance to you. A car insurance company will work up a car insurance policy for you after evaluating the various options like the make of your car, the premium that you are willing to pay, your insurance risk, etc. A yearly premium has to be paid by you to the car insurance company so that the company can pay for your loses that you may bear in the future. All the terms and conditions are mentioned in the contract and it is your duty as a car owner to look over all the points and ask the insurance agent any questions that you have in mind. It is only after all the terms and conditions are clear to you that you should sign on the dotted line and pay the premium.

Normally all car insurance companies have the same insurance policies. The premium to be paid and the percentage of losses to be covered in case of any accident may vary slightly. Since the car insurance market is very competitive, the premium rates and other terms and conditions almost remain the same.

A car insurance policy may provide property, liability and coverage depending on the type of policy. The property coverage covers losses for damage of the car or the theft of the car. Liability coverage pays for any legal liabilities to other people for bodily harm or property damage. And medical coverage covers expenses for treating injuries, medicine expenses and funeral expenses in case of a car accident. You may buy the different types of coverage depending on how much you want to spend on your policy.

A car insurance policy usually consists of 6 types of coverage. As mentioned before a customer can select from the different types of coverage. Most of the car policies last from 6 months to a year. Your car insurance company will bill you when it is time to renew your policy and be prepared for a rate hike.

The different types of coverage are :-

1) Bodily Injury Liability

This type of liability covers the expenses of injuries that you may cause to someone else while driving your car. Also the coverage includes injuries caused to a person while driving other person’s car.

2) Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection

This type of liability covers the expenses for the treatment of injuries to drivers and other passengers. The liability also covers medical expenses and funeral expenses in the case of death.

3) Property Damage Liability

This type of liability covers for damage to the other person’s car and your car. It may also include damage to lamp posts, telephone poles, fences and other public property.

4) Collision

This type of liability covers expenses for damage to your car or the other person’s car. Even if you are at fault, then also you will be reimbursed for the expenses of repairing the car.

5) Comprehensive

This liability covers loses due to theft or damage to the car by something other than collision with another object or damage to the car due to fire, falling objects, explosion, earthquake, etc.

6) Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This liability covers damages to your car by another driver who is uninsured.

The coverages mentioned above are offered by all car insurance companies. In almost all states, car insurance is mandatory. Therefore, it is your responsibility as a car driver to have a policy.

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Anyone Can Clean Their Car, But What About Those Cloudy, Yellow Headlights?

It is a very common occurence. We see then every day. Its like a disease - yellow, cloudy headlight lenses. I even saw them on cars at the local carwash. It befuddled me that these people would take such great care - washing, vacuuming the interior, removing the floor mats and even hand drying their cars, but they still had those yellowed, cloudy headlights. Its not just a problem on old, very used cars. It is prevalent on 2 - 3 year old cars also. It doesn't matter if it is a Dodge, Ford, Mercedes, or a Porsche.

When questioned, most said they couldn't afford, or didn't want to pay the high prices of replacements from their local auto dealer. The average price for a pair of replacement plastic headlights at local auto dealerships was around $450 - that didn't even include installation and alignment (that would be another $60-120). Aftermarket headlights do exist, but have received mixed reviews, and the savings aren't that great, quality and fit is lagging, and then you still had to have them installed and aligned. And for what so you can do it again in another year or two?

There is another solution, there is a patented headlight cleaner and restorer kit. Its under $20, much less expensive than replacement lenses, and it works!

Plastic headlight lenses are the norm in the automotive industry now - every car has them. Some have fancy names like plexan and Lexan, but they all have the same problems. The sun, acid rain, harsh weather conditions, chemicals (brake fluid, power steering fluid, hot radiator fluids, hot water, harsh cleaners, etc...) will all cause the plastic lenses to degrade and weaken quickly. Some manufacturers have gone to including a protective film on the lenses. Regardless, they are all susceptible to this weakening and yellowing over time.

With this headlight cleaner and restorer even junk yard car lenses have been restored to brand new. These same lenses used to be discarded and now have become new profit centers for salvage yards all over. The treatment is applied to the exterior of the headlight lens where the damage is worst and it doesn't take a mechanic to do it.

It is easy to do, doesn't take very long, and the results are fantastic. So there is a very economic solution to the problem of yellow, cloudy, worn headlights. There's no excuse now to not have sparkling clean headlights. Car dealerships everywhere are using headlight cleaner and restorer on their cars and you can too.

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An introduction to collecting car brochures - Part 2: Your theme

Before starting your brochure collection, in my view it is best to have a very clear idea about what you want to achieve.

The reason for collecting is not important, but knowing the reason is. Are you interested in a particular period in history, a particular car, type of car or brochures from a particular country, for example?

Once you have decided what the purpose of your collection is, write it down or print it out and keep it with all the items you collect.

Why should you do this, you may ask? The reason is that this will keep you focussed on what you are trying to achieve and stop you going off at tangents or pursuing avenues that are fruitless.

With the advent of the Internet, it is so easy to see an item on eBay or a website such as mine and buy on a whim. This will detract from your overall collection as there will be no theme to it and therefore it will be worth less both as a source of reference and value wise.

Also, there are very few people who do not have a budget and every “off topic” brochure you buy will reduce the amount of money you could spend on building and completing your collection.

If you adopt this approach, very soon you will find yourself becoming expert at valuing and sourcing the brochures that interest you. This will help you avoid paying more than necessary for that “so-called” rare brochure and allow you to spot undervalued bargains. With a subject as broad as brochure collecting, it is impossible to be an expert on the whole market and probably even on, for example, all Ford brochures. If you will excuse the pun, Focus!

By using this method you will also build a network of dealers or friends with a common interest who will become invaluable in helping you fill gaps in your collection by way of swaps or trade…a benefit that cannot be underestimated and as someone once said, “it is not what you know, but who you know”.

The scattergun approach is simply a waste of effort. Do not do it!

Next week I will be discussing what to look for when buying brochures and critically, what to avoid!

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Americans Want American Energy

A new national poll released by PACWEST Communications of Portland, Oregon shows Americans overwhelmingly favor gaining access to American oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, known as ANWR.

In the face of soaring gasoline prices pushed by crude oil prices hitting $75 per barrel, nearly 60 percent of those questioned said they favor oil production in ANWR.

"These are very strong results," said Paul Phillips, PACWEST's president. "Congress has failed previously in numerous attempts to pass legislation opening ANWR's vast oil and gas reserves. Hopefully, they will now be more responsive to the will of the people and address the people's energy needs."

On numerous occasions, the powerful environmental lobby has defeated attempts to open ANWR, claiming that production there would harm the environment. However, as Phillips points out, it had no such qualms when the Clinton administration proposed oil production on another section of Alaska's North Slope.

In fact, Mr. Clinton's Department of Energy published an extensive report in 1999 entitled "Environmental Benefits of Advanced Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Technology." That report found, "From the tundra of Alaska to the wetlands of Louisiana, a host of advanced technologies enable the oil and gas industry to produce resources far beneath sensitive environments."

It describes techniques such as building ice roads for moving equipment that simply disappear without a trace when summer comes to the Arctic and directional drilling that allows many wells to be put down from a single location. These and other techniques would enable the production of oil and gas using just 2,000 of ANWR's 19,500,000 acres.

Should the Congress vote to open ANWR to oil production, Phillips said, the effect of driving prices down could be immediate, even though actual production would be some years away.

"Much of the price of oil is based on speculation that there will be shortages in the future," Phillips noted. "Any action which might even slightly lessen such shortages could have a strong impact on prices."

Opening ANWR could well be just such an action. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated ANWR could hold as much as 16 billion barrels of oil. That is an amount equal to 30 years of imports from Saudi Arabia. Peak production, it is estimated, would yield approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, or about 7.5 percent of this country's daily usage--enough, according to experts, to impact world prices.

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America The Beautiful: Exploring The Roads (And Trails) Less Traveled

Americans are known for seeking the roads less traveled and, in many cases, continuing to journey even after the road ends. More than 50 million Americans went off-roading in 2005, a 42 percent increase since 2000.

For fans of off-roading, there are two considerations when taking to the dirt and rocks of off-road driving: safety and ecology. Safety starts with having the right equipment-a vehicle that's designed for uneven, unpredictable terrain and tough, dependable tires that can take the punishment of dirt, rocks, ravines and more. And by following ecological guidelines, you can help ensure that trails will be enjoyable for other adventurers.

Safety Tips

1. Inform someone of where you are going and when you expect to return.

2. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.

3. Ride at safe speeds for existing conditions.

4. Travel straight up and down hills-never traverse the face of a hill; it may cause your vehicle to slip sideways or roll over.

5. Cross large rocks or other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time.

6. Cross ravines at a 45-degree angle.

7. Only cross streams at a designated fording point.

8. Never turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain or unstable ground.

9. Avoid stopping in tall grass or brush, which can be ignited by engine heat.

10. Reduce tire pressure to improve traction in tough off-road conditions.

It's the Ecology

1. Drive only where permitted.

2. Keep a trash bag in your vehicle and collect litter left by others.

3. Ride in the middle to minimize the widening of the trail.

4. Avoid slide slipping and wheel spin to prevent erosion.

5. Keep away from wildlife.

6. Steer clear of sensitive habitats: wetlands, meadows, tundra, etc.

7. Clean your vehicle after the ride to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.

8. Observe proper sanitary waste disposal.

Top Trails

To highlight some of the best off-road trails in the country, BFGoodrich Tires, in conjunction with Tread Lightly and United Four Wheel Drive Associations, has launched its Outstanding Trails program. The program is dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of these off-road trails and will aid in the effort to keep these trails sustainable.

"Last year, more than 50 million people sought adventure through recreational off-road driving; the sport is exploding in popularity," said Kaz Holley, brand director for BFGoodrich Tires. "Each one of the trails highlighted in this program is amazing, and embodies the very best in off-roading. BFGoodrich tires and these Outstanding Trails are very similar in nature-both are tough and both are fun to drive on."

The program identifies five of North America's best trails. From desolate desert stretches to towering peaks and rolling hillsides, these trails are unique in toughness and beauty.

After a careful selection process, five of North America's "outstanding" off-road trails were nominated for uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following:

• Black Bear Pass, near Ouray, Colo., is a picturesque trail nestled in the San Juan Mountains.

• Pyeatt Draw, a scenic and exciting trail situated in Payson, Ariz.

• Hell's Revenge, with its slick sandstone slopes, brings adventure to thrill seekers in Moab, Utah.

• Historic Naches Pass, also known as the Longmire Wagon Train, takes off-road drivers over the Cascade Mountains in Naches, Wash.

• Upper Tellico Trail, Trail #4, located in the Nantahala National Forest, is located in an area where Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia meet.

As a part of the program, BFGoodrich Tires will host several events at designated trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location as well as to educate off-roaders on the responsible use of each trail. The company will also give a grant to a selected off-road club to help with the costs associated with the trails' conservation.

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All You Need To Know About Trailer Hitch Covers

Most of you will probably already know something about trailer hitches but for others it could be something you have no idea about so I will explain a little here. Many vehicles have the capability to tow other vehicles, such as a trailer, caravan or boat. In order to attach these items to the vehicle you require a trailer hitch, or tow-bar. There is more than one type of hitch but the most common is the ball type hitch. These are welded directly on to the vehicle and are renowned for having a ball-like rounded lump of metal on the top of them.

The ball on the hitch is removable but it is there to cover the actual workings of the receiver, parts of which are sharp, dangerous pieces of metal. Without the ball on top, these hitches could cause damage to people walking around the back of the vehicle and so it is a bad idea to remove the ball unless it is vitally necessary. The workings can also be covered with general dirt from the roads if the cover is not on and this can prevent trailers from being attached without good cleaning being done prior to it.

As mentioned previously, the ball is the most common type of hitch cover. However, it isn’t the most exciting design and so somebody came up with the idea of customised and personal hitch covers. Now you can almost certainly find a hitch cover which represents you individually but if you can’t there are numerous places which will custom make one for you with the design of your choice on it.

Many small business owners have their company details on their hitch cover. This is a great idea as it provides them with free advertising whenever they drive or park their vehicle in a place where others will see it. Another common theme for a hitch cover is that of sporting teams or colleges. Showing your allegiance has never been easier and die-hard fans can add a hitch cover to the plethora of bumper stickers which are readily available.

Collectible and iconic designs are also popular choices, such as the Harley Davidson logo. You can also find iconic characters such as Scooby Doo, Superman or any number of Disney characters on hitch covers. Many use their hitch cover to pass on a message, perhaps regarding their faith or offering support to the nation’s armed forces, or to reveal their hobby to the world, such as surfing or skateboarding.

The Internet is a great way to find unique and individual hitch covers. Search engines offer a multitude of sites selling these items and you could spend hours searching for the perfect design. One website I use to find hitch covers is www.hitchadvice.info as it has a huge number of designs in one place and they are divided into categories, making it easy to narrow down your search area somewhat. The prices for these items are also very reasonable and they offer great customer service options too.

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All The Things You Need To Know About Engine Dynamometers

The most professional devices that can measure an engine's power and torque are the engine dynamometers. They are used by the engine manufacturers themselves.

In order to perform the measurements on the engine (this is done before the engine in mounted into the chassis), the engine is connected to the dynamometer with a shaft. Afterwards, the engine is ignited, and it is set to run at a constant speed, and the torque that is applied to the dynamometer is exactly the engine's torque. The results of these measurements are quite accurate and there are no losses because of friction.

The new-generation dynamometers are connected to computers and they are very easy to handle and operate. They can almost perfectly simulate racing and normal driving conditions.
When driving on the road, there are a few factors that may modify the way an engine acts and the power it produces. Among these there's the air's temperature, level of humidity and also its pressure. These can be taken into consideration when testing an engine with a dynamometer, with the help of some formulas the power that an engine can give can be calculated under several types of meteorological conditions, so how the power modifies when the air pressure drops for example can be easily calculated.
Real-life conditions can be simulated by increasing the temperature at which the dynamometer tests are performed, because the engine is heating up as it runs.

Anyway, it mustn't be forgotten that once the engine is installed into the chassis it will connect to the drivetrain, and this plus a few more things will make an important part of the power to be absorbed, so the readings from an engine dynamometer will be a little different. To measure the power of the dynamometer 'at the wheels' a chassis dynamometer is required.

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All Driver Licenses Not Created Equal

About 1000 people move to Florida every day. That means a lot of new drivers showing up at the local DMV offices. But depending on where you are moving from your out-of-state drivers license may not count as primary identification and Florida will impose stricter ID requirements.

Already have a Drivers License – Recognized by Florida
If you have a drivers license from another US state that Florida recognizes as a primary form of ID then getting your florida drivers license can be fairly simple. The biggest challenge is providing the correct ID. A drivers license from most US states is recognized by Florida as a primary source of identification.

It must be accompanied by a secondary ID like a social security card, marriage certificate, a life insurance policy, or a birth certificate. See the full list of secondary documents accepted by the Florida DMV.

More ID Required
If your drivers license is from one of the following 20 US states it is only acceptable as a secondary form of ID.

Alaska
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Your ID requirements are stricter – as a primary form of ID you must provide one of the following documents:

Original or certified United States birth certificate
Valid United States passport
Certificate of Naturalization

Bring the Right ID
Failing to bring acceptable identification is the most common reason people fail to get their Florida drivers license. And it can painful. First you will wait, and wait, and wait – then you will present your ID. If you don’t have the required documents you go home.

Know your Social Security Number
US Citizens are required to provide a valid Social Security number.

Suspended Drivers Licenses a No Go
If your out-of-state drivers license is suspended you must clear up the suspension before you will be given a Florida drivers license.

Make an Appointment
To speed up your visit to the Florida DMV make an appointment. The entire process can be done online. To make an appointment you will indicate the type of appointment you want to make – in this case Convert Out-of-State License to Florida, then you will select the Florida County where you want to visit the DMV.

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All About Hybrid Cars

Environmental issues have never been in the spotlight as much as they are today. Consumers are becoming much more environmentally conscious and companies are scrambling to appease them. This is also very true of automobile companies and this trend has lead to the development of hybrid cars.

As the name suggests, hybrid cars are just that – hybrids. They do not run on one specific type of propulsion or fuel system. Rather, hybrid cars can typically use at least two propulsion systems. While many systems have been investigated, the most common hybrid cars are those that can run on either gasoline or electricity in the form of a battery. Most recently, hybrid cars have been manufactured which can use an ethanol derivative, commonly termed Flex Fuel.

Inventors have long been conducting experiments to create hybrid cars, without success. In fact, the first experiments were conducted in the 19th century when manufacturers were attempting to phase out steam-driven vehicles. The first successful hybrid car wasn’t created until the turn of the 20th century, but it was more than 90 years before the hybrid car was released for public sale.

Typically, hybrid cars contain the main components of an everyday gasoline-driven car. There is a fuel tank, a transmission and a gasoline engine. However, today’s hybrid car also contains electric mechanisms such as a battery and an electric motor. In some cases, the battery of the hybrid car is powered by solar energy. That way, the battery can recharge itself during the day. Some owners of hybrid cars prefer to switch propulsion systems depending on whether it is day or night. Amazingly, recent developments in hybrid cars have allowed for the kinetic energy created by the gasoline engine to be used to recharge the battery.

Hybrid cars are riding a wave of popularity. Most of the major car companies, including Toyota, Honda, and even Lexus, have introduced their own hybrid cars to the automobile market. With their smaller gasoline engines and reduced output of emissions, hybrid cars appeal to any socially responsible individual. The decreased size of the engines in hybrid cars have also led to new, sleeker designs and the incorporation of much lighter materials. So, the efficiency and power are quite satisfactory for the typical user, with hybrid cars reaching a horsepower of as much as 90. With the advancements in modern technology, it can only be expected that the hybrid cars of the future will be more efficient, cheaper and in great demand.

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Air Deflectors For Your Vehicle

Placing a new air deflector on your car is a wise decision. Bugs, road debris, and rocks can all macerate your hood or even break your windshield. Within moments your trip upstate has come to a screeching halt because of what was tossed up in the air by the vehicle in front of you while you were cruising down the highway. An air deflector might have sent that stone harmlessly to the side or up and over the roof of your car. Instead, your windshield took a direct hit. Let’s take a look at all of the advantages of an air deflector and how installing one is a cost effective solution.

# An air deflector doesn’t have to cost you a bunch of money and when you consider what you save in replacement glass, it pays for itself right away.

# Air deflectors also help manage bug splatter the same way. You understand how it is to drive around at dusk in some areas of the back country: you get hit by swarm after swarm of the largest insects. Your wipers work overtime and, yet, still the bugs still come. An air deflector pushes bugs to the side, away from your windshield so you can see clearly.

# An air deflector is easy to install; no special tools are needed.

# Air deflectors are stylish too.

When purchasing an air deflector for your vehicle, you can order one that will fit your particular make and model. There is no one sized fits all air deflector; they are custom sized to give you the right fit every time.

Top manufacturers include Lund, Ventshade, and GT Styling. Deflectors are made of polycarbonate construction to ensure that they last long and can withstand all weather and road conditions.

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Air Compressors - Helpful Attachments For Air Compressors

Let’s say you finally go to the store and invest in an air compressor. You’ve heard how great air compressors are and how helpful for home improvement they are, and you have decided that, with all the home repairs on your “To Do” list, a compressor will come in handy. Once you bring it home, however, do you know what to do with it? How exactly do you plan to utilize your tank of pressurized air? Perhaps one of a variety of handy attachments will be just what you need to begin your home repairs.

First, invest in quick connect couplers and an inflation kit. Any tools you buy will require the couplers in order to be connected to the air hose, and if your kid’s bicycle tire goes flat or he’s dying to have his brand new pool toy inflated, you’ll be glad you bought the inflation kits.

Have you ever struggled to scrub away stubborn dirt from the wheel well of your car, or laboriously tried to wipe away all the dust and cobwebs from a piece of stored furniture? If so, a blo-gun is what you need to invest in. You’ll be surprised with all the uses you find for your blo-gun. Just be sure never to point it at exposed flesh.

A nail gun is another attachment never to point at exposed flesh; however, if you’re tired of wasting energy banging away with a hammer, let your air compressor do the work for you and invest in a nail gun. You could also use an air hammer or an air drill to do jobs around the house faster and easier.

An air stapler is an energy saving attachment much like the nail gun, and you’ll be surprised at what you can find to staple. Perhaps your roof needs re-shingling? A heavy duty air stapler may be the time-saving convenience that you’re looking for.

If you like to work on cars, an air ratchet wrench or impact wrench can make your job a whole lot easier.

Even if you don’t do body work on automobiles, an air sander and a sandblaster are attachments that can come in handy. Rather than laboriously scraping away old paint chips when you repaint your house, you could save time and the strength in your arm with an air sander or a sandblaster.

Once you start to actually paint your house, a paint gun may be just what you need to cut your labor time in half and improve the quality of your workmanship.

As you can tell by the aforementioned examples, air compressors start to look a lot less daunting and a lot more promising when you realize the time and energy they can save you if you invest in a few handy attachments.

There are adhesive dispensers that are perfect for scrap booking. These adhesive dispensers dispense adhesive squares, lines or dots. You can find an adhesive dispenser for any type of scrapbook need.

Vellum is a type of paper that is rather tricky when it comes to adhesives. Because vellum can be seen through you need to be careful when you glue it to something. If you do not use the proper adhesive you will be able to see the adhesive through the vellum and this is not attractive. Look for an adhesive made just for use with vellum and you will be able to use this specialty paper with ease and the final product will look lovely, too.

If you want to add dimension to a page you can use pop-dots or tape. This adhesive comes in various sizes and shapes and is thicker than regular adhesives. When you use pop-dots you can add buttons or other embellishments and they will stand out on your page. This is a great way to add interest to your scrapbooks.

There are also liquid adhesives and pastes that work for specific scrapbooks needs. When you are gluing paper to paper you will want a different adhesive than when you are adhering metal to paper.

At times you may need a hot glue type of adhesive. This kind of adhesive is usually in stick form and fits into a glue gun. Hot glue is good when you want to add ribbon or other fibers to your scrapbook.

As you can see there are many adhesives that you may need when you are interested in scrap booking.

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Affordable Performance Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T

In 1993 the all new Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T replaced the successful R32 GTS- T. Little brother to the all conquering GTR the GTS25-T is more affordable and still a thrilling ride. It features a more modern new shape with smooth lines rather than the sharp edges of the previous model. The new looks were debatable some liked the newer styling of the R33 and some preferred the harder edges of the R32.

On the road with the R33 the first thing you notice is how smooth the R25DET engine is power delivery is linier and the car pulls hard from 3000rpm to the 7000 rpm redline. The manual coupe version will propel you from 0-100 in 6.18 seconds and complete the quarter in 14.4. Maximum power is 187kw at 6400 and a max torque 295nm at 4800.

The RB25DET is a ripper and featured technology ahead of it time. The 2.5 liter turbo intercooled straight 6 features a twin cam head with variable valve timing on the intake side.

Handling of the coupe is great with a good balance between comfort and a sports like feel. The rear of the car steered by a system called HICAS which works by calculating the speed and angle of the car through the corners. This feature seems to minimize under- steer and kept the car flat through the corner. The rear on the car is equipped with a viscous LSD and steps out ever so progressively when pushing hard. This makes the car easy to control but if pushed to hard it would be easy to loose the rear end. The skyline is a medium size coupe weighing in at 1360kg and when cornering its a great drive but not quiet as direct or nibble though the bends as the lighter R32 was. But light suspension modifications improve handling significantly.

In Australia a good series 1 GTS25-T can be picked up for around $17,000 and a series 2 for around 20,000. With standard features including electric windows and climate control I thinks it is great value for money. With light modifications to the engine and suspension this car can be turned into a street weapon.

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Advantages Of Professional Drivers' Instruction

Having a driver's license is one of the major status symbols among high school students and teenagers, in general. Aside from being a "coolness" asset, a driver's license also provides kids with a sense of independence by providing them with the right to drive on their own. Though most kids can't wait to get behind the wheel, some schools do not offer drivers education. As a result, most kids learn to drive on their own, through peers, or other unqualified instructors. This puts the kids' safety at risk because they are at the phase when they are most impressionable. They are prone to picking up unsafe driving habits, wrong information, and false confidence from these instructors. This is extremely risky, as most teen accidents are traced from this equation. The American Automobile Association or the AAA actually states that although the teen driving population is relatively small (7%), they account for at least 14% of all fatal motor accidents. These figures make the need for competent driving schools and drivers education urgent.

There are many advantages in enrolling in a drivers course handled by a professional instructors. Instructors from driving schools and drivers education provides objective observations and instructions about the students' driving abilities. Students are not saddled with instructions that are full of vague notions about driving, or about how a certain maneuver is done. Professional instructors are also able to give valuable and useful advice how to handle practice sessions with qualified supervisors. Furthermore, instructors address and discuss issues about the student's driving techniques to the supervisors which make for a comprehensive and coordinated training. Aside from teaching maneuvers and gear shifting, instructors also teach updated road safety precautions and traffic laws. They help students understand how certain laws apply to in-road situations. In short, professional instructors prepare you both for safe driving and road responsibility.

Another advantage in enrolling at driving schools and drivers education courses is the opportunity to receive honest assessment of driving skills from the professionals. They identify areas and skills which need improvement and constantly call students' attention to the problems they spotted. As a result, bad habits are eradicated before they actually start. Plus, professional instructors usually give summaries and written reviews of the students' skills that are useful for private practice time with qualified supervisors. Driving schools and drivers courses provide structured and systematic training which builds and develops the students' skills bit by bit. There is no rush to learn one maneuver to another before the first move is mastered. The students actually learn and understand driving basics before tackling more complicated lessons. Exposure to other lecturers and providers of road safety is a bonus from professional drivers education. Visiting lecturers usually include firemen, the local mechanic, paramedic, police, and towing service personnel. They provide seminars wherein students learn what to do in accidents and driving emergencies.

Lastly, an advantage often sought at driving schools and drivers education courses are the mock drivers' exams. These prepare the students for taking that all-important test and refresh their driving knowledge. Aside from this, there are also new policies that allow only students who have professional training to take driving tests and apply for driver's licenses. The purveyors of the laws see this as an extra measure needed to ensure the safety of the teen drivers, other motorists, and the pedestrians from irresponsible driving.

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Advantage Of Disc Brakes

Whether you drive a Mercedes, a motorbike or a pickup truck, you probably have disc brakes on your vehicle. And even though you probably never think about their function, they are the single most important function on your vehicle. Though there are several types of motor brakes, the drum and the disk, the disk brakes are more commonly used. Disc brakes are far better than drum brakes because of their powerful stopping ability. Disc brakes handle substantially better in wet weather conditions. Why chance anything but the best?


What are Disc Brakes?

Put simply, disc brakes consist of two pads that grasp a rotating disk. The disk, or rotor, connects to the wheels by an axle. You control the grasping power. When you pull on the brake, the clamps come together on the disk, forcing it to stop spinning and causing your vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.


How Do You Control Disk Breaks?

In a car, controlling your disk brakes is as simple as pressing the brake pedal or pulling up on the emergency brake. For motorbikes, however, there are two ways to slow it down. You can use the right hand lever or the rear left foot lever. They actually work better when you use them together to better the efficiency and lengthen the life of the disc brakes and pads.


How To Maintain Disk Brakes?

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, you will probably need to consider break maintenance or replacement at some point. It is important to check the thickness of your brake pads. If these pads are bare they can cause pricey damage to your disc brakes.

You should also keep an eye on your vehicle’s brake fluid. Your vehicle will run more efficiently with the occasional dose of fresh break fluid.

Replacing the break pads and the disc brakes fairly easily on your own. Don’t hesitate to get help if you are unsure though. A simple mistake like a poorly fitted brake pad can cause scarring to your disk brake.


What Type of Damage is Possible To Your Disc Brakes?

There are several ways your break disks can show damage. They can warp, scar or crack. It’s best if you can catch these signs of damage early on and repair them as quickly as possible to limit further damage to your disk breaks. Unfortunately, once they crack, the disc brakes are not repairable. It also helps to get the help of a certified professional when it comes to making repairs to your disc brakes.


How Are Disc Brakes Designed?

These days, the designs of the disc brakes vary greatly. Some are made in classic solid steel, but others have special hallowed out sections that allow the extra built up heat to escape. These slotted steel wheels may help prolong the life of the discs because they reduce built-up heat and cut back on the possibility of warping. The creative designs are endless and each design has a different effect on the performance of your braking system.

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Advancements In Heavy Equipment

There is a rapid advancement in the field of heavy equipment technology. Unlike the earlier days now, using global positioning satellite technology, heavy equipment placed anywhere in the world can be checked or diagnosed. Finding the right new equipment suitable is also getting to be a big challenge. With lot of options and features to consider, it will be an overwhelming chore.

Among the heavy equipment, backhoe-loaders are used in small demolitions, breaking asphalt, construction, digging holes/excavating, light transportation of building materials, powering building equipment, and paving roads. To smash concrete and rock, tools such as breakers can be used instead of the backhoe bucket. To empty its load more quickly and efficiently, some loader buckets have a retractable bottom. Grading and scratching off sand is executed with retractable-bottom loader buckets. The front assembly may be permanently mounted or have a removable attachment. Often other devices and tools replace the bucket. In order to mount different attachments to the loader, the backhoe loader must be equipped with a tool coupler. Find more info at http://www.heavy-equipment4u.info

Bulldozers are heavy equipment but they are also large and tracked engineering vehicles. With the mobility and ground hold given by the tracks they can move through very rough terrain. Swamp tracks in bulldozers are merely extra wide tracks.

The three distinct assemblies of compact hydraulic excavators are workgroup, undercarriage and house. The boom, arm or dipper and attachments such as bucket and breaker are parts of the workgroup of a compact hydraulic excavator. They are connected to the front of the house structure of the excavator via a swing frame that allows the workgroup to be hydraulically pivoted right or left to achieve offset digging for trenching.

Harvesters today do practically all of the commercial felling in Sweden and Finland and they were developed in these countries. Harvesters work best in less difficult terrain while clear cutting areas of forest. Small and very agile harvesters are used in the Nordic countries for thinning operations.
An iron or a cylinder placed between two metal rods so that it is able to freely slide down and up are included in the pile drivers. A pulley system is used to raise the cylinder which may involve the use of manual labor, steam or hydraulics. Small explosions in the chamber are used in modern pile drivers to raise the cylinder.

A piece of heavy equipment used for earthmoving in civil engineering, is a wheel tractor-scraper. A vertically moveable hopper in the rear part with a sharp horizontal front edge does the scraping. Raising and lowering of the hopper is done hydraulically. The front edge cuts into the soil like a cheese-cutter when the hopper is lowered.

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