Car Hire Adds More To Alicante As A Holiday Destination

Alicante is perhaps best known for its airport and tens of thousands of holiday makers from across Europe will be travelling through the terminus on their way to established resorts such as Benidorm. Most visitors to this region of Spain will visit Alicante twice – on arrival and on departure. The region itself has a preconception of sand and sea but looking beyond the obvious and exploring further can reveal some hidden treasures for the more inquisitive traveller.

In short, Alicante is a good base for a more subtle holiday in the Costa Blanca. The attractions of the beaches and coast are a given in this area of Spain, but Alicante avoids the trappings of bright lights and nightlife so personified by its’ neighbours. Alicante is an upmarket town built around a modernised marina and provides a pleasant base to move around the wider Costa Blanca region – an area that has much appeal for the more discerning traveller.

In Alicante itself, the old quarter and beach front rival those of any coastal town or city in Spain. Old and new merge well with sympathetic regeneration of the area appealing to high end travellers looking to avoid the trappings of nearby Benidorm and Denia. Outside of the town itself, the old towns of the Costa Blanca region (http://www.costablanca.org ) are a typical Spanish mix of Christian and Moorish architecture personified in the renowned church at Altea – one of the most symbolic sights in the region.

Exploring the Costa Blanca can be a rewarding experience and south of Alicante lie Murcia and Valencia – a thriving modern city with a strong historic and cultural backbone. Driving in the region is itself an attraction with meandering costal roads spattered with high cliffs and sandy beaches and alcoves. A good way to explore the region is to find car hire in Alicante (http://www.easycar.com/car-hire/location/Alicante.aspx/EN ).

Back in Alicante, the range of hotels, restaurants and bars can be relied upon to while away the evening hours and the boardwalk and marina offer pleasant strolling opportunities and regular on street entertainment. Travelling through the Costa Blanca on your own terms proves to be a world away from the preconception of the region typified by Alicantes noisy and often garish neighbours.

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Car Donation Facts For You

Donating money and good is a great way to help out worthy causes while still helping yourself out on your taxes. Car donation is no different. Even though some of the car donation tax laws changed a few years back, this is still a great way to help yourself and others. So if you have an old car and just aren’t quite sure what to do with it, then consider a charitable donation of your vehicle.

As of 2005, the laws for car donation changed. For motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes that are valued at more than $500, things are a bit different than before. The allowable amount of the deduction is now limited to whatever amount the charity sells it for. The charity to which your car donation is made is required to provide you with written acknowledgement of your donation within 30 days of you making it. If the charity provides any false or exaggerated acknowledgement, they can be penalized.

As of the first of January in 2005, when you make a car donation, the tax write off is based on how the charity uses your donated car. If it is sold, you can deduct the gross sale price. If, on the other hand, the charity uses the car for what the new law calls “significant” tax-approved work of charity, you would be able to claim the market value of the vehicle. Again, however, there are stiff penalties for falsified documents.

Some of the charities, despite acknowledging that the old laws had problems, are skeptical of the new car donation laws. Many of these organizations are concerned about what will happen when the tax deduction responsibility is put in the hands of the charities rather than the donors. A group of them actually sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary suggesting that people may be discouraged from donating when they are unaware of their deduction amount. Not being able to weigh the cost to the benefit of donation may discourage some auto donations.

If you do choose to make a car donation, you will find that the process is very easy. Most charities that offer to take your vehicle will have information on line or via phone about it. In many cases, in fact, you can fill out the appropriate forms on line to get the process underway. You also will likely not even have to be home and the vehicle may not even need to be in working condition. Many charities will come and toe your car away if you can simply leave the title under a floor mat along with the key and put it somewhere accessible. As soon as the car is sold, you will receive a document in the mail letting you know how much you can write off of your taxes, legally.

Since many charities rely on donations of all sorts: clothing, cars, money, and even appliances, think about what you are doing when you make an auto donation. By donating your vehicle, you are helping out a worthy cause of your choice. In addition, you are helping yourself out. Sure, the tax laws have changed, but you can still benefit from your donation. The car doesn’t have to run to be eligible, so your write off might still be more than selling it for junk. So feel good about yourself, help your tax line, and get rid of that old junker by donating your car.

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Car Dealers

Automobile dealers are the bridge between automobile manufacturers and consumers. Car dealers are primarily engaged in retailing new cars, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and cargo vans. New car dealers employ 9 out of 10 workers in the automobile industry. Along with vehicle sales, car dealers provide and perform other activities such as repair services, selling used cars and selling replacement parts and accessories. Large dealers are a one-stop shop for customers who wish to buy, finance, and service their vehicle. Used car dealers specialize in used vehicle sales and account for 1 out of 10 jobs in the industry.

Sales of new cars, trucks, and vans tend to depend upon changing consumer tastes and the price of fuel. The popularity of the manufacturer’s vehicle model and the intensity of competition with other dealers play a vital role in the sale of a car. Consumers are also highly sensitive to the cost of financing. Automotive dealers are more likely to offer generous incentives, rebates, and financing deals during sluggish periods to maintain high sales volumes and to reduce stocks.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, new vehicle sales account for more than half of the total sales proceeds at contracted new car and new truck dealers. These sales generate additional revenue in other departments of the dealerships. By putting new vehicles on the road, dealers count on after-market additions, repairs, and service for added revenue.

Leasing a car or truck is one financing option for consumers. Leasing services have grown in recent years to accommodate changing consumer-purchasing behavior. As vehicles have become more expensive, growing numbers of consumers are unable or reluctant to make a long-term investment in a new car or truck purchase. Car dealers are a key resource for manufacturers who use them to establish brands and motivate customers to purchase their automobiles.

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Car Care Tips – How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

There are several things you must do to keep your car in immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although it takes a bit longer, you’ll find that hand grooming your car achieves a far better result. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few. These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.

Exterior

Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it with a sponge and soapy water. Once you’ve washed the whole car, rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don’t dry your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they dry out, you’re left with many spots all over the body of the car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.

Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product on the body of your car. There are many of these types of products available at most car care stores. A great product to go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while polishing the car’s surface at the same time.

Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the “shiny look” and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.

Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look magnificent.

For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun’s UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors and windows, and for the interior as well.

Interior

Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car. Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt from getting into your carpet.

Clean the inside of your car’s windows with a glass cleaning product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful you don’t use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting spray on these areas also.

When you aren’t using your car, park it in the garage. This not only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from getting dirty. If you don’t have access to a garage, consider buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.

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Car Audio Systems – A Brief Overview

When we hear the phrase car audio, we automatically assume that a person is taking about the sound system in their car or vehicle. The most common piece of audio equipment used in cars in the radio/CD player which in generic terms is known as the head unit. This is the item that is most commonly upgraded and as technology changes and moves forward this is the part of the cars sound system that also changes.

Up to a number of years ago most car audio systems were fitted with a cassette player but this then became a CD player. With technology ever expanding CD players now also have the capability of playing MP3, WMA, AAC, and there are even car stereos that are now going to be equipped with USB slots.

The majority of cars have a CD player and there are others that also include the option for a CD changer which can hold multiple disks. These CD changers can be housed in the car stereos head unit itself or stored in a separate unit which is normally stored in the trunk. Some car stereos now even support DVD players and LCD screens which have been designed to entertain children on long journeys.

Speakers are also an integral part of the audio system in cars and these are generally located in the doors at the front of the car and over the trunk in the back of the car. There are a wide range of speakers available on the markets today and just like the head units, technological advances also impact on these.
Another component of the audio system can also include amplifiers and these are vital if you wish to have a number of speakers in your car.

As you can see the audio system in your car does not just consist of the small unit that takes your CDs or plays the radio, and these systems do in fact have a lot more components to them.

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Car Auctions 101

Car auctions are a good place to get good a bargain on cars. But buying cars from auctions can be very complicated. This is particularly true for the uninitiated. Of course the cars in auctions are generally cheaper. But they are cheap because they lack the guarantees that come with cars bought from dealers. The rules in auctions are simple, you bid an item, you pay for it, and you own it.

It is therefore not advisable for persons without much experience in motor vehicles to just go to an auction and buy a car.

What you’ll need if you’re planning to buy a car in an auction is a good eye, good observation skills and a willingness to learn the car auction process.

You can even make it a business by buying cars at auction and then selling them at a profit. There are several people who have made huge profits by buying and selling cars at auction.

There are basically two kinds of car auctions, local car auctions and online car auctions. Each of the auctions works differently. Each has a different set of rules so you must study them very carefully if you are planning to buy a car from either kind of auction.

If you want to buy a vehicle in a car auction you must first pre-register with the local auction you want to join. The pre-registration process won’t take much of your time and will provide you all the essential information that you will need in order to buy a car. An auction site will often have an auction staff who will explain to you the rules of their auction site and the procedures and instruction on how to participate and bid on the cars.

It is wise to inspect the cars before the actual bidding begins. Ask the auction organizer or staff if they can allow you to take a closer look at the cars before the start of the actual auction. Another wise decision is to set your payment limit before the actual sale. This way, you won’t fall victim to the trap of overbidding.

As in other auctions, it is very important that you signal your bids carefully to the car auctioneer to avoid confusion. Settle your transaction as soon as the auction ends. Look for the block clerk and settle your accounts with him. A car auction staff will usually be available to assist you when you are ready to pay for the vehicle you have won. He should also be able to guarantee you a good title for the vehicle.

You must also check the vehicle after you have won and settling your account. Take the vehicle for a test drive and make sure that it conforms to the guarantee and representation made during the auction.

Most auction sites would accept check or credit card if you cannot pay the car with cash. An auction staff will also usually give you a third party financing offer. It is advisable though to have your own finances ready before entering a car auction. Outside financing is usually cheaper than most in-house financing of auction sites.

Ask for an invoice copy from the auction staff. This will enable you to drive or ship your newly bought car to your location. Most car auction managers will give you good deals on shipping arrangements so inquire about this.

There really are no significant differences between a local auction and an online auction. Online car auctions work more or less the same way as local ones. The only disadvantage of online auction sites is that you won’t be able to inspect the car as you would in an actual car auction. In participating in online car auctions be sure that you will be provided with all the necessary information about the car upfront and that there is an actual photograph of the vehicle.

Cars bought from an online auction are usually shipped to the buyer for a minimal fee. Inspect the car immediately upon arrival at your location to minimize risks.

You are now ready for your first car auction. Happy bidding!

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Car Accident Article: Car Accidents & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

American society is plagued by self-induced stress. Should this be something we pop pills for? Retrospectively, society accepts the unhealthiness of prior forms of medicated stress relief. It is generally accepted that smoking, for example, causes more problems than it relieves. Why does America swallow anti-anxiety medication so freely, without worrying about harmful side effects? These are powerful drugs that target chemicals in the brain. Medication should be the last resort in any anti-anxiety therapy. First, people who suffer anxiety should be proactive and try to resolve their concerns.

One example of a disorder that is suddenly widely prescribed is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD was first recognized as a serious problem among veterans returning from war. These men suffered cold sweats, panic attacks, nightmares, and compulsive behavior as a result of near death experiences and the mental anguish of war. Some doctors are now claiming that this same level of shock is regularly induced in car accidents, they cite numbers as high as 9% of car accident victims suffer “significant post-traumatic stress symptoms”.

A few years ago, I was in a rather serious car accident, and I experienced symptoms like these medical journals described. I would often upset myself by dwelling on the accident. I displayed obsessive behavior in that I avoided left turns wherever possible, even on deserted streets. I could not manage this out on country roads, but in the city grid I was careful to take three right turns instead of making just one left. Riding in a car that slams on its breaks still causes me to spin around and look behind for the car that always seems to be on the verge of collision. Was this Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? As annoying as these symptoms were, I find it would take a rather presumptuous hypochondriac to insist that these small neuroses could rival the intense stress of a veteran returning from the horrors of war. Perhaps I was stressed and absorbed by my experience, but I certainly never needed medication.

What I did need to do was to be proactive. I worked with the insurance companies to work out the claims. I spoke with my lawyer and found someone who wanted to buy and rebuild my totaled car so I did not have to consign it to a junkyard. I took responsibility for the situation and did not let it take control of me. It did hurt to think about my car for months, but I don’t obsess about it anymore. If you feel overwhelmed by a car accident experience and all of your real medical needs are met, you do not need a doctor. Talk to a lawyer about your situation and be proactive about filing papers and taking action. I felt overwhelmed after my car accident, but talking to an experienced car accident attorney helped me to answer my questions, address my doubts, and quell my anxiety. No pills required.

Car Accident Lawyer Legal Advice

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

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

If you or somebody you love has been involved in a car accident, either as a driver or as a victim, it is important to seek legal council. Remember, if you are involved in an accident, never to apologize or accept responsibility without consulting a lawyer. Car crashes are scary, but apologizing on the scene can fix the blame on you even if the collision is another driver’s fault. A lawyer can help you work out the necessary paperwork and protect you from accusations and court proceedings. Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests, shouldn’t you?

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

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Caliper Buying Tips

Calipers are obtainable from supply stores for most automobiles. The prices of them range depending on the type of vehicle. Some companies have repair kits that are offered for you to do it yourself, but the availability of the repair kits depends on the model of the vehicle. Most of the time, they do not have repair kits for classic models of vehicles. Moreover, it is recommended to change and replace the Calipers that determine your vehicle’s brake capacity. It is not a good attitude to replace or change Calipers only when you notice that here is a leak or stickyness.

1. Rear Calipers

Commonly, rear Calipers are quite costly than the front Calipers. This is because of the numerous components integrated in the hand brakes. Most of the time, newly manufactured calipers are hugely expensive. It is impractical to buy a caliper that would cost you a fortune. However, rebuilt Calipers are sold and can be bought from several suppliers and may either come with brake pads or not. Different manufacturers give diverse qualities. It is recommended that you buy Calipers with no attachments in it, like brake pads. You can try to buy them separately in order to choose from the best suppliers of Calipers as well as brake pads. Worn out components can effortlessly cause screeching because of the vibration created. So it is strongly advised that you check on your Calipers often and monitor them habitually to avoid rush or to minimize further damage to your vehicle.

2. Maximum Performance

Every caliper should be coordinated with its brake pad materials to maximize performance and stability. The caliper design must also be attuned and standardized to synchronize it with each vehicle activity. With thorough notice on the integration of the caliper and other brake systems materials, its performance and durability is prolonged and optimized. For example, the caliper width should and piston rollback should go with the attributes of the friction materials.

- Designed properly
- Lessen squeaking
- Integrated power absorption
- Helps attain or even go beyond break pad lifelines
- Various types are commercially available
- Caliper technology innovations

3. Features vs Price

Their prices, however, have a lot to say about their features. Some advancement includes fully-sealed caliper slide mechanism and pad slides that are protected from corrosion. The two-piece pins are for lessened drags. With this, the wear life is optimized and the noise is minimized. The caliper slide mechanism utilizes a guide scheme that is laden between the pads to prevent clatters. Caliper pad retraction springs detach the pads and the pistons. This scheme lessens residual drag. And stainless steel pads are lined to maintain minimal pad slide in a corrosive location. It is appropriate to buy calipers tested for aspects like noise, strength, fluid displacement, seepage and stamina. In return, this will eventually provide minimal brake pounding and optimized feel. It is necessary to determine the appropriateness for a particular need is essential to the general functioning of the brake system.

4. Calipers For Racing

First of all, it should be lightweight and resist heat efficiently over time under extreme temperatures. Most caliper manufacturers furnish their products with a protective black finish to combat corrosion as well hasten heat indulgence. Some Calipers are sheltered by a high temperature dampening product. Furthermore, some companies sell those that have features like dust-proof to prevent the accommodation of dirt. With this, the pistons and other parts are protected from breaks and corrosion. Aside from that, this would surely prolong the life and improve the durability of the other brake pad components. Some are painted and furnished by gold or black color. Sometimes, other materials are mixed and put into intended for added defense. Most hi-spec Calipers use these to attain enhanced efficiency and durability. Make sure that the type of caliper that you buy is ideally suited and matched for your automobile needs. In totality, be sure that you buy the good kind pistons, brake pads and other components to go with your Calipers.

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California DMV : Doesn't Have To Be A Nightmare

Going to the California DMV has long been known as a horrible, boring, dull, patience-testing yet necessary ordeal that has left people confused, angry, fed-up and above all feeling cheated out of their precious free-time. Thankfully the modern electronic era that we now conveniently reside in has given us some options apart from standing in the horrendous and droning lines associated with the California DMV.

From now on when we need to update our driver’s licenses and state ID’s many Californians are finding that there is an easier and much more pleasant process to completing these mundane tasks than by going to the Los Angeles DMV. For example many government agencies now offer the same services as the brick and mortar establishments at their online counterparts. By accessing services online, you can save time, money, harassment, embarrassment and energy by avoiding driving all the way downtown to wait in lines for hours and hours and hours.

We have all had the experience of trying to get our California driver’s license renewed or our state ID Card updated and have had to make that harrowing trip to the California DMV and wait in line for hour upon hour surrounded by what seems to be the most intimidating of Los Angeles county citizens. Why is it that Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie never happen to be at the LA DMV on the same day that you are. That’s because they have figured out that many of the services offered at the physical location are also available from the connivence, security, privacy and safety of your own home or office or home office.

We all have the need to be more efficient in our ever increasingly busy modern lifestyles. By combining tasks and completing as many of them from one physical location at a time we save time, money, energy, gas(which with rising fuel costs we all need to conserve) and peace of mind. Why hop in your car, drive to the california dmv, wait in line for hours, get back in your car drive to the grocery store to get this week’s food, drive across town to pick up a present for Sally’s high school graduation and then back to the California DMV because you left your wallet there when you can just sit back at home and take care of everything with just a click of your mouse.

Seriously, we are living in dangerous and uncertain times these days and even a trip to the Barstow or Fresno DMV http://www.dixondailynews.com/category/automotive-guides could turn into a potentially disastrous outing. It behooves us all to avoid crowded government buildings and by completing your civil service errands from the comfort of your own home just makes good sense.

If you just can’t face that notorious Los Angeles traffic or you just can’t find the time to wait in line for six hours or you would rather spend that six hours spending time with your family and not at the California DMV, pay a visit to the DMV web site and see if you can take care of those mindless tasks at home or the office. You will be happy you did.

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Buying Used Car Tips

Scouting for price-cuts is a smart habit. And buying used cars is no exception.

No wonder why many people are enticed to buy used cars. In fact, statistics show that the number of people who buy used cars is three times more than the number of people who buy new cars.

But then again, not all used cars are maintained equally by their previous owners. Hence, it is important for those who wish to purchase used cars to consider the different factors that might affect the performance and the condition of the car.

Here is a list of some tips that will help buyers in choosing their used cars.

1. Safety features should not be taken for granted.

Being old is not an excuse to justify the used car’s lack of safety features. Every car, whether old or new should have safety features in order to prevent some possible accident while driving.

Every used car should still have its anti-lock brakes working properly and airbags that are still intact (for cars made after this requirement).

2. The mileage is important

This is because the amount of mileage reflects the way the car has been used by the previous owner. Moreover, the mileage will denote the used car’s age.

Normally, an average driver will drive 12, 000 to 15, 000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to estimate how old the car is.

3. Over-all check up is important

Before buying the car, the buyer should first conduct an over-all check up on the condition of the car, from its exterior parts up to the very detail of its interior portion.

Being old does not mean any signs of wear and tear will be an excused. Hence, people should be aware what they are paying for.

4. Test drive

There is no better way to know the condition of the car until it has been test-driven. Hence, a buyer should make all the effort to do a test drive first before he or she jumps into conclusion.

5. If possible, the over all service history of the car should be checked.

This will provide the buyer solid information regarding the true condition of the car. Here, the buyer can detect if the car has so many technical problems before, if it has been into an accident already, or if the owner was good enough to provide the proper maintenance for the car.

Knowing these things is extremely important to avoid possible risks in the future.

Boiled down, inspection is mportant especially if the transaction concerns money. Cheap is no substitute for being a smart buyer.

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Buying An Automotive Extended Service Contract

Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?

The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called guru’s who write scam pieces will tell you—Don’t Buy—it’s a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00 per hour or more, it doesn’t take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of today’s automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor replacements.
Transmission Overhaul or Replacements--$3000.00
Water Pump replacements--$600.00
Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears--$600-$2000.00

However, don’t be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others don’t. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you don’t have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

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Buying A Used Or Second Hand Car In UK

If you are considering the purchase of your next used or second hand car, you might at this point be very nervous. Its not a purchase you make regularly like going to the supermarket for your monthly shop or buying that next outfit for hitting the town. Its something you might only do every three or four years sometimes longer.

Some popular makes are:

Audi, Alfa Romeo, Bmw, Citroen, Ford, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus,Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mg, Mini and Mitsubishi.

Confused? Who should I buy it from? A large garage group, a medium sized independent, a small independent, or a back street garage? The Answer? Whichever of these have the vehicle that you want! (With certain reservations which we will explore later.)

A common mistake is to go out in the car and visit all local sellers in the hope you see something you like, if you do this you will be at your most vulnerable and may well find that you buy something on impulse and may not in the long term be the best for you.

With the world wide web at your fingertips it’s a great place to start. By using it and visiting some of the better used car classified sites you will be able to narrow down your choices before even leaving your home.

Some of the best sites are:

www.autotrader.co.uk
www.autoexposure.co.uk
www.compucars.co.uk
www.ukclassifieds.co.uk
www.freeads.net

Ideally you should list your requirements in order of importance for example:

1. Insurance Cost
2. Fuel type
3. Economy
4. Vehicle size
5. 3/5/4 door etc
6. Price
7. Colour
8. Specification

Don’t get to carried away other wise the whole thing will not be the enjoyable experience it should be. Okay get surfing and find that combination of your dreams.

More of the most popular makes of vehicles to search are:

Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Rover, Seat, Subaru, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Happy hunting and watch out for the next instalment. “The negotiation.”

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Buying A Used Car From A Dealer

There are many challenges you will face when buying either a new or used car. It depends on the model that you want, how much is the budget, the size of your family and the options that go with it.

If you have an idea on the right car, then a little research on the value of the car in the market to date will be able to help the you when approaching a dealer.

This can be done by checking the internet or looking through the local newspaper before going to the various dealers in the area to make comparisons.

If the ideal car is not available on the lot, the if you tell the dealer about it these people can help by looking for that particular model or offer a similar car similar to your choice.

Since dealers often want to get rid of the cars quickly, it is also possible to get a good deal on what is available as long as it meets your requirements.

Most cars have a maintenance record. The buyer must ask the dealer to see it and if it is not available, then you should contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.

The buyer has the right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty. To be safe, you can also ask if a service contract is provided in buying the used car. This contract that is offered by the dealer may or may not provide coverage that is in the manufacturer’s warranty which may cost extra.

Since the warranty usually comes when buying a car and the service contract does not, it is best to ask if you need to avail of by answering some questions;

• What are the differences between the coverage of the warranty and the service contract?
• What repairs are covered?
• Is routine maintenance covered?
• Who will pay for labor and parts if brought to the shop?
• Who is authorized to perform the repairs and where?
• How long does the service contract last?
• What are the cancellation and refund policies?

Just looking at the car will not give information if the car is in good condition. It should be test driven under various road conditions such as the highway or in traffic.

Since most people are not that knowledgeable about cars, it is advisable to bring the car to a reliable mechanic for proper inspection.

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Buying A Used Car? Know The Basics

If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don't fret just yet--with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you've ever had.

Where to Look
Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car's ownership history is satisfactory.

Asking the Right Questions
Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.

How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How's the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle's use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?

Take Note of the following:
Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what's beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.

Going Out for a Test Drive
If it's a manual car, the clutch shouldn't slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.

The Turn Over, at Last
The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you're ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!

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Buying A Car? Tips About Financing

Before purchasing a dream car, try to assess if the budget can really afford it. Questions like, how will it be paid, who will be helping to pay for it, what is the price limit of the car to be bought, and how long will it take to pay off the car? These should be considered even while planning to buy the car. The trend nowadays is that people buy the cars by cashing out the down payment, and the balance will be paid by installment. Others are just lucky enough to have saved the right amount of money that they are able to cash out the total cost of the car, which, by the way, seldom happens now. Never set aside the possibility of paying thousands of dollars when buying from a dealer or a specific car company, where in the end, charges you more for the interest which takes even years to pay.

Once you have found a way to finance the car you are eyeing on, then it's time to start shopping around. There are credit unions and even local banks that are willing to loan the needed amount to purchase the car with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 1.9 per cent. However, this may turn out to be a catch, since this will only be happening on the first year. Without prior notice, these interest rates can increase which is a total inconvenience for those with just a fix income every year.

It is a big plus if a buyer is a member of a credit union. Being a member could save you from the trouble of spending a whole day in a lender's office because the processing of the loan could only take just a few minutes after filling out the necessary papers for the request. In a credit union, fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed to do the application. They could even loan even up to $25,000.00 within just an hour after signing the papers.

It will be very helpful when a research is made prior to making that loan for a car. Believe it or not, car dealers are really digging out most of the penny in a buyer's pocket by issuing interest that is sometimes unreasonable. There are two things needed to consider when thinking of financing a new car:

First, what's the price willing to be spent by a buyer? More often than not, other people would rather ask themselves the question: How much of the car price do they intend to buy instead? They will be willing if the know they can afford their choice. Consider monthly regular expenditures. The monthly payment for the new car should not get in the way of paying the fixed monthly dues in the household. If in case it does, by merely doing a math, then just consider a second hand car. Just make sure that all is checked and examined to avoid hassle in the future.

Second, is it really important to change cars every two to four years? Consider cars offered on a lease, if so. Other dealers and car companies offer the leasing of a car for that amount of time, which you can return but no money will be refunded. However, there is an allotted amount of distance or mileage that should be covered during those years of lease, but this is negotiable. On the other hand, if a buyer is not interested in changing cars, it's best not to opt for the cars for lease.

It is safest to get a loan from a credit union or a financial institution instead of a local car salesman; they would definitely try to reach even a buyer's bottom dollar. Getting information from someone whom can be trusted and expert about financing a car, for they will be able to give you tips at your own interest. Financing either a new or a second hand car is a lot of sweat, but the determination to get the best car at the best price can be considered a success.

This should be a win, win situation for anyone. After all it’s your money that is at stake here. Do your research and it can be a beneficial decision on your part.

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Buy Or Lease Your Next Automobile?

Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you can face major financial penalties and ruin your credit rating. The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. If you drive many miles each year and don’t mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. If, on the other hand, you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

When you are thinking about getting a new car, one question always comes up: is it better to buy or lease? There is, of course, no one single answer. Each choice has benefits and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your own particular personal and financial circumstances.

A key issue is affordability. Is your job situation stable? Are you in overall good financial shape? The short-term monthly expense associated with leasing a car is much lower than the monthly payments required when purchasing a vehicle. With leasing, you pay only for the part of the vehicle’s cost used during the period of time you drive it. If you have the cash on hand, and you can pay the down payment and sales taxes – either in cash or via a loan – as well as the interest rate buying a car gives you that feeling of ownership and may be the best financial option.

If you want to get your hands on a luxury car, but you can’t afford the initial costs associated with buying one, leasing is your best option. Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you could face major financial penalties and this could ruin your credit rating. Before you decide to lease, make sure you adjust your budget for the monthly lease payment for the duration of the contract.

The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. What does it mean to you to own a car? Do you bond with your car, or do you like having something new? If you plan to drive a vehicle for more than five years, buying it – through careful negotiations – is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you would rather drive a new car every two or three years, leasing is for you.

You should also consider your actual transportation needs. Think about how many miles per year you drive and how you handle car maintenance. If you drive many miles each year and don’t mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. With leasing, contracts are made with assumptions of limited mileage, typically between 12,000 to 15,000 miles driven per year, as well as considerations of wear-and-tear on the vehicle. If you can stay within the stated mileage limits and keep the automobile in good condition throughout the duration of your lease, leasing is a reasonable option. However, if you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

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Bushings Buying Tips

Bushings are either permanent or detachable metal sleeves that are used primarily to reduce friction. Since the early 90s, different chemistries of the dry bulb bushings with bronze layers have been commonly used. This technology offers accuracy and concentricity that is not available with other types of bushings. Today, many types of Bushings are manufactured. There are control arm bushings, anti-sway bar bushings, and spring bushings. And each one has distinctive feature and has its own upsides and as well as downsides.

1. Materials

New technologies, however, are fast developing. Soon, a combination of materials will be pooled to create fully developed and industrialized types of Bushings. Car manufacturers and spare parts companies sell different types of Bushings. It is proper to know the exact specifications as well as the key features of each type to be able to achieve desired quality. There are many aspects to consider in bushing the best types of automobile bushings. Some Bushings are made of polyurethane while some are made of rubber or bronze. Some are not advised for street use while some are recommended for off-road travels and vehicles.

2. Brushings

These specs should be considered and thought of. Choose bushings that would cause better weight distribution as well as lofty speed stability, that in return, reduce the push of the car. In addition, prefer those that produce significantly superior steering control and reaction particularly of huge tire and wheel parcels. Package the type of Bushings that domesticates differential movement in times of tough accelerations and that that permits enhanced power distribution. And it is better to pick the ones that have superior tribological potentials that would simply extend the deterioration life of these. Polyurethane Bushings allow suspensions to toil optimistically.

3. Control And Grip

From the name itself, it is primarily made from polyurethane that is characterized as a specific material that offer flexibility of rubber with the rigidity of the metal. Apart from natural rubber materials, polyurethane provides exceptional strength as well as resistance to strong impacts, grease and fuels. They are also known and proven to do better than the usual rubber type of bushings. These types of bushings are flexible enough. Whether you would go on for a soft trip or even go for challenging off-road ride. These are firm enough to adopt to even the toughest conditions. These poly bushings make a remarkable enhancement to your vehicle’s control and grip.

4. Handling

Handling is enhanced and you will be able to sustain appropriate alignment all the way through your travel. Aside from that, polyurethane Bushings are resistant to oils and other petroleum goods. Moreover, it will not perish or depreciate from drastic weather and temperature changes. Truly, poly Bushings are specific improvement compared with the ones made of rubber. Moreover, they are often said to be the best off-road Bushings commercially available in the market. Some of them are mixed together to provide additional mechanical properties.

5. Suspension

This allows good suspension feel while driving your off-road vehicle. It is also recommended because of their durability and flexibility even at extreme conditions. In totality, polyurethane bushings will save you time as well as replacement fees. Additionally, these are considered good rubber alternates and are obtainable to provide an array of functions. Furthermore, poly Bushings are not that expensive. The essential variation in price makes it popular. The cost alone is the cause why many people prefer buying these instead of those costly rubber Bushings. Likewise, others prefer it because it degrades much slower compared to those made of rubber. While others say that they bought it because of its toughness and flexibility. However, there are some aspects that compare rubber from poly.

6. Installation

Most of the time, consumers would complain and grumble on how awfully squeaky it can be when lubrication is not exercised properly. On this case, it is advised that rub your poly spring bushings with sand papers before installing it. There are some sets of these types that contains silicone type of grease that does not evaporate at all. The poly bushings will not screech when you coat your bushings with these kind of grease and rubbing them to coarse sand paper. Nevertheless, the grease may wear off when exposed or run through a heavy mud.

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Buick’s Fabulous Five

The Buick Motor Division of the General Motors Corporation is in transition, much like the rest of the venerable auto company. Old models have been canceled, new models added, and the current line up is radically different from just three years earlier. Now down to five models, the remaining vehicles in the Buick line up are all winners. Let’s take a look at each model and what they have to offer to you, the consumer.

Lucerne – Buick’s Roadmaster and LeSabre are both gone, but the full size Lucerne have taken their place. Featuring V8 power and luxurious appointments such as heated and cooled seats, liquid heated windshield fluid, and leather appointments, the big Lucerne is based on the Cadillac DTS, but the car sells for more than $10,000 less than its up market Caddy cousin.

Lacrosse – This five seat sedan is sleek, aerodynamic, and quiet. With starting prices in the low 20 thousand dollar range, the car competes against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Rainier – The larger of two Buick SUVs, the Rainier comes standard with a 275hp I6, Stabitrak suspension/steering system, eight way driver powered seats, leather seating, and more.

Rendezvous – As Buick’s first SUV, the Rendezvous has succeeded where its Pontiac cousin, the Aztek, failed. Available in two or four wheel drive, the Rendezvous features seating for five [with available seating for seven], four wheel disc brakes, and a host of sought after outdoorsmen desired accessories.

Terraza – Is it a minivan or is it an SUV? The Terraza is part of a family of GM crossover vehicles introduced in the 2005 model year. This seven passenger vehicle comes equipped with a 3.5L I6 engine and is available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. As GM considers getting rid of its aging and unpopular line of minivans, the Terraza and its cousins will likely step in and fill the hole.

General Motors has been fairly silent regarding the future of the Buick division. Some have been concerned by the steady depletion of models while others are seeing Buick make a clean break from its past which has included several uninspiring models such as the Century and the Roadmaster.

In spite of everything, the Buick Enclave, featured at the recently ended Detroit Auto Show received rave reviews. The Enclave is yet another crossover vehicle and it should hit Buick showrooms by 2008.

Clearly, Buick could use a wider variety of vehicles to ensure its long term success. Perhaps the type of success the division had when the Regal was part of the fold would reinstate the division to its past glory, if a car matching the Regal’s caliber was developed.

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Budget Conscious; What are the Benefits of Repowering a Utility Golf Cart with a Kohler Engine?

These days, maintaining a fleet of golf carts and utility vehicles is more likely to be a matter of topping up battery cells than checking spark plugs and mixing fuel and oil. The vast majority of golf carts sold in the past decade or so has been electric. Electric golf carts, goes the traditional wisdom, are cheaper to maintain, easier to manage and less trouble in the long run than the models powered by small gas engines.

Despite the popularity of electric golf carts, however, most pros agree that there are some jobs that require the power of a good gas engine. It’s not unusual for most course fleets to include at least a few gas golf carts that have been converted to utility vehicles for hauling and other purposes. What do you do when the motor on one of those starts to go?

It used to be easy to replace those with a used utility or golf cart when the engine started to go – but not anymore. Used and rebuilt gas-powered golf carts are rare – and replacing them with a new gas-powered cart could run you between $12,000 and $20,000.

The solution is simple. Don’t replace – repower. The decision to repower a utility vehicle that you currently own rather than replacing it with a new vehicle makes sound sense in a number of ways.

1. By repowering a vehicle that you own, you extend the useful life of that vehicle or piece of equipment. There’s no need to scrap a perfectly good piece of equipment that just needs a bit of a boost in the engine department.
2. Repowering a vehicle with a new motor can expand its usefulness. You can turn an old golf cart into an all-purpose hauler or plow by fitting it with a more powerful engine.
3. You get a new warranty for your new upgraded engine. Depending on the dealer, you may find a Kohler engine repower kit that contains all you need to upgrade and includes a two-year warranty, or a Honda small engine to replace one that’s on its last legs, with a warranty for parts for up to two years.
4. A repower Kohler engine or other small engine could save you money on fuel, especially if you upgrade to a cleaner burning fuel. And it will certainly be kinder to the environment.
5. Speaking of kinder to the environment, check your state’s grants and proposals web site if you’re considering replacing old motor equipment. Many states offer substantial incentives if you choose to repower a high-emissions piece of equipment with a lower-emissions engine. The same holds true if you choose to refit an engine with after-market parts to reduce its emissions. In some cases, you can even apply for a reimbursement grant that will pay for a repower engine or the refit parts, along with any parts needed to fit the new engine into your tractor or utility vehicle.
6. If your new repower engine does need repair, it will be far easier to get parts for a current engine than for an older model. Spare parts support is yet another reason to upgrade your engine with a repower.

Repowering is also an excellent way to update your greens-keeping equipment. Little has changed in the business end of mowers, rakers and other turfcare equipment. Why replace a piece of equipment that’s in virtually excellent condition when a repower kit will upgrade it and keep it running in tiptop shape for years to come? Kohler makes repower kits for Toro, Jacobsen, Club Car and Cushman turf care equipment. Each kit comes with everything you need to drop a new engine into your trusted machine and update it to perfect working order.

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Braking Methods

Modern brakes were invented in the late 19th century, around the same time as the tyre. Up until then, vehicles had wooden wheels that were stopped by large wooden blocks, lowered into position by the driver using a simple lever system. When tyres were invented, the wooden block system wasn’t good enough to stop them at the higher speeds they could achieve, which meant that a new braking system had to be invented.

To see the basic principles of modern braking, it is easiest to look at a bicycle. Basically, when you put pressure on the brakes, the pressure is transferred through cables to pull small pads onto the side of the tyres, and the force of the friction against the tyres causes them to stop.

In fact, cars originally used this very same cable system, but it was found not to work so well at high speeds. Instead, the cables were replaced with hydraulic fluid, which works to transfer the pressure the driver puts on the pedal to the brakes. This works because the fluid cannot get much smaller when pressure is put on it, meaning that pressure at one end is transferred to the other – much like water flowing through a pipe. However, if this brake fluid leaks even a little, then the brakes may not work properly any more, which is why it’s very important to check your brake fluid regularly.

Of course, in modern cars, there are other mechanisms apart from pure pressure to help you brake. Most cars now have a vacuum system to create more friction in the brakes, and a servo system that uses the car’s own speed to help your pressure have more of an impact.

One word of warning, though: some cars now have fully computerised brakes, where pushing on the pedal sends an electrical signal to turn on electrically-powered brakes. While this makes it much easier to brake, it is also more prone to failure, meaning that if your car’s computer breaks you might find it impossible to stop. Until this technology has been around a little longer, it’s probably best to stick to traditional mechanical braking methods.

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Bons Plans pour Mariage Express

Encore jeune et pas fortuné, pourquoi se privez de ce que la vie vus offre de plus précieux pour fonder une famille? Le mariage.

Alors qu'un mariage sur le vieux continent s'évalue entre 10 000 et 15 000 euros, las Vegas vous offre des prestations pour dix fois moins cher, et en plus sortant de l'ordinaire.

Que vous faut il faire. Bon, d'accord, il faut acheter le billet, mais ensuite?
Ensuite rien de plus simple, rendez vous au Bureau des Mariages (Clark County Marriage License - 201 Clark Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89155 - Tel. (702) 671-0600) munis des papiers suivants: carte d'identité prouvant que vous avez plus de 18 ans, en cas de précédent divorce, n'oubliez pas de prendre avec vous la copie de votre acte de divorce.

Ensuite, c'est à vous de voir.
Une simple cérémonie civile au Bureau des Mariages vous coûtera qu'une cinquantaine de dollars et ne durera qu'une demie heure.

Les célèbres chapelles long du Las Vegas strip reconnaissables par leur jardins de roses vous offres des services pour une somme comprise entre $200 et 500 dollars qui regroupent un forfait de mariage comprenant l'utilisation de la chapelle, la cérémonie de mariage, des fleurs, de la musique et des photos. Les forfaits plus coûteux comprennent plus d'extras comme le transfert depuis votre hôtel en limousine ou Elvis Presley comme témoin.

Ou encore, les casinos. Selon le thème que vous désirez pour votre mariage, rendez-vous soit l'hôtel Excalibur pour un médiéval,sinon MGM Grand a un mariage en montagnes russes, Treasure Island offre un mariage de pirates à bord de son bateau HMS Brittania et le Las Vegas Hilton propose un mariage Star Trek à bord du vaisseau spatial Enterprise avec des témoins Klingon et des invités Ferengi. Les prix varient alors de de 350 $ à 3500 $, voir d'avantage. Mais vous étes tout prets des salles de blackjack et des machines à sous.

Pour la Lune de Miel, en panne d'idées ou de sous? Pourquoi ne pas faire un tour du monde depuis Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, autre ses casinos, vous permet en effet de découvrir les sept merveilles du monde en un clin d'oeil. Vous voulez Paris et le charme de ses cafés? Pas de problème, rendez-vous au Paris Las Vegas! Ici, des votre arrivée, la Tour Eiffel, l'Arc de triomphe sans oublier le célèbre opéra Garnier vous accueillent a bras ouverts!Dans une architecture très Franchie style Haussmannien, vous retrouvez toutes les spécialités françaises et européennes au sein de ses fameux restaurants, sans oublier son casino.

Envie subite de vous dépayser. Rendez-vous Venetian! A Venise et ses gondoles... Quelle femme digne de ce nom ne souhaiterait pas passez sa lune de miel dans ce décor pittoresque, et rêvasser comme une jeune fille a l'aube de ses 20 ans, en attendant Casanova... Venez vous détendre au Venetian. Cet hôtel recrée pour vous les fameux canaux, les gondoles, les palais vénitiens et la réplique de la Piazza San Marco. Elégance et raffinement caractérisent le Venetian et ses 3000 chambres. Le Venetian abrite également une superbe galerie d'art avec le Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. Et pour découvrir encore plus de l'Italie, direction le Tuscany Suites Casino

Pour les nostalgiques d'Astérix et Obelix et du fameux Ave César, précipitez vous vite au Caesar's Palace! Conçue sur le modèle de la Rome antique, le Caesar's Palace accueille également des championnats du monde de boxe et des grands spectacles de vedette.

Envie de vous retrouvez sur une île paradisiaque? Essayer le Tahiti! Ses bananiers, les tropiques et les plages de sable fin, Pourquoi trop attendre.

Alors, qu'attendez vous pour passer la bague au doigt?

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Body Kits

Customizing your car with body kits is all about improving the looks of your automobile. This does not mean that these accessories cannot serve more practical purposes. Body kits include ground effects, such as skirting that divert and control the amount of air that passes through the underside of the car, improving down force.

If you want to get a “race car look” body kits come with instructions on how to adjust and customize your car to give it a “racy” appearance. Wings and spoilers are also popular body kits. They can either be placed in front or in the back of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase traction during acceleration. There are also kits featuring customized hoods, fenders, side mirrors, mags and windows.

Generally, shops that offer alterations and customization offer two kinds of body kits- fiberglass and urethane. Most drivers prefer the fiberglass body kits because they fit better and can easily be repaired. Fiberglass also looks better than urethane when finished because of its compatibility with paint. The only advantage of urethane is that it is more durable and resistant to slight impacts. The downside is that it is more expensive and more difficult to repair a damaged piece.

A good mechanic will know what kind of body kit fits your car. A body kit has to fit first before appearance – otherwise looks won’t matter. Body kits have been so popular these days; they even have a television show that features the best of them.

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BMW On Pace to Outsell Mercedes

It is a close race, one that likely will not result in deep price cutting to move models, but is certain nevertheless to be on the minds of executives employed by two automakers until the clock strikes midnight for the final time this year. What the race is all about is this: the perennial sales battle between two German automakers, BMW and Mercedes, with BMW expected to pass Mercedes in world sales totals for 2005. The ramifications are strong for each automaker and will set the tone for the way each company produces and markets vehicles from 2006 forward.

Mercedes finishing second to BMW is not a comfortable taste for DaimlerChrysler, parent of Mercedes and now owner of The Chrysler Group, maker of Jeeps, Dodges, and Chryslers. Only Volkswagen sells more cars than either make, but when it comes to a predominately luxury line up Mercedes and BMW battle alone amongst German makes with Audi a distant third.

Unlike American automakers, Mercedes is not likely to engage in deep price cuts to attract customers and “steal” sales that they would have made in 2006 for 2005 to stave off BMW. Still, purchasers of Mercedes vehicles should find an even friendlier showroom in which to shop when they negotiate the price on their “C”, “E”, or “M” Classes of vehicles.

So, exactly what has caused the shift in sales? Well, published reports indicate that Mercedes sales continue to rise, but slowly. On the other hand, BMW sales increases are in the double digit category which is what has pushed BMW ahead of Mercedes so far this year. Oddly, it isn’t the luxury cars in each automakers' fold that is spelling the difference. Unknown to many Americans, both BMW and Mercedes sell cars that are smaller and less luxurious than the cars that appear in the states. Cars that compete squarely against Volkswagen’s Golf and offerings from GM, Ford, several Japanese automakers, and others.

Yes, it is true. Not all BMW or Mercedes models are luxury cars. Unlike in the US where a Cadillac is exclusively a luxury car, both German brands produce cars for the rank and file driver too. It is these types of cars that have fueled both automakers growth and is likely behind BMW jumping ahead of Mercedes.

To counter BMW’s surge, Mercedes does have an ace up its sleeve: the introduction of one or two smaller lines of cars to the U.S. market by 2007. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Mercedes has “A” and “B” Class cars that are smaller and less expensive than the current “baby” Mercedes, what we call the “C” Class. Mercedes hopes that the US market is ready for less pricey cars sporting the venerable Mercedes name and that these sales will propel Mercedes back into the lead.

Of course, what is good for Mercedes is good for BMW as the automaker explores bringing its “1” and “2” series cars to the US to compete for sales. Both lines of cars are positioned against Mercedes “A” and “B” class cars and are the same cars that have bumped BMW’s sales figures up.

Now if only Mercedes would consider importing it’s SMART car to the US market…

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Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuel is becoming more and more popular, which is no wonder, the soaring gas prices and the growing environmental awareness brings society to a point where it needs to consider its energy consumption carefully. With the rising price of gasoline and the prospect of even higher prices, it’s becoming evident that most people need to start looking for an alternative fuel source.

Most of the people around never heard of biodiesel fuel. It’s a fuel that is made from vegetable oil. The vegetable oil is run through a bio diesel processor and within hours you have a batch of bio diesel fuel that you can use in your vehicle.

Bio diesel is the new energy star, the name is a general one for a variety of ester-based oxygenated fuels made from soybean oil or other vegetable oils or animal fats. It is produced by mixing oils with alcohol or petroleum diesel fuel. The organic oil is most often obtained from soybeans. Some people even try to make Bio diesel at home, but this is not something I would recommend to everyone, you should really need to know what you are doing when you try and make your own fuel.

The beautiful thing about Bio diesel is that you can run it on most cars, without any pricy motor or engine modifications, its something that saves money all around, so the advantages are clear, however you will need to learn this subject seriously before you start using or making bio diesel. If you are considering trying this process you’ll want to do a bit of research in order to be completely informed. The Internet of course has many sites devoted to biodiesel and its advantages.

You can also find companies that will sell and ship you a kit that you can begin using immediately to make the fuel. The bio diesel kit is often referred to as SVO, and is perfect for most drivers to use, these kits provide you with the tools to build a device that will do the work for you, and prepare the bio diesel before it gets to the engine. The Bio Diesel kits usually include a heating device, thermostat and special rubber hoses that are not effected by the oils involved in the process. Water heater processors help recovering excess methanol that is created during the chemical reaction that creates biodiesel. This cuts the cost per gallon for diesel even further.

The price of the bio diesel fuel kit varies significantly so you will want to research the pros and cons of the kit before buying and installing it, you should also make sure that your car is adaptable for use of this new fuel system and that your car maker allows the use of it, no one wants to discover that he is not covered for damages because he installed a bio diesel fuel kit, so make absolutely sure that your car guarantee covers this option and that your car maker allows the use biodiesel.

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Biodiesel And It's Many Uses

With gas prices increasing and growing environmental awareness, the need to consider alternate energy and fuel sources are becoming a necessity. One alternative is the use of Biodiesel fuel, which is becoming more and more popular today.

Because Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel, made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources, its uses in today's society may surprise you. Below are nine ways Biodiesel is being used. Some of which you may never have realized.

1) Biodiesel Car Rental - Yes that's right. A Maui and Los Angeles car rental rents cars that run on Biodiesel. These cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank! Not bad when consider the price of gas these days.

2) Home heating fuel - More people are taking a look at Biodiesel as an alternative for heating their home. Most oil-fired or boiler furnaces can use Biodiesel (B20), which is a fuel made of 80 percent traditional heating oil and 20 percent Biodiesel. Some people are getting their furnaces adapted to be able to burn B100, a fuel made entirely of vegetable oils, which burns much cleaner than traditional heating oil.

3) Electricity Generation - Diesel generators that produce electricity are now running on Biodiesel fuel. A superior alternative to the typical coal burning electricity generating plants currently being used in the United States. Running on Biodiesel is an inexpensive, clean and renewable way of creating electricity.

4) Trucking Industry - More and more truckers are switching from diesel fuel to Biodiesel fuel. The benefits are numerous not to mention the advantage of helping the environment and reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while saving money.

5) Agriculture - Not only a producer of Biodiesel, but also a consumer. Tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, and irrigation systems which normally uses diesel fuel, now use Biodiesel to fuel their work, bringing agriculture full circle from producer to consumer.

6) Marine Vehicles - Commercial fleets such as ferries, recreational yachts, sailboats, and motor boats are all candidates for Biodiesel. For example Pacific Whale Foundation, located in Hawaii, use Biodiesel bin their boats.

7) Tax Incentive - The IRS is offering tax incentives to anyone that produce and use Biodiesel fuel. The US Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving producers of Biodiesel fuel government funds. The tax incentive works to help tax paying customers by lowering the cost of the fuel
bill.

8) Lubrication Additive - Because Biodiesel is a better lubricant than current low-sulfur petroleum, fuel injectors and other types of fuel pumps can rely on Biodiesel fuel for lubrication. With the right additives, engine performance can also be enhanced, making engines last longer. Other numerous applications can also make use of it's lubricate properties, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it a safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners.

9) Cleaner Environment - Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%. Because of this, Biodiesel has the potential to reduce air toxics and cancer causing compounds. Something we all can live with! If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues, without polluting the environment.

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Bingo History: Story of the Game Bingo

The origins of contemporary bingo go back to 16th century Italy, where the lottery game Lo Giuoco del Lotto dItalia was introduced. The popular chance game was introduced to North America in the late 1920s by the name of Beano. A toy salesperson of New York was responsible for changing the name of the game into Bingo and to the increase of its popularity throughout the US.

In the late 18th century, the original Italian lotto game made its way to France. Historical evidence shows that a game called Le Lotto was popular among the French high society who used to play the game in parties and social gatherings.

Le Lotto used to be played with special cards that were divided into three rows and nine columns. Each of the three columns consists of 10 numbers, while each column had five random number and four blank spaces in it. Each player had a different lotto card where he used to mark the number announced by the caller. The first player to cover one row won the game.

By the 19th century, the lotto game spread around Europe and started to serve as a didactic childrens game. In the 1850s, several educational lotto games had entered the German toys market. The lotto games purpose was to teach children how to spell words, how to multiply numbers, etc.

By 1920s, a similar version to the lotto game, known as beano was popular at county fairs throughout the US. In beano, the players placed beans on their cards to mark the called out number. The first player who completed a full row on his card, used to yell out Beano!, until one night in December 1929, when a New Yorker toys salesperson by the name of Edwin S. Lowe visited a country fair outside Jacksonville, Georgia.

On his way back to New York, Lowe had purchased beano equipment including dried beans, a rubber numbering stamp and cardboard. At his New York home, Lowe has been hosting friendly beano games. During one game, one excited winner who had managed to complete a full row stuttered out Bingo, instead of Beano. Listening to the excited stuttering girl, Edwin S. Lowe thoughts went away. Lowe decided to develop a new game that would be called Bingo.

While Lowe’s Bingo game was making its first steps in the market, a Pennsylvanian priest asked Lowe to use the game for charity purpose. After a short tryout period, the priest had found out that the bingo game causes the churches to lose money. Since the variety of bingo cards was limited, each bingo game ended up in more than five winners.

In order to develop the game and to lower the probabilities of winning, Lowe approached Prof. Carl Leffler, a mathematician from Columbia University. Leffler was asked to create bigger variety of bingo cards that each of them will have unique combination of numbers. By 1930, Lowe had 6,000 bingo cards and Prof. Leffler went insane.

Since then, the popularity of the bingo game as a fundraiser continued to grow. In less than five years, about 10,000 weekly bingo games took place throughout North America. Lowe’s company grew to employ several thousands of employees and to occupy more than 60 presses 24 hours a day.

Now, bingo is one of the most popular chance games in the world. It is played in churches, schools, local bingo halls and land based casinos in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

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bike trailer | car hauler | dump trailers | tandem axle trailer | utility trailer

Trailers are of significance and are used for many purposes. They are widely used to lift heavy equipments including machinery, bikes, cars and tractors. Before buying trailers, the first thing to know is the kind of trailer you need and the best place to buy them. Trailers should be powerful so that they do not encounter problems and the task is carried out easily. Always buy from an authorized dealer who provides full warranty. There are a wide range of trailers that are meant for specific purposes. The different kinds of trailers include:

• Single axle series- include bike trailer and ATV hauler, mostly used for off-road or turf actions.

• Tandem axle trailer series- includes both general duty and heavy duty range of trailers. Tandem axle trailer is powerfully built.

• Auto and flatbed series- includes tandem axle trailers with open flatbed design available in both wood floor and steel floor. This is one of the most efficient car hauler series of the company.

• Equipment series- includes hydraulic tilt bed vehicle haulers and heavy equipment haulers.

• Cycle series- includes bike trailer series, specially designed with Equalizer Torsion Axles, chrome wheels and a rugged all-steel body.

There are also specially designed trailers, including:

• Fleet neck trailers- designed specifically for heavy duty vehicles. These trailers are equipped with heavy duty dove and ramp package so that no discrepancy occurs while using them. There are seven different models of fleet neck trailers available in stores. These are mainly farm and ranch, heavy equipment and vehicle hauling trailers. The trailer series is equipped with Sealed Modular Wiring Harness that enhances the electrical system.

• Work horse trailers- include dump trailers. There are seven different models of dump trailers for heavy duty vehicles. They are equipped with dual tandem and self contained factory hydraulic hoist. There is also a fleet neck model available in the series. This series also has a sealed Modular Wiring Harness to increase the efficiency of the electrical system.

• Ranger trailers- include economy trailers. There are seven different models available in the ranger series with 48” ramp gate, spare tire/wheel and “v” tongue tilt bed. Ranger series include very efficient utility trailers- ranger single axle utility trailer, tandem axle utility trailer and heavy duty utility trailer.

The trailer industry demands the use of alkyd-based enamel paints on the trailers since they retaining gloss for a longer duration. Hence, all the products of Diamond C Trailers are specially painted with Valspar Supreme Acrylic enamel so as to provide quality products. Whether they are dump trailers, utility trailers, bike trailer or Tandem axle trailer, all are fitted with Safety Chains with spring loaded hooks. For an elegant appearance, Car Haulers and Utility trailers are dyed black. The trailers are electric wire brushed when they are in the processing stage.

Diamond C Trailers presents you with a high quality range of trailers you can bank upon. Every component of the trailers manufactured by the company is made using the best materials. Every trailer is powerfully built, and the best part is that all the products offered by Diamond C Trailers are user-friendly and simply structured.

For more details on various trailer series, including dump trailers, utility trailers, bike trailer and Tandem axle trailer, you can visit the company’s website www.DiamondCTrailers.com

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Beware of the Leaves!

It is fall and the trees are ablaze in all of their glory. Who isn’t in awe of this bountiful tapestry of red, gold, and orange leaves that adorn deciduous trees in neighborhoods, parks, and mountains from coast to coast? With an azure sky as a backdrop the colors are all the more magnified, your viewing pleasure increased. In the middle of all of this lurks a menace, one that can be both destructive and deadly. Please read on to discover the inherent dangers of the autumn season and what you must do to protect yourself and your property.

Anne Bridgeton was accustomed to taking her ’99 Camry on weekday excursions from her home in the Kentucky foothills to her job some thirty miles away. By traveling along narrow, twisting back roads and avoiding the interstate, Anne’s trip took an additional fifteen minutes each way but it was a small price to pay as one of the benefits included viewing a bucolic landscape replete with farms and forested areas, and pocketed by small stores. Somehow the sterile scenery of the interstate was more unnerving than calming, even unsettling at times. Besides, no tandem trailers took the Kentucky backgrounds unlike the interstate which was full of them. Staying out of their way was the chief reason Anne avoided the interstate.

This past October all of that changed for Anne and dramatically so. It had been a dry summer and autumn seemed to have arrived earlier than usual as the leaves changed and fell well before the month ended. In some sections along the back roads, particularly in more residential areas, leaves were piled up alongside the curb for removal by the local sanitation crews. It reminded Anne of the snowdrifts that she would soon see all winter long on her way back and forth to work.

When the phone rang, Anne assumed that it was someone at her place of work calling to ask her if she would stop by at a local farm and pick up cider and donuts. Several times during the year Anne would visit a nearby farm and pick up a treat for her office staff. As it turned out it was her mother calling to remind Anne that today was her younger sister’s birthday.

Pulling off to the side of the road, Anne turned on her emergency flashers, shut off the engine, and engaged her mother in conversation. Not three minutes went by when Anne noticed a plume of smoke rising up outside of the front passenger window. Alarmed, she cut off conversation with her mother, exited her Camry to investigate and soon saw flames shooting up from the ground. As she dialed 911 the Camry was quickly engulfed in an inferno and within moments it was destroyed. Fortunately for Anne she was unhurt -- deeply shaken -- but alive.

What happened to Anne occurs all too frequently to drivers who park their vehicles directly over leaves. Anne’s catalytic converter was the culprit and as with so many newer cars it can heat up to temperatures well over 1500 degrees. When Anne stopped her Camry right on top of the leaves, sparks from the Camry’s catalytic converter dropped down, the leaves caught fire, and her car was engulfed within minutes. Fortunately, Anne escaped with her life but her Camry was destroyed.

Take care to make sure that the season’s beauty does not lull you into forgetting potential hazards. Keep your vehicle far from leaves and only park on surfaces that are completely clear of all debris. Hundreds of fires each year are ignited by catalytic converters; remain vigilant and don’t fall prey to this deadly peril.

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Beware of Hurricane Damaged Vehicles!

Nearly a half million cars were destroyed by two of this past season’s biggest hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Some of these cars may not have received much apparent damage but they were totaled nevertheless because of water, mud, and debris which flooded engine bays and the interior. Damaged cars are supposed to make their way to the junkyard for scrap, unfortunately some unscrupulous parties are gaining a hold of the vehicle titles and turning around and selling damaged cars to the public. Should you be concerned? Absolutely! Read on to learn more about this problem and what you can do to avoid being stuck with a vehicle that is certain to be a lemon.

Let me just say this: it is not illegal for weekend mechanics to buy a salvaged vehicle, repair it, and sell it to you. What they must disclose to you is this: you are buying a salvaged vehicle. This is where most of the problems begin: the dishonest purveyors are not sharing this information.

Only 22 states require that the titles of flood damaged vehicles [which were totaled by insurers] be stamped with that information. So, if you live in any one of the 28 other states, be extremely cautious about buying any used car [check your local laws to see which group you belong to].

One organization is doing its part to help fight the problem. The National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB] this past summer and fall sent teams to flood damaged areas in affected states to work with local police authorities. What the teams did was try to catalog all of the flood damaged vehicles and enter that information in a database, which is accessible online. Because of their diligence, nearly 200,000 car identification numbers are now available for car buyers to search at www.nicb.org

Car shoppers should always invest in obtaining a car history report from an independent company, such as Car Fax, as a back up source to verify information about a vehicle. Although the information supplied by these types of companies isn’t always 100% accurate, it can usually reveal whether a car has been salvaged, rebuilt, is a lemon, or has been flood damaged. Some guarantee their information so check the individual contract/agreement before you use their services to see what recourse you would have in the event a lemon sneaks by them and you purchase one.

So, how can we know for sure that there will be problems? Well, if Hurricane Floyd is a measuring stick then the potential for fraud is huge. In 1999, nearly 80,000 cars were damaged by Floyd and taken off of the roads due to storm damage. About half of that number were repaired and resold, many to unsuspecting consumers.

You don’t have to be a victim, so get informed. If a car is priced well below book value that can be a big clue that a problem exists, however don’t rely on price, instead do some research first before buying your next used car.

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Best Overall Radar Detector

Escort Passport 8500 X50 provides an impressive array of detection technology, which allows you to customize its operation to compliment your driving style and personal taste.

This gadget is fitted with useful features, such as full LED display text of the Safety Warning System (SWS) signals, which comprises of over 60 specific safety text messages which warn of hazards in areas that use safety radar.
Escort Passport 8500 X50 works in the X-band, K-band, Ka-band, and at the Laser emitted frequencies, or lidar using multiple sensors. The display modes consists a 280-LED matrix-text, a bar graph, SpecDisplay and ExpertMeter.
The ExpertMeter display informs the driver of the band frequency and the relative signal strength on up to eight separate radar signals all at the same time; LEDs arrange in multiple columns represent a different signal.

The SpecDisplay displays the numerical frequency of the detected signal. Customizable audible alerts increases in volume level as the relative to the incoming signal's strength, or the closer the signal source, the louder it gets. The 8500 X50's sensitivity controlscan can be set on highway, highly-filtered city mode, and AutoSensitivity; the latter makes us of an advanced signal rejection circuitry which separates real detector signals from background noise, such as the frequencies emitted by remote garage door openers, to reduce disconcerting false alarms.

It has a microprocessor which can be reprogrammed and customized gives a degree of future proofing against emerging law enforcement technology. These options allow the driver to select individual signal bands (on or off), selections for the three meter display, a mute and an AutoMute, as well as two audio tone levels. The unit is designed to be completely immune to the VG2 "detector-detector". The onboard microprocessor is upgrade friendly, and can be worked on in the future to compensate for newer technologies.
The 8500 X50 is conveniently equipped with an earphone jack built-in, and comes with a quick-release windshield mount, as well as extra suction cups, a durable travel case, and a SmartCord, which is a power cord with installed with an alert lamp, pilot light and a useful mute button.

Description and Features:

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Blue Radar Detector Portable Radar Detectors
Manufacturer: Escort
Lowest Price: $278.04 USD
Detection Bands: K Band Radar, Ka Band Radar, Ka Super Wideband Radar, Ka Wideband Radar, Laser, VG-2 Alert, X Band Radar
Power Source: DC Automobile Power Adapter
Sensitivity Modes: Auto, City, and Highway
General Features: backlit display, display dimmer, VG-2 Protection, visual alert, earphone jack, mute, audible alert, auto mute, volume adjustment
Included Accessories: travel case, Automobile Power Adapter (DC), window mount

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