Why Scooters Are A Great Alternative

Motorized scooters are a great form of travel almost anywhere in the world. They are small, economical and fun. Of course, you sacrifice safety with just about any scooter that you ride. It is hard to have a scooter as an everyday vehicle, but they are great for warm weather vacation destinations or if you live in a rural area. One of the best places to rent a scooter is Key West, FL. Key West is southern most point in Florida, located about 90 miles north of Cuba. This is a great place for renting a scooter because there is a lot to see. The famous author Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of time there, so you can visit his favorite hangouts. There is the southernmost point of the island where you can watch the sunset and raise your glass with the locals. Then you have to hit the famous bar district on Duval Street that is famous for its annual Fantasy Fest. Be careful when riding your scooter, though. Key West is made up of small streets with a lot of blind corners. If you are traveling outside of the country, a scooter is your best option for small towns. Greece is famous for its scooters because the scenery is so unbelievable. Most of the islands also have very small roads that you would not want to be driving a car on. You won't be carrying your luggage on a scooter, but all you will need while you are there is a towel and a beach mat. It is also relatively easy to rent a scooter in Europe. Renting a car is can get complicated. As long as you remember to wear your helmet, a scooter is a great idea that will make any vacation much more fun. You will also be able to see much more of any area that you visit. Most hotel concierges will know a good scooter destination, so make sure to ask them.

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Take Control of Rising Prices on Gas

Does your money seem to evaporate with every trip to the gas station? You can add miles to every gallon you pump simply by maintaining your vehicle and practicing fuel-saving driving habits. "Most motorists don't realize that it's the little things that don't take a lot of time or cost much that can really make a difference when it comes to saving money at the pump," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Loose or missing gas caps, underinflated tires, worn spark plugs and dirty air filters all contribute to poor fuel economy." The Car Care Council offers these gas-saving maintenance and driving tips. * Secure your vehicle's gas cap. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have damaged or loose gas caps or are missing gas caps altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. * Keep tires properly inflated. Driving on underinflated tires is like driving with the parking brake on and can cost you a mile or two per gallon. * Replace worn spark plugs regularly. A vehicle's spark plugs can fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. * Change dirty air filters. If the air filter gets clogged and chokes off the air, it creates a mixture that's too "rich" in gas, which causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. * Don't be an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets. * Avoid excessive idling. Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for just one to two minutes is sufficient. * Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed on the highway. * Do not carry unneeded heavy items in the vehicle. An extra 100 pounds can cut fuel efficiency by 1 percent to 2 percent.

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Must Have Top Notch Fog Lights!!!

When the weather starts to get bad, there’s rain, snow, sleet or a lot of fog and drivers all too well know the dangers that can come. So it’s a good idea to have good quality fog lights in your vehicle to prevent any accidents. When it starts to get foggy the level of danger increases, since the headlights are pretty much useless at this point. There is no use for them because the light just gets reflected off the fog and creates a phenomenon called dispersion. This just creates more visibility problems for you. Therefore fog lights are a necessity when driving through a foggy area. Fog lights are different from headlights because they are yellow instead of the white headlights. A cautious driver would want to have fog lights, fog lights are easy to buy and aren’t very expensive. Purchasing fog lights are very good investment. They will ensure your safety down the road, because you never know what will happen. It’s better to be safe then sorry. This little task can even save you money, if you got into a car wreck because you had no fog light. Think of the expenses. Sure your insurance will cover the expenses of your car, but don’t forget your premium will increase. In the end you would have to pay more money. So it would just be easier on everyone if you just go to your local store and pick up a fog light, there are many choices to choose from, if you need help just ask the salesperson they’ll be happy to assist you. Buying fog lights is a great investment; you never know when you’re going to come across a foggy area. That small gesture can help you quite a bit, by getting the lights you won’t have to worry so much the next type you are in a foggy area.

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Rain or Shine, New Technology Keeps Travelers Connected

As last year's hurricanes and tornadoes demonstrated, Mother Nature can be devastating. When the storms came and the power went, some people relied on high-tech innovations to cope. Skip Holmes and his family, for instance, turned to their vehicle's TracVision satellite TV antenna to stay constantly connected to live television updates. Rugged and durable, TracVision antennae pick up hundreds of channels of DirecTV satellite television, ensuring that travelers on the road - and people whose homes have lost power - have access to live news and real-time weather. Holmes, an expert in mobile electronics, was one of millions of Florida residents pummeled by four hurricanes in a row last August and September. With no power inside their home, Holmes and his family often could be found in their driveway, huddled together in their Chevrolet Tahoe watching live satellite TV using their TracVision A5. "We would actually run out the front door to the car in the middle of the storm," Holmes said. "There were periods of rain that were so bad, you couldn't even see across the street. Quite frequently, I'd be sitting in my SUV, watching The Weather Channel. Throughout it all, we never lost the reception." That live TV access helped the family keep up with the hurricanes, especially after original forecasts began to change. It also came in handy in the two long weeks that they were without power after the storms. In less chaotic situations, Holmes and his family enjoy their TracVision A5 on long road trips. The TracVision A5 sits 5 inches high and receives more than 125 channels of satellite TV and commercial-free music while a vehicle is in motion.

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New Utility Vehicles Are Popular, Practical

One of the most popular pieces of outdoor power equipment these days is the utility vehicle. From hunters to handymen, everyone seems to be using them. Why? The current crop of utility vehicles is practical, powerful and versatile-a far cry from their "golf cart with an attitude" predecessors. So what should you look for in a utility vehicle? "Take the time to really figure out how you will use a utility vehicle and what type of terrain you will encounter," advises Jerry Sandy, product manager for Husqvarna's HUV utility vehicle line. "Decide up front what accessories and features are required for the types of tasks you plan to accomplish." Home & Garden-For jobs like brush clearing or hauling supplies to the garden, says Sandy, a compact utility vehicle may fit the bill. Larger tasks such as clearing snow, on the other hand, require a more powerful unit, four-wheel drive and accessories such as a snowplow attachment, tire chains and a cab enclosure. Property Management-For farmers, ranchers and timber owners, key factors include engine durability, payload capacity and traction for rough terrain. A smooth suspension maximizes comfort when traveling extended distances. Accessories such as windshields, heaters, electric winches and trailer hitches are also important. Hunting & Fishing-Outdoorsmen will want a utility vehicle that functions well in remote areas, so consider features such as certified rollover protection, four-wheel drive and locking differentials. A wide wheelbase and low center of gravity provide stability in rough conditions, and accessory items such as winches, hood racks, heavy-duty bumpers, and aggressive tires can be helpful.

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You: Ready When The Power Goes Out?

When the electric goes out, what's one of the first things you reach for? A flashlight. And what else are you recommended to have handy? A radio. Sometimes it's the simplest things that we have the hardest time keeping track of, keeping in their rightful place, or keeping batteries fresh in. The good news is that a power out kit has been designed that can be used as a safety product at home, in the office, in your car, camping, on a boat, anywhere you could possibly be caught in a storm or left without power. The kit, called The Club Power Out Kit, includes a handheld flashlight, an FM radio, a lantern that uses a bright LED light, and eight batteries. "It's a good idea to keep the Kit in your basement-or whatever room you use as shelter-should you need to retreat there during a storm or a tornado watch," said Karen Winner Hale, of Winner International. "This Kit combines some basic necessities and provides some light and communication from the outside when and where you need it most." Should you happen to be on the road during a power outage and suffer a breakdown, these tips will help to ensure your safety: • Check your car's tires, oil and belts. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns. • If your insurance does not include a roadside assistance endorsement, consider joining an automobile association that offers roadside assistance to its members. • Purchase a cellular phone, which will allow you to call for assistance without leaving your car. • Make sure you know how to change a tire and check your spare. • Pack a survival kit with flares, jumper cables, a first aid kit, bottled water, an extra quart of oil, radiator fluid, a blanket and road atlas.

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Where Can I Buy Cars For As Little As $100.00

You've heard claims like you can buy cars for as little as $100.00 at repossessed car auctions, but is this true? If so, where does one find listings of repossessed car auctions? To know where to go to purchase one of these cars, you must first know what a repossessed car is. Most of the time cars get repossessed by the banks, because the owners have defaulted on the car loan or lease payment. When this happens, the institutions such as the banks, the police, the customs or the IRS offer these repossessed cars offered for sale at auctions. The main reason why repossessed cars are priced cheaply is not so much for the state it was found in or the brand, as much as the continuing supply and the expense of storing these cars, that tend to lower their prices. If repossessed cars are dirt cheap, why do only a very few buy at these kinds of auctions? Three reasonable explanations have been put forth; one is that there is a lack of information on these kinds of auction, including pertinent information on schedules, venues and which institutions actively hold these kinds of auctions. Another credible point put forward is that the reason why this is so, is because car dealers want to keep these auctions a secret. They can re-sell the cheap auctioned off car at retail prices to the public. Allowing them to generate more profits. The third explanation that a majority of car buyers find it hard to change their buying pattern. They are used to buying new cars from a car dealership. Provided you do your homework and research well, there is no reason you can not go home with an also brand new vehicle priced at $200.00 or less.

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The Reasons for Joining in a Defensive Driving Course

Imagine the number of accidents you see on highways and byways. Thing for a moment the pain one undergoes when injured and pain it causes to the dear ones. No matter whether you are a novice or an expert driver, it is always a wise idea to take the defensive driving course. These course are gaining widespread popularity from all quarters for simple reason that road safety is increasing becoming a global problem. Perhaps the most attractive reason is that the insurance companies offer varying discounts from 2-10% for taking and completing the driving course. These defensive driving courses differ from one another. A traditional course is generally more expensive from others that are available. If cost and time makes one think on joining a classroom course, they are also offered through correspondence and online. Perhaps the most popular reasons that can be attributed to taking such course are - it improves the driving skills, helps reduce the chances of an accident and perhaps the compelling reason could be - it is court ordered. In place of a fine or jail time, the court orders a defensive driving course for the erring drivers. The most common factors that need to be looked into when joining these courses are the different options that come with it. The best one that one could recommend is the traditional classroom course. For those couldn't make it to the classroom course, thanks to technology, the course is available at your doorstep.

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Tips On Preventing Auto Theft

With a vehicle stolen every 25 seconds in the U.S., motorists will feel a lot more secure by heeding these tips on preventing theft: • The number-one step to reduce theft is to always remove your keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle, no matter where you are. • Consider the use of anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks and a wheel immobilizer. One new wheel immobilizer, called The Wheel Club, has been introduced by the makers of the well-known The Club. It is bright red in color, making it highly visible to a would-be thief. It was designed specifically with trailers in mind, is made of steel and takes seconds to install. With trailers being the way motorists move their valuables around-such as boats and objects they depend on for a livelihood like lawnmowers and construction tools-anti-theft devices are an affordable way to secure everything from trailers to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and tractors. With crime and theft increasing in many areas, motorists should take responsibility for securing their own vehicles with affordable products that work. Other steps in preventing theft are: • Do not park your vehicle in an isolated area where there are few passersby. • Remove valuables from the vehicle and place them out of view in the trunk. • Keep your vehicle keys separate from your house keys. • Park with your front wheels turned sharply. This will make your vehicle difficult to tow away. • When returning to your vehicle, always have your keys ready and always look under and around your vehicle before approaching it.

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What makes our car magnets special

Our standard magnets, MMINTS TM magnets, and the custom magnets produced for group orders are all manufactured in the US. Outdoor magnets are .034 mil thick, guaranteed not to chip, peel, or fade. We do not skimp on design, color, or quality! Many of our designs are specialized and are only printed on a limited basis. This makes our magnets more costly to produce, but allows us to offer so much more. For us to continue to offer you this type of variety, design choice, and keep the ribbon prices reasonable, we are not able to provide free shipping. Our shipping charges are nominal, and based on actual mailing costs. There are no extraneous shipping & handling charges. We offer you the most for your money, whether you are purchasing one stock magnet from us...or having us design and manufacture your own custom magnets. If you are looking for basic magnets check out our Economy Line. Click Here Have a simple design you want to produce? Have a more complex design you want to produce? We produce better magnets at lower prices! If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask. Email us at: MilitaryMagnets@aol.com

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Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler Hook Up!

Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler are getting hitched. Well, sort of. The two predominately German automakers are not merging, but are in the process of exploring building products for one another. What is coming? Who gets what vehicle? What can all this mean? Read on and I will tell you. It is official: Volkswagen has decided not to import its microbus “minivan” to the American market. Citing conversion costs and exchange rate differences, VW has elected instead to start selling its own version of Chrysler’s popular minivans in the US. Based on the Chrysler Voyager, the new VW minivan has yet to be named but it will be nothing more than a rebadged Voyager. The minivan will fill a glaring hole in the VW line up and keep current owners from departing the company in search of a larger people mover. DaimlerChrysler [DCX] will benefit by maxing out production of its minivan fleet. In addition, DCX is also studying importing rebadged versions of VW’s popular compact Polo to fill a glaring gap in its own line up. The tiny Polo will likely be sold as a Dodge and be the entry level vehicle just below the soon-to-be-released Caliber, a replacement for the Neon. Details are currently sketchy, but the new “Polo” could arrive as a 2007 model. Yes, VW and DCX aren’t getting married, but the two automakers appear to be in the fortunate position to help each other out to the benefit of both. Now, let’s just see how consumers react to the rebadged products!

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Safety On The Road Begins Under The Hood

Car experts say that one of the easiest ways to steer clear of some serious road hazards is to make sure you're taking care of your car properly. Coolant issues are the number one cause of roadside mechanical breakdowns, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and there are an estimated 23 million cars on the road using the wrong type of coolant. "Using the wrong coolant can affect the entire cooling system," said automotive expert Dr. Dave Turcotte, technical director for Zerex products. "When it comes to buying coolant for your car, consumers should not be fooled by claims that a product is universal or right for all makes and models." Using the wrong kind of coolant can lead to radiator or water pump damage and even cause breakdowns. To make sure the right type of coolant is being used, drivers should refer to their vehicle owner's manual and carefully read the product label to make sure the coolant they're using is automaker-approved and that the make of their car IS on the label. To avoid road bumps, drivers should: • Use a coolant product that offers the right chemistry for each vehicle model; • Check tires for worn tread or improper air pressure; • Check to make sure belts aren't worn; • Make sure hoses are attached properly.

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Using Automotive Touch-Up Paint

Here's news you may want to brush up on: Using touch-up paint on your car can be an inexpensive way to protect its value. Some scratches can remove all the paint down to the metal and the area can begin to rust, causing permanent damage. There are several choices for applying touch-up paint. Spray cans can be used for large areas and with patience and practice you can achieve excellent results. For smaller chips and scratches, you can brush the paint or use a paint pen. Often, a paint pen will be easier to apply to very small chips, as you can apply the paint more precisely. Women find using touch-up paint is easy because they have had so much practice applying nail polish. In fact, according to paintscratch.com, some women have even painted their nails with automotive touch-up paint to match their vehicles. The easiest place to find touch- up paint is on the Web. First you have to know your color code. There are sites where the paint colors are broken down by year, make and model, so finding your color code is easy. With the correct paint and good instructions, applying touch-up paint should be no more difficult than coloring your nails. With the right paint and good instructions, applying touch-up paint to your car can be as easy as coloring your nails.

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Performance Parts 101

In the automotive industry, the term ‘performance parts’ is used for a variety of car and truck parts or accessories, that are designed to enhance a vehicle’s performance. The term is generally tied to the aftermarket industry which makes sense considering that car or truck enhancement parts or accessories are typically purchased after the original purchase. This is not to say that O.E.M. manufacturers won’t create performance parts, because they often do. Products such as Borla Exhausts, K&N Air Intake filters, ReadyLift Suspension Kits, or Bilstein shocks are considered performance parts because they are created to enhance car or truck performance. On the other hand, the O.E.M. exhaust, intake filter, suspension kit, or shocks that come with the newly purchased vehicles are generally stock parts designed to meet standards at a reasonable price. Someone looking to boost their car or truck’s performance will then purchase an aftermarket part designed to boost performance. Strictly being aftermarket however, does not categorize a car or truck part or accessory as a performance part. Aftermarket products may include seat covers, car covers, bumpers, sun visors, make-specific paraphernalia (such as TRD’s line of Toyota® accessories), and steering wheel covers. These products are based on aesthetics, comfort, or brand loyalty, not performance. This would make them a car or truck accessory, but not a performance part. Performance Parts may also play slightly different but overlapping roles from one car or truck to another. For example, K&N’s quality oil and air filtration products are available for virtually every modern vehicle under the sun. However, while lift kits tend to be popular among Ford®, Chevy®, Dodge® and Toyota® truck owners, you are unlikely to see a demand from Mercedes-Benz® or Porsche® owners. This isn’t to say that popular Porsche® and Mercedes® parts (aftermarket at least) are always different from the more popular truck performance parts. Manufacturers are starting to notice and react to new consumer demands. For example, Borla, known for its quality SUV and Truck exhausts, made the cross over and began to offer exhaust systems for Porsche® and Corvette® a few years ago.

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When Buying A Used Car From Its Owner, Beware Of The Owner Bearing Offers!

Getting started with used cars does not require a mortgage or a student loan, but it is not free either. Buying used cars costs money. That is why it is extremely important to know all the possible factors that might lead the buyer into buying a used car that is suspect. In reality, it is easy for the buyer to get carried away by convincing sales pitches, special offers, fantastic deals, magnificent bundles, freebies, and the like. However, it would take a really smart buyer to get the best deal when it comes to used cars. Hence, it is equally important to know the basic factors that need to be considered before the buyer decides on a particular used car, especially if the car will be bought directly from the owner. Here are some tips that might help those who are planning to buy a used car from its owner. 1. When buying cars from the owner, the buyer should ask the seller for the “vehicle registration document” or the so-called V5. Through this document, the buyer will be able to know the full details of the car’s ownership like the name of the owner, the address, and other identity details. 2. If in case the V5 is with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or the DVLA, as told by the owner, the buyer should verify the reason. If it is due to recording purposes where the change of ownership shall be recorded, the seller should have a green slip that is to be presented to the buyer in exchange of the V5. 3. It is best for the buyer to ask the seller to see the insurance policy for the vehicle. If the seller cannot produce the document, it would be better not to buy the used car because there is a high probability that he is not the real owner or that there is something fraudulent with the transaction. 4. It is important to check if the identification details stipulated in the V5 is the same as that written in the driver’s license. The address and the name should be the same on the two most important documents. Other wise, it would be better not to pursue on buying the car if there is doubt on the details. These things should never be taken for granted because if any of the conditions mentioned is present, there is a great chance that the car is stolen. Therefore, it’s better not to take any risk.

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Wanna Be A Car Dealer?

Cars are one of the most important purchases in a person’s life and therefore it is wise to have the best information going into such an investment. As a car dealer this is especially important to remember when you are looking to sell cars that are used. Used cars are by far the best choice financially for someone that cannot afford to absorb the huge depreciation cost that goes along with the luxury of driving a used car. I’m sure you have heard the mantra that a new car instantly loses thousands of dollars of value as soon as you drive it off the lot. Anyway the thing about used cars is that your buyers are not protected with things like warranties and the like that protect the owner of a new car from buying a lemon and having to pay for repair after repair. In one way the used car has stood the test of time (if the owner is being honest about its history) but, as a car dealer, you never know sometimes and it is good to have ways of protecting yourself from a poor purchase when you sell cars. If you are a car dealer it is wise to check out the car’s repair history with a service called carfax. You simply give them the VIN (vehicle identification number) that is usually located on a metal tag on the dash of the car and they can pull up the history of the car as all repair shops enter the repairs in a national database. This includes everything from minor repairs to major overhauls. Another thing to get in the habit of doing is taking it to a mechanic to get it looked at. Many times there are large repairs or service issues that have not shown up on the carfax report but are going to instantly add significantly more to the bottom line when you sell cars. This type of information can and should be used when negotiating on the price of the car as a car dealer. The last thing that I would suggest to you as you become a car dealer is a site called http://edmonds.com which is a vehicle appraisal site. This site is great for coming up with the market price when you look to sell cars. The site is good because it takes into account the extra features that the car may have as well as the area of the sale and the present condition of the car. It is an unbiased resource that the seller can’t argue with and provides another strong basis for price negotiation. Hope this helps, and have fun!

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Tax Deductions On Car Donation Explained

Any donation you make to help out a worthy cause can also help you with your taxes. If you have an old car parked in your garage and you don’t know what to do with it, car donation is a wonderful way to help a charity. Although the car donation laws have changed, this is still a good way to help yourself and others too. In 2005, the laws changed regarding tax deductions on boats, vehicles or airplanes that are valued over $500. Now, the charity must provide written documentation or acknowledgement within the 30 days of processing your donation. If the charity gives an exaggerated or false statement, they can be fined or penalized. Under the January 2005 rules, your tax break is based on how the charity uses the donated vehicle. If the car is sold, the gross sale price can be deducted. If the charity uses the donated car following the new law for “significant” charity work that is tax approved, you’ll be able to deduct the market value of the vehicle. However, some stiff penalties will be charged for falsified documents. The law is watching carefully those charities not following the rules and regulations involved with car donation. Even though the old laws had some problems, many charities are skeptical about the new car donation laws. A lot of organizations are concerned about what might happen when the responsibility of tax deduction is put under the authority of the charity rather than the donor. Some of them have actually sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary that suggests that people may be discouraged from donating cars if they aren’t aware of the deduction amount that will be allowed. This, they fear will mean that some donors will be lost. Charities feel that donors must be able to weigh the cost of benefit in order to know if it is enough for them. If you do decide to pursue car donation, you will find out that the process is easy. You can contact most charities by phone or online. It is important to ask the charity you wish to get involved with for some specific and important information. This is necessary in order to avoid complications and also be sure you understand the process. It’s not hard, but does require you to fill out some important information and get the car ready.

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Things To Avoid When Buying Used Cars

Nowadays, life can be pretty hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of site! This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds. With all these swindlers and scammers lurking just about anywhere, it is best to always be on guard and to know the things to be avoided in order to prevent the probability of being a victim of frauds and swindles. Consequently, people who are buying used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people in order to have the best buy of used cars. Moreover, people who are aware that the cars they have bought are stolen, chances are, they will be held liable. Here are some things to avoid when buying used cars: 1. Used car buyers should avoid any transactions that are “too good to be true.” This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the deal is the best-used car deal ever. 2. Buyers should avoid buying used cars from sellers that do not provide a permanent address or the actual place of work of the phone number given. 3. It is important for a buyer to check on the VIN or the vehicle identification number plate. It must be securely fastened onto the used car’s dashboard, with no rivets that are loosened. Loosened rivets would mean that the VIN plate does not fit or it has been previously removed. 4. Also, the buyer should also avoid buying used cars that have VIN plates that are touched up, its paint is newly retouched, and the numbers look as if they are not the original “factory numbers.” VIN plates can be easily swapped by a thief and use those that are taken from a destroyed vehicle. 5. As much as possible, it would be better to avoid buying a used car that is freshly painted. There are instances wherein the stolen car’s identity is being changed through changing its paint color. 6. Used car buyers should avoid buying cars from a seller that cannot present the car’s “insurance policy.” This could mean that the car is stolen or the seller is not the true owner of the car. It is extremely important for the buyers to take note of these things before buying a used car. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

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What Is Your 'Check Engine' Light Telling You ?

The Car Care Council reports that one out of 15 vehicles inspected at its National Car Care Month Vehicle Check-Up Events had its "check engine" light illuminated. This light is one of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle. It alerts the driver to a variety of potential problems based on the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system. When the check engine light comes on, it means that a system in your vehicle - such as ignition, fuel injection or emission control - is not operating at peak performance, even if your vehicle appears to be running normally. A glowing check engine light doesn't mean you must immediately pull over to the side of the road, but you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light could severely damage engine components and incur additional repair expenses. If your check engine light comes on, first check the gas cap to make sure it wasn't left loose after refueling. Sometimes this can trigger the light. If the cap was loose, the light should go out after a few short trips. If the light remains on, have the system checked out as soon as possible. A light that flashes indicates a more severe condition that should be checked out immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter. When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds or under heavy loads. When scheduling service, make sure the automotive shop that diagnoses your car has professional technicians who are properly certified for OBD II (on-board diagnostic systems) diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle's computer to a diagnostic computer, which will provide a "trouble" code indicating why the light was activated. While the diagnostic computer is connected to your car, the technician can check the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is diagnosed and fixed, your car's computer makes sure everything is back to normal, then turns off the check engine light. The Car Care Council recommends reading your vehicle owner's manual and familiarizing yourself with the purpose of the check engine light and every other gauge and warning indicator on your dashboard. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign, promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

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New Advances Made in Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The best hope for bringing the hydrogen-fueled automobile to the American roadway may be a technology that is invisible to the naked eye. The technology is in the form of tiny graphite structures that together act as a sponge to absorb and store hydrogen in the fuel system of the automobile. Onboard storage of hydrogen gas is the major obstacle impeding the progress and wide-scale commercial production of the hydrogen-powered vehicle, which many view as the next generation in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly road transportation. The graphite structures are a product of the burgeoning field of nanotechnology. Engineers design the structures at the molecular level, working in scales as small as millimeters and nanometers. The engineers stack the fibrous platelets one atop the other, leaving the optimum gap between the wafers; then they arrange the chemistry so that hydrogen molecules are absorbed in the graphite. The nanostructures are extremely porous, like a sponge, allowing them to absorb large capacities of hydrogen until fully saturated. Experiments demonstrate that the hydrogen storage in graphite nanofibers is safe. Another method of hydrogen storage derived from nanotechnology involves carbon nano-tubes. With carbon nanotubes, engineers arrange carbon platelets in different configurations. Research has shown the carbon nanotubes to display strong hydrogen storage capabilities. The contribution of nanotechnology to hydrogen storage is timely, as automobile companies work to advance fuel cell technology amid growing public sentiments to develop alternative forms of energy. Despite the promise of nanotechnology in automobile fuel cells, additional research is required to refine graphite nanofibers and carbon nanotubes and to develop cost-effective means to manufacture the advanced structures. The Nanotechnology Institute at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) strongly supports research in nanotechnology and is dedicated to narrowing the gap between theoretical science and real-world applications. Among other programs, the institute organizes forums that bring together the technical community and general public to review developments in the field.

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Racing and the Street- A Deadly Combination

Street Racing seems like the most affordable way to get the automotive adrenaline rush all us enthusiasts crave. What member of America's youth doesnt get off to hot girls, fast cars, and free rides? What seems like fun and games to some, hoewever, is serious business to others. Not only is racing on public streets illegal in all 50 states, it is the most dangerous and selfish act the youth of today is getting involved in. Taking off after WWII when the youth returning from war had extra money and a need for speed to go with their new mechanical know-how, street racing quickly evolved into one of America's top killers in today's society. Inspired and revived by the Fast and the Furious movies, street racing has contributed to a frightening level of fatal crashes. Fatal crashes related to street racing has increased by more than 85% every year for the past 6 years. From 1999 to 2000, San Diego, CA has seen an increase of 97% of fatal crashes caused by street racing. Still sound like fun and games? In the state of Florida, pedestrian injuries related to street racing has increased by 222% from 1999 to 2001. The leading cause of death for people ages 16-20 is automobile accidents. National averages show that for every 1000 street racers, there are 49 innocent by-standers who are injured or killed. So why do kids street race? In the state of Florida, pedestrian injuries related to street racing has increased by 222% from 1999 to 2001. The leading cause of death for people ages 16-20 is automobile accidents. National averages show that for every 1000 street racers, there are 49 innocent by-standers who are injured or killed. So why do kids street race? The average consequences for street racing are: You will be arrested and have your car impounded for 30 days. You will be arrested and have your car (or your parent’s car!) permanently confiscated. You can be imprisoned for up to three months and fined up to $1,000. Your driver's license will be revoked. Your car insurance rates will increase or you can be cancelled. So America's youth still thinks drag racing is a more simple way to get the automotive high? All you need to race on an NHRA track is: Valid driver’s license Valid vehicle registration and insurance DOT-approved street legal tires Seat belts Muffler You need this stuff to ride on the street too! So the hard-ass, ignorant street racers out there need to save up 20 bucks and enjoy the legal and exciting atmosphere at their local drag strip.

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The 1 billion oppurtunity! Dont miss it...

Growing at pace with the automobile industry in India is a web portal CarSalesIndia. To Buy a Car, all it takes for Indias 1 billion crowd is to check out this website now. The website provides a comprehensive search feature to search for used cars. The website has an extensive list of used cars for all cities around the country. There are other cool features like Email Alerts for car buyers and Car Pool for environment carers. CarSalesIndia.com also provides other value added features such as a Loan Calculator. There is an extensive solution for Auto Dealers. If you are a dealer, you can register for Free with CarSalesIndia.com and advertise your entire stock for a fixed cost. Your advertisements are based on slots, hence you only buy the slot and not a specific advertisement for a car. This is a better way of provided service to Auto Dealers as If you end up advertising your car via other advertisements or the very next moment after advertising, it allows you to advertise another car in the same slot until the slot expires. The website also provides and excellent feature for car users to vote for their most favourite car. This will allow CarSalesIndia.com to analyse the market trend and the customer feedback on individual car models. This will allow CarSalesIndia.com to keep their loyal customers well informed about some of the cool and bad features. AutoSalesIndia.com An excellent common resource website developed by Sams Auto Trade also helps customers. A solution for the huge bike market in India is also provided.BikeSalesIndia.com also provides similar features to CarSalesIndia.com and comes with the comprehensive search and more. Sams Auto Trade the company that owns CarSalesIndia.com and BikeSalesIndia.com has also launched a web portal for the UK market. CarTradersUk also provides a good platform for car dealers to register and advertise their cars based on a slot mechanism. The slot mechanism allows dealers to manage their entire stock at one place with maximum flexibility. The company has much more to offer, you can also view the company blog at carfantasy.blogspot.com

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The Importance Of The Electric Car

If you are like most people and driving and other forms of travel is essential to your work and life otherwise than this article is for you. With gasoline prices finally getting as high in this country as they have been in the rest of the world for some time people are starting to feel the crunch that it is causing on their budgets. Enter the electric car the so called savior of personal transportation in this country. The technology that makes the electric car possible has been with us for decades now. There is little reason for them not to be mainstream now other than the fact that oil has been a huge part of our economy and that we use so much that we have been getting bargain prices for all of these years. Now that the bargains are vanishing though alternative fuel sources and other alternative means of getting around are becoming more priority as expected. This is making a lot of people happy too. Lots of people are especially worried about the environment and the effect of burning so many fossil fuels and creating the green house gases responsible for global warming. This is especially true now that Al Gore’s movie has been released raising the concern to new heights. So besides the economy of the electric car the cleanliness with respect to the environment is also a major appeal. The electric car is not the only new form of transportation that is on the table however. The hybrid cars are receiving stiff competition from other alternative fuels like ethanol and hydrogen cells. These are both very renewable sources of energy and have very clean working engines. The hydrogen cells are especially cool because the only byproduct of combustion in this engine is water! Nothing could be cleaner than the environment than water. We’ll see… probably in 20 years when hydrogen cells are mainstream we will find out that the extra production of water is going to flood our country with rising sea levels and throw the planet’s spin off kilter or some crap like that. But for now I am excited with all of this new technology.

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Temperature Sensors - Replacement Time Again?

When people in the office talk about temperature sensors they are almost certainly talking about part of a car emission control system. The engine control system adjusts the fuel and air-flow to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine depending on its temperature. If the temperature sensor is faulty, then the engine will not run correctly, if it runs at all. Older drivers may remember the manual choke control that you pulled out to start the engine when it was cold, and how this was superseded by the automatic choke. Somehow the manual choke never went wrong, unlike its new and allegedly better replacement. Temperature sensors are one of the most frequently replaced parts in an automobile. Temperature sensors away from the world of motoring are designed to measure the temperature at different stages of a chemical or other industrial process and feed back that data to a control center. Pyrometers are specialist temperature measuring devices with a very fast response time and a very high operating temperature range. Pyrometers may have a response time as low as 5 milliseconds and can measure the temperature without contact with the material. These features mean that a pyrometer is essential where a manufacturer wants to measure the temperature of a rapidly moving steel rod or even of a molten steel stream. A pyrometer works by analysing the thermal radiation emitted by a hot object. All black bodies emit radiation of the same frequency at the same temperature. An optical pyrometer the frequency emitted by an electrically heated filament is matched with the frequency of the radiation emitted by the hot object/material under test. When the two match they are the same temperature. The temperature of the filament is obtained by referring to tables of data and operating conditions. In a radiation pyrometer the radiation emitted from the object/material under test is detected using sensor such as a thermocouple.

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What to Do When the "Check Engine" Light Goes On

Sometimes, warning lights get people all frazzled and lose control of the whole situation. Experts in the field of driving, automobiles, and driving safety say that people should not panic when this kind of thing happens to you. If you notice that the "check engine" warning light suddenly appears and alerts you, what do you exactly do? First, do not panic and calm yourself down. It may become the very reason for you to get into further trouble or accidents. The truth is, these “check engine” warning lights could actually mean a couple of things. So there is no need to panic. Remaining calm and collected would keep you in control of the situation. The "check engine" warning light is a part of the car’s system and onboard diagnostics. This is the computer part of the car that monitors and controls the performance of your vehicle. It also oversees the car’s engine speed, ignition timing, fuel mixture, and the like. The warning light comes on when this computer detects something that is not correct. What would be the best defense when the "check engine" warning light comes on? It would be your owner’s manual. Be sure that you have read and understood important details of your owner’s manual. That way, you can check what the warning light is trying to tell you. Once the warning light comes on, try to pull over first. Then try to look for signs of serious car problems that need your immediate attention. Check the gauges. Your car may be just overheating or there might be a low oil pressure. It may be a very simple solution however it would help if you try to tighten your gas cap. For most cars, if the gas cap is not tightened enough, the "check engine" warning light goes on. Try reducing your speed and the load of your vehicle. The loss of power could actually trigger the "check engine" warning light to go on. Or you can also try slowing down, or remove any accessories that need the power of your engine. If, however, despite your efforts at trying to check what could be the problem and still you cannot find the source or the problem itself, go to the nearest professional mechanic or technician. By doing such, you are entrusting your vehicle to people who have been trained and have the knowledge on such situations.

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Why buy a Gas Scooter

By Flemming Andersen Buying a gas scooter is a great idea for anyone that is wants to save money and have fun at the same time. You can get a lot of use from one of these fun and exciting motorized vehicles. A gas scooter is a money saving idea that will give a lot of people the fun and the power to get from one location to another. There are scooters of all sizes to meet the requirements that you need to have in order to ride safely. You can take your time and pick out the one that you like best. You will learn to feel comfortable and get attached to your gas scooter just like you would a regular bike or even a car or truck. One nice thing about a gas scooter is that her is no registration require for it. This means that you do not have to pay anything for the running he scooter. This will save you money each year. You will not have to send in the form and the money to the commonwealth each year to ride the scooter on the road. You also do not need any special license or insurance for the gas scooter. This means that you can ride the scooter and not have to worry about the high cost of insurance or going and getting a special drivers license to ride it. However, this also means that if you wreck the scooter or it gets damaged in any way, you will not be covered and it may cost you more to have it fixed. These are the things that you have to consider when you are thinking about getting a gas scooter. The best part of a gas scooter is the money that you are going to save on gas. You will save a fortune if you are someone that is always on the go. You will not have to worry about paying a lot at the pumps when you are driving a scooter. You will still have the power to make it up steep hills because it is a gas scooter. You will get a lot better horsepower with a gas scooter then you would with an electric one. This is a good idea if you live anywhere that is not flat. Gas powered scooters are a lot less expensive than cars and other forms of transportation. When you want to save money and still get around on your own, a gas scooter may be just the thing for you. You can still go where you want to and when you want, the only difference will be that you will not have to pay high gas costs and all the extras like insurance or registration. This may be worth your time checking into in order to save time and money. For more info visit: http://www.scootergas.info/

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Luxury Vehicles: The Amphibious Hydra Spyder

With new products and technology being unveiled daily, I know that a recantation of my upcoming assertion is likely to be forthcoming. We really cannot walk on water! However, thanks to the Cool Amphibious Manufacturers Incorporated (C.A.M.I.), driving across it is not a problem as long as the depth of water is around four feet. So far C.A.M.I. has produced several large unsinkable vehicles, which are Terra Wind and Ford Explorer variants, along with its small and sporty Hydra Spyder. Perhaps such extreme-opposite vehicle types are presented to prove that size really doesn't matter at all when designing these magnificent, dual-transmission amphibious vehicles. The Hydra Spyder's prototype features a 502 cubic-inch, fuel-injected engine, whereas the production units contain the Corvette LS2 Gen IV engine and a six-speed TKO high-performance manual transmission. It also has front-wheel drive, a four-wheel disc-brake system, 17-inch rims and wheels, and a stainless steel Sidewinder exhaust system. On the boat side, the hull is all aluminum, which doesn't rust, and the upper structure is made of fiberglass. A Berkley Marine Jet powers the Hydra Spyder, while a computerized air-ride retractable four-point front and rear suspension system keeps it afloat. All of the additional weight brought on the frame to function as a boat is at the bottom of the vehicle. So, its heaviness doesn't impact the vehicle's roadworthiness. Transitioning from land to water or vice versa is as simple as switching transmissions from the car's to the boat's. C.A.M.I's "car-boats" were featured on ABC's Good Morning America and numerous other TV programs, magazines and newspapers worldwide. Although these vehicles can be operated in saltwater, ocean voyages are not recommended. Visit the firm's website for specific pricing, a list of optional features, and to see the vehicles in production.

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What You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Body Kit

An increasingly popular exterior modification in the tuner crowd is the body kit. Movies like "The Fast and Furious (2001)" and shows such as "Tricked Out" have caused an increased demand for these exterior modifications. Kits typically consist of a front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts. However, some manufacturers such as Extreme Dimensions offer 9 piece kits which also include front and rear fenders as well as additional add-ons. While most kits are primarily for visual appeal they also can provide aerodynamic benefits to your vehicle and reduce drag. Lighter kits may also reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. When choosing a body kit it is important to keep in mind that they are made out of a variety of materials and quality will vary depending on the manufacturer. The most common materials are fiberglass, polyurethane, and carbon fiber. Fiberglass is usually the most affordable; however polyurethane is generally the better alternative. Polyurethane is more resistant to damage, more flexible, and doesn't crack like fiberglass in cold weather. Another alternative to consider is carbon fiber. While this is the most expensive option it can offer auto enthusiasts a unique look and can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. If you are considering purchasing an exterior kit here are a few guidelines: * Make sure to shop around and price match multiple retailers. * Get a quote for the installation and painting of the kit before purchasing. * Most fiberglass kits will start as low as $350 for fiberglass and can go as high as $1,500 for carbon fiber kits. * If possible consider purchasing the kit locally as shipping for online body kits will easily run $100 or more. * Some retailers will allow you to mix and match side skirts and rear and front bumpers. Auto body shops may charge as much as $1,000 or more for the installation and painting. If you do decide to install the body kit yourself, instead, make sure to ask the seller if they offer installation instructions or a manual with the kit. It's also important to note that many kits will require some modifications such as trimming in order to acquire a flush fit with your vehicle. This information is usually obtainable from the retailer before purchasing.

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Safety Tips For Wireless Users On The Road

As more and more families take to the already-crowded highways for their annual vacations, safe driving habits become more important than ever. This includes the proper use of cell phones. Nearly 208 million people in the United States are wireless phone customers, and law enforcement agencies have long endorsed carrying a cell phone in the car for emergencies. In fact, more than 130,000 emergency calls are made from wireless phones each day to report everything from life-threatening car accidents to reckless drivers. But highway patrol officers also have broad authority to cite obviously distracted drivers whose inattention can pose serious danger on the road, whether they happen to be reading a map, turning up the radio or making a phone call. Using proper judgment while driving and using a cell phone is essential, and most safety recommendations are just good plain sense. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the highway, so next time you are on the road, remember the following cell phone safety tips from SouthernLINC Wireless: • Use a hands-free device that allows you to use a wireless phone without holding the phone to your ear. This frees both hands for use on the steering wheel. • Try to keep your phone calls short and informational; avoid intense or emotional conversations that might distract you from your driving. • Try to make all your phone calls before you head out on the road, but if you must use your phone, do it while on a restroom or restaurant break or while stopped at a red light. • Keep your phone in easy reach in the car, not in your purse or glove compartment. If your phone rings and you are unable to safely take the call, let it go to voice mail. • If you must take a call, let the caller know that you are driving. Don't be afraid to end the call if the weather gets bad or the traffic gets heavy. • Pull over to a safe spot before looking up a phone number, taking notes during a conversation or text messaging. • Use your phone to report serious emergencies on the road as well as reckless, aggressive or impaired drivers. Dialing 9-1-1 is free from most wireless phones. If you must use a wireless phone while driving, keep calls short and use a hands-free device.

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What the future holds for hot rods

Eventually, all the muscle cars from the 20th century will return to the Earth in various altered physical states. The sport obviously can’t continue forever in current form. But a great assurance of its future is the imminent resurgence in modern-day successors to the cars that hot-rodders worship so dearly. The new movement started in 2005 with the first new Ford Mustang since the late 70s. All the basics were there – rear-wheel-drive, V8, classic looks, cheap sticker – and it fit the profile of being designed and built in America. Even better, the Mustang’s V8 is now a modern piece that will pass all emissions standards in the foreseeable future and finds application in many cars and trucks within the lineup, satisfying that essential Hot Rod need of “cheap parts.” Better yet, this 1990s-conceived engine is now developing a history and lineage (dare I say legend) of its own. Lastly, the Mustang is selling well. Ford fans, at least, can relax. Moparheads have the next-best news. While they have nothing as cheap, focused, or American as the Mustang, their triplets of Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger form a close second. Those will soon become quadruplets if the Dodge Challenger coupe (the most historically faithful) becomes a reality later this decade, probably sporting the two Hemi V8s (the 5.7-liter and the 6.1-liter) found in existing models. Like Ford’s V8, the current-day Hemi is in great demand. Followers of the General will probably get something of their own. The Chevy Camaro concept has sparked just as much serious interest as the Challenger, meaning enough to warrant production. It too will hold the Corvette’s LS7 V8 good for 400 horsepower, prompting another few decades of Mustang-vs-Camaro wars. And while there won’t be another Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac is supposed to get a replacement for the GTO, as much as the current one fizzled. The funny thing is that these cars will have so much muscle straight from the factory that it’s boggles the mind thinking of ways to get any more speed out of them, especially on the cheap. But that’s a challenge any true hot rodder would happily take on.

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Why Do I Have A Driving Record?

Your driving record is one of the most important records that is available. Even though this does not seem like that big of a deal your driving record can be used for numerous different reasons. First off, when you are looking to get car insurance your driving record is going to be requested from your states department of motor vehicles. If you happen to have any accidents or violations on your record you are going to end up paying a higher premium. Driving records are accessible by all insurance companies so there is really no way around this outside of stating out of trouble and accident free. Also, a lot of people are probably not aware that driving records go a long way in deciding on whether or not you get hired for a job. If you are applying for a position that will require you to do a lot of driving, especially with company vehicles, you will be in deep trouble if your driving record is tarnished. Companies do not like to hire people who may be a major insurance liability. Companies may also decide to run your driving record even if you are not going to be using a company vehicle. They do this to see how responsible you are. If you have something like a driving under the influence violation on your record you may be in trouble. That is why it is important to do everything in your power to keep things like this off of your record. Even if something does happen, be sure to ask the court how to get the record expunged. It is also possible to take courses on safe driving and state run courses that help to bring up the reputation of a tarnished driving license. These courses add points to a drivers license as opposed to accidents, tickets and other traffic violations equal a docking of points from a license. Driving records are very important. It is crucial that people realize that a bad-driving record can harm you in more ways than one. Keep your driving record clean from now on!

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